Chapter 1: The Quest for Freedom

Many entrepreneurs aspire to achieve the kind of freedom that allows them to pursue projects they are passionate about, on their own terms. Noah Bragg is one such founder who has successfully realized this dream with his creation, Potion. Let's delve into how he accomplished this feat.

For seven years, Noah juggled various side projects while holding down a full-time job. He previously created and sold businesses like CoffeePass and SupportMan. His latest venture, Potion, now brings in $5,000 each month and serves as a website builder integrated with Notion, a popular productivity platform.

Thanks to Potion's success, Noah can now dedicate himself to this project full-time. So, how did he achieve this? We discuss his journey in the interview below.

How did you conceive the idea for Potion?

I believed that building on top of an existing platform could be a strategic way for a solo entrepreneur to get started. I began exploring suitable platforms and found Notion to be particularly appealing due to its enthusiastic community and the recent introduction of its API. It seemed like a prime opportunity to capitalize on.

Having utilized Notion for a year already, I noticed numerous individuals attempting to create websites using a rudimentary solution called Fruition. This indicated a clear demand, and I realized that if I could develop something more user-friendly and robust, it would likely resonate well with users.

What was your strategy for acquiring your first 10 paying customers?

From day one, I adopted a transparent approach with Potion, sharing the challenges I faced and my progress along the way. This openness helped me build a small audience on Twitter who were eager to support my journey.

Upon launching early access, I quickly gained around ten paying users within the first few weeks. Having an audience that recognized me as a creator was incredibly beneficial during the early stages when the product was still rough and I relied heavily on feedback.

Which user acquisition channel has proven most effective for you? Why?

Twitter and word-of-mouth referrals have been my most successful channels. This is largely due to my commitment to building in public and the vibrant discussions surrounding Notion on Twitter. Sharing my journey openly resonates with others, allowing me to connect with potential users.

What are your plans for the upcoming year as a full-time founder?

In the coming year, I plan to focus equally on product development and marketing. My goal is to achieve over $10k in monthly recurring revenue (MRR) for Potion while enjoying the increased time I can dedicate to this venture.

What motivates you to persevere with Potion, especially as an indie founder?

My motivation stems from a genuine desire to support other founders and creators. These are the individuals I enjoy interacting with, and understanding their needs fuels my passion for building Potion. I aim to create a business that I love, and Potion has certainly provided that joy, which helps me remain committed.

What advice or quote resonates with you currently?

• "Persistence is key. If you continue working on your entrepreneurial journey, it is likely to pay off… eventually."

Chapter 2: The Path Ahead

This next chapter will explore the future goals Noah has for Potion and the strategies he plans to implement to reach new milestones.