Let me share a tough lesson we learned.
We launched an app called Akashvani, a copy of the viral anonymous feedback app, Sarahah.
Later, we renamed it to Toupp.com.
No research. No vision. Just a copy.
We thought it would also go viral.
But what happened?
Nothing.
No traction. No users. No buzz.
Why?
Here’s what we missed:
– Copied Products Lack Purpose: We didn’t have a clear roadmap or vision. Just copying isn’t enough.
– Marketing Matters: We focused on development but ignored marketing. You can’t just copy an app and expect it to succeed.
– Going Viral Isn’t a Plan: Viral success is rare and unpredictable. It’s not something you can replicate easily.
– Market Fit Is Key: We didn’t consider if our product fit the market or if users even needed it.
– No Differentiation: If the original app is already popular, why would people switch to our copy?
The lesson?
Don’t rush to copy others.
A real startup solves a problem—it doesn’t just replicate existing solutions.
We learned the hard way, but it’s helped us guide our customers better.
Now, we only work with startups that have a clear vision, a strong plan, and the budget to back it up.
If you’re building something new, make sure you have 3X the money for marketing than you do for development.
That’s how you thrive.
