Use defaults to nudge customers towards a membership option
Overview
Business Outcome
Increased membership signups
By defaulting to the membership option and making it look like the better deal, Puls aims to drive more customers to choose the recurring membership over a one-time service. This can lead to higher customer lifetime value and more predictable recurring revenue.
Behavioral Outcome
Customers are more likely to stick with the default membership option
Most people tend to go with the default or pre-selected choice presented to them. By making the membership the default option, Puls leverages this human tendency to guide more users towards signing up for the membership plan.
The Behavioral Science
Defaults
Defaults refer to the option that is pre-selected or assumed if the user doesn't actively make a different choice. Due to inertia, perceived recommendation, and aversion to change, people are more likely to stick with a default option. Purposefully setting the default can be an effective way to influence behavior and decisions.
How It Works
In the Puls example, the "Click & Fix Standard" membership option is pre-selected and framed as the better choice. The one-time "No membership" option is presented as the alternative that the user would have to actively switch to.
By setting the membership as the default and highlighting its benefits, Puls makes it the path of least resistance, increasing sign-ups.
How It Might Backfire
If users feel manipulated or that the default membership is not actually in their best interest, it could breed resentment and damage trust. It's important the membership provides real value and the one-time option is still clearly available for those who prefer it. Overly coercive use of defaults can backfire
How To Test
To test the impact of defaults, try an A/B test showing one group of users this framing with the membership pre-selected, and another group an alternate framing with the one-time option or neither option pre-selected. Compare membership sign-up rates between the two groups to gauge the effect of the default on user behavior
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