"Building Viral Products: Combining User Incentives and Effective Execution"

Glasp

Hatched by Glasp

Aug 21, 2023

4 min read

0

"Building Viral Products: Combining User Incentives and Effective Execution"

Introduction:

Building a successful product requires a combination of factors, including incorporating virality and executing effectively. In this article, we will explore nine ways to build virality into your product and discuss the importance of executing well to achieve long-term success.

1. Two-Sided Reward:

One effective way to incentivize users to invite their friends and encourage their friends to accept the invite is by creating a two-sided reward system. By offering incentives, such as exclusive content, discounts, or rewards, users are motivated to spread the word about your product.

2. Appeal to Vanity:

Appealing to users' sense of vanity and competitiveness can be a powerful tactic to increase user engagement and encourage them to invite others. Exposing metrics, such as the number of connections or achievements, can drive users to spend more time using your product and invite their peers to join.

3. Collaboration:

Building a product that facilitates collaboration or communication between coworkers inherently increases its viral potential. When a product enhances teamwork and productivity, users are more likely to invite their colleagues, leading to organic growth.

4. Embeds:

Allowing others to embed your product into their website can significantly expand its reach. By providing an easy way for users to integrate your product into their online platforms, you can tap into their existing audience and attract new users.

5. Artifacts Shared on Social:

If your product creates uniquely interesting content, users can be encouraged to share it on their social networks. Platforms like Pinterest have leveraged this strategy successfully by allowing users to share visually appealing content, generating curiosity and driving traffic back to their platform.

6. Artifacts Shared via Messaging:

Creating artifacts or URLs that are expected to be shared via messaging can amplify the virality of your product. When users share content or links with their contacts, it increases the visibility and awareness of your product within their networks.

7. Signatures:

Including your product's branding or a call-to-action in email signatures or other forms of communication can serve as a subtle yet effective way to promote your product. Users who engage in professional or personal correspondence become brand ambassadors, spreading awareness through their everyday interactions.

8. First Message Sent on Existing Messaging Platform:

Leveraging existing messaging platforms and integrating your product into the first message sent can create a viral loop. By providing value or intrigue in that initial interaction, users are more likely to invite others to join the conversation, expanding your user base.

9. Highly Visible Hardware:

While often associated with software, hardware products can also be viral. Making your hardware product highly visible, like the outdoor Nest Cam, can pique curiosity and generate conversations. A visually appealing and innovative design can attract attention and lead to organic growth.

Building Products: Effective Execution Strategies

Successful product development goes beyond incorporating virality; it also requires effective execution. Here are some strategies to enhance your execution process:

1. Problem-Solving Approach:

A product succeeds when it solves a problem for people. Therefore, the first step in building a successful product is understanding the problem you want to solve and for whom. By clearly defining the problem and its significance, you can better align your product with the needs of your target audience.

2. Iterative Approach:

Good execution involves reaching believable conclusions in the shortest amount of time possible. Instead of spending months or years on a particular solution, adopt an iterative approach. Explore multiple ideas, gather empirical evidence, and test hypotheses to quickly identify the most promising direction.

3. Measure Success Effectively:

Defining success metrics before launching your product is crucial for long-term results. Identify the key metrics and develop counter metrics to ensure you are not just addressing one issue while creating another. Continuously measure and analyze data to understand the impact of your product and make informed decisions.

Conclusion:

Building viral products requires a combination of user incentives and effective execution. By incorporating strategies such as two-sided rewards, appealing to vanity, and leveraging collaboration, you can increase the virality of your product. Additionally, adopting problem-solving approaches, iterative processes, and effective measurement of success can enhance your execution and drive long-term results.

Actionable Advice:

  • 1. Implement a two-sided reward system to incentivize users to invite friends and encourage their acceptance.
  • 2. Appeal to users' sense of vanity by exposing metrics and achievements, driving engagement and inviting others.
  • 3. Adopt an iterative approach, exploring various solutions, testing hypotheses, and gathering data to make informed decisions.

Hatch New Ideas with Glasp AI 🐣

Glasp AI allows you to hatch new ideas based on your curated content. Let's curate and create with Glasp AI :)