Ask HN: What web service categories should I be thinking about?

1 points by Schultzy 14 years ago | 2 comments

I am developing a subscription based B2C Web app and I am a bit overwhelmed at all of the different business services out there (Salesforce, Hubspot, BrainTree, MailChimp, etc.)

Can someone please help my wrap my brain around what kinds of tools I should be looking into and maybe provide a few recommendations of specific providers?

At the moment I am thinking I need: - B2C CRM - Email Marketing - Payment Processing - Analytics - Accounting

Are those the basics or am I missing something?

dirkdeman 14 years ago |

I think you're asking yourself the wrong question. You should be asking yourself 'what tools do I need RIGHT NOW' instead of 'what tools exist out there'. If you're still in the process of developing a B2C Web app, I wouldn't worry about these services until you actually need them. Finish your product first. That should be your focus right now.

Schultzy 14 years ago | |

Is it unwise to do the research/vetting before I actually need the services?

I am hoping to launch by the end of the year, so I have some time, but I want to have some idea of what I should be thinking about so that I have one less thing to distract me from my users (assuming I can get them).

My real concern is CRM, but I am having trouble wrapping my mind around where various CRM solutions end and Email marketing/social marketing/helpdesk/feedback solutions begin. All I know is that I will need a database of my users and the ability to keep them informed via email once I launch, but I don't know what I don't know.