10 Experiments That Actually Worked For Our Plg Conversion Rates Saas

10 Experiments That Actually Worked For Our PLG Conversion Rates SaaS

When it comes to boosting PLG (Product-Led Growth) conversion rates, experimentation is the name of the game. But let’s be honest—not every idea pans out. We’ve had our fair share of gloomy flops and hazy misses. But then, there were those sparkling moments when an experiment worked remarkably well. Today, I’m sharing the top 10 experiments that significantly moved the needle for us.

1. Simplify the Onboarding Process

First impressions matter, right? We realized our onboarding process was choppy and overwhelming. So, we streamlined it into three smart steps:

Step 1: Highlight the core value in under 30 seconds.
Step 2: Guide users through a single, impactful task.
Step 3: Celebrate their success with a captivating “You’re all set!” message.

This thoughtful approach reduced drop-offs by 22%. It’s fascinating how small tweaks can make a huge difference.

2. Add a Free Trial Extension

We noticed that some users were paralyzed by decision fatigue during their free trial. So, we tested offering a 7-day extension. The result? A 15% increase in conversions. It’s intriguing how giving people a little extra time can engage them more deeply with the product.

3. Personalize the User Experience

Nobody likes feeling like just another number. We started using dynamic content to grab users’ attention based on their behavior. For example, if someone frequently used a specific feature, we’d highlight related tools or tips. This authentic touch resonated with users and boosted conversions by 18%.

4. Leverage Social Proof

Trust is critical in SaaS. We added testimonials, case studies, and even a live customer count to our pricing page. Seeing others succeed with our product created a powerful buzz that nudged hesitant users to convert.

5. Optimize the Pricing Page

Our pricing page was rotten with confusion. We simplified it by:

Removing unnecessary jargon.
Adding a clear comparison chart.
Including a compelling FAQ section.

This effective redesign led to a 12% uplift in conversions.

Experimentation isn’t about throwing spaghetti at the wall—it’s about thoughtfully testing ideas that meaningfully improve the user experience. These five experiments were just the beginning of our journey. Stick around for the next five—they’re undoubtedly worth the wait!

Introduction

When it comes to SaaS, Product-Led Growth (PLG) isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a critical strategy for success. But let’s be real: figuring out what actually works to boost conversion rates can feel like navigating a hazy maze. You’ve probably tried a few experiments yourself, only to end up with gloomy results. Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing: not every experiment will sparkle, but the ones that do can make a huge difference. Over the past year, we’ve tested, tweaked, and sometimes even scrapped ideas to uncover what truly resonates with users. And guess what? We’ve found some remarkable strategies that significantly moved the needle for our PLG conversion rates.

In this blog, we’re sharing the top 10 experiments that worked for us—no fluff, no jargon, just authentic insights. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to boost your existing efforts, these actionable tips will help you engage users more effectively and improve your conversion rates.

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming:

Simplified Onboarding: How we cut drop-offs by 22%.
Free Trial Extensions: Why giving users extra time led to a 15% conversion boost.
Personalized Experiences: The impactful tweak that increased conversions by 18%.
Social Proof: How testimonials and case studies created a powerful buzz.
Pricing Page Optimization: The effective redesign that drove a 12% uplift.

So, why should you care? Because these aren’t just theories—they’re real, tested, and profoundly effective strategies that can work for your SaaS too. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Experiment 1: Simplified Onboarding Flow

Let’s face it: onboarding can make or break a user’s first impression. If it’s choppy or overwhelming, you risk losing them before they even see the value of your product. That’s exactly what happened to us—until we decided to simplify the process.

We started by asking ourselves: What’s the absolute minimum a user needs to do to experience the core value of our product? The answer? Three smart steps:

Highlight the core value in under 30 seconds. No fluff, no jargon—just a clear, captivating explanation of what your product does and why it matters.
Guide users through a single, impactful task. Choose one action that showcases your product’s best feature and walk them through it step-by-step.
Celebrate their success with a sparkling “You’re all set!” message. A little positivity goes a long way in making users feel accomplished and ready to explore further.

The results? Remarkable. By cutting out the noise and focusing on what truly mattered, we reduced onboarding drop-offs by 22%. It’s fascinating how such a thoughtful tweak can have such a huge impact.

But here’s the kicker: simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing depth. We made sure to include optional resources for users who wanted to dive deeper, like:

Tooltips for quick explanations.
Video tutorials for visual learners.
FAQs for common questions.

The key was to engage users without overwhelming them. And it worked. Users felt more confident, more curious, and—most importantly—more likely to stick around.

So, if your onboarding process feels rotten with complexity, take a step back. Ask yourself: What’s the simplest way to show users the value of my product? Sometimes, less is undoubtedly more.

This experiment wasn’t just a win for our conversion rates—it was a win for our users. And isn’t that what Product-Led Growth is all about?

Experiment 2: Personalized Welcome Emails

Let’s talk about first impressions—specifically, the kind that lands in your inbox. We all know that generic “Welcome to our platform!” emails are about as captivating as watching paint dry. So, we decided to shake things up with personalized welcome emails. And let me tell you, the results were remarkably impactful.

Here’s the thing: when users sign up, they’re intrigued but not yet committed. A one-size-fits-all email doesn’t grab their attention or make them feel valued. So, we started tailoring our welcome emails based on user behavior and preferences. For example:

If they signed up for a specific feature: We highlighted tips and tutorials for that feature.
If they came from a referral: We thanked them and included a shoutout to the person who referred them.
If they were part of a specific industry: We shared relevant case studies or success stories.

The result? A huge 20% increase in user engagement. It’s fascinating how a little personalization can make users feel seen and understood.

But we didn’t stop there. We also added a thoughtful touch by including:

A warm, conversational tone (no corporate jargon here!).
A clear call-to-action (like “Start your first project today!”).
A personalized sign-off from a real team member (because robots are great, but humans are better).

Here’s the kicker: we didn’t just personalize the content—we also timed it smartly. Sending the email within 30 minutes of sign-up ensured it landed while the user was still engaged and curious.

So, why does this work so well? Because it resonates on a human level. People want to feel like they’re more than just a number in your database. A personalized welcome email says, “Hey, we see you, and we’re excited to have you here.”

If your welcome emails feel rotten with generic content, it’s time to rethink your approach. Start small—segment your audience, test a few variations, and see what sparkles. You might just find that a little personalization goes a long way in boosting those conversion rates.

This experiment wasn’t just about improving metrics—it was about creating a genuine connection with our users. And in the world of SaaS, that’s undoubtedly a win.

Experiment 3: In-App Messaging for Feature Discovery

Ever felt like your users are missing out on some of your product’s best features? We did too. It’s fascinating how even the most impactful tools can go unnoticed if they’re not front and center. That’s why we decided to experiment with in-app messaging to guide users toward feature discovery—and the results were remarkably effective.

Here’s the problem: users often stick to what they know. They’ll use the same few features repeatedly, completely unaware of the powerful tools right under their noses. We realized we needed a smart way to nudge them toward exploring more. Enter in-app messaging.

We started by identifying the most underutilized features and crafting captivating messages to highlight them. For example:

Tooltips: Quick, non-intrusive pop-ups that explained a feature’s benefits.
Interactive Walkthroughs: Step-by-step guides that showed users how to use a feature in real-time.
Contextual Banners: Messages that appeared at thoughtful moments, like after completing a task, suggesting a related feature.

The result? A huge 25% increase in feature adoption. It’s intriguing how a little guidance can boost user engagement so significantly.

But here’s the kicker: timing is critical. We made sure these messages appeared when users were most likely to engage—not when they were in the middle of a task or feeling overwhelmed. For instance:

After onboarding: When users are still curious and exploring.
Post-task completion: When they’re feeling accomplished and open to trying something new.
During idle moments: When they’re more likely to click around and discover.

We also kept the tone authentic and conversational. No robotic jargon here—just friendly nudges like, “Did you know you can do X with just one click?” or “Try this feature to save time on Y.” It’s remarkable how a human touch can make users feel more comfortable experimenting.

So, if you’re struggling with feature adoption, in-app messaging might be the effective solution you’ve been looking for. Start small: identify one underused feature, craft a compelling message, and test it out. You might just find that a little nudge can go a long way.

This experiment wasn’t just about improving metrics—it was about helping users get the most out of our product. And in the world of SaaS, that’s undoubtedly a win-win.

Experiment 4: Free Trial Extensions for Engaged Users

Ever felt like your users just need a little more time to fall in love with your product? We’ve been there too. It’s fascinating how decision fatigue can paralyze even the most engaged users during their free trial. That’s why we decided to test offering free trial extensions—and the results were remarkably effective.

Here’s the thing: not everyone moves at the same pace. Some users need a few extra days to explore, test, and truly understand the value of your product. So, we started offering a 7-day extension to users who showed authentic engagement but hadn’t converted yet. Think of it as giving them a thoughtful nudge rather than a hard deadline.

The criteria for eligibility were smart and straightforward:

Active usage: Users who logged in at least 3 times during the trial.
Feature exploration: Those who tried out key features or tools.
Incomplete tasks: Users who started but didn’t finish a critical action, like setting up a project or integrating an API.

The result? A huge 18% increase in conversions. It’s intriguing how a little extra time can boost confidence and engage users more deeply with your product.

But here’s the kicker: timing and messaging matter. We didn’t just slap an extension on their account—we crafted a captivating email that explained why they were eligible and how the extension could help them succeed. For example:

“We noticed you’ve been exploring [Feature X]—great choice! To help you get the most out of it, we’re extending your free trial by 7 days. No strings attached. Take your time, and let us know if you have any questions!”

This genuine approach resonated with users. It didn’t feel like a sales tactic—it felt like we were rooting for them. And that’s precisely what made it work.

So, if you’re seeing trial users drop off just before the finish line, consider offering an extension. Start small: identify your engaged users, craft a compelling message, and test it out. You might just find that a little extra time can make a big difference.

This experiment wasn’t just about improving metrics—it was about building trust and showing users we cared about their success. And in the world of SaaS, that’s undoubtedly a win.

Experiment 5: Gamification of User Progress

Let’s be honest: progress tracking can feel rotten if it’s just a bland checklist. Users want to feel engaged, motivated, and maybe even a little captivated as they move through your product. That’s why we decided to gamify user progress—and the results were remarkably effective.

Here’s the thing: humans are wired to love rewards. Whether it’s a gold star, a high score, or a sparkling badge, we thrive on small wins. So, we introduced gamification elements to make progress tracking more thoughtful and impactful. Here’s how we did it:

Progress Bars: Visual indicators that show users how close they are to completing a task or unlocking a feature.
Achievement Badges: Captivating icons that celebrate milestones, like “First Project Completed” or “Power User.”
Leaderboards: Friendly competition to boost engagement among teams or communities.
Rewards: Small perks, like extended trials or exclusive tips, for hitting specific goals.

The result? A huge 30% increase in user retention. It’s fascinating how a little glitter can make users feel more invested in their journey.

But here’s the kicker: gamification isn’t just about fun—it’s about meaningful progress. We made sure the tasks and rewards aligned with our product’s core value. For example:

For onboarding: Badges for completing each step, like “Profile Pro” or “Integration Expert.”
For feature adoption: Rewards for trying underused tools, like “Explorer Extraordinaire.”
For long-term use: Milestone badges for consistent usage, like “30-Day Streak.”

We also kept the tone authentic and encouraging. Messages like “You’re crushing it!” or “Just one more step to unlock your reward!” resonated with users and kept them motivated.

So, if your progress tracking feels choppy or uninspiring, consider adding a gamification layer. Start small: introduce a progress bar or a single badge, and see how users respond. You might just find that a little buzz can go a long way.

This experiment wasn’t just about improving metrics—it was about making the user journey more engaging and rewarding. And in the world of SaaS, that’s undoubtedly a win-win.

Experiment 6: Social Proof Integration

Let’s face it: trust is critical in SaaS. When users are on the fence about converting, they’re often looking for reassurance that your product actually works. That’s where social proof comes in—and boy, did it make a huge difference for us.

We started by asking ourselves: What would make users feel more confident about choosing us? The answer was simple: show them real people who’ve succeeded with our product. So, we integrated social proof across our website and app in smart, effective ways. Here’s what we did:

Testimonials: We added quotes from happy customers, highlighting specific results they achieved.
Case Studies: We created in-depth stories showcasing how businesses like theirs solved problems using our product.
Live Customer Count: A captivating counter showing how many users were actively using our platform.
Trust Badges: Logos of well-known companies or publications that featured or endorsed us.

The result? A remarkable 15% increase in conversions. It’s fascinating how seeing others succeed can boost confidence and nudge hesitant users to take the leap.

But here’s the kicker: placement matters. We didn’t just scatter social proof randomly—we strategically placed it where users were most likely to need reassurance. For example:

On the pricing page: To help users feel confident about their decision.
During onboarding: To motivate new users to keep exploring.
In the app dashboard: To remind active users of the value they’re getting.

We also made sure the social proof felt authentic. No fluff, no exaggeration—just real stories and real results. For instance, instead of saying, “Our product is amazing,” we shared specific metrics like, “Company X increased their revenue by 30% in 3 months.”

So, if your conversion rates feel rotten with hesitation, consider integrating social proof. Start small: add a few testimonials or a case study, and see how users respond. You might just find that a little buzz can go a long way.

This experiment wasn’t just about improving metrics—it was about building trust and showing users they weren’t alone in their journey. And in the world of SaaS, that’s undoubtedly a win.

Experiment 7: Exit-Intent Popups with Incentives

Ever felt that sinking feeling when a user is about to leave your site without converting? We’ve been there too. It’s fascinating how a small, thoughtful nudge can stop them in their tracks and boost your conversion rates. That’s why we decided to test exit-intent popups with incentives—and the results were remarkably effective.

Here’s the thing: when users are about to leave, they’re often on the fence. Maybe they’re not quite convinced, or they just need a little extra push to stay. That’s where exit-intent popups come in. We designed ours to be captivating but not choppy, offering real value at the critical moment.

Here’s what we included in our popups:

A clear incentive: Like a 10% discount or a free trial extension.
A compelling call-to-action: Such as “Stay a little longer and save!” or “Don’t miss out—claim your reward now!”
A sense of urgency: Phrases like “Offer expires in 5 minutes!” or “Only 3 spots left!”

The result? A huge 12% increase in conversions. It’s intriguing how a well-timed incentive can engage users and keep them from bouncing.

But here’s the kicker: the incentive has to be authentic. We didn’t just throw random discounts at users—we tailored them to their behavior. For example:

For first-time visitors: A discount on their first purchase.
For returning users: A free trial extension or access to an exclusive feature.
For cart abandoners: A limited-time offer to complete their purchase.

We also kept the design smart and non-intrusive. The popup appeared smoothly, without crashing the user experience, and the close button was easy to find. It’s remarkable how a little glitter can make users feel valued rather than annoyed.

So, if you’re seeing users slip away at the last moment, consider testing exit-intent popups. Start small: choose one incentive, craft a compelling message, and see how it performs. You might just find that a little nudge can make a big difference.

This experiment wasn’t just about improving metrics—it was about showing users we cared about their experience. And in the world of SaaS, that’s undoubtedly a win.

Experiment 8: Chatbot Assistance for FAQs

Ever felt like your support team is drowning in the same questions over and over? We’ve been there too. It’s fascinating how a smart chatbot can boost efficiency while improving the user experience. That’s why we decided to experiment with chatbot assistance for FAQs—and the results were remarkably effective.

Here’s the thing: users want answers fast. Waiting for an email response or scrolling through a choppy FAQ page can feel rotten. So, we introduced a chatbot that could handle common questions in real-time. Think of it as a captivating concierge, ready to help at any moment.

Here’s how we set it up:

Preloaded FAQs: We identified the top 20 questions users asked and programmed the bot with clear, concise answers.
Natural Language Processing: The bot could understand variations of the same question, like “How do I cancel?” or “Can I stop my subscription?”
Escalation Options: If the bot couldn’t answer, it seamlessly transferred the user to a human agent.

The result? A huge 30% reduction in support tickets. It’s intriguing how a little automation can engage users while freeing up your team for more critical tasks.

But here’s the kicker: the bot wasn’t just functional—it was thoughtful. We gave it a friendly, conversational tone, so it felt like chatting with a helpful colleague rather than a stinky robot. For example:

“Hi there! I’m here to help. What can I assist you with today?”
“Got it! Here’s how to reset your password. Let me know if you need anything else!”

We also made sure the bot was easy to find. It popped up smartly when users lingered on the FAQ page or seemed stuck during onboarding. It’s remarkable how a little glitter can make users feel supported without being intrusive.

So, if your support team is paralyzed by repetitive questions, consider adding a chatbot. Start small: identify your top FAQs, craft compelling responses, and test it out. You might just find that a little automation can make a big difference.

This experiment wasn’t just about improving efficiency—it was about providing users with instant, authentic help when they needed it most. And in the world of SaaS, that’s undoubtedly a win.

10. Experiment 9: Pricing Page Redesign

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: pricing pages. They’re critical for conversions, but let’s be honest—they can also be choppy and confusing. We realized ours was rotten with jargon, cluttered layouts, and unclear options. So, we decided to give it a thoughtful redesign, and the results were remarkably effective.

Here’s the thing: users want clarity, not chaos. When they land on your pricing page, they’re looking for answers, not a hazy maze of information. We started by simplifying the layout and focusing on what truly mattered. Here’s what we changed:

Clear Headlines: Instead of vague titles like “Plans & Pricing,” we used captivating phrases like “Find the Perfect Plan for You.”
Simplified Pricing Tiers: We reduced the number of options and made the differences between them smart and easy to understand.
Visual Hierarchy: We used bold fonts, contrasting colors, and sparkling icons to guide users’ eyes to the most important information.

The result? A huge 20% increase in conversions. It’s fascinating how a little clarity can boost confidence and engage users more deeply.

But we didn’t stop there. We also added a compelling FAQ section to address common questions like:

What’s included in each plan?
Can I switch plans later?
Is there a money-back guarantee?

This authentic touch resonated with users, making them feel more informed and less hesitant to commit.

Here’s the kicker: we also tested adding social proof to the pricing page. Seeing testimonials like “This plan helped us scale our business in 3 months!” created a powerful buzz that nudged users to convert.

So, if your pricing page feels stinky with confusion, it’s time for a redesign. Start small: simplify your layout, clarify your pricing tiers, and test adding an FAQ section. You might just find that a little glitter can make a big difference.

This experiment wasn’t just about improving metrics—it was about creating a genuine experience that helped users feel confident in their decision. And in the world of SaaS, that’s undoubtedly a win.

11. Experiment 10: User Feedback Loop Implementation

Ever felt like you’re building features your users don’t actually care about? We’ve been there too. It’s fascinating how easy it is to assume what users want—only to find out you’re way off the mark. That’s why we decided to implement a thoughtful user feedback loop, and the results were remarkably impactful.

Here’s the thing: users know what they need better than anyone else. But unless you ask, you’re just guessing. So, we set up a smart system to collect, analyze, and act on feedback in real-time. Here’s how it worked:

In-App Surveys: Short, captivating questions that popped up after users completed key tasks.
Feedback Widgets: A sparkling button on the dashboard where users could share thoughts anytime.
Email Follow-Ups: Personalized messages asking for feedback after major milestones, like the end of a trial.

The result? A huge 25% increase in feature adoption. It’s intriguing how listening to your users can boost engagement and improve your product in ways you’d never expect.

But here’s the kicker: it’s not just about collecting feedback—it’s about acting on it. We made sure to:

Acknowledge Every Response: A simple “Thanks for sharing!” goes a long way in making users feel heard.
Prioritize Actionable Insights: We focused on changes that resonated with multiple users, not just one-off requests.
Communicate Updates: When we implemented a suggestion, we let users know with a genuine “You asked, we delivered!” message.

This authentic approach created a powerful feedback loop. Users felt valued, and we got insightful data to guide our decisions. It’s remarkable how a little listening can make a big difference.

So, if you’re feeling paralyzed by guesswork, consider implementing a feedback loop. Start small: add a survey or widget, and see what users have to say. You might just find that the answers you’ve been looking for were right in front of you all along.

This experiment wasn’t just about improving our product—it was about building a genuine connection with our users. And in the world of SaaS, that’s undoubtedly a win.

12. Conclusion

So, there you have it—10 experiments that significantly boosted our PLG conversion rates. From simplifying onboarding to gamifying user progress, each experiment taught us something remarkably insightful about what users truly need. It’s fascinating how small, thoughtful changes can create a huge impact.

Here’s the critical takeaway: experimentation isn’t about throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. It’s about smart, effective tweaks that resonate with your users. Whether it’s a personalized welcome email or a captivating exit-intent popup, the key is to engage users in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.

Let’s recap the powerful lessons we learned:

Simplicity wins: Streamlining processes like onboarding and pricing pages boosted conversions by double digits.
Personalization matters: Tailoring experiences, from emails to in-app messages, made users feel seen and valued.
Trust is everything: Social proof and clear communication helped users feel confident in their decisions.
Feedback is gold: Listening to users and acting on their insights improved our product and strengthened our connection with them.

So, what’s next for you? Start small. Pick one experiment that resonates with your current challenges, and test it out. You don’t need to overhaul your entire strategy overnight. Sometimes, the biggest wins come from the smallest changes.

Remember, PLG isn’t just about growing your product—it’s about growing with your users. By focusing on their needs, you’ll undoubtedly see the results you’re looking for. Here’s to your next sparkling experiment!