First, congratulations on the launch of FreeView. Without a doubt being the first to market with a a free offering is a huge step in the right direction for segments of the market. I concur and reported on this on the TheMarketingMojo – “what-does-free-mean-for-marketing-automation”.

As contradictory as this may seem, I don’t think what makes the LoopFuse FreeView offering unique is the fact that it is free marketing automation. Rather, what makes FreeView special is that it enables SMB marketers to experience in a low risk manner the effect a complete marketing automation package can have on their business. It’s critical for SMB marketers to minimize draining dollars from working budgets (on media buys and content development) until they fully understand how to successfully incorporate into their go-to market strategy.

I’d also argue that Eloqua is doing a great job of meeting the needs of specific market segments. For a small business their fees may seem like “gouging”, but for an enterprise they are offering a solution that meets enterprise needs. Yes, that is expensive, requires upfront consulting, and ongoing bodies to maintain, but that is frequently what an enterprise need. While I agree Eloqua is expensive, I think Eloqua meets the needs of a certain market. Just like LoopFuse with Freeview meets the needs of SMB marketers.

- Tewks