How do I write trial emails that convert?

Open with the user's goal, explain how the product helps them reach it, then guide them toward one simple action. Keep the message clear, useful and outcome-focused rather than reading as a sales pitch.

Trial Expiring Email Service to Boost User Conversions

Q: How many emails should I send during a free trial?

Most businesses send between five and eight emails across a free trial. Welcome new users, guide them through the product, highlight the key features and send upgrade reminders near the end. Going beyond that risks overwhelming the inbox.

Q: When should trial emails be sent?

The schedule depends on trial length. For a 14-day trial, send on days 0, 1, 3, 7, 11 and 13. That keeps users engaged throughout and delivers timely upgrade reminders before the trial ends.

Q: What mistakes should I avoid in trial emails?

The common errors are sending too many emails, focusing only on features rather than outcomes, using generic messaging, burying the call to action and ignoring mobile design. Every email needs a clear purpose and a single next step.

Q: Can I use the same trial email template for every customer?

You can start with one base template, but segmentation performs better. Personalise by industry, job role or user behaviour so the content stays relevant, and give active and inactive users different treatments.

Interactive Preview

Give Your Touch to Trial Templates

Not satisfied with templates? We offer the freedom to customise them according to your choice and add your brand touch to your trial expiry email templates.

app.truesend.com/templates

Design

Mobile

Code

YourBrand

Your Trial Ends in 3 Days

Don't lose access to your work

Days

Hours

Mins

Hi Sarah,

Your 14-day free trial of YourBrand Pro ends on 13 May 2025. You've been building something great don't let it stop here.

Trial started: 29 Apr 3 days remaining

Day 1 Day 7 Day 14

After your trial ends, you'll lose access to:

All automation workflows you've built

Your subscriber list & campaign history

Advanced analytics & reporting

Priority support & dedicated IP

Pro Plan

₹ 1,999

per month · billed monthly

Unlimited email sends

Advanced automation workflows

Real-time analytics & A/B testing

Dedicated IP & priority support

Upgrade to Pro Keep Everything Need more time? Request a 7-day extension

Questions about pricing or plans? Reply to this email or chat with our team at support@yourbrand.com

Don't lose your progress,
The YourBrand Team

YourBrand

Trial Ends in 3 Days

Don't lose access to your work

Hi Sarah, your 14-day trial ends on 13 May 2025. Upgrade now to keep all your work.

Days

Hours

Mins

Upgrade to Pro Keep Everything →

₹1,999/month · Cancel anytime

Need more time? Request 7-day extension

HTML

<!-- Trial Expiring Email Template -->
<table width="600" cellpadding="0">
  <tr><td style="background:#d97706;
     padding:32px;text-align:center">
    <h1 style="color:#fff;font-size:22px">
      Trial Ends in {{days_left}} Days
    </h1>
    <!-- Countdown display -->
    <table><tr>
      <td style="text-align:center;
         padding:0 10px">
        <div style="font-size:32px;
           font-weight:900;color:#fff">
          {{days_left}}
        </div>
        <div style="font-size:11px;
           color:rgba(255,255,255,.8)">DAYS</div>
      </td>
    </tr></table>
  </td></tr>
  <tr><td style="padding:28px 32px">
    <p>Hi {{first_name}},</p>
    <p>Trial ends: {{trial_end_date}}</p>
    <!-- Upgrade CTA -->
    <a href="{{upgrade_url}}"
       style="display:block;
       background:#d97706;color:#fff;
       padding:16px;border-radius:10px;
       text-align:center;font-weight:800;
       font-size:15px;text-decoration:none;
       margin:20px 0">
      Upgrade to {{plan_name}}
    </a></td></tr>
</table>

Built to Convert

Winning Features of Trial Expiry Templates

Our trial-expiring email templates include all the proven elements that encourage users to upgrade before their free trial ends.

Visual Countdown Timer

3×

A countdown timer shows exactly how much time is left in the trial. Other than creating urgency, it encourages users to take the desired action before access expires.

Day + Hours + Minutes (exact remaining trial time)
Real-time urgency for faster action
Show a clear expiry view, no confusion
Higher conversions (pushes quick upgrade decisions)

Loss Aversion Box

Here, you will highlight what users will lose if they do not upgrade. The users may not get the benefit of saved data, exclusive features, or ongoing campaigns.

Instant Trigger

Behaviour-based triggers send the email at the right moment, like 7 days, 3 days, or 1 day before the expiry via TrueSend automation.

Plan Highlight Card

In templates, we present a pricing card that clearly recommends a plan and its benefits. This helps users to make a brief comparison of various options available quickly, and they can pick the best one.

Fully Customised

Customized to your brand, messaging, and customer journey. Make your email more relevant and consistent to your audience.

Use Cases

When to Send Out Trial Expiry Emails

We learn the clever timing for trial expiry emails. It is important to guide the user through a step-wise decision-making process.

7 Days Before Expiry Awareness

Start warning users early that their trial is about to end. Other than checking out primary features, they stay engaged without the pressure of a ticking clock.

Day -7

3 Days Left To Expire – Urgency & Loss Reminder

If your users do not upgrade, let them know what they will miss. Create a sense of urgency in them to act at the right time.

Day -3

1 Day Before Expiry – Final Warning

Time to send the user a clear last reminder with strong urgency. Focus on the limited time remaining and encourage immediate action to upgrade.

Day -1

Day 0 – Trial Ended (Separate Email Template)

Notify users that the trial has ended and access is restricted. Also, guide them toward reactivation or upgrading to regain full access.

Day 0

Why Built-in Templates Contribute to Higher Conversions?

Built-in trial expiry email templates eliminate uncertainty. What they offer you is reliable, high-performing structures that drive conversions. Now, send the right message at the right time, faster and more consistently with us. Don't lose users at the final step of their trial.

Use This Template →

In-Depth Guide

What to Avoid in Trial Expiry Email Templates?

You cannot send the same trial expiry email templates to everyone; segmentation based on users' behaviours and experience is so important that you cannot skip it. Do NOT use generic templates, repeated messages, and overloaded emails. They will not work in your favour.

Adding plenty of features, technical terms, or irrelevant information to your trial expiry email will leave readers confused and conversions reduced. Avoid adding urgency components, such as countdown timers, expiry reminders, etc.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about trial expiring email templates

How Many Emails Should I Send During a Free Trial?

Most businesses send not more than 5 to 8 trial emails during a free trial. Avoid overwhelming their inbox. Welcome new users, guide them through the product, highlight its key features, and send upgrade reminders to them.

When Should Trial Emails Be Sent?

Although the schedule depends on your trial length. If your trial is of 14 days, you should send emails on Day 0, 1, 3, 7, 11, and 13. This timeline engages your users throughout the trial. Moreover, it sends them prompt reminders to purchase before the trial is over.

What Mistakes Should I Avoid in Trial Emails?

These are the common errors most businesses make. Sending too many emails, only focusing on features, using generic messaging, hiding the call-to-action, and ignoring mobile design. But every email should have a purpose for being there and a next step.

Can I Use the Same Trial Email Template for Every Customer?

In the beginning, you can use a basic template, but segmentation always works better. Personalise your email by industry, job role, or user behaviour. This will make the content more relevant and will increase the conversion rate. Active and inactive users should receive a different design.

How to write trial emails that convert?

Start your email by discussing your user's goal, explain how your product helps, and then guide them toward one simple action. Emphasise that the message you convey is clear, useful, and outcome-focused. Avoid sounding like a sales pitch!

Turn Users into Customers Before the Trial Ends