Empowering Innovation: How Bubble's Founders Revolutionized App Development for Everyone
Company profile
Company business details
Motivation to build the product
The founders were motivated by the desire to make software development accessible to everyone, particularly those without technical backgrounds. They recognized that many people had great ideas for applications but lacked the coding skills to bring them to life, which sparked the idea for Bubble.Problem that their product solves
Bubble addresses the problem of accessibility in software development. The end users are non-technical individuals, entrepreneurs, and business owners who want to create web applications but do not have the coding skills. Solving this problem is important as it allows more people to innovate and bring their ideas to market without being hindered by technical barriers.Their unfair advantage
Bubble's unfair advantage lies in its user-friendly visual programming interface that allows users to create complex applications without any coding knowledge, setting it apart from traditional development tools.Strategies
Pre-Launch (Product Development & MVP)
Community Building
In the early stages of Bubble, the co-founders recognized the importance of building a community around their product. They started a forum in June 2015 to allow users to help each other, as the company was too small to provide extensive customer support. This community-driven approach not only fostered user engagement but also created a support network that contributed to the product's development and improvement.
In-Person User Engagement
Emanuel and Josh actively sought out their first users by attending events specifically designed for aspiring entrepreneurs. They approached individuals who were looking for technical co-founders and introduced Bubble as a platform that would allow them to build their own projects without needing coding skills. This face-to-face interaction was crucial as it helped establish trust and credibility, making it easier for potential users to engage with the product despite its early limitations.
Launch Stage
Delayed Public Launch
Bubble's founders decided to delay their public launch until they felt the product was strong enough to make a significant impact. They had their first paying customers in December 2012 but waited until September 2015 for their public launch on Product Hunt. This strategic decision allowed them to refine their product and ensure that when they launched, they could deliver a compelling experience that would attract attention and users.
Building with Bubble for Internal Use
Bubble's founders decided to use their own platform to build their website and internal tools, including a project management app called 'Internal'. This decision not only showcased the capabilities of Bubble but also allowed them to iterate quickly on their own processes. By using Bubble to manage their operations, they demonstrated the platform's potential to empower users to create custom solutions tailored to their specific needs.
Growth Stage
Leveraging User Success Stories
To build credibility and attract new users, Bubble's founders focused on showcasing success stories from their users. They understood that if potential users saw real-world examples of successful applications built on Bubble, it would encourage them to try the platform. This strategy not only helped in marketing but also in building a strong community around the product.
Learn more about Bubble
Bubble - Founders Interview