What features could be added to Patreon's mobile app to increase patron engagement?

Introduction

To increase patron engagement on Patreon's mobile app, we need to identify and implement features that enhance the user experience, foster stronger creator-patron relationships, and provide more value to patrons. I'll approach this challenge by first clarifying our objectives, then analyzing user segments and pain points before proposing and evaluating potential solutions.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (5 mins)

• Looking at Patreon's position in the creator economy, I'm curious about the current user behavior across platforms. Could you share insights on how patrons typically interact with Patreon - do they primarily use the mobile app, web interface, or a combination?

Why it matters: This helps us understand if we need to focus on mobile-first features or cross-platform consistency. Expected answer: Mobile app usage is growing but still lags behind web. Impact on approach: We'd prioritize mobile-specific engagement features while ensuring seamless cross-platform experience.

• Considering the diverse creator types on Patreon, I'm wondering about our target audience for this engagement initiative. Are we focusing on patrons of specific creator categories (e.g., podcasters, visual artists, writers) or aiming for a platform-wide improvement?

Why it matters: Different creator types might require tailored engagement features. Expected answer: We're looking for platform-wide improvements but open to category-specific ideas. Impact on approach: We'd focus on universal engagement features with the flexibility to customize for specific creator types.

• Given the competitive landscape with platforms like Substack and YouTube memberships, I'm curious about Patreon's current retention metrics. What's our average patron lifetime, and how does it vary across different tiers of support?

Why it matters: This helps us determine if we should focus more on early-stage engagement or long-term patron loyalty. Expected answer: Average lifetime is 8 months, with higher tiers showing longer retention. Impact on approach: We'd prioritize features that encourage tier upgrades and long-term commitment.

• Considering Patreon's mission to empower creators, I'm interested in understanding how we measure engagement currently. What are the key metrics we use to gauge patron engagement, and how do they align with creator success?

Why it matters: Ensures our new features directly impact our core engagement metrics and creator outcomes. Expected answer: Key metrics include monthly active users, patron message response rates, and content consumption rates. Impact on approach: We'd design features that specifically drive improvements in these areas while also considering new engagement metrics.