Is there a space in Netlify market
Hey all, Just thinking out loud. I have some static sites (Gatsby, React etc). I need a hosting for them. Most of users are going Netlify way. Looks like there is just 1 major player on the market? Do you guys think that there is a space for that type of projects on the market?
I actually don't use Netlify for static sites. I use Surge.sh. So yes, there is space for more than one. But keep in mind, essentially every static site host I've ever seen has a very generous free plan. Because static sites are cheap and easy (you could host them on S3). Static site hosts don't sell static site hosting. They sell the additional features on top of it and the developer experience.
The question to ask is not, "is there space?" It is, "why is Netlify not good enough? Why make another?"
Nope Netlify is amazing :)
What you could look at is products that work with Netlify, https://statickit.com/ is a great example.
I'm not saying that Netlify is not amazing. I'm asking is there a space for another provider like them.
I was thinking about something similar, maybe even more more complex, like micro database for the frontend. Need to dig out that project from my disk...
"I'm asking is there a space for another provider like them." i don't think so, they're free and very good.
if you want to integrate with them, that sounds great. They're selling static sites hard and educating developers on the benefits.
Someone already brought up Surge.sh, so I'll just mention Now from Zeit.co, the creators of Next.js, Hyperterm, and other cool things.
What does Netlify not do well at?
Sure, but you'll need a clear point of difference – Netlify has a huge bank account so it's going to be awfully difficult to compete head on if you're 100% bootstrapped.
What will you're offering bring to the table that would make people choose you instead of Netlify? And, will that benefit be hard for Netlify to copy?
Thanks all for the replies. I want to express again that I have nothing against the Netlify. All I am asking is, is there a space for another, similar provider. Like you have Linode, Vultr and Digital Ocean (and many more) providers that offer you cheap VPS servers. They are on similar level. AFAIR Linode was available long before DO joined the game.
My question is more less is there a point to run alternative to Nelify.
I know it will be super difficult to compete with the very generous free tier. Sometimes offering same service, but wrapped in a bit different advertising works magic (you guys remember Media Temple?)
Also, moving away from tech - we can say the same about cars: why Mercedes when we have BMW, why Renault, when there is Citroen and so on.
Do we have to be completely different? Can we have a solid product that we know that there is a need on a market? I'm sure I won't be able to become as big as Netlify, but can I have some part of the market?
What if you made something like this, but for individuals or small agencies and studios who are making or managing sites for clients? Instead of hooking up Netlify + monitoring + client intake forms + client communications + payment + help docs + whatever, we use your turnkey solution.
there are many other free statics hosting (surge, zeit,firebase...), but netlify is ultra easy to use : a drag & drop of the files via the dashboard, and that's it.
No cli to install, no terminal, no code.... a drag & drop and you have a website live