Ask HN: In two months from bootstrapped to launch, what now?
Moderators: I posted this under a throwaway account earlier but it got closed because I guess that's frowned upon. Posting again as I genuinely need advice on next steps.
I bootstrapped GiftBait.com over the last two months (full time job so a few hours a week + weekends at best). It's a unique take on traditional gift wish lists and registries in that instead of the host specifying what they want (as is typical in North America), it lets guests suggest ideas and allows the host to vote on them.
I am actively seeking beta users (free now, price plans kick in after beta). My question is, how do I promote such a site? I have already started to approach wedding blogs and related sites for some exposure, but I'm not sure how to target the market for such a product while on a bootstrapped budget. Another option could be to introduce the concept to the likes of evite in hope of some form of mutual partnership.
Thoughts on the idea, site execution and promoting on a bootstrapped budget would be very helpful. Thanks.
Published in 2011, this chronicle by @bakhlawa details the mechanics of building a profitable, self-funded business without venture backing.
The community focused on B2B customer acquisition channels, cold email vs SEO distribution, and balancing full-time employment with side-project development.
My personal view :
Having recently been through the nightmare of planning my own wedding I don't see myself using this site.
The problem I see is if someone sends a suggestion they have spent some time thinking about it and it will feel be harsh turning down their suggestion. Although it might work with very close friends.
Few twists that I think may work: A free gift registry where you can add items by scanning the barcode using your iphone/android phone. Also you could potentially use information on what other people have in their registry to give ideas to people on what they can add to their registry. Also maybe do a price search and provide suggestions on where people can buy a product and get affiliate money from purchases.
PS: I might not be your target market so don't let this demotivate you just providing my honest personal opinion.
Find some wedding/ event planners in the area, see if you can convince their clients to use the product, get feedback, iterate.
Have you become active in event planning forums/ communities? Do they exist?
Hit up this directory, see if you get anywhere: http://justtweetit.com/weddings/wedding-planners/ ↗
You may end up finding out that 80% of your business comes from a certain type of event (weddings)... A/B test your site to cater to the clientele that gives you the most business.