Scaling to $1M ARR

Growth, systems, and the metrics that matter.

0% Complete

0 of 4 tasks completed

Tasks

Open a task to see its full guide and resources

Build distribution channels

Great distribution beats a great product. Spend 20% of time building, 80% getting it into users' hands. If you aren't embarrassed by v1, you launched too late. Master one distribution lever (SEO, Cold Outreach, or Viral Loops) before trying others.

1

Optimize retention

Churn is the rate customers cancel. High churn means a leaky bucket—no amount of new customers will get you to $1M ARR. Personalize onboarding with personal videos/emails. Identify the 'aha moment' when users realize value and get them there fast. Ask churned customers why—often they just didn't know about a feature.

1

Make first hires

Stop being 'Chief Everything Officer.' Hire for 'Slope' (potential) over 'Intercept' (experience). Look for hungry students or recent grads with grit. Build playbooks (SOPs)—every task you do twice, write down the steps. A $1M business is just a collection of working playbooks.

3

Reach $1M ARR

Track your vital signs: MRR/ARR (predictable revenue), CAC (cost to acquire a customer), LTV (total customer value). LTV must be at least 3x CAC. In 2026, 'growth at all costs' is over—investors want sustainable growth. If bootstrapping, prioritize profitability early. Focus on being 'Default Alive.'

1

Resources

www.bench.co

www.youtube.com

www.google.com

www.xero.com

www.youtube.com

stripe.com