How We Grew Our Chrome Extension from 0 to 135,000 Users (and Counting) - Toggl Blog

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Jul 27, 2023

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How We Grew Our Chrome Extension from 0 to 135,000 Users (and Counting) - Toggl Blog

Elizabeth Khuri Chandler Tells the Origin Story of Goodreads

In the world of technology and startups, there are countless stories of how companies have successfully grown their user base and achieved widespread adoption. Two such stories that have caught our attention are the growth of Toggl's Chrome Extension and the origin story of Goodreads. While these two companies operate in different industries, they share some common points that can provide valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Simplicity is Key

One common factor that contributed to the success of both Toggl's Chrome Extension and Goodreads is their simplicity. Toggl's Chrome Extension is a UI add-on that adds a timer to various web tools, while Goodreads started as a platform for book lovers to track their reading habits. By focusing on solving a specific problem and avoiding the feature trap, both companies were able to provide a streamlined solution that resonated with their target audience.

Building an Audience

Another crucial aspect of growing a product or service is building an audience. Toggl achieved this by open-sourcing their Chrome Extension from the start, which allowed them to reach the developer community and promote it within their networks. Goodreads, on the other hand, created a platform where book lovers could connect with each other and share their thoughts and recommendations. By fostering a community of like-minded individuals, both companies were able to create a network of users who were eager to try out their products and provide valuable feedback.

Optimizing for Discovery

When it comes to online platforms, discoverability is key. Both Toggl and Goodreads recognized the importance of optimizing their presence to increase their chances of being discovered by potential users. Toggl found that the Chrome Web Store ranking directly influenced their growth, with a significant portion of new users coming from store discovery. By strategically using relevant keywords in their title and description, Toggl was able to improve their ranking and attract more users. Similarly, Goodreads focused on showcasing user reviews and recommendations, creating a platform where users' opinions were highly valued. This not only helped users discover new books but also contributed to the overall growth of the platform.

Harnessing the Power of User Feedback

Both Toggl and Goodreads understood the impact of user feedback on their growth. Toggl actively sought feedback from their users, frequently asking for ratings and reviews. This not only helped them improve their product but also had a significant influence on their Chrome store ranking. Goodreads, on the other hand, encouraged users to share their thoughts and recommendations, creating a culture of user-generated content. By listening to their users and incorporating their feedback, both companies were able to keep their users engaged and drive word-of-mouth growth.

Actionable Advice

Based on the experiences of Toggl and Goodreads, here are three actionable pieces of advice for entrepreneurs looking to grow their own products or services:

  • 1. Focus on solving a specific problem: Avoid the temptation to add unnecessary features and instead concentrate on providing the best solution to a specific problem.
  • 2. Build a community: Create a network of users who are passionate about your product or service. Foster engagement and encourage users to share their thoughts and recommendations.
  • 3. Optimize for discoverability: Pay attention to how your product or service can be discovered by potential users. Use relevant keywords, encourage user reviews, and make sure your presence stands out in the online marketplace.

In conclusion, the growth stories of Toggl's Chrome Extension and Goodreads offer valuable insights into how companies can successfully grow their user base. By focusing on simplicity, building an audience, optimizing for discovery, and harnessing the power of user feedback, entrepreneurs can increase their chances of achieving widespread adoption and long-term success.

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