EP #87 - Dennis Just: Bootstrapping Your Company To Scale

Timestamps:
0:45 - What mistakes do Swiss startups make repeatedly when it comes to bootstrapping?
14:20 - Boostrapping and growing fast
17:43 - Constant AB testing
25:48 - Building a solid user base
32:45 - Organic traffic & relying on Google
The Episode in 60 seconds:
Considerations when deciding whether to bootstrap:

• Bootstrapping is a long term project which needs time and dedication.


• Once you decide to get on the VC train, you can’t go back.


• External funding rounds also mean valuation rounds, which you have to keep driving up. A downround can be detrimental.


• If you cannot get a top tier international investor, it may not be worth the trouble.


Bootstrapping a user base:

• Brand: building trust and recognition is a long term game that will pay off.


• SEO / organic search: quality content and a product that truly meets the user needs will go a long way. Of course, this makes you dependent on the search engine algorithm.


• Community: know your target audience and build a community around your product.


Running experiments:

• Once you have a user base, experiment everything and optimize whatever you can.


• Always test on a subset of users to minimize overall impact of negative test results.


• Monitor all KPIs, not just conversion (e.g. customer retention, customer lifetime value, satisfaction, etc.).

Don’t forget to give us a follow on our Twitter ( / swisspreneur ) , Instagram ( / swisspreneur ) , Facebook ( / swisspreneur ) and Linkedin ( / admin ) accounts, so you can always stay up to date with our latest initiatives. That way, there’s no excuse for missing out on live shows, weekly give-aways or founders dinners!