Squadnet 2023 in review. The good, the bad, the future.
In 2023, like many others, we've faced challenges. Our schedules have been tight, causing disruptions in our business. However, our dedication to improving sports club operations and communication remains unwavering.
Written by: Squadnet Team
Published at 12/12/2023
The good
1. Technology and platform improvement
Squadnet, functioning as an all-in-one platform for sports clubs, faces challenges in crafting an ideal user experience. Throughout the year, we conducted multiple experiments with website layouts to discover the most effective navigation system for both club administrators and members.
In the year's onset, we implemented a new technology allowing us to experiment with a more adaptable layout. Introducing new tech entails a learning curve and initial stability concerns. However, we've addressed these issues, and currently, we anticipate you'll be pleasantly surprised by the enhanced experience. Here are some notable changes:
A new club and teams feed (website)
When we initially launched Squadnet's website in 2020, it wasn't primarily designed for communication purposes. Throughout the year, we incorporated additional functionalities allowing members to join the club using an invitation link and access club posts. However, we faced challenges in providing admins with an efficient way to transition between communication and administrative dashboards.
This year, we've adopted Discord's layout due to its ease of navigation across multiple channels within the app. The updated layout now enables both admins and members to seamlessly switch between club and team channels. We're planning to further enhance functionality to bridge the gap between our app and website, ensuring that individuals on any platform can effortlessly join your club on Squadnet.
Unified club dashboard (website)
While Squadnet proudly champions itself as an advanced communication app for clubs and emphasises this aspect in its marketing, we offer a comprehensive package to tackle all your club's challenges. However, like any feature-rich product, ensuring simplicity for admins to navigate and efficiently manage tasks presents significant challenges.
Recently, we've revamped our design by separating the admin dashboard into a distinct section within the web app. This update allows power users like you to seamlessly oversee all club functionalities in a unified location. Contact us to schedule a meeting and explore the array of functionalities we provide.
Simplify member onboarding with bulk imports (website)
Squadnet initially enabled clubs to invite members through links, private codes, or manual entry via our built-in form. However, these methods demanded substantial effort from admins to send invitations or share them with specific users. Moreover, it wasn't feasible to assign new users to advanced teams if this information existed in other systems.
Now, we support various bulk import methods for simplified processes. You have the option to bulk import for the entire club by automatically generating templates from your club database. Alternatively, you can import members in bulk for specific teams from the team's datasheet. The convenient part is that you can invite both parents and athletes using a single set of contact details; parents can then share the link with their children to join Squadnet through our Single Sign-On (SSO) feature.
A new app outlook for club (Mobile)
Squadnet utilises React Native to develop its IOS and Android applications. Being a relatively new technology, it has undergone significant evolution over the years. This year, substantial updates to this platform have brought stability and expanded capabilities to the Squadnet app.
If you haven't updated your Squadnet App yet, we highly recommend taking a few seconds to do so. Thanks to our exceptional UI designer and the invaluable support from React Native's community, the Squadnet design now boasts fluent navigation. This update signifies the inception of a new era as we plan to introduce additional admin features, enabling you to manage your club's operations seamlessly, anytime and anywhere through the Squadnet app.
New meu system in app (Mobile)
Managing multiple teams within our clubs posed a challenge in viewing posts and events due to limited app screen space. Acknowledging this initial design constraint, we've revamped the home screen to tackle this issue.
Now, accessing club and team posts is easier—simply click on the side menu icon and select the menu. Additionally, there are more tabs in the menu and enhanced filters to swiftly navigate to the desired events.
We've introduced numerous new features this year. If you'd like to explore them further, we'd be delighted to conduct a demo, ensuring a smooth kickoff for your club's upcoming season.
2. Marketing
Midway through the year, we initiated an Athlete blog series primarily focusing on martial arts and MMA topics. We aim to expand the content to include various other sports-related subjects in the future. Kudos to the team for publishing over 300 articles on martial arts.
We've acknowledged the necessity for club management content and have introduced a new series of club blogs. These will delve into marketing, operations, customer service, and more. Presently, we strive to publish a minimum of three articles per week, offering valuable resources to boost your club business in 2024. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated on our latest content!
The bad
Early adoption is not always a good choice
We are grateful to the clubs that stayed with us despite not delivering our best during the first half of the year. If you used Squadnet, the experience might have been unpleasant at the beginning of this year when we switch to new technology and frameworks. There were significant backend and frontend challenges causing issues. Now, we've implemented improved processes to minimise such risks.
Lack of of communication
We are a closely-knit team that handles various tasks to ensure everything runs smoothly. Unfortunately, this year has been challenging for us due to personal health and family reasons. Ironically, the very tool we strive to enhance for your club's communication was momentarily neglected until the year's end. Through our new newsletter, blogs, and social content, we aim to keep you informed not only about Squadnet but also the broader sports landscape.
We're committed to being more proactive in engaging with your clubs, whether it's to provide assistance or simply listen to your feedback to enhance our product. Consider this an opportunity to voice your concerns or share ideas with Squadnet. The more insight we gain into your challenges, the more effectively we can improve Squadnet to cater to your needs.
The future
New pricing plan
Despite benefiting from our cloud provider's generosity for free usage, 2023 presented challenges in the tech industry with downsizing and layoffs. We understand you may also face similar or worse situations. To support both your club and Squadnet, we've adjusted our pricing to align with the current circumstances. Please reach out if you have any concerns.
Better customer support with free consultation
Our updated pricing models include enhanced customer support. We're delighted to help with member onboarding and off-boarding whenever you need. Furthermore, if you require guidance on customising Squadnet or assistance with technology in general, we offer complimentary consultations.
The future with AI
If managing internal and external communication is causing stress, Squadnet has a comprehensive plan to simplify it using AI. We're also aiming to integrate AI into Squadnet to streamline other operations. Subscribe to our newsletter below for more updates.
