This episode is shorter than usual and will be featured in RevenueCat’s State of Subscription Apps report.

On the podcast: how onX Maps tailors freemium and trial strategies to different user needs, the role of user education in driving upgrades, and why experimenting with features and tiers is essential for subscription growth.

Top Takeaways:

🔎Educate users about paid features
Don’t assume users know they’re on the free tier or understand the value behind premium features. Clearly communicate the benefits of upgrading through in-app education and feature highlights. Show users what they’re missing to increase the perceived value of paid tiers.

🔥Target the right users at the right moment
Effective upsells require thoughtful timing and targeting. Segment users by behavior and trigger upsells when they’re most likely to convert, such as after interacting with a related feature. Contextual nudges feel more natural and less intrusive, increasing the likelihood of conversion.

🚀Maintain a seamless user experience
Upsells are most effective when integrated naturally into the user journey. Avoid disruptive pop-ups - place upgrade prompts where they align with user actions. Maintain continuity in messaging to make the transition from free to paid feel logical and valuable.

About Brandon Gador:

🏕️ Growth Lead at onX Maps, driving subscription success across multiple apps for outdoor enthusiasts.

📈 Brandon specializes in aligning monetization strategies with user needs, refining freemium and trial models, and creating seamless upgrade experiences through education and experimentation.

💡 "Monetization only works when your product solves real problems. It's about showing users the value they’re missing and guiding them toward it thoughtfully."

👋 Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn!

Resources:

• onX Maps

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• David Barnard - @drbarnard
• Jacob Eiting - @jeiting
• RevenueCat - @RevenueCat
• SubClub - @SubClubHQ