Increase subscriptions by framing signup as unlocking value

Consumer Reports Consumer Reports purchase

Overview

Consumer Reports frames signing up for a membership as "unlocking ratings", emphasizing the value users gain by subscribing rather than focusing on the signup process itself.
a screenshot of the purchase flow explaining how to Increase subscriptions by framing signup as unlocking value
a screenshot of the purchase flow explaining how to Increase subscriptions by framing signup as unlocking value
a screenshot of the purchase flow explaining how to Increase subscriptions by framing signup as unlocking value

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

To enhance a product-led growth (PLG) model using Consumer Reports's purchase tactic, frame your product's key features or content as 'unlockable' through subscription or upgrade. This approach can significantly boost your subscription conversion rate.

For example, instead of simply offering a 'premium version,' present it as 'unlocking advanced features.' This framing emphasizes the value users will gain, making the upgrade more appealing. It taps into users' curiosity and fear of missing out, motivating them to take action and convert, which is crucial for a successful PLG strategy.

To improve conversion rates using Consumer Reports's tactic, focus on framing your call-to-action (CTA) in terms of the value users will gain rather than the action they need to take. This can significantly increase the perceived value of your offering and boost subscription conversion rates.

Instead of using generic CTAs like 'Sign Up' or 'Subscribe,' use value-focused language such as 'Unlock Exclusive Content' or 'Gain Access to Expert Insights.' This framing shifts the focus from the process of signing up to the benefits users will receive, making them more likely to convert. Remember to clearly communicate the value proposition to avoid any confusion about what users will gain by subscribing.

To optimize your website using Consumer Reports's tactic, implement value-focused framing across your site, particularly in areas related to subscriptions or upgrades. This can help increase subscription conversion rates and improve overall user engagement.

Reframe your subscription offers and CTAs to emphasize the value users will unlock. For example, instead of a 'Members Area,' you could have an 'Exclusive Insights Portal.' Use this framing in your navigation, landing pages, and promotional materials. Additionally, consider using teaser content that gives users a glimpse of what they're missing, further leveraging the fear of missing out to drive conversions.

To A/B test Consumer Reports's purchase tactic, create two versions of your subscription or upgrade offer: one with traditional framing (version A) and one with the 'unlock value' framing (version B). This will help you determine which approach leads to higher subscription conversion rates.

In version A, use standard language like 'Subscribe Now' or 'Upgrade to Premium.' In version B, use value-focused language like 'Unlock Expert Ratings' or 'Gain Access to Exclusive Content.' Randomly assign visitors to each version and track metrics such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and time spent on page. Also, consider conducting user surveys to gather qualitative feedback on how each version influences their perception of value and decision to subscribe.

Consumer Reports's purchase tactic improves user experience by shifting the focus from the act of subscribing to the value users will gain, thereby increasing their perceived value of the offering. This can lead to higher satisfaction among subscribers and potentially increased engagement with the product.

By framing the subscription as 'unlocking' valuable content or features, users feel they are gaining access to something exclusive and worthwhile. This can create a sense of anticipation and excitement about the subscription, potentially leading to a more positive initial experience with the product. However, it's crucial to ensure that the unlocked content or features live up to expectations to maintain this positive user experience long-term.