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No More Mondays

Author: Dan Rowden and James McKinven

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No More Mondays peels back the curtain to see what it takes to build an indie business. Following the journey of indie hackers Dan Rowden and James McKinven as they navigate building a micro-SaaS studio and a podcast respectively.
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This week Dan moves closer to finishing his Twitter course and gets geared up for a big Product Hunt launch while I battle with another tough week of low motivation and no money.What we covered in this episode:Is ilo a bad name?How do you title podcast episodes?Sponsor - PaddleDan moves towards launching his courseShould he do a PH launch for the course?Dan get’s prepped for launching ilo Thread AnalyticsDan builds a little utility product, AdapterPayShould more indie hackers build small products?Building to solve your own problemJames had a pretty rubbish weekHow to deal with picking yourself up after a tough weekHow to get more clients, quicklyTweetsDanJamesLinks:Follow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfm→ Sponsor the showToday's sponsor - PaddleIn this market it’s harder to grow. And when you do, there are more operational distractions slowing your momentum. Like building and maintaining a global payments and billing system. Or reconciling revenue data.Paddle and ProfitWell are coming together to take the load off your finance and engineering teams.We make subscription billing, payments, tax, and growth products that “do it for you.” In turn, you focus on what really matters - your team, customers, and products.Find out more at Paddle.comAbout DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
18: Is ilo a bad name?

18: Is ilo a bad name?

2022-06-0719:33

This week Dan finally launches his marketing site and gets the itch to start another new product, while I have a bit of a battle to find clients and someone said my website was rubbish.What we covered in this episode:James loses his Twitter streakSponsor - PaddlePaddle DocumentaryDan launches his new marketing siteNew Product Hunt pagesShould Dan rebrand ilo?Should Dan build ANOTHER product?Dan’s progress on Twitter for Developers CourseA new Ghost theme for courses?James has a bad weekSomeone tells me the PodPanda website is 💩Matt Evans offers to build a new onePermissionless apprentice - Jack ButcherMy sister’s Notion avatarHow can my sister make money?Indie Bites episode recording with Marie NgLinks:Follow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfm→ Sponsor the showToday's sponsor - PaddleIn this market it’s harder to grow. And when you do, there are more operational distractions slowing your momentum. Like building and maintaining a global payments and billing system. Or reconciling revenue data.Paddle and ProfitWell are coming together to take the load off your finance and engineering teams.We make subscription billing, payments, tax, and growth products that “do it for you.” In turn, you focus on what really matters - your team, customers, and products.Find out more at Paddle.comAbout DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
This week Dan goes hard on the marketing site for ilo and is busy with the new Ghost v5 launch, while I go viral taking down a certain microphone but had a tough mental health week.What we covered this week:ilo marketing site, paid trialsDan goes Climate PositiveGhost v5 launchDan thinks about Cove againSkipped Indie Bites - bad weekdontbuyayeti.com goes viralViral tweetWent to The Podcast Show in LondonLinks:Follow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfm→ Sponsor the showToday's sponsor - PaddleIn this market it’s harder to grow. And when you do, there are more operational distractions slowing your momentum. Like building and maintaining a global payments and billing system. Or reconciling revenue data.Paddle and ProfitWell are coming together to take the load off your finance and engineering teams.We make subscription billing, payments, tax, and growth products that “do it for you.” In turn, you focus on what really matters - your team, customers, and products.Find out more at Paddle.comAbout DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
This week I sell my car to kickstart project get James out of debt, Dan launches a bunch of new marketing products for ilo and I practice my street hustling skills at a pub in London.What we covered in this episode:Building dontbuyayeti.comJames sold his carProject get James out of debtSponsor - UpvotyJames street hustling at Indie BeersShould you get business cards?Back to 1 a week with Indie BitesDan’s week of focus on iloBuilding an impression predictorJack Ellis’ tweetFree follow tracker for iloilo.so/elonmuskDan hit’s $100k ARRTweetsJamesDanLinks:Follow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfm→ Sponsor the showToday's sponsor - UpvotyAs an indie hacker building your product, how often do you ask for user feedback? Because if you listen to the problems of your users, you can really understand their pain points and solve their problem, building a product they love.Upvoty is a user feedback tool that makes it easy for you to listen to your users and prioritize what to build next.Install Upvoty's feedback boards and you'll have all of your user feedback in one place. You can also close the feedback loop by setting up your Changelog and Product Roadmap, allowing your users to be actively involved in building new features and love your product even more.Want to give it a go? Upvoty has a 14 day free trial and 10% off any plan with the code "No More Mondays".→ Try Upvoty hereAbout DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
This week, we’ve got a special episode for you as we answer your questions from Twitter. We answer life’s big questions like what we’d work on if money were no object, what the best things about this podcast are and what really is enough.What we covered in this episode:TikTok updateIf money were no object, what would you work on? from HrishiWhat project should Dan go all-in on? from Jack EllisHow do each of you balance multiple projects at the same time? from Ryan GilbertWhat's the best and worst thing about being public on NMM? from Mark JeffreyHow much do you spend on SaaS tools every month? from Matthew ReidWhy is a physical business not considered bootstrapping? From Matt EvansWhat does 'enough' actually look like? from John SpeedTweets:JamesDanLinks:Indie Bites with Dago RenoufPaul Jarvis' "Enough" articleFollow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfm→ Sponsor the showToday's sponsor - UpvotyAs an indie hacker building your product, how often do you ask for user feedback? Because if you listen to the problems of your users, you can really understand their pain points and solve their problem, building a product they love.Upvoty is a user feedback tool that makes it easy for you to listen to your users and prioritize what to build next.Install Upvoty's feedback boards and you'll have all of your user feedback in one place. You can also close the feedback loop by setting up your Changelog and Product Roadmap, allowing your users to be actively involved in building new features and love your product even more.Want to give it a go? Upvoty has a 14 day free trial and 10% off any plan with the code "No More Mondays".→ Try Upvoty hereAbout DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
This week, the multiple projects vs single focus debate comes up again, Dan and I discuss our TikTok challenge progress and we have a fancy new jingle at the end of the episode.What we covered in this episode:Updates on our TikTok challengeAfter a few years, is $4k MRR any good?Dan's tweetJustin Jackson False positives articleMultiple projects vs single focus, which is best?James' tweetNew Transistor theme out for out websiteJames releases 2 Indie Bites episodesOur new jingleTweetsDanJamesLinks:Follow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfm→ Sponsor the showToday's sponsor - ZipMessageZipMessage is a video messaging tool designed for asynchronous conversations.You send a link to a customer, a coworker, a new hire, or anyone else you want to exchange screen and/or camera messages with. You can reserve your personal url where others can message you, or integrate it into your website.Use it for free forever or upgrade for the full async experience on ZipMessage. “No More Mondays” 10% off your first 3 months.→ Try ZipMessage hereAbout DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
This week we kick off our TikTok challenge, Dan made $1,200 launching his new course and my cat Alfie finally gets the recognition he deserves. What we covered in this episode:Our TikTok progressDan’s planning weekWorking on a new theme, OrbitDan’s new Twitter courseA surprising Twitter statJames’ viral tweetsJames’ cat is more famous than himVirality is scaryJames’ sticks to his Indie Bites schedule8k downloads in one monthA easy peasy Lemon Squeezy chatShould we get a jingle?TweetsDanJamesLinks:Follow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfm→ Sponsor the showSponsor - 4dayweek.ioAs indie hackers we’re always trying to squeeze extra hours in our day to work on our side projects. What about if you had a whole extra day to work on your projects, while still getting a full-time salary?4dayweek.io is the place to get a Software Job with a better work-life balance. All jobs have a 4 day work week contract and most are only 32 hours per week. Find the best remote tech jobs from companies with a great work-life balance at 4dayweek.io or hit the link in the show notes.👉 Try it here.About DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
This week James overhauls his entire website and doesn’t tell anyone, Dan gets featured in TechCrunch and we discuss our plan to become TikTok stars.What we covered in this episodeJames is back in his podcast boothJames writes an article about microphonesSponsor - 4DayWeekWhere Dan should go with ilo?Features, marketing and churnGetting feedback from usersShould Dan make a Twitter course?The impact of a TechCrunch mentionOur TikTok challenge! Follow us:Dan (Twitter Tips)James (Whitstable Craft Co)James overhauls his entire website (classic indie hacker)James’ Indie Bites updatesWhy do we buy courses we never do?Links:Follow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfm→ Sponsor the showSponsor - 4dayweek.ioAs indie hackers we’re always trying to squeeze extra hours in our day to work on our side projects. What about if you had a whole extra day to work on your projects, while still getting a full-time salary?4dayweek.io is the place to get a Software Job with a better work-life balance. All jobs have a 4 day work week contract and most are only 32 hours per week. Find the best remote tech jobs from companies with a great work-life balance at 4dayweek.io or hit the link in the show notes.👉 Try it here.About DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
This week Dan finally comes to his senses on client work, we talk about how many eggs he gets through in a week and why we’ve both decided to make it big on TikTok. James hits some nice milestones, sticks to his deadlines and has a quandary about burning the midnight oil.💬 Want to join in the conversation? Discuss this episode on Twitter 👉 Dan's egg boxesWhat we covered in this episodeHow many eggs does Dan get throughHow do we grow the podTom Elliot's quote tweetsSponsor - Paper WebsiteDan's updates:Lifetime deals for SaaS (funding secured tweet)Cove launchNo more client workTikTok?James & Dan’s TikTok challengeJamesWorking late / hitting deadlinesCombining PodPanda & 2 Hour PodcastDoing something with the course2 episodes of Indie Bites outHit 50k downloadsContent before toolsJames' tweetDan's tweetLinks:Follow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfm→ Sponsor the showToday's sponsor - Paper WebsiteDo you want start writing more consistently? Or perhaps start documenting your indie hacker journey building in public? Then you should check out Paper Website. Paper Website's amazing AI let's you start a micro-blog directly from your journal, just using pen and paper.All you need to do is set aside 5 minutes each day to write, snap a picture of your handwritten page, and Paper Website will turn it into your very own micro-site, complete with powerful website analytics, and newsletter capabilities so you can grow an audience of millions all from the comfort of your notebook.Try Paper Website for free for 30 days, then use code "Monday20" at checkout, we are offering 20% off their ultimate package.→ Try Paper Website hereAbout DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
Today Dan is back with a bang, rekindling his Cove side project with a splattering of new features, but that’s left him with some doubts about doing a Ghost agency. Meanwhile I take a very lazy day off and secure my biggest ever sponsor for Indie Bites.What we covered in this episodeDan’s knee updateArvid’s episodeSponsor - ZipMessageDan updatesEnoying working on Cove againAdding new featuresDan reads Rich Dad Poor Dadilo’s trial conversion conundrumUsing Rrticle as a Ghost blogShould Dan still do his agency?James updatesJames takes a day offNew Indie Bites scheduleBiggest sponsor ever with Weekend ClubJames did a photoshootDan’s tweetJames’ tweetLinks:Follow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfm→ Sponsor the showToday's sponsor - ZipMessageZipMessage is a video messaging tool designed for asynchronous conversations.You send a link to a customer, a coworker, a new hire, or anyone else you want to exchange screen and/or camera messages with. You can reserve your personal url where others can message you, or integrate it into your website.Use it for free forever or upgrade for the full async experience on ZipMessage. “No More Mondays” 10% off your first 3 months.→ Try ZipMessage hereAbout DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
Dan is off this week, so the Bootstrapped Founder, Arvid Kahl is filling in for him. Arvid and I talk how I can be more consistent, why Arvid spends all week watching Twitch to help him write his newsletter, and I try to pronounce a German word forgetting Arvid was German.Arvid Kahl built bootstrapped business called FeedbackPanda to $55k MRR which he then exited for a life changing amount of money. From then he went onto write the book Zero to Sold, which is a must read for any indie hacker. Arvid wasn’t satisfied with just one book, so he wrote another! His latest book The Embedded Entrepreneur delves into how to build an audience-driven business. Relentless Arvid hasn’t stopped there, as he recently launched the Find Your Following Course, which will give you the playbook for growing your Twitter audience. Oh, and I haven’t even mentioned his blog, podcast and now YouTube channel, The Bootstrapped Founder.What we covered in this episode:Who is Arvid Kahl?James’ consistency strugglesThe benefits of accountabilityMissing deadlines and getting firedShould James hire a VA?Being disciplined as an indie hackerSponsor - Founder FlywheelArvid’s updatesPublishing his newsletter for Bootstrapped FounderFostering an environment for creativityWhat Arvid watches on TwitchListening to Writing Excuses PodcastJames’ updatesHow the podcast has changed James’ lifeRecording 4 new episodesCompleted my bulk wallet orderStaying in the present and reflectingRecording with Sir John HegartyJames’ tweetArvid tweetLinksFollow Arvid on TwitterNir Eyal IndistractibleWeekend ClubJohn Cleese Short Guide to CreativityWriting Excuses podcastFollow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfm→ Sponsor the showSponsor - Founder FlywheelThe Founder Flywheel newsletter, released every Thursday, contains 1 business idea, 1 trend you can pounce on and 1 framework.Join 10,000+ other founders who love reading the newsletter. Head to founderflywheel.com to subscribe.About DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
Today we talk about a record breaking month for both of us, why it’s sometimes difficult to enjoy success as an indie hacker and I try and convince Dan not to start freelancing again.What we covered in this episode:James steals some artJames' setupDan invents bike courieringSponsor - Talk to StefanJames' best month ever for all projectsFeeling bad for doing wellDan's income 15% down on 2021James' talks about desk padsIntroducing Poddy the Pod PandaLaunching Thread Analytics for iloDan updating ilo's marketing siteDan launches his new theme, TrackDan has a bloody good month tooDan buys another domain (of course)The great trading time for money debateJames' tweetDan's tweetDan gets jackedFollow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfm→ Sponsor the showToday's sponsor - Talk to StefanTalk to Stefan is coaching for founders by my good friend Stefan Manku (although he does work with some employees and/or managers) When you're feeling stuck, not sure which direction to go, feeling overwhelmed with too much to do or needing clarity, Stefan is the guy to call. He won't tell you what to do or how to do it... he'll ask questions, give you space and help you to find clarity.First session 60 min session is free and 10% off packages with 'NOMOREMONDAYS'.→ Get your session hereAbout DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
Today Dan and I talk about when you should take time off as an indie hacker, some fun ways to spice up your workspace and we giveaway a t-shirt.What we covered in this episode:Approaching 3k downloadsWhen you should take time offHaving art in your workspaceSponsor - UpvotyRemembering Toltailo ThreadsLaunching a new themeBrett and Sahil Indie BitesBest day of downloads everBuying indiebites.comHandmaking my own leather itemsDan’s tweetJames tweetLinks:Follow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfm→ Sponsor the showToday's sponsor - UpvotyAs an indie hacker building your product, how often do you ask for user feedback? Because if you listen to the problems of your users, you can really understand their pain points and solve their problem, building a product they love.Upvoty is a user feedback tool that makes it easy for you to listen to your users and prioritize what to build next.Install Upvoty's feedback boards and you'll have all of your user feedback in one place. You can also close the feedback loop by setting up your Changelog and Product Roadmap, allowing your users to be actively involved in building new features and love your product even more.Want to give it a go? Upvoty has a 14 day free trial and 10% off any plan with the code "No More Mondays".→ Try Upvoty hereAbout DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
Dan and I talk about some cool new features he’s added to his Twitter analytics service ilo, how I’ve quadrupled my earning potential for Indie Bites and why Dan is now considered a veteran.Got a question or want to add to the conversation?💬 Discuss this episode on TwitterWhat we covered in this episode:McKinven Sr. ran 5kNew Apple productsSponsor - Talk to Stefanilo’s thread analyticsilo’s new engagement ratingilo’s updated email digestDan’s kneeDan’s viral tweetShould James launch a video service?Increasing earning potential for Indie BitesPlanned vs unplanned podcast recordingsCustom order leather goodsHow to name a companyPlans for next weekDan’s TweetJames' tweetLinks:Dan's ilo dashboardFollow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfm→ Sponsor the showToday's sponsor - Talk to StefanTalk to Stefan is coaching for founders by my good friend Stefan Manku (although he does work with some employees and/or managers) When you're feeling stuck, not sure which direction to go, feeling overwhelmed with too much to do or needing clarity, Stefan is the guy to call. He won't tell you what to do or how to do it... he'll ask questions, give you space and help you to find clarity.First session 60 min session is free and 10% off packages with 'NOMOREMONDAYS'.→ Get your session hereAbout DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
5: Running out of money

5: Running out of money

2022-03-0723:201

Today Dan and I talk about what I did when I ran out of money this week, how Dan made $1k in February with Ghost themes and what the real Twitter growth secret is.Discuss this episode on Twitter 💬What we covered in this episodeNote taking on paper vs on appsSponsor - ZipMessageJames running out of moneyGetting new clients for a productized serviceAvoiding burnoutChanging the Indie Feast membershipDan makes $1k in Feb from Super Themes Co.Dan’s theme with Ali AbdaalShould Dan change ilo’s pricing and free trial?Email digests vs in-app usageThe real Twitter growth secretDan’s TweetJames’ TweetLinks:Follow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfm→ Sponsor the showToday's sponsor - ZipMessageZipMessage is a video messaging tool designed for asynchronous conversations.You send a link to a customer, a coworker, a new hire, or anyone else you want to exchange screen and/or camera messages with. You can reserve your personal url where others can message you, or integrate it into your website.Use it for free forever or upgrade for the full async experience on ZipMessage. “No More Mondays” 10% off your first 3 months.→ Try ZipMessage hereAbout DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
Today we are joined by our very first guest on the show. Brett Williams runs Designjoy, a one-man productised service that is doing over $130k MRR. Dan and I give you our regular updates, then we catch up with Brett to ask him how he built such an impressive business, some tips on creating a compelling productised service and if Brett should maybe look to scale things back.What we covered:Dan has torn his ACLJames hasn't torn anythingThe single focus vs portfolio of projects debateDan & James updatesDan's tweetJames' tweetInterviewIntroduction to BrettSponsor - Talk to StefanConvincing Brett to buy a microphoneOrigins of DesignjoyLeaving a job at $80k MRRHow Brett grew DesignjoyHow Dan added $30k MRR with a tweetThe processes behind a productised serviceShould Brett scale back Designjoy?Trading time for money vs productsAdvice for anyone building a productised serviceGoing from 140 to 4,700 Twitter followersLinks:DesignjoyScribbblesFollow Brett on TwitterAlex Hormozi $100m Offers bookFollow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfm→ Sponsor the showToday's sponsor - Talk to StefanTalk to Stefan is coaching for founders by my good friend Stefan Manku (although he does work with some employees and/or managers) When you're feeling stuck, not sure which direction to go, feeling overwhelmed with too much to do or needing clarity, Stefan is the guy to call. He won't tell you what to do or how to do it... he'll ask questions, give you space and help you to find clarity.First session 60 min session is free and 10% off packages with 'NOMOREMONDAYS'.→ Get your session hereAbout DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
Today Dan and I talk about why Dan’s closing down one of his projects, whether or not he should make a course and we debate having a portfolio of projects vs a single focus.💬 Discuss this episode on Twitter!What we covered in this episode:James in NYC and Dan in a cycloneSponsor - UpvotyWhy Dan is closing his side project, GloatDan’s new productized serviceShould Dan create a Ghost related course?Dan looking for help with Gloat HostingOur first guest next week - Brett from Design JoyComparing yourself to othersMultiple side projects vs a single focusDan’s TweetJames' TweetLinks:Follow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfm→ Sponsor the showToday's sponsor - UpvotyAs an indie hacker building your product, how often do you ask for user feedback? Because if you listen to the problems of your users, you can really understand their pain points and solve their problem, building a product they love.Upvoty is a user feedback tool that makes it easy for you to listen to your users and prioritize what to build next.Install Upvoty's feedback boards and you'll have all of your user feedback in one place. You can also close the feedback loop by setting up your Changelog and Product Roadmap, allowing your users to be actively involved in building new features and love your product even more.Want to give it a go? Upvoty has a 14 day free trial and 10% off any plan with the code "No More Mondays".→ Try Upvoty hereAbout DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
Today Dan and I talk about how we got $2,000 of sponsors in a day, why Dan lives in Mauritius and my editing process for podcasts. 💬 Discuss this episode on TwitterWhat we covered:Buying Dan a new micHow we got $2,000 of sponsors in 1 daySponsor - Talk to StefanHow do we split the money?Why Dan lives in MauritiusJames’ first YouTube videoHow Dan has grown his TwitterWhat Dan been working onWhat James’ been working onJames’ Indie Bites editing processJames’ New York tripJames’ tweetDan's tweetLinks:Dan's ilo dashboardFollow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfm→ Sponsor the showToday's sponsor - Talk to StefanTalk to Stefan is coaching for founders by my good friend Stefan Manku (although he does work with some employees and/or managers) When you're feeling stuck, not sure which direction to go, feeling overwhelmed with too much to do or needing clarity, Stefan is the guy to call. He won't tell you what to do or how to do it... he'll ask questions, give you space and help you to find clarity.First session 60 min session is free and 10% off packages with 'NOMOREMONDAYS'.→ Get your session hereAbout DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
Welcome to No More Mondays, the podcast where two indie hackers, James McKinven and Dan Rowden talk about building their indie businesses. This is an intro conversation to me and Dan, what we’re working on and what the podcast is all about, but as you’ll see from the start, it didn’t all go smoothly.💬 Discuss this episode on TwitterWhat we covered:Why start a podcast?Why “No More Mondays”?What James is working onWhat Dan is working onWhat to expect from the podcastJames’ tweetDan's tweetLinks:Dan's “Monday” tweet: https://twitter.com/dr/status/1418562907500056586Austin Kleon books: https://austinkleon.com/steal-audiobook-trilogy/Arvid Kahl's new Twitter course: https://findyourfollowing.comFollow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfmAbout DanDan is the founder of a micro-SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo (Analytics for Twitter), a collection of products and themes for Ghost and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout JamesI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
Welcome to the No More Monday’s podcast, the show where two indie hackers talk about growing our indie businesses. I’m your co-host James McKinven, and I’ll be joined every week by Dan Rowden as we share an insight into what goes into building a bootstrapped business.Follow the show on Twitter and get involved→ @nomoremondaysfmAbout DanDan is the founder of a Micro SaaS studio called Monday, where he runs a portfolio of SaaS products currently doing $7k a month. This included ilo Analytics for Twitter, a collection of products and themes for Ghost publication platform and Dan’s new referral product, Refermo, which he’ll be launching during this show. Last year, Dan left his job to pursue indie hacking full-time.→ Dan's Twitter → ilo.so - Twitter analytics→ Gloat - Ghost host→ Cove - Commenting for Ghost→ Super Themes Co. - Ghost themes→ Refermo - Referrals/affiliates for Paddle-powered SaaSAbout James / MeI’m at a slightly earlier stage than Dan, but also left my full-time job in 2021. I get most of my income producing podcasts for clients but it’s my aim to turn my own podcast into a profitable, sustainable business. I run the Indie Bites show, which is 15 minute conversations with indie founders, currently doing about $700 a month in revenue. I also have a podcast course called 2HourPodcast and a handmade leather wallet business, both of which I’d like to grow over the year.→ James' Twitter→ Indie Bites - Indie founder chats→ 2 Hour Podcast - Podcasting course→ Whitstable Craft Co - Handmade leather wallets→ PodPanda - Podcast editing
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