Judge my Monetization strategy
👋 Hello Indie Hackers!
Monetization is hard, so I'd love to hear your opinions on my current monetization strategy:
Screen Box is a context switching tool for macOS that saves the layout of your windows, like a tab manager for your apps.
I'm currently doing a freemium model:
🆓 Free:
- Save and restore windows locations (no limits)
- Choose to auto close layouts when switching away
💰 Premium ($2/month or $20/year):
- Save which projects, documents or tabs are open in apps like Chrome, Microsoft Office, Xcode or VSCode
- Use Terminal, Alfred or Spotlight to save or restore layouts
And I'm using Gumroad to get paid: https://andreterron.gumroad.com/l/screenbox
❓My questions:
- Should I add more limits to the free version?
- Does the price make sense?
- Should I just invest more effort into the Gumroad and landing page?
I'd love to hear the opinion and examples of fellow Indie Hackers.
Thank you!
Image Credit: Photo by Visual Stories || Micheile on Unsplash
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It's hard to say without knowing how much people use your app and the benefits they receive. I can't answer without talking to users, tracking (if you can) their usage analytics and experimenting.
It looks like a good starting point.
I'm not a fan of Gumroad's design (I see it more like a backend of a tech stack e.g. lagstack.com), but if it converts for you then that's great.
I would change the features to be more benefit-driven. Highlight the fact that your app jump starts productivity, saves times and eliminates friction.
Also, seek advice from people that know your market e.g. @OskarGroth is doing an AMA right now ;)
Since you've mentioned that you're not a fan of the gumroad design and how it's more like a backend kind of tech, what would you say you prefer as an alternative to gumroad for distributing products?
Don't get me wrong, Gumroad is great for getting up and running fast. Moreover, people got used to the design, so it might also legitimize a product.
Depending on the amount of time, I might use anything from tailwindui.com to buying a ready-made template.
Check out onepagelove.com/tag/gumroad for some inspiration. But once again, if it works don't change it!
I see, you meant you aren't a big fan mostly of the design rather than not being a fan of it as a payment system.
The main reason I use Gumroad is because it's an ready to go payment system and since it's all hosted on their site, I don't have to manage taking care of the transactions on the website.
Also, wow! Thanks for the recommending onepagelove.com. A minute ago I didn't even know of it's existence and now it's definitely got the top spot on the list of best things I came across today!
Exactly! I'm a Gumroad fan (as a "backend") :)
You're welcome and good luck!
I don't think restricting the free version is the answer, I believe in adding more value to the paid version. This model seems great for now. If you find that no one is paying for the premium version at all, I'd question the current thesis on what the value of your app is.
Good luck!
$2 is cheap for whatever you are doing. How do you plan to scale your revenue?
Wait until more customers start using your app and then restrict free features. Some will leave but others will become subscribers.
Price: check how much you competition charges and set your pricing slightly lower. You can always raise price later.