How I Navigated AI SaaS Growth to Reach 414,660 Users
Hello, friends! I’m thrilled to share my journey of AI SaaS growth from beautiful Bangkok, a paradise for software builders. In the last two years, I managed to attract over 414,660 users to my startup, Jinny. Jinny is a straightforward WhatsApp chatbot, nothing extravagant, yet it went viral! Today, I’m excited to dive deep into how I accomplished this primarily through TikTok, because, in the end, distribution is king, and AI SaaS growth thrives on strategic exposure.
Building products is great, but if nobody uses them, what’s the point? In many cases, especially in B2B, you should prioritize distribution even before the actual product development. My advice is to start with a simple landing page—a quick job that can be done in about ten minutes using tools like Webflow. Create a basic waitlist and kick off your distribution efforts. Only once you receive validation should you focus on building out the product itself. Let’s explore how I promoted Jinny on TikTok, and I’ll share all the videos I uploaded in a Notion document so you can replicate my approach and drive your own AI SaaS growth.
We strongly recommend that you check out our guide on how to take advantage of AI in today’s passive income economy.
Table of Contents
The Frameworks Behind My Success
Let’s jump into the first framework I used, which helped us gain roughly 100,000 users through a single video. This video served as a starting point for Jinny. The title? “Thank Me Later: Access ChatGPT via WhatsApp.” It was a short, six-second video that seemingly shouldn’t have attracted much attention. However, it hit the right pain point at the time.
When we released this video, it was just after ChatGPT had launched and was experiencing significant congestion. Users were desperate to access the tool but faced constant “at capacity” notifications. Our strategy was simple: we found an API that was not congested, allowing users to access ChatGPT functionality via WhatsApp. With just a day’s work, we created the promise of accessing this powerful tool in a familiar app.
I started with the audience’s pain point. They were frustrated because they couldn’t access ChatGPT. The solution? I presented Jinny as an alternative, highlighting that users could engage with the tool through their favorite messaging app, WhatsApp. The call to action was straightforward: “Check out Ask Jinny.” This approach was effective, as it directed potential users straight to our platform, resulting in around 100,000 new users from that single video.
Addressing User Desires
The second framework revolves around tapping into user desires. I created another video titled, “Websites Part One: Use 10minutemail.com.” This video addressed the common desire to protect one’s personal email from spam. In this piece, I not only introduced an underrated tool but also provided a solution to a pain point many users face.
By addressing the need for temporary email services, I captured viewer interest right away. The hook was simple yet effective: “Want to avoid spam? Use this service instead.” Following that, I provided an action step: I guided viewers on how to use the site effectively. The outcome promised a seamless experience without the unwanted clutter in their inboxes.
Another successful video in this category was “Underrated Websites Part 18: Create AI Videos with Synthesia.” This video attracted a staggering 30 million views. Although it didn’t target a specific pain point, it introduced a novel tool that many users found intriguing.
I kicked off the video by using the search bar, showing viewers how to navigate to the site. By clarifying the steps, I engaged users further. While not every tool needs to solve a pressing issue, introducing new and exciting tools can certainly go viral!
Simplicity is Key
The third framework I employed was centered around user convenience. In a video titled, “I Can’t Believe How Easy This Was,” I demonstrated how I created a model agency website in just five seconds using Framer AI. This video struck a chord because it tapped into the desire for simplicity.
By emphasizing the ease of use and showcasing the process with a numeric approach (“in 5 seconds”), I drew attention to how effortless the task was. People generally appreciate tools that make their lives easier, and this particular video illustrated just that. The video concluded with a thought-provoking question: “Is this the end for web designers?”
This controversial statement led to a flurry of comments, which increased engagement and visibility. People were eager to debate the potential implications of AI tools in traditional industries, fostering a community of discussion and interaction around my content.
Capturing Content Creation Needs
The fourth framework focused on content creation. In a video titled, “You Will Never Run Out of Content Ideas Again,” I introduced Answer The Public, a tool that provides endless topic suggestions for writers and marketers. The hook here was powerful: I began with the word “never,” which is an attention-grabbing term.
Using negative phrasing often resonates more with viewers. Instead of saying, “Here’s how to get content ideas,” framing it as “You will never run out of content ideas” tends to draw people in. The vast market for content creation made this video appealing to a broad audience.
The structure remained consistent: I showcased the website, demonstrated how to use it, and explained the outcomes users could expect. The promise of never running out of ideas resonated well with content creators, resulting in impressive viewership and engagement.
Consistency is Crucial
Now, it’s essential to note that your initial videos might not gain traction immediately. Everyone starts somewhere, and building an audience takes time. I follow the philosophy of Alex Hormozi, who emphasizes the “rule of 100.” This rule suggests that you should aim for 100 repetitions of a particular action daily, whether that means sending out 100 cold emails, generating 100 minutes of content, or even spending $100 on ads.
By consistently creating and sharing content, you increase your chances of discovering what resonates with your audience. You may not see immediate results, but keep pushing through. After you’ve found your winner, you can turn to ads for further exposure.
Transitioning to Paid Ads
When it comes to ads, TikTok offers a feature called Spark Ads. If you’ve already got an organic post performing well, like one with 3,000 likes, you can boost it by putting money behind it. This strategy allows you to leverage the existing engagement—likes, comments, and shares—when creating your ads.
Using Spark Ads effectively increases social trust. Users are more likely to engage with a video that already has a substantial amount of positive interaction. In contrast, a standard ad without engagement might quickly get swiped away. This approach worked wonders for my viral video, which eventually garnered 1.7 million views.
The Role of SEO in User Acquisition
While social content played a significant role in acquiring users, SEO contributed to another half of my growth. If you’re interested in learning more about SEO strategies, let me know in the comments! Utilizing SEO techniques can drastically improve your visibility and attract users organically.
In conclusion, gaining a substantial user base without relying on ads is entirely feasible. It requires a combination of understanding your audience’s pain points and desires, crafting engaging content, maintaining consistency, and effectively utilizing both organic and paid distribution channels. By following the frameworks I’ve outlined, you too can achieve remarkable growth for your SaaS or any product you choose to launch.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey to 414,660 users for Jinny. I hope my experiences and insights provide you with value as you embark on your own entrepreneurial path. Cheers from beautiful Bangkok!
We strongly recommend that you check out our guide on how to take advantage of AI in today’s passive income economy.
