Free Web Services VS Proof-of-Concept

When searching for a "Free" service or software on the Internet: Is "Free" really free? 

What is Free?

Anytime I have searched the web for anything "Free", the results have been a mix of free and not so free. How often have we seen "free trial", or "15 day free trial", or "try it free for 30 days" – you get the picture. There are always sites that lure us in with the word "Free" when in fact the only thing free may be a trial period; in other words their services or product is "not" free. 

This is certainly the case when it comes to companies promoting “Free” Web sites. Yes, the company may have a free Web site but in every case free sites are limited in capabilities, scope of features available, and functionality. All too often it isn’t until the owner “Upgrades” does he/she gain access to features and functionalities specific to their particular needs and requirements. And what about ease of use? How "user friendly" is the software? And if the business owner needs assistance, how easy or accessible is a real person available in providing technical support quickly – not to mention easily understood?

With an Ultimate Online Marketing Solution – Is there Competition?

We often speak about not having any competition. In reality, we are referring to the fact there are no web site development company or person in the marketplace providing "All Inclusive" services for business owners with an “Ultimate Online Marketing Solution”. It’s not just a Web site… and at $50.00 per month it certainly isn’t “Free”, but there are certainly no hidden costs and the features, support and upgrades are all “Free”. Everything needed for a “robust” and “professional” internet presence is provided. 

Identifying Needs and Requirements = Identifying the “Correct” Solution! 

Accessing the needs first will identify if a simple “Free” site is best for your business. A free site like with Wix.com may be a good solution for some small-time businesses. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that but is it the best choice based on the needs of the business? 

For an example, compare the first two plans with Wix, eCommerce and Unlimited. In the eCommerce plan there is a Shopping Cart with the Bandwidth limited to only 5 GB while in the Unlimited plan there is no Shopping Cart however the Bandwidth is Unlimited. What if the company has a hot product, sales are going through the roof and as a result of excess traffic, the site exceeds a preset Bandwidth limit?  Having limited Bandwidth means the business owner can be forced into paying more for additional Bandwidth if they exceed the allotted amount in their plan. That is a hidden cost.  

Recommendation we make for all business owners is to first identify requirements. Whether for a new Web site, or upgrading an existing site, identify what your needs are, what do you need to accomplish? What requirements are there for the site, does it need eCommerce, shopping cart, eMail, etc. And most definately establish a marketing budget if one isn’t already set up. If help is needed, identify a reputable company that will assist in identifying your needs and requirements. Any reputable Web Developer should do this at no up-front cost. Your business should come first!

Free is not always Free However…

Once requirements have been met the next step is in identifying who can provide the solution. Depending on how savvy the business owner is, he or she may opt to have several companies bid on the development and management of the new Web Site… however most small business owners don’t have time for, or even understand this process… so they opt out by shopping around. The downside to this is they never know for sure what they are going to get until after they have spent money. Most Web Developers require something upfront before even beginning to build a site. However, there is a way to get around that. 

Prove it to Me!

A “Proof-of-Concept” is an excellent way to find out if the company will be able to deliver by first proving they can meet all of YOUR "identified” requirements… and do it without charging any up-front fees… in other words, do it for “Free.” Why not make companies truly earn your business? Remember, Free Web sites have many hidden obstacles and fees, and if a business owner is unaware of these challenges, it can be costly... an that is certainly not free. 

Check out this video for information that could guide you in the right direction.