OK - I get asked a lot why some of the core services I provide through either Ladybird Internet or license through NISCO in Lanzarote are free of charge. I thought I'd answer that question since I understand that some people may find it difficult to see how we can continue to launch new services and not charge for them!
- Sometimes I will relaunch a service and make it free for competitive reasons (or just to screw around with a competitor acting unethically - see my recent post about Lanzarote Maps).
- Some sites will ultimately carry advertising such as Google Adwords. An example of this is sites in the Lanzarote Business Network - once the rebrand has been completed, you'll notice Google Adwords panels appearing discreetly and we'll make money from the clicks these ads attract.
- Free sites will attract content and this in turn boosts our positions in search engines such as Google and Microsoft Bing. This in turn will increase the number of customers paying for our services such as web sites in Lanzarote and our consultancy and marketing services in the UK.
- Sometimes I like to try an idea and see if it works! This is particularly true of sites like www.lanzsearch.com which was very challenging but now offers a real benefit to the businesses using it.
- Sometimes I just register a domain name and see what happens. For example, www.bummedbytheboss.co.uk is just great fun and provides useful insights into organic marketing trends - as well as providing a snapshot of how many other saddos try to register the name :-) !
I don't have any ulterior motives and I believe that the rapid expansion of free services (particularly in Lanzarote where some businesses are really struggling in the present economic climate) is something I and my partners can do to give something back. Of course, I fully expect that when the climate improves (which it will) that we'll then be in a very strong position and that our clients will reward us with extra work and higher consultancy fees.