072: A Solitaire Website Making $10k/Month

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—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 Chris Koerner, and today, we've got a captivating success story that's sure to inspire and enlighten. We're diving into the journey of Holger, the mastermind behind Online Solitaire, a business that went from earning fifteen hundred dollars a month to a staggering 10 grand monthly revenue. In this episode, we'll unravel the key principles that fueled this success and discuss how you can apply them to your own business. Get ready for a deep dive into Smart Marketing Focus, Adaptive Revenue Models, and the Strategic Side Hustle. So, grab your notepads and get ready to glean valuable insights as we uncover the secrets behind Online Solitaire's triumph. Let's get started!—

—Holger, a designer-turned-developer, is the brains behind Online Solitaire, a website that offers a variety of solitaire games like Klondike Solitaire, FreeCell, and Spider Solitaire. He's been in the business for over a decade, driven by his passion for creating the best possible version of these card games.—

—Back in January twenty twenty, Online Solitaire was bringing in around fifteen hundred dollars monthly. Fast forward to February twenty twenty two, and the site has reached an impressive 10 grand in monthly revenue. But how did it all start?—

—Holger began his journey by creating a solitaire game app for the Mac App Store over a decade ago while still working a full-time job. The app was initially a side project, a way for him to learn a new programming language and, hopefully, generate some extra income. Surprisingly, the first app garnered attention, earning him 20 dollars from 100 downloads. However, it remained a side hustle while he pursued a career as the CTO of a startup.—

—After facing burnout and the closure of the startup, Holger decided to focus on his solitaire game. Despite not making money for several years, he took a leap of faith by trying out banner ads, which brought in one grand in the first month. This success propelled him to improve the site, optimize its speed, and enhance SEO. Today, Online Solitaire rakes in over 10 grand monthly.—

—Holger's marketing strategy primarily revolves around search. He emphasizes the importance of ranking well on Google, constantly updating content, creating comprehensive guides, and implementing serp features. Link building and keyword optimization also play crucial roles in driving traffic to the site.—

—The revenue model for Online Solitaire is a mix of ads and subscriptions, with ads being the primary income source. Holger uses the Freestar ad network, connecting with various ad networks to maximize revenue. Additionally, he offers users the option to pay to remove ads while playing on the website.—

—Holger's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? Start your business as a side hustle. He believes it's financially less stressful and encourages trying to make success happen when you still have room to fail. Whether you're working a day job or going all-in on your business, Holger's journey teaches us the importance of perseverance and strategic decision-making.—

—And that wraps up Holger's story on how he turned a solitaire passion into a thriving online business. —

— In the next segment, we're dissecting the success story of Holger and his booming Online Solitaire business. Let's uncover three principles that fueled his triumph and discuss how you can apply them to your own venture.—

—Principle 1: Smart Marketing Focus - Emphasize Search—

—Holger's sharp focus on search has been a game-changer for Online Solitaire. He recognizes that solitaire is something people actively search for, making it essential for his site to pop up when they do. How can you apply this principle to your business? Invest time in optimizing your online presence for search engines. Update your website content, create comprehensive guides, and implement serp features that resonate with your audience. Remember, being visible when potential customers are searching is a powerful marketing strategy.—

—Principle 2: Adaptive Revenue Model - Diversify Income Streams—

— Online Solitaire's success isn't solely reliant on one income stream. Holger cleverly monetized the site through ads and subscriptions, with ads being the primary revenue source. For your business, consider diversifying your income streams. Explore various monetization options that align with your audience and industry. Whether it's through partnerships, affiliate marketing, or subscription models, having multiple revenue streams can provide stability and growth opportunities.—

—Principle 3: Strategic Side Hustle - Gradual Transition to Full-Time—

— Holger's journey emphasizes the value of starting your business as a side hustle. By initially treating Online Solitaire as a supplementary income source, he reduced financial stress and gave himself room to experiment. How can you implement this principle? If possible, consider starting your business as a side hustle while maintaining a steady income from a day job. This approach allows you to test the waters, refine your strategy, and make mistakes without jeopardizing your financial stability. Once your venture gains traction, you can confidently transition into full-time entrepreneurship.—

—And there you have it, three principles from Holger's success story that you can integrate into your own business strategy: Smart Marketing Focus, Adaptive Revenue Models, and a Strategic Side Hustle. Remember, success often stems from a combination of strategic decisions, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of improvement.—

—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.—