Ways to Improve Extensions
Glad to see this group on IndieHackers. I've been developing extensions for over 6 years. It is hard to find a place to talk with other extension creators.
I'm looking for some feedback on two of my most popular extensions. I've been stuck around the 200k active users for some time now with my Weather Extensions. Debating on my next steps on how to grow it to millions of users. New design? New features? Better marketing? Most of my users are happy with the current design and features. So I am conflicted about what to improve etc.
I'm also seeing lots of growth with my Link Shortener. It has over 150k active users. Looking to see what could be added to make it better.
Hey Tim, this is an off topic question but, are any of your extensions generating revenue? If so, what methods are you using?
I'm asking because I'm creating a chrome extension, but unsure if monetization through adding a price tag on getting the extension, is a good way to go.
Yes they are. My Weather Extension has a pro upgrade which unlocks additional features and my Link Shortener Extension has a monthly subscription with https://t.ly/
Traffic is limited in Chrome Webstore. So if you want millions of users, you just wait for years.
As I can see your user base is declining actually from 160k->140k in a year (at least in Chrome). You already have an uninstall survey.
My suggestion is to extract and fix real reasons why users remove your app.
Hey @timleland,
I produced a detailed feedback (incl. video and breakdown) for your website. You can see it here:
https://firstimpressions.link/result/weatherextension-com
I hope this helps. Please take a minute or two to answer the survey on the bottom 🙏
PS: You have a good product. If you need help with making it great, let me know.
Wow, that was impressive review of the site. Thank you for taking the time and giving me the feedback. To answer your question about if people find the extension from the website or extensions stores, the majority come from the stores. You did convince me to redo my homepage when I redesign the extension. Also considering hiring a designer. In the end, did you try the extension? Curious about your thoughts on the actual extension.
Glad you liked the review.
Yes, I tried the extension. I like it - but it "suffers" from also not having a modern design. You also grow by people being so proud of having something "cool" that they tell their friends about it.
Definitely get help from a designer. Let me know if you consider making it great, I'd be up for helping.
PS: If you haven't done so already, please consider filling out this quick survey https://sascha32.typeform.com/to/rt2vNfAf
Thanks a lot 👋
In the process of redesigning it now. Thanks for the feedback. I’ll post screenshots of some ideas to get feedback.
Welcome Tim, thanks for posting. Growth is always the #1 issue for every indie hacker maker, extension builder or otherwise.
After playing around with Weather Extension for a bit, I do have a few thoughts about it, tho none on the marketing side yet. Now, the first thing to my untrained eye is that the UI could use a face lift. IMHO, its cluttered, inconsistent, and there is a lot of hidden detail that requires extra clicks and hovers. Extra annoyances include the hidden upsells - why show / allow a clickable option in settings if its behind a paywall? Make it obvious. I'd rearrange the settings to be separate screen -- the UI is tight as it is, so open a tab for settings and location management -- this way you are not constrained by the tiny box where if I accidentally misclick, its gone. Also a much better place to upsell -- I'd leave the free options available to the user and show the settings they will get access to after an upgrade.
At 100k installs, this would certainly be the #1 thing I'd go for. Obviously, I'd keep the older UI as a default for existing users, and drop the new UI for the new installs or people who switch over.
Re-reading what I wrote, I'm a bit on the critical side, but in my experience, improving UI makes the app an easier sell due to the professional and polished look of it. Feel free to email me if you'd like to discuss anything in more detail.
Thank you for the feedback! Very good info and I agree. I've had similar thoughts and this confirms that I need to redesign the extension! Like most apps, the features were added over time which has led to poor UX and messy design. Moving the options page to a separate page is a great idea. Thank you!