paywall-upgrade-cro

# Paywall & Upgrade Screen CRO Production-grade framework for in-product upgrade flows. Covers feature gate design, usage limit UX, trial expiration sequences, upgrade trigger timing, dark pattern avoidance, and ethical monetization. Distinct from public pricing pages (use page-cro for those) -- this focuses on in-product moments where users have already experienced value. --- ## Table of Contents - [Initial Assessment](#initial-assessment) - [The Value-First Principle](#the-value-first-principle) - [Paywall Trigger Architecture](#paywall-trigger-architecture) - [Paywall Screen Design](#paywall-screen-design) - [Feature Gate Patterns](#feature-gate-patterns) - [Usage Limit UX](#usage-limit-ux) - [Trial Expiration Flows](#trial-expiration-flows) - [Timing and Frequency Rules](#timing-and-frequency-rules) - [Upgrade Flow Optimization](#upgrade-flow-optimization) - [Dark Pattern Avoidance](#dark-pattern-avoidance) - [Platform-Specific Considerations](#platform-specific-considerations) - [Metrics and Benchmarks](#metrics-and-benchmarks) - [A/B Test Framework](#ab-test-framework) - [Output Artifacts](#output-artifacts) - [Related Skills](#related-skills) --- ## Clarify First Before designing the paywall, confirm these inputs. If any is unknown or vague, ASK — do not assume: - [ ] **Upgrade model** — freemium-to-paid, trial-to-paid, or tier upgrade (determines the paywall type and trigger architecture) - [ ] **Free vs paid boundary** — what is gated (defines the value gap t...