# Free Tool Strategy

Free tool marketing strategy covering idea evaluation, tool design, lead capture...

- Repository: https://github.com/borghei/Claude-Skills (1026 stars)
- Category: Design
- License: MIT + Commons Clause
- Last updated: 2026-10-23
- Runs scripts: yes, review before use

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add borghei/Claude-Skills --skill free-tool-strategy -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add borghei/Claude-Skills --skill free-tool-strategy -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add borghei/Claude-Skills --skill free-tool-strategy -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add borghei/Claude-Skills --skill free-tool-strategy -g -a gemini-cli -y`
Claude Code plugin marketplace: `/plugin marketplace add borghei/Claude-Skills`

## Description

Free tool marketing strategy covering idea evaluation, tool design, lead capture architecture, SEO landing pages, launch playbook, and ROI measurement for calculators, generators, checkers, graders, and interactive tools.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Free Tool Strategy

Production-grade framework for building free tools that generate traffic, leads, and backlinks. Covers idea evaluation with a 6-factor scoring system, tool design patterns, lead capture architecture, SEO landing page strategy, launch playbook, and ROI measurement. Applicable to calculators, generators, checkers, graders, converters, templates, and interactive visualizations.

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## Table of Contents

- [When to Build vs When Not To](#when-to-build-vs-when-not-to)
- [Tool Type Selection](#tool-type-selection)
- [6-Factor Evaluation Framework](#6-factor-evaluation-framework)
- [Tool Design Principles](#tool-design-principles)
- [Lead Capture Architecture](#lead-capture-architecture)
- [SEO Landing Page Strategy](#seo-landing-page-strategy)
- [Launch Playbook](#launch-playbook)
- [Distribution Channels](#distribution-channels)
- [Measurement Framework](#measurement-framework)
- [Maintenance and Iteration](#maintenance-and-iteration)
- [Output Artifacts](#output-artifacts)
- [Related Skills](#related-skills)

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## When to Build vs When Not To

**Build a free tool when:**
- Search volume exists for "[topic] calculator/generator/checker" (> 500/month)
- No excellent free alternative exists (or you can be 10x better)
- The tool naturally connects to your paid product
- You have engineering resources to build AND maintain it
- The tool produces shareable, bookmark-worthy output

**Do NOT build when:**
- A well-established free tool already exists and is sufficient
- The tool would be a thin wrapper with no unique value
- You cannot maintain it post-launch
- The tool requires data you do not have or cannot access
- Total addressable search volume is < 200/month

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## Clarify First

Before designing the free tool, settle the inputs below. When one is missing or vague and would change the result, ask about it; when it wouldn't, use a sensible default and say which one you used.

The rest: https://github.com/borghei/Claude-Skills/blob/HEAD/business-growth/free-tool-strategy/SKILL.md