I have seriously been called crazy in a few Facebook groups for giving away 30 minutes of my WordPress expertise. Rather than defend my actions, I thought I'd write a blog post and direct people to it so they can see why it's not crazy for me. I've been called crazy for other things, too, but we'll have to get together in person for me to tell you about that. Does that pic look like a crazy person? You don't need to answer that one.
Reasons against offering services for free
- It can lower the perceived value of your brand
- Business people assume that it's lower quality because it's free
- Very few business people take up the premium version
- People don't like being sold to, and so they are sceptical
- There is low take-up on the offer because it's free
Reasons for offering services for free
- It's a way of giving back by helping others
- Increasing brand awareness
- Others who do not buy may still refer others
- It's a way of working out whether you want to work together
- It's another form of lead generation instead of another downloadable ebook (we all have loads of those that we don't read)
- It's excellent for micro / small businesses who don't have a heap of cash
My reasoning for offering a free chat
I think it depends on the intention of the free service. My goal is to help businesswomen who are struggling with their WordPress websites. I understand that it can be hard to ask for help (I'm a recovering perfectionist, control freak myself), especially when you don't understand the technical jargon. You're not sure what you're stuck on.
Micro and small businesses need to be out there. They need to be profitable, and when I say they, I include myself in that too.
There are a lot of web design businesses, but I don't know of many WordPress support and training businesses that are supporting women business owners.
My clients are special to me. I'm on their side, and I see us as a partnership. The choc and a chat session is also about getting to know each other to see if we're a good fit. If you're looking for something outside my expertise, I tell you that. I know that comes as a surprise to some people. I'll reach out to my network to find someone else to match what you're looking for with your issue.
I work with my clients in a partnership. On the WordPress webcare plans, clients choose to speak to me personally every month, which means we get to know each other.
I think it depends on the intention of the service you are offering for free. About 40% of the businesswomen I speak to either book a service with me or come back later. A few even recommend others to me based on our 30-minute conversation. My intention is to support businesswomen who are struggling and frustrated with their WordPress website.
Book Your Free 30-minute Choc and Chat Session
If you're struggling with your WordPress website and haven't booked in for a free chocolate and chat session, please consider it. It's one free chat per client.
The session is not a sales call. The people that know me believe that. For those that don't know me, I'll keep repeating it. I'm here to help.
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