you try to build every feature imaginable, target every possible user segment, and spread your resources thin. But in reality, this approach rarely leads to success. The truth is, big things often have small beginnings.
Hatched by Kazuki Nakayashiki
Sep 22, 2023
4 min read
5 views
you try to build every feature imaginable, target every possible user segment, and spread your resources thin. But in reality, this approach rarely leads to success. The truth is, big things often have small beginnings.
Take Twitter for example. When it first launched, it was a simple platform for sharing short messages with your followers. It didn't try to be a social network for everyone, or an advertising powerhouse. It focused on one thing - allowing users to express their thoughts in 140 characters or less. And that small beginning was enough to attract a dedicated user base and lay the foundation for its eventual success.
Twitter's early success can be attributed to its understanding of its core value proposition. It recognized that it wasn't just a social network, but a professional network for knowledge workers. It was a platform where ideas were exchanged and promoted, and where real-time conversations took place. This understanding allowed Twitter to target a more niche audience and generate more revenue per user than its competitors.
But despite its potential, Twitter has struggled to capture its full value. It has failed to provide creators with a pro subscription product that they would willingly pay for. Instead, it has focused on being an ad-based social network, which has led to a decline in user experience and an increase in bots and outrage. These factors hinder the ability of users to achieve their goals on the platform - whether it's hiring, partnering, or selling.
To truly unlock its potential, Twitter should adopt a new business model. It should follow the example of LinkedIn, where power users are the customers, not the product. LinkedIn offers advanced tools and features for its users, but charges them for access. This approach would allow Twitter to keep its current product free and ad-supported for casual users, while providing professional creators with the tools they need to grow their businesses.
But before Twitter can implement this new business model, it needs to focus. It needs to strip away the unnecessary features and distractions and return to its core value proposition. It needs to go back to being a platform for exchanging ideas and promoting work. By doing so, it can attract a more dedicated user base and create a stronger community.
Starting small is not just about focusing, but also about building a loyal user base. When you try to do everything at once, it's hard to convince early users to become die-hard users. But when you start with a simple and focused product, it's easier to attract a small group of passionate users who will advocate for your brand and stick with you as you grow.
So, if you're starting a new venture or working on a startup, remember the saying "big things have small beginnings." Don't try to boil the ocean. Instead, focus on one thing and do it exceptionally well. Understand your target audience and their needs, and build a product that delivers measurable value to them. And most importantly, foster a strong community of passionate users who will support and promote your brand.
In conclusion, Twitter has the potential to be a powerful platform for creators and professionals. By adopting a new business model that combines ads with a creator subscription, it can better serve its users and capture its true value. But to do so, Twitter needs to focus on its core value proposition and build a loyal user base. Starting small and expanding gradually is the key to success in the startup world. So remember, big things have small beginnings.
Three actionable advice:
-
Focus on your core value proposition: Identify the key problem you're solving for your target audience and build a product or service that addresses that problem exceptionally well. Don't try to be everything to everyone.
-
Foster a strong community: Your early users are your biggest advocates and supporters. Engage with them, listen to their feedback, and build a sense of belonging within your community. Encourage them to promote your brand and help you attract more users.
-
Experiment and iterate: Don't be afraid to try new things and make changes based on user feedback. The startup journey is a continuous learning process, and it's important to adapt and evolve as you grow. Stay agile and be open to pivoting if necessary.
Sources
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 :)
Start Hatching 🐣