Giving service away for free to gain social proof

[ChrisGoodfellow]

Part of my services is writing courses on mindset, I have decided to gain more social proof to give my course away for feedback and a review. What are your thoughts?

 

[fisicx]

You will have to explain what a writing course on mindset is. Why do you think you need social proof?

 

[Ozzy]

I’m making an assumption here so apologies if I’m off the mark…
You have a product that you sell, and you want to build up a portfolio of evidence that your product works, so you are asking whether it is sensible to give your product away for free to a small number of your target market in return for feedback and evidence?
If that’s right then yes that is common in many businesses. It’s what @cjd did on here in the early days of Voipfone and also what @DuaneJackson also did in the early days of KashFlow, and many others have done too.

 

[fisicx]

If that is the case @Ozzy then it only really works for products where there is a large potential user base and where there is repeat business or subscriptions. But it’s unlikely to be as effective for a writing course which is usually a one off purchase.

 

[WebshopMechanic]

People buy products based on trust.

Giving your course away is a great idea. You probably need 25+ reviews to give it credibility but it will make it much easier to gain traction once you have a strong level of social proof.

Video reviews are always the best. If you can ask people to give a detailed review of how it changed their life / approach, that will be even more effective marketing tool.

Remember, people are looking for the transformation / end result, not the product itself.

 

[Fagin2021]

Just thinking aloud here as I have no firm view...

1. Will people value and take seriously something that's free ?
2. Is there a danger that loads of people take up the free offer but few review it ?
3. Will potential purchasers take reviews seriously if they know the course was a freebie for the reviewer ?
4. Would it be better to offer a substantial discount in return for feedback/reviews ?

As I said - just thinking aloud. Back to the Tsingtao.

 

[estwig]

20 or more years ago, I built a porch on my Mums house, took loads of pics, got all my relatives to write nice letters saying how great I am. Then I built an extension on my mate's house, did the same, pics and letters of recommendation.

Don't do it for random people, do it for people you know and trust. Be honest with them about you want in return, strike a deal.

 

[Mindset coach]

You will have to explain what a writing course on mindset is. Why do you think you need social proof?

I sell courses on mindset, social proof is required for gaining custom.

 

[Mindset coach]

I’m making an assumption here so apologies if I’m off the mark…
You have a product that you sell, and you want to build up a portfolio of evidence that your product works, so you are asking whether it is sensible to give your product away for free to a small number of your target market in return for feedback and evidence?
If that’s right then yes that is common in many businesses. It’s what @cjd did on here in the early days of Voipfone and also what @DuaneJackson also did in the early days of KashFlow, and many others have done too.

Thank you Ozzy for your response, that is helpful.

 

[Mindset coach]

If that is the case @Ozzy then it only really works for products where there is a large potential user base and where there is repeat business or subscriptions. But it’s unlikely to be as effective for a writing course which is usually a one off purchase.

There are up sells to my courses, 1:1 coaching and masterclasses

 

[fisicx]

I sell courses on mindset, social proof is required for gaining custom.

Why? I’ve just looked at a whole load of websites offering mindset training and none of them have any social proof.

But you say you offer writing courses on mindset. Is this something different?

 

[Mindset coach]

People buy products based on trust.

Giving your course away is a great idea. You probably need 25+ reviews to give it credibility but it will make it much easier to gain traction once you have a strong level of social proof.

Video reviews are always the best. If you can ask people to give a detailed review of how it changed their life / approach, that will be even more effective marketing tool.

Remember, people are looking for the transformation / end result, not the product itself.

Many thanks, much appreciated. Yes it is total trust. I myself purchased courses from free challenges or from masterclasses.

 

[Mindset coach]

Just thinking aloud here as I have no firm view...

1. Will people value and take seriously something that's free ?
2. Is there a danger that loads of people take up the free offer but few review it ?
3. Will potential purchasers take reviews seriously if they know the course was a freebie for the reviewer ?
4. Would it be better to offer a substantial discount in return for feedback/reviews ?

As I said - just thinking aloud. Back to the Tsingtao.

Appreciate your feedback and this was a worry.

 

[Mindset coach]

Why? I’ve just looked at a whole load of websites offering mindset training and none of them have any social proof.

But you say you offer writing courses on mindset. Is this something different?

Its not essential to sell but I felt it would support sales

 

[fisicx]

Its not essential to sell but I felt it would support sales

It might but unlikely. It all depends on your marketing strategy. I’d have thought people looking for writing courses are prepared to buy which means all you need to is manage conversions. With the right marketing you will get more business. No need for social proof.

What is a writing course on mindset?

 

[CA85]

What is a writing course on mindset?

<chuckle> I read it as the mindset coach has written some courses on the subject of mindset, rather than the participant takes part in a writing course. Maybe some clarification needed.

Now to find out what this mindset is all about ..

 

[Paul FilmMaker]

People buy products based on trust.

Giving your course away is a great idea. You probably need 25+ reviews to give it credibility but it will make it much easier to gain traction once you have a strong level of social proof.

Video reviews are always the best. If you can ask people to give a detailed review of how it changed their life / approach, that will be even more effective marketing tool.

Remember, people are looking for the transformation / end result, not the product itself.

I'd glad other business owners on here say video reviews are the best! One of the reason is 'written reviews' can be anything. e.g. I get offers of 'good written reviews' all the time if I pay for them. I've even been offered to win prizes at business fairs if I pay enough.

Video reviews bring more credibility as we can look the customers in the eye. Hear context. Because who do you believe more, the business trying to sell to you or the customer who's used the solution?

 

[aashisk2323]

Part of my services is writing courses on mindset, I have decided to gain more social proof to give my course away for feedback and a review. What are your thoughts?

Your idea is good to get feedbacks and also increase awareness about your course. It will definitely help but make sure to not do it for a long time otherwise people will expect to keep receiving for free and will not be willing to pay for it in the long run.