Increase subscriptions by framing signup as unlocking value
Overview
Business Outcome
Subscription Conversion Rate
Increase the percentage of website visitors who sign up for a paid subscription.
Behavioral Outcome
Perceived Value
Increase users' perception of the value they will receive by subscribing.
The Behavioral Science
Framing
Framing refers to how information is presented and the impact it has on decision-making. By framing the subscription as "unlocking ratings" rather than simply "signing up", Consumer Reports is highlighting the benefits and value users will gain, making the offer more appealing.
Loss Aversion
Loss Aversion suggests that people are more motivated to avoid losses than to acquire equivalent gains. By implying that users are missing out on valuable ratings unless they subscribe, Consumer Reports leverages the fear of missing out to drive conversions.
How It Works
Consumer Reports strategically frames the call-to-action as "Unlock Ratings" instead of a generic "Sign Up" or "Subscribe" button. This subtle change in wording shifts the focus from the process of signing up to the value users will gain by becoming members.
By framing the subscription as "unlocking ratings" implies that there is desirable content behind the paywall, making users more likely to sign up. It implies that there are desirable ratings and content behind the paywall that users can only access by subscribing.
This framing taps into users' curiosity and fear of missing out, motivating them to take action and convert.
How It Might Backfire
Overemphasis on Locked Content
If the messaging focuses too heavily on the content that is locked behind the paywall, users may feel resentful or manipulated. It's important to strike a balance between highlighting the value of the subscription and providing some freely accessible content to build trust.
Lack of Clarity
If it's not immediately clear what kind of content or features users will be able to access by "unlocking ratings", they may be hesitant to subscribe. The value proposition needs to be communicated clearly and convincingly.
How To Test
A/B Tests
Compare the "Unlock Ratings" call-to-action against a more traditional "Sign Up" or "Subscribe" button. Monitor metrics such as click-through rates and subscription conversions to determine which framing resonates better with your audience.
Surveys & Interviews
Conduct user surveys or interviews to gather qualitative feedback on how users perceive the value of the subscription and whether the "unlock" framing influences their decision to sign up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Increase referrals by framing sharing as a valuable gift
Substack encourages subscribers to refer friends by positioning sharing the newsletter as giving a gift valued at $5, leveraging loss aversion to drive referrals.
Increase subscription retention by offering a free month
Substack offers users a free month of their subscription when they attempt to cancel, encouraging them to continue enjoying the benefits of a paid subscription before fully canceling.