Understand Your Buyer > How To Convert > Next Level Trial
What is it?
A Next Level Trial is when a company gives you temporary access to a higher-tier plan or upgraded version of what you’ve already paid for – without asking for more money upfront. It’s not a free trial for new users, it’s an upgrade preview for existing customers. For example, Spotify might give someone on the Individual plan a free month of the Duo or Family plan, so they can see what they’re missing.
Why does it work?
It works because people rarely miss what they’ve never had – but once they’ve experienced extra value, it’s hard to go back. By letting someone try the better version without friction, you increase the chances they’ll want to keep it. It removes guesswork and builds desire through experience, not just marketing claims. It’s a low-pressure way to upsell that feels generous, not pushy.
How can you use it?
You can use a Next Level Trial by identifying the next tier of your offer – more features, faster support, access to a community, extra content – and letting your existing users try it free for a set period. Time it strategically: maybe after 30 days on the base plan, offer them a free taste of what’s above. Make it clear what’s included, when it ends, and how easy it is to upgrade. The goal isn’t to trick anyone – it’s to let the product do the selling by showing, not telling.
Example
When you sign up and pay for the Individual plan, Spotify might give you a free 1-month trial of the Duo or Family plan (the next tier up). You get to try out the ability to share your plan with others and access extra features like individual playlists and recommendations for multiple users. After the trial ends, you either upgrade or go back to your original plan..
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