For those who prefer reading to watching: Free stuff can demonstrate your expertise, build relationships, and help you practice your craft. But it can’t pay the bills, generate commitment on the part of a client, or allow you to spend time developing new work.
There’s a time and place for free. And you should promote your work to the people who want your free stuff. They don’t have to buy, but you do have to give them the chance. (That’s part of your job.)