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)
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.
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.
Launch Stage
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.
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.
Growth Stage
Community Engagement through User Stories
To highlight the versatility and success of their platform, Bubble launched an 'App of the Day' series on their blog. This initiative aimed to showcase various user-created applications, providing real-world examples of what could be built with Bubble. By sharing these success stories, they not only celebrated their users but also inspired others to explore the possibilities of no-code development.
Learn more about Bubble
Bubble - Founders Interview
