[celingEff4TW]

Burner account here. I've been on MAT for years, during which I've gone to grad school, worked, and otherwise lived a normal and productive life. A couple of points/observations.

1) I think an online advertising growth strategy will be hard, or really any strategy that strictly involves spending X in advertising for the recruitment of Y in revenue spend. However, people that use drugs talk to each other about where to get drugs and treatment (surprising, I know), and I would build your marketing strategy around word of mouth and patient to patient referrals. Initially reaching these communities are hard, but I would really think about how well the product can be optimized for patient -> uninitiated patient referrals, similar to "growth loops"

That said, I've worked in a start up with a similar premise, hire domain experts to give advice to customers during a life transition, and watched it fall down as the operations shook apart and the acquisition cost was very high. It's hard to get both the operations to stay great during the scale out, and keep the the marketing channels diverse enough so when you tap one out, another 5 are in different stages of life.

2) When assessing this product for my own use, the thoughts I had where: 2.1 Is this available in my area? How far would I have to travel initially? 2.2 Do they drug test me like my current place? 2.3 How frequently do I met the doc/what's the script duration? 2.4 What is expected of me to stay in MAT?

Basically, I have a provider, but with more up front information, might be willing to switch. However, the website and FAQ are pretty sparse, and I really don't feel like picking up the phone to talk to someone (flatmates, ya know?), so I feel like that's kind of a blocker.

Good luck!

[ZackGray]

This is incredible feedback, thank you. I’m happy to hear that MAT has helped. Here’s some color:

1. We need to be licensed in each state in which we operate, which limits our reach.

2. Our lawyers tell us that a “referral program” is illegal. Sounds stupid to me.

3. I think you’re right about the phone call. What would you recommend instead? We have the text prompt up top, but it’s not the main call to action.

You seem like a great person to get to know. Email me if you’re interested in chatting more. I appreciate it.

[burnaway]

Try to uncover more angles to the "referral". Is it illegal because they receive compensation/cut? If yes, build it around "being the hero" for people not directly affected but have huge stake or motivation to help addicts (like some in this thread) - try and reach people on the edge of communities most affected by it - for example, distribute a "qualifier questionnaire" physical leaflet which gives people free consultation and 30% off list price on treatment. Your "Withdrawal Heroes" would get a pack and they could drop some off in relevant places in their communities or give to people directly - they probably know what places to hit better than you could identify effectively. The value for them is helping others; this might be your better bet anyways compared to referral $$ incentive anyways. Next step is to use people in recovery who used your system for similar little bets and more - giving talks, spreading the word in communities as part-time employees for example (some sort of "ambassadorship" for the lack of a better word). ps. I'm in Europe and only following opioid news from the distance, just want to add keep it up and good luck with the project, more stuff like this is needed happy to brainstorm or invest some more time in coming up with ideas pro bono just let me know