Entering the Startup Matrix with Dan Norris – WPCAST026

This week, we’ve got Dan Norris as our guest. Dan is the co-founder of WP Curve, a high-growth WordPress support business. He recently started Helloify, a business messaging platform, and he’s the author of The 7 Day Startup. And he also brews beer.

The Core

Dan Norris sold his web design business to start a SaaS. But despite great feedback, it didn’t grow.

A year later, he ended up starting WP Curve “out of desperation.” It became an instant hit, and within one week his MRR (monthly recurring revenue) matched what it took him a year to reach with Inform.ly. Since launching 15 months ago, he’s managed >10% monthly growth for every month but one.

Validation: Dan wrote about his experiences in his book, The 7-Day Startup: You Don’t Learn Until You Launch. This largely came from a great blog post he wrote, Is Startup Validation Bullshit?.

The Startup Growth Matrix: You can find this on Dan’s presentation from WordCamp Sydney (slide #33). Green means better for growth. SaaS and Services are ranked better, and Freelance and Agency are ranked lower.

Tips for Validation and Growth: If you can’t launch quickly, you’re at an immediate disadvantage. It’s a better strategy to get to paid customers as soon as possible, rather than do a big launch.

Dan’s Businesses and Info:

• WP Curve provides unlimited small WordPress support jobs, 24/7, for a flat monthly rate.
• The 7-Day Startup: You Don’t Learn Until You Launch is his new book about startup validation.
• Helloify is a business messaging platform that allows your customers to reach you via your site, email, and SMS.
• Black Ops Brewing is an Australian beer company (with an awesome name).
• Follow Dan on Twitter at @thedannorris, and check out the WP Curve blog.