What's the best way to get users for a B2B2C startup?
Hi guys!
I'm building ShopMe (www.getshopme.com), a mobile self-checkout platform for brick and mortar retailers. We found a really great sales channel that I think will set us apart from other players in this space.
We start retailer onboarding with the sales partner this January and I've been thinking about cheap but effective ways to get their clients to use the app.
I'm foregoing the "usual" routes of doing paid marketing via Google and Facebook and acquire users through the retailer via in-store advertising/prompts.
I was thinking along the lines of:
- Stickers outside of the retailer store to show that self-checkout is available
- A small infographic stand with a QR code by the counter that says something along the lines of: "Want to skip the line next time? Download ShopMe"
- Being outside of the store and talking to people to try it out (unsure about this method considering the pandemic)
I'm not sure what else I can do to acquire users organically. Referrals are in our pipeline but the referrals have to start somewhere. Advice from people that have launched/scaled B2B2C companies are highly appreciated.
I don't have B2B2C experience, but in store messaging absolutely seems like the way to go given that it's free and that is when customers will feel the need for the service. I feel any other form of advertising this to consumers will be more expensive and less effective.
To create more of an immediate impulse to download I would remove the 'next time' from your messaging, and focus on encouraging visitors to download the app right then to skip the queue.
Jerome, I am in the same boat as you. I am launching the MVP of my B2B2C business in about a month from now. I am wondering what is the easiest way to get both the B and C customers without hiring sales people or going door-to-door. Anything you've learned that you can share?
Hi!
We're still pre-launch so I don't know how to acquire the C yet, but my hunch is that it will have to go through the B. For the B, we acquired them through my network. In many ways it was "door to door" selling.
My expectation is that once we launch with the B, I have to do active selling to their clients as well just to get the first batch of users. Everything is manual in the beginning - don't be afraid to go door to door! :)
Thanks, this is so helpful. I started the door to door thing about a week ago and I was thinking it was becoming a drag but what you are saying makes real sense. I'll ensure that I plan for that in my time and resource allocation. Cheers!
Don't be discouraged if you are reaching out to the Bs and they are not replying (I'm assuming you're doing cold outreach). People don't like cold emails or cold phonecalls, that's just how humans are. The best way is to get introduced through your network!
Thanks for the tips and encouragement!