How Sanat Achieved $7K MRR with Hirevire's Interview Platform
Who is Sanat Hegde?π
Sanat Hegde, the founder of Hirevire, previously ran a web development agency for a decade before transitioning to build his own products after an acqui-hire experience, and his co-founder Nikhil Kachare has been a longtime collaborator.
What problem does Hirevire solve?π
Hirevire helps busy recruiters quickly screen job candidates with video interviews, easing the overwhelming task of sorting through hundreds of resumes.
How did Sanat come up with the idea for Hirevire?π
Sanat, the founder of Hirevire, identified a significant challenge in the hiring process based on his extensive experience hiring developers for his web development agency. He noticed the inefficiency and difficulty in managing large volumes of resumes and the inadequate information provided by traditional resumes. This observation spurred the idea of a tool that could streamline the screening process by allowing candidates to submit video responses, thus providing richer context for hiring decisions.
Sanat and his co-founder embarked on their entrepreneurial journey by experimenting with multiple product ideas, each building on lessons learned from the previous ones. Despite initial rejections and feedback indicating that similar tools already existed, they persisted in refining their concept. They validated their idea by creating a landing page to gauge interest and later dedicated themselves full-time to developing Hirevire, driven by the belief that they could improve upon existing solutions.
Throughout the process, the founders gathered feedback from potential users and carefully observed their competitors' successes. They understood the importance of continuous iteration and adaptation in response to user needs, leading them to build a product that ultimately resonated with HR professionals. Embracing the challenge of a crowded market, they committed to distinguishing their offering through practical improvements driven by user feedback.
How did Sanat build the initial version of Hirevire?π
The development of Hirevire began in earnest in August 2022, primarily utilizing the lean startup methodology to efficiently create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Leveraging the co-founders' prior experience in web development and software, the tech stack likely included industry-standard web development tools and software, although specific technologies are not mentioned. Initial product iterations faced challenges when trying to acquire users; attempts through direct messaging and various social media ads yielded no sign-ups, highlighting the difficulties in initial customer acquisition and validation. The first iteration of Hirevire emphasized video capture capabilities to collect screening responses from candidates, intended to streamline hiring processes for companies inundated with applications. Despite initial rejections and slow uptake, continuous iteration based on direct feedback and observational insights helped refine the product.
How did Sanat launch Hirevire and get initial traction?π
AppSumo Launchπ
Hirevire launched their product on AppSumo, a platform that offers deals for new software products. This gave them access to a large audience interested in finding new tools. The founders applied to be featured on the platform and were able to secure a lifetime deal offer. This move significantly boosted their visibility and user acquisition.
Why it worked: AppSumo provided immediate access to a target audience of early adopters who are interested in trying new tools. This exposure was crucial in getting consistent traffic and initial revenue, as it directly reached potential customers who were looking for HR software solutions. Hirevire collected $1,066.62 in November, $1,760.64 in December, $1,260 in January, $2,047 in February, $1,510 in May, and $3,582 in July as lifetime deal revenue from the AppSumo platform.
Direct Outreach to HR Professionalsπ
The founders of Hirevire tried reaching out directly to potential clients in the HR industry using cold DMs on LinkedIn and emails. They personalized their messages to communicate the specific benefits and features of their software, hoping to solve known pain points in the hiring process.
Why it worked: Personal outreach attempts can be effective in creating direct and personal connections with industry professionals. Even though many rejections were received, this tactic allowed the founders to directly engage with potential users and gather valuable feedback.
Product Hunt Launchπ
After about a year of being in the market, Hirevire launched on Product Hunt, a platform where users discover new products. The launch helped increase visibility and gathered support from the community, prompting additional reviews and feedback.
Why it worked: Product Hunt's community is composed of tech-savvy individuals eager to try and discuss new tools. This helped Hirevire garner more attention and even forced a rethinking of their marketing approach due to the constructive community feedback.
What was the growth strategy for Hirevire and how did they scale?π
Appsumoπ
Hirevire leveraged Appsumo, a platform known for offering lifetime software deals, to drive traffic and generate revenue. This approach provided a significant boost, as they found limited success with other methods like Facebook ads, Google ads, and social media posts. The Appsumo launch helped them gain a broader customer base and increased exposure, leading to consistent sales and user acquisition. Customers were attracted to the lifetime deal, particularly the 'Unlimited Plan', which resonated well with users seeking long-term value.
Why it worked: Appsumo is a well-established platform, providing access to a large audience of tech enthusiasts and business users. This platform effectively generated publicity and credibility, leveraging the appeal of exclusive lifetime deals that are enticing for potential customers looking for ongoing value without recurring fees.
Affiliate Programπ
Hirevire implemented an affiliate program, offering a 20% commission on conversions driven by partners sharing the service. Although not heavily promoted initially, this program serves to harness word-of-mouth marketing, incentivizing partners to recommend the platform to their networks. The program thus helps in expanding their reach without significant upfront costs.
Why it worked: Affiliate programs capitalize on the trust existing customers and partners have within their networks. By offering a compelling commission, Hirevire motivated affiliates to spread the word, which can be a cost-effective way to reach new users who might be otherwise difficult to target through traditional advertising channels.
Product Hunt Launchπ
Hirevire's launch on Product Hunt played a key role in gaining community support and attracting new customers. By showcasing their product on a popular platform for discovering new technology products, they gained valuable feedback and improved their marketing tactics. This launch helped Hirevire access a tech-savvy audience interested in innovative solutions.
Why it worked: Product Hunt is a platform frequented by early adopters and tech enthusiasts, making it an ideal place for a SaaS product like Hirevire. This audience is likely to provide engagement, feedback, and amplification through social sharing, which is crucial for building credibility and expanding reach organically.
Direct Outreachπ
The founders of Hirevire engaged in direct outreach efforts, like cold emails and LinkedIn messages, targeting individuals within the HR sector. Although met with many rejections initially, these efforts demonstrated persistence and eventually led to understanding gaps and demand in the market that Hirevire could fulfill.
Why it worked: Direct outreach, although challenging, offered a way to personally connect with potential users and gather immediate feedback. It allowed for tailored communication and demonstrating the platform's benefits directly, fostering relationships with key industry players and understanding their pain points in hiring processes.
What's the pricing strategy for Hirevire?π
Hirevire offers free and discounted paid annual plans that start at $17 per month.
What were the biggest lessons learned from building Hirevire?π
- Embrace Rejection: Hirevire faced constant rejection, especially from HR agencies, but used it as motivation by observing competitors succeed. This proved the idea's potential and highlighted the importance of perseverance.
- Test and Iterate: Early marketing efforts didn't yield sign-ups. This led Hirevire to explore different platforms like AppSumo, which became a key revenue source. Aspiring founders should be ready to adapt and try new strategies.
- Collect and Act on Feedback: Hirevire heavily relied on user feedback to build and enhance features. Listening to customers can guide product improvements and ensure you're meeting real needs.
- Shoot for Realistic Goals: Instead of trying to be a groundbreaking new idea, Hirevire focused on validation and getting people to use their product. Start by launching and adapting based on user interaction and demand.
- Persist Through Trials: Despite initial failures with other projects, the team kept building until they found a viable product with Hirevire, showing that persistence through setbacks is critical in the startup journey.
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More about Hirevire:π
Who is the owner of Hirevire?π
Sanat Hegde is the founder of Hirevire.
When did Sanat Hegde start Hirevire?π
2022
What is Sanat Hegde's net worth?π
Sanat Hegde's business makes an average of $7K/month.
How much money has Sanat Hegde made from Hirevire?π
Sanat Hegde started the business in 2022, and currently makes an average of $84K/year.
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