What startups can learn from the success of Uber

Ride-sharing app Uber has become an important part of an average person’s life. It has disrupted taxi franchises all over the world with its no-fuss way of getting a ride. While it still has a lot of flaws, it has attracted millions of users in many countries for its efficiency.

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In the startup world, companies are vying to become the next Uber. If there’s anything that makes the famed app stand out, it has something to do with being at the right place at the right time. The company has eliminated a problem in a person’s daily routine that involves waiting for a long time for an unsure ride. For most Uber users, gone are the days when they have to deal with rude and overcharging cab drivers. The app also allows its drivers to be accountable for their trip as their names and plate numbers are displayed. Tracking the ride also makes a person feel safer in an uncertain society.

Time, tools, and talent are not enough to make it as a successful startup. Even if these three things are important, there has to be a social element for an app to take off. Involving a community of users makes a difference especially in terms of creating jobs. With this setup, users also have the power to evaluate the service. Participation, in this case, becomes a crucial factor for growth.

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As a business, expansion is also necessary. For startups that have the desire to be omnipresent, catering to different platforms will make the difference. Making products for a niche audience may not be enough to reach global prominence. In the case of Uber, the developers have done the legwork by making the app available to different smartphone operating systems and even having a desktop app for Microsoft users. Though this means more work for the company, the effort is meaningful, as it becomes an indispensable option for its users.

As startups develop their services, they must always prioritize their users. Efficient operations, user-friendly interfaces, accessibility, and relevance must all come together to create an app that will fill a gap in society.