Lessons from Launching JustAsk

date

Sep 26, 2024

slug

justask-lessons

status

Published

1. The Thrill of Earning That First Dollar

When I started JustAsk, I wasn't sure what to expect. Two days passed without any contributions, and I began to wonder if my simple approach was too naive. Then, on the third day, I woke up to discover that someone had contributed one dollar! The excitement was palpable - it wasn't just about the money but the validation that my idea resonated with someone. That single dollar fueled my motivation and reaffirmed that even the smallest successes can have a big impact.

2. The Importance of a Strong Distribution Channel

Interestingly, the contribution came from the Israeli Indie Hackers community, not from the global platforms where I had also shared my project, such as Reddit, Product Hunt, Hacker News, and Twitter. In about 30% of the places I wanted to post, I discovered that I couldn't just share my project freely - I was required to pay or have an established reputation.

This experience highlighted the value of strong distribution channels. In my case, the local community served as an effective platform because of the shared connections and mutual support. There's a sense of familial support among Israelis, a collective spirit that stands together against the world. I realized that having a well-established reputation in a distribution channel can significantly amplify your reach and propel your project forward. Connecting with the right audience - people who share common values or backgrounds - can make all the difference.

3. Marketing Is Both Crucial and Challenging

Initially, I believed that simply posting about my straightforward and fun website in multiple places would attract visitors. I assumed that the simplicity of JustAsk would naturally draw people in. However, I quickly learned that traffic doesn't come easily. Posts get buried quickly, and many platforms are saturated with similar strategies, often bolstered by AI-generated content to boost visibility.

I came across articles like this one, which highlight tactics that are already widely exploited.

It became clear that effective marketing requires more than just posting - it demands strategy, creativity, and persistence. The role of a marketer is both serious and essential, and with better marketing efforts, the chances of success can significantly increase.

4. Dealing with Criticism and Negativity

Another unexpected aspect was facing criticism and negative comments online. About 30% of my posts got rejected or blocked. This was one of the first times I encountered harsh words from strangers about my work. It was a reminder that no matter what you do, there will always be detractors. The key is to stay resilient, focus on your goals, and not let negativity derail your progress. I've learned to ignore the naysayers and continue moving forward with confidence.

5. Embracing the Journey

While the experiment started as a simple quest to earn a dollar, it evolved into a meaningful journey of self-discovery and learning. I haven't just proven that it's possible to make money online with minimal resources; I've also gained insights into the importance of community, the realities of marketing, and the need for resilience.

For more about the story behind JustAsk, you can read my previous blog post: JustAsk: Proving to Myself That Earning $1 Online is Possible or visit JustAsk.World.

Sometimes, all it takes is to just ask.