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    Home Unlabelled Startups Knowledge-dump from the dude that bootstrapped to 125k MAU and $100k ARR on how to do it

    Startups Knowledge-dump from the dude that bootstrapped to 125k MAU and $100k ARR on how to do it

    March 03, 2018

    Startups Knowledge-dump from the dude that bootstrapped to 125k MAU and $100k ARR on how to do it

    Knowledge-dump from the dude that bootstrapped to 125k MAU and $100k ARR on how to do it

    Posted: 02 Mar 2018 11:41 AM PST

    Hey guys, I'm the dude who posted this a few days ago - 1 year 1 month since launch. My B2C Webapp has gone past 125k MAU and $100k ARR!!!!

    I got far more DMs than I could reply to so I've decided to just do a quick knowledge dump here. These are general guidelines that I've lived by, and confirmed that it works along the way. I wouldn't take this as gospel since there are tens of thousands of types of businesses, but for B2C Websites/Webapps it should be very very relevant. Anyways let's do this.

    My Webapp's background

    • Solopreneur
    • Freemium Webapp
    • No User to User Interaction. 0 Social features.
    • Data/Analytics for a Physical Activity niche (But not Fitness)
    • Growth was largely from SEO/Google
    • No Mobile App. But it is responsive mobile optimized.

    Optimizing your Environment

    • I chose to live with my parents to minimize cost and maximize runway. That way I could work on it from the moment I wake up to the moment I went to sleep. I knew to make money with B2C apps I needed scale - and scale takes time, so I was trying to buy as much time as possible.
    • Used to date a clingy ass girlfriend. Broke up with her to buy more time for myself.
    • Don't incorporate until you need to. Like you release an MVP and someone wants to invest - then consider incorporation. Otherwise keep that money until it's necessary.
    • Don't outsource the design or development. Keep that competency in-house as much as possible. If you're getting a discounted price, you're discounting your product quality. God forbid they come back with a product using .NET stack.
    • Work solo or only work with committed, reliable, high quality-output cofounders. Aggressively minimize cofounder risk.

    Optimizing Product

    • Build a core-feature MVP and get feedback from forums and relevant subreddits ASAP. I did this and got 40 upvotes in a small subreddit that typically does 10 upvotes on a good post. So I could confirm I was onto something.
    • Maximize the quality of your UI/UX. High quality Design and Experience wins you customers.
    • Minimize the friction to use the app. If you can let them use it without signing up, let them! You'll gain more users and exposure benefits from reducing friction.
    • Page load times are still important.
    • I'm a little biased towards making your product 100% free until you hit scale. It's easier to hit scale if it's free.
    • The Free/Premium content balance that I used is 50/50. Some products do 20/80 but I feel that reduces your number of publicly available content and reduces your SEO potential. Either way this is up to you.
    • I have no advice on pricing. I priced mine just below what a typical restaurant lunch would cost in each country.

    Grassroots Marketing - 0 > 3,000 Users

    • Post in your relevant subreddit. I did so with an honest message. Got gilded.
    • If your subreddit likes you, then post bi-weekly or so.
    • Reddit is where having a great product really helped. My product was so obviously good that people didn't mind being updated on it biweekly. Reddit is naturally a no-bs community, so you can only win by providing value.
    • Post on forums across the web (this didn't give us a ton of traffic, but it's still good just to try)

    SEO - 3,000 Users > 100,000 Users+

    • Backlinks are still important to Google. Get quality backlinks from high quality domains. We got one from Oracle and ESPN-esque websites. Don't do spammy links.
    • Get your basics right. Each page should have 1 H1 tag/2~3 H2 tags/2~5 H3 tags, and P tags - all with the keyword you want targeted. Don't use H1 tag with your generic taglines like "Making the World Better" - You won't rank for anything on Google with that.
    • Text, text, text. Google is smart but it still needs to understand your page. If your page is about sushi toppings and you want to rank for those keywords, then write 300~400 words on sushi toppings. Use keywords you want to rank for.
    • Start a blog in your niche and blog semi-often. That will give you the opportunity to post on other blogs and get links back too. (but your product is still the focus!)
    • ahrefs is probably the best tool out there for tracking how your SEO is doing. KWFinder is the best for keyword research.
    • Alexa rank is best for understanding traffic trends (going up or down), but it's not good for traffic estimates
    • Use sitegur.com or similarweb to do traffic estimates and benchmarks. Webuka is very accurate while you're below 1k DAU.
    • SEO is a SLOW game. It takes weeks and months before you start seeing the effects. You won't even rank for your website name for a good 1.5 months. So be patient.
    • If a subreddit likes you, ask for a sidebar link. It will give you a ton of backlink juice
    • Pageload times are important. Time-to-first-byte should be below 0.2~0.3 seconds. Full render should be below 4 seconds.
    • You need a mobile version of the website for Google to like you these days. Responsive websites are the best because you don't duplicate pages. We didn't rank properly until we had a mobile responsive site.
    • Optimize Mobile page load times.
    • If you have the opportunity, make dynamically generated pages. For example Github makes a public project page every time you make one. That project page ranks on Google! And there are tens of thousands of them - which Github benefits from the search engine traffic of. It's also good because your users will start building links to these pages naturally.
    • Use keywords/slugs in URLs
    • Shorter URLs rank better
    • Use HTTPS. Cloudflare is a good option

    Hosting / Servers / Techstack

    • AWS is the shit. Very high learning curve but it will do literally anything you want it to. Use Stripe Atlas($500) to incorporate and you can get $5k credit which should last you 1~2 years of hosting.
    • Cloudflare is great for most applications and will give you HTTPS option at the click of a button. Using HTTPS will rank you better on Google and your user will see the green lock thing.
    • Standard LAMP still works well these days. No need to be fancy. Whatever works for you.
    • I didn't use any framework. Framework choice won't make or break you if you know how to code.

    Monetization

    • Subscription is awesome.
    • Stripe is the best option for most. Paypal is ok, less developer friendly and bugs out more often. Lots of people still prefer to pay via Paypal though.
    • Keep adding content/features if you're doing subscription.
    • People complain much less about renewals than I imagined

    On Mentality

    • A lot of being an Entrepreneur is similar to being a professional athlete I think.
    • If you win a match, you focus on the next match in 3 days. If you lose, you still focus on the next match in 3 days. Just keep your head in the game and don't let either success or failures distract you. As long as your users love your product, you should have something.
    • Being smart and making good decisions is half the battle. You have execute well and really outlast your competition and runaway.
    • Don't be afraid to recognize what you fucked up on and fix it. I've fucked up a lot of small stuff along the way and slowly fixed them over time.
    • I've met quite a few app devs along the way. The ones who fail always build something that the users don't love, and not necessarily because they weren't good at marketing or tech.
    • For most B2C websites, it takes a long time. Like, long, long, time. 8~12 months until you hit scale is typical, even if you have marketing capital.
    • Sometimes you'll get a big spike in traffic, be it ProductHunt or Reddit or Press. The focus is not how many users you get on these days, but it's about how many you retain. Also don't get depressed because your traffic spike trailed off - it's natural.
    • Be ok with people not liking you. I'm not saying you need to be Steve Jobs, but sometimes you need to make decisions that aren't popular with your cofounder/users/investors. But it's important for the company. A lot of what you decide on early can be life or death, so make the right decision and not try to appease anybody. Everybody who didn't like me temporarily came around when the results started becoming obvious, and trusts me now.
    • Stamina and longevity is important. I still played video games and hung out with friends to make sure I decompressed occasionally.

    Gah, I should become a consultant after I do an exit.

    Good luck!!

    submitted by /u/len_ryuka
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    Need advice to collect specific answer from target

    Posted: 03 Mar 2018 12:29 AM PST

    Hello,

    I am looking to build my startup as well and I am at the really beginning of it. So I first start with collecting data. My target is in another country than the one I currently live in.

    I am getting a lot of responses on my survey which is great. Thing is, I have questions more important than others and on those ones, even if they are required, I don't get answers. Every time I see the number of total responses growing and not for those specific questions so it worries me.

    The questions are: On which street to live in ? What is the name of your landlord or his estate agency ? Provide a contact point.

    My goal is to detect where people rent a lovely place or where they have problems so I can face the landlord with it. At the end, I would like to create a website to help expats to find a good place to live in, where they can avoid such kind of issues.

    So without knowing who the landlord is, I cannot proceed. I did add a description on the question, insisting on the fact private data will not be shared. Still, no answer. Sometimes, I have email addresses of the people who fill in the survey, it helps, but that is not enough to catch up that gap.

    I am looking for advises to know what I should change, how I could proceed to have those answers, pretty please

    submitted by /u/titerousse
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    I'm looking to sign up more start ups as clients. What's the best way to go about it?

    Posted: 03 Mar 2018 12:06 AM PST

    I've just started a content marketing busniess and want more of a start up client base. Mainly because I think being part of something from the beginning and helping it grow can be rewarding. Also because no one else has screwed up so much that I have to start on the back foot.

    Little question to start ups and owners - how do I go about this? The cold emailing thing gets me about 1 in 50 response rate and only then people just enquire.

    I'm not sure if many start up owners understand what content marketing is, but I'd describe it as creating good content for your website and using it to spread brand awareness and improve Google rankings.

    I'm considering using a different pricing model or an introductory offer for start ups as I feel they might be feeling priced out.

    Also - is there anywhere I can go to find startups looking for this kind of thing?

    Any feedback would be most appreciated.

    submitted by /u/throwawaymofo101
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    How do I divide equity, when new co-founder will have more than the current one and the old one disagree with that?

    Posted: 02 Mar 2018 10:08 AM PST

    We have online startup based on mothly paid membership. The current co-founder has 20% (IT guy) and I have the rest.

    I knew that in the future we would need someone to help out with marketing since I don't have time or money to do so, therefore we added new guy who is responsible for that. Though he wants to be rather affiliate while investing his own money in campaign.

    The problem is, that average % profit share in the industry is 25-40%. Which is significantly more than my current partner have.

    I agree with the split since he is not asking for anything outrageouseous but just average number. Though my current partner disagree and he says that it's not fair for him to have more

    How do I handle this situation or explain it to both parties? I'm newbie when it comes to equity, so I would really appreciate any input.

    submitted by /u/NovelDot
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    Gust v. Clerky v. Regular Lawyer. Let's have a chat.

    Posted: 02 Mar 2018 05:04 PM PST

    Those who didn't use Gust or Clerky to file their incorporation and company setup documents: how much did your lawyers charge? Did you like the experience? Was your lawyer a "startup lawyer"? Did you run into issues later on because your lawyer messed something up?

    Similarly, founders who used Gust or Clerky - what was your experience like?

    After this, let's talk about fundraising with Gust and Clerky instead of a traditional lawyer, as this is notably more complex than just filling out the incorporation and company setup documents.

    Feel free to chime in /u/darbywong and /u/andrew_gust !!!

    submitted by /u/startingup2017
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    How to get clients on LinkedIn [Case Study]

    Posted: 02 Mar 2018 08:46 PM PST

    Are you looking to grow your network on LinkedIn and get new leads/clients as well?

    Here are some tips for you!

    Optimise your profile

    Sometimes we spend a lot of time trying to add new contacts to our LinkedIn page without optimising our profiles.

    This doesn't cost any ad spend or technical skills.

    You simply have to introduce yourself to the reader and let them know a bit about you (the professional you) and how you can help your potential client.

    --Case Study--

    Though I don't use LinkedIn as a lead channel, I decided to try out this major tip.

    I reworded my profile with the following changes:

    • Standard Title

    Instead of "Founder of X" or "Owner of X", I wrote something similar to "I help founders grow their business online".

    • Cover Photo

    I changed my cover photo to reflect my current mission. Though I must admit I can still do better with this one if I focus on LinkedIn as a lead channel.

    • Summary

    I completely changed my summary from a CV-style description to a less formal description that introduces me; talking about my background and why I do what I do.

    Finally, I added a call to action for the reader to get in touch if they'd like to connect with me.

    --Results--

    I had a young entrepreneur connect with me after reading my profile. We met up for a coffee (ended up being a bottle of water haha).

    Though he didn't turn out to be a client. But little did I know he was impressed with me. He referred me to a law firm that needed an SEO "expert".

    Now, I'm working on closing this deal with the law firm.

    Bonus Tip: You don't need to connect with all your potential clients on LinkedIn. You can simply view their profiles and they will end up checking out yours when they notice you viewed theirs.

    submitted by /u/kelvinoralph
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    *.io vs *app.com?

    Posted: 02 Mar 2018 09:21 AM PST

    Hi,

    So I've come to the conclusion that between these options:

    • get*.com
    • try*.com
    • my*.com
    • *app.com
    • use*.com
    • *.net
    • *.org
    • *.io

    I believe *.io and *app.com are the better selections in this case; but I understand that it's hard for you all to provide any input without knowing what the company is/does, so here's how I'd put it vaguely (but enough to get the idea):

    [Company Name] provides multiple services, but can be interacted via a web/mobile application as well, but isn't necessarily focused on the idea of itself being an "app" or "application" of sorts. (For example, Discord (discordapp.com) to me has more of an integral app "image" or "nature" based on--well--Discord's service itself.)

    For branding, I honestly think the *.io would just be better to start with, but I just wanted to make sure and get some feedback before I hunker down and choose for sure.

    Thanks for your time everyone!

    Edit: Also want to ask whether it's usually bad/not advisable to add a term that revolves around your industry after the company name?

    For example: pandoramusic.com.

    submitted by /u/acting-
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    I want to start a program at my school, need advice on how to get started.

    Posted: 02 Mar 2018 05:38 PM PST

    I've been thinking about this project for a few weeks now. At my community college there are recycle bins but no on really uses them properly. Many people will throw trash and food in them. If I had to estimate I's say 1 out of every 10 people use the trash and recycle bins correctly. I wanted to start having bins (nothing special) in each classroom of the school to recycle bottles/cans, and every few days (I haven't decided how long I'd wait) to have all bins collected and to bring the bottles to our local recycling center to exchange for money. I want to use this money to donate to Mission for the Homeless which is a non profit organization in my city, Oakland, that distribute necessities to the homeless in Oakland every night. I think that it makes no sense that we are basically throwing away money, even if it does seem like a little, it adds up if everyone participates the best that they can. I also want to donate to other shelters as well but Oakland (heck the whole Bay Area) has a big homeless issue, and I want to help out any way I can. But I am not very business savvy I admit. I don't know what would be the best place to get funding (is Kickstarter good?) and if my school will even allow it. I would really appreciate some advice. I plan to, if my idea is successful, to start this in my neighborhood as well.

    Do you guys think this is even a good idea to begin with?

    submitted by /u/XxlilikinxX
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    Question about App creation and legalities around it.

    Posted: 02 Mar 2018 05:25 PM PST

    Hello everyone,

    I am looking for some information and maybe some guidance when it comes to app creation. I have created an app that I will sell to clients and it will help them with there everyday struggles. I will be able to take this app and change it to certain niches. and have 3 ways of payment this app. When finding potential clients we would then change out graphics to suit there needs.

    1 - Full payment for the app itself giving them rights to that app we would support it for 1 year then its on them. I would change out the graphics and change things to what they want. They will have the app but have to look at taking care of it after a year. 2 - Small upfront cost to cover some expenses and then a monthly fee for 75% of the functionality of the app. Support for as long as they are paying. Will continue to grow the app and add features as times goes on. 3 - Small upfront cost to cover some expenses and then a larger monthly fee for the full functionality of the app. Support for as long as they are paying. Will continue to grow the app and add features as times goes on.

    My questions are.

    1. What is needed to cover my ass when it comes to this. Basically I create an app that does some functions. I think sell its functionality to clients and change out the graphics for each client.

    2. Can I just create a simple contact for the monthly clients so when they cancel they lose the app and its functionality etc etc.

    I am really just looking to make this business venture 100% legit and strong from the start rather then half assing things and putting band aids on parts of this along the way. I don't think i'm over complicating things but I am not sure as I am usually just the technical resource I might be missing something but this part isn't my strong suit and was hoping to get some guidance.

    Thanks

    submitted by /u/Bizzoyce
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    I have an idea that could revolutionize the Healthcare/Hospital Industry but need help with getting it off the ground.

    Posted: 02 Mar 2018 12:45 PM PST

    I've had an idea on how to revolutionize the medical industry, but I'm a healthcare worker with no software/business background. How can I find the resources to get my idea off the ground without giving up the idea for someone to steal? This ideal could possibly be a +billion dollar idea. Where do i start?

    Edit: Need 500 characters for a post here apparently

    I know healthcare is difficult industry with all of the red tape in politics and insurance regulations but I think this idea could benefit patients, health care staff, and the bottom line all positively. Where would you start your search for resources in software development and healthcare law? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

    submitted by /u/riceaaaroni
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    Thoughts on NDA for developer?

    Posted: 02 Mar 2018 02:01 PM PST

    I've spent the past few months preparing my business for launch, it's a wesbite/app, and I'm now heading to development firms to help build it.

    Most have not had any issues signing my NDA or providing their own which has been reasonable, but one development firm has been more difficult. We're asking that they basically don't run with our app or give it away to a competitor- not that I expect that they would do either of those (they are a fairly well established firm). When presented our NDA, they specifically asked that we remove a section solely precluding them from sharing confidential information and also presented their own NDA which also does not protect against their potential sharing of confidential information and where they have a section which prevents us from seeking damages if they do.

    I'm not really sure how to proceed with them or why it is such a problem for them especially considering all the other development firms are so much more reasonable.

    I don't really think everyone I talk to about my business (investors, friends and acquaintances) needs an NDA, but for a development firm that will intimately know my business and have the capability of building my product, it seems to make sense to me to have some kind of protection.

    Anyways, would love to hear some of your thoughts on this

    submitted by /u/leodvinci
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    Please help. I want to change my founding date of my company.

    Posted: 02 Mar 2018 01:51 PM PST

    So I incorporated in 2013 and also registered my trademark. However, I have not done anything since then. Every year, I would pay the taxes and fees to keep the company alive since I thought I would start the company that year. This year, I finally quit my full-time job and finally going all in to start my company. The problem is when I go to investors, it looks bad that company was founded 2013 and that I did not do anything. I feel like changing my founding date to 2018. I spoke to my agents, they said the only to do it is by dissolving the company and starting a new company which would cost around $1500. Please note, I want to keep the same name since it best describe my company. Any suggestion or advice.

    submitted by /u/winter32842
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    Is it just me? Users not responding to feedback requests

    Posted: 02 Mar 2018 04:12 AM PST

    Hi There, I have posted a couple of times and got very good suggestions from the members. Currently, we are facing an unusual situation. None of the 100+ users are replying to our feedback requests on the product (app). The app retention rate is 12% on 3-4 days in the week and close to 10% on the other days. I wouldn't say we are out of woods yet as the retention can be improved even further The net app growth is also positive.

    I am not sure what should we do to make our users respond to our requests for the feedback.

    submitted by /u/Yamuna522201
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    Web app only, native app nervousness. Thoughts?

    Posted: 02 Mar 2018 07:36 AM PST

    My background: Solo founder here with a background in Design, UX and Marketing. 2 previous smaller startups under my belt, however not software related.

    I'm embarking on my biggest project yet, and having a software product built by a quality, outsourced dev team. To keep costs low and test the MVP/Alpha/Beta, we're only building a web app to start. On one hand, it's a robust planning app, that, from a user experience, benefits from a desktop view dashboard.

    On the other hand, it's also in many ways a communication/chat app, which really begs for a native application so users can message on-the-go. Currently, they'd have to use the responsive web app in a browser.

    Perhaps it's because I'm rarely an alpha/beta tester in new products, but how common is it for B2C software only having a webapp at the beginning (for up to a year, probably)?

    I know many will say I should just learn to code the native app and just get going. But as a solo founder, I'm banking on my strengths and spending my time accordingly. The plan is to show web app traction and fundraise with native app development as one of our primary needs for capital.

    Thanks, all!

    submitted by /u/hamslamwich
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