I recently signed up for the Joffrey’s Java Beta Test because I basically fit their profile for “beta user” perfectly:
* Using web software that is in perpetual beta, like Gmail?
* Frequently signing up to participate in beta tests for web apps?
* Currently beta testing software for a new startup company?
* Fueled by coffee?
I found out about the test via Mashable and have noticed tons of others blogging about the Joffrey’s program and the free coffee too.
I am a sucker for good marketing plays – and I think this is a great one. With over 1,000 blogs signed up for the program as of this writing, I am sure they are seeing some positive ROI on this deal. Sure they have to pay the cost of mailing out these Coffee samples, but the buzz they will get in the blogosphere must outweigh these costs.
This is exactly the type of grassroots marketing that a smaller company can do vs. taking out a local ad. It allows one to one interaction with customers and an excellent feedback loop for Joffrey’s.
March 24th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Mailing out coffee samples is a very good strategy but the cost for sure is high.