Ask HN: Do developers prefer a free trial or freemium?

#1

Post by sigre » Sun, Jan 20, 2013, 6:03 PM UTC

I've launched an MVP of a service that's targeted at iOS developers (www.pushlayer.com, if you'd like to check it out). I'd next like to experiment with the signup process to make it as frictionless as possible.

I'm thinking of either: (a) not asking for a credit card on signup but sticking with the existing 30-day free trial, or (b) making the service "freemium" in that a user can signup without a credit card and use a restricted set of features indefinitely.

If you're a developer, which do you prefer?

Re: Ask HN: Do developers prefer a free trial or freemium?

#2

Post by patcon » Sun, Jan 20, 2013, 6:28 PM UTC

Freemium for sure. While it's not possible with every product, I like the idea of getting free and full access for any build-out and beta period, but then only having to pay if my product is a success. Seems more stable and indicative of future income for you as well, since people are only starting to pay you when they've achieved some degree of success and validation :)

Re: Ask HN: Do developers prefer a free trial or freemium?

#3

Post by sigre » Sun, Jan 20, 2013, 7:13 PM UTC

patcon wrote: post #2

Freemium for sure. While it's not possible with every product, I like the idea of getting free and full access for any build-out and beta period, but then only having to pay if my product is a success. Seems more stable and indicative of future income for you as well, since people are only starting to pay you when they've achieved some degree of success and validation :)

Thanks for the feedback.

Since we target iOS developers, do you think it would be too soon to start charging once they've released their app to the App Store (but leave the service completely free and unrestricted for as long as they are in development mode)? Or do you think we should be strictly resource-metered, in that they only need to pay once they've hit some level of activity?