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Sam Built a $1M Business with Zero Coding
Sam leveraged no-code tools to create a profitable portfolio of businesses.
Welcome to Money Making Story,
Today, we’re thrilled to share the story of Sam Thompson, who built a $1 million-a-year business portfolio using no-code tools.
In this discussion, we’ll discuss his:
Top Advice from Sam
From Small Beginnings
The Power of No-Code Tools
Building Businesses in 24 Hours
9 Mindset of Successful People
Opportunities in Today’s Market
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
A Story Worth Reading
Top Advice from Sam:
do more things. “It’s easy to overthink or spend time learning tools, but the real progress comes from taking action,” he says.
“Put pen to paper, launch something, and see what the market says.”
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In the world of startups and entrepreneurship, the idea that you need technical expertise to succeed is often a barrier for many. However, Sam Thompson has proven otherwise. With no coding experience, he built multiple seven-figure businesses using no-code tools and a relentless focus on solving real-world problems. Here’s how he did it, and what you can learn from his approach.
From Small Beginnings to a Million-Dollar Empire
Sam transitioned from selling one-time digital product packs to a subscription model. Initially built with no-code tools like Airtable, Zapier, and Webflow, his company Creative OS reached $15–20k MRR (Monthly Recurring Revenue) before scaling to over a million dollars annually. This was accomplished with minimal resources, no coding expertise, and a deep understanding of automation tools.
“It’s like playing on easy mode,” Sam explains, referring to how no-code tools replace manual tasks and expensive development teams.
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The Power of No-Code Tools
No-code tools enable non-technical entrepreneurs to create software-like products by connecting platforms and automating workflows. Here’s how Sam uses them:
Airtable: Serves as a dynamic database for storing and managing data.
Zapier/Make.com: Automates tasks like data transfer, email follow-ups, and pipeline management.
Webflow: Creates visually stunning and responsive websites.
Memberstack and WhaleSync: Adds advanced functionality like membership and real-time data syncing.
“With no code, you can build in a weekend what would otherwise take months of development,” says Sam.
For example, Creative OS began as a collection of ad templates sold for $150 per pack. By leveraging no-code tools, Sam transformed the business into a subscription model, offering templates through a seamless user interface. This approach not only scaled revenue but also reduced friction for customers.
Building Businesses in 24 Hours
Sam has built several businesses in just one day by following a structured process:
Identify an Opportunity: Look for inefficiencies in a market or a problem a specific group faces.
Use Existing Tools: Combine no-code platforms to create a solution without needing custom development.
Launch and Iterate: Get the product or service in front of users, collect feedback, and refine it.
“The goal isn’t to build something perfect; it’s to build something useful.”
Opportunities in Today’s Market
For those starting out, Sam suggests avoiding the complexity of software development and instead focusing on services. For example:
Automation Agencies: Solve inefficiencies in businesses by automating repetitive tasks.
Tool-Specific Services: Specialize in platforms like QuickBooks, Salesforce, or DataBox and offer optimization or integration services.
Copywriting and Reducing Friction
Sam’s businesses are known for their clear and concise messaging. He believes in simplifying calls-to-action (CTAs) to reduce customer hesitation. For example, 72 Hour Sites, his web design agency, promises:
“Get a brand-new, high-converting website in 72 hours.”
This clear value proposition eliminates confusion and drives conversions.
The Importance of Delegation
As Sam’s businesses grew, he learned to trust others with tasks he initially handled himself. By hiring specialists and building a strong team, he focused on strategy and growth rather than getting bogged down in execution.
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Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Solve Real Problems
Sam emphasizes the importance of starting with a problem rather than a product idea. “The market will tell you exactly what they want,” he says. By listening to potential customers and solving their pain points, you can create value that people are willing to pay for.
Start Small, Iterate Quickly
Instead of aiming for perfection, Sam recommends getting a minimum viable product (MVP) out into the market and testing it. His 24-hour builds, showcased live on platforms like Twitter, demonstrate how quickly ideas can be validated.
Productize Services
Many of Sam’s businesses started as service agencies before evolving into scalable products. For example:
Creative OS began as an agency designing ad creatives for clients.
Over time, the templates they created became a stand-alone product sold as a subscription.
Focus on Outcomes, Not Tools
While many entrepreneurs dive deep into mastering tools, Sam focuses on the outcomes they can deliver. For instance, instead of becoming a Zapier expert, he asks: What problem am I solving, and how can Zapier help me solve it?
Sam’s story proves that you don’t need to be a technical genius to build a successful business. By leveraging no-code tools, focusing on solving problems, and acting quickly, anyone can create something valuable and profitable.
A Story Worth Reading
Robert Kiyosaki exposes the secrets that keep you poor.
He says school and the system is designed to trap you in a job.
Here are 7 secrets about money that make the rich cringe (and hope you never learn):
— Willie Chou (@WillieChou)
3:03 PM • Nov 18, 2024
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