Comments on: Has “FREE” become cliche?

By: Dean Rieck

Dean Rieck — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 21:08:46 +0000

Matt,
Well, yeah. Free works on everyone. But there are a contingent of young, naive, or otherwise smarty pants people out there who think because they know the tricks, the tricks no longer work. Every generation produces people like this and after 10 years in the biz or so, they learn better.

In fact, there are lots of studies showing how people think advertising works on other people … but not on them. Which makes you wonder about why thy think they bought their particular computer or would settle for nothing less than an iPod or prefer a certain beer, etc.

By: Matt Ward

Matt Ward — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:30:53 +0000

First of all, to the bright young spark who emailed you, I’m not sure that a word can become cliche, at least not without context. Since it is neither a phrase nor an expression how could it possibly be any more overused than any other adjective, like “red” or “big” or “stupendous”?

Second, I know that the term FREE still works on me, and I can be pretty cynical. But, every time I see the word FREE in a headline it immediately gets my attention. I can’t say I always act, but it’s still a great way to catch my attention.

By: Dean Rieck

Dean Rieck — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:21:45 +0000

No, Andrew. I have not. I don’t recall ever using the word free when I didn’t mean free with no cost or obligation of any kind.

By: Andrew Billmann

Andrew Billmann — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:04:30 +0000

There’s a HUGE difference between FREE (as in, I’m willfully and freely giving you something) and FREE* (it doesn’t cost anything, but there are a lot of strings attached.)

FREE still works, but the cynicism surrounding it is entirely our fault.

Admit it: As a writer, you’ve abused this word.

By: Jeff Brooks

Jeff Brooks — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 21:35:08 +0000

Amen brother! We can ignore these pipsqueak youngsters and their ignorant pronouncements about what “everybody” does and doesn’t do.

By: TC/Copywriter Underground

TC/Copywriter Underground — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:03:49 +0000

I think “free” has it traps, but still has plenty of legs, especially if it’s modified to make it seem more credible.

For example, many “free” offers aren’t free, yet it takes a little digging to make that clear. In those cases, I think the value of “free” – especially over the long term – might just be a negative.

Modifying the “free” offer with credibility in mind renders it more credible (and more effective, both now and in the long run).

Good post!
.-= TC/Copywriter Underground’s last blog … Weekly Tweetfest =-.

By: Eric Carlson

Eric Carlson — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:00:57 +0000

Free certainly is common and unoriginal, but it still works. The word free gets over the first question most customers ask, “How much is this going to cost me?” That is why you see everyone say “Get FREE Newsletter” on their blogs. That is why you see DR ads with Free Trials. Not only are free items good as a standalone, but saying you will throw in something for free adds value to your product. In DRTV, it is truly amazing how a $3-$5 “free”" item can add a $10 or $20 perceived value to an item. Do you think its expensive to throw in pancake flipper sticks or another Shammy?

By: Storytelling Social Media Marketing PR Technology & Business Curated Stories Mar. 16, 2010

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:50:23 +0000

[...] Has “FREE” become cliche? Published: March 16, 2010 Source: Direct Creative Blog I recently received an email from a young copywriter who informed me that the word “free” was now dead. “It’s a cliche. No one uses this anymore and no one pays attention to headlines that say free. Who… [...]

By: Dave Thomas

Dave Thomas — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:32:08 +0000

It will also have differing impact on different target audiences, ages and social groups. Even the economic climate will vary the impact that “FREE” has.

If by definition it is a cliche, who cares. Used correctly, it works. Always has and always will.

By: Theraisa K

Theraisa K — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:58:02 +0000

I agree, the word “Free” is still awesome regardless of how unoriginal or obvious it is – both as a consumer and as someone trying to sell a product/service. I’m instantly drawn to any article, headline, or ad that has the word “free” in it. I probably wouldn’t have noticed or otherwise taken an interest if that word wasn’t in the catch phrase/sales pitch. It just sounds better than “no cost” or even “Pro Bono” – Free is universal and can’t really be replaced by any other word, in my opinion at least!