I built a private, personal CRM to help me stay in touch with the people I care about.
Content Summary
Opinion Analysis
Mainstream opinion: Most users find the idea of a personal CRM useful, especially for those who struggle with memory, such as people with ADHD or those who avoid social media. There's strong support for the privacy-focused approach, with many requesting features like iCloud backup and Android support. Some users are concerned about the need for manual input, but the concept of a non-social media CRM is widely appreciated.
Controversial opinions: One comment suggests that the app isn't necessary if someone has no friends, which is a minority view. However, most users agree that the app addresses a real need for relationship management. There's also a debate about whether the app should be a one-time purchase or include a subscription model, but the general consensus is in favor of a one-time fee.
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waitlister | https://waitlister.me/p/kindred | Waitlist Management | Used to collect early interest and manage potential users for the app |
| iOS App | N/A | Mobile Application | Built using Swift, currently only available on iOS |
| iCloud | N/A | Cloud Storage | Mentioned as a potential backup and sync solution for the app |
| PWA (Progressive Web App) | N/A | Web Technology | Mentioned as an alternative for cross-platform access |
| TestFlight | N/A | App Testing | Mentioned as a possible way to distribute beta versions of the app |
| ChatGPT | N/A | AI Tool | Used to edit screenshots for the post by removing personal information |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Difficulty in remembering important personal details about friends and family (e.g., spouse names, birthdays, milestones)
- Struggling to maintain regular contact with people due to forgetfulness or lack of time
- Fear of missing important dates like birthdays, anniversaries, or other life events
- Concerns about data privacy and security when storing personal information
Problems to Solve:
- Need for a tool that helps users keep track of personal relationships and key life events
- Desire for a simple, private CRM that doesn't rely on social media
- Requirement for reminders and notifications to stay connected with others
- Need for secure, local storage of personal data without cloud dependency
Potential Solutions:
- A personal CRM with timeline tracking, reminders, and countdown widgets
- Local storage and encryption for data security
- Integration with iOS contacts for easy import
- iCloud or other cloud backup options
- One-time payment model instead of subscription-based pricing
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Focusing on a specific niche (e.g., ADHD community, people who avoid social media)
- Building a minimal viable product (MVP) and testing it with early adopters
- Using waitlist tools to gauge interest and build anticipation
- Leveraging user feedback to guide development and prioritize features
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Engaging with communities like r/SideProject and Reddit to share the project
- Encouraging word-of-mouth through user testimonials and positive feedback
- Offering free access to the core features to attract initial users
Monetization & Product:
- Emphasizing a one-time payment model for the Pro version rather than recurring subscriptions
- Keeping base features free to maximize accessibility
- Prioritizing user needs based on feedback to improve product-market fit
User Engagement:
- Creating a waitlist to build a community of interested users
- Encouraging direct communication with users to gather insights and feature requests
- Hosting beta tests via TestFlight to involve users in the development process