What Is a Free Trial?

A free trial is a marketing strategy used by businesses to acquire potential customers by allowing them to test a product or service before making a purchase. It serves as an acquisition model aimed at attracting quality customers who are genuinely interested in the offering.

Typically, it involves a limited time period, such as 7, 14, or 30 days, during which potential customers have access to the complete product or service. This allows them to familiarize themselves with its main functions and features, helping them make an informed buying decision.

It is especially useful when introducing a new product or service to the market. It enables potential customers to experience its benefits firsthand, thereby building trust and increasing the likelihood of conversion. Additionally, offering a free trial can be particularly effective for software, online platforms, and streaming services, where customers appreciate the opportunity to explore and assess the offering’s usefulness.

By opting for a free trial, potential customers are not only able to assess the value of the product or service but also determine if it aligns with their needs and expectations. This helps both customers and businesses, as customers can make informed purchasing decisions, and businesses can attract committed and satisfied users.

Free Trial vs. Freemium Model

A Free Trial and a Freemium Model are two common customer acquisition models used by businesses to attract users. While they have similarities, there are key differences that set them apart.

• Free Trial: Provides potential customers with the opportunity to try out a fully functioning product or service for a limited time, typically 7, 14, or 30 days. During this period, users have access to all the features and capabilities of the offering. It allows them to experience the product firsthand and assess its value, helping them make an informed buying decision.
• Freemium Model: Offers access to a product or service but with limitations. Users can use the basic or limited version of the offering for free and have the option to upgrade to a premium or paid version for additional features and functionality. This model allows businesses to generate revenue from a portion of their user base while still offering a free option to attract a wider audience.

Both the Free Trial and the Freemium Model serve as effective customer acquisition strategies. They provide users with the opportunity to try a product or service before committing to a purchase. When used together, these models can complement each other by offering different options to cater to different customer needs.

How Does a Free Trial Work?

To activate a free trial, users typically need to sign up or create an account on the business’s website or platform. During the signup process, users may be asked to provide their email address and create a password.

When it comes to payment methods, businesses usually offer two options: the opt-out model and the opt-in model.

1. Opt-Out Model

In this model, users are required to provide their credit card details when signing up for the free trial. At the end of the trial period, the business automatically charges the user’s credit card for the full subscription if they do not cancel.

The benefit of this model is that it streamlines the conversion process and reduces friction for users who decide to continue with the product or service. However, it can also lead to customers feeling trapped or surprised with unexpected charges.

2. Opt-In Model

With the opt-in model, users can enjoy the free trial without providing any payment information upfront. At the end of the trial period, users are prompted to choose a subscription plan and input their payment details if they wish to continue using the product or service. This model gives users more control and transparency over their purchasing decisions but may require additional effort to convert users into paying customers.

Both payment methods have their pros and cons:

• The opt-out model tends to have a higher conversion rate since users are already committed to the subscription and don’t need to take any additional steps to continue using the product or service. On the other hand, the opt-in model reduces the risk for users, as they are not required to provide payment details before fully experiencing the product. This can result in more satisfied and loyal customers in the long run.
• Offering various payment methods, including both opt-out and opt-in models, is crucial for businesses. It accommodates different customer preferences and creates a more inclusive environment. Additionally, providing a free trial allows potential customers to test the product’s features and benefits, ultimately increasing their confidence in making a buying decision.

Free Trial FAQs

Can I Cancel a Free Trial Anytime?

Yes, generally, free trials can be canceled at any time during the trial period, however, the specifics can vary by company. Some companies might allow you to use the service for the remainder of the trial period even after canceling, whereas others might terminate access immediately upon cancellation. It’s crucial to read the terms and conditions of the free trial before signing up to understand the company’s cancellation policy.

Are All Features Available During the Free Trial?

Typically, the goal of a free trial is to give potential customers a comprehensive understanding of the product or service, so companies often provide access to all features during the trial period. However, some companies may limit certain features to paying customers. Again, it’s always a good idea to check the specifics of what is included in the free trial before starting.