🗞 What's New: A new SaaS opportunity for Threads

Here's a SaaS idea for founders who are just getting started:

• A post scheduling SaaS. Make yours stand out from the crowd by building for one specific platform. Threads currently has a gap in the market.
• To be a better writer, read widely, practice often, and pay attention to grammar and punctuation. Remember, authentic writing is good writing!
• $5K MRR from a monetized Telegram channel. Marie started a free niche channel and monetized through ads, then converted subscribers to paid.

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from the Trendy Software Ideas newsletter

Here's an opportunity for founders: A post scheduling SaaS.

The problem is that, when everyone has the same idea, they create the same product. Here's what can actually make yours stand out!

Focus on one social media platform

There are many successful social media scheduling tools that focus exclusively on one platform.

For example, Tailwind is a successful SaaS that allows users to schedule pins on Pinterest. Buffer started as a scheduling tool for X.

If you're a newbie founder wanting to create a social media scheduling SaaS, start with one platform.

The fastest-growing social media platform right now

Earlier this month, Threads turned one. Axios reported that, on its first birthday, Threads had over 175M monthly active users.

Not only that, the platform is also growing incredibly fast:

According to AppFigures, a mobile analytics company, Threads was the 10th most downloaded app in the world on the App Store in May 2024:

Threads now has an API

In June, Threads made its API available to all developers. Here are some of the things the API can do for you, according to Meta's post:

I don't know about you, but just reading this paragraph brings to mind a lot of potential SaaS ideas:

• Post scheduler.
• Post and profile analytics.
• Manage your profile (for popular profiles, manage and filter replies).

There's (still) not a dedicated post scheduling SaaS for Threads

These are some of the results when searching for "Threads post scheduling" on Google:

Not inspiring at all. So, there's definitely a gap in the market here for a dedicated tool for Threads.

Advice for founders

Creating a post scheduling SaaS for one platform is one of the simpler SaaS tools you could create, since:

• You work with one API.
• You use a background job scheduler (all major frameworks have this).

To increase your chances of succeeding, start with a growing social media platform (demand is there) for which there's not a single dedicated tool (supply is weak).

Threads is currently your best bet.

Discuss this story, or subscribe to the Trendy Software Ideas newsletter for more.

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by Martin Baun

Follow these six principles to become a better writer!

1. Perfect the basics

Grammar is about accuracy. Sentences must be structured correctly, paced properly, and delivered in an engaging way. These things take time and practice to learn and perfect.

Study grammar and punctuation using videos, books, and other resources. You can also watch educational shows that help improve your grasp of language. I used to watch "Mind Your Language" when I was younger. I picked up good foundational points from the show, and applied them to my learning!

2. Create your unique writing style

Writing is a creative art form. Authentic writing is good writing. Some people are very practical, while others are abstract. Some are conversational, and others mix multiple styles.

It takes time to develop any writing style. Stay focused on your goal, and try your best with your abilities. Your best will be reflected in the work you do.

3. Practice often

Practice makes perfect. This applies to writing, as well. Create a practice plan to help develop your writing skills, creativity, and storytelling.

Write often, read your writing, and ask for feedback, and you'll see your work improve consistently. Bruce Lee often said he doesn't fear a man who's practiced a thousand kicks; he fears the one who's practiced one kick a thousand times.

4. Read widely and research your topics

Reading widely exposes you to different writing styles, content, and information. Reading about a specific topic or subject, then writing it in your own words, is a good way to learn the topic, while practicing your writing.

5. Accept feedback

External feedback is essential to your learning process. Don't take things personally! Accept and apply feedback.

6. Write publicly

Writing publicly can help you sharpen your skills. It's also very motivating when you see people engage with your writing. Post on social media, or start a blog.

Take the leap of faith and push through with it. You'll eventually see good returns as you make big leaps in your content.

Wrapping up

Writing is a skill that can be nurtured through practice and consistency. Optimize your writing process, and learn various words and phrases to improve your writing. Write 500 words per week on any topic you desire. Take time to proofread and revise your text, then have people read it!

For more thoughts, guides, and insights, visit my blog or YouTube channel!

Discuss this story.

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by Marie

I created my first Telegram channel in 2022 while working as a data analyst. The main goal was to share my experiences and useful resources. But, after a few months, it became an additional source of income.

So far, I have several Telegram channels, both in Russian and English. I earn about $5K a month from them.

The nature of the platform

Some people think having 1K, 5K, 10K, or even 50K subscribers on Telegram is the same as having that many followers on other social networks. They're wrong. Here's why:

• Telegram is a messenger app, not a social network: People don't subscribe to hundreds of channels like they follow accounts on social networks. A typical user follows only a few channels.

• Quality over quantity: The number of subscribers doesn't matter as much as their engagement. Even 1K engaged subscribers can be profitable.

• The channel theme matters: Whether your channel is about entertainment, education, or something niche, the topic plays a huge role in attracting and keeping subscribers.

If I see a lot of subscribers on a Telegram channel, it's a sign that it's probably a channel with bots.

First Telegram channel

Within a few months of creating my first Telegram channel, I had just over 1K subscribers. I started earning money and selling ads because advertisers began reaching out to me.

This channel is in a pretty narrow niche: A Telegram channel for beginner data analysts. In my posts, I share useful content that helps subscribers learn for free, practice skills, find internships and jobs worldwide, and much more.

Monetization

Now, the channel has over 15K subscribers, and last month I earned about $3K from this channel alone.

To monetize, I run sponsored ads. Each ad now costs $250, and I post 10-12 ads per month, gradually increasing the price. Most of my clients are repeat customers who advertise regularly.

Most of my ad clients found my channel and reached out to me, and I got the rest through newsletters and ad exchanges (i.e., Telega Exchange). Here's the average cost per 1K impressions (CPM) for channels in different niches on Telega Exchange:

For example, the CPM in the "Business and Startups" category is $57.31. This is an estimated cost, and you can set your own price for even higher, especially if your channel has unique content.

You can also create a paid private channel with exclusive content, services, or nice bonuses for fans.

The most common approach is to make your main channel free, grow your subscribers, and monetize through sponsored ads. Then, create a paid channel with exclusive content. Some subscribers from the free channel will become paid subscribers.

Another approach, which is less common, is to create a paid channel without having a free channel first.

Promotion

I promoted this channel entirely for free, testing many methods.

I publish high-quality content (my subscribers regularly thank me). Also, my audience is very targeted for companies that sell analytics products. It gives me the ability to charge a high price for ads.

If you are an expert in a particular field (lawyers, fitness trainers, psychologists, etc.), start a channel. You will attract targeted subscribers, and you can then sell your services or products.

Telegram Creator Program

Telegram began sharing ad revenue in March 2024. Channel owners now receive 50% of all revenue that the company earns from ads displayed on their channels. You need at least 1K subscribers to take part in the program.

For more information on promotion and monetization methods, check out my free Telegram channel!

Discuss this story.

by Tweetmaster Flex

I post the tweets indie hackers share the most. Here's today's pick:

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Special thanks to Jay Avery for editing this issue, to Gabriella Federico for the illustrations, and to Darko, Martin Baun, and Marie for contributing posts. —Channing