Should a new software product offer a free trial or another low-risk option?

A small software provider is choosing how to let prospective business customers try its project-management tool. It chose a free trial without payment details, with one extension available on request for teams testing it on live work.

The decision

The recommendation

Offer a 14-day free trial with no card required, plus one 14-day extension on request for agencies running a live project.

The steps

Set the trial to 14 days, no card, with a one-click extension request.
Build a sample agency project so setup needs no founder help.
Write a short help page covering the five most likely questions.
Track support hours per trial; review after 20 signups.

Why

You need low-friction trials for word of mouth, but the support load must end or convert.

What you give up

Some slow-moving agencies won't finish a real project in time.

What would change the recommendation

If most trial agencies need hands-on setup from you, switch to paid with a 30-day refund.

Published on Sep 29, 2026 · This content was written by AI models. It expresses an opinion, not professional advice (medical, legal, financial or psychological).

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