Virtual Graph Paper
"A web-based grid sketching app that serves as an approachable vector graphics editor for use cases where Illustrator or CAD tools are overkill."
Marketing Channels
Hacker News
Shared in Show HN thread to reach tech-savvy and creative audiences
Product website (virtual-graph-paper.com)
Free web app acts as the main funnel — users discover it, use it, and some upgrade to paid
Word of mouth
Creator mentions 'keep hearing about new things people use it for,' suggesting organic user-driven growth
Growth Levers
- Create SEO-optimized landing pages for specific use cases (D&D maps, floor plans, cross-stitch patterns, pixel art) based on discovered user applications
- Build a gallery of user-created work to demonstrate versatility and attract new users through visual content
- Target specific communities (tabletop gaming, quilting, education, home planning) with tailored messaging
- Differentiate from Excalidraw by emphasizing the grid-first, approachable nature vs. general-purpose whiteboarding
- Add export/sharing features that encourage viral spread when users share their creations
First Customer Strategy
The creator built a free, ad-free web app that naturally attracts users searching for grid-based sketching tools. The freemium model converts engaged users to a paid Electron desktop app or subscription, leveraging the 'try before you buy' approach.
Pricing Insight
Freemium model: free web app (ad-free) with a paid downloadable Electron app and subscription option. The free tier serves as the primary user acquisition channel while the desktop app and subscription monetize power users.
New Market Opportunities
- Tabletop RPG / D&D map making Grid-based sketching is a natural fit for tabletop RPG battle maps and dungeon layouts
- Education (math, geometry) Teachers and students could use this for geometry, coordinate graphing, and spatial reasoning exercises
- Craft and hobby planning Cross-stitch patterns, quilting layouts, and similar grid-based crafts are natural adjacent markets
Key Takeaways
- • A freemium web app with zero ads builds goodwill and serves as the strongest acquisition funnel for paid conversions
- • Discovering unexpected use cases from users signals product-market fit and reveals new growth vectors
- • Being intentionally 'limited' compared to full vector editors can be a feature, not a bug — approachability is the differentiator
- • Competing with well-known tools (Excalidraw, Illustrator) requires carving out a clear niche rather than feature parity
- • Offering both a subscription and a one-time desktop app purchase caters to different buyer preferences
Sentiment Analysis
1 PosNotable Quotes
"This is awesome. How is Excalidraw so huge in this space and you aren't? — xz18r"
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