Trial vs free with limited functionality

Question

Not a programming question as such, but a bit more business oriented question about software product development.

We have just released a small app, and is offering a free, fully functional trial which lasts for 15 days. I have the gut feeling however, that to reach any kind of penetration on the web, we'd need to offer a version which is free forever, but then has a few limitations in terms of functionality (still quite usable, but not full-throttle).

For example, the Roboform browser plugin is somewhat similar in purpose to ours. Not functionality wise, but it's basically a little util that saves time and removes some repetitive-action pain. They offer a free version with limitations and then a pro version for around 30 USD. Roboform has gotten very much attention over the years, and I can't help to think that this is because they have a product which is obviously good, but also free, thus adoption becomes much higher than if they had only offered a 15 day trial.

I am wondering if any of you have experience in a similar scenario? Or any thoughts on the two models?

Again, I know it's not directly programming related, but it's still a question I feel best answered by a community of developers.

Answer 1

I think Pekka's comment is actually the answer.

If you want to show people how it works, to get a feel for it and ensure it suits their needs, but are certain they'll want it afterwards then running a time-expiring demo will be fine.

However, if your tool is new or the USP is unclear to your potential customers then you'll need to allow them to use it over time to get used to it. Then, the users who push it to its boundaries will likely 'upgrade' to the paid version to access the more advanced/forgiving features.

Personally, I hate programs that, in their trial/demo version, do not allow you to use features like 'save', because it is too native to using the application usefully.

It's a pretty subjective question.

I have noticed the trend being in allowing permanent free versions to be downloaded, which are limited not in quality but quantity (e.g. only one user, or only ten 'items' etc). This appeals to first-time users, SOHO users etc and then once they realise spending money on it is something they want to do, they can.

Of course, the full price of the application also has to be reasonable!