I had the pleasure of discussing the innovative journey of Inshorts with Mr. Azhar Iqbal, co-founder and CEO of the trailblazing news app that’s reshaping how we consume information in India.
Inshorts has revolutionized news consumption by condensing stories into 60-word summaries. This approach meets the demand for quick, easily digestible information and has become a staple in the Indian market.
Over the years, Inshorts became my go-to app for staying updated, gradually replacing traditional newspapers. What began as my personal preference soon influenced my family’s habits, too, and this became the story of various households in India. The app’s concise summaries made it easy for everyone to stay informed without getting bogged down by lengthy articles.
Product Evolution Insights:
- Initial Concept: The idea was simple yet powerful – to deliver concise news updates in a fast-paced world. This focus on brevity and clarity became a core strength, catering to users who want information quickly and efficiently.
- Growth Strategy: Inshorts leveraged its unique value proposition to scale and capture a substantial user base rapidly. This involves refining the product based on user feedback and maintaining a clean, user-friendly interface.
- Challenges and Solutions: Maintaining content quality and relevance became crucial as the app grew. The team continuously improves algorithms and editorial processes to ensure accurate and engaging summaries.
Word of Mouth and Partnerships:
- Word of Mouth: The app’s inherent value proposition encourages users to share their positive experiences, fueling organic growth and brand loyalty. This organic promotion has been pivotal in expanding Inshorts’ reach.
- Partnerships and Collaborations: Strategic collaborations with news agencies and media partners enhance content credibility and broaden reach, ensuring the app remains a reliable news source.
A Candid Conversation with a Shark
I had a “not-so-serious” conversation with Mr. Azhar Iqbal, the charismatic co-founder and CEO of Inshorts. During our chat, I couldn’t resist asking about his fitness secrets while managing a large organization and being a Shark on Shark Tank India.
Azhar responded with his trademark smile and humor: “Hum zyada kuch nahi karte hai sir,” which translates to “I don’t do much” (referring to work). His light-hearted approach and genuine insights into balancing high-pressure roles were refreshing and inspiring.
Product Management and Marketing Takeaways:
- Simplicity and Focus: Inshorts’ success underscores the importance of clearly focusing on solving a specific problem – the need for quick news consumption. Its success lies in keeping this focus while continuously enhancing the user experience.
- Scalability: The app’s backend infrastructure efficiently supports massive content delivery, showcasing the significance of scalable architecture in meeting growing user demands.
- Feedback Loop: Incorporating user feedback into product development ensures that the app evolves with user needs and preferences, maintaining relevance in a competitive landscape.
It was an insightful experience to learn from a leader who has transformed the news industry and kept things light and engaging.
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