From Simple Beginnings to Solitaire Success: How Online Solitaire Built a $10,000+ Monthly Business

The enduring appeal of solitaire is undeniable. This classic single-player card game has captivated minds for centuries, offering a satisfying blend of strategy and chance. But what if we told you that a simple solitaire website could turn into a successful business generating over $10,000 a month?

This is the story of Online Solitaire, the brainchild of Holger Sindbaek, a designer turned developer from Denmark. This article dives deep into Holger's journey, exploring the strategies and decisions that transformed his passion project into a thriving online business.

Meet Holger Sindbaek, the solitaire enthusiast.

Holger's fondness for solitaire games goes back a long way. More than ten years ago, he embarked on a project to create a solitaire game app for the Mac App Store. Fuelled by his desire to learn a new programming language and a flicker of hope for generating some side income, Holger built the app with a simple vision: to create the best possible version of this classic card game.

While his initial expectations weren't sky-high, the app's success exceeded his hopes. The day after its release, Holger saw 100 downloads and $20 in revenue. This small yet significant step fuelled his passion for the project, laying the groundwork for what would become Online Solitaire.

From Side Hustle to Full-Time Focus

For many years, Holger nurtured his solitaire game as a side project while maintaining a full-time job as a CTO for a startup. However, a career shift and a touch of burnout led him to revisit his solitaire passion. He decided to dedicate his time and skills to building Online Solitaire from the ground up.

The initial years were challenging. Building a loyal user base and generating consistent income proved more difficult than anticipated. Holger admits to initial scepticism about the ability to monetise the site through banner ads. However, an experiment with banner ads proved to be a turning point.

The turning point: the power of ads

Taking a leap of faith, Holger implemented banner ads on Online Solitaire. The results were surprising. The first month of ad revenue yielded a significant sum—around $1,000. This success story became a catalyst for Holger, motivating him to double down on improving the site and approaching Online Solitaire as a serious business venture.

Building a Loyal Audience: The Importance of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

Holger identified search as the key channel for attracting users to Online Solitaire. Since "solitaire" is a popular search term, ensuring his website ranked high in search results became a central focus. Here are some of the SEO strategies Holger employed:

Content Optimisation:
He meticulously reviewed and updated the written content on the site, creating a comprehensive guide on how to play solitaire. This content was optimised with specific keywords in mind, ensuring the site's relevance for search queries related to solitaire.
SERP Features:
Understanding the importance of Search Engine Results Page (SERP) features, Holger actively implemented relevant features to improve the site's visibility in search results. This involved exploring and integrating features that enhanced user experience and search engine ranking.
Link Building:
Building backlinks to Online Solitaire was another critical SEO strategy. Holger reached out to website owners, proposing the option of embedding a custom solitaire game directly on their sites using a solution offered by Online Solitaire. While not always successful, this strategy provided a valuable avenue for increasing the site's authority and ranking potential.

Keyword Research and Optimisation

To identify the most relevant keywords and optimise his website pages, Holger leveraged industry tools like Moz's on-page ranker. This tool provided valuable insights into keyword optimisation strategies, helping Holger refine his content and improve his site's visibility for targeted searches.

Beyond SEO: Exploring Additional Growth Strategies

While SEO played a crucial role in Online Solitaire's success, Holger emphasised the importance of exploring other growth strategies. The article by Indie Hustle suggests a vast database of over 300 growth strategies implemented by various indie founders. Exploring such resources can provide valuable inspiration and insights for growing online businesses.

Monetisation Strategies: Ads and Subscriptions

Online Solitaire generates revenue through two primary channels: advertisements and subscriptions. However, the vast majority of income comes from advertising.

Initially, Holger utilised Google AdSense for ad monetization. He later transitioned to the Freestar ad network, which connects with numerous ad networks (including Google AdSense) to ensure optimal ad placement and revenue generation. Holger observed a significant increase in revenue after switching to Freestar.

To offer users an ad-free experience, Online Solitaire also provides the option of purchasing a subscription. Holger initially experimented with different pricing models but ultimately settled on a one-time fee for removing ads. While the subscription option is available, Holger found that relatively few users opt for it, likely due to the low cost of the ad-supported experience.

Advice from the Founder: Start small and gradually scale.

Reflecting on his journey, Holger offers valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs:

Start as a Side Hustle:
Holger emphasises the benefits of starting a business as a side hustle. This approach provides a safety net and reduces financial stress, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on building their businesses without the pressure of relying solely on income from the venture.
Gradual Scaling:
Holger recommends a gradual scaling approach, starting small and gradually increasing the scope of the business as it grows. This allows for a more controlled and sustainable path to success.

Conclusion

Online Solitaire's journey from a simple solitaire game app to a thriving online business is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and strategic planning. Holger's story showcases the potential for turning a hobby into a successful venture, even in a seemingly saturated market. By understanding the importance of SEO, effective monetisation strategies, and a focused approach to business growth, entrepreneurs can unlock the potential of their own creative ideas.