How Serpstat Gained 6,400 Customers and $250K in a Week Without Spending on Marketing
Serpstat, a popular SEO tool in the Russian-speaking market, faced an uphill battle when trying to break into the highly competitive global SaaS market. Despite the odds, they managed to acquire 6,400 customers and generate $250,000 in revenue in just one week—without spending a single dollar on traditional marketing.
The Secret to Their Success: Leveraging AppSumo
AppSumo is a platform known for showcasing innovative software deals to its massive email subscriber base of over 730,000 users. Every other week, they highlight a new lifetime deal, driving significant visibility and customer acquisition for featured products. Recognizing the potential, Serpstat decided to target AppSumo as a promotional partner.
The Process They Followed
- Application Submission:
Serpstat submitted their application via AppSumo’s business submission page: https://appsumo.com/business/. - No Immediate Response:
Despite their efforts, they didn’t receive any response for two months. - Leveraging Connections:
Serpstat reached out to a friend whose SaaS product had previously been featured on AppSumo. Through this connection, they secured an introduction, which finally opened the door to a partnership with the platform.
Preparation for the AppSumo Launch
Once approved, Serpstat meticulously prepared for the promotion:
- A Special Lifetime Deal:
They offered a discounted, limited-time deal for $39 (their regular subscription cost was $19/month). - Custom Landing Page:
A dedicated landing page was created specifically for the AppSumo audience to clearly communicate the offer and value. - Unique Video Introduction:
Serpstat produced a tailored video to introduce their product and highlight its benefits. - 24/7 Customer Support:
Anticipating a surge in interest and inquiries, their support team operated around the clock to manage the 685+ questions they received during the campaign. - Scaling Infrastructure:
To handle the influx of new users, Serpstat added two additional servers, ensuring their platform remained stable under the increased load.
The Results
The deal went live on AppSumo, and the response was extraordinary:
- 6,400 New Customers: Serpstat gained thousands of paying users in just one week.
- $250,000 Revenue: The promotion generated a quarter of a million dollars in sales.
- Minimal Costs: Without spending on traditional marketing, the campaign achieved exceptional ROI.
Why Did This Work?
- Massive Exposure:
AppSumo’s large, engaged audience provided instant visibility to Serpstat’s product. - Low Barrier to Entry:
The $39 lifetime deal created a compelling offer for customers, reducing hesitation and driving high-volume sales. - Preparedness:
Serpstat’s meticulous planning—custom landing pages, video content, and robust customer support—ensured a seamless experience for their new users. - Network Leverage:
Leveraging a personal connection to get noticed by AppSumo was a pivotal step in unlocking this opportunity.
Lessons from Serpstat’s Success
- Leverage Partnerships: Platforms like AppSumo can provide a launchpad for SaaS products looking to gain visibility in competitive markets.
- Focus on Value: Offering a compelling deal can attract a large number of customers quickly, even in saturated markets.
- Prepare for Growth: Anticipating demand and scaling infrastructure ensures a positive customer experience during a surge.
- Be Persistent: Following up and using connections can open doors that might otherwise remain closed.
Conclusion
Serpstat’s story is a testament to the power of creativity, persistence, and leveraging the right platforms to grow a business. With zero traditional marketing spend, they turned a challenging market entry into a resounding success, proving that strategic partnerships and smart planning can drive extraordinary results.