066: Making $2.5k/Month Roasting Peoples Websites

—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 have an inspiring story lined up—one that delves deep into the principles of business success through the lens of Ollie and his thriving venture, Roasted dot io. In the next few minutes, we'll unravel the key strategies that propelled Roasted dot io to its remarkable achievements.—

—We'll explore three fundamental principles that not only transformed Ollie's business but can also serve as guiding beacons for anyone navigating the unpredictable waters of entrepreneurship. These principles—specialization and niche focus, adaptability and experimentation, and authenticity in building relationships—are not just theoretical concepts. We'll break them down into real, actionable steps that you can apply to your own ventures, no matter where you are on your entrepreneurial journey.—

—Let’s jump right into the story of Ollie, a 29-year-old designer and entrepreneur hailing from the UK and Cyprus. Ollie's story is proof that success doesn't always come from juggling countless tasks but rather from laser-focused dedication.—

—Growing up amidst financial challenges, Ollie's tenacity to build and improve was born out of adversity. With over a decade of experience in the design industry, he witnessed evolving industry trends through his work and YouTube channel. Ollie's approach defied the conventional obsession with multitasking. Instead, he believed in a single-minded focus, a philosophy that became the cornerstone of his successes, especially with projects like Roasted dot io and his freelance design business.—

—Roasted dot io, Ollie's brainchild, offers a specialized service: brutally honest feedback on landing pages and websites. By focusing on this niche, Roasted dot io helps startups pinpoint their website's pain points, leading to significantly improved conversion rates and user experiences.—

—But how did Roasted dot io come to life? It all started with a text from a friend seeking Ollie's opinion on his struggling startup. Instead of sugarcoating the truth, Ollie offered to "roast" his friend's landing page for a fee. The outcome was impressive: his friend made significant improvements overnight. This experience validated Ollie's startup idea, leading to the birth of Roasted dot io.—

—In the early days, Ollie leveraged platforms like Product Hunt, Indie Hackers, Hacker News, Twitter DMs, and Slack Channels to spread the word about Roasted dot io. Not every platform yielded the expected results, but Ollie's persistence and adaptability played a key role in his success.—

—Roasted dot io's revenue model is straightforward: direct sales of roasting services. Customers can choose from various packages, including a single-page roast for a hundred sixty nine dollars or a more extensive package for five hundred sixty nine dollars. Additionally, Ollie implemented an affiliate referral program, allowing people to earn 50 bucks for every customer they refer.—

—Running Roasted dot io isn't a walk in the park for Ollie. He dedicates his evenings and weekends to the business, embracing the challenges and victories that come his way. While he acknowledges the rollercoaster nature of entrepreneurship, Ollie emphasizes the importance of taking action over endlessly seeking advice. His advice? Don't focus solely on financial success; find joy in the small victories and the difference you make for others.—

—And there you have it, listeners—a glimpse into Ollie's journey with Roasted dot io, a story of focus, persistence, and the courage to embrace the challenges of entrepreneurship. —

—Let's now explore the key principles that propelled Ollie's business to new heights and how you can apply them to your own ventures.—

—Principle 1: Focus on Specialization and Niche—

—One of the fundamental principles behind Roasted dot io's success was Ollie's focus on specialization and catering to a specific niche. Instead of trying to be everything for everyone, he honed in on providing brutally honest feedback for landing pages and websites, a service that many startups desperately needed.—

—As a business owner, identify a specific niche or area within your industry where you excel or have a unique offering. Tailor your products or services to cater specifically to this niche. By becoming an expert in a specialized area, you can attract a dedicated customer base seeking your specialized solutions.—

—Principle 2: Adaptability and Experimentation—

— Ollie's journey with Roasted dot io was marked by adaptability and a willingness to experiment with different marketing channels. He didn't stick to a rigid plan but instead embraced various platforms like Product Hunt, Indie Hackers, and even Twitter DMs. By being open to experimentation and adapting his approach based on results, he maximized his outreach.—

—Stay open to new ideas and be willing to experiment with different marketing strategies and platforms. Test various channels such as social media, email marketing, or influencer collaborations. Analyze the results and invest more resources in the methods that yield the best outcomes. Adaptability and experimentation are key to finding the most effective ways to reach your target audience.—

—Principle 3: Authenticity and Building Relationships—

—Authenticity played a crucial role in Ollie's success. He shared his genuine journey of building Roasted dot io, including the challenges and victories, on platforms like Indie Hackers. By being authentic and relatable, he built meaningful connections with potential customers and fellow entrepreneurs. These authentic relationships helped him spread the word about his service.—

— Be genuine and authentic in your interactions with customers and clients. Share your story, including the challenges you've faced and how you've overcome them. Engage with your audience on social media platforms, respond to comments and messages personally, and showcase the human side of your business. Building authentic relationships fosters trust and loyalty, leading to long-term customer connections.—



—There you have it, listeners—three powerful principles that contributed to the success of Roasted dot io: focusing on specialization and niche, embracing adaptability and experimentation, and nurturing authenticity and relationships. As you embark on your own entrepreneurial journey, remember these principles and apply them in your business strategies.—


—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.