The Teardown

Softr is no-code website platform that turns your Airtable data into a beautiful website. (but not limited to Airtable or any DB for that matter)

Softr's is hinting at some really strong #PLG motions through their Core Engagement Loop. Let me explain.

This loop might seem trivial to build (and it's not unique), but it's the acceleration of that loop that they capitalize on. Softr's TTV (time to value) metric is powerful because users can build an app in less than an hour. One hour to experience value in a product 😮🤯

The PL-Growth comes from their Social/Viral loops where they have built-in user psychology. Users want to share their website through WOM and Social means. Why? That time to value! The "Made with Softr" banner on the free account is a Casual Contact Loop that drives PLG - Acquisition.

With 30k users, their Series A is absolutely warranted. I want to highlight that Softr is capitalizing on Templates. Why are templates so important in PLG (think Notion, Miro, Canva)?

🔑 horizontal SEO strategy

🔑 Inspiration and motivation for end users

🔑 Decreases time to value (TTV)

🔑 Built-in community levers!!

However, I am really excited to see how Softr incorporates PLG #Monetization - when someone like me has found value, and shared the value, but is not inclined to pay. Here are a couple of my ideas around PLG Monetization strategies that may work well for Softr:

👉 Usage Based - Size of databases, website bandwidth, number of websites, number of custom domains

👉 Feature Based - API functionality, SEO inputs, e-commerce, more editable modules

👉 Outcome Based - selling services

This is PLG. Map out the growth strategy - before you scale it. Excited to see what they do!

Softr - PLG Acquisition