tronathan

The prevailing idea about converting customers on freemium websites is to require a credit card signup right off the bat, at signup time, to validate that users are indeed willing to pay for your product, and to increase conversions.

This method was used by Basecamp for a long time, requiring credit card on signup, but in the new version of Basecamp, a credit card is no longer required.

In StartupsForTheRestOfUs Podcast, the author/developer/owner-preneur of HitTail.com said he's asking for CC's right away and in the episode I listed to, he said that he hadn't reached the 30-day post signup time to see if those people converted, but he seems to be a fan of requiring CC on signup.

I'm building out the payment screens for my app and I'm left wondering, will I get better conversions by requiring a CC right away or is the NEW best method to NOT require a credit card right away?

Your feedback is appreciated.

I'm launching a new startup and I want to use good outbound email marketing in the form of a "drip campaign", where users are sent emails at 1 day, 7 days, 15 days, 30 days, 60 days after signup, and recieve different emails if they've signed up for the product or not.

I've worked with InfusionSoft but its $199/mo at the cheapest, and seen some alternatives like AllClients and Nanacast. They all have a very "1.0" feel about them and I'm wondering if there isnt a tool that is the preferred / state of the art for this type of thing/

For those that run web-based lifestyle startups, What do you use for email drip campaigns? (InfusionSoft, AllClients, Nanacast, etc?)

Here's my new Window Management app for OS X (think SizeUp, MercuryMover, Shift-It, etc). Mine uses a "recursive" style of interface that always starts a window Full Screen and then cuts in it half (or thirds) with each keypress. Works with dual monitor rigs and is fun to use.

Please kick the tires:

http://allsystemsgrow.com/slicer/Slicer.zip

Demo video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_u7nvEWjZuk#!

Let me know what you think!

As a freelancer, its important that I accurately track and bill my time. I think a lot of us end up guessing about time on projects and tend to under-bill.

What do you use for time tracking?

(I am writing an app that 'solves' time tracking in a new way and am trying to determine which services I should target for integration. Currently supporting Harvest, what else is important?)

Please post the name of your time tracking weapon of choice so we can see whats popular.