Crafting The First Mile of Product: Engaging Users From the Start and Beyond

Crafting The First Mile of Product: Engaging Users From the Start and Beyond

In today's fast-paced world, capturing the attention of users within the first 15 seconds is crucial. Users are lazy, vain, and selfish - they want to quickly understand the benefits your product offers and how it can make them look good. This is why the first mile of a user's experience is so important.

When you post something on a social product, the immediate impulse to jump back in and check for responses stems from our ego being on the line. We want validation and feedback from others. This highlights the need for immediate novelty or utility in a product - something that captures users' attention right away.

Explaining your product is the least effective way to engage new users. If you have to explain it, chances are they won't stick around. This is why familiarity and simplicity are key. Users don't want to make choices, especially in the first mile. They want something intuitive and easy to understand.

The first mile of a user's experience should never be an afterthought. It should be the most thought-out part of your product. Allocating at least 30% of your energy to the first mile is crucial for any product with aggressive growth aspirations. Neglecting the first mile means neglecting new users, which are the real source of growth.

As products gain traction and attract power users, there's a tendency to focus less on engaging new users. This is a paradox of success. Start-ups have the opportunity to capitalize on this by maintaining simplicity and continuously engaging new types of users. Established products often take their large user bases for granted and fail to adapt over time.

Now let's shift gears and talk about organizing quotations. For centuries, readers have collected quotations in personal notebooks known as commonplace books. The honey bee has become a symbol for these books because, like bees gathering nutrients from various flowers, readers gather knowledge from different sources.

The beauty of commonplace books is their adaptability. They have stood the test of time and are still used today. However, the question arises - where do we keep our quotations in the digital age?

In 2023, there are various tools available for organizing quotations. One such tool is Glasp. It provides a centralized platform for collecting and organizing quotes from different sources. The goal is to blend these various flavors of knowledge into one comprehensive and valuable resource.

The concept of the commonplace book remains the same, but with digital tools, we have the advantage of easy access and searchability. We can quickly find specific quotes or explore different themes and topics within our collection.

When it comes to organizing quotations, the key is to find a system that works for you. Whether it's a physical notebook, a digital tool like Glasp, or any other method, the goal is to create a system that allows you to capture and retain valuable insights.

In conclusion, crafting the first mile of your product is crucial for engaging users right from the start. Allocating a significant portion of your energy to this stage ensures that you don't neglect new users and continue to attract growth. Simplicity, familiarity, and immediate utility are key factors in capturing users' attention.

When it comes to organizing quotations, the tradition of commonplace books continues in the digital age. Tools like Glasp offer a centralized platform for collecting and organizing quotes, allowing users to blend different flavors of knowledge into one valuable resource. Find a system that works for you and embrace the power of quotations in your personal and professional life.

Actionable Advice:

1. Focus on the first mile: Allocate a significant portion of your energy to crafting a compelling and engaging first mile for your product. This is where you capture users' attention and set the stage for continued growth.
2. Embrace simplicity: Users don't want to make choices, especially in the first mile. Keep your product intuitive and easy to understand, avoiding the need for extensive explanations.
3. Continuously engage new users: As your product gains traction, don't neglect new users. They are the real source of growth. Maintain simplicity and adapt to their needs to ensure continued success.

References:

• Belsky, Scott. "Crafting The First Mile Of Product." Positive Slope. Medium.
• "Let's Talk Notes: How do you organize quotations?" In Glasp.