Free Tool Strategy

Build free tools that generate leads and showcase product value.

Examples

• ROI Calculator: Show value of product
• Grader/Audit: "SEO Grader", "Website Speed Test"
• Generator: "Invoice Generator", "Privacy Policy Generator"
• Converter: "Markdown to HTML", "Image Compressor"

Process

Step 1: Identify Tool Opportunity

Criteria:

• Solves a real problem (people search for it)
• Related to your product (positions you as expert)
• Simple to build (MVP in days/weeks)

Step 2: Design Tool

• Inputs (what user provides)
• Logic (calculation or transformation)
• Output (result + interpretation)

Step 3: Gate or Ungated?

Ungated (no email required):

• More traffic, less friction
• Good for SEO

Gated (email required):

• Fewer users, more leads
• Good for lead gen

Hybrid:

• Basic results ungated
• Detailed report gated

Step 4: Promote

• SEO (optimize for "[Tool Type] free")
• Social (share results)
• Ads (drive traffic)

Output

Tool spec (inputs, logic, output) + gating strategy + promotion plan.