Can I Get Your Feedback On This Start-Up Idea?

[Boo Blizzi]

So I had this fitness site idea for a few years now. I have had a few false starts and wasted money with Indian and Pakistani developers (no offense to anyone... just sayin)

So I decide to have a US based team take a crack at it and I'm getting quotes of $80-200/hr. Without a clear idea of how many hours it would actually take to complete the project, all I can envision is dollar bills floating out of my wallet.

The idea of using Kickstarter to raise funding for this project is becoming very appealing, but before I jumped off the deep end of the development/fundraising pool, I got some mockups designed to test the validity of the idea.

I threw up a screenshot of a page that explains the core of the idea, along with bullets about what the site does and an opt-in form.

Im running traffic to it now and have a dismal 5% opt-in rate. Im getting a good ctr on my ads though, so I plan on optimizing the page to see if I can make it better. (Im not a designer, so it will mainly be copy improvements)

Check it out and let me know what you think? http://brainwavemediaonline.com/witfit

• Are there questions that immediately come to mind that I am not answering?
• Can you look at the picture and immediately understand what it is and what you are supposed to do?
• Are my bullet points succinct, yet descriptive enough?

Here's that link again: http://brainwavemediaonline.com/witfit
And thanx in advance.

 

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[tafy]

Umm I will give my 2 cents here

First impression was not great on the design of the app, kinda reminded me of some early internet porn webcam sites.

Basically what I understood was a 4 way skype for working out, that you want to see your friends working out. To me this is totally weird looking at people working out while im working out myself but I am sure some ppl want that?

 

[Boo Blizzi]

Umm I will give my 2 cents here

First impression was not great on the design of the app, kinda reminded me of some early internet porn webcam sites.

Basically what I understood was a 4 way skype for working out, that you want to see your friends working out. To me this is totally weird looking at people working out while im working out myself but I am sure some ppl want that?

Thank you!
That is the first time I ever heard the site being compared to a webcam site, but this is interesting.
Are you thinking that because of the images used? (are they too racy?)
Also, you dont think it would be fun to workout/compete with your friends online?

 

[AndrewNC]

• License the software cam girl sites use. Could cut down your development costs.
• I dont want my friends seeing me stuggling with situps on the floor of my room. If I could connect with a personal trainer and have them coach me.. that might sit better with me.

 

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[Dark Water]

I actually like to avoid people when I work out. I have no problem going to a crowded gym during busy hours, but I prefer to do my thing on my own without a ton of people around. I also don't like to be slowed down and hate going with other people. This doesn't appeal to me, and I am pretty up there in terms of fitness enthusiasts. I might not be your target market, being 22 male out of college.

Besides the idea, all the girls have their butts sticking up in the air, reinforcing the 90s porno comment. I would sell the vision in a different way, with a video copy and see if your opt in changes.

 

[GuestUser152]

I think the idea of "skyping" and just working out with friends is absolutely awful to be honest.

I did see an opportunity for it to be like a freelance marketplace site for personal trainers. Users could rate the trainers, reviews everything like other sites. They could post their class times and multiple users can login from home and participate all while seeing just the trainer, not the others involved. Users can subscribe to trainers classes or just pay once for one class.

Also, the option to pay more for a one-on-one session with the trainer, where they have access to your webcam and critique your form and so forth...

 

[Boo Blizzi]

WOW... thank you everyone for your feedback. It is extremely enlightening
Observations:

• more people like to workout by themselves than I thought
• I need to tighten up my targeting (my audience is people who have a hard time staying motivated and want/need a workout buddy)
• the pictures of the girls working out are too risque

@benjispeer selling access to personal training is part of the biz plan, but I want to see if people even want to do this and according to you, "skyping" while working out is an awful idea.

I am gonna jack that and put it in an ad, "Skype with a workout buddy" or something like that to really narrow in on what it is and see what happens.

@Choate I know a video would be better, but i dont even have the site developed yet. I guess I could maybe have an explainer video. I will try to validate the value prop/angle first before I make that investment.

 

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[Boo Blizzi]

Ok... images are changed... lets see what happens now

 

[Kristina]

I'm one of those people who DO like working out with a workout buddy, so I actually like the idea. I guess I would be a part of your target audience. There are two things that I would suggest. 1) A video explanation. People are lazy and a video would probably up your odds of getting others to buy into it. 2) Make the fact that a personal trainer would be in on the web feed more visible. The first time I quickly glanced through your written explanation at the bottom of the picture, I completely missed the fact that there would be a trainer involved in the feed; it's only mentioned once in the middle of all the bullets. Personally, I would put more emphasis on that.
Also, would your platform allow a web feed strictly between a group of friends, or does a personal trainer HAVE to be involved?

 

[Maxjohan]

The problem is that, why would you do this with your friends online? When you are already doing it with them at a gym or so. Right?

The better angle would be to say: "Find new people to train with online".

Well. I just edited my post. I thought this site https://www.fitorbit.com/ had live training programs. Because, that was what I was going to recommend, as your angle.

It seems though, that they just have personal "plans" and "How to" videos. So, I had to re-write everything I deleted:

1, Get a cam girl license software like AndrewNC said. Or create a stand alone product. Get a few trainers on board. And set up schedules for live work out sessions.

You can have a group of 10,000 people or more training at the same time. Following a program on the Internet. Now. Don't just think webcam. Think live broadcast with a real set up.

2, Do a video presentation (Sales video.). And not one, which sounds like every other sales pitch. Like the one at http://www.fitorbit.com. Sorry, FitOrbit. :/

3, Then, you just need to create a great, great, great offer. Insert an awesome referral system. And advertise.

4, Yes. You need to hire a web designer too. One who knows what they are doing.

5, First thing you can do now. If you are going to take this serious, is to buy a shorter domain name for the web site. Like "witfit.com". And skip the "my" in the logo, is my recommendation.

Good luck. Your idea is certainly fastlane. If you execute flawlessly, you may have a business valued at millions of dollars, 3-4 years from now. But who can promise that? Not me. But the idea is certainly there. In my opinion.

 

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[Boo Blizzi]

I'm one of those people who DO like working out with a workout buddy, so I actually like the idea. I guess I would be a part of your target audience. There are two things that I would suggest. 1) A video explanation. People are lazy and a video would probably up your odds of getting others to buy into it. 2) Make the fact that a personal trainer would be in on the web feed more visible. The first time I quickly glanced through your written explanation at the bottom of the picture, I completely missed the fact that there would be a trainer involved in the feed; it's only mentioned once in the middle of all the bullets. Personally, I would put more emphasis on that.
Also, would your platform allow a web feed strictly between a group of friends, or does a personal trainer HAVE to be involved?

Thank you for your feedback. Yes, I think women will be my biggest audience. I am specifically targeting women that want to get in shape at home or have trouble staying motivated to stick with their routine. I will get an explainer video done, but I first wanted to find a catchy angle.

 

[Boo Blizzi]

The problem is that, why would you do this with your friends online? When you are already doing it with them at a gym or so. Right?

The better angle would be to say: "Find new people to train with online".

Well. I just edited my post. I thought this site https://www.fitorbit.com/ had live training programs. Because, that was what I was going to recommend, as your angle.

It seems though, that they just have personal "plans" and "How to" videos. So, I had to re-write everything I deleted:

1, Get a cam girl license software like AndrewNC said. Or create a stand alone product. Get a few trainers on board. And set up schedules for live work out sessions.

You can has a group of 10,000 people or more training at the same time following a program, with the Internet. Now. Don't just think webcam. Think live broadcast with a real set up.

2, Do a video presentation (Sales video.). And not one, which sounds like every other sales pitch. Like the one at http://www.fitorbit.com. Sorry, FitOrbit. :/

3, Then, you just need to create a great, great, great offer. Insert an awesome referral system. And advertise.

4, Yes. You need to hire a web designer too. One who knows what they are doing.

5, First thing you can do now. If you are going to take this serious, is to buy a shorter domain name for the web site. Like "witfit.com". And skip the "my" in the logo, is my recommendation.

Good luck. Your idea is certainly fastlane. If you execute flawlessly, you may have a business valued at millions of dollars, 3-4 years from now. But who can promise that? Not me. But the idea is certainly there. In my opinion.

Thanks for your feedback.

• There will be a feature for people to discover new workout partners.
• I already have the specs for the software that can facilitate multi-user streaming and scale, but thanks for echoing the the cam license idea.
• There will be personal trainers (I can see now this is a really big feature). My plan was to use videos to launch and then allow live instructor feeds so now I will rethink that strategy
• I agree with the need for a great offer and a better designer.
• The official name for the site is WitnessMyFitness.com, thats why the "my" is in the logo, also just put in a bid for witfit.com
• Im glad you see the vision for how big this can be. I too think it has multi-million dollar potential

 

[Maxjohan]

Thanks for your feedback.

• There will be a feature for people to discover new workout partners.
• I already have the specs for the software that can facilitate multi-user streaming and scale, but thanks for echoing the the cam license idea.
• There will be personal trainers (I can see now this is a really big feature). My plan was to use videos to launch and then allow live instructor feeds so now I will rethink that strategy
• I agree with the need for a great offer and a better designer.
• The official name for the site is WitnessMyFitness.com, thats why the "my" is in the logo, also just put in a bid for witfit.com
• Im glad you see the vision for how big this can be. I too think it has multi-million dollar potential

Yeah. It really has potential. Good on the bid for "WitFit.com". You get a much less clumsy and easy to type domain name. When it's just six characters. You may have to pay $1,000 for it. But it's well worth it in my opinion. If you can afford it.

You can see how short domain names rules, by just going to Alexa and browse the top 100 sites in USA:
http://www.alexa.com/topsites/countries;0/US

Peace.

 

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[MayaMagpie]

I wonder if it would make sense to emphasise the social aspect of it. Your main audience will be females and females tend to be very social... So it's not just about motivation, but also about having fun together. I reckon people may use this instead of going to the gym, not in addition. But instead of being lonely at home, they can have their friends right there... I think it's a reasonable idea.

 

[Ninjakid]

I feel like... some people like to work out with company, but those people are usually the types who go to the gym.
Usually people stay home because they want to work out with some privacy
But, I'm sure there would be people who like your site, and I'm sure there would be people who aren't crazy about it.
I'm not sure how many of each though.
There would definitely be some people who would use this
Just one thing..
I definitely recommend making the homepage look more professional
Right now it looks like one of those internet marketing schemes about getting rich quickly (I know because sadly I have clicked on those before, shame shame)

 

[Boo Blizzi]

I wonder if it would make sense to emphasise the social aspect of it. Your main audience will be females and females tend to be very social... So it's not just about motivation, but also about having fun together. I reckon people may use this instead of going to the gym, not in addition. But instead of being lonely at home, they can have their friends right there... I think it's a reasonable idea.

Thank you for your feedback @MayaMagpie

• The social aspect will definitely be tested as a value proposition because I agree with you, women enjoy being social.
• The feedback Im getting from the guys leads me to believe men want to be more solo warriors when it comes to working out. (I actually go to the gym alone)
• But I know guys love to compete and that is why I have the competition feature.
• I think I will just start off with women, because they are less inclined to feel embarrassed if they are struggling with an exercise and would enjoy the motivation of working out in a group.
• You are right about this being an alternative to going to the gym. Most people cant find time or enough will power to get up and go consistently

 

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[Boo Blizzi]

I feel like... some people like to work out with company, but those people are usually the types who go to the gym.
Usually people stay home because they want to work out with some privacy
But, I'm sure there would be people who like your site, and I'm sure there would be people who aren't crazy about it.
I'm not sure how many of each though.
There would definitely be some people who would use this
Just one thing..
I definitely recommend making the homepage look more professional
Right now it looks like one of those internet marketing schemes about getting rich quickly (I know because sadly I have clicked on those before, shame shame)

Thank you for your feedback.

• I am running tests now to gauge the interest in this idea before I invest anymore than I already have. I thought the design of the app was cool, but I see now I will have to go back to the drawing board.
• As far as the actual page... yes you are right, it is one of those internet marketing themes (Optimizepress). Im not a designer so I just threw up the fastest page I could. I will be rotating landing pages based on the input I received here and once I find an angle that gets more traction, I will invest in a professional redesign of the landing page, app, and explainer video.

 

[Harley]

I think it is a great idea, to sell to personal trainers. Sell them on it being a great USP when pitching towards potential clients.
My wife has a regular trainer - This used to be weekly, now it's every 2-3 weeks. Most people tail off slightly due to costs etc. This could be a great half price fill session that the trainers can use.
Or, a good way of them conducting cheaper classes and therefore appealing to more people that otherwise couldn't afford. The trainer would make more money by coaching 3-4 people at a time (physiotherapists to this all the time). Trainer and client can see/hear each other, but you have the option of not having other attendees see you. As other have stated, most who train at home do so because they are often embarrassed and don't want to be seen working out.
Personally I would focus on that angle, then have the add in option of being able to invite friends to the workout, if that is the clients desire. Good luck

 

[Boo Blizzi]

I think it is a great idea, to sell to personal trainers. Sell them on it being a great USP when pitching towards potential clients.
My wife has a regular trainer - This used to be weekly, now it's every 2-3 weeks. Most people tail off slightly due to costs etc. This could be a great half price fill session that the trainers can use.
Or, a good way of them conducting cheaper classes and therefore appealing to more people that otherwise couldn't afford. The trainer would make more money by coaching 3-4 people at a time (physiotherapists to this all the time). Trainer and client can see/hear each other, but you have the option of not having other attendees see you. As other have stated, most who train at home do so because they are often embarrassed and don't want to be seen working out.
Personally I would focus on that angle, then have the add in option of being able to invite friends to the workout, if that is the clients desire. Good luck

The plan is to eventually offer services to personal trainers, karate/yoga instructors, etc but first I need to develop a platform that users love and rave about so they will stick around.

I also have a whole bunch of other ideas, but the main thing is to find out who are my early adopters and how much will are they willing to pay?

 

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[Noxtus]

I think its a pretty good idea man someone said most people who workout at home do it because they like the privacy but i for one do it because i dont have time to go to the gym because im generally busy and i would reckon alot of other people are the same. Now i definitely think you should have these features: connect with other people, connect with friends, and connect with personal trainers. I think one or maybe even two of those options should be free just to generate alot of web traffic and make money through ads that way. Then because this site can allow personal trainers to expand their business by like alot id say make them pay you! so youve basically got like a cam girl site goin on but for personal trainers lol and then you can charge a percentage plus on the other side with the consumer you can charge them for a one time premium account fee to be able to use the trainers! but maybe you shouldnt charge the consumer at all just because thatll probably mean less traffic so ill let you make a decision on that one. also definitely witfit.com or maybe webfit.com? or efit.com? something like that but definitely not witness my fitness, that sounds weird man.

 

[Boo Blizzi]

FYI... if anyone is buying ads on FB, be careful using the words "weight loss" in your ads.

I just ran a new ad and it was pending for about an hour... I changed the words around and it went live instantly.

 

[BlokeInProgress]

Cool idea, given that the Fitness industry is big, targeting audiences who has limited time go to the gym could be worth it. Access to a personal trainer is good as people wants to have more focus on them when training.

Will there be an option to join other users who is taking the same instructor instead of inviting a friend? Sometimes its hard to get a friend to join in and also going to be good for a instructor as s/he has the high chance to fill-up the slots in her/his session time. Also having that option can make a user feel like s/he's part of a community/forum. Just my 2 cents.

Best luck btw and keep us posted!

 

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[Boo Blizzi]

Cool idea, given that the Fitness industry is big, targeting audiences who has limited time go to the gym could be worth it. Access to a personal trainer is good as people wants to have more focus on them when training.

Will there be an option to join other users who is taking the same instructor instead of inviting a friend? Sometimes its hard to get a friend to join in and also going to be good for a instructor as s/he has the high chance to fill-up the slots in her/his session time. Also having that option can make a user feel like s/he's part of a community/forum. Just my 2 cents.

Best luck btw and keep us posted!

There will not be live trainers when we launch, it will just be training videos until the product takes off.
Yes, members will be able to mingle and meet new workout partners in the community