What are SaaS Free Trials?

A SaaS free trial offers potential customers full or limited access to the software’s features or functionalities for a set period without requiring payment. 

Free trials are pricing tactics used to allow customers to experience the value of a SaaS product before paying for a subscription. 

As an alternative to letting customers get acquainted with the product, SaaS businesses use the freemium model, which offers unlimited access to a basic version of the software with the possibility of upgrading.

Here are four SaaS free trial advantages: 

• Reduces risk: SaaS free trials allow users the option to try the software before financially committing to it, building trust and lowering the entry barrier. 
• Demonstrates value: Users can try the software’s features and understand how it meets their requirements.
• Generates qualified leads: SaaS businesses can obtain valuable data from trial participants, ensuring more targeted marketing strategies and increasing conversion rates.
• Provides user feedback: Free trial users can offer relevant insights regarding product functionality, which can lead to product improvements.

As there is no generally applicable answer, determining the optimal free trial length depends on several factors, like the SaaS product’s price point, complexity level, and target audience. 

For easy-to-use, straightforward products, a shorter trial of 4 to 7 days should be sufficient. 

However, trials lasting up to 30 days are more appropriate for expensive products or those with a longer learning curve.

Here are the differences between free trials and freemiums in the SaaS industry: 

• Free trials: SaaS businesses can use a free trial to offer access to a product’s features over a limited period ( up to 30 days). 
• Freemium: This pricing strategy lets customers use a basic version of the product, with the option to upgrade for access to premium features.

Here are four ways you can ensure SaaS free trial users convert into paying customers: 

• Onboarding: Assist your users in understanding and using your product.
• Support: Offer assistance to your users by addressing their questions during the trial and beyond it. 
• Feature limitations: Provide potential customers with access to limited product features to encourage upgrades.
• End-of-trial urgency: As users approach the end of the trial period, create a sense of urgency through email reminders and in-app notifications.

Some of the SaaS free trial best practices include: 

• Use clear calls to action on your website and pricing pages to make your free trial visible. 
• Create valuable content to explain how your software solves user requirements. 
• Consider using online advertising to expand your reach. 

For example, Hubspot offers a cross-hub free trial, offering potential customers access to their marketing, sales, and service products.