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"HootSuite has just joined the ranks of websites like Flickr, Vimeo and Pandora: It's unveiled a freemium business model that's tiered and tailored for all kinds of users.\nAs of today, all new users will have to select a plan during signup. Next week, all current users will have to migrate to one of the new packages, as well.\nStarting out, all customers (except Enterprise customers) will get a free 30-day trial option for the service's Pro Plans, which offer such premium features as an ad-free UI, enhanced stats, and multiple RSS feeds, social networks and team members. Stats packages include additional reporting tools such as Google Analytics integration and custom URL features. And the highest tier of service gives users the ability to add custom vanity web addresses shortening services from Ow.ly Pro.\nPro Plans range in price from $5 to $100 per month and are targeted toward power users, small or medium-sized businesses, smaller agencies and others who are heavy social media users and need control and analytics for their online activity.\nThe company's Enterprise Package (Star Trek reference intended) weighs in at around $1,500 per month or $2,000 per month if you want to use a vanity URL shortener. This service is as deluxe as its pricetag and includes geo-segmented social network monitoring, a full-featured analytics package, Zendesk integration, \"HootSuite University\" training and a great deal more.\nHowever, HootSuite said it will still keep a free version of its service available to all users; based on surveys it has conducted, the company predicts around 95% of its userbase will use the free option.\nDisclosure: As part of the 5% who might fit the Pro Plan profile, your friendly social media junkies here at Mashable do use HootSuite professionally; as daily users, we can tell you it fits the bill for organizations that have teams of very active social media pros.\nWhat do you think of HootSuite's new freemium model? Do you think it will bring in enough cash to qualify as a significant revenue stream? If you're a power user or business, would you consider paying for one of the Pro Plans or Enterprise Package? Tell us why or why not in the comments."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://mashable.com/2010/08/11/hootsuite-goes-freemium/>