052: A Travel Visa Site Making $21k/Month

—Welcome to Startup Gems, where we find undiscovered startup growth hacks, stories and case studies from every random nook and cranny of the internet.—

—Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring startup expert, or simply someone seeking inspiration, Startup Gems is your source for the stories that ignite the flames of innovation.—


—I’m your host, Chris Koerner, and today, we're about to embark on a journey through the fascinating story of Visa List, a groundbreaking website that simplified visa information for travelers around the globe.—

—In this episode, we'll uncover three essential principles that were key to Visa List's triumph, principles that any business owner can harness to navigate the often challenging terrain of entrepreneurship. From identifying pain points and providing solutions to building strategic partnerships and practicing continuous optimization, we'll dissect these principles and illustrate how they can be applied in any business setting.—

—Let’s dive into the intriguing story of Hari Krishna, the mastermind behind Visa List, a game-changing website that simplifies visa information for travelers worldwide.—

—Hari's journey began with a simple yet profound realization: the confusion and frustration travelers face due to visa requirements. In twenty eighteen, while embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, he found himself entangled in the complexities of visas. Some countries offered Visa on Arrival, while others demanded a lengthy embassy process in his home country, India. Frustrated with the inconsistent information scattered across numerous websites, he decided it was time for a change.—

—This frustration birthed Visa List. Hari's vision was clear: to aggregate, organize, and present visa information comprehensively. He understood the pain points of fellow travelers, who often had to cancel trips due to visa hassles. His solution was a user-friendly platform that became a beacon for globetrotters, offering not just visa requirements but also invaluable details like exemptions, dual passport rules, flight prices, weather, distance, and travel advice for over  a hundred countries.—

—But how did this vision turn into a thriving business? Hari started by reaching out to the indie community, launching Visa List on platforms like Reddit, HackerNews, and Product Hunt. His post even went viral on Reddit, bringing in over 40,000 users. This organic growth strategy laid the foundation for Visa List's success.—

—Hari didn’t stop there. He understood the power of partnerships. Collaborating with companies like Skyscanner, he provided users with flight information, enhancing their experience and creating a new revenue stream. Partnering with iVisa, a visa service provider, further bolstered his business, bringing in additional income.—

—Now, let’s talk money. Visa List operates on multiple revenue streams. One key source is Pro Subscriptions, offering users premium features such as visa advice and up-to-date requirements for a monthly fee of 9 ninety nine. Partnerships with visa agencies and travel-related services like Skyscanner also contribute significantly. These partnerships involve referral or affiliate programs, earning Visa List commissions for driving users to these services or facilitating bookings.—

—And then, there's advertising. Despite initial hesitations, Hari incorporated ads into Visa List. Ad revenue, based on impressions, clicks, and engagement metrics, became another substantial income source. Hari didn’t just stop at displaying ads; he delved into Ad Ops, optimizing ad sizes and placements, maximizing revenue.—

—In summary, Hari Krishna's journey with Visa List showcases the power of recognizing a problem, finding innovative solutions, and leveraging partnerships and smart business strategies. Today, Visa List stands as a testament to Hari's vision and determination, simplifying the travel experience for countless adventurers worldwide.— 

—In the story of Visa List and Hari Krishna, we can extract three fundamental principles that propelled his company to success. Let's delve into these principles and understand how any business owner can apply them to their own ventures.—


—Principle 1: Identifying a Pain Point and Providing a Solution—

—The first principle that led to Visa List's success was identifying a widespread problem: the confusion and frustration surrounding visa requirements for travelers. Hari recognized this pain point and provided a simple, comprehensive solution through Visa List. By addressing a common challenge, he created a valuable resource for travelers worldwide.—


—For any business owner, the key is to keenly observe the challenges your target audience faces. Listen to their feedback, conduct surveys, and analyze market trends. Identify recurring pain points and develop products or services that directly address these issues. By providing effective solutions, you not only meet customer needs but also create a loyal customer base.—



—Principle 2: Building Strategic Partnerships—

—Another crucial principle that contributed to Visa List's success was building strategic partnerships. Hari collaborated with companies like Skyscanner and iVisa, enhancing his platform's offerings and generating additional revenue streams. These partnerships not only expanded Visa List's reach but also improved the overall user experience.—



—You should actively seek partnerships with complementary businesses or service providers. Identify companies that share your target audience but are not direct competitors. Forge mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance your offerings and provide added value to your customers. Whether it's joint marketing efforts, referral programs, or bundled services, strategic partnerships can significantly boost your business's growth and revenue.—



—Principle 3: Continuous Optimization and Adaptation—

—The third principle that played a pivotal role in Visa List's success was continuous optimization and adaptation. Hari invested time in learning Ad Ops, optimizing ad placements, and experimenting with various strategies. This continuous effort to enhance the platform's user experience and revenue streams ensured sustained growth and profitability.—


—In the dynamic business landscape, staying stagnant is a recipe for decline. Business owners must continually analyze their operations, marketing strategies, and customer feedback. Embrace a culture of continuous improvement. Experiment with new technologies, marketing channels, and business models. Regularly optimize your processes and offerings based on data and customer feedback. By staying adaptable and open to change, your business can thrive amidst evolving market demands.—



—Thank you for being part of today's adventure through the world of startups and innovation. Did this episode ignite any fresh perspectives or ideas? Share your reflections and favorite takeaways in a review wherever you’re listening now. Remember to stay curious, continue to forge your own path, and subscribe and follow Startup Gems to be the first to access stories that will fan the flames of your entrepreneurial passion.—