Niche CRM Success

Rob discusses the opportunity in creating niche-specific CRM and customer interaction software, particularly for industries with fragmented communication methods. He uses Builder Prime as a successful example of this approach.

Key Points:

  • Core Concept:

    • Take existing business software concepts (CRM, project management) and customize them for specific industries
    • Target industries where communication is scattered across text and email
    • Create "strongly typed" versions of general software solutions
  • Example: Builder Prime

    • Focused on: Home improvement contractors
    • Problem solved: Consolidating scattered communication during home improvement projects
    • Features: Combines CRM and project communication
    • Performance: Mid 6 figures to 7 figures in revenue (from batch 2 of TinySeed)
  • Market Approach:

    • Choose specific niches rather than building general-purpose solutions
    • Build standalone products rather than platform-dependent solutions
    • Avoid platform risk (like building on Salesforce or HubSpot)
  • Similar Successful Examples:

    • Client Hub: Project management/CRM for accountants
    • GymDesk: Business management software for gyms
    • Both achieving 7-8 figure businesses in their niches
  • Business Potential:

    • Small niches can support $10-20k monthly revenue businesses
    • Larger niches can reach $100k+ monthly revenue
    • Success metrics depend on:
      • Pricing power in the niche
      • Customer churn rates
      • Average revenue per user ($100-500/month ideal)
RW

Rob Walling

Serial entrepreneur with six startups and multiple successful exits under his belt. Co-founder of MicroConf and General Partner of TinySeed, a B2B SaaS accelerator investing in over 170 startups.

Host of "Startups For the Rest of Us" podcast and author of "The SaaS Playbook," empowering bootstrappers worldwide.

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