Every now and then new apps are developed. Reviews then follow. If the developers are marketing savvy, they’ll get influencers etc. to review them early around release time. It is usually on these reviews one has to make a decision: “To buy or not to buy?” Among other things, ChurchMag does a good job in reviewing apps. After reading some reviews I asked myself what makes great trial versions? Here are some things I wish came with every trial version.
Have Them
This may not be practical or always feasible but I think all apps should have trial versions. Before going too far let me say: developers need to be rewarded for the work they do. They spend time and other resources when they develop and should be paid.
From a user’s experience though, I’ve been burnt. I’ve bought software that didn’t do what the developers promised. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has been victim of developers’ and marketers’ embellishing.
So, I think every app should have a trial version. Give the user a fair chance to find out if the app(s) does what it says and solves the problem(s). One of the things that make great trial versions is that they are available.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Developers, help (potential) users make a buy based on more than a review – @blessingmpofu #dev” quote=”Developers, help (potential) users make a buy based on more than a review”]
Full Features
What’s the point of trial versions with limited features? Again, similar to the point I’ve already made: full features give users a more rounded experience. Thus, they can make a more informed purchase.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Trial versions are a great opportunity to showcase apps; use them wisely – @blessingmpofu #dev” quote=”Develpers, trial versions are a great opportunity to showcase apps; use them wisely.”]
How can I decide if the entire product is great and will meet my needs if I can’t see all of it? This might not easily apply to other products or tech but it is easier to do with apps and such. Developers, you might just hide or disable features which users are looking for in your product. Time instead of feature(s) maybe be a better in trial version. Full features make for great trial versions. Both developers and users benefit.
Support
Support shouldn’t be excluded. How else can one get a glimpse of the support or service? Again, so many cases of people who’ve paid good money for software only to discover it didn’t have great support. Great apps are made even greater by having great support.
Sidenote: developers, as you built apps and such, remember to also include a strategy and plan for support. Support is one of those deal breakers for users. Great product + great support = great user experience. And, the opposite is painfully true for the user and, ultimately the developer.
I thought it might not be necessary to say but I’ll be redundant anyway: Bad user experiences hurt developers in the long run, as trust is eroded.
Crux
Trial versions are a great opportunity to showcase apps in their totality. Developers, don’t miss the great opportunity to build trust and get users locked in. Users make the most of trial versions.
What makes great trial versions for you? Any other thoughts?
[Image by Helloquence via Unsplash]
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