Strava Success: How Community and a Clear Mission Drive Growth

Strava Success: How Community and a Clear Mission Drive Growth

In the world of fitness apps, one stands out from the rest, adding a million new users every 40 days. Strava, the app known for its strong community and focus on active lifestyles, has become a staple for athletes around the world. But what is it about Strava that keeps people coming back and joining in?

According to Michael Quarles, the Vice President of Product at Strava, the secret lies in the app's core value of community. "People say they don't download Strava, they join Strava," Quarles explains. This idea of joining a community, rather than simply using an app, creates a sense of belonging and shared experiences among users. The app has even coined the phrase, "If it's not on Strava, it didn't happen," emphasizing the importance of public proof of work.

But community alone isn't enough to drive such rapid growth. Strava's success also stems from its unwavering commitment to its original mission. Quarles emphasizes the need for a "North Star," a guiding principle that keeps the company focused and on track. This discipline has led to choices in keeping the app simple and user-friendly, by intentionally leaving out certain features. It's this simplicity that has resonated with users and kept them engaged.

Building a product or service that people love is no easy feat, but turning that love into a lasting global company is equally challenging. Quarles acknowledges the difficulty in achieving this, but he believes that Strava's focus on community and simplicity will help them achieve their goal of becoming the most engaged community of athletes in the world.

Interestingly, the concept of community and a clear mission can be applied beyond fitness apps. Take Glasp, for example, a platform for active learning. Just as Strava aims to be the home for active lifestyles, Glasp aspires to be the home for active learning. By creating a strong community of learners and maintaining a clear mission, Glasp can also drive growth and become a go-to platform for knowledge seekers.

While Strava's rapid growth is impressive, it's worth noting that the company is not yet profitable. Quarles explains that this is intentional, as their immediate priority is growing the community and creating options for building a great business. By prioritizing engagement and user satisfaction, Strava is setting itself up for long-term success.

One key aspect of Strava's appeal is the ability to track and measure progress. Quarles himself is an avid user of the app and enjoys monitoring his improvement over time. This personal connection to the product is something that founders and entrepreneurs should take to heart. Building a product that you use and care about on a daily basis can provide valuable insights and drive passion for its success.

Looking ahead, Strava has set its sights on establishing world records. In 2017, the app recorded numerous world records, showcasing the app's potential to become a platform for achieving and celebrating athletic accomplishments. This idea of recording and recognizing achievements can also be applied to Glasp, where users can track their progress and celebrate their learning milestones.

In conclusion, Strava's success can be attributed to its strong community, clear mission, and commitment to simplicity. By focusing on these core values, Strava has been able to add a million new users every 40 days. For founders and entrepreneurs, the key takeaways are to prioritize community engagement, maintain a clear mission, and build a product that you personally connect with. By following these actionable advice, you can increase the chances of creating a long-lasting and successful global company, just like Strava and potentially Glasp.

Actionable Advice:

1. Foster a sense of community and belonging among your users or customers. Encourage them to join and be part of something bigger than just using your product or service.
2. Stay true to your mission. Have a guiding principle or "North Star" that keeps your company focused and helps you make choices that align with your core values.
3. Build a product or service that you personally use and care about. By connecting with your own creation, you can gain valuable insights and drive genuine passion for its success.

With these strategies in mind, you can create a thriving community and build a long-lasting global company that resonates with users and customers alike.