Product validation: Beta program or free trial?
Couple days ago I read a post by @FlorianMielke sharing his experience
with his beta program.
Most times conversion expectations are shattered by reality
2 conversions out of 160 is a 1.25% conversion rate.
So what caused this to happen?
- Is it the validation method?
- The pricing model?
- The product experience?
Maybe it's all of the above...but first things first.
What's the goal of product validation?
Is it just conversions?
Contrary to popular belief...product validation has levels
1. Functional Level:
- Does the product work? Any bugs or glitches?
2. Psychological Level:
- Is the product useable? Is the UI complicated or complex?
3. Monetary Level:
- Is the product worth paying for? Does the UX serve a purpose?
4. Social Level:
- Is the product valuable to people groups? Does it have a collective aim?
Now if you need validation on the functional & psychological level
...you need Beta Testers:
Key word: TEST
→ Experimentation
→ Exploration
→ Examination
But if you need validation on the monetary & social level
...then you need Trial Users:
Keyword: USE
→ Practicality
→ Benefit
→ Adoption
In Florian's case he had the wrong set of goals & expectations
for the Beta Program validation method.
...So what level of validation do you need?
Leave a reply with a link to your product & I'll check it out
and recommended a method that will work for you 🙌🏾
