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Pro Bonovation

The rise in products that are free, or can be obtained without money

Implications - With the credit crunch looming over first-world economies as we enter 2009, people are scrambling to save money. Even before the financial crisis, consumers were seeking to get more for free, especially from multimedia. Offering something in exchange for ad viewing has been one of the most effective ways to benefit both.
Trend Themes
1. Rise of Free Products - Offering products and services for free as an exchange for watching ads or for charitable reasons is a growing trend.
2. Incorporating Free Products for Advertising Campaigns - Giving free goods through advertising campaigns can generate a large social and PR media buzz at a relatively low cost.
3. Growing Trend of Free Online Content - As internet users are presented with more and more quality content for free, paid digital rentals may face a threat.
Industry Implications
1. Marketing and Advertising Industry - With the success of giving free products for advertising, companies should consider including such campaigns in their marketing and advertising strategies.
2. Technology Industry - As more companies offer free products or services, tech companies will need to find new and innovative ways to monetize their offerings.
3. Media Industry - As free online content increasingly becomes the norm, media companies will need to find ways to adapt to remain profitable.
4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
10 Featured, 18 Examples:
205,847 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Dec 07 — Sep 08
Trending:
Warm
Consumer Insight Topics:

Featured Examples

Online Boob Funding (UPDATE)
Online Boob Funding (UPDATE)
MyFreeImplants Funded 11 Surgeries Last Month
In the spring we wrote about a social networking site that lets men donate money to help women with their boob job funds. Since then, the site has flourished. In May, around 1,000 women had signed up… MORE
Free Money as Advertising
Free Money as Advertising
Absolut Cash Machine
As part of its massive “In an Absolut World” campaign, Absolut Vodka went beyond the typical media of tv spots, print ads and billboards with an Absolut Cash Machine. They wanted people to experience… MORE
19 VoIP Innovations For Free Phone Calls
19 VoIP Innovations For Free Phone Calls
You use VoIP, right? Most of you will say yes, but if you’re asking, “What is VoIP?” then I’m guessing you’re also one of those people who still has a giant retro car phone laying aroudn, so it’s time… MORE
Free Games
Free Games
Windows Live Games Goes Free, PC Gaming More Like Xbox 360
Free games are just around the corner, courtesy of Windows Live. The PC video game service, which used to require a subscription fee, will no be completely free. In addition, it will get better. Microsoft… MORE
Marketing With Free Music
Marketing With Free Music
Nokia Phones With Unlimited Music Downloads
Nokia is aiming to take on the growing influence of the Apple iPhone by launching a new series of handsets that enable owners to download an unlimited number of music tracks. Users can peruse Nokia’s library… MORE
Free Movies & TV Shows
Free Movies & TV Shows
IMDB To Show Episodes Before They Air On TV
The popular movie site IMDB (Internet Movie Database), is to offer movies and TV programs to view online for free. The Amazon owned site has started to offer a selection of movies and popular series such… MORE
(Illegally) Free Magazines Online
(Illegally) Free Magazines Online
Mygazines.com
Didn't get a chance to pick up the latest copy of Vogue last time you were at the supermarket? You can now read your favorite magazines online at Mygazines.com. Magazines are uploaded by users and then… MORE
Gas Prices Inspiring Wild Stunts
Gas Prices Inspiring Wild Stunts
Hookers & Priests Offering Free Gas?
Giving away gas cards with purchases of goods was explored in an earlier Trend Hunter post, as seen below, but now people are going to real extremes to help fund the fueling of their vehicles. David… MORE
Free iPods and iPhones for Students
Free iPods and iPhones for Students
Four Universities Get Techy
This year, several universities are testing different tech strategies that include giving free iPods and iPhones to incoming freshman students. The Universities can use the technology to create a better… MORE
play_circle_filledFree Movies to Entice Young Voters
Free Movies to Entice Young Voters
"Slacker Uprising" by Michael Moore
Michael Moore is getting the slackers to vote in November. He’s filling stadiums in 60 cities, in 20 battle field states, to encourage young people to get off the couch and try to vote for once. There’s… MORE