The Story
Saeed Ezzati spent nearly a decade as a software engineer at various startups before venturing into solopreneurship. Today, he earns $20,000-$30,000 per month with Superpower ChatGPT, a Chrome extension that enhances ChatGPT's capabilities with features users didn't even know they needed.
The idea was born when Saeed identified gaps in the original ChatGPT interface. Like many successful entrepreneurs, he began by solving his own problems. But he didn't stop there - he immersed himself in online communities where potential users hung out: subreddits, Discord channels, Slack groups, and Facebook communities. By listening to what people were asking for, he continually refined his extension.
Key Insights
Community-Driven Development
- •Join the conversation where users hang out
- •Identify needs through active listening
- •Build solutions based on real requests
- •Satisfied users spread the word organically
The Platform Strategy
- •Most entrepreneurs focus on standalone websites or SaaS
- •Chrome Web Store is a less crowded marketplace
- •Established user base = easier reach
- •Avoid competitive noise of broader internet
- •Consider smaller platforms: Zoom, Salesforce extensions
Build and Launch Quickly
- •Built first version in just a few days
- •Used basic JavaScript, HTML, and CSS
- •Philosophy: Validate quickly by putting it in front of users
- •Rapid development cycle allows quick adaptation
- •Don't be bogged down by perfectionism
Growth Strategy
Organic Growth (Zero Ad Spend)
- •Never spent a dime on advertising
- •User base grew through word of mouth
- •Occasional posts on Reddit
- •Quality product + timing = natural growth
- •Being early to market gave significant advantage
- •"When your product solves a real problem, users become your best marketers"
Monetization Journey
- •First 9 months: Completely free
- •Focus: Build large, loyal user base first
- •Then introduced paid features
- •Core functionalities remained free
- •Experimented with different pricing models
Newsletter Revenue First
- •Started newsletter for user base
- •Engaged users through regular content
- •Secured sponsorships
- •Generated income BEFORE monetizing extension
- •$150K annual revenue in just 5 months on Beehiiv
Platform Risk Management
- •Risk: Platform could change or shut down
- •OpenAI controls ChatGPT
- •Saeed's approach: Don't dwell on it
- •Focus on continuously improving product
- •Explore other platforms to replicate success
Business Numbers
- •$20K-$30K MRR
- •$150K+ annual revenue
- •Built in days, not months
- •Zero advertising spend
- •Solo operation
Key Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
1. Validate Quickly
- •Launch MVP as soon as possible
- •Test idea in real world
- •Don't wait for perfection
2. Engage with Communities
- •Best ideas come from direct engagement
- •Listen to potential users
- •Build what they're asking for
3. Leverage Existing Platforms
- •Reduces competition
- •Easier access to large user base
- •Chrome Web Store, Zoom, Salesforce, etc.
4. Monetize Wisely
- •Start by offering value for free
- •Build trust first
- •Introduce paid features that enhance (not replace) core product
5. Stay Agile
- •Be prepared to pivot
- •Platform rules can change
- •Have backup plans
Tech Stack
- •JavaScript, HTML, CSS
- •Chrome Extension APIs
- •Newsletter platform (Beehiiv)
- •Community engagement tools
Key Advice
- •Start small, think strategically
- •Take action over planning
- •Solve real problems
- •Let users become your marketers
- •Build on platforms with existing audiences
Resources
- •Superpower ChatGPT: Chrome Web Store
- •Superpower Daily Newsletter
- •Follow Saeed on Twitter