PLG & Self-ServeSelf-Serve Trial vs Freemium: A Decision Framework
A rigorous decision framework for choosing between free trial and freemium GTM models in PLG SaaS — covering economics, conversion benchmarks, and the hybrid cases.
11 min read
Tag
free trial
5 articles
PLG & Self-Serve
PricingSaaS Free Trial Duration Elasticity: The Conversion Math
Quantify how free trial length affects conversion rates, activation depth, and cohort LTV. Includes the trial duration elasticity formula, benchmarks by segment, and a framework for finding your optimal trial window.
9 min read
Unit EconomicsSMB SaaS Free Trial Economics: Margin Reality Check
Free trials feel free but carry real infrastructure, support, and conversion costs. This analysis calculates the true per-trial cost, shows how unconverted trials inflate CAC, and compares trial models on fully-loaded margin for SMB SaaS.
14 min read
RetentionTrial Duration Mismatch: How Wrong Length Drives SaaS Churn
Discover how mismatching trial length to time-to-value creates structural post-conversion churn. Learn to diagnose phantom conversions, trial attrition, and how to align trial design to your product's TTV.
12 min read
AcquisitionFree Trial vs. Freemium vs. Reverse Trial: A Decision Framework for SaaS Founders
Compare free trial, freemium, and reverse trial acquisition models with conversion benchmarks, CAC implications, activation rate data, and a decision framework by product type and ACV.
12 min read