Tag Archives | Trials

Why Data Trumps Experience in Trial Conversions

Probably one of the biggest mistakes publishers can make on converting trials is relying on experience and intuition. The art of implementing and managing trials doesn’t match the science of new data-driven techniques. Using predictive analytics to qualify trial users and focus on those that are most likely to convert can double conversion rates. In a 2012 study, the Aberdeen Group published a finding that companies using predictive analytics have a 73% sales lift versus companies that did not. In a previous note on trials, loyalty was described as a good measure for predicting conversions. This post expands on the loyalty measure to demonstrate how to implement trials scoring that increases conversions. Trial users can be measured and scored any […]

Measurement is Key for Paywall Success

From following the paywall hashtag on Twitter over the last 18 months, there has been a steady increase in the debate about paywalls, both pro and con, but mostly without any data or revenue models. Our previous research (http://research.scoutanalytics.com/advertising/the-digital-drop-off/) showed that the move from print to digital significantly reduces the revenue capacity of a publisher. The reality is this: Without a fundamental change in digital ad units and their revenue production, publishers have no choice but to pursue alternate revenue streams. So where do publishers go when advertising revenue becomes unsustainable? Higher-margin marketing services and subscription revenues are quickly becoming the answer, also known as a metered paywall. Not all publishers will be able to implement a full subscription model. […]

Measure Loyalty to Increase Trial Conversions

While trials are a common mechanism for generating paying subscribers, trial conversion rates for most publishers are in the low single digits. The majority of users starting a trial do not have the budget or authority to convert into paying subscribers. Often times, the trial user is exploring or investigating, and most trial users become fence sitters whom without sales help don’t convert. Because the sales force doesn’t have the capacity to contact every trial user, focusing efforts on the right fence sitters becomes the key to increasing conversion rate and revenues. Research shows that focus on the most engaged trial users is the same as focusing on the right fence sitters and increases conversion rates by 100% or more. In […]