|
1000
out of 1000
|
Social media growth courses for solopreneurs.
|
|
$317K
monthly
|
90
days
|
$2.35
per visitor
|
$1K
to start
|
90
out of 100
|
After handling loads of stress as an SVP of sal...
After handling loads of stress as an SVP of sales, Justin decided to step down from his job and start a consulting business. He started creating digital content from there on, and have been moving forward ever since, releasing courses, building a massive following, and double down on his solopreneurship efforts.
|
Justin Welsh developed his first flagship cours...
Justin Welsh developed his first flagship course, The LinkedIn Operating System, by focusing on three main hypotheses: pricing, course length, and production value. He set the price at $150, aiming for it to be an impulse buy, and kept the course under two hours to ensure higher completion rates, significantly surpassing the average course completion rate with his at above 45%. Welsh opted for a straightforward, low-production method, recording his content in a single take using Google Slides and Zoom, which allowed him to focus on delivering value rather than aesthetics. This approach reflected a bias toward action and simplicity, making the content accessible and engaging without unnecessary embellishments.
|
Justin posts 600 times a year on Linkedin, over...
Justin posts 600 times a year on Linkedin, over 500 days in a row on Twitter, and recently shifted to a multi-page website to attract search engine traffic. He takes help of a friend to improve the site's SEO.
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|
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880
out of 1000
|
Insulated drinkware for adult beverage enthusia...
Insulated drinkware for adult beverage enthusiasts.
|
|
$12M
monthly
|
—
days
|
$12.14
per visitor
|
$5K
to start
|
82
out of 100
|
- Dylan Jacob, founder of BruMate, came up with...
- Dylan Jacob, founder of BruMate, came up with the idea for his unique insulated drinkware brand after a frustrating search for a koozie that worked with his can of choice.
- He launched his first product line in November 2016 and has since experienced impressive growth (with over $1.1 million in monthly sales)
- Jacob's ability to pivot and adapt his business strategy has been key to his success.
|
Dylan identified a gap in the market and create...
Dylan identified a gap in the market and created an innovative insulated drinkware products: - He started by designing rough prototypes and gathering customer feedback through targeted ads and partnerships with local breweries.
- Jacob used his knowledge of sourcing and manufacturing to find reliable partners and ensure product quality.
- He also emphasized the importance of being adaptable and willing to pivot based on customer needs and market feedback.
|
BruMate's most successful growth channels inclu...
BruMate's most successful growth channels include: - Targeted Facebook ads: By running targeted ads for pre-orders and email capture, they were able to gather sales leads and create a list of around 7,000 people to launch their products to.
- Email marketing: They also utilized email marketing to bring existing customers back and increase sales.
- Partnerships with retailers: partnerships with over 1,000 retailers nationwide helped increase their reach and sales.
"Focus on creating a product people actually want, be willing to pivot and make changes based on feedback, and invest time in finding good manufacturers to ensure quality and scalability."
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755
out of 1000
|
Subscription-based graphic design and frontend ...
Subscription-based graphic design and frontend code services.
|
|
$40K
monthly
|
—
days
|
$6.67
per visitor
|
$100
to start
|
64
out of 100
|
Junaid Ansari and Amin Memon co-founded Draftss...
Junaid Ansari and Amin Memon co-founded Draftss.com, a productized graphic design and frontend code service. They started by providing graphic design services and later added frontend coding to their list of offerings based on customer requests. In 2019, they made $66,000 in annual recurring revenue (ARR), and as of July 2020, they hit $9.6k in monthly recurring revenue (MRR). Their focus is on automation and improving their service to retain customers and scale their business.
|
Draftss was built by leveraging existing design...
Draftss was built by leveraging existing design agency resources to quickly create a minimal viable product (MVP). They prototyped a landing page and tested different payment processors, settling initially on 2Checkout due to regional constraints before eventually transitioning to Stripe after joining its beta program. The first setup included low-cost tools and services like a domain ($10), hosting ($15), and G-suite email ($10), ensuring minimal initial expenditure while utilizing free resources like Tawkto for communication. The development phase involved handling technical challenges like ditching the initial dashboard to recreate it multiple times, striving for a product that aligns perfectly with customer needs. This iterative process has been demanding due to the complexity of tailoring productized design and code services to varied customer demands, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining a streamlined yet versatile offering.
|
#### SEO
Draftss experienced significant growt...
SEODraftss experienced significant growth by optimizing their website for search engines. They focused on ranking for niche keywords related to their services, such as graphic design and front-end development. Over time, they achieved high rankings in search results, which drove organic traffic to their site. This was accomplished by consistently improving their landing page based on visitor engagement and analytics insights. Why it worked: SEO allowed Draftss to tap into an audience actively searching for design services. By appearing on the first page of Google for targeted keywords, they attracted potential customers who were already interested in what they offered. The organic nature of this traffic helped secure a steady stream of inquiries and conversions. Draftss leveraged community platforms like IndieHackers and Reddit to gain initial traction. The exposure on IndieHackers, followed by a successful launch on ProductHunt, played a crucial role in validating their service. These platforms helped them get noticed by individuals who were interested in their productized service of graphic design and development. Why it worked: Engaging in these communities provided an opportunity to reach a targeted audience of founders and entrepreneurs who could benefit from Draftss’ services. The genuine conversations and interactions helped in understanding customer needs and refining their offerings accordingly. Referrals and Word of MouthWhile not explicitly outlined in the document, Draftss benefited indirectly from word-of-mouth referrals due to the positive experience of their clients. Many customers came back to leverage their services again after experiencing initial benefits. This recurring clientele indicates a high level of satisfaction and advocacy among users. Why it worked: Word of mouth is a powerful form of referral because it comes with a built-in level of trust. When existing customers had a positive experience, they were likely to recommend the service to others in their professional network, leading to new client acquisitions without additional marketing expense.
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|
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676
out of 1000
|
Blogging courses teaching financial freedom thr...
Blogging courses teaching financial freedom through online content.
|
|
$100K
monthly
|
—
days
|
$1.88
per visitor
|
—
to start
|
77
out of 100
|
Attracted a lot of subscribers, but it also hel...
Attracted a lot of subscribers, but it also helped us build trust and establish ourselves as experts in the blogging industry. We also focused on providing valuable and actionable content on our blog and social media platforms, which helped us attract and retain customers who were looking for guidance and support in starting their own successful blogs.
|
To build the first course product for Create an...
To build the first course product for Create and Go, the founders leveraged their accumulated experience from successfully launching and monetizing their health and fitness blog, Avocadu. They started by gathering and organizing all the lessons and resources they wished their previous courses had included, which helped them outline a comprehensive curriculum. The actual course materials were created using accessible tools—writing and designing content in common office software, recording videos with basic equipment, and later hosting the finished courses on the Teachable platform. Development primarily involved organizing content into step-by-step lessons and creating supplementary materials such as worksheets or checklists. The process of compiling, recording, and assembling the first working version of the course took a few months, as they iterated based on their prior failures and feedback from initial readers. Major challenges included filtering down overwhelming amounts of information into a simple, actionable format and ensuring their instructions covered the missing pieces found lacking in other products they’d tried.
|
**Pinterest**
They designed and published a hig...
Pinterest
They designed and published a high volume of visually appealing, easy-to-read pins linking back to their blog and course pages. This strategy quickly drove between 30,000 and 60,000 pageviews per month within a few months post-launch.
Why it worked: Pinterest’s search algorithm and viral sharing enabled them to reach audiences actively seeking blogging and business advice, generating targeted, sustained traffic at no upfront ad cost. Email Marketing
The team built targeted opt-in offers, such as a free "blogging bootcamp," to entice readers to join their email list. This enabled them to nurture relationships and pitch products to an engaged audience, ultimately increasing course conversions.
Why it worked: Email allowed direct communication with subscribers who had already shown interest, increasing trust and purchase likelihood. YouTube
They produced in-depth, high-effort video content about blogging tips and their own journey, with some videos generating over 329,000 views in less than a year.
Why it worked: High-quality educational content positioned them as credible experts while tapping into YouTube’s discovery engine for new leads.
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|
|
665
out of 1000
|
Personal finance blog for earning, saving, and ...
Personal finance blog for earning, saving, and living smarter.
|
|
$83K
monthly
|
—
days
|
$0.40
per visitor
|
$100
to start
|
90
out of 100
|
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner came up with the ide...
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner came up with the idea for Making Sense of Cents as a way to document her personal finance journey. She started the blog as a hobby, but after readers suggested she monetize it, she leaped and quit her stable job as an analyst. Making Sense of Cents now earns over $100,000 a month and has made over $5 million in total.
|
Michelle created a self-hosted WordPress websit...
Michelle created a self-hosted WordPress website and bought a domain name. She then created social media accounts for her blogs on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest and started building an email list. She focused on creating content on topics she enjoys in a friendly style and would post around one to three times a week. Her content topics come from her life experiences, reader questions, and deep research. Michelle also created courses that taught people about affiliate marketing and sponsored posts.
|
Michelle shares her knowledge and insights thro...
Michelle shares her knowledge and insights through captivating and interesting articles. She spends considerable time researching and crafting engaging content to keep her readers hooked and fully engaged, and attract sharing. Apart from her blog posts, Michelle also maintains an email list to keep her loyal readers informed and interested in her work. She sends out regular updates about her latest articles, promotions, and any other noteworthy developments on her website. Additionally, Michelle leverages different social media platforms to attract more traffic to her site. She cleverly uses social media to connect with her audience and build a strong online following. Her creative and strategic approach to social media marketing has helped her grow her website and reach a wider audience. embed:tweet
|
|
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658
out of 1000
|
"Transform recorded content into compelling wri...
"Transform recorded content into compelling written narratives."
|
|
—
monthly
|
90
days
|
—
per visitor
|
$2.5K
to start
|
95
out of 100
|
Jaclyn Schiff, the founder of PodReacher, came ...
Jaclyn Schiff, the founder of PodReacher, came up with the idea for her business after noticing podcast creators asking to turn episodes into articles. She saw an opportunity to repurpose recorded content into valuable marketing materials, and after pitching the service to potential customers and receiving positive feedback, she knew she had a viable business on her hands. Since launching in 2018, PodReacher has worked with over 250 customers and generates $30,000 to $40,000 in revenue per month.
|
The founders began by manually transforming aud...
The founders began by manually transforming audio interviews and podcasts into compelling written articles, drawing on core journalism skills. The initial process involved listening to recordings, distilling key insights, and rewriting them into clear, high-quality content, taking up to six hours for a single 1,500-word piece. Simple tools such as Google Docs were used to draft and edit articles; Loom was used to document internal processes and to share onboarding videos for new writers. Fulfillment was handled by the founder at first, then quickly extended to freelance writers, with clear notes and screen recordings outlining the methodology. The timeline from concept to first working service delivery was a matter of weeks, as work began immediately upon receiving interest from cold outreach; however, process refinement and hiring writers were iterative and ongoing challenges early on.
|
**Outbound Sales**
They used targeted outbound ...
Outbound Sales
They used targeted outbound email campaigns to pitch their repurposing service to potential clients, initially focusing on podcasts that would benefit from content transformation and later utilizing an outbound sales firm to generate qualified leads.
Why it worked: Proactive, personalized outreach put their solution directly in front of decision-makers, leading to fast validation and steady client acquisition. Referrals and Word-of-Mouth
High-quality work fostered strong client relationships and led to consistent word-of-mouth referrals, including repeat business from clients who changed companies and brought PodReacher into new organizations.
Why it worked: Exceptional output created trust and advocacy, reducing the cost of acquisition and bringing in well-aligned clients. Irresistible Intro Offer (Discontinued)
Early on, they offered a highly discounted initial article to attract new customers, resulting in increased buzz and some shareability, but eventually discontinued as it drew less ideal clients.
Why it worked: Low-risk trial gave prospects a tangible example of their value, increasing conversion in the early phase.
|
|
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629
out of 1000
|
Stock research platform for individual investors.
|
|
$3.42M
monthly
|
1200
days
|
$0.28
per visitor
|
$10
to start
|
72
out of 100
|
Matt Paulson, the founder of MarketBeat, came u...
Matt Paulson, the founder of MarketBeat, came up with the idea for his business while working as a freelance writer in college. He discovered that stock investors were eager for real-time information and news about their investments, leading him to create a newsletter that provided convenient and timely updates. Over time, MarketBeat evolved into a financial media company, generating $8 million in revenue in 2019 and boasting 1.3 million email subscribers.
|
The initial version of the MarketBeat product w...
The initial version of the MarketBeat product was a data-driven email newsletter for individual stock investors. The first prototype was developed by collecting stock news and data, packaging it into a digestible email format, and sending it to subscribers. The founder handled development using web programming skills honed during college (notably using Microsoft Visual Studio for coding), and email delivery infrastructure that later included SendGrid for distributing newsletters. Based on subscriber feedback, the newsletter was quickly iterated—adding features like earlier delivery, customized alerts, and watchlists, with the first premium version launched roughly six months after the initial free edition. The main challenge in the build phase was balancing user requests for new features and content formats, leading to several rounds of adjustments before settling on the premium offering.
|
**SEO**
MarketBeat invested heavily in search e...
SEO
MarketBeat invested heavily in search engine optimization, becoming a top search result for individual stock tickers and company names plus terms like “stock.” Their comprehensive data on publicly traded companies, spanning ten years of financials and analyst ratings, consistently attracted organic traffic.
Why it worked: High-intent investors looking for stock research were captured at the precise moment of need, fueling email sign-ups and ongoing engagement. Paid Advertising & Co-Registration
They allocated around $100,000 monthly to paid acquisition via co-registration networks, content recommendation platforms like Taboola, and lead generation services, resulting in an average cost of $1 per email sign-up—well below industry averages.
Why it worked: These scalable tactics let them systematically capture a large volume of qualified leads, expanding their email list by more than 30,000 new opt-ins per month. On-Page Conversion Optimization
Email opt-in forms were dynamically aligned with article content (e.g., mentioning Microsoft on Microsoft stock pages), significantly raising conversion rates.
Why it worked: Personalizing the opt-in pitch to the visitor’s current interest made subscription offers feel timely and relevant, directly lifting sign-up rates. Niche Social Platforms
While mainstream social media channels underperformed, MarketBeat gained some results from financial-focused platforms like Twitter and StockTwits, where their demographic (primarily men aged 50–80) actually spent time.
Why it worked: Focusing on the right audience where they congregate allowed for more efficient marketing efforts, despite much lower emphasis compared to search and paid channels.
|
|
|
590
out of 1000
|
'Investment newsletter spotlighting early stock...
'Investment newsletter spotlighting early stock trends.'
|
|
$4K
monthly
|
90
days
|
—
per visitor
|
$100
to start
|
87
out of 100
|
Luc and his business partner Sam started Ticker...
Luc and his business partner Sam started Ticker Nerd after realizing the need for a more effective way to keep up with stock information. They decided to apply the model of another tool, Exploding Topics, to stocks by finding trending stocks through social mentions and conducting sentiment analysis. With a landing page, they were able to generate over $1,000 in sales within a week, validating the idea. They pivoted their approach, built relationships with Product Hunt members, and had a successful Product Hunt launch that resulted in around $5,800 in monthly recurring revenue. They continue to grow organically, implement an affiliate program, and have plans to offer new products and education components.
|
After securing initial validation through Reddi...
After securing initial validation through Reddit and Facebook by generating over $1,000 in sales, Ticker Nerd faced the challenge of building their actual product despite not having a technical background. Initially, the founders considered hiring a developer but realized it would be costly and require giving up equity. Instead, they discovered free online tools within stock forums that could perform the data analysis they needed. These tools provided the necessary data but were not user-friendly, prompting them to add value by curating and analyzing the data into a more accessible format for users. This approach allowed them to iterate quickly without the upfront costs of custom development. They initially built their website using Carrd for its ease of use in testing ideas but moved to Webflow for better integration capabilities, utilizing Memberstack for membership management, integrated with Stripe and Mailerlite for seamless user experience and communication, and rewarded affiliates using Rewardful. The process highlighted the importance of leveraging existing tools to circumvent the need for costly development while iterating based on customer feedback.
|
#### Reddit
Ticker Nerd's early growth was sig...
RedditTicker Nerd's early growth was significantly fueled by strategic postings in relevant subreddits. They posted about their service, generating initial traction and quickly securing $1,000 in sales by charging $49 for lifetime access. This approach provided immediate validation for their concept and attracted paying customers from communities interested in investing. Why it worked: Reddit is a platform where niche communities thrive. By directly engaging with subreddits focused on stocks and investing, Ticker Nerd connected with a targeted audience that had a strong interest in their offering. The credibility and community-driven nature of Reddit allowed them to gain visibility and trust without any initial advertising spend. Product HuntA successful Product Hunt launch was a pivotal moment for Ticker Nerd. They prepared for this launch by engaging with the Product Hunt community and having their product "hunted" by someone reputable. This strategy required having an established presence and connections within the Product Hunt ecosystem. Why it worked: Product Hunt is ideal for tech-forward audiences eager to try new products. By timing their launch well and engaging with influential community members, Ticker Nerd managed to gain significant exposure. The Product Hunt launch resulted in 200 signups, translating to $5,800 in monthly recurring revenue, which provided a powerful boost to early customer acquisition. Partnerships and NetworkingTicker Nerd actively engaged with founders, indie hackers, entrepreneurs, and larger publications, offering free memberships to gain exposure and credibility. By network building, particularly on platforms like Twitter, they leveraged their connections to create a support network ready to promote their Product Hunt launch. Why it worked: Networking allowed Ticker Nerd to tap into existing audiences who could resonate with their product. Collaborations and free memberships helped to build authority and visibility in the highly competitive investing space, laying a foundation for long-lasting customer relationships and organic word-of-mouth marketing. Affiliate ProgramTo boost organic growth further, Ticker Nerd implemented an affiliate program, offering members a 50% commission on new sign-ups. This approach incentivized existing users to promote the service to their networks, expanding their customer base without relying on paid advertising. Why it worked: Affiliate programs motivate customers to share products they love in exchange for rewards. This method harnessed the power of personal recommendations, fully utilizing the reach and credibility of existing users to bring in high-quality leads and potential customers.
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|
|
536
out of 1000
|
Elastic Apple Watch bands with style and comfort.
|
|
$100K
monthly
|
60
days
|
—
per visitor
|
$20
to start
|
73
out of 100
|
Braxton Manley and his dorm-mate Grant Andrews ...
Braxton Manley and his dorm-mate Grant Andrews started Braxley Bands as a class project at Texas Tech. With only a $20 investment and no prior business experience, they created an elastic Apple Watch band and scaled the business to $100K a month on Shopify within three years.
|
The founders started by purchasing $20 worth of...
The founders started by purchasing $20 worth of elastic and Apple Watch adapters online and used a hand-me-down sewing machine to stitch the first bands themselves. The initial production was entirely manual, handled by the two founders in their dorm room, often working late into the night. Their first prototypes were simple handmade bands, tested for fit and comfort, and iterated as they got feedback from friends who purchased early versions. It took only a few weeks from ideation to having a sellable first version, as they quickly sourced materials and went straight to small batch production. Notable challenges included keeping up with demand during peak sales events, like Black Friday, with limited production capacity, and later, quality and turnaround issues when they outsourced manufacturing to a local factory before eventually moving production overseas.
|
**Instagram Community Engagement**
They grew an...
Instagram Community Engagement
They grew an active Instagram following (over 34,000 followers) by sharing high-quality product photos, running contests (like a Halloween costume contest), and consistently engaging with customers.
Why it worked: Building a visible, interactive brand presence fostered loyalty and community-driven word-of-mouth, critical for an accessory brand targeting younger buyers. Email Marketing
They regularly captured emails through their site and focused on growing their list, now at around 90,000 subscribers. Seasonal launches and limited edition releases were promoted to drive repeat purchases and build anticipation.
Why it worked: Direct email access allowed effective launch announcements and restock alerts, resulting in high conversion rates when new bands dropped. Paid Social Ads (Facebook & Instagram)
They heavily invested in Facebook and Instagram ads, measuring success with strict ROAS criteria (aiming for at least 3x, sometimes achieving 8x returns). Ads highlighted product functionality and fashion appeal.
Why it worked: Paid ads efficiently reached high-intent buyers and enabled rapid scaling once they found winning creative and audience combinations. Word of Mouth Among Student Communities
Early sales were driven within their university network, leveraging student word-of-mouth and university-supported exposure such as features in school news and accessible campus resources.
Why it worked: Social proof within close-knit student groups accelerated early sales and provided quick feedback for iteration.
|
|
|
527
out of 1000
|
"Online test prep for construction inspector ce...
"Online test prep for construction inspector certifications."
|
|
$125K
monthly
|
360
days
|
—
per visitor
|
$2.5K
to start
|
75
out of 100
|
Gabriel Kramer, a former construction inspector...
Gabriel Kramer, a former construction inspector, came up with the idea for SI Certs while studying for certification exams himself. Frustrated with the limited and expensive options for test prep courses, he saw an opportunity to create affordable online courses that would be accessible to aspiring inspectors across the country. With hard work and patience, SI Certs has grown to generate over $60,000 per month in revenue.
|
The SI Certs founders built their first product...
The SI Certs founders built their first product—a Reinforced Concrete Special Inspector course—by leveraging the founder’s subject-matter expertise and creating all content in-house. The initial course consisted of 11 modules, each followed by custom quiz questions, plus a comprehensive practice test. Google Docs was used for content collaboration, and the site itself was developed by hiring a programmer for $2,200, who customized WordPress into an e-learning platform and integrated PayPal for payment processing. Custom illustrations for the course were created by hand and incorporated into lessons. The team worked remotely and part-time, with the founder dedicating about 10 hours per week, and it took nine months from starting to a working product. Key challenges included building a useful course while maintaining a full-time job, iterating on course pricing without industry precedent, and coordinating a distributed team on a limited budget.
|
**SEO (Search Engine Optimization)**
They wrote...
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
They wrote targeted articles around industry-specific certification topics, such as “how to become a CWI” and “CWI exam pass rate,” and invested heavily in link building, including guest posting and responding to HARO (Help a Reporter Out) queries. Early on, their competitors hadn’t focused on SEO or backlinks, allowing SI Certs to achieve strong organic search rankings and drive consistent, qualified traffic.
Why it worked: Few competitors were investing in SEO, so authoritative articles and backlinks quickly boosted their visibility. YouTube Videos
They created instructional YouTube videos to help users with certification exams, then embedded these videos on their site. These videos generated ongoing interest and still account for over 20% of their organic new site visitors.
Why it worked: Video content served an under-addressed need in their niche and was easily discoverable by people searching for exam prep tips. Free Course Offering
When a new industry exam launched, SI Certs was the first to offer a free online course for it, capturing demand from new entrants who needed help but had few options. Many users enrolled in the free course, creating an effective funnel to convert users to paid offerings.
Why it worked: Meeting an urgent, specific need drew in early adopters and established credibility with newcomers. Word of Mouth
Strong customer support via Intercom and regular communication led to high satisfaction, with direct traffic (likely influenced by word of mouth) making up over 26% of new visitors. Satisfied users recommended the platform, driving qualified, ready-to-buy leads.
Why it worked: High-value support and product quality encouraged referrals in a tightly networked professional niche.
|
|
|
515
out of 1000
|
E-commerce site selling music production softwa...
E-commerce site selling music production software tools.
|
|
$120K
monthly
|
—
days
|
—
per visitor
|
$500
to start
|
95
out of 100
|
A former music producer himself, Mordern Produc...
A former music producer himself, Mordern Producers is Adrian's way of giving back to the music production community and leveling the playing field between up-and-coming, independent producers and the big league industry players. Helping other artists achieve success is the driving motivation for Adrian.
|
The founders built the first version of Modern ...
The founders built the first version of Modern Producers by quickly setting up a Shopify store as their e-commerce platform. They registered the domain and integrated tools like SendOwl for delivering digital downloads, plus apps such as Boost Sales for upsells and Countdown Timer Bar for sales urgency, leveraging Shopify’s ecosystem for rapid setup. To source products, they onboarded a small group of third-party vendors and supplied some limited products developed in-house, but primarily relied on external producers and labels for the catalog. The process from idea to a functioning website took about a week, with the first prototype being a live store capable of processing sales and delivering products to customers digitally. Early challenges included balancing product quality and choice, as well as streamlining vendor onboarding, but the platform-focused approach allowed for quick iterations without heavy investment in physical infrastructure or custom software development.
|
Adrain frequently launches giveaways and specia...
Adrain frequently launches giveaways and special offers and hosts various contests to build goodwill among the music producer community. Other channels include Facebook messenger broadcasts, where Adrian gets 80-90% open rates and a 10-20% click rate.
|
|
|
461
out of 1000
|
Financial freedom community for unconventional ...
Financial freedom community for unconventional income streams.
|
|
$250K
monthly
|
90
days
|
—
per visitor
|
$5K
to start
|
81
out of 100
|
Codie Sanchez, the founder of Contrarian Thinki...
Codie Sanchez, the founder of Contrarian Thinking, came up with the idea for her business after experiencing numerous career changes and realizing that money was the key to solving problems. After working in finance and investing, she decided to blend her love for writing, investing, and teaching others to create a company that helps people achieve financial freedom. Through her premium membership community, Contrarian Cashflow, she teaches members how to add more cash-flowing income streams to their portfolios and build the life they have always dreamed of. With over 100,000 newsletter subscribers, a community of 1.5 million people, and a run rate of $3 million this year, Contrarian Thinking is empowering individuals to challenge the status quo and shape their own destinies.
|
Codie Sanchez began building Contrarian Thinkin...
Codie Sanchez began building Contrarian Thinking as a solo effort during early 2020, starting with a simple text-based newsletter. She used her laptop and basic web tools to write and distribute content. Initial platforms included Substack, Mailchimp, SendFox, and WordPress, allowing her to A/B test subscription rates and manage risk from platform dependency. The first newsletter was sent in February 2020 to about 50 friends and contacts, inviting them to subscribe via Substack if they found the content relevant. Early processes were low-cost (estimated ~$5,000 for web tools and LLC filing) and focused on learning by doing. Codie created, edited, and distributed the newsletter herself for nearly a year before monetizing. She iterated based on feedback from her growing audience, tested multiple landing pages for higher conversion, and eventually moved primary operations to WordPress for better subscriber capture. Major challenges included managing growth across several tech stacks and unexpected removal from Substack, which reinforced the importance of owning her platform and audience data.
|
**Social Media (Twitter, Instagram, TikTok)**
C...
Social Media (Twitter, Instagram, TikTok)
Codie actively leveraged her existing presence on social platforms, frequently posting original threads and value-driven content that directed followers to the Contrarian Thinking newsletter. She encouraged sharing and engagement by asking followers to refer friends and by cross-promoting content within relevant communities.
Why it worked: Authentic, high-frequency posts built trust quickly and harnessed word-of-mouth, helping the newsletter reach over 20,000 subscribers in its first year and more than 100,000 by 2022. Newsletter Referrals & Viral Loops
A referral/ambassador program rewarded subscribers for inviting others, tracking referrals with tools like Viral Loops and offering swag as incentives. Early Mailchimp and WordPress setups included referral calls-to-action directly in emails.
Why it worked: Strong incentives for sharing unlocked network effects, driving organic subscriber growth among circles interested in business and financial freedom. Niche Community Outreach
Codie contributed valuable insights and links to her newsletter within online communities, such as forums tied to The Hustle, Trends, and other entrepreneur-focused spaces. She also sent personal invitations to her network and Google Contacts, combining direct asks with community engagement.
Why it worked: Carefully targeted outreach yielded high-engagement signups from like-minded, business-oriented users, fueling consistent subscriber growth without paid ads.
|
|
|
352
out of 1000
|
"Database of entrepreneur success stories and b...
"Database of entrepreneur success stories and business case studies."
|
|
$100K
monthly
|
—
days
|
$0.07
per visitor
|
$100
to start
|
84
out of 100
|
Pat Walls came up with the idea for Starter Sto...
Pat Walls came up with the idea for Starter Story during a period of transition and reflection. After moving to a new city and experiencing the failure of a previous startup, he found himself longing to start his own business, but without co-founders or a clear direction. Inspired by reading stories from Indie Hackers and creators like Pieter Levels, Pat began to see the potential in starting an "indie" business by himself.  My image He was motivated by the idea of working for himself and the freedom it would bring. While exploring different ideas, he noticed a lack of resources that consolidated real stories from entrepreneurs. This observation led him to create Starter Story, a platform where founders could share their journeys, complete with financial details. Pat validated his idea by testing how people responded to early interviews and refined his approach to align with his growing understanding of what potential entrepreneurs found valuable. A key challenge was maintaining focus and motivation, especially post-launch, as Pat faced personal hurdles and health issues in his family. However, he learned the importance of discipline and eventually established productive habits that fueled his progress. One pivotal lesson Pat took away was that initial setbacks or lack of resources shouldn't deter seriousness in pursuing a genuinely impactful idea.
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Pat Walls built Starter Story by initially focu...
Pat Walls built Starter Story by initially focusing on grassroots content creation and experimentation. He spent his early days developing lean processes, using tools like Ruby on Rails to automate and manage the blog’s backend. This allowed him to balance between the technical and content production sides effectively. During the initial phase, he worked tirelessly post-day-job hours to create engaging, text-based interviews, ensuring each story was detailed with revenue numbers and unique business insights. The first version of Starter Story came together rapidly, with the website launching just a few months after its conception. Walls faced significant challenges, especially in marketing and achieving visibility amidst the digital noise. He conquered these hurdles by leveraging platforms like Reddit and Product Hunt for exposure and adopting a build-in-public transparency that attracted an engaged audience. Through persistent testing and SEO optimization, he scaled Starter Story's traffic to over 1.6 million visitors per month and reached a revenue of over $1 million annually by 2023. Despite early skepticism and operational difficulties, Walls utilized a lean SEO framework and continuous content iteration to refine and perfect Starter Story’s value proposition.
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#### Reddit
Reddit played a crucial role in ...
RedditReddit played a crucial role in Starter Story's growth, especially in the early stages. Pat Walls effectively leveraged the platform by sharing content in relevant subreddits like r/Entrepreneur. For instance, he shared interviews formatted in a Reddit-friendly way, which meant cutting down on too much self-promotion and ensuring the content was valuable for the community. This strategy led to several features on the subreddit, drastically increasing traffic to the website. Why it worked: Reddit is a community-driven platform where authentic content can flourish. By providing genuine, valuable content without heavily promoting his brand, Pat was able to earn the trust and engagement of Reddit users. This resulted in bursts of traffic and a growing email list, supplying Starter Story with a foundational audience base. SEOInitially, SEO was not the primary focus for Starter Story. However, Pat soon realized its potential and developed a 'Lean SEO' approach. This involved creating Minimum Viable Content (MVC) to test which topics would rank before investing heavily in content development. Once an article gained traction, it would be further optimized and expanded, leveraging keyword insights obtained post-publication. Why it worked: This agile approach to SEO enabled Starter Story to quickly identify and capitalize on content opportunities without excessive upfront investment. It allowed Pat to effectively scale content creation efforts, contributing to a significant increase in organic traffic, reaching over 1.6 million monthly visitors. Sponsorships, particularly from Klaviyo, have been a successful revenue stream for Starter Story. Early success came when Klaviyo sponsored the website and newsletter for a sizable fee annually. This not only provided financial backing but validated the website's market position to other potential sponsors. Why it worked: High-value sponsorships provide a stable revenue source and increase the brand's credibility. The consistent sponsorship from a notable company like Klaviyo signals confidence in the product to other potential advertisers and partners, creating a virtuous cycle of interest and revenue. Building in PublicPat Walls has been a pioneer in building Starter Story in public, sharing his successes, failures, and insights openly with his audience. This transparency has fostered a sense of community and accountability and drawn interest from other entrepreneurs and thought leaders. Why it worked: Building in public cultivates a loyal following that feels personally invested in the journey. It also creates networking opportunities and attracts more founders who are eager to share their stories, further enriching the platform's content offering and broadening its appeal.
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225
out of 1000
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Southern-themed candles celebrating Southern cu...
Southern-themed candles celebrating Southern culture.
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$140K
monthly
|
—
days
|
—
per visitor
|
—
to start
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67
out of 100
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D'Shawn Russell started Southern Elegance Candl...
D'Shawn Russell started Southern Elegance Candle Company as a side hustle to make extra money and get out of the house. The company quickly grew, and now they average $20,000 in monthly sales through their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire. Russell's authentic love for the South and Southern culture inspired the creation of home fragrance products with a Southern theme.
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The founder began by making candles at home usi...
The founder began by making candles at home using retail supplies: wax and fragrance from Hobby Lobby and jars from Walmart. Early prototypes were low quality, which led to researching suppliers and switching to CandleScience for professional-grade materials and bulk purchasing options. The initial production was done with two pots on a kitchen stove, then moved to the garage after obtaining a larger wax melter a few months in. Prototyping involved frequent trial and error to get the right scent, burn quality, and appearance, with each iteration based on testing and research from online resources like YouTube. The main challenges were inconsistent product results and inability to scale when relying on retail materials, plus navigating limited manufacturing space—eventually repurposing a restaurant kitchen before moving into a proper warehouse about a year later.
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**Social Media**
Southern Elegance actively use...
Social Media
Southern Elegance actively used Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn to build a community around their brand, posting engaging and relevant content tailored to their target audience. They relied on organic engagement and direct calls to action to drive online sales traffic.
Why it worked: Consistent, relatable content fostered a loyal customer base and generated ongoing interest. Email Marketing
They built their email list through pop-ups, contests, and giveaways using tools like Privy and Justuno, then regularly sent out branded emails via Mailchimp and later Klaviyo. This direct connection allowed for continuous engagement and promoted repeat purchases.
Why it worked: Email captured interested buyers and provided a way to re-engage them with promotions and content, supporting customer retention. Paid Advertising & Retargeting
After taking specialized online classes, Southern Elegance utilized paid ads on Google, Facebook, and Instagram and invested in retargeting campaigns. These efforts were refined through trial and error, focusing on profitably reaching new customers while re-engaging site visitors.
Why it worked: Ads and retargeting extended their reach beyond organic channels and brought back interested visitors, driving incremental sales. Wholesale Platforms (Faire)
Listing products on wholesale marketplaces like Faire significantly expanded their network of retail partners, accounting for a large share of revenue (approximately $100,000 in sales via Faire).
Why it worked: Leveraging established B2B platforms provided easy access to nationwide retailers without traditional trade show costs.
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209
out of 1000
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Pun-based, eco-friendly eucalyptus bedding brand.
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$200K
monthly
|
—
days
|
$2.49
per visitor
|
—
to start
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67
out of 100
|
Colin McIntosh, the founder of Sheets & Giggles...
Colin McIntosh, the founder of Sheets & Giggles, came up with the idea for his business after leaving a tech startup in 2017. He wanted to start his own company and decided to launch a crowdfunding campaign for a physical product brand. After validating the product through Facebook ads and collecting over 11,000 interested buyer emails, he launched Sheets & Giggles on Indiegogo with 500 customers on day one and $45,000 in funding.
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Sheets & Giggles' founder lacked textile experi...
Sheets & Giggles' founder lacked textile experience, so he hired outside consultants to help design and test the initial lyocell (eucalyptus) sheet product. He gave clear criteria—use of sustainable lyocell, premium softness, durability, and ethical manufacturing—and the consultants created technical design documents (tech packs). The manufacturing partner was sourced at Market Week in New York City in March 2018, leading to a handshake agreement with an Indian manufacturer. Quality issues in the first production run led to significant fabric rejections and delayed shipping, but the team prioritized product quality over speed. Creating a standout unboxing experience was also central: the packaging was designed to feel premium and include surprises like a knapsack, eye mask, and donation bag. Tools used included Kickoff Labs and Shopify for validation landing pages, and early photoshoots used a single, un-ironed set of white sheets. It took about 9–10 months from serious work starting (January 2018) to the initial batch being ready for shipment (October 2018).
|
**Crowdfunding (Indiegogo)**
Sheets & Giggles l...
Crowdfunding (Indiegogo)
Sheets & Giggles launched on Indiegogo with nearly 500 customers and $45,000 in funding on day one, hitting their $25,000 goal quickly. Their extensive pre-launch email list building (11,000+ leads collected in 10 weeks) directly fueled initial traction.
Why it worked: Email capture and validation via targeted Facebook ads ensured a large group of warm, ready buyers at launch, driving momentum on a trusted crowdfunding platform. Paid Social (Facebook Ads)
They ran approximately 50 ad variants to a dozen landing pages to find which converted best, spending $0.89 per lead on average and using creative, interactive ads to engage audiences. Facebook ads remained core, both for lead capture pre-launch and for driving conversion with fast, personal comment responses post-launch.
Why it worked: Consistent optimization and direct brand voice in comments converted curious social users into buyers and enabled rapid response to customer inquiries, lifting conversion rates. SEO
Sheets & Giggles targeted and achieved top search rankings for specific high-intent keywords such as “eucalyptus sheets” and “lyocell sheets,” resulting in about 50% of their traffic coming from organic search.
Why it worked: Ranking for niche but purchase-ready terms ensured steady, qualified inbound traffic without ongoing ad spend. Word of Mouth & Referral Program
A 10% cash-back referral program (with $10 off for referred friends) incentivized sharing and was picked up by some large media outlets. The company also relied on delivering strong customer experiences (including fast, humorous support and generous policies), which drove positive reviews and organic buzz.
Why it worked: Customer-centric service and social sharing rewards fueled natural, ongoing growth on top of paid and organic acquisition.
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201
out of 1000
|
Customizable planners for creative and organize...
Customizable planners for creative and organized lifestyles.
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|
$22.5K
monthly
|
—
days
|
—
per visitor
|
—
to start
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85
out of 100
|
Jess, the founder of Chasing Planner Peace, ini...
Jess, the founder of Chasing Planner Peace, initially started her business on Etsy, selling planner inserts. As an avid planner user herself, she saw a gap in the market for colorful inserts, great quality paper, and a wide range of options in Australia. Over time, she expanded her product range to include dividers, notepads, and her own brand of planners. Through word of mouth and good reviews, she has been able to attract and retain a loyal customer base, with a 39.9% return customer rate.
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The founders created their first planner insert...
The founders created their first planner inserts by designing them in Microsoft Publisher, drawing directly from their own needs and gaps they saw in the Australian market. The initial production process was very lean: after investing around $200 in an inkjet printer and paper from Officeworks, manufacturing took place on the founder's living room floor and kitchen desk, with each order printed and assembled by hand. Early iterations suffered from low branding and packaging standards, and the original logo was made using MS Paint. Testing of product concepts was informal, with many designs based on actual customer requests to fill immediate needs. It took only a few weeks to create the first workable inserts and set up the shop on Etsy, but ongoing improvements were frequent—such as finding better paper and gradually upgrading to commercial printers as the business grew. One key challenge was the lack of prior experience in packaging, design or printing, but the low upfront costs and in-house flexibility made iterative development possible without significant financial risk.
|
**Facebook Groups & Community Engagement**
Post...
Facebook Groups & Community Engagement
Posting in the existing Facebook group "Planner Addicts Australia" at launch, and later cultivating an engaged "VIP" Facebook group, helped reach highly targeted planner enthusiasts. This channel provided instant credibility and access to early adopters, with ongoing interaction fostering loyalty and direct feedback for product development.
Why it worked: Leveraging a niche, passionate community led to word-of-mouth growth and strong return customer rates (39.9%), outperforming conventional cold marketing tactics. Etsy Marketplace
Initial sales began on Etsy, providing access to organic traffic from users actively seeking planner products and customization options. Listing unique, locally tailored inserts filled a gap in the Australian market at a competitive price.
Why it worked: Etsy’s marketplace offered a ready base of intent-driven buyers, reducing the need for aggressive paid advertising and lowering acquisition costs in the early stage. Facebook & Instagram Advertising / Influencers
Targeted Facebook ads, paired with sending free planners to "Brand Reps" and paid influencer campaigns on Instagram, helped reach new audiences outside of established planner communities. Social content and customer-posted photos further fueled discovery and trust.
Why it worked: Visual social proof and influencer content resonated with planner shoppers, helping Planner Peace tap into both impulse buyers and community followers. Buy Now, Pay Later (Afterpay)
Introducing Afterpay on the store increased accessibility for customers who preferred installment payment options, attracting a broader audience and boosting order volume.
Why it worked: Lowering purchasing friction attracted new buyers, increasing traffic and retention thanks to Planner Peace's high 39.9% repeat customer rate.
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185
out of 1000
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Sweatpants and overalls combined for ultimate c...
Sweatpants and overalls combined for ultimate comfort.
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|
$100K
monthly
|
—
days
|
$0.11
per visitor
|
—
to start
|
85
out of 100
|
Kyle Bergman, Founder of The Great Fantastic, c...
Kyle Bergman, Founder of The Great Fantastic, came up with the idea for his business when he couldn't find sweatpant overalls online or in stores. After discovering a supplier on Alibaba and using Google's Keyword Search Planner to determine demand, he launched his brand and sold over $300k worth of his hero product, Swoveralls, in just 18 months.
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The first Swoveralls prototype was manufactured...
The first Swoveralls prototype was manufactured through a supplier found on Alibaba. The founder negotiated a single sample order (for about $80), despite the original minimum order quantity being 300 units. Design iterations were made collaboratively via email with the supplier—increasing strap width, adding jogger cuffs, and adjusting fit for men and women, all based on standard overall patterns combined with sweatpant materials (notably soft French terry cotton). There was no formal tech-pack (a detailed apparel blueprint), and communication was conducted solely online, introducing heightened risk and requiring trust in an unknown manufacturing partner. The process from idea to first working version took roughly a year, with the initial sample received shortly after early 2017, and the first bulk production order of 500 pairs placed after verifying fit and demand. Major surprises included the ease of getting small samples and the risks of wiring significant funds overseas without in-person vetting or technical schematics.
|
**Earned Media & PR**
Coverage from outlets suc...
Earned Media & PR
Coverage from outlets such as Fatherly and Business Insider provided credibility and organic traffic, especially early on when there was no direct competition for sweatpant overalls.
Why it worked: Earned media tapped into existing curiosity and social proof around a novel category, bringing visitors actively searching for something unique. Search (SEO/Intent Traffic)
Many customers found Swoveralls by searching for “sweatpant overalls” or related queries; the business capitalized on the lack of competitors and clear keyword intent. Use of Google Keyword Planner confirmed steady search demand (100–1,000 searches/month for the term in March 2017).
Why it worked: Capturing search traffic for an unmet product need drove qualified, purchase-ready visitors with minimal marketing spend. Crowdfunding (Kickstarter & Indiegogo)
Swoveralls raised over $100k in total from Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns, using these platforms for preorders, upfront capital, and building a loyal base of early adopters. The first crowdfunding campaign for Swoveralls 2.0 raised $75k on Kickstarter and $33k on Indiegogo.
Why it worked: Crowdfunding combined customer acquisition and validation, engaging backers who became long-term brand advocates. Viral Social Video (Facebook, via Margle Media)
A professionally produced video distributed through "22 Words"’ large Facebook page went viral, achieving over 9 million views during a crowdfunding drive. Margle Media orchestrated promotion and leveraged networked Facebook communities for rapid exposure.
Why it worked: Viral content created massive short-term awareness and a spike in sales, accelerated by paid placement on a popular social channel.
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142
out of 1000
|
Framed Tweet Art for Social Media Enthusiasts
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|
$9.5K
monthly
|
—
days
|
—
per visitor
|
$999
to start
|
90
out of 100
|
Zach was avoiding a New Year's party his parent...
Zach was avoiding a New Year's party his parents were hosting downstairs and scrolled through Twitter - suddenly he thought "what if you could frame a tweet?" That night, he built a simple website & tweeted a link to some random people he found on Twitter, and the next morning woke up to find Framed Tweets featured on Product Hunt, Mashable, Uncrate, and a few other websites.
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To create the first Framed Tweets product, Zach...
To create the first Framed Tweets product, Zach Katz started by designing a simple offering: an ornate gold picture frame suited for tweets. He initially tried to source frames from American suppliers but could not find ornate options in bulk, so he turned to Alibaba to find manufacturers. After requesting several samples, he selected his favorite and invested his remaining savings to order 500 custom frames, specifying features like real glass, a thicker backboard, an easel, and rotatable tabs for easy tweet insertion. For early prototypes, he printed sample tweets at FedEx Office, tested framing them at home, and initially used thrift store frames for street sales. The process to reach a working product took several months, including a failed attempt to build a custom e-commerce site from scratch before discovering Shopify, which he ultimately used to set up the online store. Notable challenges included finding the right supplier, investing significant upfront capital in inventory, and missteps with web development before discovering existing e-commerce platforms.
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90% of sales were attributed to Instagram ads. ...
90% of sales were attributed to Instagram ads. He also grew organically via Twitter, Press, Influencers, and Etsy.
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140
out of 1000
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Premium golf clubs for regular golfers.
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|
$1M
monthly
|
580
days
|
$7.45
per visitor
|
—
to start
|
85
out of 100
|
Sully, the founder of BombTech Golf, came up wi...
Sully, the founder of BombTech Golf, came up with the idea for his business after realizing the need for premium golf clubs designed specifically for "regular" golfers. He started by wholesaling and building custom golf drivers, and after receiving his first sale notification while on a boat, he knew that he had found his calling. Sully then collaborated with engineering students at the University of Vermont to design his first product, the GRENADE, and launched his online store by involving his small audience in the design and production process. With a focus on Facebook marketing and building a loyal customer base, BombTech Golf has enjoyed success, and Sully now works only 2-4 hours a week on the business, allowing him to pursue other ventures like his consulting business, EcomGrowers.com.
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The founders developed the first BombTech Golf ...
The founders developed the first BombTech Golf driver, the Grenade, by collaborating with a team of four engineering students from the University of Vermont's Capstone project. The design process was hands-on: Sully challenged every design decision, ensured detailed 3D models were produced, and communicated them directly to a golf club manufacturer he sourced through a paid industry introduction. Iteration included sharing crude mockups and working closely with the manufacturer to resolve issues like material choices and manufacturing tolerances. Creating the prototype and reaching a playable version took about one year, requiring Sully to cash out his 401K to fund tooling and the first run. Key challenges included complex communication loops between students, Sully, and the manufacturer, as well as learning manufacturing nuances and bridging gaps in engineering know-how via persistent late-night calls.
|
**Facebook (Organic & Paid)**
Sully documented ...
Facebook (Organic & Paid)
Sully documented the product design journey on Facebook, involving early followers in decisions and later using both organic posts and boosted videos (one early $300 spend yielded 300,000 views and about 10,000 comments). He personally responded to every comment, building a loyal fanbase, and adopted new Facebook features quickly, including Facebook Live.
Why it worked: Deep engagement, personal branding, and audience participation turned followers into buyers, leading to a committed community ready to purchase at launch and beyond. Email Marketing
BombTech Golf prioritized email as its largest asset, using it to communicate offers, recover abandoned carts, and re-engage both new and existing customers. Sully leveraged tools like Klaviyo and Privy to automate flows and gather leads from the website, with email cited as the single biggest driver of profitability.
Why it worked: Email enabled recurring sales and ensured maximum conversion from traffic, providing reliable direct access to customers without intermediaries. Press and PR
The brand was featured in outlets like Entrepreneur Magazine, gaining third-party validation and reaching new audiences. Most coverage came organically and helped legitimize the story at pivotal early moments.
Why it worked: Credible press coverage increased trust and exposed the brand to wider—and often non-golf—audiences, boosting legitimacy and sales.
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131
out of 1000
|
"Sports supplements for peak performance."
|
|
$3.5M
monthly
|
120
days
|
$19.19
per visitor
|
$20K
to start
|
66
out of 100
|
Nick Bare, the founder of Bare Performance Nutr...
Nick Bare, the founder of Bare Performance Nutrition, came up with the idea for his sports nutrition and health supplement company while studying Nutrition in college and struggling to afford pre-workout supplements. He and his friends decided to make their own, and after realizing the demand for such products, Bare launched his brand while serving in the Army. In its first year, the company made $15,000 in revenue, and now, it is on track to do $6 million in revenue for the year.
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Nick Bare created Bare Performance Nutrition's ...
Nick Bare created Bare Performance Nutrition's first products (the "Flight" pre-workout and "Intra-Flight" BCAAs) by personally researching and formulating ingredient blends while studying nutrition in college. He sourced a US-based contract manufacturer via deep online research and collaborated closely with their lab and R&D teams to finalize the formula, balancing cost and effectiveness by iterating ingredient lists and dosages. It took about 12 weeks to approve a formula and another 12 weeks for production, making the total timeline approximately 6 months for a working product. Early challenges included high initial production costs (over $30 per bottle), limited capital for anything beyond inventory, and learning regulatory requirements for supplements. Packaging, labeling, and the first website were handled by friends in exchange for product or favors, with fulfillment managed from Nick's bedroom due to lack of warehouse space.
|
**YouTube and Organic Social Media**
Nick start...
YouTube and Organic Social Media
Nick started his YouTube channel in 2014, posting fitness, nutrition, and behind-the-scenes business content. This gradually built an engaged community, with his channel growing to over 100,000 subscribers during a military posting in South Korea, which directly contributed to hitting six-figure sales for the first time.
Why it worked: Educational and transparent content established trust, built a loyal fanbase, and allowed the brand to reach customers organically for several years without paid ads. Facebook and Instagram Ads
After 2017, Bare Performance Nutrition invested in Facebook/Instagram advertising, deploying both prospecting and remarketing campaigns. For example, a $10,000 ad spend during a 20% site-wide sale generated $120,000 in revenue in just 24 hours.
Why it worked: Paid social allowed targeted scaling beyond organic reach, efficiently converting an already-engaged audience into buyers during key promotions. Email Marketing
The company ramped up email campaigns with tools like FAM, growing their list to 73,000 subscribers and sending 2–3 emails per week with updates and offers. A notable campaign combined organic and paid traffic to boost the list by 25,000 emails in 60 days during a giveaway.
Why it worked: Email marketing drove high-return repeat business (with a 60% customer return rate) and enabled effective promotion of product launches and sales. Influencer Collaborations and Social Proof
Early on, Nick bartered with YouTubers for shoutouts and reviews, and later worked more deliberately with paid influencers as the brand grew. They also used tools like Yotpo to build over 10,000 verified customer reviews.
Why it worked: Third-party validation and authentic user voices amplified credibility and motivated new customers to trust the product.
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127
out of 1000
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SEO agency elevating personal injury law firms'...
SEO agency elevating personal injury law firms' search rankings.
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|
$2.5M
monthly
|
—
days
|
$166.67
per visitor
|
—
to start
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62
out of 100
|
Chris Dreyer, the CEO/Founder of Rankings.io, c...
Chris Dreyer, the CEO/Founder of Rankings.io, came up with the idea for his SEO agency while working as a detention room supervisor. Bored at work, he Googled "how to make money online" and discovered digital marketing. He found success in affiliate marketing and eventually transitioned into the hyper-competitive field of legal marketing, opening his own agency.
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Chris Dreyer began building Rankings.io as a so...
Chris Dreyer began building Rankings.io as a solo founder, bootstrapped with a $15,000 loan from his sister. The initial service offering was focused on SEO for law firms, which Dreyer delivered himself from his apartment, using standard SEO tools such as Ahrefs, SEMrush, Google Suite, and Screaming Frog alongside project management software like Basecamp and communication tools like Slack. The first 'product' was a hands-on, service-based SEO process tailored for legal clients, iterated through Dreyer’s previous affiliate marketing experience and job at a legal marketing agency. The prototype phase consisted largely of applying proven SEO techniques (content development, link building, site audits) to the legal niche and refining processes based on client results and feedback. The company reached a working client delivery process in its first month, landing three or four clients through direct outreach and networking. One key surprise was the serendipitous hiring of Steven Willi, a web designer with SEO experience, which quickly boosted Rankings.io's ability to deliver and scale customized implementations for clients.
|
**LinkedIn Networking**
Dreyer spent considerab...
LinkedIn Networking
Dreyer spent considerable time building connections, joining relevant groups, creating endorsements, and writing recommendations for lawyers on LinkedIn. This direct, targeted networking led to some of Rankings.io's first clients within its first month of operation.
Why it worked: LinkedIn provided a direct line to ideal decision-makers (personal injury lawyers), helping quickly establish trust and authority. YouTube & Video Content
Dreyer produced at least one YouTube video per day in the early days, detailing SEO strategies and case studies relevant to law firms. These videos established his authority and led to inbound leads from lawyers searching for SEO expertise.
Why it worked: Video content showcased expertise and allowed prospects to vet skills before reaching out, reducing sales friction. Google+ Communities (now defunct)
Managing a community of legal professionals on Google+ enabled Dreyer to build strong authority and a trusted reputation among lawyers, leading to early client referrals.
Why it worked: Running a niche-focused community facilitated valuable connections and direct introductions with target clients, accelerating initial growth. Client Referrals & Reputation
From the outset, Rankings.io emphasized delivering quality results and transparent communication, leading to the majority of new leads coming via client referrals. Their focus on a narrow niche (personal injury attorney SEO) further increased word-of-mouth growth.
Why it worked: High client satisfaction in a tight-knit legal vertical created consistent, reliable referral opportunities without heavy reliance on outbound marketing.
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125
out of 1000
|
Calorie-friendly meal prep service from Little ...
Calorie-friendly meal prep service from Little Rock.
|
|
$60K
monthly
|
7
days
|
—
per visitor
|
$500
to start
|
69
out of 100
|
TJ, the co-founder and CEO of Healthy Chew, joi...
TJ, the co-founder and CEO of Healthy Chew, joined the company as a dishwasher and helped his partner Peter scale the business. They rebranded from PNF Meals to Healthy Chew and experienced tremendous growth, selling over 10,000 bowls each month. With a focus on delicious, calorie-friendly meals, Healthy Chew has generated over $1.8 million in sales in just over 3 years.
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The founders began by cooking meals in their pr...
The founders began by cooking meals in their primary residence, using inspiration from Instagram and YouTube to study competitors' product packaging and meal presentation. For containers, they quickly sourced standard black meal prep bowls with clear lids by searching online and purchasing from the top search results. Recipe development was based mainly on Peter's background working in his family's Chinese restaurant, focusing on simple, lower-calorie versions of popular comfort foods without complex prototyping or iterative testing—menu additions were made on a whim and customer input. Their startup costs were about $25,000, covering basic kitchen equipment: pots, pans, fridges, and an inexpensive stove/oven combo. Labels with dish names and nutritional info were added after customer feedback, using basic mailing labels as a low-cost solution. The first working product was created within a few weeks, but key refinements (like labels) came only after early customer input. Challenges included limited funds (initially personal credit cards), reliance on hand-me-down equipment, and working from rented commercial kitchens before scaling up.
|
**Facebook Virality**
A single Facebook video f...
Facebook Virality
A single Facebook video featuring the founders doubled their client base overnight, earning over 160 shares and 23,000 views at launch. Why it worked: The personable, shareable content resonated in a tight-knit community, quickly spreading through social networks. Product Photography for Social Media
Investing $120 in lighting equipment and taking high-quality meal photos with an iPhone 7 led to better social media posts and repeat sales of menu items. Why it worked: Appealing visuals made new offerings more attractive, encouraged sharing, and helped customers remember and reorder favorites. Influencer/Local Networking
Healthy Chew built partnerships with local influencers, business owners, and gyms, particularly by co-developing "meal block" plans for a large fitness center. Why it worked: Local collaborations built trust and leveraged others' established audiences, driving steady word-of-mouth growth. Social Media Ads
About $1,000 per month was spent on Facebook/Instagram ads and graphic design, supporting posts with labeled photos and scheduled promotions. Why it worked: Paid targeting amplified reach in a defined geographic area, supplementing strong organic channels.
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121
out of 1000
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AI tool turning text instructions into Excel fo...
AI tool turning text instructions into Excel formulas.
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|
$23K
monthly
|
30
days
|
—
per visitor
|
$196
to start
|
91
out of 100
|
David Bressler, the founder of Excelformulabot....
David Bressler, the founder of Excelformulabot.com, came up with the idea while on paternity leave. After discovering the power of AI and its potential in Excel formulas, he realized there was a need for an AI-based Excel formula generator. With 1 billion Excel users worldwide, Bressler saw a big enough market and quickly built a barebone application that went viral and gained traction through Reddit, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. Since the launch in September 2022, the website has generated over $14K in monthly recurring revenue.
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Excelformulabot was developed quickly to capita...
Excelformulabot was developed quickly to capitalize on the growing AI industry, with a minimalistic MVP built using the no-code platform Bubble.io. The initial version had basic functionality: an input field for user instructions, a button for generating formulas, an output field displaying the results, and a copy button. This barebone MVP took just a few weeks to build, reflecting David's urgency to harness the first mover's advantage in the AI space. He faced challenges related to unexpected high API costs due to viral exposure and immediately had to create a business model to manage costs efficiently. Feedback from the Excel subreddit was crucial for iterating on the initial version, which transitioned into a subscription-based platform with paywalls and logins over several months, demonstrating the effectiveness of user feedback in refining product offerings.
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#### Viral Marketing on Social Media
Excelform...
Excelformulabot experienced significant growth through viral marketing, particularly on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit. The platform gained traction when users began sharing it as a "website that feels illegal to know." The ripple effect from influencers and micro-influencers posting about Excelformulabot amplified the brand's reach substantially. The virality continued across different social platforms, leading to widespread recognition and traffic. Why it worked: Viral marketing tapped into the power of social proof. When influencers shared their experiences, their followers were intrigued and inclined to check out the service themselves. The portrayal of the site as a secretive hack added a compelling element that spurred curiosity and shareability. Influencer CollaborationsDirect engagement with influencers has been a crucial part of Excelformulabot’s marketing strategy. David Bressler reached out to influencers whose audiences aligned with the product's use case in areas like finance, data, and accounting. Collaborations were either based on free promotions or paid partnerships, typically ranging from $200 to $3K per engagement. Why it worked: Engaging influencers allowed Excelformulabot to tap into established communities that trusted their recommendations. This strategy effectively positioned the product in front of targeted users who found immediate value in the tool, especially amidst audiences who frequently use Excel. Organic SEO and BrandingExcelformulabot benefitted from organic search traffic, largely driven by people searching for terms like "Excel formula bot." The brand's presence as both the category creator and the main solution provider resulted in high exposure on search engines. The site also garnered backlinks from reputable sites, enhancing its organic search appeal. Why it worked: The brand's dominance in its niche and the creation of targeted content helped capture users actively searching for AI solutions for Excel. Having a name that directly matched user intent searches significantly enhanced discoverability and credibility. Email Marketing and User EngagementFor customer retention and reengagement, Excelformulabot deployed email marketing strategies. Personalized messaging was developed based on user interactions, such as the type of formulas searched and user engagement levels. These tailored emails helped retain paying customers as well as encourage trial users to convert. Why it worked: Personalized email campaigns aligned closely with user behavior, increasing the relevance and impact of each communication. This approach fostered a sense of connection and ensured users saw continued value in maintaining their subscriptions.
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113
out of 1000
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Dimensional eyewear and LED props for festival ...
Dimensional eyewear and LED props for festival enthusiasts.
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$400K
monthly
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—
days
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—
per visitor
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—
to start
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67
out of 100
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Dan Watkins, the founder and CEO of GloFX, init...
Dan Watkins, the founder and CEO of GloFX, initially started the business as a side project in his garage selling basic glow products. With only $400 in capital, Dan watched the business grow and eventually expand into a 15,000 square foot production warehouse. The success of GloFX can be attributed to their focus on the EDM music festival demographic and their willingness to take chances on new products and ideas.
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GloFX's first products were created with a very...
GloFX's first products were created with a very hands-on and incremental approach, starting in the founder's garage. Early offerings were simple glow products, sourced and assembled manually for local clubs. The pivotal product, GloFX Diffraction Glasses, began once Dan Watkins discovered diffraction grating film, which he sourced and incorporated into eyewear frames. For more complex launches like the Lux Series (LED gloves and orbits), the development process involved several years of prototyping, sourcing electronic components, and iterating on designs. The team spent over a year refining these prototypes, facing challenges such as going over budget by at least $20,000 and learning about lithium battery safety requirements. They also wrote their first website code in-house to support sales. By starting small, reinvesting profits, and gradually renting more workspace as production needs scaled, GloFX managed their risk while improving and testing prototypes before moving to full production.
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**Social Media & Event Marketing**
GloFX target...
Social Media & Event Marketing
GloFX targeted the EDM/festival community through heavy engagement on platforms like Instagram and by sponsoring and activating on-site at major events such as Electric Forest. Their direct interaction with festival-goers created buzz and deep product resonance with the core audience.
Why it worked: Immersive, targeted outreach at physical events and on relevant social channels enabled GloFX to reach highly engaged early adopters in their niche. Wholesale & Reseller Network
They expanded by approving over 300 global resellers and fulfilling bulk custom orders (like branded paper diffraction glasses), often for experiential marketing campaigns or businesses.
Why it worked: The reseller model drastically broadened reach and put GloFX products in new retail and experiential settings, multiplying their exposure and recurring sales. SEO & Buyer-Intent Keywords
GloFX invested in optimizing their website with buyer-intent keywords, supporting organic discovery by customers already searching for dimensional eyewear and LED flow toys.
Why it worked: Capturing high-intent traffic drove consistent, qualified leads directly to their product pages at a low customer acquisition cost. Google Ads & Paid Advertising
In earlier stages, GloFX relied on Google AdWords campaigns, which were particularly successful before shifting more to display and social advertising as the company grew.
Why it worked: Paid search efficiently tapped into existing demand right when users were considering a purchase, fueling early growth.
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