Hello! What’s your background, and what inspired you to create Waply?

Hi! I am Karan, two time founder and venture partner. This is my 2nd venture, prior to this I launched a B2B E-commerce marketplace in Beauty & Health in South-East Asia. I was at Alibaba Group prior to that for several years across different functions.

The inspiration to launch Waply was from a personal itch. Usually, I have 10-12 meetings or tasks I need to remember each week. I would use Google Calendar, but I noticed it was 12 clicks. So, I wasn’t too keen to try some new app, and thought it would be useful, since I used WhatsApp all day, to create something within it. 

How did you validate the idea before starting the development?

To validate the idea for Waply before starting development, I utilized a fakedoor approach, which involved creating a one-page website to gauge interest and collect email sign-ups for a wait-list. This allowed me to measure initial interest and gather a potential user base. Additionally, I posted about the concept on several Reddit pages and Indiehacker forums to engage with potential users and receive direct feedback. These interactions helped to refine the idea and confirm that there was a genuine demand for a tool like Waply that integrates WhatsApp scheduling and reminders directly within the app.

Can you explain how a user sets up Waply for the first time within WhatsApp?

Setting up Waply within WhatsApp is designed to be quick and straightforward. First, users need to visit Waply.co and register their phone number. Once registered, they will receive an instant message on WhatsApp from Waply. This initial message includes a welcome guide and basic instructions to help users get started right away. From there, users can immediately begin setting up reminders and managing their schedule, all within the familiar WhatsApp interface. This seamless integration ensures that users can start benefiting from Waply without the hassle of learning a new app.

Can you describe a scenario where Waply significantly improved a user’s productivity or organization?

Although Waply is still in its early stages, initial feedback from myself and people in my circle has been very positive. One notable improvement is the time efficiency in setting up reminders. With Waply, setting a reminder can take as little as 5-7 seconds, which is approximately one third to one half the time it typically takes to set a reminder in a traditional calendar app. This significant reduction in time spent on scheduling tasks allows users to quickly organize their day without interrupting their workflow. For busy professionals and individuals managing multiple tasks, this streamlined process of WhatsApp scheduling can greatly enhance productivity and reduce the cognitive load associated with maintaining a schedule.

What kind of user testing did you conduct before launching Waply, and what were some key findings?

I had an initial beta launch a few months back with a more basic open-source AI model. Users don’t always read instructions and prefer to try a product like ours in a way that is comfortable for them. There are always interesting ways users input their reminders, which the system doesn’t always recognize, so quick iteration and training on that is key for an AI product like ours. I found that simplifying the process of WhatsApp scheduling was crucial for user adoption and satisfaction.

How do you ensure the privacy and security of user data within Waply?

Ensuring the privacy and security of user data is a top priority for Waply. I have built custom code developed by experts with extensive experience in creating security-focused systems. This ensures that all user data is handled with the highest level of security. Additionally, I have implemented robust encryption protocols to protect data during transmission and storage. Importantly, Waply maintains a strict policy against sharing user input data externally at any point. Users can trust that their information remains confidential and secure, allowing them to use Waply with peace of mind.

How has the user growth been since the launch?

Since Waply is still in its beta phase, our user base remains small, with fewer than 100 users currently testing the platform. However, this stage is crucial for gathering valuable feedback and making necessary adjustments before a wider release. The beta users have provided insightful feedback that is helping us to refine the product and ensure it meets user needs effectively. I anticipate that as I address these early findings and improve the user experience, growth will accelerate post-beta launch.

What marketing channels have proven most effective for Waply so far?

At this stage, I am still experimenting to identify the most effective marketing channels for Waply. So far, I have focused on engaging with niche communities and utilizing launch sites. Platforms like Product Hunt, Reddit, and Indiehackers have been particularly useful for reaching early adopters who are keen to try innovative tools. These communities not only help in spreading the word but also provide direct feedback and suggestions. As I continue to grow, I plan to explore additional marketing strategies, including social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, and targeted ads to reach a broader audience.

What was the initial investment required to start Waply?

The initial investment required to start Waply was relatively modest, amounting to $6000. This budget covered essential expenses such as initial development costs, creating the fakedoor website for idea validation, and basic marketing efforts to attract early users. By keeping initial costs low and focusing on key priorities, I was able to efficiently allocate resources and ensure the viability of Waply during its early stages. Moving forward, I aim to attract further investment to scale our operations and enhance the platform based on user feedback.

Finally! Where can people find more information or resources about Waply?

For those interested in learning more about Waply and how it can streamline your scheduling and reminders within WhatsApp, you can visit Waply official website . The website provides comprehensive information about the features and benefits of Waply, as well as detailed guides on how to get started. 

Did you enjoy this interview with Waply founder – for WhatsApp scheduling messages? I regularly interview creators who have recently launched their products. Check out additional discussions like this on BetaHunt. For updates, follow me on X.