From $0 to $80k in 1 Year: My Journey with Designfly

Hey IndieHackers!

A year ago, I quit my job as an in-house designer and launched designfly.io. I’m excited to share that I've made over $80k in revenue, serving 17 clients. Here’s my story and some tips that might help you on your own journey.

Focus on Your Strengths

With 10+ years of design experience, I zeroed in on designing UI for SaaS startups. By focusing on my expertise, I was able to deliver high-quality designs at scale while building a strong reputation in this niche, gaining over 1,000 followers on X in just a few months.

Show Quality Work

Your portfolio is your best asset. High-quality work attracts clients who value your skills. Showcase your best projects and ensure your landing page sets a high standard for your work.

Simple and Affordable Pricing

In a competitive market, I kept my pricing simple and affordable, making it easier for clients to choose Designfly. Almost half of my clients signed up without a demo.

Listen to Your Customers

Initially, I struggled to get clients, so I lowered my pricing to $1,000 per month. This attracted clients and provided valuable feedback. Listening to their needs allowed me to refine my service and eventually raise my prices, doubling my revenue.

Design Roasting Service

I also launched roasti.co, where I provide actionable feedback on UI and UX design. This service has successfully upsold several clients to Designfly.

What's Next

I'm excited about the future of Designfly. I'm trying out a new 1-week sprint plan. Additionally, I'm sharing more of my work on X, which has already proven to be a great place to find clients. I'm also developing Webflow and Figma templates to generate extra revenue and attract potential clients.

I hope my story inspires you to take the leap and start your own journey. You can follow my progress on X here: https://x.com/designflyio