A side project turned into a profitable SaaS without a team or paid ads.
Hoverify, an all-in-one browser extension for web developers, was never meant to be a full-time business. Himanshu Mishra started it as a distraction, expecting to move on after a week. But when a short demo video gained traction on Twitter, he knew there was something bigger.
With no external funding, he built and launched Hoverify solo, relying on organic marketing, community engagement, and strong customer support to scale it to $2K MRR and over $60K in total revenue.
The Problem They Solved
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Web developers constantly juggle different tools for inspecting elements, testing responsiveness, debugging, and capturing screenshots. This slows down workflows and forces them to install multiple extensions.
Hoverify combined all these essential tools into a single browser extension, eliminating the need for multiple plugins and improving developer productivity.
By focusing on an audience that needed efficiency, Himanshu built a tool that quickly became a must-have in the developer community.
The Strategy
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Success didn’t happen overnight, but a few strategic moves set Hoverify on a path to steady revenue. Instead of traditional advertising, Himanshu relied on community-driven growth, launching on Product Hunt, engaging on Twitter, and leveraging online communities to get his first customers.
He also focused on direct interactions with users, responding to feedback, building relationships, and improving the product based on real developer needs. This approach made customers feel heard, turning them into loyal advocates who helped spread the word.
Organic Launch and Customer-First Approach
Hoverify’s initial traction came from Product Hunt, where it secured 450+ upvotes, bringing in early adopters and validation. Having an existing audience on Makerlog made this launch even more effective.
- Launched on Product Hunt with an engaged audience
- Used Twitter and online communities to drive organic attention
- Turned customer support into a marketing advantage
By staying active in conversations, engaging with users, and ensuring great support, Himanshu built trust and credibility—without ever spending on ads.
Metrics & Milestones
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Hoverify proves that execution and consistency matter more than budget in SaaS growth:
- $2K MRR as a solo founder
- $60K+ total revenue
- 450+ Product Hunt upvotes
- Zero paid ads
Takeaways & Practical Tips
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Here are some things every solo founder should note from Himanshu’s journey:
✅ Leverage Product Hunt – A strong launch can set the stage for early success.
✅ Build an audience first – Engaging in online communities builds trust before launch.
✅ Prioritize customer experience – Happy users will promote your product better than ads.
✅ Solve a clear problem – A well-defined pain point makes marketing and retention easier.
✅ Ship fast and iterate – Getting real feedback early leads to a stronger product.
Hoverify’s growth wasn’t fueled by big marketing budgets or viral luck. It was built on community, smart positioning, and customer-first execution.
For solo founders, this case study is proof that with the right approach, a side project can turn into a sustainable business.
The key? 🔑
Launch fast, engage deeply, and keep improving.
If this story inspired you, check out the Dux-Soup journey. There you can discover how Will van der Sanden scaled it to $5M ARR.
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