Can You Sell Free Information?

Sam Choo

Jun 15, 2024 — 1 min read

One man's poison is another man's meat. What is junk for one person is a treasure for another. The internet is teeming with free resources. For instance, there are excellent tutorials on how to use Excel available on the vendor's website, yet thousands of people pay for the same courses on platforms like Udemy.

The reason people pay for free information is the time-saving convenience it offers. This means you too can make money by curating useful information. Let's take a closer look at a case study: How Matthew Lesko Sells Public Domain Information.

How Matthew Lesko Sells Public Domain Information

Research and Compilation: Lesko and his team spend significant time researching, compiling, and organizing vast amounts of publicly available information into easy-to-understand guides and books. This saves people the effort of sifting through extensive government documents and websites themselves.
Simplified Presentation: He presents the information in a user-friendly manner, using engaging and simple language, making it more accessible to the average person who may not have the time or expertise to navigate government databases.
Marketing: Lesko effectively markets his products by highlighting the potential benefits and success stories of people who have used his guides to obtain financial aid. His distinctive, energetic presentation style and unique attire make his marketing memorable.
Specialized Knowledge: Lesko's expertise in understanding where and how to find this information is invaluable. Many people are unaware of the extent of government programs available or how to apply for them, so they are willing to pay for a guide that lays out the process clearly.

While the public can technically get this information for free, the convenience, time saved, and ease of use provided by Lesko’s compiled resources are what make people willing to pay for his services. This business model is similar to others where publicly available information is curated, interpreted, and presented in a more accessible way for consumers.

By understanding and leveraging the value of curated information, you too can turn free resources into a profitable business.

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How Matthew Lesko Sells Public Domain Information

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The Downsides of a Service-based Business

The fastest way to earn more is not selling a product

The shortcut is the longer road