a16z Podcast | Getting Network Effects | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Network effects play a crucial role in the success of tech companies by increasing the value of the platform as more users join.

Key Insights

• 👤 Network effects occur when the value of a platform increases as more users join.
• 🥳 Measuring network effects can be challenging, but indicators like user retention and engagement ratios can help assess their presence.
• 👤 Growth and network effects are different, as growth focuses on acquiring users, while network effects focus on the value users bring to the platform.
• 🉐 Successful companies like Facebook, OpenTable, Airbnb, and Medium have leveraged network effects to their advantage.
• 🏛️ Each company may have unique approaches to building network effects, such as targeted marketing or focusing on a specific geographical market.
• 👨‍💼 Network effects may be more prevalent in certain business models, like marketplaces, but can also occur in other types of businesses.
• 🧑‍🏭 External factors like economic crises or geopolitical events can impact network effects but may not completely derail the business.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What is the difference between growth and network effects?

Growth refers to increasing the number of users, while network effects refer to the increased value of a platform as more users join. Growth is about acquiring users, while network effects focus on the value that more users bring to the platform.

Q: How can you determine if a company has network effects?

Network effects can be determined by observing if the platform becomes more valuable to existing users as more users join. Metrics like user retention and engagement ratios can indicate the presence of network effects.

Q: Are network effects more prevalent in certain types of companies?

Network effects are commonly found in marketplace businesses, as the value of the platform depends on the interaction between buyers and sellers. However, other types of companies can also leverage network effects, such as social media platforms or content sharing platforms.

Q: Is spending on customer acquisition necessary for network effects?

Some of the most successful network effects businesses, like Facebook and OpenTable, did not spend much on customer acquisition. In these cases, the value and growth of the platform naturally attracted more users. However, in certain cases, spending on customer acquisition may be necessary to jumpstart the network effects.

Summary

This podcast episode discusses network effects and how they impact businesses. The hosts provide examples of companies like Facebook, OpenTable, Airbnb, and Medium to illustrate the different ways network effects can be achieved and measured. They also touch on topics like growth, value, viral growth, and product-market fit. Additionally, they discuss the importance of early experimentation and the role of marketing in network effects businesses. Lastly, they address the timing of monetization and how it varies depending on the type of business.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is a network effect?

A network effect occurs when a platform becomes more valuable to existing users as more users join. It originated with hardware, such as telephones, where having more users increased the value of the service.

Q: What is the difference between growth and network effect?

Growth refers to the speed at which a startup is acquiring users, while a network effect measures the value of a service to users as more users join the platform. Growth is about quantity, while network effect is about quality.

Q: How can you determine if there is a network effect?

Businesses with network effects are typically very defensible and prone to monopolies. However, it can be challenging to identify network effects early on as an investor. Retention rate is a good indicator of network effect, as it shows whether users are finding value in the service and continuing to use it.

Q: How do you differentiate between viral growth and network effect?

Viral growth refers to rapid user acquisition without the need for significant marketing expenditure. On the other hand, a network effect is measured by the value users derive from the service as more users join. Facebook, for example, had viral growth initially but also demonstrated a network effect through high retention rates.

Q: What are some examples of growth hacks to achieve network effects?

Facebook initially focused on Harvard, aiming to get at least 80% of the university signed up with over 50% daily engagement before expanding to other universities. They also focused on key features like relationship status and connected friends to drive engagement. OpenTable adopted a "come for the tools, stay for the network" approach, offering tools to restaurants before building a critical mass of users. Airbnb targeted events and used creative marketing tactics like cereal box advertisements. These are just a few examples of the different strategies companies employ to achieve network effects.

Q: How do companies determine their strategy for building a network effect?

The approach varies depending on the type of business. Local marketplaces need to prove they can replicate their success in different markets, while globally-oriented businesses may focus on viral growth. It's important to measure product-market fit and closely monitor metrics like guest bookings or direct traffic to assess network effect progress.

Q: Do trends like ride-sharing and crowdfunding create network effects?

Trends like ride-sharing and crowdfunding are part of the broader on-demand category, where supply-side economies of scale drive network effects. For example, in ride-sharing services, having more drivers on the platform ensures quick access for riders. However, specific features like carpooling can create network effects as well.

Q: Is it better to focus on paid or organic marketing for network effects businesses?

It depends on the business and its stage. Certain marketplace businesses, like Airbnb, prioritize paid marketing to acquire hosts initially and achieve critical mass. The key consideration is the return on investment (ROI) from marketing expenses. If the ROI is good, it's acceptable to spend on acquisition. However, some of the most valuable network businesses spend next to nothing on acquisition, relying on the strength of their product.

Q: When should a company consider monetizing its network effects?

The timing of monetization depends on the stage of the company and the specific business model. Companies like Facebook delayed monetization until they achieved a substantial user base, while marketplaces with existing transactions, like OfferUp, can turn on monetization earlier to improve user experience. The decision should consider factors like ROI, order value, and lifetime value.

Q: Do network effects businesses need to choose between growth and monetization?

No, it is a false dichotomy to say that network effects businesses must choose between growth and monetization. Both are important, and smart companies balance the two effectively. It is possible to achieve growth while also implementing monetization strategies.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Network effects occur when the value of a platform increases as more users join.

• Growth and network effects are different, as growth refers to increasing the number of users, while network effects focus on the value of the platform to users.

• Measuring network effects can be challenging, but key indicators include user retention and engagement ratios.

• Companies like Facebook, OpenTable, Airbnb, and Medium have successfully leveraged network effects to their advantage.