Web startups with the theme of a "community" as in let's say a Match.com, a roommate finding service or even this site for that matter....my question is how do they gain their initial users? I am referring to a small scale operation with small scale funds. Is that what Beta testing is, where a static URL page briefly details the future website asking for those interested to submit their info so that when the site is launched it already has users?? I am sure this is not the case, but the question I have is how does a website initially get a decent amount of users with profiles so that when the site is launched the visitors love the concept, but do not love that there are only 3 other active profiles and unbeknownst to them they are the sites founders. :D Those of you with expertise, please be kind enough to answer this lingering question for me. Thanks, Marcus.
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Communities are usually started by people who are part of an existing one but not necessarily online. You should know there is a need before building the site. A beta site would be at least a partially working site where the users provide feedback on how it works and recommend new features. If you can't email 10 people you think would use your new site, I wouldn't start building anything unil you can find more interest. The few people you do know can be a base for spreading the idea assuming this is important enough. |
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