Increase free plan signups by making it an active choice

Whereby Whereby signup

Overview

Whereby requires users to actively select a plan, including the free option, rather than defaulting them into a trial or free plan.
a screenshot of the signup flow explaining how to Increase free plan signups by making it an active choice
a screenshot of the signup flow explaining how to Increase free plan signups by making it an active choice
a screenshot of the signup flow explaining how to Increase free plan signups by making it an active choice
a screenshot of the signup flow explaining how to Increase free plan signups by making it an active choice

Business Outcome

Free Plan Conversion Rate

Increase the percentage of website visitors who sign up for the free plan.

Behavioral Outcome

Active Choice

Encourage users to actively choose and commit to a plan, even if it's the free option, rather than passively accepting a default.

The Behavioral Science

Choice Architecture

Choice architecture refers to the way in which choices are presented to decision-makers. By requiring users to actively select a plan, including the free option, Meetings is designing the choice architecture to ensure the free plan is given equal consideration.

Endowment Effect

The endowment effect suggests that people place a higher value on things they own or feel a sense of ownership over. By having users actively choose the free plan, they may feel a greater sense of ownership and commitment to using the product.

How It Works

Instead of automatically enrolling users in a free trial or free plan, Whereby presents three distinct plan options - Free, Pro, and Business. Users must actively click on and select the plan they want, even if it's the free option.

By making the free plan an active choice, it becomes more salient and intentional. Users are more likely to perceive the free plan as valuable, rather than just a default they passively accepted. This can lead to higher engagement and conversion rates.

Additionally, the act of actively choosing the free plan can create a sense of ownership and buy-in. Users may feel more committed to exploring and using the product since they made a conscious decision to sign up for it.

How It Might Backfire

Decision Fatigue

If users are presented with too many options or the differences between plans are unclear, they may experience decision fatigue and abandon the signup process altogether. It's important to keep the choices clear and limited.

Perception of "Catching" Users

Some users may feel that requiring them to actively choose a plan, even the free one, is a manipulative tactic to "catch" them or trick them into signing up. Be transparent about what's included in the free plan and make it easy to upgrade or downgrade later.

How To Test

A/B Test

To test the effectiveness of this tactic, run an A/B test comparing the active choice free plan signup with a version that defaults users into the free plan. Monitor metrics like free plan signups, engagement, and paid plan conversions.

Frequently Asked Questions

To enhance a product-led growth (PLG) model using Whereby's signup tactic, implement an active choice approach for your free plan during the signup process. Instead of automatically enrolling users in a free trial or plan, present distinct options including the free plan, and require users to actively select their preferred option.

This approach can increase engagement and conversion rates by making the free plan more salient and intentional. Users who actively choose the free plan are more likely to perceive it as valuable and feel a sense of ownership, leading to higher product engagement. This aligns well with PLG principles by encouraging users to explore and experience your product's value from the outset.

To improve conversion rates using Whereby's signup tactic, implement an active choice model for your free plan signup. Present users with clear, distinct plan options, including the free plan, and require them to actively select their preferred choice.

This approach can increase free plan signups by making the option more visible and intentional. Users who actively choose the free plan may feel a greater sense of commitment and ownership, potentially leading to higher engagement and eventual conversion to paid plans. Monitor metrics such as free plan signups, user engagement, and paid plan conversions to measure the impact on your overall conversion rate optimization efforts.

To optimize your website using Whereby's signup tactic, incorporate an active choice model into your signup process. Instead of defaulting users into a free plan or trial, present all plan options clearly, including the free plan, and require users to actively select their preferred option.

This approach can improve website optimization by increasing user engagement from the start. By making the free plan an active choice, you're encouraging users to consciously commit to your product, which can lead to higher engagement and retention rates. Ensure that the plan options are clearly presented and easy to understand to prevent decision fatigue and optimize the user experience on your website.

To A/B test Whereby's signup tactic, create two versions of your signup process: Version A with the active choice model (requiring users to select the free plan actively) and Version B with a default enrollment into the free plan or trial.

Randomly assign new users to each version and monitor key metrics such as free plan signup rates, user engagement levels, and eventual conversion to paid plans. Additionally, track user behavior within each version, noting how often users in Version A choose the free plan versus other options. Complement this quantitative data with qualitative feedback through user surveys to understand the perceived value and ease of use for each approach.

Whereby's signup tactic improves user experience by empowering users to make an active choice in their plan selection, including the free option. This approach can enhance the perceived value of the free plan and create a sense of ownership and commitment from the outset.

By presenting all plan options clearly and requiring an active selection, users are more likely to feel in control of their decision and understand the value proposition of each plan. This can lead to a more engaged and satisfied user base, as they've consciously chosen the plan that best fits their needs. However, it's crucial to keep the choices clear and limited to prevent decision fatigue and maintain a positive user experience.