[loyaltyspace]

I'm going to put my startup to the masses on HN and would appreciate any comments, feedback, and ideas!

I have built a system to manage customer loyalty programmes for small businesses.

By implementing my software, they'll be able to:

Improve sales by directly rewarding recurring purchases.

Be slightly more data driven in their approach and marketing - sending tailored offers and marketing.

Use the mobile channel - SMS and Mobile Web to push out offers and build a relationship with their customers.

There is a definite gap in the market for this. I have spoken with tens of potential customers who have looked for a similar system, but have been put off by the high setup costs and tie ins. These are businesses such as restaurants, salons etc, who want to try loyalty marketing but want to be sure of it's use before making any big commitment.

Anyway, would appreciate any comments about the idea, website, sofware etc.

[NOTE: There are still a few rough edges in the software to be cleaned up over the next day or so. My existing handful of customers out of my beta testing and development are on a seperate instances running older software.]

[nicholasreed]

I love the idea and think you are on the right track with easy setup and SMS integration. Try and look at it more from the customer's point of view; they are basically signing up to be spammed, correct? A small business may want all those features you listed (remember that features don't sell, benefits do), but they aren't going to buy if you don't show how customers will also benefit and opt-in in droves. SMS is simple for a lot of people to use, but it might be helpful to explain how people actually opt-in.

The website is too word heavy; try asking a few friends to read a paragraph you have written, then summarize it back to you. Usually you'll get a more concise answer that could be used instead.

Like everybody else, I recommend you re-evaluate your pricing. The mailchimp example somebody mentioned is perfect. The paragraph you have between Indicative Pricing and Pricing is completely unnecessary.

The How It Works page also needs to be pared down. The goal should be to get small businesses to sign up, then have it be so simple to use that the operation acts as a guide. I would change Sign Up to be a link, then have Register Customers (signs up telling them to use mobile phones, register on the site, NO manual input from the business owner), Tailor Marketing Offers, Reap the Benefits. Or something similar, it just needs to be simplified, a lot!

Again, I love the concept and hope you have the drive to see it through!

[loyaltyspace]

Thanks very much Nicholas. Really apprecaite the comments there.

Maybe ping me a mail if you are interested - happy to keep you in the loop and may be able to repay the favour next time you need feedback.

[loyaltyspace]

More background on the idea and my own philosophy here....

http://www.loyaltyspace.com/faq.html

Thanks - Ben

[ugh]

I really like your copy. Clear, to the point and makes me want to sign up even though I don't even have a business. A bit rough in places but that's ok.