Subscription model selection can be a daunting task for a product owner. Subscription models usually need to encompass the right pricing strategy to cover the costs on a large level at the same time consider margins.
Each SaaS platform is unique in its offering, some platforms offer value after significant usage, while others may generate value from the start of the usage.
This article is targeted to explore the important things to keep in mind for owners when creating a subscription model for the SaaS platform.
Choose the Right Subscription Model That Works for You
Freemium: In this model, we offer some limited functionality that helps us attract users and it eventually showcases the value of your platform. The aim of freemium is to create perception about our service in the mind of the consumer.
As people don’t like change, there are very less chances of switching to another platform when they want to go for a premium tier. Successful execution of this subscription model helps for cost cutting over marketing of your product.
Flat rate: Flat rate is the subscription model in which customers will pay a single and fixed price in return for using all the features and functionalities of your platform. This price should typically be charged on a monthly or annual basis.
Tiered Pricing: It is a subscription model in which multiple plan options are given to the customers which are different from each other by feature and price point. Every plan caters to specific user needs and budgets. It allows you to segment your market and maximize the revenue potential.
Licensing: This strategy is known as user-based pricing. It is a pricing model in which the cost of a product or service is determined by the number of users who visit or use it. Here, Customers are charged a fee based on a user account or seat.
Pay-as-you-go: In this model, customers are charged based on their usage or amount of consumption of a product or service. Here, they won’t need to pay any upfront fees but to pay for what they have consumed.
Do Right Pricing to Monetize Your Business Model
Pricing and packaging are critical components of any subscription-based SaaS platform. The way you structure your pricing plans and package and your offerings can have a significant impact on your revenue generation and customer satisfaction.
When a new company provides trial periods or free plans, it allows customers to experience the true value of its SaaS platform. Know how to provide clear upgrade and downgrade paths that will allow users to easily adjust their subscription plans as their needs are increased or decreased.
Explore different strategies to optimise pricing and packaging to maximise both revenue and the perceived value of your SaaS platform.
Use Best Payment Solution for Effective Billing Cycle
Choose a payment gateway that supports a wide range of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets and bank transfers. Ensure its compatibility with popular payment processors to cater the diverse customer preferences.
The payment solution and billing should support recurring billing and subscription management functionalities. In short, it should streamline the billing cycle and upgrade/ downgrade the process of subscriptions.
The billing solution should integrate with your SaaS platform seamlessly. It should have capabilities to be connected easily with CRM, accounting software and analytical tools with real-time data synchronization.
Enhance Customer Experience, it's Your Trump Card
Make your customer support fast and responsive as it will resolve their issues. Try to establish multiple channels to connect with you like phone, email, or live chat support.
You should focus on creating a first impression and making the onboarding process seamless and intuitive. While onboard you should highlight the features which directly address their pain points.
There will be different types of customers, some will have paid subscriptions, and some will have basic subscriptions. So, it is your responsibility to prioritise them based on the subscription tier. This caters to specific needs, and it ensures users get the most out of the platform.
Ensure the Legal Compliances with Fair Usage Policies
Data is the new oil means data is the new fuel of the global economy so data privacy and security are as important as growth of your business. Ensure compliance with laws of states related to data privacy regulations.
Draft a well explained Terms of Service (ToS) and End User Licence Agreements (EULA) that outline the rights and responsibilities of both the SaaS platform provider and the end-users. Make contractual agreements with customers, suppliers and partners.
Define your Fair Usage policy and define what is ‘fair’ usage of your service. This policy can include specific limits on usage or threshold beyond which users are subject to restrictions or additional charges.
Case Study with Example of Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe Creative Cloud is a subscription-based service, and it provides access to Adobe’s suite of creative software applications. It also includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro and many more.
Instead of purchasing individual software licences upfront, the users subscribe to Creative Cloud on a monthly or annual basis. This gives access to the latest versions of Adobe’s software and services.
Adobe offers multiple subscription tiers which are tailored according to different user needs and budget. These tiers include options for individuals, businesses, students and educators and offer varying levels of features, storage and customer support.
Source: Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe provides its best customer support and has an impressive user community. It is designed to work seamlessly across desktop, mobile and web platforms. This ensures the cross platform capability of its product.
Conclusion
“Even if we do not talk about 5G (specifically), the security talent in general in the country is very sparse at the moment. We need to get more (security) professionals in the system”
