Ask HN: What web service categories should I be thinking about?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2940487

by Schultzy • 15 years ago

1 2 15 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

I am developing a subscription based B2C Web app and I am a bit overwhelmed at all of the different business services out there (Salesforce, Hubspot, BrainTree, MailChimp, etc.)

Can someone please help my wrap my brain around what kinds of tools I should be looking into and maybe provide a few recommendations of specific providers?

At the moment I am thinking I need: - B2C CRM - Email Marketing - Payment Processing - Analytics - Accounting

Are those the basics or am I missing something?

dirkdeman• 15 years ago

I think you're asking yourself the wrong question. You should be asking yourself 'what tools do I need RIGHT NOW' instead of 'what tools exist out there'. If you're still in the process of developing a B2C Web app, I wouldn't worry about these services until you actually need them. Finish your product first. That should be your focus right now.

Schultzy• 15 years ago

Is it unwise to do the research/vetting before I actually need the services?

I am hoping to launch by the end of the year, so I have some time, but I want to have some idea of what I should be thinking about so that I have one less thing to distract me from my users (assuming I can get them).

My real concern is CRM, but I am having trouble wrapping my mind around where various CRM solutions end and Email marketing/social marketing/helpdesk/feedback solutions begin. All I know is that I will need a database of my users and the ability to keep them informed via email once I launch, but I don't know what I don't know.