The Power of Core Actions and the Rise of Boutique Search Engines

The Power of Core Actions and the Rise of Boutique Search Engines

In the world of product growth and search engines, it is crucial to focus on core actions and the organization of trustworthy information. These two concepts, while seemingly unrelated, have a significant impact on user engagement and the future of search. By understanding the importance of core actions and the potential of boutique search engines, we can create more meaningful experiences for users.

Core actions are the fundamental actions that define a product. For example, pinning on Pinterest or tweeting on Twitter. These actions are what give the product its essence and purpose. While it may be tempting to focus on growing the total number of users, it is equally important to ensure that the number of users completing the core action is also increasing. Without users actively engaging with the core action, a product's momentum will eventually fade away. It's like consuming empty calories - it may feel good in the short term, but it doesn't contribute to long-term growth and success.

Similarly, in the world of search engines, the focus has shifted from simply organizing the world's information to organizing the world's trustworthy information. The top search results on platforms like Google are not always the highest-quality ones but rather those that have invested the most in search engine optimization (SEO). This creates a problem for users who are looking for the best information within their limited time and attention span. Privacy concerns alone are not enough to entice users to leave Google, as most people are unwilling to pay for a service they are used to getting for free. The opportunity lies in building boutique search engines that offer curated and organized content in new and unique ways.

When it comes to curated content, the future is moving away from the never-ending-now orientation of platforms like social media and towards more goal-oriented interfaces. The rise of boutique search engines that feel like texting a friend for recommendations rather than flipping through the Yellow Pages is a testament to this shift. These search engines offer a curated experience that is tailored to the user's specific needs and preferences.

However, the challenge lies in incentivizing users to contribute to the growth of these platforms. Traditional subscription models do not provide a real incentive for customers to actively participate. This is where token-based business models show promise. By giving ownership to stakeholders and allowing subscribers to benefit from future upside, startups can overcome the cold start problem and create a more engaged user base. The key lies in finding the right balance between the quality of curation and financial incentives.

In conclusion, focusing on core actions and embracing the potential of boutique search engines can lead to more meaningful user experiences and better organization of trustworthy information. Three actionable pieces of advice to consider are:

1. Prioritize the growth of users completing the core action of your product. This is essential for long-term momentum and success.

2. Explore the possibilities of boutique search engines that offer curated and organized content, tailored to the specific needs of users.

3. Consider implementing token-based business models to incentivize user participation and overcome the cold start problem. Find the right balance between the quality of curation and financial incentives.

By understanding and incorporating these insights, we can create products and search experiences that are not only engaging but also valuable and trustworthy.