I just launched my bootstrapped startup. Pray for me. • Hacker News Board

Re: I just launched my bootstrapped startup. Pray for me.

#21

Post by kapauldo » Tue, May 11, 2010, 1:44 AM UTC

Congratulations on pushing the button. You've done something incredibly rare and you and your team should be proud. A few suggestions- get on the new Facebook connect (facebook login) right away, and add a few social features (like add a check box that says "also post this on my wall" when you guys email people) so people can easily share what they're doing. That has a huge potential effect. Also, for what it's worth, target women (that sounds awful but most gardeners are women), I think that's your target demo. Anyway, best of luck, I'll share your site with the 2 or 3 garden clubs I indirectly know of, although I'm not sure if you're targeting beginner gardeners or advanced. If you post your email on your profile or here, I can get you some direct feedback from advanced gardeners, FWIW.

kevin (kapauldo)

Re: I just launched my bootstrapped startup. Pray for me.

#22

Post by jpletka » Tue, May 11, 2010, 1:45 AM UTC

chime wrote: post #2

It's a great looking site but I can't do anything unless I signup. I entered my zip expecting to see some results but all I get is a link to sign up form. Is there a demo that visitors can check out? Or maybe allow Google/Twitter/FB logins so I don't have to sign up? I do like the idea of growing my own veggie garden. The site concept and design is very promising. Good luck!

I agree with this. In my mind the ideal workflow is Zip Code -> Choose your Veggies -> Show your Personalized Calendar in the top half (with more details than just "carrot, June"), show signup options underneath.

Re: I just launched my bootstrapped startup. Pray for me.

#23

Post by ozres1 » Tue, May 11, 2010, 1:45 AM UTC

The page comes up funny on IE 8

Re: I just launched my bootstrapped startup. Pray for me.

#24

Post by wherespaul » Tue, May 11, 2010, 1:46 AM UTC

Do you have a facebook page? Would be nice if there was a like button on the homepage. Really like your concept! I stumbleupon.com it too.

Re: I just launched my bootstrapped startup. Pray for me.

#25

Post by modoc » Tue, May 11, 2010, 1:46 AM UTC

Really love it! My wife and I have started a couple of raised beds, and this is just a fantastic idea!

Re: I just launched my bootstrapped startup. Pray for me.

#26

Post by erikpukinskis » Tue, May 11, 2010, 1:46 AM UTC

joubert wrote: post #20

My zip is 10005 and you recommended a small garden, but i would almost expect recommending a patio garden for my zip. How to you decide which of the 3 options to recommend?

The small garden is a balance between feasibility and ambition for the novice gardener.

In other words, I'm just emphasizing the plan that makes me money. :)

Re: I just launched my bootstrapped startup. Pray for me.

#27

Post by alttab » Tue, May 11, 2010, 1:47 AM UTC

Great job! Fantastic design! I'd love to peek at the back-end code. I know my fiance would go crazy for this too. The only thing I hope for is that you don't go out of business and I lose my seeds :(

Re: I just launched my bootstrapped startup. Pray for me.

#28

Post by modoc » Tue, May 11, 2010, 1:47 AM UTC

kapauldo wrote: post #21

Congratulations on pushing the button. You've done something incredibly rare and you and your team should be proud. A few suggestions- get on the new Facebook connect (facebook login) right away, and add a few social features (like add a check box that says "also post this on my wall" when you guys email people) so people can easily share what they're doing. That has a huge potential effect. Also, for what it's worth…

Agreed with the facebook integration. I generally dislike Facebook but this is a great way to get more users for this type of service.

Re: I just launched my bootstrapped startup. Pray for me.

#29

Post by erikpukinskis » Tue, May 11, 2010, 1:47 AM UTC

kapauldo wrote: post #21

Congratulations on pushing the button. You've done something incredibly rare and you and your team should be proud. A few suggestions- get on the new Facebook connect (facebook login) right away, and add a few social features (like add a check box that says "also post this on my wall" when you guys email people) so people can easily share what they're doing. That has a huge potential effect. Also, for what it's worth…

Sure, I'll take all the feedback I can get! They can reach me at erik@sproutrobot.com.

And thanks for the tips! I agree Facebook integration would be great for spreading the word. It's a good reminder for my todo list.

Re: I just launched my bootstrapped startup. Pray for me.

#30

Post by thinkbohemian » Tue, May 11, 2010, 1:49 AM UTC

Thats actually pretty cool. I was wondering if something like this existed...i just planted a garden, and cannot stop thinking about how its like building a website (or vice versa).

Feedback: I would like to pick my own seeds though, rather than you telling me what i should plant. I signed up.