8 tactics to improve the free trial experience

A free trial is a strategic tool in product-led growth that allows users to experience premium features without upfront payment, serving as a crucial moment for potential conversion into paying subscribers. It is particularly effective in both paid subscription and freemium models, helping users evaluate the product's value before committing financially. The free trial phase, however, often sees high rates of cancellation, especially on the first day, due to users' fear of being charged unexpectedly. To combat this, companies can implement various strategies such as ensuring users they won't be charged accidentally, offering incentives not to cancel, providing temporary discounts, and optimizing trial length. Proper onboarding and maintaining user engagement during the trial period are also essential to increase conversion rates. Ultimately, while strategic optimizations can improve free trial conversions, the most significant long-term improvement comes from enhancing the product's intrinsic value.