5 key startup growth strategies and lessons for creative founders
It’s 2 AM. Your eyes are bloodshot, and you’re staring at the screen, endlessly tweaking your landing page copy for likely the hundredth time. You’re wondering if this is finally the version that will skyrocket your conversion rates.
Sound familiar? I bet it does.
This late-night hustle is a rite of passage for every founder. We’ve all felt that thrilling yet exhausting space between the spark of creation and the grind of building a successful business.
From over a decade in the entrepreneurial game, I’ve learned there’s no magic formula for success—but there are startup growth strategies that can tilt the odds in your favor.
So today, I’m sharing five hard-earned lessons from my experience as an entrepreneur, framed through the lens of some of my favorite new founders in the digital business space.
Let’s dive in and turn those 2 AM doubts into your next big breakthrough.
1. Don’t just build “cool” apps—solve real customer problems
We’ve all been tempted by the allure of shiny new features or designs. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of building something that looks impressive, but here’s the hard truth: if you’re not addressing real problems, you’re wasting valuable resources.
Pieter Levels (@levelsio), the creator of Nomad List, exemplifies this approach. Instead of focusing on flashy features, he tackled a genuine pain point for digital nomads: finding great places to live and work globally. By providing crucial data like cost of living and safety ratings, Nomad List became a vital resource for digital nomads because it solved real problems effectively.
Next steps Grab a blank sheet of paper. Write down the specific problem you’re solving for your target audience. If you can’t clearly state it in one or two sentences, you might need to revisit your problem statement and ensure it addresses a real need. Try refining it until it’s crystal clear and genuinely resonates with the core issues your audience faces.
2. Engage with your target customers early and often
Building in isolation can lead to misguided assumptions. Customer feedback isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. It acts as your compass, North Star, and reality check.
Take a cue from Dickie Bush (@dickiebush), creator of Ship 30 for 30. He didn’t wait for a “perfect” product. Instead, he engaged with his audience throughout the process, refining his offering based on their feedback. This approach made Ship 30 for 30 a go-to program for aspiring writers, with a community that feels heard and valued.
Next steps Set up three customer interviews this week. Ask them about their biggest challenges related to your product or service, and listen carefully. Don’t underestimate how much this feedback can transform your business. Regularly engage with your audience, not just at the launch phase but throughout your journey, adapting based on their evolving needs and insights.
Pro Tip: If you don’t know your ideal customer, check out The Audience Magnet, my worksheet designed to help you identify, understand, and, most importantly, attract your ideal customers. It’s a tool that will refine your targeting and enhance your engagement strategies.
3. Prioritize profitability over investors
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of fundraising but remember: VC money isn’t a business model. One of the most effective startup growth strategies is to focus on building a profitable business from day one, giving you control and stability that external funding can’t provide.
Marie Poulin (@mariepoulin), founder of Notion Mastery, is a great example. She chose not to chase investor dollars. Instead, she focused on building a profitable course and consulting business around Notion. By starting small and expanding gradually, Poulin created a sustainable business that supports her lifestyle and doesn’t rely on external funding.
Next steps Review your financials. Are you profitable yet? If not, identify the smallest step you can take today to improve your financial situation and move closer to profitability. Focus on that before even thinking about outside investment. Consider every dollar spent as an investment in your path to profitability, and scrutinize your financial decisions carefully.
4. Master copywriting, marketing, and sales techniques
Even the best product in the world is worthless if you can’t communicate its value effectively. These days, copywriting, marketing, and sales are just as important as the product itself.
Blake Emal (@heyblake), the founder of Pagetear, turned his expertise into valuable content, demystifying what makes copy effective and providing DFY copywriting services for SaaS and agencies. By sharing actionable tips and insights, he built a significant following and a thriving business.
Next steps Pick one piece of your marketing—maybe it’s your homepage, a sales email, or a social post. Rewrite it, focusing on clearly stating the problem you solve for your customers. Get feedback from someone in your target audience to see if your message resonates. This exercise will sharpen your communication skills and enhance your marketing impact.
5. Choose co-founders wisely
Ever heard the saying, “You can’t choose your family, but you can choose your friends”?
Well, in the startup world, you can choose your business family—and you better do it wisely. It’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your business.
Andrew Wilkinson (@awilkinson) and Chris Sparling (@_Sparling_), founders of Tiny, exemplify a successful co-founder relationship. They paired complementary skills and a shared vision, leading to a portfolio of profitable businesses without relying on traditional VC funding.
Next steps Before finalizing a partnership, work on a “trial run” project together. Assess how you communicate, handle stress, and resolve conflicts. It’s better to identify any incompatibilities early on. The right co-founder can make all the difference, so invest time in ensuring a good fit.
Wrapping up: Get focused on the right startup growth strategies
We’ve covered a lot of ground here, from solving real problems to choosing the right co-founders. But at its core, this advice boils down to one thing: building a durable business takes persistence and patience.
Be like the great founders mentioned in each section above and:
- Solve real problems, don’t just chase “cool” ideas.
- Engage with your customers early and often.
- Prioritize profitability over chasing investors.
- Master the art of selling your vision.
- Choose your business partners wisely.
These aren’t just concepts—I’ve lived through every single one of these lessons in my career. My advice is to keep these close as you build your business and write your own founder story.
There’s no cheat code in business, but clues are everywhere if you can tune your business antennae.