It’s not the “cool” way to do things, but I don’t care.
The truth is, if you have a free trial sign up form, and someone completes it, they should be taken to a different url.
Why?
Three reasons:
#1: It’s easier to track.
Yes, you can use tags and trigger tracking code even without going to a different url, but like all technology, it can get screwed up.
Sometimes simple is just better.
#2: You can have a proper thank you message.
Taking the prospect to a new page is an opportunity to re-sell him on the decision he just made.
You can remind him – with text or with video – what he’s signed up for, whether it’s time-restricted, what benefits he’ll experience from engaging, and what action to take first.
And that primes him to use the trial the way you want him to.
#3: There’s no downside.
It’s not harder to code a form that goes to a new page. So you get the benefits of simpler tracking, better user experience, better engagement… at no cost.
All the best,
Steve Gibson
PS There are a ton of usability tips like these in my book, The PPC Multiplier Method.
Things like…
* 6 Conversion-boosting design rules most web designers don’t know.
* What colour should your sign up button be?
* Why most web designers will inevitably choose a font that REDUCES sales.
* Got great testimonials? A simple (legal and ethical) change you can make to them that’ll increase their persuasiveness.
You can check out the book here: