How I Built a Company With $0 Ad Spend

Hey Indie Hackers!

As someone deeply entrenched in the world of digital marketing throughout my career, the idea of launching a company without spending a dime on advertising seemed like a daunting challenge. But, as they say, necessity is the mother of invention. Here's how I managed to kickstart my second venture and acquire our first five customers without spending anything on paid ads.

1. Leveraging Launch Platforms

One of the first strategies I tried was leveraging platforms like Product Hunt and Fazier.com. These platforms offer a fantastic opportunity to get noticed by an engaged audience, and perhaps the most important part, it's entirely free. Crafting a compelling product launch post allowed me to showcase my new venture, SUPERpen, to a community genuinely interested in people's new projects.

2. Tapping into Existing Networks

Having run a marketing agency previously, I had a valuable asset at my disposal – a network of existing and previous clients. I reached out to them, not just to announce the new venture but also to emphasize the unique services SUPERpen offered. Leveraging these relationships opened doors to potential clients who were already familiar with the quality of my work.

3. Exploring Job Boards

Given the design-oriented nature of SUPERpen's services, I scoured job boards for opportunities. Instead of hiring full-time designers, companies looking to fill design positions were introduced to SUPERpen as a cost-effective alternative. This proactive approach allowed me to tap into a market actively seeking design solutions and positioned SUPERpen as a viable option.

4. Here's what I learned

Launching a company without spending a penny on ads might seem like a risky move, especially for someone deeply rooted in digital marketing. However, I managed to secure our first five customers. It goes to show that sometimes, the most effective marketing strategies don't have to come with a hefty price tag!

If you're curious about SUPERpen and want to learn more, check out our Product Hunt launch post here: https://www.producthunt.com/posts/superpen

Your feedback is invaluable, and I welcome any insights you might have!

Cheers to bootstrapping success,