I changed my App Store pricing after getting zero downloads

I launched a small Apple productivity app as a $4.99 paid download.

For the first few weeks, it got zero downloads. I then made it free to download, and it reached more than 700 installs in three days.

That experience changed how I think about paid-upfront apps. I’m now trying a 7-day free trial followed by a one-time $4.99 purchase instead of a subscription.

For makers building small paid apps: have you found a free trial more effective than paid upfront, especially without an existing audience?