Web 2.0 applications can be novel and slick. They can also be an easy way to waste a bunch of time and money if the strategy behind your snazzy interface is misguided. That’s why I’m rooting for ChaCha and Cozi, two Internet-based firms whose services I use. They both have promising futures because they’ve used interactive technology to meet consumer needs with fun, simple solutions.
Ever have a burning question, but you’re not in front of your laptop to Google the answer? For instance, say in order to settle a debate you’re wracking your brain to remember the MVP of Super Bowl XII. ChaCha can help with its free Q&A service via SMS. Just text any random question to 242-242 and ChaCha will fire back a response – along with an ad – in minutes, using its network of subject-matter experts (called guides) and its database. The ability to submit a query on any topic sets ChaCha apart from Google’s more targeted SMS services.
(I’ll save you a text. Harvey Martin and Randy White were co-MVPs.)
Cozi is a site where families come together online and consolidate information, such as schedules, to-do lists and photos. It’s a neat solution for today’s overbooked family. Its core application is a calendar interface that can also function as a widget and sync with Outlook. Cozi can shoot any calendar or list you’ve created to your phone via SMS. Its interface is beautiful and easy.
The challenge for these startups is the same as any other fledgling company: turning a great idea into a profit. Both have solid backing; they’ll need to use that cash to build their brands and hone their business models. ChaCha was founded in 2006 as a “human-powered” search engine but has changed course since then, abandoning the browser-based search engine in favor of mobile. This revised strategy seems more viable, because ChaCha is better positioned to compete — or even partner — with Google and its array of services in the mobile space, and because there is huge future revenue potential in targeted mobile marketing.
You are a very smart person!