071: Making $60k/Month with a Niche Job Board

—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 delving into the fascinating success story of Japan Dev, an ultra-niche job board making waves in the tech industry. Before we dive in, let's set the stage. Japan Dev, founded by Eric Turner, is not your average success story. It's a testament to three fundamental business principles that any entrepreneur can learn from.—

—In this episode, we'll explore how Eric identified a gap in the market, crafted a unique monetization strategy, and deployed a diversified marketing approach that catapulted Japan Dev to where it is today. So, whether you're running a tech startup, a small business, or dreaming of your entrepreneurial journey, stay tuned as we unravel the lessons from Japan Dev's incredible ascent. Let's get started!—

—So, who's the mastermind behind this unique venture? Well, that would be Eric Turner. His story kicks off in twenty fourteen when he found himself on a quest for a fulfilling software engineering job in Tokyo. Frustrated by the lack of information available for foreigners about tech companies in Japan, Eric decided to take matters into his own hands.—

—Fast forward to August twenty twenty two, and Japan Dev stands as a bootstrapped business with no employees, solely run by Eric and his wife. But how did this all start? Eric's journey began with a Trello board named "Companies twenty fourteen," where he curated a list of promising tech companies in Japan that matched his criteria. Think good work-life balance, attractive salaries, modern tech stack—the works.—

Years went by, and Eric kept refining his list while working as a developer. In twenty seventeen, he transformed his idea into a project, creating a prototype called "Good tech companies in Japan." With the support of his wife, Manami, they rebranded it to "Japan Dev" and officially launched it in April twenty nineteen.—

—Now, let's talk marketing. Eric focused on organic growth and word of mouth. SEO, email marketing, social media, networking, cold outreach, and content creation—they tried it all. Building an email list with over 10 thousand subscribers, leveraging social media platforms, and engaging with the audience on Twitter helped boost the platform's visibility.—

—But how does Japan Dev make money? Here's the interesting part—they operate on a success-based fee model. Instead of charging companies upfront for job listings, Japan Dev only charges a fee when a company successfully hires a candidate through the platform. It's a win-win, aligning the interests of job seekers and companies.—

—The platform also keeps things transparent by imposing late fees for non-reporting successful hires. This unique approach has led to contracts with nearly 150 tech companies in Japan and revenue of 8 point 3 million yen , or the equivalent of around 63 grand in the previous month.—

—So, there you have it—the story of Eric Turner and Japan Dev, a thriving platform connecting job seekers with the best tech firms in Japan. —

—Now that we've heard Eric's story, let's dive into the success of Japan Dev and uncover three fundamental principles that propelled this niche job board to extraordinary heights. Let's dive in.—

—Principle 1: Identifying a Gap in the Market—

—First up, we have the principle of identifying a gap in the market. Eric Turner recognized a glaring need – the lack of information for foreigners seeking tech jobs in Japan. How did this contribute to Japan Dev's success? Well, identifying an unmet need provided the foundation for a service that addressed a specific pain point in the market.—

— As a business owner, keenly observe your industry and target audience. Identify gaps or pain points that your competitors might be overlooking. Conduct surveys, engage with your audience on social media, and use the insights to tailor your products or services to meet unmet needs.—

—Principle 2: Unique Monetization Strategy—

— Now, let's talk about the unique monetization strategy Eric deployed. Instead of the traditional flat fee for job listings, they adopted a success-based fee model. This means they only charge companies when a candidate is successfully hired through the platform.—

— Consider reevaluating your business's pricing model. Can you align your success with that of your clients? Explore different monetization strategies that reflect the value your product or service brings to customers. It could be performance-based pricing, subscription models, or other creative approaches that tie your success to theirs.—

—Principle 3: Diversified and Effective Marketing Strategies—

— Lastly, Japan Dev's success is attributed to a diversified and effective marketing strategy. Eric utilized SEO, email marketing, social media, networking, cold outreach, and content creation. This diversified approach allowed them to reach a broader audience and build a robust online presence.—

—Take a close look at your current marketing efforts. Are you relying on one or two channels, or do you have a diversified strategy? Explore various avenues, such as social media, content creation, email campaigns, and partnerships. Test and analyze which channels resonate best with your audience, and adjust your strategy accordingly.—


— There you have it, folks – three principles that played a pivotal role in Japan Dev's success. Identify market gaps, adopt unique monetization strategies, and diversify your marketing efforts. These principles aren't exclusive to niche job boards; they're universal and can be applied to businesses of all shapes and sizes.—


—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.—