When I look at past mobile startup projects, the inclusion of a domain expert within the team is most often an ingredient for success. This necessity stems from the crucial role that domain experts play in understanding potential customers, reviewing output and innovating the sales channel.
For instance, a health startup would greatly benefit from the insights of a doctor or medical consultant, while a food startup could leverage the expertise of a nutritionist to tailor its offering. Similarly, a mobile application designed to enhance visitor experiences would do well to incorporate the perspectives of someone with a background in hospitality. Enlisting the services of such experts does not necessarily require a full-time commitment. Part-time advisors can provide valuable insights without the need for a significant financial outlay.
Understanding Your Potential Customers
The core of any successful mobile startup is a deep understanding of its potential customers. This involves not only identifying the goals of the business and the expected customer base but also understanding where these customers spend their time, both online and offline, what challenges they are looking to solve and what drives them. A domain expert, with their nuanced understanding of the field, can offer invaluable insights into the minds of potential customers, ensuring that the startup’s offerings are best tailored to meet their needs.
Reviewing Output
Domain experts also play a critical role in reviewing the startup’s output, acting as stakeholders who can assess potential app features and their implementation. Their expertise allows them to identify possible pitfalls before the product reaches the hands of end users, thereby streamlining the development process and reducing the likelihood of costly mistakes.
Innovating the Sales Channel
Perhaps the most crucial area where domain experts contribute is in the development of the sales channel. It is a common misconception among startups that a superior product or service will naturally find its way into the hands of customers.
Without a robust sales channel, even the most innovative offerings can fail to reach their target audience. Domain experts can aid in this regard through their existing contacts, by training the sales team, identifying emerging trends, creating targeted sales materials and lending an air of credibility to partnerships. Their involvement ensures that the startup’s efforts in product development are matched by an equally innovative approach to reaching and engaging potential customers.
In conclusion, the role of the domain expert in mobile startups cannot be overstated. By providing deep insights into customer behaviour, helping to refine product offerings and guiding the development of effective sales strategies, these experts are indispensable to the success of a mobile startup.
