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I just launched my bootstrapped startup. Pray for me.

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

#41
I like the concept a lot!

The "how it works" boxes on the first page need to give me more. I kept clicking on them.

I liked the plans list. I want the entire box to be a click target, and give me a mouse-over subtle color change. I also want pictures there.

The checkout page is very weak. A little javascript to count down how many vegetables I have left and gray things out when I don't have any options would be nice. The current plan upgrade link was sloppy-feeling. I also don't like "Oops! We need a little more info. Could you fix the following things?" ..it made me feel like I screwed up, when I think I followed the obvious path through the application. I'd be tempted to split out the joy of choosing what plants I'm going to get from actually paying for things. Also consider making the username the same as the email address, less to remember.

Come to think of it, after I choose a plan, a page where I romped through (conceptually) a bunch of awesome-looking fruits and veggies, dreaming about my awesome garden, with a form down at the bottom that says "where do you want us to send your tasty, tasty carrots, beets, and celery?". Then the address capture is about where my goodies are going, not paying...

This website is a great idea. I wish I had space to plant things, I'd give you a shot.

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

#43
Facebook only displays a url in facebook's convenient box where images should show up (the thing, where, if you add a URL to your status, it parses the page for the first image, and includes). I'm assuming there aren't any images small enough, or something...to which I'd suggest you cut out the "sprout Robot Beta" in the top left, and let it be its own image...seamless enough on the website, but adding an image to facebook...which could help a great deal.

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

#44
Firstly, congrats!

Secondly...I love the design. Who did it for you? Alexandria Neonakis?

Thirdly, I too looked for a pricing plan page - to figure out how you were going to make money. When I entered a zip code, then I discovered the pricing page. It looks too wordy. Try to find a more concise way to display that same information. It kinda looks a BIT confusing, maybe it is psychological because the columns for each of the plans are not the same height. I don't understand how the height for each of the columns is decided because the $19.99 & $69.99 columns are the same, the free plan is shortest and the recommended plan is the longest. So something about that display is a bit off-putting/confusing.

Also, have I told you I really love the artwork of the people planting. Love it! As a result of that artwork being so nice, the pricing page feels so bland. The copy is just black text on white columns with an awesome background. Maybe you can try using a little whitespace, and then adding a few other design elements to the columns.

Maybe I am just nit-picking, but the headings for the columns have the word garden, except for the email one...consistency is lacking. I would add a small graphic for each of the gardens, each one getting more 'lush' as the plan increases in cost. Then change the name of the 'email only' to something more inline with the theme. Perhaps 'pot of dirt' or something like that.

Good job on launching though!

Also, make the logo a hotlink to home on all pages.

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

#45
As an atheist, I have to wish you good luck instead :)

Great idea! Mrs Browl has a green thumb and will love this. It might be helpful to take account of companion plants which can often improve the health of a garden when planted together(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_companion_plants). Agree with some other users that it might be a good idea to expose more of the options before soliciting a signup, but I understand it's early days. Smart market targeting and business model, with great long-term potential.

Once you get the website running smoothly and look to other directions, a mobile app that lets people swap horticulture tips and pictures of their garden's progress would bring you a very sticky community, as well as further sales opportunities ('Oh noes, I haz aphid infestation - need help w/organic pest sprays?').

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

#47

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.

Yea, there's a Facebook page but I haven't started promoting it yet: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SproutRobot/122403899553

So much social media, so little time. :) The like button is a great idea too, I'll add it to the list.

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

#48
I get: "Ooops. Something went wrong. The right people have been notified of the details, and we'll do our best to fix the issue right away." after signing up and if I try to sign in.

My username is the same as here so check it out if you have a chance.

NOTE: I'm just asking for help why am I being voted down?

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

#49
Totally like this idea ... very clever, and I've never seen anything like it before.

Concur with some previous comments that price page needs attention. Sounds cliche, but go back and look at some of the older 37signals.com/svn posts on making purchase process easy/intuitive/good design.

Also, can confirm that page is dorked somewhat in IE8 ... pretty sure it's not the look that you were after! Let me know if you need a screen cap / don't have IE to take a look.

Nice job! You're hard work has paid off, but it AIN'T OVER. Keep the press.

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