5 Steps Thomas Frank Used to Make $2.5M with One App

Is It Possible to Make $2.5M with Just One App?

What if you could build a multi-million dollar business using just one tool? Thomas Frank did it by leveraging Notion templates. In this article, I’ll break down how Thomas turned a simple idea into a $2.5 million business using just a few powerful strategies. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to scale your existing business, the steps Thomas took can help you transform your passion into a thriving online empire.

Step 1: Build an Audience & Discover Your Passion

Thomas Frank didn’t start with a product—he started with an audience. His journey began with a college life-hacks blog that grew into a YouTube channel with 3 million subscribers. But despite the large following, Thomas started feeling boxed in by the pressure to maintain high viewership for sponsorships.

That’s when he discovered Notion, a tool for personal productivity and organization, and it reignited his creative spark. Rather than simply sticking to his previous content, Thomas pivoted and created a new YouTube channel focused on Notion tutorials. This move allowed him to connect with a highly engaged, niche audience that shared his enthusiasm for productivity tools. By aligning his business with something he loved, he was able to build a loyal following that would become the foundation of his future success.

Step 2: Create a Product That Solves Real Needs

As Thomas's new channel gained traction, he realized there was an opportunity to turn his knowledge into a tangible product. Instead of just creating generic templates, he designed premium Notion templates that solved specific problems for his audience—like Creator Companion and Ultimate Brain. These templates helped his audience stay organized and boost their productivity.

Thomas’s strategy wasn’t just about selling a product—it was about offering a solution. By offering free templates to his followers, he attracted new subscribers and nurtured a community that trusted him. This not only allowed him to build rapport but also created a funnel that converted free users into paying customers. His focus on creating value and solving problems laid the groundwork for a sustainable online business.

Step 3: Build a Simple Funnel for Conversion

One of the key aspects of Thomas’s success was his ability to build a simple but effective sales funnel. He used free content—tutorials, guides, and video walkthroughs—to build trust and provide value to his audience. His free Notion templates served as lead magnets, drawing people in and giving them a taste of what his paid products could offer.

Once engaged, Thomas used email marketing to nurture these leads, providing more value and ultimately guiding them toward purchasing his premium templates. This customer journey, from free to paid content, helped Thomas turn casual followers into loyal paying customers. It was a seamless transition that educated his audience and encouraged conversions without feeling salesy.

Step 4: Scale with Smart Pricing & Minimal Costs

What sets Thomas apart is his ability to scale his business with minimal overhead. He priced his Notion templates in a way that made them accessible to a wide audience yet still profitable for him. This smart pricing strategy allowed him to grow without losing touch with his loyal customer base.

But perhaps the most impressive aspect of Thomas’s business is how little he spent on marketing. Instead of pouring money into ads, he leveraged YouTube’s free platform to reach a highly targeted audience. Using tools like Notion, Thomas streamlined his operations and kept costs low while maximizing his reach. This approach helped him build a scalable business with minimal upfront investment, proving that you don’t need a massive budget to succeed online.

Step 5: Replicate & Expand Your Success

Once Thomas found success with Notion templates, he didn’t stop there. He replicated his successful business model by creating more products that served his niche audience. By focusing on solving specific needs within a particular group, Thomas was able to expand his revenue streams and continue growing his business.

The key to his success? The flexibility of his niche-focused approach. As he continued to learn and grow, Thomas found that the same model he used for Notion templates could be applied to other digital products. This ability to scale and diversify allowed him to turn his initial success into a multi-million dollar business while maintaining the balance between work and personal life.

Are You Ready to Build Your Own Business?

Thomas Frank’s journey proves that with the right strategy, a passion for something simple like productivity can lead to big results. If you’re inspired by his story and want to start your own online business, we’re here to help.

Join Online Business Evolution, where we provide the resources, tools, and community to help beginners and seasoned entrepreneurs launch and scale profitable online businesses. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Click here to get started on your own journey toward financial freedom and entrepreneurial success today!