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Growth channel · Word of mouth & referrals
Businesses that grew with word of mouth & referrals
The 1M.chat dataset has 750 businesses that credited word of mouth & referrals. 510 of them have a revenue figure the founder reported in an interview. Their median is $50K a month, and 39% were at $1M a year or more when interviewed, with a median team of 4 employees. The growth channels founders credited most often were word of mouth & referrals (100%), organic social media (55%), SEO & organic search (42%).
Revenue at interview
| Under $1K/mo | 8 | |
| $1K–$10K/mo | 82 | |
| $10K–$50K/mo | 159 | |
| $50K–$83K/mo | 62 | |
| $1M+ a year | 158 | |
| $1M+ a month | 41 |
Growth channels credited
| Word of mouth & referrals | 100% | |
| Organic social media | 55% | |
| SEO & organic search | 42% | |
| Paid ads | 28% | |
| Email & newsletters | 25% |
Share of 510 businesses with channel information; founders often name several.
Industries in this group
| Software & SaaS | 192 | |
| Agencies & services | 163 | |
| Fashion, apparel & accessories | 40 | |
| Courses & education | 38 | |
| Marketplaces & platforms | 35 | |
| Newsletters, blogs & media | 33 |
Tools named most: Instagram (46%), Twitter (25%), Shopify (17%), Google Drive (16%), Google Analytics (14%) — of 225 that listed tools.
Examples
Highest founder-reported revenues in this group
| Business | What it sells | Revenue / month | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| ShipMonkAgencies & services | Ecommerce order fulfillment and logistics services | $62.5Mfounder interview 2019 | United States |
| BrüMateHome, lifestyle & gifts | Insulated drinkware for adult beverages | $12Mfounder interview 2018 | United States |
| Transformify: Wor...Software & SaaS | global payroll and contractor payment software | $5Mfounder interview 2021 | United Kingdom |
| World Wide StereoLocal & brick-and-mortar businesses | consumer electronics, audio, video, home theater, smart home | $48M/yrfounder interview 2023 | United States |
| GetSpiffy, Inc.Local & brick-and-mortar businesses | Mobile car wash, detailing, oil change and tire services | $4Mfounder interview 2022 | United States |
| MadrivoAgencies & services | Performance marketing and customer acquisition agency | $3.7Mfounder interview 2021 | United States |
| TediberHome, lifestyle & gifts | Mattresses, pillows, duvets, baby mattresses, bed frames online | $3.5Mfounder interview 2018 | France |
| OffiNeedsOther physical products | Corporate gifting and custom merchandise | $3.4Mfounder interview 2022 | India |
| UPQODEAgencies & services | Website design and development services and WordPress themes | $3Mfounder interview 2021 | 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 |
| WishupMarketplaces & platforms | virtual assistants, bookkeeping and remote developers | $10K/mofounder interview 2023 | India |
| US-MattressOther physical products | mattresses and bedding online and in stores | $2Mfounder interview | 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 |
| Hush BlanketsHome, lifestyle & gifts | weighted blankets for better sleep | $2Mfounder interview | Canada |
| Solar Energy Part...Local & brick-and-mortar businesses | Residential solar panel installation services | $2Mfounder interview 2022 | United States |
| QALOFashion, apparel & accessories | Silicone wedding rings and functional jewelry | $2Mfounder interview 2018 | United States |
| StoreYaSoftware & SaaS | Ecommerce marketing and advertising apps | $2Mfounder interview | Israel |
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 word of mouth & referrals typically make?
Among 510 businesses that credited word of mouth & referrals with founder-reported revenue, the median was $50K 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 word of mouth & referrals reached $1M a year?
199 of 510 (39%) reported at least $83K a month, the run-rate for $1M a year.
How did businesses that credited word of mouth & referrals find customers?
Of 510 with growth-channel information, founders most often credited word of mouth & referrals (100%), organic social media (55%), SEO & organic search (42%), paid ads (28%), email & newsletters (25%). Channels are grouped by 1M.chat from what founders said worked.
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