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Growth channel · Organic social media
Businesses that grew with organic social media
The 1M.chat dataset has 1,269 businesses that credited organic social media. 862 of them have a revenue figure the founder reported in an interview. Their median is $30K a month, and 31% were at $1M a year or more when interviewed, with a median team of 3 employees. The growth channels founders credited most often were organic social media (100%), SEO & organic search (51%), email & newsletters (38%).
Revenue at interview
| Under $1K/mo | 43 | |
| $1K–$10K/mo | 201 | |
| $10K–$50K/mo | 260 | |
| $50K–$83K/mo | 94 | |
| $1M+ a year | 220 | |
| $1M+ a month | 44 |
Growth channels credited
| Organic social media | 100% | |
| SEO & organic search | 51% | |
| Email & newsletters | 38% | |
| Paid ads | 36% | |
| Word of mouth & referrals | 33% |
Share of 862 businesses with channel information; founders often name several.
Industries in this group
| Software & SaaS | 285 | |
| Agencies & services | 193 | |
| Newsletters, blogs & media | 122 | |
| Courses & education | 77 | |
| AI tools & apps | 73 | |
| Fashion, apparel & accessories | 69 |
Tools named most: Instagram (38%), Twitter (23%), Shopify (13%), Google Drive (12%), YouTube (12%) — of 232 that listed tools.
Examples
Highest founder-reported revenues in this group
| Business | What it sells | Revenue / month | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| OWC (Other World ...Other physical products | Computer upgrades, storage and software solutions | $13.5Mfounder interview 2021 | United States |
| BrüMateHome, lifestyle & gifts | Insulated drinkware for adult beverages | $12Mfounder interview 2018 | United States |
| BeatBox BeveragesFood & beverage | wine-based party punch drinks | $11Mfounder interview 2019 | United States |
| MonetizeMoreAgencies & services | ad revenue optimization for publishers | $8Mfounder interview 2019 | Canada |
| Xero ShoesFashion, apparel & accessories | minimalist shoes and sandals | $6.2Mfounder interview 2018 | United States |
| Transformify: Wor...Software & SaaS | global payroll and contractor payment software | $5Mfounder interview 2021 | United Kingdom |
| Diesel LaptopsOther physical products | diesel diagnostic hardware, software and services | $4.2Mfounder interview 2018 | United States |
| BlindsterOther physical products | custom window blinds and treatments | $3Mfounder interview 2021 | United States |
| Love Good FatsFood & beverage | Low-sugar keto high-fat snack bars | $3Mfounder interview 2022 | Canada |
| WildBeauty & personal care | Refillable natural deodorant products | $2.8Mfounder interview 2022 | United Kingdom |
| TrainualSoftware & SaaS | training and knowledge base software for small businesses | $2.7Mfounder interview 2019 | United States |
| Viome Life SciencesHealth, fitness & wellness | Gut health diagnostics and probiotics | $2.5Mfounder interview | United States |
| Twinkle Toes Nann...Local & brick-and-mortar businesses | in-home childcare and nanny services | $2.5Mfounder interview 2022 | United States |
| Stukent, Inc.Courses & education | digital courseware and marketing simulations for education | $2.2Mfounder interview 2019 | United States |
| Hairstory™Beauty & personal care | detergent-free hair cleanser and hair care products | $2Mfounder interview 2021 | United States |
| Honest FulPhilmentAgencies & services | Sourcing, branding and fulfillment services from China | $2Mfounder interview 2021 | China |
| Mattress Depot USAOther physical products | Discount mattresses and bedding | $2Mfounder interview 2021 | United States |
| International Cer...Other physical products | Ceramics manufacturing for industrial clients | $2Mfounder interview 2024 | United States |
| QALOFashion, apparel & accessories | Silicone wedding rings and functional jewelry | $2Mfounder interview 2018 | United States |
| DetraPelOther physical products | protective stain-repellent sprays for fabric and leather | $1.9Mfounder interview 2019 | United States |
Revenue as the founder reported it in a Starter Story interview, at the interview date; not current revenue. “What it sells” is a 1M.chat summary. Channels come from Starter Story's listed growth channels and from what founders said worked in their interviews, grouped by 1M.chat. How this data is built
Questions
How much do businesses that credited organic social media typically make?
Among 862 businesses that credited organic social media with founder-reported revenue, the median was $30K a month at the time of the interview. The sample is founders who chose to be interviewed, so it leans toward businesses that were already working; treat it as a range of real outcomes, not an average for everyone who tries.
How many businesses that credited organic social media reached $1M a year?
264 of 862 (31%) reported at least $83K a month, the run-rate for $1M a year.
How did businesses that credited organic social media find customers?
Of 862 with growth-channel information, founders most often credited organic social media (100%), SEO & organic search (51%), email & newsletters (38%), paid ads (36%), word of mouth & referrals (33%). Channels are grouped by 1M.chat from what founders said worked.
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