My top resources that guide me as a beginner indie hacker
It took me 4 long years to launch a product.
As someone starting out, indie hacking felt like wandering without a map, leaving me second-guessing every move. If you're facing the same, I'd like to help a bit.
Here are 8 invaluable resources to help you gain direction ๐
1. Where it all started
If you're unfamiliar with the entire process of finding an idea, launching, and monetizing (or exiting), Pieter Levels essentially outlines the entire game here. This is a MUST-WATCH for any indie hacker.
(Addendum to 1)
Here's an addendum to the first video: a great conversation between Arvid Kahl and Pieter Levels. Here, Pieter has shared his thoughts about the evolution of the Indie Hacking movement and the changes that have occurred over the years.
2. The "why"
For people who have been in ๐/Twitter for a long time, this might be a cliche. But for those who just started to play the game, you should not miss this ๐ tweet thread. In it, you could find priceless insights on wealth creation and a mindset geared for long-term success.
3. Is this a popularity contest?
Many IH become discouraged from pursuing their ideas because they believe that gaining followers is the only path to success.
While it certainly helps, you can start earning from your SaaS even before that. Here, Danny Postma outlines an eye-opening process of finding underserved Google keyword searches where your SaaS could add value. Check it out :D
4. Speaking of followers...
Everyone wants to eventually build a following, but some goes into questionable practices, damaging their reputation before it even forms.
Arvid Kahl's concept of value alignment in the follower-followee relationship provides a solid foundation for finding your audience amidst ever-changing algorithm updates.
This concept actually came from his paid content, but here's a free video that covers something similar ๐
5. Note how you position your product
I've only just discovered this myself, but I wish I'd known it sooner: You might understand your product perfectly, but others just don't seem to get it. Perhaps it's a positioning issue!
In this talk, April Dunford takes you through the experience of buying a toilet (๐) to show you what it's like from the buyer's perspective during the sales process. If you're not too familiar with positioning, this is definitely worth a watch!
6. Marketing examples
Here's a gem: Marketing can be tough and confusing, especially if you're new to it and haven't seen much marketing done stuff before.
But don't worry! Harry Dry has made a collection of top-notch marketing examples that are on point and easy to understand โจ
7. Grow your product
There are countless ways to grow a product. Each product is unique and requires its own approach to growth. You can't simply copy and paste strategies that work for one product onto another.
Here, Andrea Bosoni has created a treasure trove of case studies! It's unbelievable that it's free! Binge-read it to uncover patterns in product growth.
8. Building as marketing
Passionate about building more than marketing? Check out this resource by Marc Louvion where he concisely outlines what free tool marketing is, why it's effective, and provides guidelines on how to execute it!
There you have it, 8 invaluable resources to help you clear the fog of your Indie Hacker journey!
Before you go, I'm currently live on Product Hunt! ๐
I've developed a visual finance tracker using Kanban boards.
It's my very first product launch, and any kind of support would mean a lot to me. ๐๐
Thank you for taking the time to read! If I miss anything, share it in the replies ๐ If you think someone else could benefit from this thread, feel free to share it!
Good luck with your Indie Hacker adventures!
Awesome :)
I could have avoided so many mistakes when I started if I had similar resources or a map, as you put it, to guide me.
I recently came across wannabexperts.com - basically a curated wiki/database for indie hackers, entrepreneurs etc. about SEO, fundraising , startup wisdom etc. - might be of use to you.
Another great resource for email marketing is reallygoodemails.com, if email is your thing.
Anyway, thanks for sharing.
Those are great addition! Thanks for sharing!
As a beginner indie hacker, my top resources include:
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing, this is very useful for me and worth learning well
Glad to help!
Thanks for sharing these resources, I bookmarked a couple.
Good luck with your launch, and my vote is already in on Product Hunt!
Budget Kanban looks really great!
Thank you alesia_!
Thanks
Love to help :D
Such a good post! These resources are priceless for anyone starting out! Best of luck with the launch, just upvoted there
Thank you!
You offer valuable insights and resources for beginner indie hackers. Thank you!
Glad to help!
This was a fantastic list. I loved the tip about SEO! ๐
I love that too!
Very useful. Thank you!
Thank you GORN!
Awesome !!
Thank you @amitdash!
very useful. thanks for sharing
Thank you @MrHang!
Very useful. Thanks a ton.
Thank you @enthudeveloper!
Thanks for the list of resources, it's been very useful to me!
Thank you @qiufeng!
I'd add http://kickstartsidehustle.com/ (shameless promo) to the #6/7
It's a mix of guides, principles, and case studies, related to creative, viral, and psychology marketing.
Why did I create such thing?
I wanted to work smarter, not harder. And I knew there were businesses doing 10X or 100X, using little to no money, by only doing things differently.
Unfortunately, there wasn't a single place that could provide ANYTHING barely even useful on these topics.
So I've dedicated myself to create such place.
Since then, I've been using my own website almost daily, and made $120k+
Thanks for sharing!
Great it is very helpful for everyone who knows
thank you @davidclark!
Thanks for this. Just what I need right now. Your product looks great too. Very unique. Will def look into that when Iโm at the stage that I need it.
Glad to help @Dangow!
Great!
thank you @joyanderson!
This is a great list of resources, especially postma's thread about keywords. Thank you for sharing and good luck with your PH launch! (You just got an upvote :) )
Thank you Spiros! Super grateful ๐
Some great resources. I really liked the Danny Postma thread on SEO keywords.
I like that too! Thanks for reading @carterparks!
Great article Just, thanks for sharing!
You're welcome Luca!
As a beginner indie hacker, my top resources guiding me include online communities like Indie Hackers and Reddit's r/entrepreneur. Podcasts such as "The Indie Hackers Podcast" offer valuable insights and success stories. Blogs like "The Startup" and "Medium" feature informative articles on entrepreneurship and startup strategies. Online courses on platforms like Udemy and Coursera provide practical knowledge on business development and marketing. Lastly, mentorship programs and networking events offer invaluable guidance and support from experienced professionals in the field.
Great roundup of resources! Finding a blend of inspiration and practical advice is key as a beginner. It's also worth noting the importance of collaboration tools, especially for indie hackers juggling multiple roles. Tools that streamline project management can really help keep things from slipping through the cracks!
Great list buddy
Great post!
Thanks for sharing!
Before you go, I'm currently live on Product Hunt: https://www.producthunt.com/posts/budget-kanban
It's my very first product launch, and any kind of support would mean a lot to me. ๐๐