Andrew & Kieran started Hike (DIY SEO for startups) in 2018 after spending 14 combined years as SEO consultants.
They have since experienced rapid and mostly bootstrapped growth.
How?
This posts explains…
I recently hosted a birthday party at my apartment.
Approx. 40 people came, we had food, drink and a lot of fun.
Not all of these people knew each other as they were from different areas of my life, but they did know me.
And I had a great time, not just because many of my favorite people were in the room… but because I was the center of attention.
Everyone wanted to talk to ME and everyone was happy to see ME.
Because I was hosting the party – just as Hike is…
Only their party is virtual and on Facebook:
Since launching the group in 2018, it has grown to nearly 2,000 members and retains vibrant engagement.
People can join the party for free and ask anything about SEO for startups:
And:
You can see Andrew and Kieran responding to questions literally hours after posting.
But why?
Why host a party for prospects, customers and other people that may never pay for your SaaS?
Because you get to communicate and add value to your ideal customers at scale, publicly.
The public part is important for 2 reasons:
- It builds social proof – people see other people getting value
- It enables other people at the party to also add value
As if you look at this question from Jose:
You can see Genc chipping in with his advice, this costs Hike a grand total of $0 but still elevates them in the eyes of potential prospects, as they are hosting the party.
The more value and trust prospects build… the more likely they are to choose you when they start a buying process.
This is exactly what is happening with Hike.
And how have they grown the group?
1 simple strategy…
And it’s a strategy that the majority of Facebook Groups miss:
They actually give people what they want.
Bootstrapped startups that can’t afford to pay SEO agencies need advice, and if you ask in Hike’s group, you get custom advice in minutes from experienced SEO experts.
What did we learn?
- Work out a way that you can advise your prospects and customers at scale
- Then make it public