An Advice from a user to the builders

I probably should thank every builder here first of all. I don't think thinking up and building things is an easy job.

Yet, you guys do it so effortlessly (I know there's effort in there).

I use a lot of tools from builders here and from the internet at large.

Personally, I'm not a coder. But as a user, there are a few things that I often find annoying (not to be disrespectful) which I think I, as a user, may not be alone.

I think your users also dislike them as much as I do.

So, maybe you can take a quick look at this and maybe you'll find something meaningful and something to change about your new project.

1. Sign ups
   This is like the default behavior of every developer today.

Every little tool. Every little feature is locked behind a sign up page.

Even free trials.

Honestly, it makes little sense to me why people lock free products and trials behind sign up forms.

Most times, after signing up, people just try out your products and leave.

So, why not make it easier for them to access the free trial and if they want they can create an account and upgrade?

I understand, you probably need the emails but most emails just don't do anything.

Maybe before adding a sign up wall, try think if you really really need one at all. If it's free, keep it open. You really don't need those email addresses.

2. Autoplay homepage videos

Yeah, you want to tell everyone about your product as fast as you can.

But having your video on autoplay is a huge turnoff. Doesn't matter if it's muted.

We still read your headlines. It's only when the headline is interesting that we will scroll down, past the video and read about your features.

Your video is probably the last thing most users will watch on your homepage.

Instead use one of those videos (animation) with cursors that shows how your tool works.

We love those.

Only use them in your feature section.

3. Stop sending the mails.

Yeah, I signed up to try your product only because you wouldn't let me try it without submitting my email address.

I feel pressured to give my email and now you wanna send me emails like we are friends?

Oh please.

4. Let your "free" really have something

Yeah, if you are offering free options, let it have something in it.

And please, don't say free and then ask people to submit credit cards details.

I know the big guys do it. They are big. They can take a few hits. Not sure you can afford it.

But in all, use fewer sign ups. The end goal is to make money, not end up with a long list of users which will log in just once and probably never upgrade.

Only use sign ups if it's really necessary.

Don't send those emails after forcing a user to sign up like it was optional for them to subscribe and they did. It's annoying.

Make your free option meaty. And if you can't afford free, then don't.

Its always better to tell users if your tool is paid upfront than giving them bone as free.

Thanks.