How to not suck! Lessons Learned from running a Web Startup.

HOW TO NOT SUCK! (Lessons Learned from running a Web Startup) Source: http://bit.ly/lZQCeq

That’s meWolf Becvarwolf@hotgloo.com@wdbecvarwww.wolfbecvar.com The Future of Wireframing Source: Scott Beale /Laughing Squid, laughingsquid.com

“Something is rotten ... in the app business.

•Identify a niche•Ask a designer or developer to help out•Tweet about beta (invite only)•Listen to feedback and tweak•Launch•Get TechCrunched•Live the good life! (Source: Ryan Carson)

Source: banksy.co.uk/

• Introduction• 10 DO’s and DONT’s• Q&A’s

The Online Wireframe App

“We support webworkers tovisualize their creative ideas. - HotGloo claim

TimelineDec 2008 Mar 2009 Aug 2009 Feb 2010 Apr 2009 > Hannes > Wolf > Beta Launch LAUNCHDevelopment superReal > Go HotGloo!

Stats Customer Growth (total) 800 Metrics 600 ~ 3,9 % overall conversion rate ~ revenue per customer 11$ LTV 93$ 400 200Feb10 Mar10Apr10 May10Jun10 Jul10 Aug10 Sep10 Oct10 Nov10 0 Dec10 Jan11 Feb11 Mar11

Show-off Stuff

#1Think about this for a second ... “Everything is marketing. - Jason Fried, 37Signals

#2Define your Companys Vision and Values

Where do you fit in?

Who the f**k are you? What makes you special? Why should I care?

#3 Choose your business model and pricing strategy carfully• free vs. paid• what would you pay?• charge in $ USD• charge from day 1 (beta?)• don‘t be innovative - be really boring• run A/B tests• re-jig over time

#4Don’t join the feature war! Does this look like the killer feature? Source: http://foolishgadgets.com/files/2009/03/shoot-yourself-gun_tfxnt_6648.jpg

“The best software has a vision. The best software takes sides. When someone uses software,they’re not just looking for features, they’re looking for an approach. They’re looking for a vision. - Jason Fried, 37Signals

“Listen to your customers, but then ignore them. Remember your vision. - Jason from Mint.com

#5Don’t underestimate Support

“This sucks! - Anonymus

If you screw up, tell! Source: banksy.co.uk/

#6 Engage from day -100Research Identify ListenLearn Act React

Pre Launch Growth Maturity Word of mouth & viral, Blogosphere referral, A-List customers Direct Mail Internet Advertising PR - opt-in email list - Ad-Words - betatesters - Buzz marketing - Banner ads - Company blog - Xing, LinkedIn ... - Conferences - Magazines - Blogposts SEO- optimized page markup - organic search

[App]itecture

• Compiled List http://hubpages.com/hub/Promote_your_Webapp• TechCrunch http://www.crunchbase.com/• WebAppers http://www.webappers.com/

SponsorBooths/Events

#7 Know your metrics• Use Google Analytics or Piwik• Build a customized backend to track your traffic• Track, track, track & improve

http://bit.ly/assq3Y• CPA Cost Per Acquisition• ARPU Average Revenue Per User• Churn Churn %• LVT Lifetime Value Per Customer

#8 Worship your UX• provide an experience for your visitors• make signing-up really simple• do wireframing• run usability tests

#9Don’t hustle for VC

#9Sell your by-products

#10Get passionate! Source: banksy.co.uk/

“Be so good they can’t ignore you. - Steve Martin

Booklist

Blogroll• Venture Hacks - http://venturehacks.com/• A Smart Bear - http://blog.asmartbear.com/• WebAppers - http://www.webappers.com/• TechCrunch - http://techcrunch.com/• Smashing Magazine - http://www.smashingmagazine.com/• Inspired Magazine - http://www.inspiredm.com/• UX Booth - http://www.uxbooth.com/• Signal Vs. Noise - http://37signals.com/svn• Mashable - http://mashable.com/• Think Vitamin - http://thinkvitamin.com/

Thank YouWolf Becvar@wdbecvarwww.wolfbecvar.comwww.hotgloo.com@hotgloo

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How to not suck! Lessons Learned from running a Web Startup.

by Wolf Becvar

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