Generic web2.0 app plans

Web applications are borning everyday and in somehow the process to launch them seems very similar, so from what I’ve seen, I’ve written my plans for a generic web2.0 application:

• The Idea - Yeah, I know it sucks, but you'll need that. Really, you cant skip this step!


• The Blog - Before you start to do anything, start a blog where you post any idea. The first posts will have no comments, but with a little SEO magic, you'll get there. Don't forget to post updates frequently.


• The development - This is the boring part of the task, but people say that making it with a small team makes it kinda fun. If I were you I'd use Django or Rails because they come with some buzz. Ok, and they are pretty awesome frameworks too.


• Microformats - Make sure people can use your content in other ways than predicted. Don't forget to include XFN (portable social networks) since all web2.0 applications have a social network included.


• OpenID - Yes, this is the future of "Login/Logout/Sign up" and means less stuff to handle on your side, and will make users happy. If you are targeting a non-tech public, you should enable traditional authentication and make it work as a OpenID provider.


• OpenSearch - Many forget this, but I find it very important, since it integrates your site search with browsers (for example). It will help users to remember them can search for stuff in your application


• Public API - Provide everyone access to their data through Webservices or REST. It will also allow developers to do their mashups and desktop applications that will give you more buzz! And happiness to users!


• Design - KISS. Soft gradients and round corners. Personally I dont like corners too round. Oh, and use famfamfam icons :P


• Go Beta! - Doesn't matter if your product is ready, you should launch in beta. In one way, it is kind of cool to have that badge, but in another you can have bugs or even scaling. It's a good policy. Have in mind using private invites, so you don't have a boom of accesses.


• Talk to TechCrunch - You will need to buy better hosting soon, so you talk to TechCrunch to post about you and from them on everyone will use your website.


• Sell to Google - Google will approach you and you will sell it. You will then live happy ever after in the Bahamas (or not!).

That’s it! Pretty simple, hein? Missed something? Go ahead and comment about it :)