Episode 719 | How to Test Pricing, Lifetime Deals, and Building Something for Everyone (A Rob Solo Adventure)
Jun 25, 2024
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Discover innovative strategies for testing your product pricing and the risks of one-time payments compared to SaaS models. Learn about the challenges of offering lifetime deals and how to balance a broad customer base with targeted retention. Gain insights on tailoring meaningful book recommendations that resonate with individual preferences, along with a review of a powerful sales book that emphasizes context in decision-making. This solo adventure provides valuable perspectives for founders navigating the dynamic startup landscape.
Testing pricing effectively involves experimenting with changes for new users to avoid backlash from existing customers.
Understanding the differences between one-time payments and recurring revenue is crucial for maintaining sustainable business growth.
Deep dives
Navigating Pricing Decisions
Testing pricing for a product requires careful consideration of both new and existing customers. Founders should focus on experimenting with pricing changes for new users, as this approach minimizes the potential backlash from current customers who may feel blindsided by sudden price hikes. One effective strategy discussed is the concept of a 'poor man's split test,' where the pricing on the website is adjusted, and the impact on conversion rates is observed over time. By analyzing patterns through consistent traffic, founders can make informed decisions rather than relying on guesswork, critical for establishing the right price point based on perceived value in the market.
Understanding Revenue Models
The inherent differences between one-time payments and recurring revenue can significantly impact a business's sustainability. Many entrepreneurs are drawn to the appeal of one-time payments, especially in the SaaS context, without fully grasping the long-term ramifications of such a model. Recurring revenue, whether monthly or annually, provides a more stable foundation for growth and scalability, while one-time payments can lead to financial strain as companies must continuously find new customers to cover operational costs. This underscores the importance of valuing recurring revenue streams, which can create a more predictable and less burdensome financial situation for startups.
The Importance of Tailored Recommendations
When recommending resources such as books, specificity and context are crucial for effective communication. Individuals should aim to convey why a particular recommendation is valuable and highlight the most relevant sections that align with the recipient's interests. This approach not only respects the time of the person receiving the recommendation but also sets clearer expectations regarding the content's relevance. By focusing on tailored recommendations, it becomes easier for others to gauge the potential value of a resource and make informed decisions about their reading or learning choices.
In episode 719, join Rob Walling as he embarks on another solo adventure, tackling listener questions. He discusses how to test pricing, addresses the pitfalls of one-time payments vs. SaaS, and he reflects on “building something for everyone.” He wraps up with advice on making better recommendations.
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Topics we cover:
0:58 – Testing different prices for your product
8:12 – One-time or lifetime payments
15:02 – Horizontal products, building something for everyone
If you have questions about starting or scaling a software business that you’d like for us to cover, please submit your question for an upcoming episode. We’d love to hear from you!