Creating a full-fledged website or application takes quite a lot of time, and this is logical: you need to think over and implement the design, develop functionality, test the finished resource, and refine it if necessary. But not always the company has such a margin of time before the start of sales. However, in this case, it is not uncommon for companies to use a pre-release site. If you want to learn about the benefits of MVP web development, then this article is for you.
MVP – What Is It?
Imagine a situation where you are given a sample of shower gel in a store: after you have tested the product in a mini version, you already know its pros and cons for you. Now you can decide to buy this product. Similarly, you can give your potential customers a trial version of the site and inquire about the convenience and discomfort of working with it.
This trial version of the site is called MVP (Minimal Viable Product). MVP features are as follows:
- It has enough functionality for customers to perform the main action for which the site is being created (place an order, buy a product, etc.)
- Contains a feedback form – this is necessary in order to “hear” the user and, if necessary, make any changes
Types of MVPs
You can present an early version of your site in different variations. For example:
1. Landing.
A one-page site where you can place a presentation of the product and the future full-fledged resource. This site can already attract the first potential buyers.
2. Prototype.
It can be a video or an article that details the essence and functionality of the product, as well as describes the features and benefits of a full-size site that has not yet been launched.
3. Chatbots and emails.
MVPs focused on close human contact. In emails or instant messengers, people are more likely to provide more detailed feedback because the format of communication for them will be familiar.
You don’t have to stop at just one. With the right combination of views and tools, you can get more information about testing and, therefore, work more efficiently to create a full version of the site.
Benefits of an MVP
MVP in web development helps to find out how relevant the product is for users in general. It may also happen that your idea does not cover the needs of potential customers and therefore is not interesting to them. Then you can refine the product and present it in a way that raises its value in the eyes of the audience.
- MVP will help save money if the error can be fixed painlessly on a one-page resource, as opposed to a full version with complex functionality. You will be able to avoid losses due to an undelivered order, a broken website, and more.
- MVP allows you to find out if there are flaws in the resource that need to be fixed. This applies to both technical errors and inconvenient functional solutions.
- MVP also allows you to receive and process feedback from the target audience in real-time.
- Users involved in testing become potential customers. In addition to people who will like your product/service so much that they will be ready to purchase it through any version of the site, there will also be those who will feel their involvement because they were “at the start” and will stay with you because of this.
MVP Launch Stages
If you’re ready to launch an MVP, consider the steps you need to prepare. Where to begin?
1. Formulate goals.
Think about what problem the MVP should solve and what result you want to achieve at the end of this project.
2. Define and analyze the target audience.
Focus not on a general audience, but on certain groups of people. Make a portrait of your potential buyer and develop a resource taking into account its features.
3. Study the market and competitors.
Find out what trends are in the market you are entering. Study on the example of competitors working and non-working promotion methods.
4. Analyze the future product.
It will be convenient at this stage to compile a SWOT analysis table. Point out the advantages, disadvantages, and possible problems of the product. Remember that the influence on the product can come both from the outside (legislation, competitors) and from the inside (the order of work of departments / employees of the organization, the quality of raw materials). Consider all possible options.
5. Map the user journey and add key features to the MVP layout.
Describe the user’s path: in what direction he will move through the site, what functions he will need to carry out the target action, and what difficulties he may encounter. Think also about what to include in the MVP so that all the steps are taken into account.
6. Launch MVP.
Run a ready-made MVP for a small audience. With a small number of users, troubleshooting is much easier.
7. Test MVP, follow feedback.
Constantly check for feedback from users who are part of your MVP’s test group. Periodically and independently check the functionality.
Why MVP Will Not Replace a Full-Fledged Website
No matter how successful the MVP you launched is, it still cannot be a replacement for a feature-rich site. Remember that this is a minimum viable product. This is the resource that you put a limited feature pool on.
MVP is a great way to find out if the user needs your product. Based on this, you can save money on financing a failed project in advance. In addition, testing on the MVP will help to avoid extra effort and money to fix the errors of a full-sized resource.
Wrapping It Up
Use MVP to your advantage – put meaning, goals, and objectives into it. This is a great way to get users’ opinions on a product, as well as see the details that should be added to the final product. If you are looking for a reliable company for MVP web development, we recommend that you turn to Digiteum. The company has extensive experience in the development of UI / UX, MVP, chatbots, and other useful business solutions.
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