SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 47
HOW TO NOT SUCK!
  (Lessons Learned from running a Web Startup)




                                                 Source: http://bit.ly/lZQCeq
That’s me

Wolf Becvar
wolf@hotgloo.com
@wdbecvar
www.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 to
visualize their creative ideas.
                      - HotGloo claim
How to not suck! Lessons Learned from running a Web Startup.
How to not suck! Lessons Learned from running a Web Startup.
Timeline



Dec 2008      Mar 2009                 Aug 2009         Feb 2010



                          Apr 2009
 > Hannes      > Wolf                 > Beta Launch      LAUNCH
Development   superReal




                      > Go HotGloo!
Stats
                                                                   Customer Growth (total)


                                                                                                     800




                                       Metrics
                                                                                                 600
                   ~ 3,9 % overall conversion rate
                    ~ revenue per customer 11$
                              LTV 93$                                                           400




                                                                                               200

Feb10
    Mar10Apr10
             May10Jun10   Jul10 Aug10
                                     Sep10 Oct10
                                                   Nov10                                   0
                                                           Dec10
                                                                   Jan11
                                                                           Feb11
                                                                                   Mar11
Show-off Stuff
#1
Think about this for a
     second ...




 “Everything is
    marketing.   - Jason Fried, 37Signals
How to not suck! Lessons Learned from running a Web Startup.
How to not suck! Lessons Learned from running a Web Startup.
How to not suck! Lessons Learned from running a Web Startup.
How to not suck! Lessons Learned from running a Web Startup.
#2
Define 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
How to not suck! Lessons Learned from running a Web Startup.
How to not suck! Lessons Learned from running a Web Startup.
#4
Don’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
#5
Don’t underestimate Support
“This sucks!
       - Anonymus
How to not suck! Lessons Learned from running a Web Startup.
If you screw up, tell!




                         Source: banksy.co.uk/
#6
    Engage from day
         -100


Research   Identify   Listen



Learn       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/
Sponsor
Booths/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
How to not suck! Lessons Learned from running a Web Startup.
How to not suck! Lessons Learned from running a Web Startup.
#9
Don’t hustle for
      VC
#10
Get 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 You

Wolf Becvar
@wdbecvar
www.wolfbecvar.com


www.hotgloo.com
@hotgloo

More Related Content

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

SME Cleveland SEO Workshop March 2012
SME Cleveland SEO Workshop March 2012SME Cleveland SEO Workshop March 2012
SME Cleveland SEO Workshop March 2012Scott Mowery
 
How to Pitch a VC (Shanghai, May 2012)
How to Pitch a VC (Shanghai, May 2012)How to Pitch a VC (Shanghai, May 2012)
How to Pitch a VC (Shanghai, May 2012)Dave McClure
 
Content That Converts
Content That ConvertsContent That Converts
Content That ConvertsMighty Jungle
 
Startup Metrics for Pirates (Sept 2012)
Startup Metrics for Pirates (Sept 2012)Startup Metrics for Pirates (Sept 2012)
Startup Metrics for Pirates (Sept 2012)Dave McClure
 
“Crucial Content Elements to Drive Your Marketing”
“Crucial Content Elements to Drive Your Marketing”“Crucial Content Elements to Drive Your Marketing”
“Crucial Content Elements to Drive Your Marketing”Content Marketing World
 
Startup Metrics for Pirates (Nov 2012)
Startup Metrics for Pirates (Nov 2012)Startup Metrics for Pirates (Nov 2012)
Startup Metrics for Pirates (Nov 2012)Dave McClure
 
Why SEO Is Important
Why SEO Is ImportantWhy SEO Is Important
Why SEO Is Importantgraeme stiles
 
Startup Metrics for Pirates (Startonomics Beijing, June 2009)
Startup Metrics for Pirates (Startonomics Beijing, June 2009)Startup Metrics for Pirates (Startonomics Beijing, June 2009)
Startup Metrics for Pirates (Startonomics Beijing, June 2009)Geeks On A Plane
 
Mobile & Social Media: Practical Advice
Mobile & Social Media: Practical AdviceMobile & Social Media: Practical Advice
Mobile & Social Media: Practical Advicefunlake
 
Startup Metrics for Pirates: AARRR! (SXSW March 2008)
Startup Metrics for Pirates: AARRR!  (SXSW March 2008)Startup Metrics for Pirates: AARRR!  (SXSW March 2008)
Startup Metrics for Pirates: AARRR! (SXSW March 2008)Dave McClure
 
Startup Metrics for Pirates / KILL a Feature (FOWA London, Oct 2009)
Startup Metrics for Pirates / KILL a Feature (FOWA London, Oct 2009)Startup Metrics for Pirates / KILL a Feature (FOWA London, Oct 2009)
Startup Metrics for Pirates / KILL a Feature (FOWA London, Oct 2009)Dave McClure
 
Startup Metrics 4 Pirates (Wildfire Interactive, May 2012)
Startup Metrics 4 Pirates (Wildfire Interactive, May 2012)Startup Metrics 4 Pirates (Wildfire Interactive, May 2012)
Startup Metrics 4 Pirates (Wildfire Interactive, May 2012)Dave McClure
 
Content Commerce + Growth Strategies For Online Retailers
Content Commerce + Growth Strategies For Online RetailersContent Commerce + Growth Strategies For Online Retailers
Content Commerce + Growth Strategies For Online RetailersRoland Frasier
 
The Brave New World of Technology: Travis Wright
The Brave New World of Technology: Travis WrightThe Brave New World of Technology: Travis Wright
The Brave New World of Technology: Travis WrightWright Strategy Advisors
 
Metrics. Because everything COUNTS (LeanCamp Madrid 2012)
Metrics. Because everything COUNTS (LeanCamp Madrid 2012)Metrics. Because everything COUNTS (LeanCamp Madrid 2012)
Metrics. Because everything COUNTS (LeanCamp Madrid 2012)Justo Hidalgo
 
The Death of the Yellow Pages - ROI 2010
The Death of the Yellow Pages - ROI 2010The Death of the Yellow Pages - ROI 2010
The Death of the Yellow Pages - ROI 2010radiusofinfluence
 
Driving Profits in the Downturn, Using Data to Improve Website Performance an...
Driving Profits in the Downturn, Using Data to Improve Website Performance an...Driving Profits in the Downturn, Using Data to Improve Website Performance an...
Driving Profits in the Downturn, Using Data to Improve Website Performance an...Marisa Gallagher
 

Similar to How to not suck! Lessons Learned from running a Web Startup. (20)

SME Cleveland SEO Workshop March 2012
SME Cleveland SEO Workshop March 2012SME Cleveland SEO Workshop March 2012
SME Cleveland SEO Workshop March 2012
 
How to Pitch a VC (Shanghai, May 2012)
How to Pitch a VC (Shanghai, May 2012)How to Pitch a VC (Shanghai, May 2012)
How to Pitch a VC (Shanghai, May 2012)
 
Ecommerce webinar-oct-2010
Ecommerce webinar-oct-2010Ecommerce webinar-oct-2010
Ecommerce webinar-oct-2010
 
Content That Converts
Content That ConvertsContent That Converts
Content That Converts
 
Startup Metrics for Pirates (Sept 2012)
Startup Metrics for Pirates (Sept 2012)Startup Metrics for Pirates (Sept 2012)
Startup Metrics for Pirates (Sept 2012)
 
“Crucial Content Elements to Drive Your Marketing”
“Crucial Content Elements to Drive Your Marketing”“Crucial Content Elements to Drive Your Marketing”
“Crucial Content Elements to Drive Your Marketing”
 
Startup Metrics for Pirates (Nov 2012)
Startup Metrics for Pirates (Nov 2012)Startup Metrics for Pirates (Nov 2012)
Startup Metrics for Pirates (Nov 2012)
 
Why SEO Is Important
Why SEO Is ImportantWhy SEO Is Important
Why SEO Is Important
 
Startup Metrics for Pirates (Startonomics Beijing, June 2009)
Startup Metrics for Pirates (Startonomics Beijing, June 2009)Startup Metrics for Pirates (Startonomics Beijing, June 2009)
Startup Metrics for Pirates (Startonomics Beijing, June 2009)
 
Startup Marketing
Startup MarketingStartup Marketing
Startup Marketing
 
Avinash Kaushikaccountable Advertising Auto News Oct08
Avinash Kaushikaccountable Advertising Auto News Oct08Avinash Kaushikaccountable Advertising Auto News Oct08
Avinash Kaushikaccountable Advertising Auto News Oct08
 
Mobile & Social Media: Practical Advice
Mobile & Social Media: Practical AdviceMobile & Social Media: Practical Advice
Mobile & Social Media: Practical Advice
 
Startup Metrics for Pirates: AARRR! (SXSW March 2008)
Startup Metrics for Pirates: AARRR!  (SXSW March 2008)Startup Metrics for Pirates: AARRR!  (SXSW March 2008)
Startup Metrics for Pirates: AARRR! (SXSW March 2008)
 
Startup Metrics for Pirates / KILL a Feature (FOWA London, Oct 2009)
Startup Metrics for Pirates / KILL a Feature (FOWA London, Oct 2009)Startup Metrics for Pirates / KILL a Feature (FOWA London, Oct 2009)
Startup Metrics for Pirates / KILL a Feature (FOWA London, Oct 2009)
 
Startup Metrics 4 Pirates (Wildfire Interactive, May 2012)
Startup Metrics 4 Pirates (Wildfire Interactive, May 2012)Startup Metrics 4 Pirates (Wildfire Interactive, May 2012)
Startup Metrics 4 Pirates (Wildfire Interactive, May 2012)
 
Content Commerce + Growth Strategies For Online Retailers
Content Commerce + Growth Strategies For Online RetailersContent Commerce + Growth Strategies For Online Retailers
Content Commerce + Growth Strategies For Online Retailers
 
The Brave New World of Technology: Travis Wright
The Brave New World of Technology: Travis WrightThe Brave New World of Technology: Travis Wright
The Brave New World of Technology: Travis Wright
 
Metrics. Because everything COUNTS (LeanCamp Madrid 2012)
Metrics. Because everything COUNTS (LeanCamp Madrid 2012)Metrics. Because everything COUNTS (LeanCamp Madrid 2012)
Metrics. Because everything COUNTS (LeanCamp Madrid 2012)
 
The Death of the Yellow Pages - ROI 2010
The Death of the Yellow Pages - ROI 2010The Death of the Yellow Pages - ROI 2010
The Death of the Yellow Pages - ROI 2010
 
Driving Profits in the Downturn, Using Data to Improve Website Performance an...
Driving Profits in the Downturn, Using Data to Improve Website Performance an...Driving Profits in the Downturn, Using Data to Improve Website Performance an...
Driving Profits in the Downturn, Using Data to Improve Website Performance an...
 

More from Wolf Becvar

Guerilla UX Bootcamp
Guerilla UX  BootcampGuerilla UX  Bootcamp
Guerilla UX BootcampWolf Becvar
 
How To Communicate Wireframes
How To Communicate WireframesHow To Communicate Wireframes
How To Communicate WireframesWolf Becvar
 
Some Things You Can't Wireframe
Some Things You Can't Wireframe Some Things You Can't Wireframe
Some Things You Can't Wireframe Wolf Becvar
 
Wireframing in full ((stereo)) Why interactivity is a winner
Wireframing in full ((stereo)) Why interactivity is a winnerWireframing in full ((stereo)) Why interactivity is a winner
Wireframing in full ((stereo)) Why interactivity is a winnerWolf Becvar
 
Appvertising - How to Brand and Market Your WebApp
Appvertising - How to Brand and Market Your WebAppAppvertising - How to Brand and Market Your WebApp
Appvertising - How to Brand and Market Your WebAppWolf Becvar
 
HotGloo Start-Up Talk WebExpo 2010
HotGloo Start-Up Talk WebExpo 2010HotGloo Start-Up Talk WebExpo 2010
HotGloo Start-Up Talk WebExpo 2010Wolf Becvar
 

More from Wolf Becvar (7)

Guerilla UX Bootcamp
Guerilla UX  BootcampGuerilla UX  Bootcamp
Guerilla UX Bootcamp
 
Off The Map
Off The MapOff The Map
Off The Map
 
How To Communicate Wireframes
How To Communicate WireframesHow To Communicate Wireframes
How To Communicate Wireframes
 
Some Things You Can't Wireframe
Some Things You Can't Wireframe Some Things You Can't Wireframe
Some Things You Can't Wireframe
 
Wireframing in full ((stereo)) Why interactivity is a winner
Wireframing in full ((stereo)) Why interactivity is a winnerWireframing in full ((stereo)) Why interactivity is a winner
Wireframing in full ((stereo)) Why interactivity is a winner
 
Appvertising - How to Brand and Market Your WebApp
Appvertising - How to Brand and Market Your WebAppAppvertising - How to Brand and Market Your WebApp
Appvertising - How to Brand and Market Your WebApp
 
HotGloo Start-Up Talk WebExpo 2010
HotGloo Start-Up Talk WebExpo 2010HotGloo Start-Up Talk WebExpo 2010
HotGloo Start-Up Talk WebExpo 2010
 

Recently uploaded

Linked Data in Production: Moving Beyond Ontologies
Linked Data in Production: Moving Beyond OntologiesLinked Data in Production: Moving Beyond Ontologies
Linked Data in Production: Moving Beyond OntologiesDavid Newbury
 
How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?
How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?
How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?IES VE
 
Building AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptx
Building AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptxBuilding AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptx
Building AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptxUdaiappa Ramachandran
 
IESVE Software for Florida Code Compliance Using ASHRAE 90.1-2019
IESVE Software for Florida Code Compliance Using ASHRAE 90.1-2019IESVE Software for Florida Code Compliance Using ASHRAE 90.1-2019
IESVE Software for Florida Code Compliance Using ASHRAE 90.1-2019IES VE
 
Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024
Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024
Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024SkyPlanner
 
Videogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdf
Videogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdfVideogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdf
Videogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdfinfogdgmi
 
Igniting Next Level Productivity with AI-Infused Data Integration Workflows
Igniting Next Level Productivity with AI-Infused Data Integration WorkflowsIgniting Next Level Productivity with AI-Infused Data Integration Workflows
Igniting Next Level Productivity with AI-Infused Data Integration WorkflowsSafe Software
 
Artificial Intelligence & SEO Trends for 2024
Artificial Intelligence & SEO Trends for 2024Artificial Intelligence & SEO Trends for 2024
Artificial Intelligence & SEO Trends for 2024D Cloud Solutions
 
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership Blueprint
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership BlueprintEmpowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership Blueprint
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership BlueprintMahmoud Rabie
 
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 6
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 6UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 6
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 6DianaGray10
 
Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...
Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...
Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...DianaGray10
 
Comparing Sidecar-less Service Mesh from Cilium and Istio
Comparing Sidecar-less Service Mesh from Cilium and IstioComparing Sidecar-less Service Mesh from Cilium and Istio
Comparing Sidecar-less Service Mesh from Cilium and IstioChristian Posta
 
Cybersecurity Workshop #1.pptx
Cybersecurity Workshop #1.pptxCybersecurity Workshop #1.pptx
Cybersecurity Workshop #1.pptxGDSC PJATK
 
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 Workshop
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 WorkshopNIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 Workshop
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 WorkshopBachir Benyammi
 
Apres-Cyber - The Data Dilemma: Bridging Offensive Operations and Machine Lea...
Apres-Cyber - The Data Dilemma: Bridging Offensive Operations and Machine Lea...Apres-Cyber - The Data Dilemma: Bridging Offensive Operations and Machine Lea...
Apres-Cyber - The Data Dilemma: Bridging Offensive Operations and Machine Lea...Will Schroeder
 
Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.
Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.
Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.YounusS2
 
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 7
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 7UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 7
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 7DianaGray10
 
Secure your environment with UiPath and CyberArk technologies - Session 1
Secure your environment with UiPath and CyberArk technologies - Session 1Secure your environment with UiPath and CyberArk technologies - Session 1
Secure your environment with UiPath and CyberArk technologies - Session 1DianaGray10
 
9 Steps For Building Winning Founding Team
9 Steps For Building Winning Founding Team9 Steps For Building Winning Founding Team
9 Steps For Building Winning Founding TeamAdam Moalla
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Linked Data in Production: Moving Beyond Ontologies
Linked Data in Production: Moving Beyond OntologiesLinked Data in Production: Moving Beyond Ontologies
Linked Data in Production: Moving Beyond Ontologies
 
How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?
How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?
How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?
 
Building AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptx
Building AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptxBuilding AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptx
Building AI-Driven Apps Using Semantic Kernel.pptx
 
IESVE Software for Florida Code Compliance Using ASHRAE 90.1-2019
IESVE Software for Florida Code Compliance Using ASHRAE 90.1-2019IESVE Software for Florida Code Compliance Using ASHRAE 90.1-2019
IESVE Software for Florida Code Compliance Using ASHRAE 90.1-2019
 
20230104 - machine vision
20230104 - machine vision20230104 - machine vision
20230104 - machine vision
 
Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024
Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024
Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024
 
Videogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdf
Videogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdfVideogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdf
Videogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdf
 
Igniting Next Level Productivity with AI-Infused Data Integration Workflows
Igniting Next Level Productivity with AI-Infused Data Integration WorkflowsIgniting Next Level Productivity with AI-Infused Data Integration Workflows
Igniting Next Level Productivity with AI-Infused Data Integration Workflows
 
Artificial Intelligence & SEO Trends for 2024
Artificial Intelligence & SEO Trends for 2024Artificial Intelligence & SEO Trends for 2024
Artificial Intelligence & SEO Trends for 2024
 
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership Blueprint
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership BlueprintEmpowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership Blueprint
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership Blueprint
 
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 6
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 6UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 6
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 6
 
Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...
Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...
Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...
 
Comparing Sidecar-less Service Mesh from Cilium and Istio
Comparing Sidecar-less Service Mesh from Cilium and IstioComparing Sidecar-less Service Mesh from Cilium and Istio
Comparing Sidecar-less Service Mesh from Cilium and Istio
 
Cybersecurity Workshop #1.pptx
Cybersecurity Workshop #1.pptxCybersecurity Workshop #1.pptx
Cybersecurity Workshop #1.pptx
 
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 Workshop
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 WorkshopNIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 Workshop
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 Workshop
 
Apres-Cyber - The Data Dilemma: Bridging Offensive Operations and Machine Lea...
Apres-Cyber - The Data Dilemma: Bridging Offensive Operations and Machine Lea...Apres-Cyber - The Data Dilemma: Bridging Offensive Operations and Machine Lea...
Apres-Cyber - The Data Dilemma: Bridging Offensive Operations and Machine Lea...
 
Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.
Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.
Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.
 
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 7
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 7UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 7
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 7
 
Secure your environment with UiPath and CyberArk technologies - Session 1
Secure your environment with UiPath and CyberArk technologies - Session 1Secure your environment with UiPath and CyberArk technologies - Session 1
Secure your environment with UiPath and CyberArk technologies - Session 1
 
9 Steps For Building Winning Founding Team
9 Steps For Building Winning Founding Team9 Steps For Building Winning Founding Team
9 Steps For Building Winning Founding Team
 

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

  • 1. HOW TO NOT SUCK! (Lessons Learned from running a Web Startup) Source: http://bit.ly/lZQCeq
  • 2. That’s me Wolf Becvar wolf@hotgloo.com @wdbecvar www.wolfbecvar.com The Future of Wireframing Source: Scott Beale /Laughing Squid, laughingsquid.com
  • 3. “Something is rotten ... in the app business.
  • 4. •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)
  • 6. • Introduction • 10 DO’s and DONT’s • Q&A’s
  • 8. “We support webworkers to visualize their creative ideas. - HotGloo claim
  • 11. Timeline Dec 2008 Mar 2009 Aug 2009 Feb 2010 Apr 2009 > Hannes > Wolf > Beta Launch LAUNCH Development superReal > Go HotGloo!
  • 12. Stats Customer Growth (total) 800 Metrics 600 ~ 3,9 % overall conversion rate ~ revenue per customer 11$ LTV 93$ 400 200 Feb10 Mar10Apr10 May10Jun10 Jul10 Aug10 Sep10 Oct10 Nov10 0 Dec10 Jan11 Feb11 Mar11
  • 14. #1 Think about this for a second ... “Everything is marketing. - Jason Fried, 37Signals
  • 19. #2 Define your Companys Vision and Values
  • 20. Where do you fit in?
  • 21. Who the f**k are you? What makes you special? Why should I care?
  • 22. #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
  • 25. #4 Don’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
  • 26. “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
  • 27. “Listen to your customers, but then ignore them. Remember your vision. - Jason from Mint.com
  • 29. “This sucks! - Anonymus
  • 31. If you screw up, tell! Source: banksy.co.uk/
  • 32. #6 Engage from day -100 Research Identify Listen Learn Act React
  • 33. 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
  • 35. • Compiled List http://hubpages.com/hub/Promote_your_Webapp • TechCrunch http://www.crunchbase.com/ • WebAppers http://www.webappers.com/
  • 37. #7 Know your metrics • Use Google Analytics or Piwik • Build a customized backend to track your traffic • Track, track, track & improve
  • 38. http://bit.ly/assq3Y • CPA Cost Per Acquisition • ARPU Average Revenue Per User • Churn Churn % • LVT Lifetime Value Per Customer
  • 39. #8 Worship your UX • provide an experience for your visitors • make signing-up really simple • do wireframing • run usability tests
  • 43. #10 Get passionate! Source: banksy.co.uk/
  • 44. “Be so good they can’t ignore you. - Steve Martin
  • 46. 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/