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Should you offer a free trial OR a free plan?
As I'm bootstrapping grabee.com I'm wondering if should I go with a free trial period or if should I include a free plan.
I think both scenarios allow you to cater to even more different types of customers and give them a better chance at finding what works best for them!
But what's the best in your opinion and what worked best for your product?
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Stephanie Beugras
It depends on your model: in a product-led growth approach, I would rather go with a free plan. But you must make sure the plan is well thought out to encourage future upgrades. You need to place the cursor correctly so that the features included in the free plan allow your users to generate enough value for your product to become indispensable to them. It is only after this phase that they will consider upgrading to go further. Remember to showcase the premium features by highlighting them in your interface.
I would only consider a free trial if I had a team of account executives available to follow up with users before the trial period ends and guide them through the subscription process (sales-led pattern).
From the user's perspective, I don't like free trials. I create an account when I fin it, but most of the time, I don't have time to use the product during the trial period. When the trial period ends, I drop down. Whereas with free plans, I come back to it as needed, and when I need to go further, I take the paid plan.
If your product has real value for your target and your free plan is well-calibrated, users will surely upgrade for sure.
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@stephanie_beugras I agree with you, Stephanie.
I would go for a free plan as well. I think it's a great way to get users in the door and make sure they're getting value out of your product.
If you can get them to upgrade from the free plan, you've got a customer for life!
It all depends on what approach you use to distribute your product. If you are a PLG company, it means that you give access to your product without any restrictions on time and functionality, but with restrictions on the number of people, actions in the system, and so on. If you have a classic B2B, the trial lead source is for you. Having received a lead, you are already engaged in the presentation of your product and selling it.
@anton_bannov I think you're right about what approach to use. It depends on your needs and how you want to engage with customers. I have a B2B product, and I think it can be really helpful to have a trial lead source. It gives you an opportunity to show your product and get some feedback before you actually have to sign anyone up or make a sale.