Great suggestions. We've experimented with a free "student pass" (1/4 our users are university students), but it hasn't had a huge impact. This might be because there's some friction involved.
Our current focus is on revamping our freemium structure, so that instead of 2 weeks of unlimited usage and then extremely limited functionality thereafter, it would instead offer indefinite usage on a limited number of websites (it's a browser plugin that enhances text to make it easier/faster to read). Previously we've (not surprisingly) seen a ton of uninstalls at 2 weeks, and with the new structure we're hoping to hang onto more users for the long haul. Some of them would eventually convert, and some would just continue to think about us and recommend to friends. But another side effect is we could increase the number of 'favorite sites' that people get, up to some arbitrarily large number so it's effectively free unlimited usage.
Interestingly, the development that got us to pull the trigger on this change is the manifest v3 transition, which required us to revamp a lot of stuff about our extension so we figured we'd go for it. If this turns out to be a big plus for adoption, I guess we'll be thankful for being forced into the transition?
An idea about the student pass: The friction you mention is probably to provide verification, right? What if you removed that part entirely, and just trusted the user? There would certainly be customers lying about being a student, to use it for free - but you want more consumers to use your product, and after a few years you can still ask them to provide student verification / start paying.
You're nearly there. You've got a large uninstall base because you're giving two weeks unlimited features and then scaling back, but some specific features are "core" to the usage of the product.
Switch the model, after 2 weeks it is limited to 1-3 sites unlimited and anymore requires upgrading.
You'll retain your students who are probably using it for specific sites to summarize papers or class information. Create the habit over a long period and then people will be willing to pay.
If you want a no code/less code approach allow to opt into an extension of 3-6 months if they click cancel.
Assuming COGS are low and the compute cost is on your side and not third party the goal is forming habits and then converting. The goal is not short term 2 week conversions to profit.
Would you like 25% paying after 2 weeks or 25% paying after 2 weeks AND an additional x% paying after 3-6 months?
Our current focus is on revamping our freemium structure, so that instead of 2 weeks of unlimited usage and then extremely limited functionality thereafter, it would instead offer indefinite usage on a limited number of websites (it's a browser plugin that enhances text to make it easier/faster to read). Previously we've (not surprisingly) seen a ton of uninstalls at 2 weeks, and with the new structure we're hoping to hang onto more users for the long haul. Some of them would eventually convert, and some would just continue to think about us and recommend to friends. But another side effect is we could increase the number of 'favorite sites' that people get, up to some arbitrarily large number so it's effectively free unlimited usage.
Interestingly, the development that got us to pull the trigger on this change is the manifest v3 transition, which required us to revamp a lot of stuff about our extension so we figured we'd go for it. If this turns out to be a big plus for adoption, I guess we'll be thankful for being forced into the transition?