Exploring Free Usage Models for New Products

37signals' co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson are back to talk about the ins and outs of offering a product for free. In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, they break down why they decided to reintroduce a free Basecamp plan, how offering free access can actually drive sales, and balancing analytics with instincts.

Key Takeaways:

• 00:45 – The original philosophy behind Basecamp’s free plan
• 03:14 – Going beyond the free trial
• 07:36 – Tracking analytics without getting lost in the numbers
• 12:48 – The true cost of offering something for free
• 19:13 – Pricing strategies for new products 37signals is building

Links and Resources:

• Get Basecamp for free at Basecamp.com
• Books by 37signals
• HEY World | HEY
• The REWORK podcast
• The Rework Podcast on YouTube
• The 37signals Dev Blog
• 37signals on YouTube
• @37signals on X