This was my YC idea, what do you think?(smoothstart.com)
smoothstart.com
This was my YC idea, what do you think?
http://www.smoothstart.com/
14 comments
I'd say all the copy is terrible. Cut out all the enthusiasm and hype. Just give it straight. Spelling out what you mean by generating, tracking and managing leads would be good. I know you know what it means, but its too vague. Better to say: 1) setup you pay-per-click campaigns or work with your existing ones 2) make custom landing pages with forms to get their information 3) track these leads 4) incorporate stats and info from various places. You get the idea... leads can mean too many things, you seem to be all about getting lead info from web forms off of pay-per-click ads - and that focus is a good thing.
Thanks! I was feeling the same way about the forbes release but everyone else insisted.
It definitely comes across as slimy. It seems like your service is interesting enough on its own to not need to resort to shady tactics in order to be compelling.
Visually, this site shouts "Web 2.0!!!" like no other. Going from the simple, clean layout of Hacker News to that was jarring. I suggest you drop at least one standard Web 2.0 design element. Personally, I'd lose the reflections and tone down the drop shadows.
It's also not clear to me what this product actually does. That may be because I don't have a background in marketing and don't know the jargon very well, but it might also be that your content reads like marketing fluff. In 150 words or fewer, what does this service do?
It's also not clear to me what this product actually does. That may be because I don't have a background in marketing and don't know the jargon very well, but it might also be that your content reads like marketing fluff. In 150 words or fewer, what does this service do?
I think the design is fine. It's silly to classify this as Web 2.0, that doesn't make any sense.
As for what it does, on the homepage: Generate, Manage & Track New Leads. All in one place. That's 9 words and one symbol. This is a sales tool, you labeling it as something that's related to marketing makes it clear you're not part of the demographics.
As for what it does, on the homepage: Generate, Manage & Track New Leads. All in one place. That's 9 words and one symbol. This is a sales tool, you labeling it as something that's related to marketing makes it clear you're not part of the demographics.
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it would be nice if it were a little more tangible -- you say you help gather and manage leads and make it easier to manage search marketing. but those are huge spaces and cover a universe of possible features/applications.
for example, maybe make the screenshots more legible so i could quickly get a feel for what specifically the thing does (ok, the 'create custom landing pages' and forms is clear enough, but the rest of the description is a lot fuzzier) and how i can use it.
the site itself looks gorgeous, though -- good luck!
for example, maybe make the screenshots more legible so i could quickly get a feel for what specifically the thing does (ok, the 'create custom landing pages' and forms is clear enough, but the rest of the description is a lot fuzzier) and how i can use it.
the site itself looks gorgeous, though -- good luck!
nicely designed. i agree with others about the copy. it's well written, but i don't think the tone is appropriate for this type of product. then again, i'm not even a potential user...
I would take what everyone on here says with a grain of salt because i'm guessing most of us haven't used a CRM app.
I would take what everyone on here says with a grain of salt because i'm guessing most of us haven't used a CRM app.
I really, really like the design.
Looks really sexy.
if this was your YC idea, meaning it was turned down and you went ahead and still did it, I want to say congrats on finishing it and not giving up.
Yes. We did, but it's not really finished...I just want to get peoples feedback on the concept.
Seconded!
Otherwise, the layout looks good. Some of your marketing text reads a little funny//choppy. You might want to re-read what you wrote and fine-tune.
And nitpicking: I don't like how the word "it" is on its own line in the quote on your front page.