Creating a free trial email is one of the most effective ways to showcase the value of your offer and encourage trial users to purchase an ongoing product or service subscription.
But how do you get potential customers to take that first step?
Through compelling free trial emails, you can encourage people to upgrade to a full plan and boost your conversion rates. In this guide, we’ll share seven great free trial email examples and templates that you can use to engage your audience effectively.
Try Omnisend’s intuitive free email templates to captivate your audience and boost conversions
A free trial email is a marketing email sent to prospects, inviting them to try a product or service for a limited time at no cost. By emphasizing the benefits of a free trial, these emails are designed to attract attention, drive interest, and motivate action.
You can use these types of emails to build trust and eliminate any barriers to entry for potential customers. Typically, you’ll find that free trial emails have several common use cases, including:
Announcing the availability of a free trial
Nudging users who signed up but haven’t activated their trials
Engaging users mid-trial to highlight key features
Encouraging trial users to upgrade once the free period ends
Free trial emails are especially effective for SaaS companies, subscription services, and ecommerce brands that want to convert leads into long-term customers. While a free trial email is an effective tool by itself, you’ll make a strong first impression by creating highly personalized messaging that nurtures leads into loyal customers.
When you offer an enticing, risk-free introduction to your product or service, you give potential customers the opportunity to experience the value before committing financially, which is extremely effective for building trust and motivating a purchase.
7 great free trial email examples
When creating these emails, it can help to have a solid free trial email template to follow. Below, we’ve covered seven excellent free trial email examples that you can use as inspiration and apply to your brand’s strategy.
To add to your email marketing even more, be sure to check out Omnisend’s free newsletter templates to create engaging content that complements your free trial campaigns.
Apple’s free trial email is a lesson in simplicity and brand consistency. The design is clean, with a single call to action (CTA) button that stands out from everything else. The email also highlights the trial’s benefits without overwhelming the reader with too much information.
This minimalist approach keeps the focus on the user experience to ensure maximum impact. Plus, the strategic use of bold headlines, visuals, and plenty of white space work cohesively to keep the reader’s attention directed toward the CTA, making it easy to take action. Apple’s example shows that less is more when it comes to engaging customers through email.
2. Lululemon
Image via Really Good Emails
Subject line: Try the Lululemon Studio Mirror for 30 days risk-free!
This email example from Lululemon combines aspirational imagery with clear value propositions. The high-quality visuals immediately draw the reader’s attention, showcasing the brand’s products in a way that aligns with its premium image.
The emphasis on “risk-free” and the coupon code help to alleviate any concerns potential customers may have, while a prominent CTA invites users to start their trial. The email further encourages readers to take the plunge by focusing on customer empowerment and benefits like improved fitness at home.
The friendly tone and customer-focused language only add to the value of the trial message by creating a sense of trust and excitement.
3. Squarespace
Image via Really Good Emails
Subject line: It’s time…
Squarespace keeps its trial email concise yet effective, with a headline that piques curiosity. The clean design reflects the brand’s aesthetic, while the content focuses on ease of use and benefits.
It also emphasizes how quick and simple it is to get started, which eliminates barriers and potential hesitation from trial users. The CTA is actionable and encourages immediate signups.
Plus, the email offers a 10% discount, further engaging trial users and encouraging them to sign up for a paid plan. This approach aligns with the brand’s identity as an affordable solution for creators and entrepreneurs.
4. Strava
Image via Really Good Emails
Subject line: Right Now: Use Routes and Segments for free
Strava’s free trial email focuses on exclusivity and timeliness. The brand frames the offer as “right now,” so the email creates a sense of urgency. Its focus on access to all features, like its Routes and Segments leaderboards, engages fitness enthusiasts looking to enhance their experience.
The layout highlights the key benefits without unnecessary clutter, making it easy for users to understand the value of the trial. The direct CTA motivates users to take advantage of the free features immediately, effectively increasing engagement and boosting the chances of conversion.
5. Netflix
Image via Really Good Email
Subject line: Your free Netflix trial is ending – let’s stay together
Netflix’s trial email is probably one of the most simplistic, with a simple reminder that the user’s trial is ending soon and to take action. It also uses a conversational tone that feels personal and engaging.
The subject line imparts continuity, while the body reinforces the value that users can get by staying connected. Netflix also highlights the new releases each week, reminding customers of the benefits they can keep enjoying after upgrading from their trial.
While there’s no frill in any of the CTAs, this email’s effectiveness is in its ability to appeal to both logic and emotion, simply reminding users to maintain access to their favorite shows and movies without interruption.
6. Epidemic Sound
Image via Really Good Emails
Subject line: Smiles Davis, Start Your 30-day Free Trial
Personalization is the highlight of this Epidemic Sound email. Addressing the recipient by name and emphasizing a specific trial period makes the message feel as if it speaks directly to them.
The clean and modern design aligns with the brand’s creative audience, while the direct tone communicates value effectively. By highlighting unique features like access to the platform’s library of 30,000 tracks and 60,000 sound effects, the email captures the attention of content creators and musicians alike.
The use of two CTA buttons encourages immediate action at the beginning and end of the email body, ensuring the user doesn’t miss the opportunity to explore the service.
7. Peloton
Image via Really Good Emails
Subject line: Introducing 30-Day Home Trial. Free Pickup. Full Refund.
Peloton’s email removes barriers by emphasizing convenience and a risk-free experience with a full refund. The subject line clearly speaks to the value offered, and the email highlights key benefits like “free pickup” and “full refund,” addressing common objections potential customers may have upfront.
Peloton builds trust and confidence by showcasing how the trial can fit seamlessly into the customer’s routine. The email also features financial incentives and an image of the product fitting into a home space, helping potential customers visualize themselves using it.
This transparent approach is effective for engaging customers and making it easier for them to take the leap and start the trial.
Ready-to-use free trial email templates
Need help creating your own free trial emails? Here are five customizable free trial email templates to get you started. Also, be sure to explore Omnisend’s AI email generator to make the process even easier.
Welcome email for new free trial users
When to use: Send this email immediately after someone signs up for a free trial for your product or service. Use this welcome email as a chance to set the tone and provide essential information about the product or service and your brand. A great welcome email also sets expectations and guides users on what to do next to maximize their trial experience.
Subject line: Welcome to (Product/Service) — your free trial starts now!
Body: Hi (First Name),
Welcome aboard! We’re thrilled you’re here. Your free trial of (Product Name) has officially begun. Explore all the features and benefits we have to offer.
Need help? Our support team is here 24/7. To get started, check out these resources (Link to Resources/Help Center) to make the most of your trial.
(CTA: Start Exploring Now)
Mid-trial engagement email
When to use: Send midway through the trial period to encourage continued usage and highlight standout features. This email should help users unlock the full potential of your product by nudging them toward exploring advanced features or completing important setup steps.
Subject line: Discover more with (Product/Service)!
Body: Hi (First Name),
How’s your experience with (Product/Service) so far? Did you know you can (Highlight Feature/Benefit)?
Make the most of your trial by trying it today. Check out our (Tutorials/Resources) to get tips on using (Specific Feature).
(CTA: Explore Features Now)
Trial expiration reminder email
When to use: Send this email a few days before the free trial ends to encourage users to upgrade to a paid plan. It’s also an opportunity to address any potential hesitations users may have and reinforce the value of your product.
Subject line: Your free trial ends soon!
Body: Hi (First Name),
We hope you’ve enjoyed using (Product/Service) so far! Just a friendly reminder that your free trial ends in (X Days). Don’t miss out on uninterrupted access — choose a plan that’s right for you!
Plus, as a thank you, we’re offering (Special Discount/Incentive/Coupon Code) if you upgrade today.
(CTA: Upgrade Now)
Post-trial follow-up email
When to use: Send this email after the free trial ends to re-engage users who didn’t convert. It’s also a chance to remind them of what they’re missing out on from your brand and offer incentives to come back, such as exclusive deals and discounts.
Subject line: Come back to (Product/Service) — special offer inside!
Body: Hi (First Name),
We noticed your trial ended. We’d love to have you back! Sign up today and enjoy (Exclusive Benefit/Discount).
But act fast — this offer is only available for a limited time. See how (Specific feature/Benefit) can transform your experience.
(CTA: Reactivate Now)
Free trial success stories email
When to use: Send during or after the trial to inspire users with real-life success stories. Showcase how others have benefited from your product to build trust and excitement.
Subject line: See how (Product/Service) transformed lives
Body: Hi (First Name),
Want to see what’s possible with (Product/Service)? Meet (Customer Name), who (Brief Story).
Your success story could be next! Don’t miss the opportunity to (Specific Benefit/Outcome).
(CTA: Start Your Journey Now!)
25 free trial email subject lines you can steal
Looking for even more inspiration for your free trial email campaign? Here are 25 subject lines for free trial emails to spark your creativity. And don’t forget to check out Omnisend’s subject line generator to create more winning ideas.
? START YOUR FREE TRIAL TODAY!
You’re one click away… ⏳
FREE TRIAL — No strings attached! ?️
? Your free trial is waiting!
Try it now, love it later… FREE! ?
? Unlock your free trial today!
Free trial? You got it! ?
YOU WON’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE! ?
? Start your trial — no cost, no risk!
Your free trial is one step away… ?
? Try it FREE for 30 days!
No cost, no commitment, just value! ?
Why wait? Start your free trial now! ?
? Free trial, full access — don’t miss out!
? Try it out — on us!
You’re missing out — free trial ends soon! ⏰
A world of possibilities — for FREE! ?
FREE TRIAL = YOUR NEW FAVORITE THING! ?
Get started now — your free trial awaits! ?
? Test it out — no cost to you!
You’ll love this free trial… GUARANTEED! ?
? LIMITED OFFER: Free trial today!
Your chance to try it first — for free! ✨
?️ Discover the magic with a free trial!
FREE TRIAL, FULL ACCESS — LET’S GO! ?
Wrap up
Emails for free trials are a staple of modern marketing strategies that give businesses a way to showcase the value of their products or services while removing barriers for potential customers. With some inspiration from the examples provided and using the customizable free trial email templates, you’re equipped to create effective emails that resonate with your audience.
Remember to take advantage of tools like Omnisend’s AI email generator and subject line generator to refine your campaigns even more. Then, take the next step in your email marketing strategy and create free trial emails that not only engage but also convert.
Try Omnisend’s free email templates to create engaging messages that drive results
Milda is a Senior Content Marketing Manager at Omnisend, with extensive experience in communication, helping brands establish a unique and authentic online presence.
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