Do 'Request a demo' buttons work?
Hey folks,
We are thinking of putting a 'Request a demo' button next to our 'Get started' button on our homepage.
Our platform is a tool for software developers, so need to keep in mind the market-specifics.
What are your views on the following:
1 - Do these buttons work? I mean, do they actually yield interest - knowing that in our case we target individual developers, not companies.
2 - Do you think that developers would be tempted? Or do they tend more to discover and try on their own?
3 - Did any of you try this and if yes, could you tell us more about the circumstance (your business, target market, etc.)?
Thanks a lot in advance for your inputs / advice!
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When customers land on your web property, belive it or not, they are expecting your solution to solve their problem. They are rooting for you. But all you have is a short window - usually 5-7 seconds to convince them before they move on.
Request a demo button usually has conversion rates of less than 5%. This is because:
Request a demo requires scheduling and very little people like to do that, that is basic human pyschology.
Customers prefer inaction and there is a big status quo bias. The "Request" button does not help customers overcome that bias
In this world of instant gratification, customers arrive at a decision almost instantly. "Request" button does not do any good to adderess that fact.
IMHO, If you have a "Request a demo" button on your website, it is time to rethink that. It is better to give them an instant product exprience instead so they "get it", have their AHA moment and then hopefully become engaged enought to reach out to your for next steps.
You can compare this to a food sampling excperience at the mall. How often do you prurchase a 10$ pretzel and cheesy sause once you have tasted a free sample of irresistible morsel of salty delicious goodness?
Ping me if you would like to learn more.. Happy to help!
Thanks for your detailed inputs!
Understand very well your point, makes sense.
So do you think that having the option (a button) is actually a deterrent? We have the option of users starting on their own with a tour guide, etc.
This 'request a demo' was in case some would like more of a 'hand-holding' tour.
But in light of what you said, do you reckon proposing it could actually scare users away?
Thanks!
Definitely not a deterrent as such and request a demo is necessary. My point is if there is no " instant gratification" or "AHA moment" with a request a demo button. The use is less likely to convert because they are just "browsing' at that point and there is nothing compelling for them to click. In our experience working with software companies, the "Live tour" or "see in action" or "1 minute walkthrough" button as a CTA converts MUCH better.
I see - thanks!
They do work, we get people coming through on demos. I think though its good to remember that offering demos takes A LOT of time, and you ned to be sure that your price point is high enough to cover this time.
I find that in SaaS most people want to self-serve on their own time...in older industries this might not be the case.
We recently made a recorded demo as an alternative to booking a demo call that has been doing quite well - maybe that's something to try as an intermediate step?
Thanks! Recording a demo sounds like a good idea indeed, until we are large enough to serve proper demos. We didn't think about it. Appreciate the suggestion very much!