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Stair Step Method of Bootstrapping

entrepreneurship · hard · 6-18 months per step

What is Stair Step Method of Bootstrapping?

Rob Walling's 3-step framework for building up to a SaaS business without venture capital. Start with simple one-time purchase products on existing platforms, stack revenue streams, then tackle recurring revenue. Reduces risk by building skills and income incrementally.

Is there evidence for it?

EVIDENCEmoderate

How do you do Stair Step Method of Bootstrapping?

  1. 1.Step 1: Build a small product on an existing marketplace (WordPress plugin, Shopify app, browser extension) to learn marketing and shipping
  2. 2.Step 2: Stack 2-3 small products until combined revenue replaces part of your income and buys back time
  3. 3.Step 3: With experience and financial runway, build a standalone SaaS with monthly recurring revenue
  4. 4.Reinvest profits from each step into the next — never bet the farm on one product
  5. 5.Join communities like MicroConf or Indie Hackers for accountability and tactical advice

How long does it take?

6-18 months per step.

Is it hard to start?

hard.

Source: Rob Walling — Start Small, Stay Small (2010); MicroConf
bootstrapping · SaaS · micro-SaaS · indie-hacker · revenue
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