Eight months after launching a lead generation tool, its founder posted on r/SaaS that it had passed $11K in revenue and about $2,750 in monthly recurring revenue with, he says, nothing spent on ads. The post is a short list, and three items are unusually specific.
Free tools, Reddit brand mentions and a daily DM quota
First, SEO from day one, done in a particular way. He shipped free tools relevant to his niche as optimised, interlinked pages, submitted the product to free launch directories with high domain ratings, and built comparison pages against competitors aimed at what people search. The odd one out: he comments his brand name, with no link, on relevant Reddit threads that already rank on Google. Readers see the name, search it, and he believes those branded searches help domain trust.
Second, testimonials as early as possible, shown on the landing page and at checkout, because a new tool is a zero trust product.
Third, and the one he calls the game changer: a daily quota of at least 30 direct messages to people who, anywhere online, have asked how to find leads or something close. The message says he saw their post and there is a tool that does exactly that. If they are interested he pitches; if not he moves on.
Why it works
Free tools earn links and traffic a landing page never will. Brand mentions in ranking threads piggyback on pages Google already trusts. The DM quota turns existing demand into conversations, no audience required.
How to copy it
Build one free calculator or checker. Find five ranking threads where your name fits naturally. Set a daily outreach number and keep it.
Credit: u/GuidanceSelect7706 on Reddit