From Morning Filter (April 28, 2014), Marketing‘s daily morning newsletter
Perks and perils of the “freemium” model
There are a lot of challenges for startups trying to make the “freemium” business model work. Internet startups and smartphone app developers in particular are leaning heavily on the model—a combination of “free” and “premium” where users get basic features free and pay for a more robust experience. Learn what to consider if you’re going the freemium route from a Harvard Business School assistant professor of marketing who has extensively studied different models.
[Read more via Harvard Business Review]
Sears launches an expanded version of its digital shopping tool
Last year Sears in the U.S. launched a service called Member Assist that allows members of its loyalty program to connect with sales associates from more than 400 stores through a website or mobile app. Last week the retail chain introduced an expanded version of the program called Get Advice so that members can tap thousands of Sears associates and millions of loyalty members for purchasing advice. Members can post and answer product-related questions, and can also vote on the most helpful answers.
[Read more via Winnipeg Free Press]
Amazon getting into smartphones
Amazon is the latest player to get into the smartphone game with a plan to launch its first-ever smartphone this summer. Though Amazon is mum on details, one of the key features is reportedly Prime Data, a “unique” wireless plan. Business Insider is speculating that the company may tap brands to act as advertisers sponsoring data for Amazon smartphone users, edging out its competitors by offering a primary mobile service free of charge.
[Read more via Business Insider]
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