Web App Beta

Question

What is a good way to get people to alpha test a web application that I am making. I want people to use it and to get feedback about in what ways I need to change it (cus there are a lot, but what is most important?)

Description: http://adamlerman.blogspot.com/2008/07/budgetjax.html
Site: http://www.budgetjax.com for app. (No real docs)

Very rough right now.

Answer 1

Pay them?

Answer 2

Also, make sure that the domain is up. As of right now, it is not.

Answer 3

Sorry I typed it wrong!

Answer 4

Invite friends that you know to play with the thing, call up a select few of your customers that you have contacts with. If it's a mainstream app, you will probably wind up just releasing it to one or two customers and having them critique it. Also remember to always dog food it.

Answer 5

Lets try the stackoverflow way:

1. Leverage your highly popular blog (and that of a friend) to garner interest.
2. Build up anticipation for the site over several months with a weekly podcast (which occasionally talks about your site, Be sure to debate whether or not people should learn C.)
3. Launch a private beta -- by now you should have > 500 people interested!

Now how to monetize the thing...