Recently we had an opportunity to speak with John Fijen, the CEO at SolidAppMaker about Vegans Meet Daily
Please share with us the backstory of what motivated you to create this app.
Creating the app "Vegans Meet Daily" was inspired by a growing need to connect the vegan community in a more meaningful and holistic way. Our customer, Vegansmeetdaily Inc., approached us with a vision to create a platform that went beyond just sharing vegan recipes or restaurant reviews. They wanted an app that could cultivate a sense of connection and community among vegans globally.
The motivation stemmed from the understanding that veganism is not just a dietary choice, but a lifestyle that encompasses a wide range of interests and values, including animal rights, environmental concerns, and health aspects. Vegans often find themselves isolated in their social circles or local communities, especially in areas where veganism is not widely adopted. This can make it challenging to share experiences, seek advice, or simply connect with like-minded individuals.
Vegansmeetdaily Inc. recognized this gap and envisioned an app where vegans could easily find and connect with each other, share their journeys, and support one another. The aim was to create a digital space that mirrored the warmth and inclusivity of the vegan community, making it accessible to everyone, from long-time vegans to those just starting their vegan journey.
Additionally, the founders, being passionate vegans themselves, understood the struggles of finding vegan-friendly eateries or local vegan markets, especially while traveling. They wanted to simplify this process by integrating location-based services into the app, allowing users to discover vegan options nearby effortlessly.
The creation of "Vegans Meet Daily" was a response to these collective needs. It was about building a platform that not only serves as a resource for vegan living but also as a hub for fostering global connections, sharing knowledge, and celebrating the vegan lifestyle in all its diversity. The app is a reflection of our commitment to supporting the vegan community and contributing positively to the vegan movement.
How is your app different than the rest of the market? Which unique need does it fill?
"Vegans Meet Daily" stands out in the market for several reasons, primarily by fulfilling a unique need within the vegan community for a more interconnected and supportive digital environment.
Community-Centric Approach: Unlike other apps that focus mainly on aspects like recipe sharing or restaurant reviews, Vegans Meet Daily fosters a sense of community and belonging. It's designed as a social platform where vegans can connect, share experiences, and support each other, going beyond the conventional utility of a lifestyle app
Geo-Location Services for Vegans: The app integrates advanced location-based technology to help users discover vegan-friendly restaurants, markets, and events in their vicinity. This feature is particularly beneficial for vegans who travel or those looking to explore new vegan options in their local area.
Comprehensive Vegan Resource: Vegans Meet Daily serves as an all-encompassing resource for anyone interested in veganism. From seasoned vegans to those just beginning their journey, the app offers a wealth of information, including FAQs, tips, and educational content on various aspects of vegan living.
Interactive Platform for Engagement: The app includes interactive features like a chat function, recipe sharing, and a review module, which allow users to actively engage with the community. This interactivity enhances the user experience by enabling real-time communication and shared learning.
Multilingual and Global Reach: Recognizing the global nature of the vegan community, Vegans Meet Daily is designed with language localization, making it accessible and user-friendly for a worldwide audience. This inclusivity broadens its appeal and usability across different regions.
Personalized User Experience: The app's design focuses on providing a personalized experience for each user. It includes features like customizable profiles and tailored content recommendations, ensuring that users find relevant and engaging material.
Ethical and Compassionate Values: At its core, Vegans Meet Daily embodies the ethical and compassionate values of the vegan community. It's a platform that not only connects users but also promotes the broader ideals of veganism, including animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and health consciousness.
In summary, Vegans Meet Daily fills a unique niche in the market by being more than just a dietary guide or a restaurant finder. It's a comprehensive, community-driven platform that enriches the vegan lifestyle, making it more accessible, connected, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
What is the coolest or most innovative feature of your app?
One of the coolest and most innovative features of "Vegans Meet Daily" is its comprehensive community-building platform, which is specifically tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of the vegan community. This feature stands out for several reasons:
1) Interactive Community Hub: The app serves as a dynamic meeting place for vegans from diverse backgrounds to connect, share, and learn from each other. This goes beyond simple networking; it fosters a supportive and engaging community where members can form meaningful connections.
2) Geo-Location Based Discovery: A standout aspect of the community feature is its integration with geo-location technology. This allows users to not only connect virtually but also discover local vegan-friendly spots, events, and fellow vegans in real-time, bridging the gap between online interaction and real-world connection.
3) Recipe Sharing and Collaboration: The app enables users to share and discover vegan recipes, encouraging culinary creativity and collaboration. This feature not only supports individual dietary needs but also serves as a platform for cultural exchange and culinary exploration within the vegan community.
4) Interactive Chat and Discussion Forums: The app includes a highly interactive chat function and discussion forums where users can engage in real-time conversations on various topics. This ranges from sharing vegan lifestyle tips to discussing ethical and environmental issues related to veganism.
5) Vegan-centric Dating and Friendship: This feature specifically caters to vegans looking for companionship, be it for romance or friendship, who share similar values and lifestyle choices. This targeted approach helps users connect on a deeper level with those who understand and appreciate their vegan lifestyle.
6) Tailored Content and Personalization: The app personalizes the user experience by recommending content, connections, and events based on individual preferences and behavior. This level of personalization ensures that each user's experience is relevant, engaging, and aligned with their interests.
7) Empowering Educational Resources: The app doesn’t just connect people; it educates and empowers them through a wealth of resources, FAQs, and guides about veganism, making it an invaluable tool for both seasoned vegans and newcomers.
In essence, the community-building feature of Vegans Meet Daily is its most innovative aspect, creating a unique and immersive experience that goes beyond traditional app functionalities. It's a platform that not only caters to the practical aspects of vegan living but also nurtures a sense of belonging and shared purpose within the vegan community.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of the creation of this app?
The most rewarding aspect of creating "Vegans Meet Daily" has been witnessing the positive impact it has had on the vegan community. Here are some key points that highlight this rewarding experience:
1. Fostering Community Connections: Seeing users connect, share experiences, and build relationships within the vegan community has been incredibly fulfilling. The app has become a vital platform for vegans to find support, companionship, and a sense of belonging.
2. Promoting Veganism: Helping to spread awareness and acceptance of veganism has been a significant achievement. The app provides an accessible way for people to explore and adopt a vegan lifestyle, contributing to a larger global movement towards sustainability and ethical living.
3. Empowering Users with Information: Enabling users to access a wealth of resources, from locating vegan-friendly restaurants to discovering new recipes, has been particularly rewarding. The app not only educates but also empowers users to make informed choices about their diet and lifestyle.
4. Positive Feedback from Users: Hearing back from users about how the app has positively influenced their lives, whether through finding new friends, exploring vegan cuisine, or learning more about veganism, has been gratifying.
5. Cultivating a Safe and Inclusive Space: Creating a platform that is welcoming and inclusive for all, regardless of where they are on their vegan journey, has been a key aspect of the app’s success and a rewarding experience.
6. Seeing Tangible Impact: Observing the real-life impact, such as users attending vegan events or meetups organized through the app, has been a testament to the app’s effectiveness in bringing people together.
7. Innovative Development: The creative and technical process of developing unique features tailored to the vegan community, such as recipe sharing and location-based services, has been both challenging and rewarding for the development team.
8) Continuous Learning and Growth: The journey of creating "Vegans Meet Daily" has been a learning experience, constantly evolving based on user feedback and the changing needs of the vegan community.
In summary, the creation of "Vegans Meet Daily" has been rewarding on multiple levels, from enhancing the sense of community among vegans to contributing to the broader cause of promoting a sustainable and ethical lifestyle. The app’s success in connecting like-minded individuals and providing valuable resources has been a source of great satisfaction for everyone involved in its development.
What surprised you most in your journey to create this app?
Creating "Vegans Meet Daily" was a journey full of surprises, but perhaps the most striking one was the depth and diversity of the vegan community that the app revealed. Here are some key aspects that stood out:
Vast Diversity within the Vegan Community: We were amazed to discover the incredible diversity within the vegan community. Our app users come from all walks of life, each with unique stories, backgrounds, and reasons for embracing veganism. This diversity has enriched the app's content and community interactions.
High Level of Engagement and Passion: The level of engagement and passion among the users exceeded our expectations. We anticipated interest in the app, but the enthusiasm with which users participated in discussions, shared experiences, and supported each other was truly heartening.
Rapid Community Growth: The speed at which the community grew was a pleasant surprise. It was clear that there was a real need for a platform like "Vegans Meet Daily," and the rapid growth validated the demand for a dedicated space for vegans to connect and share.
Impact Beyond Digital Connections: The app's ability to facilitate real-world connections and friendships was more profound than we initially anticipated. Users didn’t just interact online; they met in person, attended vegan events together, and formed lasting friendships and networks.
Creative Use of Features: The innovative ways in which users utilized the app’s features, particularly for recipe sharing and organizing meet-ups, highlighted the creative potential of the vegan community. It was inspiring to see how our features were being used in ways we hadn't envisioned.
Feedback and Co-Creation: The amount of constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement from users was surprising. It fostered a sense of co-creation, where users felt invested in the app’s development and success.
Global Reach and Influence: The global reach of the app and its influence across different cultures and countries were unexpected. It became evident that veganism is a global movement, and the app was playing a part in connecting vegans across the world.
Personal Growth and Learning: Finally, the personal growth experienced by our team was a surprise. Working on "Vegans Meet Daily" not only expanded our technical and creative skills but also deepened our understanding of veganism, sustainability, and community building.
In summary, the journey to create "Vegans Meet Daily" was full of unexpected discoveries about the vegan community, the power of digital platforms to foster real connections, and the global scope of the movement we were supporting. This journey has been as enlightening and enriching for us as it has been for our users.
How did you decide which platforms to release your app on and do you plan on releasing your app to other platforms?
When deciding which platforms to release "Vegans Meet Daily" on, our strategy was driven by the goal of maximizing accessibility and reach. Here's how we made our choices and our plans for the future:
- Market Dominance of iOS and Android: We chose to release "Vegans Meet Daily" on iOS and Android because they are the most widely used mobile operating systems globally. This approach ensured that the app would be accessible to the largest possible audience, covering a significant portion of the smartphone market.
- User Preferences and Demographics: Research into our target audience's preferences revealed a balanced distribution of iOS and Android users. By catering to both platforms, we ensured that we were not excluding a significant portion of potential users who might prefer one platform over the other.
- Development Resources and Expertise: Our team at SolidAppMaker possesses strong expertise in both iOS and Android development. This proficiency allowed us to efficiently create and optimize "Vegans Meet Daily" for both platforms, ensuring a seamless and high-quality user experience.
- Feedback from Early Research: Early market research and feedback from potential users also influenced our decision. We found that both iOS and Android users were equally enthusiastic about a vegan lifestyle app, which further validated our choice to target both platforms.
Which other mobile apps or technology have inspired you?
The creation of "Vegans Meet Daily" was inspired by a blend of mobile apps and technologies that have set benchmarks in their respective fields. Here are a few that particularly influenced us:
MyFitnessPal: This app's comprehensive approach to nutrition tracking and its massive food database inspired us to create a detailed and user-friendly experience for vegans. We admired how MyFitnessPal made it easy for users to track their dietary habits and wanted to bring a similar ease to tracking vegan lifestyle choices.
Pinterest: Pinterest's visually appealing layout and ease of discovering new ideas influenced the design aspect of "Vegans Meet Daily". We wanted our users to experience the same joy in discovering new vegan recipes, lifestyle tips, and restaurants as they would when stumbling upon a new idea on Pinterest.
Meetup: The way Meetup fosters community building by connecting people with shared interests played a big role in shaping our app. We aimed to replicate this sense of community among vegans, providing them with a platform to meet, share, and grow together.
Airbnb: Airbnb's approach to localizing experiences and connecting people with unique local offerings inspired the location-based features of our app. Just as Airbnb revolutionizes travel experiences, we wanted "Vegans Meet Daily" to revolutionize how vegans explore and connect with local vegan-friendly spots.
Headspace: The simplicity and effectiveness of Headspace in introducing users to meditation and mindfulness influenced the user experience of our app. We sought to create an interface that was not only user-friendly but also calming and inviting, much like the Headspace experience.
Instagram: The social media giant’s ability to create communities and provide a platform for sharing experiences and stories influenced the social aspect of "Vegans Meet Daily". We integrated similar features that allow users to share their vegan journey and connect with like-minded individuals.
These apps and technologies, each leading in their own domain, helped shape "Vegans Meet Daily" into an innovative, community-driven, and user-friendly platform for vegans worldwide. They provided us with valuable insights into building an app that's not just functional but also engaging and integral to the user's lifestyle.
What features do you hope to roll out to your app in the future?
As we look towards the future of "Vegans Meet Daily", we are excited about the potential features we plan to roll out to enhance the user experience further. Our vision is to continuously innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of the vegan community. Here are some of the features we are hoping to introduce when the customer agrees:
Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences: We plan to incorporate AR technology to offer immersive experiences, such as virtual tours of vegan-friendly restaurants or interactive cooking sessions. This feature aims to bring a more tangible and engaging aspect to the app, allowing users to explore vegan lifestyles in a novel and interactive way.
Advanced Recipe Customization: Introducing a feature where users can input ingredients they have at hand and receive recipe suggestions. This would make meal planning more convenient and reduce food waste, encouraging sustainable living within the vegan community.
Community Events and Meetups: We are looking to integrate a feature for organizing and promoting local vegan events, meetups, and workshops. This will facilitate real-world connections and community building, further strengthening the bond among vegans.
Dietary Preference Filters: Expanding our existing recipe and restaurant features to include filters for specific dietary preferences within veganism, such as raw vegan, gluten-free vegan, or high-protein vegan diets. This customization will cater to the diverse needs within the vegan community.
Personalized Health and Nutrition Tracking: Implementing a feature that allows users to track their nutritional intake and receive personalized health tips based on their dietary habits. This aligns with our goal to support a healthy and balanced vegan lifestyle.
Eco-Friendly Product Marketplace: We hope to launch a marketplace within the app, featuring sustainable and eco-friendly vegan products. This will provide users with easy access to ethical and environmentally conscious products.
Collaboration with Vegan Influencers: Partnering with well-known vegan influencers and chefs to offer exclusive content, such as recipes, tips, and Q&A sessions, to provide added value to our users.
Language Expansion and Localization: Further expanding the app's language capabilities and localizing content to cater to a global audience, making the app more accessible to non-English speaking users.
Vegan Lifestyle Blog and Podcast: Adding a dedicated section for a blog and podcast, featuring discussions on various aspects of veganism, interviews with prominent figures in the vegan community, and the latest news and trends.
Integration with Smart Kitchen Appliances: Exploring partnerships with smart kitchen appliance manufacturers to integrate recipe guides and cooking instructions directly with kitchen technology.
Each of these features is designed with the intent to not only enrich the user experience on "Vegans Meet Daily" but also to reinforce our commitment to fostering a comprehensive, engaging, and supportive vegan community.
Do you have any recommendations or advice for others wanting to create a mobile app?
Creating a successful mobile app requires a combination of innovation, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of your target audience. Here are some recommendations and advice for those aspiring to develop a mobile app:
Understand Your Audience: Before you start, research and understand the needs and preferences of your target audience. What problems are they facing that your app can solve? Tailoring your app to meet specific user needs is key to its success.
Start with a Clear Concept: Have a well-defined concept of what your app is about. This helps in guiding the development process and ensuring that the end product aligns with your initial vision.
Focus on User Experience (UX): The user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of your app are crucial. An app that is intuitive, easy to navigate, and visually appealing will more likely retain users.
Test Rigorously: Before launching, test your app extensively. This includes testing for bugs, user experience, and load capacity. Consider beta testing with a group of actual users for real-world feedback.
Keep It Simple: Avoid overcomplicating your app. A simple, clean design with straightforward functionality often leads to a better user experience.
Plan for Multiple Platforms: Decide if your app will be available on iOS, Android, or both. Each platform has its own guidelines and user expectations. Cross-platform development tools can be helpful if you're targeting both.
Iterate Based on Feedback: After launch, pay close attention to user feedback and analytics. Use this data to make iterative improvements to your app.
Marketing and Promotion: Don't overlook the importance of marketing your app. Utilize social media, content marketing, and app store optimization (ASO) strategies to increase visibility and downloads.
Budget Wisely: Allocate your budget to different phases of the app development process, including design, development, testing, marketing, and post-launch maintenance.
Stay Updated with Trends: The tech world is always evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends in app development and user preferences to keep your app relevant.
Build a Team: If you're not a developer, consider hiring a professional team. Look for individuals or companies with a track record of successful app development.
Legal and Privacy Compliance: Ensure your app complies with legal and privacy regulations, especially if you’re collecting user data. This includes adhering to GDPR, COPPA, or other relevant laws.
Long-Term Vision: Have a long-term vision for your app. This includes planning for regular updates, adding new features, and scaling as your user base grows.
Be Patient and Persistent: Success rarely happens overnight. Be prepared for a gradual growth and stay committed to improving and promoting your app over time.
Embrace Flexibility: Be open to pivoting your app’s direction based on market response and emerging trends. Flexibility can be a key factor in the app’s long-term success.
Remember, creating an app is just the beginning. Its success depends on continuous improvement, understanding user feedback, and adapting to changing market needs.