Ask HN: How would you monetize icantfindmyphone.com?
icantfindmyphone.com
Ask HN: How would you monetize icantfindmyphone.com?
1–10 of 24 posts
Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize icantfindmyphone.com?
#2(I'm not the creator of icantfindmyphone.com)
I ask because I have one-off ideas like this pretty often that would be pretty easy to build, but I've never realized a way to monetize them. Running a service like this isn't going to break the bank, but it isn't exactly free either[1].
[1] I'd consider a lot of projects I do pretty much 'free' to run as they run on servers I already use for other services. For a telephony service, well... Twillio isn't free.
Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize icantfindmyphone.com?
#3Let advertisers leave a voice message. In most cases, the call will go to voicemail (even if the person finds the phone they'll probably ignore the call).
Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize icantfindmyphone.com?
#4Allow the user to send in App notifications to their iPhone allowing them to popup something on the screen offereing a reward to the finder.
Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize icantfindmyphone.com?
#5I see two main ways to monetize it.
If it's calling you or texting you, you should be able to text an advertisement or leave a voicemail as an advertisement. I'd also consider telling jokes or something that gets people to spread the service and make it viral. Randomly mixing jokes and ads might not be such a bad bet.
The other option is impressions on the website.
Either of these probably won't result in much money, but it should pay for part of the service.
Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize icantfindmyphone.com?
#6Sponsorship. Localized.
You know the person's area code. Make the assumption that they live somewhere near there and sell local ads.
I wouldn't put the advertising in the voice message itself. Most users are just as likely to ignore the call once they get the phone. After the number has been submitted though, the ad can display on the website's thank you page.
"Now that we've helped you, return a kind act and consider one of these fine products from one of our sponsors."
Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize icantfindmyphone.com?
#7Allow the user to send in App notifications to their iPhone allowing them to popup something on the screen offereing a reward to the finder.
It's a service that will dial your phone so you can find it when it rings. This is presumably for a situation where you lost your phone in a couch cushion or something similar. :)
Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize icantfindmyphone.com?
#8Let advertisers leave a voice message. In most cases, the call will go to voicemail (even if the person finds the phone they'll probably ignore the call).
and good luck signing up advertisers.
Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize icantfindmyphone.com?
#9I think the primary problem with monetizing this idea is letting people know it exists.
I would register a twitter account such as cant_find_your_phone etc, search the firehose, and then tweet the user.
Re: Ask HN: How would you monetize icantfindmyphone.com?
#10Um, a reward?
Isn't that the first thing you offer when you lose something?
Monetize by taking a cut of offered rewards.