Learning from Neopets success
Have you ever thought to yourself why or how Neopets grew so fast? Well, we’re as curious as you and we believe we have some reasons to why Neopets became so popular so quick. First of all, Neopets was one of the first virtual pet sites to actually open up - and it relied on its user base to help it grow. So, if your pet site doesn’t have a referral system yet, then be sure to implement one as soon as possible - with referral banners, buttons, links, etc.
The flash games: Neopets’ flash games aren’t any exception to the game. Kids love to play kids and they’re so easy to play and to earn neopoints, so why do you think so many kids go on Neopets on a daily basis to play their flash games? Is it because they have so many - or is it because the flash games are good? We’re not sure, but if Neopets grew because of their flash games then your pet site can too.
The content, features: Neopets’ features are actually pretty good and try to incorporate different aspects of a virtual pet site - like their Neoquest game is actually a twist of a RPG-game where you can explore a world with your character. Neoquest actually has two versions, which are neoquest 1 and neoquest 2. Their quests are also very unique - and each have different levels. Neopets doesn’t have an unlimited quester, but if they did; do you think more people would be on or would it not make a difference? We think the restock system and how balanced it is usually brings people on Neopets on a daily basis, but we could be wrong.
The staff: Have you ever wondered what happened to the staff interaction between the users? Well, after Neopets started to grow even larger - and attract more fans, the staff didn’t have any time to interact with their well-beloved players (but could you play them?). How can you work behind the scenes with a site as big as Neopets - and continue to get your job done? Of course, you can try to talk to your users once a week or something when you have a day off, but perhaps; your days off are spent with your family.
The lands: Neopets is like a virtual world but its a virtual pet site - its land are like shops you’ll find in a marketplace of some sort, which is actually pretty unique. Each land contains a few features, then a few shops, unless its the world of Neopia - or the main shops map, where it only has the shops and some other things. The shops continue to help the new members, but when the shops are sold out, the new members need to go buy from other user’s shops and try to feed their neopets.
So, what do you think really helped Neopets blow up and become one of the biggest pet sites in the community today?