Make a simple product that users love and you have a great start. But how do you grow that into a major, money making business?

Let’s use the example of an interesting startup called Trellis. Trellis is an app that combines workout coaching with your favorite music.

The founder recently posted on Reddit’s “Roast My Startup” sub, asking for input. So let’s analyze how this cool MVP could become a serious company…

What I Love About Trellis

Working out is so important, but it bores me to tears. Maybe Trellis can help…

The app gives you an AI audio coach to guide you through your workout while you listen to your favorite songs. No more gritting your teeth through an annoying playlist a trainer chose!

Trellis is unique and seems fun to use. It’s taking something people already want, workout advice, and making it more fun.

Show Me the Money

Right now, the app is free. But people pay for personal trainers every day. They also pay for coaching apps like Fitbod or Calm.

So why not charge something?

They could do a freemium model here…the first 4 workouts are free, and after that is $10/month. That gives folks a chance to try Trellis and see if it’s worth paying for.

It will be hard to keep Trellis going and serve users with no cash coming in the door. If the founder wants to make this a real business, he’s going to have to charge something.

Giving Users More Value

Trellis has a great MVP. But once the app has a big base of engaged users, it could offer them a lot more than just audio coaching.

What if Trellis included videos from human trainers layered over your favorite music? Then, you could connect with a human, see what they’re doing, and still enjoy great songs.

To keep users engaged and keep growing, Trellis will have to offer more over time. Those additional offerings could let them charge more, too.

Wrap-Up

Trellis is a great case study of how an MVP can become a real business.

The founder has built a delightful product. Now, he has to grow the user base, figure out monetization, and deliver more value to those users.

Maybe you’re running an early stage startup too. Think about how to monetize sooner. Find ways to deliver more value to the users you’ve already got.

Get those things right, and your MVP could become a major company!

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