Our team has been working on myTRAVEL development this semester long.
The initial idea is just developing an online journal writing platform and make it possible to share to the Facebook and Twitter whatever you write on this website. I bring in this idea to the team, which is firstly inspired by Chanyouji, an established journal sharing platform in China. But a brand new start-up with limit awareness in China. My boyfriend talked with me about the feasibility and growth space for Chanyouji the day before I did final presentation. The fancy user interface and fast journal editing time are absolutely the biggest selling points. But as my boyfriend questioned, how long will it last for a newfangled website to capture loyal customers? The standard template ensures the time-saving function. But what if customers get tired of using just one standard template again and again? In addition, Chanyouji has obvious design leak on its official website.
What we have done in myTRAVEL is to improve Chanyouji, utilizing its advantages and adding more functions to make it more unbeatable. Idea changes during rolling forward.
Market research is important. Collecting feedback from potential customers is critical. Because college students are big chunk of our target customers, we asked feedback from our classmates after mid-term elevator pitch. Mengting pushed us to think more details on developing smart phone app and tablet app. Also Michale gave us some initial ideas of what functions travelers would appreciate on the smart phone app, such as adding voice to photos to let travelers can record and edit their journals on-the-go.
My group members are great as well. Will, always bring in innovative idea and American market/culture education to the rest Chinese group members. Xiaoting, always have strong executive ability and solid marketing knowledge. Kaiyu, always considerate on every tiny things and also a creative girl.
In addition, benefit from the knowledge we learnt from MKT566, we are able to work out a detailed marketing plan concerning both online and offline. The SEO, PPC, CTR, QR code, Key word bid, etc are all the marketing methods I have never considered in my previous class. I heard about them but never dig in. For those classmates who dropped this class and used to think it is similar to IMC class, I would say you made the wrong move. I bet you will reap more than what you expected to.
Of course, myTRAVEL has its own concern. Since it's an imaginary business plan which has limit opportunity to test in the real market. But there is no product perfect in the market. I think I will keep an eye on what Chanyouji will become in Chinese market. Or I can do a similar business plan as what we did for myTRAVEL in MKT566 for Chanyouji. Hope they can accept it ;-)
Very great class, I did really enjoy it and benefit from it~
