I'm also learning about marketing and while I can't comment on that, I can share an alternative.
I have been trying to do "marketing as engineer" (not sure where I read the term). In short, let's make cool engineering stuff where you can place your own ads.
For example, I was able to get one of my toy projects at the hn frontpage, I have been speaking at some tech events where I could have mentioned my project.
Related to the product I'm working on, it took me a considerable time but I think I finally figured out a nice strategy to do marketing as engineer (I have high hopes but we'll see how it goes).
Overall, I feel this is considerably more engaging than doing traditional marketing.
This works, but, just so you know, the free tool has to have a minimum of friction to use, and it has to _actually_ be valuable to your audience. Marketing = making others aware that you have a solution for their pain points. These free tools are the simplest expression of that. Deviate from that (complicated set up, low value, etc) and it won't work.
I have been trying to do "marketing as engineer" (not sure where I read the term). In short, let's make cool engineering stuff where you can place your own ads.
For example, I was able to get one of my toy projects at the hn frontpage, I have been speaking at some tech events where I could have mentioned my project.
Related to the product I'm working on, it took me a considerable time but I think I finally figured out a nice strategy to do marketing as engineer (I have high hopes but we'll see how it goes).
Overall, I feel this is considerably more engaging than doing traditional marketing.