TripBFF

How 2 Founders Grew TripBFF to 700K Users in Under a Year

Founded By

Isabella Comellini

Days To Build

170

Profitable

Yes

Days To Build

170

Customer

B2B & B2C

Founded By
Isabella Comellini: Days To Build
170

Profitable
Yes: Days To Build
170

Customer
B2B & B2C

Who is Isabella Comellini?

Isabella Comellini, co-founder of TripBFF, is an entrepreneur from a travel content creation background who identified a need for a more efficient way for solo travelers to connect, and teamed up with app developer Ethan Brimhall to bring the idea to life.

What problem does TripBFF solve?

TripBFF helps solo travelers overcome loneliness by connecting them with like-minded companions, transforming their journeys into social and memorable experiences.

TripBFF home page

How did Isabella come up with the idea for TripBFF?

In June 2022, Isabella was a college student feeling disconnected and eager to explore the world, but she realized traditional travel groups were overwhelming and messy. This sparked an idea for an app specifically designed for solo travelers. She observed a significant gap in the market for young travelers seeking companionship during their journeys.

After ruminating on the idea for six months, Isabella decided to move forward in January 2023 and brought in her friend Ethan, an app developer, to help bring her vision to life. To start, they used simple tools like Canva to design the app, keeping it straightforward and focusing on core features. Feedback from travelers and her personal experiences in travel communities helped refine the app, ensuring it was user-friendly and met the needs of its intended audience.

Through this journey, Isabella learned that it's essential to solve real problems and that an idea doesn’t have to be perfect before you start working on it. The most important thing is to validate the idea by engaging with potential users and adapting based on ongoing learning and feedback.

How did Isabella build the initial version of TripBFF?

Isabella Comellini and Ethan Brimhall began building TripBFF in January 2023, with the initial development and design of the app utilizing Canva to create the concept without extensive design skills. Over time, Isabella transitioned to using Figma to refine the app's design, improving her skills hands-on rather than outsourcing the work. The process from concept to launch took five months, with the official launch occurring on June 19, 2023. Isabella described the development phase as a steep learning curve, as she had to manage without any initial guidebooks or startup resources. This necessity to learn on the go, combined with feedback from early users, was integral to shaping the app's design and functionality, ensuring it was user-friendly and effectively met the needs of solo travelers.

What were the initial startup costs for TripBFF?

What was the growth strategy for TripBFF and how did they scale?

TripBFF achieved rapid growth by consistently posting Instagram Reels & TikTok three times a day. This strategic approach captured the attention of their target audience—solo travelers eager for companionship on their journeys. Their Reels often included catchy hooks like, "So you want to travel this summer but have no one to go with?" These videos effectively combined organic travel footage with a product demonstration, resonating with viewers looking for travel buddies.

https://www.tiktok.com/@tripbff/photo/7280765988260318510

Why it worked: This technique leverages Instagram's algorithm favoring video content, spotlighting user-generated content, trending audio, and relatable travel scenarios that engage potential users. By consistently using similar formats and participating in trending sounds, TripBFF was able to generate high viewer engagement and drive app downloads.

Organic Community Building

The TripBFF founders took advantage of existing online travel communities and personal social media channels to create buzz about the app without spending any money on marketing. They tapped into an emotional pain point by addressing the loneliness of solo travel, which strongly resonated with young travelers.

Why it worked: By utilizing their existing networks, they built a community of solo travelers who related to the problem the app solved. This grassroots approach not only cultivated a sense of belonging but also fueled word-of-mouth growth, which is essential for community-driven products like TripBFF.

PR and Launch Strategy

TripBFF leveraged its Product Hunt launch to gain visibility among tech enthusiasts and potential users. They offered a special incentive for users who engaged with their launch, providing a month of free premium access in exchange for upvotes and comments. This strategy helped boost their presence on Product Hunt, a platform that attracts early adopters looking to explore new tech solutions.

Why it worked: The launch strategy focused on generating initial momentum and creating a ripple effect beyond the platform. The free premium access not only encouraged more users to try TripBFF but also incentivized interaction and positive feedback, which are crucial for early startup growth.

Word-of-Mouth and User Stories

The founders received significant user feedback through social media, sharing stories of how the app helped travelers connect and enrich their journeys. These testimonials were prominently featured in their marketing materials and communication channels, further promoting the app's success stories.

Why it worked: By sharing real-life experiences, they effectively humanized the app, inspiring potential users with authentic stories of friendship and adventure. This bolstered trust and encouraged new users to download the app, seeking similar connectiveness in their travels.

What's the pricing strategy for TripBFF?

TripBFF offers a free basic version and a premium subscription with exclusive features from $9.99/month, allowing solo travelers to connect and plan trips together.

What were the biggest lessons learned from building TripBFF?

Embrace DIY Beginnings: Starting with simple tools like Canva before moving to more complex ones like Figma helped the TripBFF team develop essential skills and maintain control over their product's design. This hands-on approach can be valuable for founders to understand their product deeply.
Leverage Feedback for Growth: TripBFF's success was fueled by constant learning and improving based on user feedback. Aspiring founders should focus on listening to their audience and iterating quickly to enhance their offerings.
Manage Rapid Growth Prudently: Handling a surge to 700k downloads in less than a year posed challenges in user engagement and community happiness. It's critical for founders to balance scaling with maintaining quality user experiences.
Creative Marketing on a Budget: TripBFF managed to grow its user base significantly without spending on marketing, primarily through viral social media content. Using creative and consistent content strategies can be an effective way for startups to expand their reach on a budget.
Stay User-Centric: The joy of connecting users and the impact on their travel experiences underscored TripBFF's mission. Keeping the user at the core can ensure satisfaction and loyalty, especially when aiming to build a community-based platform.

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More about TripBFF:

Who is the owner of TripBFF?

Isabella Comellini is the founder of TripBFF.

When did Isabella Comellini start TripBFF?

What is Isabella Comellini's net worth?

Isabella Comellini's business makes an average of $/month.

How much money has Isabella Comellini made from TripBFF?

Isabella Comellini started the business in , and currently makes an average of .