I'm working on a startup that is based around the idea of uploading and sharing files for the purpose of collaboration (alpha release: http://esploded.com).<p>Facebook just bought and made plans to shut down one of the big players in this market (drop.io), which makes me think there is an opportunity here to pick up some of their users, send out press releases, or take advantage of this event in some way.<p>What are some of the ways a startup can capitalize on one of their bigger competitors abruptly closing up shop?
a) Blog post with the core keywords in the title, <i>now</i>.<p>b) Offer "Facebook refugees" a deal for migrating to your service. You can always extend it to everyone, too.<p>c) Play up the David v. Goliath angle to the hilt if you want PR.
From this page, it looks like every drop.io user already has a magic key that they could copy and paste into a migration tool.<p><pre><code> http://dev.drop.io/
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Assuming that their userbase is large enough for some percentage migrating to benefit you materially - consider building a migration wizard now.<p>This sounds like a talent acquisition - I doubt drop.io would be hostile to your poaching their about-to-be-ex customers. They may even be willing to suggest your tool to their users.
Buy the AdWords, write blog posts, and tweet to reach their old members. Target your landing pages to ex-drop.io customers.<p>Offer an import tool.<p>Show how their old features map to yours (e.g., "What drop.io calls a drop, we call a workspace").<p>Emphasize that you're committed to the service long-term and won't shut down when the CEO gets a sweet job offer.
I'd perhaps try an adwords/facebook ad campaign directly targetting drop.io users.<p>Perhaps something along the lines of:
"No more Drop.io? Let esploded take care of you."<p>Clearly i'm not an ad man but you get the idea, it might be worth trying to be cheeky and funny in the ads aswell.