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Free Software
Free software is not really free. For most people,
time is money. When a user spends their time trying
to get a software product to work, or trying to
get it to do things that the software is not designed
to do, then there is a "cost" involved, in terms
of time spent. Unfortunately, many consumers have
a difficult time wrapping their minds around that
concept, and the word "free" is all they see.
Regardless of these factors, it can be a real
struggle for software developers to earn a living
selling software, while having to compete against
other developers who provide similar products
for free... even when the free product is inferior.
So how can developers effectively compete against
free products?
Be Found
Make sure that your software appears in the top
listings of search results. Use SEO (Search Engine
Optimization) techniques to make sure your website
will rank higher than those of competing free
applications.
Make It Better
Free products are often stripped-down versions
and minimal in functionality. Make sure that your
product is more robust and feature-rich, but without
compromising the ease-of-use or functionality.
Include features and functions that are not available
in the freeware competitors, and then use them
to promote your product.
Be Intuitive
The software design and program operation should
be intuitive, and should not require advanced
instruction for the primary functions. Your user
should be able to operate the basic features of
the program immediately after installing it, and
without needing to refer to documentation to figure
out how to get started. Consider including wizards
to guide the user thru the primary features, as
well as the more complex ones.
Be Better Looking
Initial impressions matter. Use professionally-designed
graphics, attractive color combinations, and a
modern User Interface (UI) to distinguish your
application from any freeware alternatives.
Documentation
One thing that is so often lacking with free
applications is good documentation, and tutorials
for free applications seldom exist at all. Create
comprehensive documentation and detailed tutorials
to assist your users.
Technical Support
Developers of "free" software rarely have any
incentive to invest their time providing ongoing
technical support for an application that generates
no income or revenue. Distinguish your company
and products by providing an advanced level of
high-quality technical support.
Customer Service
Do not discount the value some customers place
on customer service. Invest energy into providing
superior customer service. Incentives Incentives
or added benefits can often persuade consumers
to spend money on software rather than using a
freeware alternative. Consider offering expansion
packs or additional perks to entice customers
to purchase.
Viral
Recruit and encourage "fans" of your software
to promote your products for you. Reward customers
who faithfully endorse your application by providing
free upgrades or other perks.
Become An Expert
Become an industry expert and provide helpful
advice to people in your industry. Actively participate
in online forums, and provide top-notch advice
that can be trusted. Distinguishing yourself as
an industry expert will not only help build your
brand, but will also encourage people to trust
your product over a free one.
Competing against freeware is not an easy task.
Consider a variety of alternatives in an effort
make your software more competitive and more attractive
than your freeware competitors.
Related Articles:
How to
Increase Software Sales
How to Price Software
How to License
Software
How to Manage
Upgrades
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Developer
101
How to Compete Against Free Software