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In the ever-evolving landscape of digital design, Ollie stands out not just for his innovative approach but for his unique service that offers candid feedback on websites. At 29, this UK and Cyprus native has transitioned from overcoming financial hardships to becoming a successful entrepreneur. His journey is a testament to the power of focus and specialized feedback.

From Struggles to Success

Ollie's story begins in Cyprus and Birmingham, where early financial struggles forged his strong work ethic. Over a decade of experience in the design industry has allowed him to witness and contribute to industry trends, particularly through his YouTube channel and various tech and finance projects. His success isn't attributed to juggling multiple tasks but to a laser-sharp focus, a principle he believes is crucial for high-quality output.

The Birth of Roastd.io

The inception of Roastd.io came from a serendipitous moment. After multiple failed startups, Ollie received a text from a friend who was struggling with a landing page that seemed to promise more than it delivered. The friend was convinced that a few tweaks would result in paying customers, but Ollie sensed an opportunity to offer more than just platitudes. He proposed a straightforward deal: pay him, and he would roast the landing page.

What followed was a brutally honest critique that dismantled his friend's work but led to significant improvements overnight. Impressed by the results, Ollie realized he had stumbled upon a viable business model. Within hours, he built the Roastd.io website using Framer and posted it on Product Hunt, leading to immediate success with his first paying customer.

Attracting Initial Customers

Ollie's marketing strategy has remained consistent since the launch of Roastd.io. He continues to utilize startup listing platforms, which have proven effective in attracting new clients. Word-of-mouth referrals also play a significant role in customer acquisition.

Additionally, Ollie introduced an affiliate referral program, offering $50 for every customer referred. This program has proven to be a valuable marketing tool, encouraging others to promote Roastd.io in exchange for monetary rewards. Those interested in joining can sign up at Roastd Referral Program.

Marketing Strategies and Customer Acquisition

Since the launch of Roastd.io, Ollie has maintained the initial marketing strategies that proved effective. He continues to leverage startup listing platforms to reach new customers. Additionally, word-of-mouth referrals have played a significant role in driving new business.

Ollie has also introduced an affiliate referral program, which incentivizes others to refer new customers. Participants earn $50 for every customer they bring to Roastd.io. This program has been well-received and has become a valuable component of his marketing strategy. Interested parties can join the affiliate program at Roastd Referral Program.

Revenue Streams

Roastd.io operates on a straightforward business model, offering various tiers of roasting services. The primary revenue comes from direct sales of these services rather than subscriptions or ads. Customers can opt for a single-page roast at $169, delivered in three days, or a faster service at $199 with a 48-hour turnaround. For more comprehensive needs, a $569 package includes three-page roasts and access to Ollie’s Design OS workspace.

Ollie also caters to international clients, utilizing Google Translate to provide feedback on non-English websites. Despite fluctuations, Roastd.io currently earns $2,500 in monthly recurring revenue (MRR), with minimal operating costs of approximately $100 per month. The business is continually reinvested to maintain and improve its services.

A Day in the Life of a Solo Founder

Ollie’s daily routine blends design contracting work with managing Roastd.io. His typical workday runs from 9 to 5, focusing on design projects, while evenings and weekends are dedicated to his roasting service. Preferring to focus on one task at a time, Ollie divides his work between coworking spaces, cafes, and his home office, appreciating the change in environment.

Tools like Figma and Notion are essential to his workflow, helping him stay organized and efficient. While he manages Roastd.io solo, Ollie remains open to collaboration and new opportunities, despite not actively seeking them.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Ollie offers a blunt yet insightful piece of advice for those considering starting a business: "Don’t do it." However, for those who are determined, he emphasizes the importance of persistence. Success is elusive and often comes after numerous attempts, but perseverance is a strong indicator of potential success.

His entrepreneurial journey has been filled with doubts and challenges, but also with victories and lessons learned. Ollie advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on the joy of creating rather than solely on financial success, as true fulfillment comes from the process, not just the outcome.

To learn more about Ollie and his work,

Visit Roastd.io or his design contracting site at oefez.com/hire. You can also follow him on Twitter/X at @efesopoulos and connect on LinkedIn.