M2M: By Makers, For Makers
Showing 100 of many case studies
Idea
Revenue
Built In
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How They Came Up With The Idea
How They Built It
How They Grew
ICP

Personal finance tips and courses for millennials.

$150K /mo 365 days $0.55 /visitor $5K to start 81 out of 100
365 days to build $5 startup +1
Advertising on social media Email marketing +1

"Resource hub for aspiring food truck entrepreneurs."

$5.4K /mo $0.01 /visitor $500 to start 77 out of 100
$500 startup 1 founder +1
Affiliate program Facebook Community +1

AI tool turning text instructions into Excel formulas.

$23K /mo 30 days $196 to start 90 out of 100
30 days to build $200 startup +1
Word of mouth Brand Authenticity +1

Social media growth courses for solopreneurs.

$317K /mo 90 days $2.35 /visitor $1K to start 91 out of 100
90 days to build $1 startup +1
Word of mouth Brand Authenticity +1
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Tabletop game publisher
· stonemaiergames.com · Build this

Tabletop strategy games publisher in St. Louis.

$1.73M /mo 700 days $11.42 /visitor $2.4K to start 76 out of 100
700 days to build $2.4 startup +1
Word of mouth Direct sales +1

No-code email template builder for marketers.

$533K /mo 90 days $0.80 /visitor $100K to start 64 out of 100
90 days to build $100 startup +1
Word of mouth Pay Per Click Advertising +1

SEO agency elevating personal injury law firms' search rankings.

$2.5M /mo $166.67 /visitor 51 out of 100
1 founder Slack +1
Word of mouth SEO +1

Anonymous chocolate prank gifts for light-hearted fun.

$125K /mo 66 out of 100
1 founder Shopify +1
Affiliate program Word of mouth +1

Miniature construction supplies for creative model builders.

$29.2K /mo 57 out of 100
2 founders Shopify +1
Affiliate program Word of mouth +1

No-code platform for building web apps.

$60K /mo 30 days $0.09 /visitor 66 out of 100
30 days to build 2 founders +1
Organic social media

"Simple website builder for everyone."

180 days $500 to start 72 out of 100
180 days to build $500 startup +1
Affiliate program Word of mouth +1
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InfluenceLab
· influencelab.io · Build this

AI coaching for financial advisor LinkedIn posts

$5.65K /mo $300 to start 79 out of 100
$300 startup 2 founders

We are working on a referral program, and have had multiple users choose to make LinkedIn posts about the tool or email their lists about it. We have not asked for those things — they have been done unsolicited.We are also working on some influencer partnerships, and as I mentioned previously, some firm and financial advisor network adoptions.Literally everything has been through LinkedIn, except for once when I quote tweeted Greg Isenberg and he said "love this." That was cool. https://x.com/gregisenberg/status/2044858115560993268Our entire strategy has been to Build in Public. I think people see it as aspirational. I'm just a guy who writes LinkedIn posts... And now I have a SaaS that pays my rent? Because I tried something? And started talking about it online?Forgive the Chronically Online Cliche, but "You can just do things." I think that's what people can learn about it.Additionally, it's SO niche. A SaaS that coaches financial advisors on writing better LinkedIn posts? And it's making $5,600 a month? For that? For real? Everyone tells you the riches are in the niches, but we're a true proof point for that (although I wouldn't say these are riches).My advice would be to build the distribution before you need it. Building a personal brand is so valuable because you eternally have options for whatever you want to do.Get people to pay attention to you, get people to like you, and support other people doing the same. Infinite upside, zero downside.(I have plenty more screenshots I can share of Build in Public or user testimonials if it's of interest.)My image My imageMy imageMy imageMy imageMy image

Instantly generate professional PHP MySQL admin panels, no coding required.

$1.2K /mo $350 to start 78 out of 100
$350 startup 1 founder

To grow my customer base for PHP CRUD Generator, I have focused on a blend of SEO, content marketing, and targeted outreach to developer communities. Early on, I invested significant effort in optimizing my website for search engines by publishing in-depth documentation, detailed tutorials, and use-case articles. By targeting keywords such as “PHP CRUD generator,” “admin panel generator,” and “MySQL dashboard,” I ensured that developers searching for these solutions could easily discover my product. This organic approach has consistently delivered high-quality, relevant traffic.In addition to SEO, I listed the product on reputable software directories and review platforms, such as GetApp and CompareYourTech, which helped build credibility and reach users who are actively seeking database management tools. I also created an email newsletter to keep interested users informed about product updates, new features, and best practices, which has helped foster customer loyalty and encourage word-of-mouth referrals.A specific example of an effective tactic was publishing a comprehensive tutorial titled “How to Build a CRUD Application in PHP.” This article addressed a common pain point for developers and provided a clear, actionable solution using my product. As a result, I saw a notable increase in organic website traffic, demo sign-ups, and ultimately, conversions. This strategy worked because it delivered genuine value and established trust with potential customers.For aspiring entrepreneurs, my recommendation is to focus on providing real solutions and sharing practical knowledge. Invest in high-quality, SEO-optimized content, and engage with your audience on the platforms they trust. Consistency and value are key to sustainable business growth.

Create Viral Video Memes In Seconds.

$2K /mo $80 to start 84 out of 100
$80 startup 1 founder +1
Word of mouth Product-led growth +1

Kubernetes made easy - save time, money, and resources using the Syself platform

$299 to start 69 out of 100
$300 startup 2 founders +1
Word of mouth Organic social media +1

AI-powered scraper for effortless data extraction

$142K /mo $6.4K to start 76 out of 100
$6.4 startup 1 founder +1
SEO Outbound +1

AI Interview Assistant for job seekers

$16K /mo $1K to start 83 out of 100
$1 startup 2 founders +1
Organic social media Word of mouth +1

Component library streamlining web developers' landing page creation.

$80K /mo 19 days $0.03 /visitor $20 to start 82 out of 100
19 days to build $20 startup +1
Word of mouth

AI-Powered SMS Marketing for Shopify Stores

$85K /mo 90 days $3.40 /visitor $30K to start 63 out of 100
90 days to build $30 startup +1
Affiliate program Word of mouth +1

"Subscription-based dev team for startups."

$42K /mo 30 days $70.00 /visitor $350 to start 68 out of 100
30 days to build $350 startup +1
Word of mouth Direct sales +1

AI-powered resume builder for job seekers.

$215K /mo 76 out of 100
1 founder YouTube +1
SEO AppSumo Launch +1

"SEO backlink guide for startup beginners."

$5.2K /mo 60 days $1.49 /visitor $500 to start 78 out of 100
60 days to build $500 startup +1
Affiliate program Word of mouth +1

AI customer support agents for SaaS businesses.

$25K /mo 14 days $0.50 /visitor $99 to start 80 out of 100
14 days to build $99 startup +1
Word of mouth SEO +1

AI automation solutions tailored for consultants.

$10K /mo 100 days $1.00 /visitor $50K to start 65 out of 100
100 days to build $50 startup +1
Direct sales Referral Program +1