Expert: Peter Gabany - 3/23/2004

Question
Thanks again for the quick answer!

Well about 500 people downloaded my program since 1ste of jan 2004. I think I will get a lot more of download with my new release whitch will support about 10 devices (now it does only support 1 device). I got some donations (about 30$). It only supports PC.
I taugth to have banner like Downloadaccelerator or KaZaA. Do you think that I could find such a adversting company?
I asked www.clickexchange.com, but they don't offer the service.

Soon I will launch 2 other apps, but those will be shareware. And yes, the company is mine!

Thanks and Best Regards,
Alec
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Thanks!

Well my freeware is JBFileExplorer 2. You can find it on http://www.alecweb.be/?page=jbfileexplorer Its a program to transfer mp3 to and from mp3 players.
I just need advertisers to have some money to buy a new device and to test my program with it.

Kind Regards,
Alec

-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hi!

I have a freeware, but I would like to add a banner to sponsor it. Dou you know any company company that offers advertising in applications instead of advertising on webpages?

Thanks in advance!
Alec
Answer -
The short answer is no. But there are many alternatives. Also, it would be beneficial if we knew what type of freeware you have? If we knew this information we would be able to point you in specific directions. While it is freeware, what is the net sum gain for you? You may wish to post your freeware on Tucows.com.

Please advise.

Peter Gabany
Answer -
Sorry Alec,

I understand better what you are trying to accomplish and I believe that what you are trying to do is very tricky, but not impossible. No one that I know uses this form of what I would call viral marketing. I do believe though that if presented properly you could make a case with the following types of companies. The key to your presentation is the abundance of market, how many people download your app now and how do you propose to let people no that it is out there. Oh yea is it cross platform? Mac/PC?

Condom manufacturers - Shields, trojan, etc
National Fast Food chain that reaches teens (core target) - Dominos Pizza
Audio equipment manufacturer – Sony
alternative drink market - Jones New York

If you need additional assistance to better understand how to reach out to get market interest, promotion or the preparation of a proposal we could offer some guidance.

Is this a company of yours? Will you launch some more apps, freeware or otherwise? Fill in some blanks

Pete


Answer
alec,

Your click through rate is poor in the eyes of the large corporation, but with the right PR plan you should be able to get some support, especially if you can offer the banner for about $250. I would try and get 6 banners (I'm only assuming that you don't need a lot of seed capital) and have them rotate on each start-up of the application giving the advertiser equal billing.

you will have to create a list of all applicable magazines - like PC World, Shift Magazine and others. Create a news release program. Know that you will submit you app for independant review and testing. Add up all of these media contacts and make you case based on their circulation. Creat a simple 9 or 10 slide PPT presentation and call to request its review by chief marketing people of key manufacturers/prospective advertisers.

One last thought. You can let them know what you are doing and offer them exclusivity to own the application for $5k or $10k. This is a drop in the bucket for them, that could prove VERY effective to reach a niche market. I do NOT have a client in the hen house at this time that could use this, but they are out there. How much do you need? Naybe we could chat via email – <promote@limelight.org> or I can be reached via MSN at limelight101@hotmail.com.