What would be the best way to advertise free software?

[Harry P]

Hi everyone,

I have a friend and he is software developer.
Recently, he has launched a new software project which is free of charge.
For us, downloads, reviews from users and exposure are very important, even when the software is open-source and free. I would like to know what would be the best way to advertise free software?

How to attract people to his software page?


Regards,
Harry P.

 

[Clark123]

I would suggest you try diverse free marketing methods to know which generate the most traffic. Like social media, seo,free classified ad,blogging,video marketing,forum,word of mouth and email list. I think these are some ways you can leverage free traffic.

 

[Developer]

OK, this subject is right UP MY ALLEY. As a software programmer and product developer,
there are loads of things I do to help draw attention to my offerings. I will write up an
in-depth reply, but it will definitely take me some time. Please check back in a little while.

OK, I'm back... Here goes...

When I first started releasing software, whenever I'd launch a new product, a soft-launch,
I would use the following methods:

1. Your Own Website
   This should go without saying, but to successfully market yourself on the internet, it's best
   to have a website. On your website, you should have a product page, for each product, that
   will enable you to explain the product details. More over, however, you want to explain HOW
   the software will benefit the end user. Focus more on BENEFITS than you do on FEATURES.
   .
2. Software Directory Sites
   There are literally thousands of sites you can submit your software to. Here is a very short
   list that I have gathered up.
   .
   • [URLnofo]http://download.cnet.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://completelyfreesoftware.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://freewarefiles.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://freewaregeeks.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://dmoz.org[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://filehorse.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://download.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://wareseeker.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://findmysoft.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://fixdown.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://topdownloads.net[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://softpedia.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://tucows.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://freewarehome.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://eurodownload.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://freewareweb.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://bluechillies.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://filehungy.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://BitsduJour.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://softarea51.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://padtube.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://DownloadPipe.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://downloadatlas.com[/URLnofo]
   • [URLnofo]http://filefishstick.com[/URLnofo]
     ..
3. Discount Sites
   There are hundreds of sites out there that will allow you to promote your product IF you are
   willing to offer it's members a great deal. Do a search on Google for terms such as "discount
   sites like groupon" or "daily deal websites like groupon" and you're sure to find some.
   .
4. Press Releases
   Another great way to promote your product launches is through the use of Press Release sites.
   Once again, perform a search on google for "press release" or "press release submissions" and
   you'll find a bushwhack of them.
   .
5. Reciprocal Links / Link Swaps
   If you have friends or colleagues who own a website, or two or twelve, see if they'd be willing to
   swap links with you. You post your link on their site and they do the same for you.
   
   In addition, you could also try CROSS PROMOTION with a fellow product developer. If you know
   other product developers (hint, hint, cough, cough ), you could try convincing them to promote
   your product and in exchange, you would do the same for them.
   .
6. Writing Articles and Guest Blog Posts
   Writing articles about a topic related to your product can greatly increase exposure exponentially.
   When I was first starting out, I must have posted 3 - 4 articles per day and I am STILL receiving
   incoming traffic from articles I posted YEARS ago.
   .
7. Classified Ad Sites
   NEVER underestimate the power of classified ad sites like Craigslist. They can greatly help increase
   awareness of your product (or product line)
   .
8. Obvious Methods
   I am sure the following goes without saying, but Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn are all great sources to
   spread the word.
   .
9. Forums (DUH)
   Just like you did here, post a message on other forums, BUT, NOT just other IM based forums. If you're
   product is sports related, find a slew of sports based forums. Post 20 - 30 helpful posts. Answer peoples
   questions (when warranted) and add a link to your sig file. Show the communities that your first goal is
   to lend a helping hand and they WILL reward you with sales, especially, if you prove you know what you
   are talking about.
   .
10. Become A Warrior Forum War Room Member
    I am not sure if Hoang, or other WMS admins will get upset at this one, but, another useful "tool" is to become
    a War Room member over on the WF. Posting your product for free download is a great way to get feedback
    and ideas from other WFers...

Well, I have a ton more I could add, but as always, this has turned into a rather long post, so I will stop for now...

No matter what method you decide to use, my first piece of advice is to NOT sell your product, but rather the BENEFITS
of your product. No one wants to buy a PRODUCT, they want to buy a SOLUTION.

OOOOH, I almost forgot. Something else you may want to do, which will help tremendously, is to purchase a copy of
Robosoft ( [URLnofo]http://robosoft.rudenko.com[/URLnofo] - no, that is NOT an affiliate link, I swear) and familiarize yourself with PAD
files ( http://pad.asp-software.org ) as this is almost ALWAYS a necessity when submitting your products to software
directory sites.

Also, I know this may be off topic, but it's important to note... While giving away your software, don't just simply GIVE
it away, instead, offer it in exchange for their email address. BUILD A LIST... THAT is a completely different subject,
but again, I thought it warranted at least a mention.

Software creation IS my CORE business, so, if you have any other questions, or want any assistance, please do let me know. I
am always happy to help out a fellow product developer.

 

[Developer]

I just added a few more software directory sites for you.
If you want to relay those to your friend, I am sure s/he
will find them useful. As I come up with more, I will post
back.

 

[QueenMaa]

You can use freeadboards, safelists, and viral marketing websites. You can place ads such as text and banner. It's a great way to get traffic.

 

[hrishivardhan]

You can add software details to free software review sites.
You can also check some free software directories to add your software details. Use social media to promote.