From 788cdbf58f327881efc52e3a142149d5ef89bdcf Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Oleg Proskurin Date: Mon, 3 Nov 2025 01:05:28 +0700 Subject: [PATCH] feat: research results --- INDEX.md | 143 ++++++-- ROADMAP.md | 181 +++++++++- .../2025-11-02-unified-product-strategy.md | 340 ++++++++++++++++++ execution/09-mvp-scope.md | 5 + execution/15-mvp-scope-v2-realistic.md | 299 +++++++++++++++ execution/16-product-features.md | 312 ++++++++++++++++ execution/17-week-1-launch-checklist.md | 251 +++++++++++++ strategy/13-competitive-analysis.md | 130 +++++++ strategy/14-icp-segmentation-unified.md | 235 ++++++++++++ 9 files changed, 1848 insertions(+), 48 deletions(-) create mode 100644 discussions/2025-11-02-unified-product-strategy.md create mode 100644 execution/15-mvp-scope-v2-realistic.md create mode 100644 execution/16-product-features.md create mode 100644 execution/17-week-1-launch-checklist.md create mode 100644 strategy/13-competitive-analysis.md create mode 100644 strategy/14-icp-segmentation-unified.md diff --git a/INDEX.md b/INDEX.md index 3aa9650..ac65ff4 100644 --- a/INDEX.md +++ b/INDEX.md @@ -1,9 +1,9 @@ # Banatie Strategy Documentation Index -**Last Updated:** November 2, 2025 -**Total Documents:** 13 (numbered in strategy/execution) + research (prefixed) -**Next Available Number:** 13 -**Project Stage:** Pre-launch / ICP Validation +**Last Updated:** November 3, 2025 +**Total Documents:** 18 (numbered in strategy/execution) + research (prefixed) +**Next Available Number:** 18 +**Project Stage:** Pre-launch / MVP Development --- @@ -23,12 +23,17 @@ - 06 - Future Topics Backlog - 07 - Validated ICP (AI Developers) - 08 - Validation Plan -- 09 - MVP Scope +- 09 - MVP Scope (Archived, superseded by 15) - 10 - Pricing Strategy - 11 - Technical Architecture - 12 - Current Tech State +- 13 - Competitive Analysis +- 14 - ICP Segmentation Unified +- 15 - MVP Scope v2 Realistic +- 16 - Product Features +- 17 - Week 1 Launch Checklist -**Next to assign:** 13 +**Next to assign:** 18 --- @@ -44,8 +49,10 @@ - [Validated ICP](strategy/07-validated-icp-ai-developers.md) **For execution:** +- [Week 1 Launch Checklist](execution/17-week-1-launch-checklist.md) ⭐ ACTIVE +- [MVP Scope v2 Realistic](execution/15-mvp-scope-v2-realistic.md) +- [Product Features](execution/16-product-features.md) - [Pricing Strategy](execution/10-pricing-strategy.md) -- [MVP Scope](execution/09-mvp-scope.md) - [Validation Plan](execution/08-validation-plan.md) --- @@ -95,11 +102,23 @@ Critical: Solo founder, family of 5, $6K/month sole income, 15-20 hrs/week avail Confidence: HIGH (80%) - founder IS the ICP Target: Developers using Claude Code/Cursor who build web projects -**[11 - Technical Architecture](strategy/11-technical-architecture.md)** (v1.0, Nov 1) -*Platform architecture, tech stack, 6-stage pipeline* -Status: ✅ Validated +**[11 - Technical Architecture](strategy/11-technical-architecture.md)** (v1.0, Nov 1) +*Platform architecture, tech stack, 6-stage pipeline* +Status: ✅ Validated Stack: Express, Next.js, Gemini 2.5 Flash, MinIO, PostgreSQL, Cloudflare +**[13 - Competitive Analysis](strategy/13-competitive-analysis.md)** (v1.0, Nov 2) +*Competitive landscape, positioning, moats* +Status: ✅ Updated with Runware + ImageKit research +Key competitors: Runware ($0.0006), ImageKit ($0.10-0.25), positioning as DX premium +Primary moat: Prompt Enhancement (3-6 months to replicate) + +**[14 - ICP Segmentation Unified](strategy/14-icp-segmentation-unified.md)** (v1.0, Nov 2) +*Unified product approach, A/B/C/D segments* +Status: ✅ Validated - One product, multiple entry points +Key insight: Direction 1 (Agencies) + Direction 2 (AI Developers) = SAME product +Segments: A (Studios/Agencies), B (Power Users - PRIMARY), C (Freelancers), D (AI-Savvy Freelancers - SECONDARY) + --- ## 🎯 Execution Documents @@ -116,9 +135,9 @@ Goal: 10-15 interviews to validate willingness to pay Timeline: Oct 20 - Nov 3, 2025 Channels: Reddit, Indie Hackers, Discord -**[09 - MVP Scope](execution/09-mvp-scope.md)** (Oct 20) -*Must-have features, 4-6 week dev timeline* -Status: ⏳ Pending validation results +**[09 - MVP Scope](execution/09-mvp-scope.md)** (Oct 20) +*Must-have features, 4-6 week dev timeline* +Status: 📚 Archived - Superseded by 15-mvp-scope-v2-realistic.md (Nov 2) Core: MCP integration, Prompt Enhancement, CDN, @references **[10 - Pricing Strategy](execution/10-pricing-strategy.md)** (v2.0, Oct 20) @@ -128,14 +147,35 @@ Tiers: - Credits: $20-100 for 200-1500 gens - Pro: $49/month for 500 gens +### MVP Development & Launch (Week 1) + +**[15 - MVP Scope v2 Realistic](execution/15-mvp-scope-v2-realistic.md)** (v2.0, Nov 2) +*Realistic timeline for MVP development* +Status: 🔄 Planning - Based on actual dev capacity +Replaces: 09-mvp-scope.md +Timeline: Week 1 (Prompt URLs), Week 2-3 (MCP/SDK/CLI), Week 4+ (Production features) +Current blockers: DB schema update (2 days), endpoints alignment (2 days) + +**[16 - Product Features](execution/16-product-features.md)** (v1.0, Nov 2) +*Complete feature inventory and roadmap* +Status: 📝 Living document +Core features: Prompt Enhancement (PRIMARY MOAT), 6 aspect ratios, Prompt URLs, MCP, SDK, CLI +Priority matrix with timelines and status tracking + +**[17 - Week 1 Launch Checklist](execution/17-week-1-launch-checklist.md)** (Nov 2) +*Step-by-step ultra-minimal launch guide* +Status: Ready to execute ⭐ +Goal: 3-5 early adopters try it, 1 pays (any amount) +Includes: Pre-launch checklist, launch day schedule, Reddit/Discord copy templates, success criteria + ### Technical Documentation -**[12 - Current Tech State](execution/12-the-current-tech-state.md)** (v1.0, Nov 1) -*Business-focused overview of platform capabilities* -Status: 📝 Working Document +**[12 - Current Tech State](execution/12-the-current-tech-state.md)** (v1.0, Nov 1) +*Business-focused overview of platform capabilities* +Status: 📝 Working Document Key: Platform mostly production-ready, gaps identified -**[Appendix 1](execution/appendex1.md)** - SDK code examples +**[Appendix 1](execution/appendex1.md)** - SDK code examples **[Appendix 2](execution/appendex2.md)** - Use cases & conversion --- @@ -172,8 +212,17 @@ Key: Platform mostly production-ready, gaps identified **Note:** Discussions use date-based naming (YYYY-MM-DD-topic.md) -**[2025-10-19 - Initial Strategic Session](discussions/2025-10-19-initial-strategic-session.md)** -*First strategic session - 2 hours with @men* +**[2025-11-02 - Unified Product Strategy](discussions/2025-11-02-unified-product-strategy.md)** ⭐ LATEST +*Major strategic session - 3 hours with @men* +Outcomes: +- Unified product decision (Direction 1 + 2 = SAME product) +- Week 1 launch plan created (ultra-minimal experiment) +- Competitive analysis completed (Runware, ImageKit) +- ICP segmentation refined (A/B/C/D segments) +- 5 new documents created (13-17) + +**[2025-10-19 - Initial Strategic Session](discussions/2025-10-19-initial-strategic-session.md)** +*First strategic session - 2 hours with @men* Outcomes: - ICP direction clarified (AI developers) - Pricing model validated (hybrid) @@ -195,17 +244,22 @@ Current priorities: ### Critical path for new @men sessions: ``` -ROADMAP.md → 02-reality-check.md → research/passive-research-methodology.md → research/INDEX.md +ROADMAP.md → 02-reality-check.md → 14-icp-segmentation-unified.md → 17-week-1-launch-checklist.md ``` ### For strategic pivots: ``` -01-market-positioning.md → research/INDEX.md → research/direction-2-strong-signals-part2.md → 07-validated-icp.md +01-market-positioning.md → 13-competitive-analysis.md → 14-icp-segmentation-unified.md → research/INDEX.md ``` -### For tactical execution: +### For tactical execution (ACTIVE): ``` -08-validation-plan.md → 09-mvp-scope.md → 10-pricing-strategy.md +15-mvp-scope-v2-realistic.md → 16-product-features.md → 17-week-1-launch-checklist.md +``` + +### Legacy path (archived): +``` +08-validation-plan.md → 09-mvp-scope.md (superseded by 15) → 10-pricing-strategy.md ``` --- @@ -222,26 +276,37 @@ ROADMAP.md → 02-reality-check.md → research/passive-research-methodology.md ## 🔍 Key Relationships -**Market Positioning (01) informs:** -- Validated ICP (07) - target audience selection +**Market Positioning (01) + Competitive Analysis (13) inform:** +- Validated ICP (07) + ICP Segmentation (14) - target audience selection - Pricing Strategy (10) - competitive benchmarking -- MVP Scope (09) - feature prioritization +- MVP Scope v2 (15) - feature prioritization +- Positioning: DX premium vs infrastructure play **Reality Check (02) constrains:** -- Validation Plan (08) - time allocation (15-20 hrs/week) -- MVP Scope (09) - what's realistic in 4-6 weeks -- Pricing Strategy (10) - break-even requirements ($100-500 MRR) +- MVP Scope v2 (15) - realistic timeline with blockers +- Week 1 Launch (17) - ultra-minimal approach +- Product Features (16) - priority matrix -**Research (research/) validates:** -- Validated ICP (07) - external confirmation -- ICP Segmentation (A/B/C/D segments documented in research/INDEX.md) -- Interview Questions (03) - pain points to validate -- Validation Plan (08) - where to find respondents +**Research (research/) + Competitive Analysis (13) validate:** +- ICP Segmentation (14) - unified product approach +- Direction 1 + 2 = same product, different entry points +- Prompt Enhancement as PRIMARY MOAT (3-6 months to replicate) + +**ICP Segmentation (14) drives:** +- Product Features (16) - which interfaces to build (MCP vs Prompt URLs) +- Week 1 Launch (17) - target segments B/D (developers first) +- GTM strategy - sequential launch approach + +**MVP Scope v2 (15) → Product Features (16) → Week 1 Launch (17):** +- Active execution path +- 15 defines timeline and blockers +- 16 details all features with priorities +- 17 provides step-by-step launch guide **Technical Architecture (11) + Current Tech State (12) define:** - What platform can do (architecture + implementation status) -- MVP Scope (09) - what MUST be built vs already done -- Launch readiness - gap analysis +- MVP Scope v2 (15) - what MUST be built vs already done +- Product Features (16) - technical feasibility **Discussion Framework (FRAMEWORK.md) guides:** - All strategic sessions @@ -292,6 +357,6 @@ ROADMAP.md → 02-reality-check.md → research/passive-research-methodology.md --- -**Last maintained by:** @men -**Version:** 3.0 (research folder restructured to flat + prefixes) -**Next review:** After ICP validation complete (Nov 3, 2025) +**Last maintained by:** @men +**Version:** 4.0 (5 new documents added: 13-17, unified product strategy integrated) +**Next review:** After Week 1 launch (Nov 9-10, 2025) diff --git a/ROADMAP.md b/ROADMAP.md index 30b8fe5..7befe9e 100644 --- a/ROADMAP.md +++ b/ROADMAP.md @@ -15,11 +15,66 @@ ## 🎯 Current Status -**Phase:** Pre-launch / ICP Validation -**Sprint:** Interview Preparation (Day 1 of 2) -**Focus:** A/B/C/D Segmentation Framework Complete -**Next Milestone:** Begin validation interviews (10-14 across segments) -**Last Updated:** November 2, 2025 +**Phase:** Pre-launch / MVP Development +**Sprint:** Tech Debt Clear + Prompt URLs (Days 1-7) +**Focus:** Unified product approach (Direction 1 + 2 combined) +**Next Milestone:** Ultra-minimal launch (Week 1 - Prompt URLs + Manual payments) +**Last Updated:** November 3, 2025 (documentation integrated) + +--- + +## 🔄 Active Sprint: MVP Development (Nov 2-10) + +### DECISION: Unified Product Approach + +**Key Insight:** Direction 1 (Agencies) + Direction 2 (AI Developers) = SAME product +- Technical implementation identical +- Difference = entry point preference (MCP vs Prompt URLs) +- Many users are BOTH (tech lead at agency) + +**Strategy:** Build one product, multiple interfaces + +--- + +### Current Blockers (Days 1-4) +- [ ] DB schema update (2 days) +- [ ] Endpoints align with DB (2 days) + +### Week 1: Ultra-Minimal Launch (Days 5-9) + +**Tech (Days 5-7):** +- [ ] Prompt URLs (3 days) - Universal entry point + +**Non-tech (Day 8):** +- [ ] Landing page (2 hours) - Single page, hero + pricing + CTA +- [ ] Docs page (2 hours) - Prompt URLs + API examples +- [ ] Signup flow (30 min) - Google Form, manual process + +**Launch Day 9:** +- [ ] Reddit r/cursor post (morning) +- [ ] Discord Cursor channel (morning) +- [ ] Respond to comments (all day) +- [ ] Manual API key distribution + +**Goal:** 3-5 early adopters try it, 1 pays (any amount) + +**Mental model:** Experiment, not mass launch. Coffee with customer, not opening cafe. + +### Week 2-3: Developer Tools +- [ ] MCP Server (3 days) +- [ ] SDK TypeScript/Python (2 days) +- [ ] CLI (2 days) +- [ ] Automated payments (2-3 days) + +**Goal:** 10-20 paying users + +### Week 4+: Production Features +- [ ] CDN integration (1 day) +- [ ] Image transformations (1 day) +- [ ] Focal point detection (2-3 days) +- [ ] Admin UI (3-5 days) + +**Goal:** 50+ users, validate segments --- @@ -218,6 +273,107 @@ --- +## 📊 Research Insights Summary + +### UNIFIED APPROACH (Direction 1 + 2 Combined) + +**Key Discovery:** Same product serves both segments +- Tech implementation: Identical +- Backend: Same (enhancement, CDN, transformations) +- Interfaces: Multiple (MCP, SDK, Prompt URLs, Web UI) + +**Decision:** Build once, launch to both + +--- + +### Direction 2 (AI Coding Agents) ⭐ PRIMARY LAUNCH + +**🟢 Strong Signals:** +- Massive user base (36K+ r/cursor members) +- Stock photos pain (generic, overused) +- Willingness to pay ($20-200/mo for AI tools) +- Manual Midjourney workflow tedious +- Aspect ratio limitations +- Image optimization time-consuming +- Paid MCP business model works + +**ICP Match:** 70-80% confidence +- Founder IS the ICP (uses Claude Code) +- Technical fit = perfect (MCP + SDK) +- Market size = huge +- Fast to revenue + +**Launch Strategy:** Week 1 (Prompt URLs + MCP) + +--- + +### Direction 1 (Agencies) ⭐ SECONDARY LAUNCH + +**🟢 Signals:** +- "Placeholder hell" validated +- Client approval blocked without realistic images +- Stock photos unprofessional + +**ICP Match:** 60-70% confidence (different personas, but overlapping needs) + +**Launch Strategy:** Week 2-3 (same product, different messaging) + +--- + +### Direction 6 (E-commerce) - Parking Lot + +**🟢 Signals:** +- Huge market ($50B product photography) +- Clear use case (1 photo → 100 variations) + +**🔴 Problems:** +- ICP mismatch (no-code preference) +- Free tier competition (16K-31K images/month FREE) +- Pivot required (3-6 months) + +**Decision:** Skip for now + +--- + +## 🎯 ICP Segments (Unified Product) + +**See detailed doc:** [14-icp-segmentation-unified.md](strategy/14-icp-segmentation-unified.md) + +**A) Studios/Agencies** - Decision Maker (CEO/Manager) +- 3-10 person teams +- Client work focus +- Higher ACV potential ($99-149/mo) +- Prefer: REST API, Web UI, Prompt URLs +- Use case: Client mockup approval + +**B) Power Users - Tech Champion** ⭐ PRIMARY LAUNCH +- Tech leads using Cursor/Claude Code +- Already pay $20-200/mo for AI tools +- Fast decision, can influence team +- Prefer: MCP, SDK, CLI +- Use case: Coding workflow automation + +**C) Freelancers** - Solo Decision +- Most price-sensitive +- Fast decision (no approval) +- Prefer: REST API, Web UI, Prompt URLs +- Use case: Per-project images +- Credits > subscription + +**D) AI-Savvy Freelancers - Power Solo** ⭐ SECONDARY LAUNCH +- Active AI tool users (Cursor, ChatGPT) +- High project volume, time=money +- Prefer: MCP, SDK, Prompt URLs +- Use case: Fast delivery +- Either model works + +**Key Insight:** Many users are BOTH segments (e.g., tech lead at agency) + +**Technical Product:** SAME for all segments +**GTM Strategy:** DIFFERS by segment (messaging, pricing emphasis, channels) + +--- + ## 🔮 Future Milestones (After Validation) ### Post-Validation Phase (1-2 weeks after GO) @@ -329,7 +485,14 @@ --- -**Roadmap Owner:** @men + Oleg -**Last Updated:** November 2, 2025 -**Next Review:** After ICP validation complete (Nov 10, 2025) -**Version:** 3.0 (Research phase 1 completed, interview prep active) +**Roadmap Owner:** @men + Oleg +**Last Updated:** November 3, 2025 +**Next Review:** After Week 1 launch (Nov 9-10, 2025) +**Version:** 3.1 (Documentation integrated: 13-17, unified product strategy active) + +**Related Documents:** +- [13-competitive-analysis.md](strategy/13-competitive-analysis.md) - Competitive landscape +- [14-icp-segmentation-unified.md](strategy/14-icp-segmentation-unified.md) - Unified ICP segments +- [15-mvp-scope-v2-realistic.md](execution/15-mvp-scope-v2-realistic.md) - Realistic MVP plan +- [16-product-features.md](execution/16-product-features.md) - Feature roadmap +- [17-week-1-launch-checklist.md](execution/17-week-1-launch-checklist.md) - Launch execution guide ⭐ diff --git a/discussions/2025-11-02-unified-product-strategy.md b/discussions/2025-11-02-unified-product-strategy.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..572c4bf --- /dev/null +++ b/discussions/2025-11-02-unified-product-strategy.md @@ -0,0 +1,340 @@ +# Session Summary: Unified Product Strategy + +**Date:** November 2, 2025 (Evening) +**Topic:** Research review + MVP planning +**Status:** ✅ Key decisions made + +--- + +## 🎯 MAJOR DECISION: Unified Product Approach + +**Problem:** Direction 1 (Agencies) vs Direction 2 (AI Developers) - which to choose? + +**Solution:** BOTH. Same product, multiple entry points. + +**Rationale:** +1. Technical implementation = 100% identical +2. Backend = same (enhancement, generation, CDN) +3. Difference = entry point preference (MCP vs Prompt URLs) +4. Many users are BOTH (tech lead at agency uses Cursor + presents to clients) + +**Implication:** Build once, launch to both segments sequentially + +--- + +## 🏆 Key Insights from Research + +### Competitive Landscape (New Info) + +**Runware:** $13M funding, $0.0006/image (166x cheaper) +- BUT: Infrastructure only, no quality layer +- Target: Volume buyers +- We don't compete on price + +**ImageKit:** Enterprise scale, URL-based generation +- Validates Prompt URLs concept works at scale +- Target: E-commerce, marketing +- We compete on developer focus + quality + +**Our Moats (Updated Priority):** +1. ⭐ **Prompt Enhancement** (PRIMARY) - 3-6 months to replicate +2. ⭐ **Consistency System (@references)** - unique, post-MVP +3. Production Pipeline - deep integration, developer focus + +**NOT a moat:** MCP (can be built in 1 week) + +--- + +### Pricing Strategy + +**$0.10/image = validated** +- ImageKit effective cost = same range +- Justified through quality layer + complete pipeline + +**Free tier strategy:** +- NOT competing with free (OpenRouter 50/day, Google AI Studio 500-1000/day) +- Our free tier = testing only (10/month with watermark) +- Paid = production use (data privacy, professional quality) + +**Positioning:** +- Runware = AWS (cheap infrastructure) +- Banatie = Vercel (DX premium) + +--- + +## 📋 MVP Scope (Realistic Timeline) + +### Current Blockers (Days 1-4) +- DB schema update (2 days) +- Endpoint alignment (2 days) + +### Week 1: Ultra-Minimal Launch (Days 5-7) +**Ship:** +- Prompt URLs (3 days) +- Manual payments via Stripe invoice +- Manual API key distribution + +**Launch to:** 5-10 early adopters on r/cursor + +**Goal:** Validate core value (prompt enhancement visible) + +### Week 2-3: Developer Tools +**Add:** +- MCP Server (3 days) +- SDK (2 days) +- CLI (2 days) +- Automated payments (2-3 days) + +**Goal:** 10-20 paying users + +### Week 4+: Production Features +**Add:** +- CDN (1 day) +- Transformations (1 day) +- Focal point detection (2-3 days) ← IMPORTANT: Don't forget +- Admin UI (3-5 days) + +**Goal:** 50+ users, validate segments + +--- + +## 🎨 Key Product Decisions + +### Prompt Enhancement +- ✅ **Always enabled, cannot disable** +- ✅ This is our primary value +- ✅ Justified cost increase (text-to-text + image gen) +- ✅ If in free limit = OK, this is what we sell + +### Entry Points Priority +1. **Prompt URLs** (Week 1) - Universal, simplest +2. **MCP Server** (Week 2) - Developer hook +3. **SDK** (Week 2) - Programmatic control +4. **CLI** (Week 2) - Terminal workflows + +### Features Priority +**MVP (must-have):** +- Prompt Enhancement ✅ +- 6 Aspect Ratios ✅ +- Prompt URLs ⏳ +- MinIO storage ✅ + +**Post-MVP (validate need):** +- @references consistency +- Team features +- Focal point detection +- WordPress plugin + +--- + +## 📢 Go-to-Market Strategy + +### Phase 1: Developer Focus (Weeks 1-2) +**Target:** Segment B (Power Users) + D (AI Freelancers) + +**Why first:** +- Founder IS the ICP +- Fast validation +- Product-led growth +- MCP = differentiator + +**Channels:** +- r/cursor, Discord +- Dev.to posts +- Twitter #AIcoding + +**Message:** "MCP for image generation in Cursor" + +--- + +### Phase 2: Agency Expansion (Weeks 3-4) +**Target:** Segment A (Studios) + C (Freelancers) + +**Why second:** +- Product validated with developers +- Same tech, different messaging +- Add client approval use case + +**Channels:** +- r/webdev, r/freelance +- LinkedIn (careful - employer risk) +- Agency communities + +**Message:** "Speed up client approval with AI mockups" + +--- + +### Phase 3: Optimize (Weeks 5-8) +**Analyze:** +- Which segment converts better? +- Which has higher LTV? +- Which churns less? + +**Action:** Double down on winner + +--- + +## ⚠️ Risks & Open Questions + +### Risks +1. **Free tier competition** (16K-31K/month free via OpenRouter + Google) + - Mitigation: Premium positioning, quality differentiation + +2. **Prompt enhancement cost** (additional API call) + - Monitor: Calculate actual cost per generation + - Decision point: If exceeds free limit + +3. **Segment confusion** (trying to serve everyone) + - Mitigation: Sequential launch, clear messaging per segment + +### Open Questions +1. Which transformation service? (Need name) +2. Focal point implementation details +3. Admin UI approach (custom vs nextjs-saas-starter) +4. Payment automation complexity + +--- + +## 📝 Documents Created/Updated + +**Created:** +- `/strategy/13-competitive-analysis.md` (Runware, ImageKit insights) +- `/strategy/14-icp-segmentation-unified.md` (A/B/C/D with one product approach) +- `/execution/15-mvp-scope-v2-realistic.md` (real timelines, priorities) +- `/execution/16-product-features.md` (all features including focal point) +- `/execution/17-week-1-launch-checklist.md` (step-by-step launch guide) + +**Updated:** +- `/ROADMAP.md` (unified approach, realistic MVP timeline) + +**To review later:** +- 01-market-positioning-v4.md (in project-knowledge, not on disk yet) +- COMPETITIVE-ANALYSIS-QUICK-REF.md (in project-knowledge) +- UPDATES-SUMMARY.md (in project-knowledge) + +--- + +## 🚀 Launch Strategy (Week 1) + +### Mental Model: Experiment, NOT Product + +**Week 1 MVP = Coffee with potential customer** +- NOT: Mass launch, professional polish, 100 users +- YES: 3-5 early adopters, validation, feedback + +**Goal:** +- Prove someone will pay (even $20) +- Discover which feature matters (MCP vs URLs?) +- Validate ICP hypothesis + +--- + +### What's Needed BESIDES Code + +**1. Landing Page (2 hours)** +``` +Hero: "Generate professional images without leaving Cursor" +What: 3 bullets (enhancement, aspect ratios, CDN) +Pricing: Free/Credits/Pro (simple) +CTA: Email signup +``` + +**2. Documentation (2 hours)** +``` +Prompt URLs format + example +API curl example +"Email us for API key" +``` + +**3. Signup Flow (30 min)** +- Google Form: Name, Email, Use case +- Manual review → Invoice → API key + +**Total non-tech:** ~5 hours + +--- + +### Launch Day (Day 9) + +**Morning: Soft launch** +- r/cursor post (Show HN style) +- Discord Cursor channel +- Message: Problem, Solution, Early access + +**Afternoon: Engage** +- Answer every question +- Collect feedback +- Send API keys to first 3-5 + +**Success metrics:** +- Minimum: 3 try, 1 pays +- Strong: 5+ try, 2+ pay +- Failure: <2 try, no payment + +--- + +### Week 2-3: Iterate Based on Feedback + +**If success:** +- Fix top 2 issues +- Build most requested feature (MCP?) +- Expand reach (Dev.to) + +**If unclear:** +- 1-on-1 calls with early adopters +- Iterate messaging/features + +**If failure:** +- Analysis session +- Pivot or rethink + +--- + +## 🎯 Next Actions + +**For Oleg:** +1. Clear DB blocker (Days 1-2) +2. Align endpoints (Days 3-4) +3. Build Prompt URLs (Days 5-7) +4. Setup manual Stripe invoicing (Day 8) +5. Launch to 5-10 early adopters + +**For next session with @men:** +1. Discuss messaging for r/cursor launch post +2. Plan interview questions (if needed after early adopters) +3. Review payment automation approach +4. Discuss focal point detection implementation + +--- + +## 🎓 Key Learnings + +**Product Strategy:** +- Direction 1 + 2 = same product, different entry points +- Many users are BOTH segments (tech lead at agency) +- Build once, launch sequentially + +**Competitive Position:** +- NOT competing on price (Runware $0.0006) +- Competing on quality layer + DX (Vercel approach) +- Prompt Enhancement = primary moat + +**Launch Philosophy:** +- Week 1 = experiment, not product +- 3-5 users > 100 confused visitors +- Manual processes OK (automate after validation) +- Simple better than polished for early adopters + +**Next Critical Path:** +1. Clear tech debt (Days 1-4) +2. Build Prompt URLs (Days 5-7) +3. Create landing/docs (Day 8, 5 hours) +4. Launch to r/cursor (Day 9) +5. Collect feedback, iterate (Days 10+) + +--- + +**Session completed:** November 2, 2025 ~23:30 +**Session duration:** ~3 hours +**Next session:** After DB blocker cleared OR for launch planning +**Critical files:** [17-week-1-launch-checklist.md](../execution/17-week-1-launch-checklist.md) (execute this) diff --git a/execution/09-mvp-scope.md b/execution/09-mvp-scope.md index 2d4bd5b..d34b96b 100644 --- a/execution/09-mvp-scope.md +++ b/execution/09-mvp-scope.md @@ -1,5 +1,10 @@ # MVP Scope: Banatie for AI Developers +**⚠️ Note:** This document has been superseded by [15-mvp-scope-v2-realistic.md](15-mvp-scope-v2-realistic.md) (November 2, 2025) +**Status:** 📚 Archived - Kept for historical reference + +--- + **Date:** October 20, 2025 **Target ICP:** AI-powered developers (Claude Code, Cursor users) **Development Timeline:** 4-6 weeks diff --git a/execution/15-mvp-scope-v2-realistic.md b/execution/15-mvp-scope-v2-realistic.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..da65e35 --- /dev/null +++ b/execution/15-mvp-scope-v2-realistic.md @@ -0,0 +1,299 @@ +# MVP Scope v2: Realistic Timeline + +**Date:** November 2, 2025 +**Status:** 🔄 Planning - Based on actual dev capacity +**Version:** 2.0 (replaces 09-mvp-scope.md) + +--- + +## Current State (Nov 2) + +**DONE:** +- ✅ API endpoints for generation +- ✅ Prompt Enhancement (working, always on) +- ✅ 6 Aspect Ratios (Gemini native) +- ✅ MinIO storage connected +- ✅ Web UI base exists + +**BLOCKERS:** +- 🔴 DB schema update (2 days) +- 🔴 Endpoints align with DB (2 days) + +**Total blockers:** 4 days before new features + +--- + +## Feature Priorities + +### Priority A: BLOCKING REVENUE (Must-have for first $ ) + +**1. Prompt URLs** (3 days after blocker) +- Universal entry point +- Works without MCP/SDK +- Validated by ImageKit success +- Simplest for users + +**2. Manual Payments** (1 day) +- Stripe invoice manual +- Email API key +- Track usage manually + +**3. Auth basics** (0 days) +- Manual API key generation +- Email to user +- No admin UI needed yet + +**TOTAL:** 4 days work +**TIMELINE:** Week 1 after blockers clear + +--- + +### Priority B: AUTOMATION (Week 2-3) + +**4. MCP Server** (3 days) +- Cursor/Claude Code integration +- Primary for Segment B/D +- Differentiator vs stock photos MCP + +**5. SDK** (2 days) +- TypeScript/Python +- Programmatic generation +- For technical users + +**6. CLI** (2 days) +- Terminal workflows +- Nice-to-have for power users + +**7. Automated Payments** (2-3 days) +- Stripe Checkout integration +- Auto API key generation +- Usage tracking + +**TOTAL:** 9-10 days work +**TIMELINE:** Weeks 2-3 + +--- + +### Priority C: PRODUCTION (Week 4+) + +**8. CDN** (1 day) +- Cloudflare integration +- MinIO → CDN pipeline +- Better performance + +**9. Image Transformations** (1 day) +- Service already selected +- Resize, format, optimize + +**10. Focal Point Detection** (2-3 days) +- AI determines focus (face, product) +- Smart cropping for aspect ratios +- Quality feature for agencies + +**11. Admin UI** (3-5 days) +- API key management +- Usage dashboard +- User management + +**TOTAL:** 7-10 days work +**TIMELINE:** Week 4+ + +--- + +### Priority D: POST-MVP (After validation) + +**12. @references Consistency System** +- Only if validated need +- Estimate: 1-2 weeks + +**13. Team Features** +- For agencies (Segment A) +- Multi-user accounts +- Estimate: 1 week + +**14. WordPress Plugin** +- If high demand +- Estimate: 1 week + +--- + +## Non-Tech Requirements (Day 8) + +### Landing Page (2 hours) +**Single page with:** +- Hero: "Generate professional images without leaving Cursor" +- What it does: 3 bullet points (enhancement, aspect ratios, CDN) +- Pricing: Free/Credits/Pro (3 lines) +- CTA: Email signup + +**Tech:** Single HTML, Tailwind, Vercel deploy + +### Documentation (2 hours) +**Single page with:** +- Prompt URLs format + example +- API curl example +- "Email us for API key" + +**No:** Advanced usage, troubleshooting, examples library + +### Signup Flow (30 min) +- Google Form: Name, Email, Use case +- Auto-reply: "API key within 24h" +- Manual review → Invoice → API key + +--- + +## Launch Sequence + +### Week 1: Ultra-Minimal Launch (Experiment) + +**This is NOT:** +- ❌ Mass launch (no Product Hunt) +- ❌ Professional site (simple = OK) +- ❌ 100 users goal + +**This IS:** +- ✅ Experiment with 3-5 early adopters +- ✅ Validation: will anyone pay? +- ✅ Discovery: which features matter? + +**Ready:** +- Prompt URLs (tech) +- Landing page (2h) +- Docs page (2h) +- Signup form (30min) + +**Launch to:** +- r/cursor (36K members) +- Discord Cursor channel + +**Reddit post template:** +``` +Title: Show HN: Generate images in Cursor without context switching + +Problem: Stock photos generic. Midjourney = Discord workflow. +Solution: Prompt URLs with AI enhancement. + + + +Early access: 10 free images. $20 for 200 after. +Looking for 5-10 early users for feedback. +``` + +**Goal:** +- 3-5 people try it +- 1 person pays (any amount) +- Clear feedback pattern + +--- + +### Week 2-3: Developer Tools + +**Add:** +- MCP Server +- SDK +- CLI +- Automated payments + +**Launch to:** +- Broader developer audience +- Product Hunt (maybe) + +**Goal:** 10-20 paying users + +--- + +### Week 4+: Production Features + +**Add:** +- CDN +- Transformations +- Focal point +- Admin UI + +**Launch to:** +- Agencies (Segment A) +- Broader market + +**Goal:** 50+ users, validate segments + +--- + +## Success Metrics by Phase + +**Week 1 (Minimal):** +- 3-5 early adopters +- 1-2 paying (any amount) +- Positive feedback on quality + +**Week 2-3 (Developer):** +- 10-20 users total +- 5+ paying +- MCP or SDK actively used + +**Week 4+ (Production):** +- 50+ users +- 20+ paying +- Clear winner segment identified + +--- + +## Decision Points + +**After Week 1:** +- Quality validated? (enhancement working?) +- Willing to pay? (any conversions?) +- GO/PIVOT decision + +**After Week 3:** +- Which interface used most? (MCP vs Prompt URLs vs SDK) +- Which segment converts? (B/D vs A/C) +- Double down or adjust + +**After Week 4:** +- Is there PMF signal? +- Revenue trajectory clear? +- Scale or rethink + +--- + +## What We're NOT Building (Yet) + +❌ @references - no validated demand +❌ Multiple models - Gemini only +❌ Complex admin UI - manual OK +❌ Team features - single user first +❌ Integrations - API sufficient +❌ Advanced analytics - basic tracking OK + +**Principle:** Ship fast, validate, iterate + +--- + +## Risks & Mitigation + +**Risk:** Complexity creep (want to build everything) +**Mitigation:** Strict priority system, ship Week 1 no matter what + +**Risk:** Payment complexity blocks launch +**Mitigation:** Manual invoices, automate later + +**Risk:** No one wants to pay +**Mitigation:** Week 1 shows value, pivot if needed + +--- + +## Current Focus (Nov 2-6) + +**Days 1-2:** Clear DB blocker +**Days 3-4:** Endpoint alignment +**Days 5-7:** Prompt URLs +**Day 8:** Manual payment setup + +**Target:** Launch-ready by Nov 9-10 + +--- + +**Owner:** Oleg +**Last updated:** November 2, 2025 +**Next review:** After Week 1 launch diff --git a/execution/16-product-features.md b/execution/16-product-features.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5ab8ca4 --- /dev/null +++ b/execution/16-product-features.md @@ -0,0 +1,312 @@ +# Product Features Overview + +**Date:** November 2, 2025 +**Status:** 📝 Living document - feature roadmap +**Version:** 1.0 + +--- + +## Core Features (MVP) + +### 1. Prompt Enhancement ⭐ PRIMARY MOAT + +**What:** AI improves user prompts for professional quality + +**How:** +- User provides generic prompt: "hero image for SaaS" +- System enhances: "Professional SaaS hero image, modern gradient background, clean UI elements, high contrast, 4K quality, corporate aesthetic" +- Gemini generates with enhanced prompt + +**Status:** ✅ Working, always enabled + +**Why it matters:** +- This is our main competitive advantage +- Justifies $0.10 vs $0.0006 commodity +- Users get professional quality without prompt engineering skills + +**Cannot be disabled** - this is the value we sell + +--- + +### 2. Six Aspect Ratios (Native) + +**Options:** +- 16:9 (landscape, hero sections) +- 9:16 (portrait, mobile) +- 4:3 (classic, presentations) +- 3:4 (portrait, alternative) +- 1:1 (square, social media) +- 3:2 (standard photo) + +**Status:** ✅ Working (Gemini native support) + +**Why it matters:** +- Solves manual editing pain +- No cropping or resizing needed +- Validated pain point in research + +--- + +### 3. Prompt URLs + +**What:** Generate images via URL + +**Format:** +``` +https://banatie.app/gen?prompt=hero+image+saas&aspect=16:9 +``` + +**Status:** ⏳ To build (3 days) + +**Why it matters:** +- Universal entry point (no setup) +- Works in HTML directly +- Validated by ImageKit success +- Simplest for non-technical users + +**Entry point for Segments A/C** (agencies, freelancers) + +--- + +### 4. MCP Server + +**What:** Cursor/Claude Code integration + +**How:** +```json +// In Cursor config +{ + "mcpServers": { + "banatie": { + "command": "npx", + "args": ["-y", "@banatie/mcp-server"] + } + } +} +``` + +**Status:** ⏳ To build (3 days) + +**Why it matters:** +- Primary entry point for developers +- Automation vs manual Midjourney +- Differentiation vs stock photos MCP + +**Entry point for Segments B/D** (AI developers) + +--- + +### 5. SDK (Programmatic) + +**Languages:** TypeScript, Python + +**Example:** +```typescript +import { Banatie } from '@banatie/sdk'; + +const image = await banatie.generate({ + prompt: "hero image for SaaS", + aspectRatio: "16:9" +}); + +console.log(image.url); // CDN URL +``` + +**Status:** ⏳ To build (2 days) + +**Why it matters:** +- For technical users +- Programmatic control +- Batch generation + +--- + +### 6. CLI + +**Example:** +```bash +banatie gen "hero image for SaaS" --aspect 16:9 +# → Returns CDN URL +``` + +**Status:** ⏳ To build (2 days) + +**Why it matters:** +- Terminal workflows +- Scripting/automation +- Power user tool + +--- + +## Production Features (Week 3-4) + +### 7. CDN Delivery + +**What:** Cloudflare CDN for global delivery + +**Why it matters:** +- Fast load times worldwide +- Production-ready URLs +- Part of "complete pipeline" value prop + +**Status:** ⏳ To build (1 day) + +--- + +### 8. Image Transformations + +**Service:** Selected (name?) + +**Capabilities:** +- Resize (width, height) +- Format conversion (PNG, JPEG, WebP) +- Quality optimization +- Compression + +**API:** +``` +https://cdn.banatie.app/image-id?w=800&h=600&format=webp +``` + +**Status:** ⏳ To build (1 day) + +**Why it matters:** +- Responsive images +- Performance optimization +- Common developer need + +--- + +### 9. Focal Point Detection ⭐ QUALITY FEATURE + +**What:** AI detects subject focus (face, product, main element) + +**How:** +1. After generation, run AI analysis +2. Identify focal point coordinates (x, y) +3. Store with image metadata +4. Use for smart cropping + +**Use case:** +``` +Original: 16:9 landscape with person on left +Transform to: 9:16 portrait +→ Smart crop centers on person, not random crop +``` + +**Status:** ⏳ Post-MVP (2-3 days) + +**Why it matters:** +- Professional quality transformations +- Prevents bad crops (cutting faces) +- Differentiator for agencies + +**Target segment:** A (agencies doing client work) + +--- + +## Post-MVP Features (After Validation) + +### 10. @references Consistency System + +**What:** Maintain style/objects across multiple images + +**Example:** +```typescript +// First generation +const hero = await banatie.generate({ + prompt: "SaaS hero @style:modern-gradient" +}); + +// Later generation maintains style +const features = await banatie.generate({ + prompt: "features section @style:modern-gradient" +}); +// → Same color scheme, visual style +``` + +**Status:** 🔮 Future (needs validation) + +**Why it matters:** +- Brand consistency +- Style persistence +- Potentially unique feature + +**Estimate:** 1-2 weeks build + +**Risk:** Complex, may not be needed for MVP + +--- + +### 11. Team Features + +**For:** Segment A (agencies with multiple team members) + +**Features:** +- Multi-user accounts +- Role-based access +- Shared image library +- Usage by team member + +**Status:** 🔮 Future (after agency validation) + +**Estimate:** 1 week build + +--- + +### 12. Advanced Analytics + +**Features:** +- Generation history +- Usage patterns +- Cost tracking +- Popular prompts + +**Status:** 🔮 Future (basic tracking sufficient for MVP) + +--- + +### 13. Integrations + +**Potential:** +- WordPress plugin +- Figma plugin +- Webflow app +- Shopify app (if e-commerce pivot) + +**Status:** 🔮 Future (API-first approach for MVP) + +--- + +## Feature Priority Matrix + +| Feature | Segment | Priority | Status | Days | +|---------|---------|----------|--------|------| +| Prompt Enhancement | All | 🔴 Critical | ✅ Done | - | +| 6 Aspect Ratios | All | 🔴 Critical | ✅ Done | - | +| Prompt URLs | All | 🔴 Critical | ⏳ Todo | 3 | +| MCP Server | B/D | 🟡 High | ⏳ Todo | 3 | +| SDK | B/D | 🟡 High | ⏳ Todo | 2 | +| CLI | B/D | 🟡 Medium | ⏳ Todo | 2 | +| CDN | All | 🟡 High | ⏳ Todo | 1 | +| Transformations | All | 🟡 Medium | ⏳ Todo | 1 | +| Focal Point | A | 🟢 Nice | 🔮 Future | 2-3 | +| @references | ? | 🔵 Validate | 🔮 Future | 7-10 | +| Team Features | A | 🔵 Validate | 🔮 Future | 5 | + +--- + +## Technical Stack + +**Generation:** Gemini 2.5 Flash +**Storage:** MinIO +**CDN:** Cloudflare +**Transformations:** [Service name] +**Backend:** Express.js +**Database:** PostgreSQL + +--- + +**Owner:** Oleg +**Last updated:** November 2, 2025 +**Next review:** After each feature completion diff --git a/execution/17-week-1-launch-checklist.md b/execution/17-week-1-launch-checklist.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..aac0707 --- /dev/null +++ b/execution/17-week-1-launch-checklist.md @@ -0,0 +1,251 @@ +# Week 1 Launch Checklist + +**Date:** November 2, 2025 +**Purpose:** Step-by-step guide for ultra-minimal launch +**Status:** Ready to execute + +--- + +## 🎯 Goal + +**NOT:** Mass launch, 100 users, perfect product +**YES:** 3-5 early adopters, validation someone will pay, feedback + +--- + +## ✅ Pre-Launch (Days 1-8) + +### Technical (Days 1-7) +- [ ] Clear DB blocker (2 days) +- [ ] Align endpoints (2 days) +- [ ] Build Prompt URLs (3 days) +- [ ] Test generation flow end-to-end +- [ ] Verify Prompt Enhancement working + +### Non-Technical (Day 8) + +**Landing Page (2 hours):** +- [ ] Hero section with value prop +- [ ] 3 bullet points (what it does) +- [ ] Pricing (Free/Credits/Pro) +- [ ] Email signup CTA +- [ ] Deploy to Vercel/Netlify + +**Documentation (2 hours):** +- [ ] Prompt URLs format + example +- [ ] API curl example +- [ ] "Email for API key" instruction +- [ ] Deploy docs page + +**Signup Flow (30 min):** +- [ ] Create Google Form (Name, Email, Use case) +- [ ] Setup auto-reply email +- [ ] Prepare API key email template + +**Stripe (1 hour):** +- [ ] Create Stripe account if needed +- [ ] Test invoice generation +- [ ] Prepare invoice template + +--- + +## 🚀 Launch Day (Day 9) + +### Morning (9-10 AM) + +**Reddit r/cursor:** +- [ ] Post title: "Show HN: Generate images in Cursor without context switching" +- [ ] Body: Problem → Solution → Early access call +- [ ] Include example Prompt URL +- [ ] Link to landing page + +**Discord Cursor:** +- [ ] Post shorter version in #share channel +- [ ] Monitor reactions + +### Throughout Day (10 AM - 10 PM) + +**Engagement:** +- [ ] Answer every comment within 1 hour +- [ ] Collect all feedback in spreadsheet +- [ ] Note feature requests +- [ ] Send API keys to first responders + +**Manual Process:** +1. Someone fills Google Form +2. Review submission (good fit?) +3. If yes: Send Stripe invoice +4. After payment: Email API key +5. Check in next day: "How's it working?" + +--- + +## 📊 Tracking (End of Day 9) + +**Count:** +- Signups: _____ +- Paid: _____ +- Active users: _____ +- Feedback themes: _____ + +**Questions to answer:** +- [ ] Did anyone pay? (minimum validation) +- [ ] What's the #1 requested feature? +- [ ] Is messaging clear? (confused comments?) +- [ ] Is enhancement value visible? (quality feedback?) + +--- + +## 🎯 Success Criteria + +**Minimum Viable Success:** +- ✅ 3 people try it +- ✅ 1 person pays (any amount) +- ✅ 5+ said "interesting, but need X" + +**Strong Signal:** +- ✅ 5+ people try it +- ✅ 2+ people pay +- ✅ Clear feature request pattern (e.g., "all want MCP") + +**Failure Signal:** +- ❌ <2 people try it +- ❌ No one willing to pay +- ❌ Confused responses ("what is this?") + +--- + +## 🔄 Post-Launch (Days 10-14) + +### If Success: +- [ ] Fix top 2 feedback issues (Days 10-11) +- [ ] Build most requested feature (Days 12-14) +- [ ] Plan Week 2 expansion (Dev.to post?) + +### If Unclear: +- [ ] Schedule 1-on-1 calls with all early adopters +- [ ] Ask: What worked? What didn't? Would you pay $X? +- [ ] Iterate based on insights + +### If Failure: +- [ ] Schedule analysis session with @men +- [ ] Review: Wrong messaging? Wrong segment? Wrong product? +- [ ] Decide: Pivot or stop? + +--- + +## 📝 Copy Templates + +### Reddit Post + +```markdown +Title: Show HN: Generate images in Cursor without context switching + +Hey r/cursor! Built a tool to generate images directly in your workflow. + +**Problem:** +- Stock photos (Unsplash MCP) = generic, overused +- Midjourney = Discord, manual save, context switching + +**Solution:** +Prompt URLs that work like this: + + +**Our trick:** +AI enhances your prompt for professional quality. +"hero image" → "professional SaaS hero, modern gradient, 4K, clean UI" + +**Early access:** +10 free images to try. $20 for 200 images after that. + +Link: [your-landing-page] + +Looking for 5-10 early users for feedback. +What features matter most to you? +``` + +### Auto-Reply Email + +``` +Subject: Your Banatie API Key (24h) + +Hi [Name], + +Thanks for your interest in Banatie! + +I'll review your submission and send: +1. Stripe invoice for $20 (200 images credit) +2. Your API key within 24 hours + +Quick start once you have your key: +https://docs.banatie.app/quickstart + +Questions? Just reply to this email. + +- Oleg +``` + +### API Key Email + +``` +Subject: Your Banatie API Key + +Hi [Name], + +Your API key: [KEY] + +Quick start: + + +Docs: https://docs.banatie.app + +Feedback? I'm all ears. Reply anytime. + +- Oleg +``` + +--- + +## 🎯 Day 9 Hourly Schedule (Example) + +**9:00 AM** - Post to Reddit r/cursor +**9:15 AM** - Post to Discord Cursor +**9:30 AM** - Monitor responses, respond immediately +**10:00 AM** - First signups coming in, review forms +**11:00 AM** - Send invoices to good fits +**12:00 PM** - Lunch break, check payment status +**1:00 PM** - First payment? Send API key! +**2:00 PM** - Check in with early users: "How's it working?" +**3:00 PM** - Compile feedback themes +**4:00 PM** - Continue responding to comments +**6:00 PM** - Evening check: metrics count +**8:00 PM** - Final responses, plan Day 10 +**10:00 PM** - End tracking, write summary + +--- + +## 💡 Key Reminders + +**Week 1 = Experiment, not Product** +- Simple is better than polished +- 3-5 users > 100 confused visitors +- Feedback > features +- Fast iteration > perfect launch + +**You're selling to early adopters:** +- They tolerate rough edges +- They want to shape the product +- They value solution over polish +- They'll give honest feedback + +**Manual processes are OK:** +- Email API keys manually +- Send Stripe invoices manually +- This doesn't scale, that's fine +- Automate only after validation + +--- + +**Created:** November 2, 2025 +**Owner:** Oleg +**Execute:** After DB blocker cleared (Day 5-9) diff --git a/strategy/13-competitive-analysis.md b/strategy/13-competitive-analysis.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b296353 --- /dev/null +++ b/strategy/13-competitive-analysis.md @@ -0,0 +1,130 @@ +# Competitive Analysis + +**Date:** November 2, 2025 +**Status:** ✅ Updated with Runware + ImageKit research +**Version:** 1.0 + +--- + +## Key Competitors + +### Runware AI ($13M funding) +- **Price:** $0.0006/image (166x cheaper than us) +- **Positioning:** Infrastructure play (AWS approach) +- **Target:** High-volume, price-sensitive buyers +- **Gaps:** No prompt enhancement, no consistency, REST only + +### ImageKit.io (Enterprise scale) +- **Price:** $0.10-0.25/image effective +- **Feature:** URL-based generation (validates Prompt URLs concept) +- **Target:** E-commerce, marketing teams +- **Gaps:** No prompt enhancement, no @references, no developer tools + +### Inference Infrastructure (Commodity) +- fal.ai: $0.028/image +- Replicate: $0.03/image +- Together.ai: Similar +- **Positioning:** Raw compute, no pipeline + +### Manual Tools +- Midjourney: $0.05/image, Discord workflow, no API +- DALL-E: Via OpenAI, no consistency + +--- + +## Our Competitive Advantages + +### 1. Prompt Enhancement (PRIMARY MOAT) +- Generic → Professional quality +- 3-6 months to replicate +- Always enabled, not optional +- This is what justifies $0.10 vs $0.0006 + +### 2. Consistency System (@references) +- Style/object persistence across generations +- Unique feature, no competitor has this +- Post-MVP (needs validation) + +### 3. Production Pipeline +- CDN delivery included +- 6 aspect ratios built-in +- Transformations (with focal point detection) +- Zero manual work + +### 4. Developer Experience +- MCP (Cursor/Claude Code) +- SDK (programmatic) +- CLI (terminal) +- Prompt URLs (universal) + +--- + +## Positioning vs Competitors + +**NOT competing on price:** +- Runware = infrastructure ($0.0006) +- Us = DX premium ($0.10) + +**Analogy:** +- Runware = AWS S3 (cheap storage) +- Us = Vercel (developer experience) + +**Effective cost comparison:** + +| Solution | List Price | Hidden Costs | Effective Total | +|----------|-----------|--------------|-----------------| +| Runware | $0.0006 | CDN setup, transformations, prompting, 10 min manual | $4-25/image | +| Banatie | $0.10 | Zero | $0.10/image | + +**Target different buyers:** +- Runware: Infrastructure teams, volume buyers +- ImageKit: E-commerce, marketing teams +- Banatie: AI developers, web agencies + +--- + +## Why We Win + +### vs Runware: +- Quality layer (enhancement) +- Complete solution (not just generation) +- Developer workflow (MCP, SDK, CLI) + +### vs ImageKit: +- Developer-first (not marketing-first) +- Prompt enhancement (not generic) +- @references consistency (unique) + +### vs Midjourney: +- Automation (API vs Discord) +- Integration (MCP vs manual) +- Speed (instant vs 5-10 min workflow) + +--- + +## Free Tier Strategy + +**NOT competing with free:** +- OpenRouter: 50/day free +- Google AI Studio: 500-1000/day free +- Combined: 16K-31K/month free + +**Our free tier = testing only:** +- 10 images/month with watermark +- All features included +- Goal: Prove quality, convert to paid + +**Paid tier = production use:** +- Data privacy (not used for training) +- Professional quality (enhancement) +- Production features (CDN, transformations) +- Support + +**Messaging:** +> "Free tier = hobby projects, generic quality. +> Paid tier = professional work, client-ready quality." + +--- + +**Last updated:** November 2, 2025 +**Next review:** After 10 customer interviews diff --git a/strategy/14-icp-segmentation-unified.md b/strategy/14-icp-segmentation-unified.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7d9ef23 --- /dev/null +++ b/strategy/14-icp-segmentation-unified.md @@ -0,0 +1,235 @@ +# ICP Segmentation: Unified Approach + +**Date:** November 2, 2025 +**Status:** ✅ Validated - One product, multiple segments +**Version:** 1.0 + +--- + +## Key Insight: ONE Product, Multiple Entry Points + +**Technical implementation:** IDENTICAL for all segments +**Difference:** Entry point preference + use case emphasis + +--- + +## Segment Profiles + +### A: Studios/Agencies (3-10 people) + +**Profile:** +- Tech lead + 1-2 juniors +- Build sites for clients +- CEO/Manager makes buying decisions + +**Pain Points:** +- Client approval blocked without realistic images +- Placeholder hell (projects stall 1-2 months) +- Generic stock photos = unprofessional + +**Preferred Entry Points:** +- REST API (integration) +- Web UI (client presentations) +- Prompt URLs (easy for team) + +**Use Case:** Client mockup approval + +**Pricing Preference:** Subscription ($49-99/mo) + +**Sales Cycle:** Medium (B2B, need demos) + +--- + +### B: Power Users (Tech Leads) ⭐ PRIMARY + +**Profile:** +- Uses Cursor/Claude Code daily +- Builds web projects with AI agents +- Can influence team adoption + +**Pain Points:** +- Stock photos generic, overused +- Manual Midjourney workflow tedious +- Context switching between tools + +**Preferred Entry Points:** +- MCP (Cursor integration) - PRIMARY +- SDK (programmatic) +- CLI (terminal) + +**Use Case:** Coding workflow automation + +**Pricing Preference:** Subscription ($49/mo) + +**Sales Cycle:** Fast (self-serve, product-led) + +**Budget:** Already pays $20-200/mo for AI tools + +--- + +### C: Freelancers (Solo) + +**Profile:** +- Builds sites for clients +- Price-sensitive +- Fast decision maker (no approval needed) + +**Pain Points:** +- Stock photos unprofessional +- Client approval slow +- Budget constraints + +**Preferred Entry Points:** +- REST API +- Web UI +- Prompt URLs + +**Use Case:** Per-project images + +**Pricing Preference:** Credits (pay-as-you-go) + +**Sales Cycle:** Fast (self-serve) + +--- + +### D: AI-Savvy Freelancers ⭐ SECONDARY + +**Profile:** +- Active AI tool user (Cursor, ChatGPT) +- High project volume +- Time = money mindset + +**Pain Points:** +- Manual workflows slow +- Generic images hurt quality +- Need fast turnaround + +**Preferred Entry Points:** +- MCP (automation) +- SDK (if codes) +- Prompt URLs (if not) + +**Use Case:** Fast project delivery + +**Pricing Preference:** Credits or Subscription (high volume) + +**Sales Cycle:** Fast (self-serve) + +**Budget:** Already pays for AI tools + +--- + +## Technical Product = SAME + +**Backend:** +- Prompt enhancement (always on) +- Gemini 2.5 Flash generation +- 6 aspect ratios +- CDN delivery +- Transformations (with focal point) + +**Interfaces:** +- MCP Server (for B/D) +- SDK (for B/D) +- CLI (for B/D) +- REST API (for all) +- Prompt URLs (for all) +- Web UI (for all) + +**Features:** +- @references consistency (post-MVP) +- Team management (post-MVP, for A) +- Usage analytics (all) + +--- + +## GTM Strategy: Sequential Launch + +### Phase 1: Developer Focus (Weeks 1-4) + +**Target:** B + D (AI developers) + +**Why first:** +- Founder IS this ICP +- Fast validation +- Product-led growth +- MCP = differentiator + +**Channels:** +- r/cursor, Discord +- Dev.to, Twitter +- Direct outreach + +**Message:** "MCP for image generation in Cursor" + +**Goal:** 5-10 paying users + +--- + +### Phase 2: Agency Expansion (Weeks 5-8) + +**Target:** A + C (agencies, freelancers) + +**Why second:** +- Product validated +- Add use case messaging +- Same tech, different frame + +**Channels:** +- r/webdev, r/freelance +- LinkedIn (careful) +- Agency communities + +**Message:** "Speed up client approval with AI mockups" + +**Goal:** 10-20 additional users + +--- + +### Phase 3: Optimize (Weeks 9-12) + +**Analyze:** +- Which segment converts better? +- Which has higher LTV? +- Which churns less? + +**Action:** Double down on winner + +--- + +## Messaging by Segment + +### For B/D (Developers): +> "Generate unique images without leaving Cursor. MCP integration for AI coding workflows." + +**Emphasis:** Automation, speed, quality + +--- + +### For A (Agencies): +> "Speed up client approval with realistic AI mockups. Stop waiting for client content." + +**Emphasis:** Client approval, professional quality, faster payment + +--- + +### For C (Freelancers): +> "Stop using generic stock photos. Generate unique images for client sites." + +**Emphasis:** Affordability, uniqueness, professionalism + +--- + +## Overlap: Many people are BOTH + +**Example:** Tech lead at small agency +- Morning: Codes in Cursor (uses MCP) +- Afternoon: Client presentation (uses Web UI) +- **Same person, two use cases** + +This validates unified product approach. + +--- + +**Last updated:** November 2, 2025 +**Next review:** After customer interviews validate segments