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What is your conversion from waitlist to signup (SaaS)?

3 points by PaulMit ↗ HN
Hey,

We decided to gather a waitlist of people who were potentially interested in the future product and created a landing page with an opportunity to get early notification to sign up.

In 12 months we managed to collect 1130 emails.

The conversion to the response of the first 300 invites was low: approx 10%-20%.

Conversion is almost the same if we select fresh (added 24 hours ago) or old emails (added 6 months ago). We tried different hypotheses:

— We sent invites in batches of 40/50 messages.

— Mixing those who just got added to the waitlist (2 days ago) with those who did it 6 months ago.

— Tried different meanings, text, and subjects.

— Sent direct messages for personal contact.

— Sent credentials right away, directly from the platform.

— Tried different email services (Gmail and our domain).

— Wrote on behalf of the founder or the team.

— We have sent follow-ups.

Can you please share your tips/hacks on engaging cold email base?

Thanks

8 comments

[ 5.4 ms ] story [ 30.4 ms ] thread
PaulHoule
My belief about it is that a waitlist kills your business.

That is, while they are ‘waiting’ most of them have lost interest, sometimes because they just don’t need your service anymore. Every email you sent cements the notions that: (1) you are just another spammer that doesn’t respect their attention and (2) you can’t execute.

PaulMit
well, a lot of beautiful products and businesses use a waitlist mechanics.

Very simple way to get notification. You can follow socials, or if you don't want to read any news on your feed, you can leave your email.

People are added for waitlist on their own free will. No one is forcing them to do it :)

Don't see any big problems for users here. Especially the conclusions that you can't execute. What does this have to do with anything?

verdverm
How often do you sign up for a wait-list and follow through?

Are you more likely to pick a solution that is ready now, that can solve your problem today?

PaulMit
Personally, I subscribe to a waitlist of tools that can increase the efficiency of my work. And also tools to increase personal productivity (Notion like tools). I won't say there are VERY many of them, but if I come across a site with a good description, why not get notified when the product is ready.

For example, that was the case with Pitch.

PaulMit
I always give a chance to new applications, services or products that have the potential to be more effective substitutes for current problem solvers.

And besides, early users always get the benefits. For example, free use for a few years, or special subscription plan.

Not too bad for trying the product as one of the first.

verdverm
You might consider that you have an early adopter mindset, which is a small percentage of all people. I'd not worry about your initial wait-list conversation rates and reasons, and just keep moving forward.
PaulMit
Good point, thanks. It makes sense from this perspective.