We’ve had the delight of working with some incredible businesses over the years, and in this case study, we’re going to tell you about an app we created for another unique and exciting company: Stonesoup.
Who is Stonesoup?
Stonesoup provides six-ingredient dinners. The company was established in 2005 by Jules Clancy, who is an ex-food scientist turned food blogger. All of the dishes are simple and cost-effective thanks to only containing six ingredients. They also focus on wholefood ingredients and are low carb too, so you’re not going to experience the processed rubbish that is found in a lot of other places.
Jules focuses on super simple healthy recipes, which are delivered via a number of different platforms. She has a website and a blog, and then also sells e-books. Now, she has an app too! An important part of her business is the membership website, which has meal plans for all members. Every week members receive a list of recipes and a shopping list. It takes that whole thinking of deciding what to cook out of the equation for members. This is especially beneficial for busy professionals, as well as mums who have run out of inspiration when it comes to things to cook!
The problem Stonesoup solves; the last minute cooking dilemma!
The feedback Jules was getting from her customers was regarding the last minute cooking rush when they’re on their way home from work, they’re dropping into the supermarket, and they’re stuck there just going, “Oh my God, what am I going to cook for dinner?” They’re spending a lot of time just trying to figure it out. She wanted to have the app so that then they had a go-to resource that they could go, “Right, I’m going to just fire up Stonesoup app. I know I’m going to have … There’s going to be simple recipes there. I’ll find something delicious.” That was really just to give people accessibility to my recipes was really the catalyst for wanting to do an app.
Creating an app for Stonesoup
The only doubt Jules had initially when she first thought about doing an app was that it was going to be crazy expensive for her to get a developer. Of course, we know that this is the main concern that most people have when it comes to apps. They think that the only route is to hire a developer and pay thousands and thousands of pounds, which is why The App Match was born in the first place! We help businesses to create an app that is going to deliver results without breaking the bank.
Jules also mentioned that she thought an app was simply beyond her technical capabilities as well. It was not something she thought about for a while. Jules said: “But then when I heard about The App Match, I was just like, ‘Wow, that’s such a good idea.’ It suddenly became within reach. It was really easy. I was just like, “Of course I’m going to do that.” Such a brilliant idea. I was really happy to be able to realise that dream of having an app really cost effectively and painlessly.”
The app has been a great hit with Stonesoup customers
While it is one of those things that’s hard to measure in some regards, Jules states that the app has definitely been a great entry level product to have, so that when someone new joins her email list, she can send them an offer to the app. This is a great way to entice customers and build up loyalty too.
“I’ve had great feedback from my customers saying how much they love the app. It really has increased the amount of times they are saying that they’re using the recipes. It feels good.”
Regular updates mean the app doesn’t go out-of-date, like a cookbook would!
When asked what she most loves about the app, Jules said it’s the fact that she can update it. It’s like a living product, which feels unique. After all, with a cookbook, the recipes are in there and that’s it. It cannot be changed. With an app, updates can be made whenever Jules feels like it and new recipes can be added all of the time. She can talk about the recipes and and talk about what’s new. It just keeps it fresh. – “I really love that; that aspect of the app.”