Interview
with
Don’t you just hate overnight success startups? Companies that pop out of nowhere, get all the buzz and attention, and have people throwing their money at them?
Well, me too.
But as I’m sure you know, too, there is usually a long journey to such overnight success.
And in this episode, I’m showing you exactly what that journey looks like.
Patrick explains the origins of Sitebulb, which started as a desktop tool for technical SEO analysis. This early version was specifically designed for SEO consultants and digital agencies, setting the foundation for its later evolution.
Patrick discusses the transition from a desktop applicationto a cloud-based service, driven by customer demands and shifts in the market.This change allowed Sitebulb to scale and meet the needs of users with larger sites.
Patrick explains how the initial server solution brought difficulties, leading to the development of a more accessible cloud version. Patrick alsorecounts how they struggled to scale the server solution effectively, which prompted a rethink of their approach.
Patrick talks about how changes in the market, including competitors moving upmarket, created a gap that Sitebulb aimed to fill. This allowed Sitebulb to position itself as a mid-range tool with robust features.
Patrick recounts how Sitebulb pushed the market forward withits exceptional user experience (UX). This not only helped users identify SEOissues but also made it easier to report on them.
Needless to say, Sitebulb’s emphasis on UX set a newstandard in the industry, influencing the broader market and raising the bar for competitors.
Patrick reflects on the challenges of positioning Sitebulb in the market, particularly the initial struggles with defining its identity. Adjustments based on customer feedback were crucial in fine-tuning their positioning strategy.
We also chatted about the role of community and influencer marketing in Sitebulb’s growth. Content, webinars, and industry awards were key strategies in building a strong presence and driving word-of-mouth growth.
Patrick discusses the challenges of competing in a saturated SEO tool market and how Sitebulb gained visibility by focusing on its unique features, such as JavaScript rendering.
Early on Sitebulb made a pricing mistake. Patrick explains how they addressed it transparently. This openness helped build trust with their user base, turning a potential setback into an opportunity for strengthening relationships.
Patrick reflects on how Sitebulb has evolved from a desktop tool to a versatile product that adapts to the growing needs of its users. The product now offers an upgrade path to cloud-based solutions, ensuring it can grow with its users.
We close the chat with reflections on Sitebulb’s journey,emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the community’s needs. By focusing on product quality and community engagement, Sitebulb has maintained a positive reputation in the industry.
"We thought we were doing the right thing. We clearly weren’t... This was a mistake. Anyone who signed up at the original price... we f***ed this up, we didn’t mean to but we did."
