🧰 Side Project Marketing: No-Code Tools, Buy vs Build, Side Projects as a Service

Welcome to the 542 new founders who joined last week. Let's talk about 🧰 Side Project Marketing. Hey there, Welcome to the 542 new founders who joined last week. Let's talk about 🧰 Side Project Marketing. What you’ll learn: - How to build side projects with no-code? - How to lower market risk? - How to design for virality? - How to build your personal brand? - How can agencies and freelancers use side projects? - How to boost your domain authority? - What is “Side Projects as a Service"? Reminder: The price to join [Trends Pro](=.ibx4WjBt7wuie51ZsQXcLgKLT4b0NnrjwOLBmD5bVOg) increases in 4 days for new members. Side Project Marketing =.Kmls-gDIzAMm_2qZBcP7EIiksoJjuvyG56124R7yEvg "The best marketing is when you don't know it’s marketing." – Mikael Cho 💎 Why It Matters Companies are working harder and paying more for attention. 🔍 Problem Paid marketing channels are expensive and competitive. 💡 Solution Side Project Marketing helps you build brand awareness and generate leads. This includes quizzes, calculators, games, guides, templates, directories, checklists, apps and more. 🏁 Players Side Project Marketing Examples - [SiteCheck](=.oZ2wbfRggsQuYFpaOjbKfLgGQTIijrTnWWua1MZG10U) • Website security tool by [Sucuri](=.gkTfdiDq3P1KEcw_c4PXl3VZltKod_MzYkjENHnHApo) - [Internet Speed Test](=.XfUCvgDSabpIxsGOA5TC9m8gIsTei-77CeYY3VNNV9A) • Internet speed checker by [HighSpeedInternet](=.71r50VW43f6ETwKnU6YOxklggHRcYzF_F8jTE2Uiq3M) - [Ad Spend Calculator](=.kl0cgFZ3H8deaiaRmde1O3Sy7iuUJPUNODvQ4EAKhqE) • Data-driven ads budget planner by [HubSpot](=.8dEHoVOV9IMi2j_wD5SMd6G7W88E3rX_DE2BlH0NBBk) - [Pablo](=.qmxtvRydTwg6oc7Qm-x0ARorZQevuvB6Op5iXbTYY_k) • Social media image creation tool by [Buffer](=.SJgg6386TEL75Mv7hLeYlbpyrDMk5iMN0J6Gyy-N_5c) - [Custom Playing Cards](=.CQWIGJjaWVW2bpaBELaOD_U0_hWKeUEvdz0DZ7lbuAE) • Custom playing cards by [Cartamundi](=.cxA0Wl7XB5JbyVaBfZ53hHcRiWT6Skvwf5n5uWwi7Ms) - [Zappy](=.QvwQoyFV1DjPjrGf1zWdjbfvgK5TH9dpccFTFwBGqhQ) • Screen capture tool for remote teams by [Zapier](=.WertiG6i3K-NIx0A5ScOthZm7Y16Q0bJWGTI_Qb2_0o) - [Open Startups](=.co8GWrPctFh2yPCs3Fx-SLeMi3yyO8jTa0CSWT-NVwE) • Companies with open revenue metrics by [Baremetrics](=.xkBJ1h1FJywU27JZH1F4Gz2_eNPsxzQQ4hmKQocUWHg) - [SaaS Pages](=.oUvH31iHTUP0qrkfU8hKRFHHVWQJFzhWbImW5inXP9U) • Best landing pages with a focus on copywriting and design by [Versoly](=._Mf65LVcXlIPlpD8nNwoZKdArYp5VLqmbhnPX_wjCUo) - [Marketing Examples](=.q58QZeUwtVDK3-efOv9G4_u34m9LTi9DNW9Ly2-myqY) • Landing page, email and ad marketing examples by [SwipeWell](=.pc6wiXy5AXL9Csa6Mmg4CnOiRCA5UAoXP2trM8R3DLo) 🔮 Predictions - [No-code](=._YsLbdMQKuEo4xaMMzh4fb-P32_6QCl8OzPYqUFo7os) and [low-code](=.oCctof2cbLTlZSfy-79vXvMNoqew5RFkq_VQdIxophQ) tools will make it easier to build side projects. These tools make development [10X faster](=.C0iwWFCXSRerN5P7uoOXfzOzPA3-T94KEFoBDx-x5oI). Marketers are becoming [citizen developers](=.N2yEk8hmlHXliw2E6SwwdiI_hR-ZEGhQukrNxuaLdt0) and building projects themselves. - [Omniconvert](=.1Skfq6zMYLfZWGp4tZvJuudBtihvm-0Lw0YVIxHTiF4) (formerly Marketizator) [built](=.k6mbtEDh2JoAmh1fdic-BDCJqgsy-C1qPIkqtu3ioyA) quizzes with [Typeform](=.41xEqrAr4WqrYfnPrE7JQFNkj3svmk9k_UIFMmUEM7Y). - [Crypto Tax Software](=.BhcDOQdcN1p1lz781cG-fXOoyPFaazsBUAKzvyN3Dx8) by [CoinTaxList](=.sFc3BSsuzS5uADz1oQ_40aVIEqgRqIjKj-Zo-T3Y8bM) is a software directory built with [Softr](=.7zXU00YAc3tkEb6CktKuEtRvF6QQ4AmExTqODKGOTe8). - [NoCodeList](=.ZnUQdfSxtBPapm9oiGaXSxqZ05DQuRwcU2M0wGBO684) by [Drew Thomas](=.TEATaBd0dV7WR85B9kK-fWd26rQY23wnrstFlVYWx0g) was built in [Bildr](=.JMtAjSmrl4-gS4SOT-fDFTIgde4dcRvsnyEVRhhgwgU) and [Airtable](=.qdvwh2IYNXHuH42YXKlGB41Akfd2QNYDrzNcEvc34d4). Later [migrated](=.XFepDSzsbG9wDoJ21Y5zYmrlmgOPA49d0iera1ygbuM) to [Bubble](=.gnwy-cbJZ7sV-9LxrZ7F3AIhbdsoULUeUukjf_fPNWw) with [Zapier](=.UidIAbnr7yBT6D1bxMUbYamxVUI2mXsPoPyIyEbCcEU) and [Sendinblue](=.v_QIDajH0zhl8OJB4YyKhVGPH6MT8FNbVIb9CLNUhlo) integrations. - More agencies, freelancers and practitioners will use side projects to sell their services. Establishing authority and landing new clients. - [Neal Agarwal](=.u4Lmek4_vY7-tysbiBApLQbc2to4wPkox1I9874V3cg) built [Neal.Fun](=.kc3IeffJQWSP6lEfU2MvCMZBR434PSrMgcGBxibIU7I) with 24 fun and creative tools. - [Pixel True](=.FHEklRc_OImLenOvYyi7vFhjhSfW-wnZ2zZf0fiCO_4) made [UI Kits](=.ImEAxe3-rWiwgzv_BNrbDO8ty5ERMEEvy7G951UJhAo), [Mockup Generator](=.pS9krYt0od-YtJ1knFbg7aJuf4LFxSD8ADT1BnQqJ-g) and [Design Cost Calculator](=.7fK9pG_Eat_wlpVVRsgFkGgj-MUfnRNVDSHtLgvdr_8). - [Conversion Sciences](=.gwhQGNWmYO6WYDbdgc1i0pdhbLZpwI_H9MzRBkYqibs) launched the [Conversion Rate Optimization](=.JKsJu846y8iZLseXBQp92V1o555tsXfG29OIdudtdqI) course. - [WeLoveNoCode](=.EvMw0XBMneZfUsQ8uhkhIdpOPdxdbKFnfYXycuQGHUE) made [NoCode List](=.Jchm7IjxOzuFIccuihH9HRZXRW9V5ifkTfack_ap-70) that features 2000+ no-code tools and platforms. - [Ali Mese](=.LalYcPDOktHEWp6dz84ZFJxfA7G_wLt8Gdo2WcauLss) made [Freebie Supply](=.hqHlWKnwdrWiGfznYAqsrAETP2Xz6Ii7iJiv1K3xfQQ) that [brought](=.gKZJBgUQGJrqGOVx5mwJLGBkP1TscCAMMAR7qfhU5Lw) many freelance clients and 2,000,000+ web views. - [Z1](=.A463a_KSuGxHFMmkNICB5DppcEvG1vMgELNIqe5MObc) made [How Much to Make an App](=.Qdq6ZVBw1846XBneBIPps-M2sjpsHhiX3_fe_2NmcXY) that shows how much it will cost to make an iOS or Android app. - [Jay Clouse](=.E9vvg4hQQcpbN3ejXGrDqn_jV0tZ7gQh_4q0CTV103I) launched the [Creative Elements](=.tJhFntfB2WzrxK-M14QHJ8UMgNec_Bd1AZ3LgK62B6E) podcast that led to new projects and opportunities. - [Universum](=.PZYlGUUR1M4ZivD3A7qOJ8UMHUl6DzaO7zhL33rhi5M) published [Employer Branding NOW](=.K0mHsEirelTkGGyxlFrY0z0TaKq0ktblA_d3V77fz18) about the brand image of the most attractive employers. - [Stefan Palios](=.HcPfEUR67krsaTmq_fxdCEhWSHacU9jlxGu-c1efd-U) launched the [Remotely Inclined](=.xz0oPTssHhTnrheLuwkAO7nA9ruaHE4oyoT0-xO7B34) newsletter that generated public speaking opportunities, podcast and blog interviews. - [Jessica Hische](=.JpcnOM9ypWS3jxA-YamxyncDIuStjAxXAoWmnqdCjxc) made [Should I Work for Free](=.ARJ7FdC7Ksg_cjU7KdcWt38-mMKlXGmqstXQbdIhfiM) and [Daily Drop Cap](=.ImzqvtpO7XgHi6CavT9yJwCeE5qWXBeKZdzxiVRqn8U) that [brought](=.K_pg3nHJznzlUWoCY6QIxYufzWMJqPzOVkE7NG-jTH8) new clients and let her stand out in the design community. - [Flow Ninja](=.WaEuA2Sv-e5aTuU_hKC4GxEo7AeK6X23Ve99jgS2clc) published [Webflow Resources & Templates](=.akoCdZSJQhu54nk0XcD3WbdF-Ie-Ov60wZYB9KIRQi4) and [Webflow Checklist](=.TeKCL4000MSm9YvaZ06J7RfFBCUseCxUhlM_bQn9IuY) to help the Webflow community improve website design and workflow. - More companies will build side project directories. One-stop shops covering multiple needs. - [Business Tools](=.H6v9P98NhgiAsYeSm2vCMeY2LGCBRr5F1pVV7XDuYkc) by [Shopify](=.GuZdNh4wcr4yZiTzYGjyzH_wzrwGFZFOoR0RoHvrpwo) help you sell and grow your retail business. - [Developer Utilities](=.2P89VdCPl-yicUDhkWLgoydacq2dlvK-YuV6L3S6Iac) by [Retool](=.7CpevsryIDRXUVi-z36VsWaLqRSj1Z4_ulN4kscceDA) help you with common front-end and back-end tasks. - [Tools for Developers](=.Hx6xkIRNW7_Q6wq3x75OxU6yRHLjaraPWywaiT3o2jc) by [Embarcadero](=.b8ao5SBzN3ol12payJMKgJ2acIhZsc4OfWckujVfj0E) is a list of professional app development tools. - [Toptal Utilities](=.BKROMQaOBox0IAskME1zGVUCV3PcjqyUPJuIiDfUGK0) by [Toptal](=.z5ZLNKCV1imzwyxaQ98BLdaKOOLWD81mleNpfh7TcWI) is a list of tools for developers, designers, finance experts, project and product managers. - [Veed Editing Tools](=.xBPi-ez340TKUf94eVJ_dDHsiS34iK83tM7kUVYRx2k) by [Veed](=.UOALEIhOvjOpF5EwUm2znYJVVU_FOF5_EqLqOwdwlww) help you cut, trim, crop, transcribe videos, add subtitles, progress bars and more. - [Marketing Automation Tools](=.ckDlaZPD55eWSPgkK-1uTbRmPhU0PfU7Fr0wlZQfybU) by [ActiveCampaign](=.JLKbEAhRH6xGPAmN2msvVk1s7VfE8GoV1DDhoB1yYrU) is a list of marketing templates, generators, checklists and more. - [SEO Tools](=.0bG7Xd5IpMYWr7Dky4ATqxo1u6aLmNPCs8WJGipfNGk) by [Moz](=.vCWi58CURQykZwMX-MZ0WzUH9qPYCCbvhdQJkrlpOro) is a list of tools for link building and analysis, keyword research, webpage performance, local listing audits and more. - [Free Tools](=.LsY521MmIL6bKRL1T1diaUy-WKwwgNADNTVz77WZXf0) by [HubSpot](=.BLbbGo30IkjDSnSItelatfMdbb6-f9A2ynK1hwDfZlo) help you grade your website, build your buyer persona, create email signatures, generate blog post ideas and more. ☁️ Opportunities - Buy instead of build. Most side projects are small, simple and relatively cheap. See [Tiny Acquisitions](=.DiL8pMRSyd4o-18eyAcWYiBmmzxYTzBBeZ7Ul14BVqk) and [SideProjectors](=.cPc2llv-BqEzECmkMiF7-vU61jMWqGkluWduZjQK_BU) marketplaces. - [Globster](=.zuItXlP9TZ33v4n2RT-FxXs4MOL8BULX9g8KbehxbKg) is a [glob](=.G6jUh-B5nSsVuZMlQqAyZnU92iQMkyU_taHA5F7OMrU) pattern tester. [Listed](=._Kp52N99sFom4YUDmyFcAnmtdlwn4Bow2nhDkobM41U) for $3,000. [Digital Ocean](=.5d_dqGOHLFtN77CbIPc9-ljgfaaO0lWwuYPIzNPfo_k) has [this](=.uYPXR8kQ9jj_jbAQLkDObp79XaCAl2XJMNhceQuUGyw) tool. - [Devtools](=._MEznfYwohq4ZLstZNhR-NQCC8oywlEJ4CBYM_yFGuQ) is a database of 250+ tools for developers. [Listed](=.iA4wMNHIclmpHeALUnfvmV780S33eG0YSiXhDD7ewsc) for $1,000 - $1,500. - [Awesome Info Products](=.4PggpM5ES-OUA3fRuxd07oiGYMEkI2RMsI3kqCmjuaY) is a directory of info products. [Listed](=.hV0TaDLLibKbyeMYQBU3ZTwZjN39CbfRE5bUWWArlo0) for $1,000 - $2,500. - [Nimble Editor](=.3YRIRUe6ct0lCE6_CiuI7cRBwgt80QcYpwqLgK0EWvo) is a visual code editor that lets you design web components. [Listed](=.qP_S-OT4x8zsIMczoH4KTVvWdwfQgZgy56hAuldL1uU) for $200 - $500. - [DTC Arena](=.uBAemHWtDDt4LlrgIyNah59EPz04ZLS5q3IIwHFsdgA) is a database of direct-to-consumer brands and their contacts. [Listed](=.wMQltAqnzH_vLSkbWxklRnJ5WOXT6fOCbsfAnWq_-Ms) for $1,500 - $2,500. - [What’s In My Fridge](=.N6AXkdam105taiDennikdViTn2uaNz_IwXPEmFbZ0-Q) is a web app that shows food recipes based on what's in your fridge. [Listed](=.HxFJI80XS03G1102FEz4ojdjYKEqzocg2HL8XRzlF68) for $100. - [No-Signup Tools](=.sECstOziODRvLrfi0XuK1z61Za1aXTwuf9wRABoaJX0) is a curated collection of web tools that don’t require registration. [Listed](=.YiJqem3ztf-AXx46aLOaRiyScQl-nBCJ3KMfUPsP25I) for $500 - $1,000. - Host tools on your own domain. These can generate backlinks. Which improves your [domain authority](=.NZnidj912BD2EYJtMZvpwouJykZarrzlR3Eq5k02aQY). Leading to higher ranking pages and more visitors. - [SISTRIX](=.XLckkpsRCCSYlYBn4FvePYG5qUBcSGYJOteSpLeFF2c) hosts [SEO Tools](=.n6HHLdFUxQ97nzCwINyJu_VI2iCUN3GopFNkiOze90M) on sistrix.com. - [HubSpot](=.xP29O_Fi2ABJGgq2Ha0bLv3YqrwYknAL7kOQ6i8AS9c) hosts [Meeting Scheduler](=.EOp2ILJWQVCuGy1aED-gYdx4vV8npzaATf7fForfpoU) on hubspot.com. - [Mailchimp](=.CLT_c0WczDygOUVydbZM3x9WSSeYdjY1wNcEUhB6WHY) hosts [Marketing Glossary](=.mY_3-jT7frMCGihK_9BQr75m-NR3-AJFS8J_WdHWEl8) on mailchimp.com. - [NerdWallet](=.ZUvGqzacA0xif57u5PUufn6ijMK41shw0iEysX8BBaA) hosts [Financial Calculators](=.tBYeIM50KNpIms8h6dOfvq4uuUAkZ47PxCSP5QyWyuc) on nerdwallet.com. - [Looka](=.SBO9wKWZlZq1xW02P-LBX8cSXWX9L_K_luur_K1Oz9E) hosts logo [colors](=.pohtSR3zGkfCVd5eumxp6jVsb2OdA8U2OL01btD4eWg), [ideas](=.75LbPdUX_-KX5bpFaJZFhRux8dtXT4yo8gLgI0hMW5w), [styles](=.HxjZfYH7iXa16JPmuqnnqlSQvSmYrq0yjEskzqT9kUc) and [wiki](=.-9VIVy_gXDddBvNN4yI8vnw755EoSHTltKeXLQu2gj8) on looka.com. - [Agorapulse](=.0TEW7g4_bm3GNGPovPMccWrEir5_xrUc8XXJ1lgE85g) hosts [Facebook Page Barometer](=.LVtGCwj4sEYyLlx8_M1N0Wjp4drUOJ3WAGE6fr3RX-A) on agorapulse.com. - [Freshworks](=._67zSZ47W3BFzH38r2MEwP_pf7SbFo3JsIdXl5Y6pE8) hosts [Customer Service Maturity Quiz](=.IId2P3hxzXt8TyONkXiNywY_IW15qdVN8eK9pFuR6I4) on freshworks.com. - Offer side projects as a service. Help companies leverage this marketing channel by building on-demand side projects. - [Upthrust](=.JmuIzVSmu8NBRW45oD0NMehE2bVe2q-ir-5yoZT2z0Y) can build an MVP for your app or micro-service. - [Side Product Led Growth](=.gehgbrJjP9rgpT2O-WcVlzzef1uazdYcPetXCLi6cxQ) builds tools, apps and microservices. - [Growthcurve](=.S6AOew5tz8ALy5J4W3pOa031iH1R_4NwVOvThgjqoiw) builds tools for one-to-one target marketing campaigns. - [Growth Rocks](=.m3kSG90L9-BViIuxXkuRyWKatQcqT6LPkxiMDm7uuII) builds calculators, widgets, educational micro-sites and more. - [Saxifrage](=.kphalVgXPUzNlYbhII7Kt8TEAChYlOcc0wpybe18S6E) offers on-demand engineering as marketing services. See [Hiring Freeze Database for HR Startup](=.kSPltULJbz87Kogo9zI403JBThKeRd7uGxL_XAkA9rk). - [EpicStudio](=.KAMRsivXronVU2Ub9h715Ugd5iOT45Cv6KU5aq1Y45U) helps you get initial traction and sales with 19 marketing strategies. Including engineering as marketing. - Use no-code and low-code tools to build side projects. Build useful tools and attract customers faster. - [Nocoloco](=.mISBfs3GqEnV8vwMb5cmliDOFJCXAQGM2QHRd_zZgMI) by [Xperian](=.R53lY9U1Iw-ltzlGdJjIFyJ5IjG8mmesDslQKgHaHzs) is a list of no-code templates made with [Softr](=.8Y_RqeQbOxNtcb3Q6WIHSwTPFonNBueRWIMVOauS_Yg). - [VenturePact](=.qcnuLrr6sTTGrWtpHjb4E4o4oOSabF6KLGphM5J32rA) built an app cost calculator with [Outgrow](=.gQyLB_iYMhxeMQnZ6SKHKiNbfnpxvZzxtZAKT9EVQqY) that brought [11,592](=.k5Exh7EqVtuxZ2o3H3efsrlO-vwNF5p1ppcyM5M11Y4) qualified leads. - [PR Database](=.zMTGTIzLRvoxr1YaK92wPeEbiGhBXT4UtEMhF8cc_Hs) by [WeLoveNoCode](=.PVXB_dhtbxKvnCC316DEh8gLsOgj_3CnDqv0SV3tkgQ) is a list of 4,000+ startup journalists made with [Airtable](=.wmDTBLQB6NUQBFKxCnJ4FZJmFqB7gYOprjB61XzWrhs). - [Startup 101](=.-WiNhp4CTXiWB5ZoMrgSO1-s5ZgUL98fzab6xZXBMGg) is a list of bite-sized startup lessons made with [Formaloo](=.7YSQXTojhvzCOr03_sxYCeyqkotcyA52UShPYOdF1iI) by [Farokh Shahabi](=.1lCcopA9_D23y8bV4gW56ObTHg3D-otKWBoYtob71UA) and [Noosh](=.HWPJ2izXZgKXb2kufXSmIdlaZhPqTYlvZc6MLQSWKqw). - [Notion Web Designer Hub](=.L_pSGdXaiJ0RgeGgw0-fjVrOEbo_XN-nsUDX2fEsvjo) by [Flux Academy](=.n8VY7-zdHxjj4RkalJV41LqXN-qtrlmHv9_bk7JVwAU) is a system for managing your freelance projects made with [Notion](=.-QwbPJR5bjxD5fwMG1HQej5_gwT2t0yKtsc759JDd3o). - [Checklist Design](=.Uf73GTSU-UNUqkqj10vxxpZldEobcLYtiBdzc-R1oEE) by [George Hatzis](=.B2giO4yj6-lJ5c6uOeyAbOybqXV66P9j79qiiJaRHPU) is a list of best Ui and UX practices made with [Webflow](=.gSbE28GcKHVwHBcLxLzgWJ0wbXakZIDudb5IyUeSBWI). It was featured on many design forums and blogs and shared across hundreds of thousands of designers worldwide. 🏔️ Risks - Market Risk • Don’t waste your resources building tools nobody needs. Look for evidence of need. Clone and improve tools that people already use. - Opportunity Cost • Your time, money and energy are limited resources. Working on side projects when there are more promising options is unwise. - Short-Termism • Side Project Marketing is a long-term investment. It can be wise to choose another [marketing strategy](=.Ds9iM9-RCAnppaG_K_sqokRZ24b5Cv2Nz4s-1aBZyH8) if you are looking for immediate results. 🔑 Key Lessons - Buying side projects helps avoid market risk. [Gfycat](=.T71FtjtGO1ar6vwjIX_V9Pid5RIydBZBZwCH5Zy8UTE) bought [GIF Brewery](=.kR0WsLlpa02U3fQCYa3ec6bxsVw5C5PdlfWM6EVtPLo) with [110,000+](=.3fUot74kJ03Q4feQDhdsOOaHDVHy0Mb6VR7xjJejoII) downloads. Stefan Quartemont [bought](=.ZscwWwtDc-1pf4dLNb3uf9nZQds8wkfGuH61V3uzDKw) [NoCodeList](=.nZWRfbJfj2JeNVF1IsSTAsGMeoCvDHOFuvuDjqxRb2o) by [Drew Thomas](=.mL1NhfRBPZaY-8QYOSRietqtw0s2Vt30gE4YYBZ2X0Y). [Loops](=.pkvKFqAVjowRvfcZWNsisxw_w4cnK8FZcjih1FfWQXI) [bought](=.joqRZKvntB8FEjfY9FZCpvxftmiZngjkUwUPA3MfPq8) [Workspaces](=.C76qQqG-cUGgtd5c8EX2AQKJ9HRgK5S-L5NQ5Tlvekk) with 8,000+ readers. - Side projects don’t have to be unique or complex. [Rishabh Dev](=.NSKmq2gvEX0yXNslnVIN2YvVDcm7KYtEERWfRQwXpdA) gathered [100+ side-project ideas](=.cyFtSn6DI8-oAzdYYbC_begER5du4YHlEldCKr9Lc0k). Most of them can be cloned and built quickly with no-code tools. [Pat Walls](=.yR4LiGt7g3_pqtRTk_t-Xf0eDiF6anldtjMuLlpgm7g) got [35,000 views and 200 sign-ups](=.MBdku2SbYzThN3QQN7azQMjkGkWByjiXKBk3UijUtJ8) to [Pigeon](=.FwXvGiaMCsmrfynJhvS9OzPsfqaak9laENWg4BHB6PI) in 24 hours with [How to Say No](=.9IdjijmmfrB4_ZZjgaesAZ7zUyAY1ykeWieLgGyfEEg) that he built over the weekend. - Side projects generate buzz, press coverage and [backlinks](=.ntTfb8nJAGmcYbpn00xZZuNQlslj5rg9EztoJnylDT4). [Game of Hacks](=.-Vy0VV2RxF-IfuxSfQBkMVdmV3lzVyAZ3-7P1o_rnC0) [went viral](=.U0KQ7RcDKRaqVNo7Ek0BL967g2C_IUCOKnGqvNn0bAA) on Hacker News, bringing thousands of new users. [The HubSpot Culture Code](=.7YFiuIGsiCFLlhhb-9Dtg3zxqgwb5mT60VN96uol-0U) has 6,000,000+ views and 5,300+ upvotes. [BuzzFeed’s](=.RiIEsNbrd6BFQeeIifqwwgODQV5FAXvOgaW9GP0VmAs) sponsored quizzes have a [96% completion rate](=.iv_5TnV8Sf2fniMNf0DykMpFCDnFBllU0z3-Lhc0CXQ). 🔥 Hot Takes - Blogs, podcasts and newsletters can be side projects. This is [owned media](=.pHKh5sL_ocjvPqMfVT10NJZXY10-EIgbJIA7VbkNPXU). You don’t compete with others for bandwidth. [REWORK](=.pWceiV1e52HewisR_nHQMSm60fcmQ88e7ev19c4j5kc) by [37signals](=.MZys8Xe0QM1CDm2-sWMvk6BswOTIqlR101yRHHrSA58) has [~54%](=.DgDpImqlq5Bhwyd6NQm7B1YmBthjEfXY6kguKx5E6bE) of direct visitors. [Similarweb](=.z3d8joi4WzW_ux5JvuDPjefcNBhJW_8ywYytvEJpeqc) [says](=.3P9X3w1zOKTWa_j-HXZsQISx_uOr4qlkvXPC24FD800) that these are likely to be amongst some of the website's most loyal and engaged users. - Side projects are a great way to build your personal brand. [Max Stoiber](=.OpoicLerGGs1o00JTx9pm2cHiQxNpmWPmyhCHtJ-jas) created [react-boilerplate](=.-t55LM1InUES3un6UjKLcfC6tjhz7yfOH0lwFXVT2J0) and [styled-components](=.TU3NzVF13qlpTpDC4D0b5ryHz2OHyBywAiFGTL51C4o). These are used by Bloomberg, Reddit, Atlassian, Coinbase, Patreon and hundreds of other companies. He uses these credentials to promote his [code audit services](=.1Bn3y-WSh2ci0WltMQ99Qn-DKpbpwqoC-YHMzMV5WxY). - Sports jerseys and clothing with brand labels are non-programmatic paid side projects. Customers pay to promote these. 😠Haters “I’m busy working on the main product. Side projects will waste my time.”A great marketing strategy at the wrong time is the wrong move. Side project marketing is a longer-term investment. “These are free tools. I like getting paid for my work.”We covered examples where side projects brought new leads, users and sales. “Free tools will displace my paid product.”Others may be able to clone your features and offer them for free. You might as well cannibalize yourself if you can be cannibalized. Find markets with [moats](=.5pEuDKfxfRgVJwq3kduoNmL3vbGmqJzk2QpTmHjh0Pw) to avoid this dilemma. “You told me to ask for an email. Then you told me not to.”We shared successful examples with each of those recommendations. Both strategies can work. 🔗 Links - [Who Builds Growth Tools?](=.i-terdCAAjmF-4qgWbYoJYKMc2-79-XOfwwa_ESUo-E) • The tweet behind this report. - [A Solid Basic Framework for a Successful Side Project](=.KIIJUdKO6lZiT_cy2HtA0iAqsVhdH4eTTW6Vt58p02g) • A framework for building and launching side projects. - [How Side Projects Saved Our Startup](=.Ab0vsdgRskagBe5ppEcYOmaJluNcQbC3yNlSycWnbFk) • [Mikael Cho](=.vqBI4tTMVjtoDmOqUVHyyiCA7d42E02Tz_wIBZ6AdRA) shares how side-project marketing helped grow [Crew](=.FvpX3S4K0YNwywlg4Yv75C9mQil_fDqdpu-oMNlwTaU) that had 3 months of cash runway left. 📁 Related Reports - [Growth Tools](=.RH5dZmYSjwH2uB1DklnVNWb4GacdRaQ7YKmoX3ADVgg) • The first version of the report - [Growth Hacking](=.7zZmPr18Do2nQm71OewqKyIIzBDt4I3YLWJPSvnZXBs) • Side project marketing is part of growth marketing - [Digital Products](=.kE3ZasW3qkC0GK8q108Xp-wlH0saUJBMOzTyxq_5pog) • Checklists, ebooks, guides, templates and other tools are digital products - [No-Code](=.JvLifLAJ7jSHaTJmKFqXIPs30HhadD3aKB5IcPnbz0w) • No-code makes it easier to build side projects quicker - [Curation as a Service](=.4OFaykRqZ15bTUmGsyNnlottNUy4A2a-2IB2LiKyc0o) • Curated directories, templates and guides are popular side projects 📈 Unlock the Full Report [Trends PRO #0095 —Side Project Marketing](=.IrSSVVLz_9mmz-F8ipS0YEERE4kieVzV6fvEOQYDePE) has more insights. What you’ll get: - 32 Side Project Marketing Examples (256% More) - 11 Predictions (267% More) - 16 Opportunities (300% More) - 6 Risks (100% More) - 8 Key Lessons (167% More) - 7 Hot Takes (134% More) - 12 Links (300% More) With Trends Pro you’ll learn: - (📈 Pro) How to generate thousands of leads? - (📈 Pro) What are 100+ places to launch your side project? - (📈 Pro) How to build one-feature side projects? - (📈 Pro) How to build a no-code directory? - (📈 Pro) What are community-generated side projects? - (📈 Pro) How to capture high-intent leads? - (📈 Pro) How to deepen your moat? - (📈 Pro) How to make side projects fun and engaging? - And much more… [Become a Trends Pro Member](=.efpZ6HiC-tu97o3yryMTNLtdRO6d04chjVgdNv9TTyg) and join 1,000+ founders enjoying.... 🧠[Founder Masterminds](=.Ap3l8BdQ57Cmp3_FdU53WdE5d3I_7h0aKIqY82d-uvQ) • Share goals, progress and solve problems together. Each group meets for 1 hour each Monday. 📈 [Trends Pro Reports](=.jEVxsuLhIett2xI_8IkiR1EFU6XGOM7HrxhJROgHcX4) • To make sense of new markets, ideas and business models, check out our research reports. Including the Pro Version of this report. 🧍 [Daily Standups](=.jcnIUg54h7-riH6YC7_C3TKrMSw4cI6DhaCrPqvOx94) • Stay productive and accountable with daily standups. Build standup streaks to unlock 1-on-1 intros, masterminds and more. [📈 Become a Trends Pro Member](=.nMFJS4tzpSMJ3OKUtXgjgu3uJyH626DCvMaPO2NyrPU) ‎ 🙏 Thanks Thanks to [Nico Cerdeira](=.DrGiUxhhDnAwHXqhjy1CA3ZDWJsQ1ODEsFfBrR0AjjQ), [Yarty Kim](=.BHKPQh4xxh58-kVoHg4N-duH3Koww36nSYzklYBw8nU), [Katt Risen](=.C0xvu3qn7BY3pdQeUNKi5yN6_0kqVOCqsnjRpi1V3t4), [Tom Arbuthnot](=.c2TIBNxzRa-K9nxkG_UyMWLZ5PzgdP4CoNNKvZVb6R0), [Maciej Cupial](=.LIJWotUZqwq-jKwRBXfCywinFOfjLwlm-ripSE-517g), [Stewart Townsend](=.DNDNjvlP2W6B4EdKoOr1wCYaw8r1Ob-GzaRGoPbcEKo) and [Soma Mandal](=.7nNlpnz71caZkZ39T4qc4oFlUMQxblD19hxjX2rvXDQ). We had a great time jamming on this report. ✏️ [Emin](=.AWa7_lkhiq1GITmDJK4GLEkz0a1okBqBq-rxptP3Fdk) researched and wrote this report. [Dru](=.NNT377RomyvimiuCvTX8oqypIqgpY5H4QwLbHToeJTY) researched and edited this report. To sponsor a report, [click here](=.8zb-y8Sd3tAOy5cNpAQZKJtH2au-e24DfUXFUCczhtY). To get insights on Twitter, [click here](=.9LRaW-hGcnZKgb_2OKcGV_2wYVu70LC8zE0TA4eW2N4). To become a Trends Pro Member, [click here](=.xn8K53pLuzqaHDra0FvS02U1c7dx5387l4V8JDJLMIs) To get a web version of this report, [click here](=.eBapQkaFsEXByp3VjrdkIqJD8qOobZnEGDkihidKgwo) Trends.vc 101 Marietta Street Northwest, Atlanta Georgia 30303 United States You received this email because you signed up on our website or made a purchase from us. [Unsubscribe](=.NJlgmPC0gCQEWSjWBefOsh9Jafk5JIj6eBiFnFDEwMY)