This is absolutely brilliant. What a wonderfully simple idea!
> I'm hoping to build more features (iPhone contacts sync, easier birthdays importing) while also making video content that celebrates strangers' birthdays (such as, going to a farmers market with an "is it your birthday?" sign).
Build more features if you enjoy building and think it's worth your effort, but remember there's nothing wrong with a super simple product that does exactly what it says on the tin.
People clearly like what you've built. You may well find just focusing more on marketing is more financially rewarding.
Thank you, I really appreciate it!
And I agree, I don't want the app to fall victim to a "big feature set" that ultimately makes it too complex.
My mindset is to make it the simplest app for importing and remembering birthdays. Some feature (iPhone contacts sync, easier FB birthday importing, etc) feel like they truly will improve the user experience, while others (general reminders, random social features) don't excite me too much.
It can be tempting to put my head down and build new features. At this point with the app, you're right that marketing could be fruitful—definitely want to lean more into this. My current mindset is that celebrating strangers' birthdays (and making videos from it) will be enough. Creating a brand around generosity, connection, and celebrating birthdays.
Recently recored a birthday giveaway video at a farmers market in Boone, NC and met the sweetest lady whose birthday it was. Could feel that it made a positive impact, and has me excited to make more of these (and to edit the videos well so it makes people feel something)
Excited to keep building (product and marketing), and appreciate your input :)