Redesign

The Local Rocket underwent a major redesign over the past week. We've simplified the map portion and added the ability for anyone to share pictures to the site. The idea is to show what's happening locally, and we hope it will help capture 'the local scene'. So head on over to the site and check it out. With that said Hunter and Bertrand will talk about some of the problems we've had up to this point.

1.     Revenue sources- One of the key problems we are facing is the best approach for revenue from potential businesses.  Do we have them pay us to post specials and events on our website or do we have them pay us for advertisements on our site?  We are currently generating small revenue based solely on google ads but want our revenue to come from the value we are creating not google ads alone. Potential sources would be local business and a donations feature on the website.

2.     Focusing on a direct product/area- Our website is currently fluctuating between a Harrisonburg deals website, events website and possible sales website.  We are attempting to create too much and are expanding out too far.  We need to focus on an area and build on it.  If a pivot is possible in the near future we will do so when necessary to shift directions.

3.     Sources of marketing- Our sources of marketing right now are currently just facebook and word of mouth advertising.  We would like to advertise to businesses but are still trying to better the site so that websites will be interested.  Thus, our marketing at times is stagnant due to the attempt to create the best product before taking the step toward businesses. Last monday, we practiced our pitching skills for our website. 

4.     Locating sufficient information to draw viewers- Based on our customer interviews, we found the best approach is through restaurant deals and local events coming up.  Certain restaurants do not have deals, have everyday deals or come in only deals.  Finding all the information to draw the customers is quite a bit of work and at times a struggle.  We want people to come on the website and find that deal or event that widens their eyes.  The problem is finding it, posting it, and getting people to come on the site and find it valuable.

5.     Time (open) - Time is another problem we are dealing with.  Creating a valuable website that companies are willing to pay for, generating $250 revenue, and doing so over the next 5 weeks is not something easy.  We learned in class to get a minimum viable product out to generate feedback and revenue.  We then learned to take failure and make something positive from it.  We are currently struggling to find the time to put all this together and make money in a minimal amount of time.  We have learned that it takes time to put something really good together.  Now that it is down to 5 weeks, its crunch time to see if we can put this all together and meet the expectations we each hold for this product.