# Pro Bonovation The rise in products that are free, or can be obtained without money. By [Bianca](https://www.trendhunter.com/bianca), Brand & Innovation Strategist | Published Sep 19, 2008, updated Nov 19, 2009 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/pro-bonovation-the-rise-in-products-that-are-free-or-can-be-obtained-withou ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 9 ## What is the Pro Bonovation trend? **Pro Bonovation:** With the credit crunch looming over first-world economies as we enter 2009, people are scrambling to save money. Even before the financial crisis, consumers were seeking to get more for free, especially from multimedia. Offering something in exchange for ad viewing has been one of the most effective ways to benefit both. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 9 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 3, 2007 to Sep 18, 2008 - Published: Sep 19, 2008 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Pro Bonovation trend ### Rise of free products Offering products and services for free as an exchange for watching ads or for charitable reasons is a growing trend. ### Incorporating free products for advertising campaigns Giving free goods through advertising campaigns can generate a large social and PR media buzz at a relatively low cost. ### Growing trend of free online content As internet users are presented with more and more quality content for free, paid digital rentals may face a threat. ## What the Pro Bonovation trend means for industry ### For Marketing and Advertising industry With the success of giving free products for advertising, companies should consider including such campaigns in their marketing and advertising strategies. ### For Technology industry As more companies offer free products or services, tech companies will need to find new and innovative ways to monetize their offerings. ### For Media industry As free online content increasingly becomes the norm, media companies will need to find ways to adapt to remain profitable. ## Trend signals for Pro Bonovation Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 56%, activity 53%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 56% - Activity: 53% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Pro Bonovation trend 9 featured examples from Dec 3, 2007 to Sep 18, 2008. - [Online Boob Funding (UPDATE)](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myfreeimplantscom): MyFreeImplants Funded 11 Surgeries Last Month (Category: Fashion) Implication: The cosmetic surgery industry must adapt to the trend of crowdfunding for procedures and explore new ways to leverage social networks and online communities. - [Free Money as Advertising](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/absolut-cash-machine): Absolut Cash Machine (Category: Marketing) Implication: Opportunity for alcohol companies to create campaigns that engage and leave an impression on consumers while promoting their brand. - [19 VoIP Innovations For Free Phone Calls](https://www.trendhunter.com/slideshow/what-is-voip) (Category: Tech) - [Marketing With Free Music](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nokia-free-music-with-new-phone): Nokia Phones With Unlimited Music Downloads (Category: Business) Implication: The smartphone manufacturing industry can explore incorporating bundled music services into their handsets to enhance user experience and compete with industry leaders. - [Free Movies & TV Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-movies-tv-shows-imdb-to-show-episodes-before-they-air-on-tv): IMDB To Show Episodes Before They Air On TV (Category: Business) Implication: The online streaming industry faces disruption as IMDB offers free movies and TV shows and exclusive pre-airing episodes. - [(Illegally) Free Magazines Online](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/read-your-favorite-magazine-online-for-free-for-now): Mygazines.com (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The media and publishing industry can tap into digital magazine subscriptions to expand their readership online. - [Gas Prices Inspiring Wild Stunts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gas-giveaways-hookers-and-priests-getting-creative): Hookers & Priests Offering Free Gas? (Category: Business) Implication: Finding disruptive ways to address the rising costs of fuel. - [Free iPods and iPhones for Students](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ipods-and-iphones-planned-to-be-given-out-to-freshman-college-students): Four Universities Get Techy (Category: World) Implication: Institutions could offer technological devices to students to improve their educational experiences. - [Free Movies to Entice Young Voters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slacker-uprising-michael-moores-new-film-available-for-free-download): "Slacker Uprising" by Michael Moore (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Transform the film industry by experimenting with new distribution strategies and engaging younger viewers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)