Time-Sensitive Incentives

Your 15 minutes of deadline can send many users away forever as well because they would think the proposed things are not available because they did not pay. Actually, the value added services must be in paid modules and you need to establish it is worth of every dime someone pays. The models of supplies/features/Keeping it free for ever/and Earning through the sponsor ideas may work.

I agree that I may lose some users forever. But surely there is a point at which it would become profitable. Maybe 15 minutes is too short?

Obviously the goal is to convert users who are slightly interested in the upgraded features but not enough to chance it on a pricey membership. I’m confident in what the site offers, and if I can get them in for $1 I think I can keep them.

The real answer is probably to test it. But I’d like to have a strong hypothesis before starting a test.

It all depends… Limited Time offers & special deals always work with consumers. Think of yourself for a moment… don’t you ever feel that “high” from getting a special deal?

All I suggest is keeping all info, details and communication up front so your visitors/players know what’s in store, and to do everything possible to retain your base. Funny business is never long term.