When Julien and Andrew first envisioned Automatic Trainer, they didn’t even own an Apple Watch—one of the key components needed to test their idea. But rather than being deterred, the duo took a creative approach: they used the motion sensors in their iPhones and tied them to their wrists to see if the concept would even be viable. The data they gathered during these initial tests was promising, so they invested in an Apple Watch to continue refining their vision.
This adaptability and willingness to work with what they had is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Julien and Andrew. Instead of waiting for the perfect conditions, they embraced the resources available to them, demonstrating the importance of resourcefulness in the early stages of a startup.
As development continued, Julien and Andrew knew that getting the word out about Automatic Trainer was crucial. They turned to social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where they posted engaging demonstrations of the app in action. The response was overwhelming. Before the official launch, 2,000 users pre-ordered the app, validating the demand and the product’s potential. The pre-orders were a direct result of their effective social media marketing strategy, which built anticipation and excitement among potential users.
This early momentum also reinforced the importance of a strong digital presence. By leveraging social media, Julien and Andrew were able to establish a community of interested users even before the app was officially available. This kind of organic marketing is invaluable, especially for startups looking to create buzz without a massive advertising budget.
Despite the excitement surrounding the pre-orders, the official launch of Automatic Trainer wasn’t without its challenges. As is often the case in the tech world, launching a product involves more than just coding—it’s about providing a seamless and enjoyable user experience. Julien and Andrew continued to gather feedback, conducting customer interviews, and using data from early testers to improve the app’s functionality.
One of the key challenges they faced was refining the user experience on the Apple Watch. After months of testing, data collection, and iterating, they launched the Beta product on the App Store. The feedback they received during this phase was invaluable and served as the foundation for continued upgrades.
The official launch marked a significant achievement not only because the product was now available to the public, but because it was the culmination of months of hard work, perseverance, and iterative development. The app was now live on two of the most popular platforms in the world—iPhone and Apple Watch—offering users the opportunity to enhance their training with cutting-edge technology.