Building the Future of Simple Websites: The Story of Carrd and Its Founder
Company profile
Company business details
Motivation to build the product
The founders were motivated by the need to simplify the website creation process for individuals and small businesses who lack technical skills. They recognized that many people wanted to establish an online presence but were deterred by the complexity of traditional website builders.Problem that their product solves
Carrd solves the problem of complex website creation for non-developers, allowing users to create quick and effective online presences without needing extensive technical skills. The end users include individuals, freelancers, and small businesses who need a simple and affordable way to build websites.Their unfair advantage
Carrd's unfair advantage lies in its simplicity and affordability, allowing users to create professional-looking websites quickly without the need for coding skills. Its freemium model also attracts a wide range of users.Strategies
Pre-Launch (Product Development & MVP)
Building a Template Marketplace
AJ planned to introduce a feature that would allow users to create and share their own templates within Card. This would not only enhance user experience by providing customizable options but also enable users to monetize their templates. By recognizing the demand for template sharing and sales, AJ aimed to create a community-driven marketplace that would further engage users and expand Card's functionality.
Free Template Distribution
AJ, the founder of Carrd, began his journey by creating responsive website templates and offering them for free on his website. This strategy allowed him to build a loyal following as users downloaded and utilized his templates. The positive feedback and demand for additional features led him to start charging a nominal fee of $19 for extra support and features, effectively generating six figures in annual revenue.
Freemium Model
AJ implemented a freemium business model for Carrd, allowing users to build up to three sites for free on the 'Basic' plan. This strategy was effective because it encouraged users to try the platform without any commitment, which led to organic growth through word of mouth. The option to upgrade to one of four 'Pro' plans starting at $9/year provided a clear pathway for monetization while keeping the initial user experience accessible.
Launch Stage
User-Driven Feature Development
AJ, the founder of Card, focused on adding features based on user requests from the very beginning. This approach allowed Card to evolve from a simple one-page website builder to a versatile tool that accommodates various user needs. By listening to feedback and implementing requested features, AJ ensured that Card remained relevant and useful to its growing user base. This strategy not only enhanced user satisfaction but also fostered a community around the product, as users felt their input directly influenced the tool's development.
Low Friction Access
When launching Carrd, AJ designed the platform to allow users to build websites without needing to sign up or provide personal information. This low-friction approach enabled potential users to experiment with the product freely, which significantly increased user engagement and conversion rates. By allowing users to create a site without barriers, AJ maximized the chances of them trying out the product and eventually subscribing.
Learn more about Carrd
Episode #21 - AJ - How roadmaps have changed since COVID, & how Carrd is carving out it's own niche
How Carrd’s Founder Turned a Side Project into a Profitable SaaS – with AJ [225]
Founder Interviews: AJ of Carrd
