Credit vs subscription pricing for an AI lead gen SaaS?

I launched an AI tool that helps web developers and agencies find and win projects by combining prospecting, audits, and outreach. Early users like it, but I’m stuck on pricing and positioning before I invest in a rebrand and push toward SEO agencies.

Current model is credit-based. First search is free, users get 100 credits on signup, and then buy more as needed. This seems to work well for solo devs and freelancers who don’t like subscriptions, but I’m worried it may confuse agencies that expect predictable monthly pricing.

For context, the product currently does AI prospecting (finds businesses with “fixable” websites), automated audits, outreach generation (emails, scripts, follow-ups), reporting (PDFs, CSVs, email delivery), and basic lead tracking.

I’m trying to figure out how to package this going forward. Should I keep credits for everyone, split it with credits for freelancers and subscriptions for agencies, or go fully into SaaS plans?

If you’ve priced something similar or sell into agencies/SEO, how would you approach this? Would your answer change if I reposition more toward SEO with a new brand?

Author: BoldElara92