I think you are right that you should stop development until you get a few customers for the current version -- otherwise you may spend time not focusing on the selling aspect! The web-site tells what the product does like it would be obvious to users, but you probably need to present a specific use-case/example/workflow where it will help an end-user. And this use-case should target the specific type of customer you want. Also, probably target a segment where people will try new stuff (i.e where they don't necessarily love Microsoft Word, etc) -- it seems like a interesting product for startups to write up product manuals maybe? Narrow your product's/service's focus market....
Ask HN: Should we abandon our product?
21–28 of 28 posts
Re: Ask HN: Should we abandon our product?
#22I think you are right that you should stop development until you get a few customers for the current version -- otherwise you may spend time not focusing on the selling aspect! The web-site tells what the product does like it would be obvious to users, but you probably need to present a specific use-case/example/workflow where it will help an end-user. And this use-case should target the specific type of customer you…
Thank you for the feedback!
Re: Ask HN: Should we abandon our product?
#23Landing page looks really nice but I couldn't see any pricing.
I couldn't see any reason that this wouldn't sell.
Re: Ask HN: Should we abandon our product?
#24Landing page looks really nice but I couldn't see any pricing. I couldn't see any reason that this wouldn't sell.
There is no pricing page because we haven't identified the market yet (as we wrote above). Thanks.
Re: Ask HN: Should we abandon our product?
#25No, the problem is your marketing. Time to pivot, your idea is not unique what you have built is the basics of a document management system. This problem has been solved by virtually every EMR, and other companies with products such as OnBase. The good news is that you are not alone, and there are other succesful/profitable businesses in this market space. Remember you do not have to be Unique or the best in the mark…
Marketing/sales are definitely one of our biggest issues. We understand that there are many enterprise document management systems, and that is exactly why we went to those markets where companies/users cannot afford those expensive EMS, or they are simply too complex for their needs. We want to pivot, and that is exactly what this post is all about. Thank you.
Consider reaching out to Kan and team at AtriumLTS. Not sure what their company is all about but before walking away you can try and get it into the hands of someone who might be able to integrate it into their company.
Re: Ask HN: Should we abandon our product?
#26Earlier quoted context omitted.
Marketing/sales are definitely one of our biggest issues. We understand that there are many enterprise document management systems, and that is exactly why we went to those markets where companies/users cannot afford those expensive EMS, or they are simply too complex for their needs. We want to pivot, and that is exactly what this post is all about. Thank you.
Consider reaching out to Kan and team at AtriumLTS. Not sure what their company is all about but before walking away you can try and get it into the hands of someone who might be able to integrate it into their company.
Actually, we did through our YC SS network. We talked to Kan's co-founder who confirmed that lawyers do have this problem, but kind of they themselves don't know how to approach it. The reason: It's hard to make them switch and use new technology.
Re: Ask HN: Should we abandon our product?
#27Your website is beautiful, name could be better because I'm not sure how to pronounce it so hard to tell friends. Unfortunately idea/product itself isn't something I can give much feedback on, I'm mostly a developer so I didn't realize this was a problem people had, I guess I can kind of understand some professions (lawyers, creatives) could really use this though but it's a tough sell getting people to change their ways unless it dramatically makes things better for them. It's hard enough making tech people do it in my experience.
Re: Ask HN: Should we abandon our product?
#28No, the problem is your marketing. Time to pivot, your idea is not unique what you have built is the basics of a document management system. This problem has been solved by virtually every EMR, and other companies with products such as OnBase. The good news is that you are not alone, and there are other succesful/profitable businesses in this market space. Remember you do not have to be Unique or the best in the mark…
Marketing/sales are definitely one of our biggest issues. We understand that there are many enterprise document management systems, and that is exactly why we went to those markets where companies/users cannot afford those expensive EMS, or they are simply too complex for their needs. We want to pivot, and that is exactly what this post is all about. Thank you.
I would say find a niche market, build a tailored work flow for that market. For example, an random idea, the education sector, market your product to English teachers to allow for their students to manage there homework. Basically find any niche market where the businesses are using share-point, or network shares to manage documents. I believe your bread and butter will be with small shops that can afford a monthly subscription, but can't afford a large product like OnBase. Also don't be afraid to sell appliances that host your software, not everything has to be in the cloud.