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Use Trial Versions to Sell
Commonly known as shareware, developers both large
and small are offering evaluation versions of
their software as a means to help market it. Evaluation
versions allow users the benefit of trying the
software prior to making a purchase decision.
Studies have shown that software that is disabled
or feature limited will encourage users to purchase.
In other words, if you offer an unlimited fully
functional trial, users will use the software
but not have any incentive to purchase.
Depending on the type of software that you are
marketing you may consider using different techniques
to "encourage" users to purchase.
Feature Limit
The functionality in the trial version limits
the number of features, the customer can use.
Typically, developers will either disable, or
limit, the use of critical application features.
Software that is used infrequently benefits from
this type of restricted functionality.
Common Examples of Feature Limits:
Watermarking Graphics or Audio Files
Disabled Printing
Limiting Users in Network Versions
Time Limit
Software that is used on a regular basis is often
time limited: the software ceases to function
after a specified period of time. Users attempting
to use the software are forced to purchase if
they wish to continue use.
Time Limit Example: 30 days disabled
Use Limit
Use limited software limits the number of times
the software can be run. Use limitations work
well with software that is used infrequently or
frequently.
Use Limit Example: 5 uses.
Sometimes evaluation versions use a combination
of time, feature, or use limitations to encourage
users to purchase.
Regardless of the limitations that you employ,
statistics show that restrictions in the evaluation
version will encourage users to purchase a license
for the registered version.
Related Articles:
How to
Run a One Day Sale
How to Create
an Effective Upsell
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Developer
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Use Trial Versions to Sell