Commission management software for pest control sales teams.

"Isaac built the initial prototype of DASHP using no-code tools, specifically Retool, which allowed him to get started without incurring any costs thanks to startup credits. This scrappy approach validated the concept before he moved to develop a native app."

A friend of mine who worked in the industry called me asking me whether it was possible to build a tool that helped him calculate commissions for team. Their existing solution was built on spreadsheets and emails.

I quickly learned more about this real problem--pay anxiety. These salespeople knocked doors 10+ hours a day, being paid commission-only. Many were students, looking to save for a car, tuition or a wedding. Not knowing their pay in real-time was terrifying.

I built a simple demo with no-code tools. The aha moment came when my friend's bosses asked me "what is your company called, and how much does it cost?"

At the time, I was full-time at my second struggling AI startup. This was pre-chatGPT, but I was already burning out from the hype. It was refreshing to hear someone tell me that they'd pay for a "boring", simple software solution.

A few more meetings with people in the industry confirmed to me that this pain was universal and that the market was hungry for a solution.

Here's the exact timeline of that first year in business

2022 October -> Built the no-code prototype, was asked how much it would cost November -> Started writing a mobile app when I kept hearing that's what they wanted December -> Quit my job to go full-time (at zero revenue) January - March -> Fumbling around first attempts at sales and trying to close my first deal. Finished the app. April -> Signed my first contract May -> Signed second customer June - August -> Lot's of bug-fixing and customer support through the first sales season August -> Joined a startup accelerator program

I built the initial prototype on Retool. It cost me nothing, since I applied for startup credits and got them. I believe they even have a generous free tier now.

When I started to rewrite it into a native app, my only cost was the domain ($12), google workspace ($6 / month) and supabase ($25 / month). I have never exceeded the free tiers of Vercel or Expo Application Services.

I did and continue to design, code and sell every single inch of this business myself. It's not a flex, it's just what it took to make this company work. I don't think I would have succeeded if I took on any headcount burn. I didn't raise or borrow any money.

(Heading) The Revenue Model:

We've gone through lots of different models and are still iterating. But recent contracts have looked something like this:

A seat-based contract, with "standard" and "flex" licenses.

Standard license -> $10 ~ $30 / month, committed for at least 12 months Flex licenses -> 2x the price of Standard, month-to-month contract Flex licenses cannot make up more than 30% of the total seats

This pricing model has come out of a need to balance predictable revenue and the seasonality of users in the industry. Since salespeople are typically active for up to half of the year, it's hard for clients to justify paying for the full year.

Since I have a tiny, specific niche, the number of clients that fit my ICP is numbered in the hundreds. This too small an amount to run any effective performance marketing on or to just "dial" from a list on.

Instead every potential lead is treated more like a dedicated, long-term business development effort.

New customers are shiny and exciting. But for us, a surprising amount of revenue actually comes from upselling existing clients into larger contracts. Once trust is built, we've found that customers shift quickly away from getting the best price to begging us to solve as many problems as possible. Each of these conversations are an opportunity to increase the scope, and therefore the price of the contract.

The key to our success has been world-class account management and support. I drop everything to tend to a customer complaint, or request. I'm available at all hours of the day. My personal phone number is proudly plastered all over the app for direct help.

AI tool turning text instructions into Excel formulas.

"David used no-code tools to build the initial version of Excelformulabot. The site was constructed using Bubble.io, enabling him to develop a functioning web application without writing any code. This allowed him to quickly launch and iterate on the product while minimizing development costs."

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.

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.

Viral Marketing on Social Media

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 Collaborations

Direct 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 Branding

Excelformulabot 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 Engagement

For 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.

Short-term storage marketplace for urban travelers.

Cody and Aleks started Bounce by putting up a landing page using a basic landing page builder and utilized Adwords for marketing. This initial version was built without code, quickly validating their idea by receiving customer requests almost immediately.

Cody Candee, the CEO and co-founder of Bounce, came up with the idea for his business after experiencing the problem of carrying luggage while traveling and the inconvenience it caused. He wanted to create a solution that would allow people to store their belongings easily and eliminate the burden of carrying them around. After sitting on the idea for three years, Cody launched Bounce with his co-founder Aleks in 2017, and the business quickly gained traction, reaching over $100k of annualized revenue within the first 7 months.

Aleks and Cody Candee, the founders of Bounce, began the development process by creating a basic landing page for bag storage and delivery in New York City within just three hours. They used a simple landing page builder and integrated Adwords to attract their first customer almost immediately, illustrating a lean startup approach. Initially, they physically fulfilled requests by biking around New York, but soon realized that the logistics of coordinating exact times and places were impractical. To solve this, they shifted to a model where customers could drop off and pick up their items at designated "Bounce locations," which were local businesses with extra space. This iteration allowed them to simplify logistics greatly. They set up this new version quickly, building the core functionality in about three weeks. For their mobile applications, they utilized React Native, which enabled them to simultaneously launch on both iOS and Android platforms, streamlining their development process. This intense and rapid development approach, however, came with challenges as they struggled to balance speed with product optimization, especially since the mobile app development temporarily detracted from enhancing the existing web platform.

Google Search

Bounce attracted a significant number of customers through Google search right from the start. People frequently searched for "luggage storage," a popular keyword, which naturally aligned with Bounce's service offering. While they didn't focus heavily on SEO in the beginning, the organic demand for luggage storage solutions helped them grow.

Why it worked: The inherent demand for luggage storage meant that potential customers were already actively searching for Bounce's services. By having a web presence that matched these searches, they naturally captured attention and bookings without needing extensive SEO strategies.

Referrals

A substantial portion of Bounce's customer base came from referrals by satisfied users. This type of word-of-mouth promotion proved invaluable, bringing in new users who heard about the service from others who had positive experiences. Although they initially hadn't formalized a referral program, the natural referrals demonstrated the product's desirability.

Why it worked: Happy customers become ambassadors, sharing their experiences with friends and family. This organic referral process spoke to the trust and satisfaction users had in Bounce, making it one of the most effective ways to gain new customers without any additional marketing spend.

Advertising

Bounce utilized paid advertising, including Google Adwords, which allowed them to quickly gather traffic and customers even when they were just starting. This targeted approach helped them reach potential customers who were searching for similar services, providing a quick boost in visibility and engagement.

Why it worked: Paid advertising, particularly on platforms like Google, reaches users who are already searching for related services. By investing in Adwords, Bounce ensured they appeared in front of a relevant audience, leading to direct bookings and increased brand awareness.

"Softr was built with a focus on simplicity and functionality, using Airtable as the initial backend. Mariam Hakobyan and her team crafted Softr to enable users to build web apps without code by employing a Lego-like approach where complex functionalities are modular building blocks."

As an experienced engineer who grew frustrated with the repetitiveness of software development, Miriam started brainstorming ideas for her next venture after leaving her job. She noticed a significant gap in the market: despite the growing demand for software engineers, many people found coding to be a challenging and time-consuming task. This observation sparked the idea of creating a platform that could make building software accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical skills.

Miriam initiated her exploration by joining an incubator program, where she refined her business idea through collaboration and research. She saw the potential of no-code tools during this period, identifying them as a practical solution to the global shortage of software engineers. With a co-founder facing similar challenges in the tech industry, they set out to develop a platform providing ready-to-use building blocks for software creation.

Before fully pursuing the idea, Miriam conducted market research and validated the concept by engaging with potential users and exploring existing no-code tools. Her engineering background helped her analyze the limitations and strengths of such tools. Feedback and insights from early testers guided the refinement of Softr, ensuring it addressed real-world needs while remaining user-friendly and intuitive. This iterative process was essential in overcoming initial challenges and led to the successful development of Softr, a platform that democratizes software building for non-coders.

Softr was built with a focus on simplicity and functionality, using Airtable as the initial backend. Mariam Hakobyan and her team crafted Softr to enable users to build web apps without code by employing a Lego-like approach where complex functionalities are modular building blocks. The development process spanned several months, with the first basic version launched as a website builder. The team faced challenges primarily in ensuring that the platform was intuitive yet powerful enough, which involved iterative feedback from the initial user base and continuous refinement. The product development wasn't without its hurdles, such as addressing skepticism about scalability and usability, but the focus on reducing the learning curve and addressing common developer pain points led to Softr's successful creation.

Community and Word of Mouth

Softr emphasized the power of community engagement and word of mouth to drive its growth. The founders actively participated in no-code and tech communities to share their progress, gather feedback, and iterate on their product. By fostering relationships within these communities, they built trust and generated excitement around Softr. They capitalized on inbound interest from potential users and leveraged existing customer networks to spread the word about their platform.

Why it worked: The no-code community thrives on sharing and collaboration. By immersing themselves in these circles, Softr tapped into a highly engaged audience that appreciated the straightforward approach to building software. The strong word-of-mouth marketing helped expand their reach and attract a mix of individual creators and business users who were excited about the possibilities Softr offered.

Product-Led Growth and Intuitive User Experience

Softr's growth is largely attributed to a focus on product-led growth, prioritizing an intuitive user experience that enables even non-technical users to build web applications quickly. By designing a platform that minimizes the learning curve, they encouraged more users to experiment and create, thereby expanding their user base organically.

Why it worked: An easy-to-use product lowers the barrier to entry for a greater number of users, driving adoption and retention. Softr's approach to product development reflects a clear understanding of user needs, making it simpler for individuals and businesses to see immediate results. This ease of use naturally encourages users to become advocates for the product, contributing to its growth.

Product Hunt Launches

Softr leveraged Product Hunt for several significant product launches. These launches helped generate substantial initial traction by reaching tech enthusiasts and early adopters interested in no-code solutions. Winning accolades on Product Hunt, such as becoming the number one of the month and even of the year, provided further validation and exposure.

Why it worked: Product Hunt is a platform known for its active community of tech enthusiasts who are eager to discover new and innovative products. Softr's successful launches on Product Hunt tapped into this audience, providing a boost in visibility and credibility. The recognition helped Softr capture the attention of potential users who value simplicity and innovation in software development.

Built-in Virality Through Free Plan and Branding

Softr offered a free version of their product with limited functionality, which still provided substantial value to users by allowing them to connect a custom domain. This approach not only attracted a wide range of users but also integrated a "Made with Softr" badge on free builds, creating a built-in virality loop as users shared their creations online, showcasing Softr's capabilities.

Why it worked: By offering a valuable free option, Softr removed initial cost barriers, encouraging widespread usage and experimentation. The branding element of the "Made with Softr" badge served as a subtle but effective marketing tool. As users shared their projects publicly, the badge acted as a silent promoter, helping to spread Softr's reputation and attract additional users seeking similar solutions.

Brett built the initial version of Design Joy by writing some copy and building the website over a single weekend, likely implying he used no code tools to rapidly create and launch the site's first iteration.

Brett had started with sharing his design works on social media (even the scrappiest ones). With time, he was able to refine his skills more and more, and fast forward to today he runs this agency with 50 clients as a solo designer and has 10x'd his prices from when he started.

Over a single weekend in 2017, Brett came up with the packages he wanted to offer, wrote some copy, and built his initial website.

Initially, he offered two plans: $449 a month for the most basic package and $849 a month for front-end design — app and website design.

His MVP allowed clients to request only one design task at a time and would turn that request around within two days. Design tasks could range from single email templates to entire landing pages with unlimited revisions.

He further broke down larger projects into chunks and delivered each new piece every two days.

Brett regularly shared his progress on indiehackers.com, a well-known community for indie makers (who happen to also be his target persona). He replied to questions, shared insights from his own journey, and created a narrative that people loved, as well as a service that people needed. He also remains active on Twitter, and has over 40,000 followers on the platform.

Kat Norton built the initial version of Miss Excel using no code tools. She leveraged TikTok for growth, which requires no coding, and hosted her courses on Thinkific, a platform that allows course creation without coding.

Kat started her career in consulting where she taught Excel training workshops for her company around the country. But when COVID lockdowns hit, Kat realized she wasn’t happy with her job.

Kat loved teaching Excel, she liked helping people, and she loved to dance. A friend suggested, ‘What if you put your Excel tips on TikTok?’ 48 hours later, she posted her first 14-second video.

• Miss Excel’s initial growth was 100% on TikTok.
• Her 4th video got 100K views. By the 6th video, the CEO of an IT company reached out for training
• 5 months after launching on TikTok, Kat built her first online Excel course and made more than her monthly salary
• Created 10 more courses within the first 1.5 years of the business
• Eventually made $100K in ONE day through courses
• Continued to grow her audience through free webinars and a newsletter
• Gained even more popularity through major media outlets like The Verge, CNBC, The Times and Business Insider

Kat grew primarily on TikTok and Instagram. She did something no one else was doing: taught a boring topic (Excel) in a fun and exciting way (TikTok dance trends). The business has grown through 10 different online courses, Corporate Training programs, and Keynote speaking.

"Dorik is a no-code website builder developed to facilitate easy website creation without coding or design experience, aligning with the 'no code' tag by enabling website development through no-code tools."

Dorik's co-founders Anwar & Mizan, has been building websites & website templates since 2012. They started Dorik as a side project back in 2019.

The co-founders worked on Dorik as a side project, providing access to early users. They relied on early user responses to add features and iterate on the product. Additionally, they generated funds by selling some early bird plans. After launching on ProductHunt, they gained more traction. more traction.

SEO

Dorik has effectively utilized search engine optimization (SEO) to increase its visibility and attract more users. By optimizing their website with targeted keywords and creating valuable content, they have managed to bring in significant organic traffic. This approach focuses on understanding what potential customers are searching for and ensuring Dorik's site appears prominently in search results when those queries are made.

Why it worked: Effective SEO practices draw in potential users who are actively seeking the types of services Dorik offers. By ranking higher in search results for relevant terms, Dorik can attract a consistent and sustainable flow of traffic from people already interested in their services, resulting in higher conversion rates.

Social Media

Dorik leverages social media platforms to connect with potential users and share updates, tutorials, and success stories. This engagement helps to build a community around their product and increases brand awareness. With regular and strategic posts, they manage to capture the attention of their target audience.

Why it worked: Social media offers Dorik a platform to directly engage with users, receive feedback, and create a buzz around their product. This channel effectively increases visibility and helps in building a loyal following, converting followers into users with engaging content and interactions.

Partnerships

Dorik has established partnerships with other companies and platforms to reach a broader audience. By aligning with complementary businesses, they can tap into new customer bases and create mutually beneficial relationships that enhance their product offerings and visibility.

Why it worked: Partnerships allow Dorik to access audiences that they might not reach through their own marketing efforts. It also adds value to their product through integrations or joint promotions, making their offerings more appealing to potential customers and expanding their user base.

"Webflow websites for SaaS and mission-driven businesses."

"Rhami built the initial version of Arch Web Design using Webflow, a no-code tool, focusing on creating personalized Webflow websites for SaaS companies."

At 30, after a life-changing breakup, Rhami embraced the freedom of travel and self-employment, pivoting from an unfulfilling corporate UX design role to founding Arch Web Design, which grew to build over 200 high-converting SaaS websites and aims for seven-figure revenue by 2025.

Arch Web Design was built with a focus on developing high-quality, conversion-focused websites, specifically using Webflow as the primary development platform. Initially, the founder took on a broad range of projects, but after four years, honed in on crafting Webflow websites for SaaS companies, leveraging his strengths and passion for this niche area. The initial team was expanded by making two strategic hires—a UX designer and a Webflow developer—sourced from personal networks and platforms like Upwork, enabling the transition from freelancer to agency. The process of building the first version of their product was an evolution of discipline and specialization, focusing on what they excelled in and enjoyed, which was crucial for delivering top-notch results. Although not specified, the learning curve and focus shift indicate that the early stages involved overcoming the typical freelancer challenges of sustaining diverse project types and achieving consistent quality.

SEO

Arch Web Design has significantly utilized SEO as a primary channel to bring in clients. By targeting specific keywords relevant to their niche, they create valuable content that ranks well in search engine results. They used tools like SEMRush to identify less competitive keywords with decent search volume, allowing them to craft content that not only attracts visitors but also provides real value.

Why it worked: The SEO strategy has been effective because clients searching for web design services are often high-intent leads. When potential clients find Arch Web Design through organic search, they are more likely to be interested in their services, making it easier to convert them into paying customers. Additionally, the long-term nature of SEO helps in providing a steady flow of leads, acting as a snowball that grows over time.

Upwork (initially)

In the early days, Upwork played a crucial role in getting Arch Web Design its initial batch of clients. The platform allowed them to showcase their skills and connect with businesses in need of web design services.

Why it worked: Upwork was effective at first because it is a marketplace filled with businesses actively looking for freelancers. It provided Arch Web Design with an immediate audience, helping them establish credibility and gather initial reviews and testimonials to use outside the platform. Despite its early success, eventually, Upwork was stopped to avoid being perceived as a commodity.

Paid Advertising

Arch Web Design experimented with paid ads to generate leads, focusing on creating a compelling Video Sales Letter (VSL) that features a solid and authentic offer. Their approach emphasizes genuine messaging rather than aggressive promotional tactics.

Why it worked: Paid advertising can quickly drive targeted traffic if done effectively. Their success with paid ads stems from understanding their audience and delivering a message that resonates, making their offers stand out in a crowded market. The authenticity of the ads likely contributed to higher conversion rates and more qualified leads.

Cold Email Campaigns

The agency also used cold email campaigns to reach potential clients directly. They emphasize the importance of building a list of the right people, using tools like Clay and Apollo for this purpose.

Why it worked: Cold emailing works when you have a clear understanding of your target audience and message. By focusing on reaching out to mission-driven businesses and SaaS companies, Arch Web Design ensures their emails are relevant, increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversion. The directness of email allows for personalized communication, making it an effective tool for initiating relationships with potential clients.

"Jure built the initial version of ParakeetAI using a combination of low code and AI tools. The product development involved Speechmatics for transcription and ChatGPT for responses, while the landing page was designed and developed with Webflow by an agency."

When looking for an idea, I focused on choosing a product that could naturally go viral—something interesting, surprising, or that gets people talking.

The plan was to market it using organic short-form content like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and similar platforms.

My last project, WrumerSound, was an e-commerce brand selling car gadgets. It followed this same idea and was very successful, gaining nearly 200 million views across TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook Reels over the past year.

Since I’ve worked in e-commerce before, I know how challenging logistics can be. That’s why I’m now more interested in SaaS ideas than in starting another e-commerce business.

A photo of our small team

The first step was to analyze the competition and determine exactly what they offer, what I could replicate, and what I could improve.

I then spent three days creating a proof-of-concept product that could transcribe a call, feed the transcription into ChatGPT, and, of course, handle payment collection. The product is built using NextJS, with Stripe for payments, Speechmatics for transcription, and ChatGPT for generating responses.

During development, I focused on keeping the product minimal, so we could launch as quickly as possible to gather feedback before investing significant time in building complex features.

The next step was to create a landing page. I hired an agency for approximately €1,000 to design and develop a landing page using Webflow.

Once the product was live and ready to accept payments, we created social media accounts and started posting videos. For the most part, we studied our competition and replicated strategies that proved successful for them.

Earlier version of the Webpage:

My image

We focus on what works, primarily by producing more short-form videos across multiple channels. Currently, we consistently produce two videos per day, but we plan to increase this to ten videos per day in the coming months.

I want to emphasize the power of an "intrinsically viral" product paired with organic short-form content. Over time, paid ads have become increasingly expensive, making them extremely challenging to run profitably.

In contrast, organic short-form content can offers similar reach to paid ads while being free. It often converts better, as customers perceive it as more "authentic."

ParakeetAI TikTok Account

Regarding other marketing channels, I’ve posted extensively on Reddit. While it has driven some sales, the overall impact has been limited.

We’ve also experimented with Google Ads, which have shown promising results. This success suggests that SEO could be a valuable long-term strategy. However, since SEO takes time to gain traction and generate significant revenue, we haven’t prioritized it yet.

Additionally, we are exploring various AI tools in the "job-seeking" space to broaden our offerings and increase revenue.

Online video editor designed for effortless editing.

"Text Behind Image’s MVP was very different. I used Cursor AI, an AI tool that helps you code to build the MVP. And in three hours, I already had a working prototype. This is really the pinnacle of moving fast, breaking things and launching fast."

At just 16, Rexan from Hong Kong founded Text Behind Image and VideoFast after grappling with complex design tools like Photoshop and Premiere Pro. By identifying his own struggles and leveraging his coding skills, he's gained 20k users monthly and earns $200 a month.

Building VideoFast was a journey of iterative development and learning. The first version, or MVP, was particularly challenging as video editing tools are complex. Rexan, a high school student, dedicated six months to code by leveraging NextJS, React, and Typescript for the frontend, Supabase for the backend, and TailwindCSS for UI design. These tools enabled him to create a professional-looking, functional product deployed via Vercel. One major challenge was managing school commitments alongside development, which extended the planned timeline. The process was difficult but ultimately rewarding, bolstered by sharing progress on social media and building a supportive community around his venture.

Twitter

VideoFast effectively utilized Twitter, specifically through the strategy of "building in public." The founder shared progress on the development of their product, which helped build an engaged community around it. Regular updates, along with sharing personal elements like being a 16-year-old founder, intrigued people and enhanced engagement, leading to greater visibility. The algorithm favored these interactive content types, boosting their reach. Example Tweet

Why it worked: Engaging with updates and demonstrating progress creates a connection with potential users. The personal backstory adds an element of human interest, making the content more shareable and memorable.

Product Hunt

Launching on Product Hunt was a significant growth driver for VideoFast. The tool was featured as a top product, gaining significant exposure. This platform is known for its large audience of tech-savvy users looking for new tools and products, which aligned well with VideoFast's offering. The founder even received support from well-known figures like Ryan Hoover, which amplified the launch's reach.

Why it worked: Product Hunt provides access to a highly targeted audience who are interested in discovering new products. The support from influential users and a well-timed campaign maximized visibility and validation from the community.

Reddit

The founder also leveraged Reddit, particularly the r/sideproject subreddit, to launch and promote the products. Posts on this platform garnered considerable attention, reflective of Reddit’s ability to reach a broad audience through niche interest groups where users are keen to explore innovative projects.

Why it worked: Reddit offers a community-driven approach that rewards innovative, relatable content. By engaging in a community with shared interests, the founder tapped into networks that are already predisposed to support and engage with novel tools like VideoFast.

Word-of-Mouth and Viral Social Sharing

The viral nature of the content posted by VideoFast was bolstered by word-of-mouth and organic social media sharing. Influencers and large Instagram pages shared the app, further driving interest and traffic. Video content that showcased the product in action was particularly effective in gaining views and engagement.

Why it worked: Word-of-mouth and viral sharing rely heavily on the shareability and interest of the content. By creating engaging, visually appealing, and easily relatable content, the product reached wide audiences and gained traction without extensive paid marketing efforts.

"Scalable AI content generation tool for SEO success."

Chris Riley and his co-founders used networking to acquire the initial barebones framework for Cuppa AI for $9,000. They leveraged this framework and built the first version of their AI content tool within 4-6 weeks, enabling quick iterations and improvements as new AI models were released.

Chris Riley, a seasoned media site builder, spotted a gap in the programmatic AI content market when ChatGPT launched in early 2023, seizing the opportunity to revolutionize SEO strategies. With a modest initial investment of $9,000, Cuppa AI achieved profitability in their very first weekend, hitting $30,000 MRR today and targeting $50,000 by 2025.

The initial product development for Cuppa AI began with the acquisition of a barebones AI content framework for $9,000 in February 2023. This foundational purchase was made possible through networking on Twitter and was funded entirely through personal means, as the team opted not to seek external investment. Building on this framework, the team spent 4-6 weeks transforming it into the first operational version of Cuppa AI. The process of advancing the framework into a viable product was challenging and costly, primarily due to development expenses required to make it market-ready. The co-founders found the transition from a skeleton framework to a consumer-ready product to be a demanding endeavor, navigating both the technical intricacies and financial demands inherent to such a transformation.

Organic Social Media

Cuppa AI leveraged organic social media, mainly through platforms like X (Twitter), to drive initial sales. The strategy centered on "building in public" to generate excitement about the product. They cultivated curiosity by sharing authentic and transparent updates about their development process. This approach allowed them to create anticipation and awareness without spending on advertising, focusing on their existing following and networks to amplify their messages.

Why it worked: Authenticity and transparency in communication foster trust and community engagement. By showcasing their journey and progress openly, Cuppa AI was able to create a strong initial interest in their product, which translated to immediate sales upon launch. Their network on X played a crucial role in spreading the word, leveraging the platform's wide reach within their target audience.

Email Marketing

Email marketing has been a significant channel for Cuppa AI to increase and retain their customer base. They focus on collecting emails not just through product sign-ups but also via newsletters to provide ongoing value. This method keeps them directly in contact with their audience, allowing personalized communication and better engagement than social media timelines.

Why it worked: Email provides a direct line to the customer's inbox, bypassing the noise of social media. This enables Cuppa AI to upsell, cross-sell, and foster brand advocacy more effectively. The ability to consistently offer value through their email campaigns helps maintain customer interest and reduce churn, leading to sustained growth.

Reddit Posts

Cuppa AI utilized Reddit strategically to tap into discussions related to their product. By crafting thoughtful posts and engaging with the community, they were able to showcase their product's value and benefits, driving significant traffic and interest.

Why it worked: Reddit's platform is built on niche communities that are often highly engaged and specific in their needs. By participating in relevant subreddits, Cuppa AI could directly reach a segment of their target market that was likely searching for solutions like theirs. This approach helped them gain credibility and reinforce their product’s positioning through genuine interactions and discussions.

AI-powered news monitoring for finance professionals.

The business Uptrends.ai was not built with no code tools. Instead, the founders initially developed the business from code they had written in college and later hired a junior front-end developer to create the interface. They mention that the tools available back then for launching a site from scratch with no experience were limited compared to today.

While still in college, Ramsey Shaffer co-founded Uptrends.ai after developing a Twitter/Reddit-based Bitcoin trading model that helped him secure a 200% profit. The experience revealed how online chatter influences stock prices, inspiring the creation of an AI-powered news monitoring tool for finance professionals that now earns $1,500 monthly.

To build the first version of Uptrends.ai, Ramsey Shaffer and his co-founder started by transforming the code they had written in college into a website for retail investors, which was initially just a live table of trending stocks based on online news coverage. They bootstrapped the project with about $10,000 of their personal savings, leveraging their coding knowledge despite having no experience in development, marketing, or design. The initial interface was created by hiring a junior front-end developer from AngelList, using designs they had mocked up in PowerPoint. It took over 6 months to bring the MVP to life due to their lack of clarity on the product and absence of user validation. Looking back, with today's resources and experience, the founders believe the initial development could have been completed much faster, highlighting the steep learning curve and numerous hurdles they faced at the onset.

Organic Search

Uptrends.ai has successfully utilized organic search to drive growth, with SEO being a significant component. They emphasized SEO through content optimization and building backlinks on various AI and startup directories. This strategy has allowed them to reach a larger audience who are searching for services related to AI and finance. By targeting their content to specific keywords that resonate with their target audience, they've managed to improve their organic reach effectively.

Why it worked: Investing in SEO allowed Uptrends.ai to gain visibility in search engines, driving traffic sustainably over time. By focusing on specific, high-value keywords and creating content that ranks well, they captured the interest of potential customers who actively look for AI-powered financial news insights.

Meta Advertisements

Meta Ads have become a cost-effective channel for Uptrends.ai, especially through retargeting campaigns aimed at lookalike audiences. They leveraged creative ad content, such as simple videos and memes, to engage potential customers. By analyzing competitor ads and crafting similar successful creatives, they optimized their ad spend significantly, achieving low cost-per-click rates.

Why it worked: Meta Ads provided a balance of broad outreach and economic efficiency. The platform's targeting options allowed them to focus on audiences similar to their existing customer base, which increased the relevance of their ads and hence their performance. This targeted advertising approach was crucial in maximizing their return on investment in paid marketing.

Email Marketing

Email marketing emerged as an essential driver for Uptrends.ai, particularly by utilizing their newsletter to maintain and grow relationships with potential customers. They send out a weekly digest showcasing trending stocks, helping them stay top of mind with users. Building this regular communication channel encourages sign-ups for their services, as subscribers see the recurring value Uptrends.ai offers.

Why it worked: Email marketing works as a low-friction entry point for potential customers. By first inviting users to join a newsletter, Uptrends.ai nurtures leads by continually providing valuable insights, thus increasing the likelihood of converting them into paying customers over time. It's a strategy rooted in offering value upfront and building trust before pitching their service.

Digital hub offering software deals and resources for entrepreneurs.

"Jasper built Deal Quokka using no code tools and a combination of WordPress, WooCommerce, and the Elementor Page Builder. The platform was created without traditional coding, leveraging these tools to develop the website and membership system independently. The combination of these tools allowed Jasper to build the site visually and manage the backend effectively, preserving development resources and allowing for rapid iteration and growth."

Frustrated by traditional deal platforms taking up to 50% cut without contributing much, 22-year-old Jasper Cyan launched Deal Quokka, a streamlined marketplace offering over 20 million digital resources for entrepreneurs, making $15,000 in sales within the first 36 hours.

The development of Deal Quokka began with Jasper Cyan building a foundational version while managing setbacks with developers at Plasfy. The site was created on WordPress using the Elementor Page Builder, which Jasper favored for its simplicity and visual design capabilities. Over two to three weeks, he dedicated 14-hour workdays to develop a comprehensive platform that initially featured hundreds of digital products and resources he had previously created. To expand the offering, he licensed additional content from other vendors through lump-sum agreements, enabling the platform to provide a wide range of resources without incurring ongoing usage fees. This rigorous self-involved process allowed Jasper to maintain control over the creation and ensure the platform aligned precisely with his vision, although it required intense labor and learning to bring it to life.

Existing Customer Base and Upsell Strategy

Deal Quokka leveraged Jasper Cyan’s existing customer base from his design software company, Plasfy, to grow its audience. By integrating banners in Plasfy, the business was able to guide existing users naturally towards Deal Quokka. This strategy worked because it targeted an audience already familiar with the concept of deals and digital resources, creating a seamless user transition between the two platforms. The approach effectively capitalized on the trust and familiarity that users had developed with Jasper's previous products, thus reducing the acquisition cost and effort.

Why it worked: This strategy resonated due to the synergy between Plasfy and Deal Quokka's offerings and audience. Users who benefited from Plasfy's design tools were likely to find value in the diverse resources Deal Quokka offered, enhancing cross-platform appeal. Additionally, the non-intrusive nature of the upsell banners ensured a customer-friendly experience, thereby maintaining user engagement and interest without being pushy.

Word-of-Mouth and Community Engagement

Deal Quokka cultivated growth through fostering a strong community around its products. Jasper focused on building personal connections with users by infusing his presence throughout the platform, from personalized thank-you notes to direct interaction via Facebook groups. Moreover, the company launched a customer video testimonial campaign, offering cash prizes to participants who shared their experiences.

Why it worked: The personal connection and community-driven approach built a sense of loyalty and trust among users. When customers feel a brand is approachable and genuinely invested in their satisfaction, they're more likely to become repeat buyers and even advocates for the brand. The video testimonials added authenticity and relatability to the marketing, showcasing real user satisfaction that potential customers could trust.

Early Backer Exclusivity

During its launch, Deal Quokka offered a limited-time “Founders Platinum VIP” membership to its existing customer base. This exclusive early access not only provided a sense of urgency and scarcity but also turned early adopters into brand advocates. The cap on available spots, driven by practical limitations associated with licensing agreements, further enhanced the perceived exclusivity.

Why it worked: Exclusivity creates a compelling offer that leverages the psychological triggers of scarcity and urgency. It persuades potential customers to act quickly rather than procrastinate. The success of this initiative was evident in the swift selling out of the initial spots, validating the platform's value proposition and creating a core group of enthusiastic supporters who contributed to ongoing word-of-mouth promotion.

Ramsri Goutham Golla started Questgen with no code tools. He built the first version of his SaaS on Bubble.io, utilizing its ecosystem to create a basic interface that required minimal coding. This version included text input/output functionality and integrated payment systems like Stripe through no code solutions before eventually moving to full-stack technologies.

In 2020, Ramsri Goutham Golla uncovered the potential of AI-generated quizzes while collaborating with an edtech founder in Singapore. After moving back to India post-team conflict, he built Questgen.ai as a side project, eventually achieving $4k MRR with 70-80% profit margins.

To build the first version of Questgen.ai, Ramsri Goutham Golla focused on a simple interface, where users could input text in one textbox and receive generated quizzes in another. Not being a full-stack developer, he utilized no-code tools and chose Bubble.io for its supportive ecosystem to construct the initial prototype. This version communicated with an API to generate the quizzes and included basic features like Google authentication for users. Over time, as his technical skills developed and AI-assisted coding became more mainstream, he transitioned to using NextJS to rebuild the system for more advanced capabilities like streaming. This development process was a learning journey, involving experimentation and gradually integrating features like databases and Stripe payments.

SEO

Questgen.ai relies heavily on search engine optimization (SEO) for acquiring new customers. By focusing on this channel, they were able to drive traffic without spending money on paid advertisements. Over time, as the founder shared his learnings and experiments via blogs, he optimized them to include links back to the SaaS platform once it was launched. This strategic approach to SEO ensured a steady flow of organic traffic.

Why it worked: The strategy effectively leveraged past content, guiding interested readers to the new product. As the content was relevant, it naturally improved the site's SEO standing, bringing in traffic searching for AI quiz generation solutions. Given the nature of their educational domain, consistent content updates aligned with SEO best practices helped maintain visibility despite changing algorithms.

Social Media

The founder of Questgen.ai actively used social media, particularly LinkedIn and Twitter, to announce the launch and subsequent updates of the product. Building in public, he shared new features and product developments, which helped generate interest and engagement. This approach was consistent and organic, allowing him to connect directly with potential customers without incurring significant costs.

Why it worked: Social media platforms are effective for building personal and product narratives, especially when you're willing to share the journey transparently. By actively posting updates and engaging with his audience, the founder capitalized on the natural reach and word-of-mouth marketing inherent to social platforms. The personal touch and continuous updates kept the product top-of-mind for followers, leading to organic growth.

Product Hunt Launch

Questgen.ai was also launched on Product Hunt, a platform widely known for product discovery. This was part of a broader strategy of 'building in public' and sharing comprehensive product announcements.

Why it worked: Product Hunt is a community known for its active engagement with new and innovative products. Launching there provided visibility to an audience specifically interested in new tech solutions, thus leading to increased exposure. The nature of the platform often results in a spike of initial traffic, feedback, and sometimes a catalyst for further organic growth due to the community sharing interesting finds within their networks.

AI-powered platform for professional headshots from selfies.

"Miguel built the first version of BetterPic using a combination of no-code and low-code tools. The frontend was created using Vue 3 (Nuxt) while Supabase was utilized for logins and PostgreSQL for the database. Deployment was done via Vercel with a simple Node.js backend. Branding started with a logo designed on Canva. SEO strategies were initiated early on with content generated by ChatGPT."

After a varied career including a failed coffee bar, a marketing agency stint, and multiple small ventures, Ricardo Ghekiere's lightbulb moment came post a night out in Spain. Teaming up with Miguel Rasero, who had found success with Minecraft servers and AI projects, they transformed BetterPic.io, growing it from $1,500 to $20,000 in monthly revenues by July 2024.

Building BetterPic's product was a complex yet innovative process primarily focused on utilizing AI technology for creating professional headshots from selfies. Initially, Miguel Rasero worked alone, developing the AI model using open-source tools like Stable Diffusion, building with his proficiency in Python and JavaScript. Early development involved rigorous testing and iterations on text-to-image models, image processing, pipeline optimization, and advanced training methods, resulting in gradual improvement of the AI's ability to produce quality headshots. The first prototype faced challenges, especially in achieving realistic facial resemblance and texture details, which took three months to reach acceptable quality. The tech stack included Vue 3 (Nuxt) for the frontend, Supabase for authentication, PostgreSQL for the database, Vercel for deployment, and Node.js for the backend. Despite launching incomplete before a vacation, the experience taught valuable lessons in rapid problem-solving under pressure, highlighting the chaotic but rewarding journey of a solo founder deploying a cutting-edge product.

SEO

BetterPic focused on search engine optimization (SEO) from the start, producing content and building links to improve visibility in search results. They targeted specific keywords like 'studio AI headshots,' improving their Google rankings over time. Despite some setbacks, such as temporarily losing their ranking for 'AI headshot generator,' they persevered and regained positions. This strategy gradually increased their monthly organic revenue.

Why it worked: Customers were actively searching for AI-generated headshots and related services. By optimizing their website for popular search terms and consistently improving their content strategy, BetterPic captured organic traffic, which was crucial for their low average order value business model.

Pinterest

BetterPic leveraged Pinterest as an unconventional yet effective marketing channel. By posting over 100 headshot images on their Pinterest page, they amassed 750,000+ impressions. This approach drove significant traffic to their site without incurring direct costs.

Why it worked: Pinterest is a visual platform, ideal for showcasing headshots. It attracted users interested in visual content, leading to increased brand visibility and website visits. The approach was creative and leveraged an untapped marketing avenue for BetterPic's type of service.

Pricing Strategy

To increase the average order value, BetterPic adjusted their pricing strategy. They raised the price of their basic package from $25 to $29, making the $35 package appear more attractive. This change resulted in a 400% sales increase of the $35 package.

Why it worked: By strategically altering their pricing tiers, BetterPic nudged customers toward a higher value package without making significant changes to the offerings themselves. This psychological pricing tactic effectively increased revenue per customer.