The document discusses the typical 7 stages of scaling a web application as it grows in popularity and usage. Stage 1 involves a simple initial architecture. Stage 2 adds more redundant components to improve performance and availability as usage grows. Stages 3-5 involve significant pain as the application is pushed to its limits, requiring re-architecting and partitioning of databases and services. Stages 6-7 enter more unknown territory as major bottlenecks are addressed and capabilities are expanded to replicate data across geographies. Key practices for scaling include designing for it from the start, isolating services, optimizing after stability is ensured, and establishing processes for releases and change management.