Bringing Back Free Trial Users: 5 Effective Retargeting Strategies for SaaS

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Bringing Back Free Trial Users: 5 Effective Retargeting Strategies for Saas

Bringing Back Free Trial Users: 5 Effective Retargeting Strategies for SaaS

November 1, 2023
» by
Himanshu Sharma

Retaining users who have signed up for a free trial of your Software as a Service (SaaS) product is a critical aspect of growing your business. Many users may abandon the trial before fully experiencing the value of your software. However, with the right retargeting strategies, you can bring these users back and convert them into paying customers. In this blog, we’ll explore some effective retargeting strategies for SaaS companies to re-engage abandoned free trial users.

1. Personalized Email Campaigns

Email is a powerful tool for re-engaging abandoned free trial users. Craft personalized email campaigns that remind users of the value they can gain from your SaaS product. Highlight key features and benefits and provide them with tips on how to make the most of their trial. Use data from their initial interactions with your software to create customized messages that resonate with their needs and interests.

Segment your email list based on user behavior and preferences. Send targeted emails with specific recommendations or offers that align with their interests. For example, if a user abandoned your free trial after using a specific feature, send them an email showcasing success stories related to that feature.

2. In-App Notifications

In-app notifications are a great way to engage with users while they are actively using your SaaS product. Create messages that appear within your software to remind users of the value of your product. These notifications can include:

  • Reminders to complete specific tasks or explore certain features.
  • Offers or discounts for upgrading to a paid plan.
  • Tips and best practices to maximize the benefits of the trial.

Keep these notifications unobtrusive and relevant to the user’s current session, and make sure they provide real value.

3. Retargeting Ads

Retargeting ads are a powerful way to re-engage with users who have abandoned their free trials. Use ad platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads to create custom audiences based on user behavior on your website or within your SaaS application. Show these users targeted ads that highlight the value of your product and offer incentives for returning to their trial.

For instance, you can use dynamic retargeting ads to display the specific features or benefits that the user explored during their initial trial. Additionally, consider offering a time-limited discount or a special promotion to incentivize them to come back.

4. Web Push Notifications

Web push notifications are another effective way to re-engage with abandoned free trial users. These notifications can be delivered directly to a user’s browser, even if they are not actively on your website or in your SaaS application. Craft compelling push notifications that remind users of the value of your product and encourage them to return to their trial.

It’s important to strike the right balance with web push notifications – avoid being overly intrusive or sending too many messages, as this could lead to users unsubscribing. Instead, use push notifications strategically to share important updates, new features, and special offers.

5. Personalized Onboarding

If a user abandoned their free trial during the onboarding process, consider offering a personalized onboarding experience when they return. Provide guidance and support to help them overcome any obstacles they encountered during their initial trial. Personalized onboarding can include one-on-one demos, live chat support, or email guidance tailored to their needs.

By addressing their specific challenges, you can increase the chances of these users fully experiencing the value of your SaaS product.


Retargeting abandoned free trial users is a crucial aspect of a successful SaaS business. By using personalized email campaigns, in-app notifications, retargeting ads, web push notifications, and personalized onboarding, you can effectively bring back users who may have initially abandoned their trials. Remember to continuously test and optimize your strategies to fine-tune your approach and improve your chances of converting these users into paying customers. With the right retargeting efforts, you can recover lost opportunities and drive the growth of your SaaS business.