I just read about a guy who grew his biz:
• Number of users: 20,000
• Timeframe: 3 months
• Budget: $50
Here's how he did it (an old-school method that surprised me):
The story starts with Jouni, a developer, who made an app to solve a problem.
The problem?
He needed to measure how long computers took to start up as part of tests he was running.
Best method for this (at the time) was using the stopwatch on his phone.
As you can imagine..
The problem?
He needed to measure how long computers took to start up as part of tests he was running.
Best method for this (at the time) was using the stopwatch on his phone.
As you can imagine..
This method was painful and inaccurate.
So he decided to build an alternative:
A freeware app, called Startup Timer, to measure boot times.
After a month of coding after normal work hours, the first version was ready.
So he posted the project on IndieHackers & Reddit:
So he decided to build an alternative:
A freeware app, called Startup Timer, to measure boot times.
After a month of coding after normal work hours, the first version was ready.
So he posted the project on IndieHackers & Reddit:
Jouni used these communities for feedback on his project - and there are two big takeaways you can apply:
1. Use a Minimum Viable Product.
An MVP is the scrappiest, most minimalist version of a product you can build.
What's the advantage of an MVP?
1. Use a Minimum Viable Product.
An MVP is the scrappiest, most minimalist version of a product you can build.
What's the advantage of an MVP?
An MVP HUGELY cuts down the risks associated with starting a company.
You don't devote much time/money building it, so you don't suffer if it fails.
Instead, you use it the MVP for feedback, test a market, and then iterate.
Jouni's MVP:
You don't devote much time/money building it, so you don't suffer if it fails.
Instead, you use it the MVP for feedback, test a market, and then iterate.
Jouni's MVP:
VIDEO
2. Use online communities.
Places like Reddit are a GOLDMINE to get feedback, pique interest, and acquire your first customers.
There are 1000s of subreddits, each focused around a different interest.
Your target users are bound to be in one of them.
Places like Reddit are a GOLDMINE to get feedback, pique interest, and acquire your first customers.
There are 1000s of subreddits, each focused around a different interest.
Your target users are bound to be in one of them.
While Reddit and IndieHackers worked well to get feedback and iterate, how did Jouni really get 20k users in 3 months?
Good old fashioned press releases, distributed for just $50...
Good old fashioned press releases, distributed for just $50...
In a nutshell, here's how it works:
You write your own press release in a very specific format (take a look at how articles on your chosen platform - eg, TechCrunch - are written).
Then, pay someone to distribute it to relevant media outlets, websites, and freelance reporters.
You write your own press release in a very specific format (take a look at how articles on your chosen platform - eg, TechCrunch - are written).
Then, pay someone to distribute it to relevant media outlets, websites, and freelance reporters.
If you want to save EVEN MORE money, I'd start cold-DMing journalists months in advance.
Don't ask for anything - instead, read their articles, compliment their work and build a relationship.
Then, when the time comes, you'll have friends who'd love to write about you...
Don't ask for anything - instead, read their articles, compliment their work and build a relationship.
Then, when the time comes, you'll have friends who'd love to write about you...
For Jouni, 4 days after his press release went out, his app was featured on a major German computer website, gaining 1000s of visitors.
That's the beauty of press releases:
Other sites notice & write their own pieces.
That's the beauty of press releases:
Other sites notice & write their own pieces.
Within 3 months, Jouni had 20,000 users + 213 back-links to his site.
All with only $50 spent.
Niche problem + Feedback loops + Old-school distribution
Winning combo.
All with only $50 spent.
Niche problem + Feedback loops + Old-school distribution
Winning combo.
If you enjoy stories & lessons from builders, get more here:
contrarianthinking.biz/tw
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