How One Man Launched a $37,000/Month App in Just 6 Days

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how he did it—and how you can apply these strategies to build your own online success story.

From 9-to-5 to Entrepreneur

Julian’s journey began with a full-time job and a three-hour daily commute. Like many, he dreamed of financial freedom but felt constrained by his schedule. Despite these challenges, he turned a small window of time into a massive opportunity by focusing on a specific problem he encountered as a longtime user of Notion.

When Notion released its API, Julian saw a gap: there was no tool to create forms within the platform, something that users needed. With his background in development and a passion for problem-solving, Julian decided to take action.

Step 1: Find the Right Idea

The key to Julian’s success was starting with the right idea. Instead of chasing trends or reinventing the wheel, he leveraged his experience with Notion to solve a problem for its growing community.

Julian’s approach was simple:

• Identify a personal frustration or an unmet need in a tool you already use.

• Create a solution that’s practical and user-friendly.

For Julian, that solution was a feature similar to Airtable forms but designed specifically for Notion. This clear focus made it easier to build and test his app quickly.

Step 2: Validate the Idea Quickly

Instead of spending months perfecting his app, Julian focused on launching a minimum viable product (MVP) in just six days. He prioritized speed, knowing that timing was crucial with Notion’s new API.

Here’s how he validated his idea:

1. Built a basic version of the product.

2. Shared it with Notion communities on platforms like Reddit and Twitter.

3. Collected user feedback to refine the app.

This process ensured that he wasn’t wasting time on features no one wanted.

Pro Tip: Share your product with niche audiences early on to gauge interest and get actionable feedback.

Step 3: Build Efficiently

Speed was a cornerstone of Julian’s success. Instead of learning new tools or frameworks, he relied on what he already knew.

“I’ve been using Laravel for 10 years,” Julian shared. “That familiarity helped me focus on the product’s value rather than the technical hurdles.”

How to Build Quickly and Effectively:

• Use tools you’re already comfortable with.

• Keep the MVP simple—focus on one core feature.

• Reuse code or templates from past projects to save time.

The lesson? Done is better than perfect. The faster you launch, the sooner you can improve.

Step 4: Market Like a Pro

Julian’s marketing strategy was simple but effective. He didn’t spend money on ads. Instead, he connected directly with his target audience by engaging with online communities.

Where He Found His First Users:

1. Reddit: He shared his app in Notion-related subreddits, where users appreciated the free MVP.

2. Facebook Groups: Niche groups provided a space to showcase his app and gather feedback.

3. Twitter: By interacting with influential Notion users, Julian built a loyal following.

4. Product Hunt: While it didn’t drive direct sales, the exposure boosted awareness.

The key takeaway? Focus your marketing efforts where your audience already spends their time. Add value through free tools or advice to build trust.

Step 5: Monetize Smartly

After gaining 1,000 users and refining his product, Julian introduced a subscription model. By keeping pricing simple and offering incentives for early adopters, he turned free users into paying customers.

Julian’s Pricing Tips:

• Research competitors and start with slightly lower prices.

• Offer discounts or lifetime deals to reward early supporters.

• Adjust pricing based on user feedback and value delivered.

This strategic approach allowed Julian to scale his revenue without alienating his audience.

Step 6: Create Viral Growth

Julian built virality directly into his app. Each time a user shared a Notion form created with his tool, it served as free advertising.

How to Build a Viral Loop:

• Add shareable elements to your product (e.g., forms, badges, widgets).

• Include your branding or a link to your app in every shared instance.

This strategy turned his users into marketers, creating a snowball effect that brought in even more customers.

Step 7: Prioritize Customer Feedback

In the early days, Julian handled all customer support himself. This hands-on approach allowed him to:

• Quickly identify and fix bugs.

• Understand which features users wanted most.

• Build trust by providing fast, personalized responses.

As his user base grew, Julian hired a support agent and integrated AI tools to streamline operations. However, he continues to prioritize user feedback to guide development.

Pro Tip: Actively seek feedback through in-app surveys or email campaigns. Use it to prioritize updates that will have the biggest impact.

The Results

Julian’s app now generates $37,000 per month, and his business shows no signs of slowing down. By focusing on a clear problem, acting quickly, and leveraging smart marketing, he turned a side project into a $400,000/year success.

Despite his busy schedule, Julian has achieved a work-life balance that many entrepreneurs dream of. He attributes his success to consistency, simplicity, and a willingness to adapt.

Actionable Takeaways

1. Solve Real Problems: Identify gaps in tools or processes you use daily.

2. Launch Fast: Don’t wait for perfection—start with a basic version and improve based on feedback.

3. Leverage Communities: Engage directly with your target audience on platforms they frequent.

4. Build Virality: Make it easy for users to share your product with others.

5. Listen to Feedback: Use customer insights to guide development and build trust.

Ready to Build Your Own Success Story?

Julian’s journey proves that you don’t need endless time or resources to build a successful business—you just need the right idea and a clear plan. If he could do it while commuting three hours a day and working full-time, what’s stopping you?

Join Online Business Evolution, where we’ll guide you through finding, building, and scaling your own profitable side project. Whether you have two hours a day or twenty, we have the tools and community to help you succeed.