Mobile App Upselling: 3 Strategies to Convert Free Users

Converting free users into paying customers is the ultimate goal for a mobile app. After all, it's the revenue generated from these loyal users that drives growth and success. But how can you master the art of mobile app upselling?

In this article, we will explore three strategies that can help you unlock the potential of mobile app upselling and maximize conversions with free users.

Exploring different upselling strategies

There are various upselling strategies you can employ to convert free users into paying customers. Let's explore some of the most effective ones:

1. Free trials: Offering free trials can be a powerful way to entice users to experience the premium features of your app. By giving them a taste of what they're missing out on, you can pique their interest and make it easier for them to make the decision to upgrade.
2. Freemium models: Freemium models provide users with a basic version of the app for free, with the option to upgrade to a premium version for enhanced functionality. This approach allows users to experience the app's value before committing to a purchase.
3. Premium subscriptions: Elevating the user experience with premium subscriptions can be a game-changer. By offering exclusive content, additional features, or an ad-free experience, you can entice users to upgrade and enjoy a more tailored and personalized app experience.

Maximizing conversions with free trials

Free trials are an excellent way to convert free users into paying customers. To maximize conversions, it's essential to create a seamless and engaging trial experience. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Set clear expectations: Clearly communicate the benefits and features that users will have access to during the trial period. This will help them understand the value they will receive when they upgrade.
• Offer timely support: During the trial period, be proactive in providing support and addressing any questions or concerns users may have. This level of engagement can significantly increase their likelihood of converting.
• Monitor user activity: Keep a close eye on how users are interacting with the app during the trial period. This data can provide valuable insights and help you tailor your upselling efforts based on their usage patterns.
• Provide incentives: Consider offering exclusive discounts or special bonuses for users who convert from a free trial to a paid subscription. This can create a sense of urgency and motivate users to make the leap.

Power of freemium models

Freemium models have revolutionized the app industry by offering a compelling balance between a free and premium experience. By strategically limiting certain features or content in the free version, you can create a sense of value and desire for the premium offering. Here's how you can make the most of freemium models:

• Showcase premium features: Highlight the premium features and benefits that users will unlock by upgrading to the premium version. This can be done through in-app prompts, tutorials, or even personalized recommendations.
• Implement in-app purchases: Make it easy for users to upgrade by providing seamless in-app purchase options. Streamline the payment process and ensure a smooth transition from the free version to the premium experience.
• Offer limited-time deals: Create a sense of urgency by periodically offering limited-time discounts or promotions for the premium version. This can incentivize users to upgrade before the offer expires.

Elevating user experience with premium subscriptions

Premium subscriptions are a powerful way to elevate the user experience and provide users with a more tailored and personalized app journey. Here are some strategies to make your premium subscriptions irresistible:

• Create exclusive content: Develop unique and desirable content or features that are only available to premium subscribers. This can include exclusive articles, videos, or even access to special events or communities.
• Offer multiple subscription tiers: Provide users with the option to choose from multiple subscription tiers that offer different levels of access or benefits. This allows users to select the option that best suits their needs and budget.
• Provide continuous value: Continuously update and improve your premium offering to ensure that users feel they are getting their money's worth. Regularly release new features, content, or enhancements to keep users engaged and satisfied.

Few success stories

Now that we've explored different upselling strategies, let's take a look at some success stories to inspire you:

Slack's upselling strategy

Slack excelled in upselling by offering a seamless experience to both free and paid users. Their strategy included a free version with limited features, showcasing premium benefits, and constantly enhancing their product through updates.

This innovation kept users engaged and attracted new ones. Additionally, their proactive customer support built trust and loyalty, opening opportunities for upselling premium features.

Dropbox's upselling tactics that drives growth

Dropbox, the cloud storage leader, boosted user acquisition and upselling through a referral program offering additional storage for inviting friends. They also prioritized a seamless cross-device experience for file access.

Security measures enhanced user confidence and positioned Dropbox as a trusted provider, driving upselling success.

iHeartRadio's upselling secrets

iHeartRadio used content personalization and exclusive offerings to convert free users into paying subscribers. They employed advanced algorithms to provide tailored music recommendations and playlists, increasing user engagement.

Exclusive access to live events and interviews created a sense of exclusivity, while social features enhanced the community aspect and encouraged upgrades to the premium version.

Plotline can help in your mobile app upselling

At Plotline, we help you build and publish in-app messaging flows with zero coding, saving your developers time that can be better spent on other aspects of the product.

Using Plotline, growth and marketing teams can improve their in-app conversion metrics by creating and deploying in-app messages that match your design theme to a targeted user cohort.

Join us in our journey towards providing users with native in-app experiences and improving mobile app conversion and revenue metrics.