Transforming Visual Communication: The Piktochart Journey from Idea to Impact
Company profile
Company business details
Motivation to build the product
The founders were motivated by the need to simplify the process of visual communication, recognizing that many individuals struggle to convey complex information effectively. Their personal experiences in education and business highlighted the importance of visual storytelling in engaging audiences and enhancing understanding.Problem that their product solves
Piktochart solves the problem of visual communication by enabling users to create engaging infographics and presentations easily. The end users include educators, marketers, and corporate professionals who need to present data and ideas clearly and effectively. Solving this problem is crucial for these users as it enhances their ability to communicate and engage their audiences.Their unfair advantage
Piktochart's unfair advantage lies in its user-friendly interface and extensive library of templates, which make it accessible for users without design experience, allowing them to create professional-quality visuals quickly and easily.Strategies
Pre-Launch (Product Development & MVP)
Storytelling Product Development
Piktochart expanded its product offerings beyond infographics to include video storytelling tools. This decision was driven by the recognition of the growing importance of video content in conveying emotions and messages effectively. The new product allows users to create talking head videos and repurpose them into smaller clips, catering to the evolving needs of their user base. This strategic pivot not only enhances their product line but also aligns with the company's mission to help users visualize their stories.
Hustle for Initial Users
In the early days of Piktochart, Ching leveraged her existing contacts at agencies and friends in various workplaces to gain initial users. She attended numerous startup competitions to gather feedback and understand the product's weaknesses. Additionally, she focused on content creation, learning SEO along the way, and produced a significant amount of content to attract users, even without extensive research.
Launch Stage
Founder Coffee Podcast
Salesflare launched the 'Founder Coffee' podcast, hosted by Jeroen Corthout, where he interviews various founders to discuss their journeys, challenges, and insights. This initiative not only builds a community around entrepreneurship but also positions Salesflare as a thought leader in the startup ecosystem. The podcast features episodes like the one with Ai Ching Goh, co-founder of Piktochart, where they discuss the evolution of Piktochart and the importance of storytelling in business. This strategy helps in brand building and attracting potential customers who resonate with the stories shared on the podcast.
Vulnerable Hiring Letters
Ai Ching Goh, co-founder of Piktochart, implemented a unique hiring strategy by crafting vulnerable letters to potential senior hires. These letters included a SWOT analysis of the company, detailing the challenges and struggles the team was facing. This transparent approach aimed to build trust with candidates, allowing them to understand the realities of working at Piktochart. By sharing the difficulties openly, Ai Ching attracted candidates who were not only capable but also willing to embrace challenges, thus ensuring a better fit for the company culture.
Growth Hacking through Content Marketing
When Piktochart launched in March 2012, Ching utilized growth hacking techniques before the term was widely recognized. She engaged in content marketing, invested in SEO, and reached out to various blogs to request product reviews. This approach helped generate buzz and attract early adopters, leading to a successful launch with paying customers on the first day.
Learn more about Piktochart
Ai Ching Goh of Piktochart
I’m Ching Goh, co founder and CEO of Piktochart and Piktostory. AMA!