With subscription and freemium business models on the rise, converting free trial users to paying customers is more critical than ever.
Yet frequently, the majority of trial users fail to convert. Employing targeted Trial Conversion email sequences represents a major opportunity to recover revenue, build loyalty, and optimize conversion funnels.
In this post, we’ll explore best practices for crafting compelling Trial Conversion emails that nudge trial users towards paid plans and highlight how tools like ProfitOutreach can streamline implementation.
What is a Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence?
A Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence targets users who signed up for a free trial of a product but did not convert to a paying customer after the trial period ended.
The key characteristics and differences of a Trial Conversion Sequence include:
- Focused solely on re-engaging free trial users who signed up but did not convert
- Utilizes behavioral data to segment non-converting trial users based on their level of activity/engagement during the free trial
- Typically includes 3-5 emails sent over a 2-3 week period post-free trial expiration
- Emails aim to remind users of key product benefits, reopen dialog, and provide incentives or offers to encourage conversion
- Very targeted in nature compared to more general drip campaigns, newsletters, or promotional email blasts
- Uses scarcity and personalization to spur renewed interest and conversion before it’s too late
- Success metrics focus exclusively on the conversion rate of previously non-paying trial users
The core goal of a Trial Conversion Sequence is to recapture revenue from “lost” trials by bringing users back and guiding them to finally convert to paid and loyal customers.
Why is the Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence Useful?
The Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence is a highly effective tool in the arsenal of digital marketing strategies, offering several benefits that align closely with specific marketing goals.
Its utility lies in its targeted approach and personalized communication, which are key in converting interested prospects into paying customers.
- Increased Conversion Rates: By targeting users who have already shown interest in the product through a free trial, these email sequences have a higher likelihood of converting leads into paying customers compared to more generalized marketing approaches.
- Cost-Effective: Since the audience is already engaged and familiar with the product, the cost of converting them is typically lower than acquiring new customers. This makes the Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence a cost-effective marketing strategy.
- Enhanced Customer Insights: These sequences provide valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. By analyzing how users interact with these emails, businesses can refine their marketing strategies and product offerings.
- Personalization at Scale: The ability to personalize emails based on user behavior during the trial period allows for a more relevant and engaging experience for the recipient, increasing the likelihood of conversion.
- Building Relationships: Regular, personalized communication helps in building a stronger relationship with potential customers. It shows that the business values their experience and is invested in addressing their specific needs and concerns.
- Feedback Loop: These email sequences often encourage feedback, providing businesses with direct insights into what works and what doesn’t in their trial experience. This feedback is crucial for continuous improvement.
- Timely Reminders: For users who may be interested but hesitant or forgetful about upgrading, these emails serve as timely reminders, nudging them towards making a decision.
- Showcasing Advanced Features: Through these emails, businesses can highlight advanced features or benefits available only in the paid version, enticing users to upgrade to access these perks.
- Reducing Churn Rate: By engaging users who are at risk of dropping off after the trial period, this strategy helps in reducing the churn rate, retaining more users in the long run.
- Measurable Results: The effectiveness of the Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence can be easily tracked and measured through metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates, allowing for data-driven decision-making.
In summary, the Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence is a powerful method for converting interested trial users into paying customers.
Its personalized, strategic, and data-driven approach aligns perfectly with key marketing goals such as increasing conversion rates, enhancing customer engagement, and maximizing return on investment.
What Businesses Should Use Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence?
The Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence is particularly beneficial for certain types of businesses and industries where free trials are a common practice and where the product or service value can be effectively demonstrated in a limited period.
These include:
- Software as a Service (SaaS) Companies: SaaS businesses often offer free trials to let potential customers experience their software. A Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence can effectively guide these users towards understanding the full benefits of the paid version, making it an ideal strategy for this industry.
- Subscription-Based Services: Companies offering subscription-based services, such as media streaming, online learning platforms, or membership sites, can use these sequences to convert trial users into subscribers by highlighting premium content or features available in the paid plan.
- E-commerce Platforms with Subscription Models: E-commerce businesses that offer subscription boxes or recurring delivery services can benefit from this strategy by showcasing the convenience and value of their ongoing service compared to the trial experience.
- Online Tools and Applications: Businesses offering tools like graphic design software, project management tools, or marketing platforms can use these email sequences to demonstrate the advanced features and efficiencies gained with the full version.
- Health and Wellness Apps: Fitness, meditation, or diet tracking apps, which often start with a trial period, can use these sequences to emphasize the long-term health benefits and additional features available in their paid plans.
- Educational and Training Platforms: Online courses or training platforms can use these emails to highlight the depth and breadth of learning resources available with a subscription, encouraging trial users to continue their education.
- Gaming Platforms: For online gaming platforms that offer trial periods, these sequences can be used to showcase full-game access, additional levels, or premium features available in the paid version.
- Tech Services with Freemium Models: Companies offering cloud storage, VPN services, or other tech utilities can benefit from this strategy by highlighting the enhanced security, greater storage, or additional capabilities in their premium offerings.
Why These Businesses Benefit:
- High Engagement Potential: These industries typically have products or services that require user engagement over a period, making them ideal for demonstrating value through a trial.
- Ease of Upgrading: For these businesses, the transition from a free trial to a paid plan is often seamless, making it easier to persuade users to upgrade.
- Data-Driven Customization: These companies usually have access to user data from the trial period, allowing them to personalize the email sequences effectively.
- Long-Term Customer Value: Converting trial users to paying customers in these sectors often results in long-term customer relationships, making the initial effort of a Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence particularly worthwhile.
In conclusion, businesses that offer trial periods with a clear upgrade path to a more feature-rich paid version stand to gain the most from implementing a Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence.
This strategy aligns well with the business models of SaaS, subscription services, online tools, and similar industries, where the value proposition can be clearly communicated and enhanced through personalized follow-up emails.
Best Practices for Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence
Here are the top best practices to ensure an effective Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence:
- Start Quickly – Sequence should begin 1 or 2 days after trial expiration to capitalize on lingering mind-share. Shorter timeframe drives urgency.
- Segment Trial Users – Tier users based on engagement level during trial to personalize messaging and incentive levels.
- Limit To 3-5 Emails – Sending more than 5 starts to see diminishing returns. Identify an impactful sequencing cadence for your business.
- Take Multi-Channel Approach – Pair the email sequence with complementary campaigns across web experiences, text, and ads to surround users.
- Personalize Broadly – Even minimal personalization with name or location helps lift open rates and potency. Leverage user behavioral data to go deeper.
- Spotlight Key Benefits – Clearly articulate marquee features, services, and access that users would obtain by converting to refresh their memory post-trial.
- Offer Ascending Incentives – Start small with a discount code and progressively increase deal sweetness if needed to help push desired conversion events.
Common Pitfalls:
- Waiting Too Long – Don’t let too much time pass post-trial where reactivation becomes unlikely. Move quickly before the window closes.
- Overcomplicating Sequence – Keep emails straightforward. Avoid introducing too many new marketing messages across the sequence.
- Weak Call-to-Actions – CTAs should explicitly direct users to convert rather than just general engagement.
- Over-Discounting Up Front – Big initial discounts may attract readers but leave little additional incentive on the table needed to drive desired conversions after educating users.
Examples of Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence
Learn the art of converting trial users into loyal customers with our detailed guide on Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequences.
Explore three diverse, real-world examples, each tailored to effectively engage and persuade your audience.
Sequence #1: SaaS Product (Project Management Tool)
Objective: Convert trial users into paid subscribers by highlighting the tool’s features, user support, and overall value in enhancing project management efficiency.
Email #1: Welcome and Introduction
- Subject: “Welcome to [Product Name] – Start Managing Your Projects Like a Pro!”
- Content: A warm welcome message introducing the user to the product, a brief overview of key features, and how to get started.
- CTA: “Explore Key Features” linking to a tutorial or feature overview page.
Learn how to create this cold email template:
Email #2: Feature Highlight
- Subject: “Unlock the Full Potential of Your Projects with [Feature Name]”
- Content: Focus on a specific popular feature of the tool, how it works, and its benefits in real-world scenarios.
- CTA: “See [Feature] in Action” with a link to a video demonstration or case study.
Learn how to create this cold email template:
Email #3: Mid-Trial Check-In
- Subject: “How’s Your Journey with [Product Name] Going?”
- Content: A check-in email asking about their experience, offering help or resources, and reminding them of the remaining trial period.
- CTA: “Give Us Your Feedback” linking to a quick survey or feedback form.
Learn how to create this cold email template:
Email #4: Testimonial and Social Proof
- Subject: “See How Others Transformed Their Projects with [Product Name]”
- Content: Share success stories or testimonials from other users, emphasizing the positive impact of upgrading to the full version.
- CTA: “Read Their Stories” linking to case studies or user reviews.
Learn how to create this cold email template:
- Social Proof cold email template
- Testimonial cold email template
- Case study cold email template
- Customer story cold email template
Email #5: Final Call Before Trial Ends
- Subject: “Your Trial is Ending – Don’t Miss Out on Full Access!”
- Content: A reminder that their trial is ending soon, summarizing the benefits of the full version, and addressing common concerns about upgrading.
- CTA: “Upgrade Now” with a link to the subscription page.
Learn how to create this cold email template:
- Introduction cold email template
Sequence #2: Online Learning Platform
Objective: Encourage trial users to purchase a subscription by showcasing the depth of educational content, learning flexibility, and the long-term benefits of continuous learning.
Email #1: Welcome and Learning Goals
- Subject: “Welcome to [Platform Name] – Start Your Learning Journey Today!”
- Content: Welcome the user, briefly introduce the range of courses available, and encourage them to set their learning goals.
- CTA: “Set Your Learning Goals” linking to a goal-setting feature or page.
Learn how to create this cold email template:
Email #2: Course Recommendation
- Subject: “Personalized Picks: Courses You Don’t Want to Miss!”
- Content: Based on the user’s interests or initial activity, recommend specific courses or learning paths.
- CTA: “Start Learning” linking to the recommended courses.
Learn how to create this cold email template:
- Course cold email template
Email #3: Mid-Trial Engagement
- Subject: “Keep Up the Great Work – Your Learning Progress”
- Content: Provide a summary of their learning progress, congratulate them on completed lessons, and encourage continued learning.
- CTA: “Continue Your Course” linking back to where they left off.
Learn how to create this cold email template:
Email #4: Community and Support
- Subject: “Join Our Community of Learners and Experts!”
- Content: Highlight the community aspect of the platform, including forums, study groups, or expert Q&A sessions.
- CTA: “Join the Community” linking to the community or forum page.
Email #5: Last Chance to Subscribe
- Subject: “Your Trial is Almost Over – Keep Learning Without Limits!”
- Content: A final reminder that their trial is ending, emphasizing the benefits of unlimited access to all courses and resources.
- CTA: “Subscribe Now” with a link to the subscription page.
Learn how to create this cold email template:
Sequence #3: Fitness App
Objective: Convert trial users of a fitness app into premium subscribers by emphasizing personalized fitness plans, tracking features, and community support.
Email #1: Welcome and App Features
- Subject: “Get Fit with [App Name] – Start Your Fitness Journey!”
- Content: Welcome the user, introduce key features of the app like personalized workout plans, tracking, and nutrition tips.
- CTA: “Create Your Workout Plan” linking to the plan creation feature.
Learn how to create this cold email template:
Email #2: Progress Check-In
- Subject: “Your Fitness Progress This Week with [App Name]”
- Content: Check in on their progress, provide encouragement, and suggest tips or adjustments to their workout plan.
- CTA: “Update Your Plan” linking to the plan adjustment section.
Learn how to create this cold email template:
Email #3: Community Engagement
- Subject: “Join Our Community of Fitness Enthusiasts!”
- Content: Introduce the user to the app’s community features, such as challenges, leaderboards, or social sharing.
- CTA: “Join a Challenge” linking to current community challenges or events.
Email #4: Advanced Features Teaser
- Subject: “Unlock Advanced Features for Optimal Fitness Results”
- Content: Tease advanced features available in the premium version, like detailed analytics, personalized coaching, or exclusive content.
- CTA: “See Premium Features” with a link to a feature comparison page.
Learn how to create this cold email template:
Email #5: Final Offer Before Trial Ends
- Subject: “Last Chance to Upgrade and Achieve Your Fitness Goals!”
- Content: A final reminder that their trial is ending, highlighting the full benefits of the premium version and a special offer to upgrade.
- CTA: “Upgrade Now” with a link to the subscription page and offer details.
Learn how to create this cold email template:
How to Create Your Own Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence
Want to retain more revenue from your product trials?
By taking informed, strategic steps to create targeted follow-up sequences, you can win back users post-trial and optimize conversion over time.
Step 1: Identify Your Non-Converting Trial Users
The starting point for deploying trial conversion sequences is getting clear visibility into who your non-converting free trial users are.
Analyze your product analytics and email metrics to segment out user accounts that 1) signed up for a free trial of your product, but 2) failed to convert into paying subscribers post-trial expiration.
Drill deeper by categorizing these users based on behavioral traits—did they casually browse the product? Were they power users of key features?
What was their specific trial duration? Paint a 360-degree picture of historical trial users. Armed with richer understanding of engagement levels across target users, you can then define user sub-groups and tailor sequence messaging to be uniquely compelling for each audience.
For example, lightly-engaged users may benefit most from broader educational outreach while deeply-engaged accounts could get exclusive offers driving urgency.
Use all user data at your disposal to divide trials into segments you can optimize sequences for.
Step 2: Understand Why They Didn’t Convert
Gleaning why target users failed to convert gives cues for messaging that will resonate. Survey non-converting trial users asking structured questions to pinpoint friction—was perceived value insufficient for the price?
Did certain workflows or interfaces prove confusing? Talk to customer-facing teams as they likely have qualitative insights into why some trials didn’t convert. Analyze user behaviors during the trial to quantify where they got stuck.
For example, if many users didn’t engage with key premium features, educate them on benefits they missed out on.
Look for correlating factors between various user attributes and conversion rate to isolate probable conversion blockers across your sample.
Identify 2-3 primary hypothesized barriers for each user segment that you can directly address through email content, offers, fixes to the trial experience itself.
Get inside the minds of triers to craft messages that overcome key obstacles inhibiting their original conversion.
Step 3: Map Out Your Follow-Up Sequence
With target users and hesitation drivers identified, map out a conversion-focused follow-up sequence. Plot sequence length and cadence in consideration of average trial duration and shelf-life of application mindshare post-expiry.
Typically 3-5 emails over a 2-3 week window performs best. Sequence early messages to re-establish value quickly before interest falters while applying later-stage urgency.
Across the timeline, draft compelling subject lines that speak directly to hesitations for each user group – perhaps pricing misconceptions, key features missed, or exclusivity.
Outline content for how emails will bring users back in, prove value, and provide motivating conversion offers before it’s too late.
Vary calls-to-action across sequence emails as well by making them increasingly direct in driving reactivation and conversion.
Underscore end objectives within messaging frameworks tailored to address diagnosed conversion friction across sequenced touchpoints optimized to turn trials into loyal customers.
Step 4: Develop Compelling Content & Offers
With strategic sequencing as a blueprint, build out email content that persuades through relevance. Open by directly calling back to key utility each target user segment experienced during respective trial periods to spark favorable memories.
Address conversion friction points head on by showcasing overlooked value, clarifying misconceptions, or improving self-serve tutorial content on complex workflows. Weave in social proof and peer perspectives that reinforce positioning.
With messaging foundations rooted in value communication, intersperse motivational offers tailored to each audience like time-bound discounts or exclusive access to new features.
For power-users, rewards based conversion incentives could include advanced toolsets and dedicated success management.
To spur faster action across segments, introduce threat-based scarcity via expiry warnings on preferential pricing, account closure risk, or dwindling access to sampled features.
Blend education, personalization, urgency and generosity within compelling content matched to reactivation and conversion objectives.
Step 5: Automate Your Trial Conversion Sequences
Streamline execution of sophisticated trial re-engagement campaigns with ProfitOutreach for automation at scale. First, connect user databases to identify target segments of high-value non-converting trials.
Then leverage the intuitive visual journey builder to map out a multi-channel follow-up path employing the platform’s library of pre-approved email templates aligned to conversion sequencing strategy.
Set triggers based on trial expiration events and use dynamic segmentation to deliver personalized messages that speak to previously identified hesitation drivers.
Embed A/B testing modules to continually optimize content and offer variations based on open rates and conversion performance.
With ProfitOutreach consolidating sequence creation, deployment, analytics, and optimization in one integrated platform, you can cost-effectively run large-scale trial win-back campaigns personalized across user groups to maximize conversion revenue capture.
Continual optimization ultimately fuels a self-improving cycle for the highest ROI.
How ProfitOutreach Helps You Create Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence?
ProfitOutreach is an invaluable tool for crafting effective Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequences, offering unique features and services that streamline and enhance the process.
Here’s how ProfitOutreach assists in creating these sequences:
- Personalization at Scale: Utilizes real prospect data for highly personalized email sequences, enhancing message resonance and conversion likelihood.
- Customizable Templates: Offers a variety of adaptable templates, enabling users to create sequences that align with specific outreach goals.
- Data-Driven Insights: Integrates LinkedIn and website data for better prospect understanding, leading to more targeted and effective email content.
- Flexible Sequence Options: Features preset sequences for beginners and custom options for experienced marketers, catering to various expertise levels.
- Integration with Email Platforms: Guides users on integrating created sequences with different email sending platforms for a seamless execution process.
- Continuous Learning and Improvement: Provides access to best practice guides and articles, supporting ongoing improvement in email marketing strategies.
- Comprehensive Outreach Solution: Offers LinkedIn message sequence creation, enabling a holistic approach to digital outreach across multiple channels.
In summary, ProfitOutreach empowers businesses to create effective Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequences by providing personalized, data-driven, and adaptable tools.
Its integration with various platforms and commitment to continuous learning make it a comprehensive solution for enhancing email outreach campaigns.
Conclusion
Deploying a strategic Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence represents a major revenue recovery opportunity hiding within your expired free trials.
By methodically identifying and re-engaging triers through targeted, personalized outreach, you can optimize conversion funnels, unlock subscriber value, and build loyalty.
Combined with the power of automation and continual optimization, these sequences deliver compounding returns over time. We’ve only scratched the surface of best practices here.
Take the first step now by analyzing your non-converting trial data and mapping an initial follow-up journey to start recovering and retaining more value.
With the right approach, inactive trials can transform into your business’ biggest growth lever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence
Here are some common FAQs about Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequences with answers:
What is a Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence?
A Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence is a series of targeted emails sent to users who have signed up for a free trial, aiming to convert them into paying customers. These emails are personalized and timed strategically throughout the trial period.
How many emails should be in a Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence?
Typically, 3-5 emails are ideal. This balance allows for sufficient engagement without overwhelming the recipient, focusing on informative content and persuasive calls to action.
What is the best time to send these emails?
The first email should be sent immediately after a user signs up for the trial. Subsequent emails can be spaced out over the trial period, with a crucial email sent just before the trial ends to encourage conversion.
How can I personalize my Trial Conversion Emails?
Personalize by using the recipient’s name, referencing specific features they used during the trial, and tailoring content based on their interactions with your product. Utilizing data from their trial experience is key.
What content should be included in these emails?
Include benefits of your product, user testimonials, unique features of the paid version, special offers, and educational content to help users maximize the trial.
How do I measure the success of my Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence?
Track open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and recipient feedback. Analyzing these metrics helps understand the sequence’s effectiveness and areas for improvement.
Can I use a Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequence for any type of product or service?
Most effective for digital products and services like SaaS and subscription-based services, this strategy can be adapted to various industries by demonstrating the value and benefits of your offering.
What are common mistakes to avoid in these email sequences?
Avoid sending too many emails, lack of personalization, neglecting audience segmentation, not providing clear calls to action, and failing to track and analyze email performance.
Should I offer discounts or special deals in these emails?
Discounts or special deals can be effective, especially in the final email. Ensure these offers align with your brand strategy and do not devalue your product.
How does ProfitOutreach help in creating effective Trial Conversion Cold Email Sequences?
ProfitOutreach offers personalization tools, customizable templates, data-driven insights, and email platform integration, aiding in creating targeted, engaging, and effective email sequences tailored to audience needs and behaviors.
