Simul Docs
About the Company
Simul Docs was developed to solve a common issue among Word users: version control and document collaboration. The founders noticed that many users relied on ineffective methods, such as emailing files back and forth with different versions and tracked changes. This led to confusion, errors, and inefficiency, especially within larger teams or organizations. Simul Docs addressed this by bringing the principles of Git version control, common in coding, to Word documents, allowing for more organized and efficient collaboration.
As a version control tool specifically for Microsoft Word, Simul Docs has been widely adopted by organizations and educational institutions, including Microsoft, Harvard, and Disney. The company's success stems from providing a niche solution that solves a significant problem for Word users, distinguishing it from other generic file-sharing tools.
Idea Behind Company
The idea for Simul Docs originated with Ben, who, as a software engineer, saw potential in applying Git-like principles to Word document collaboration. Git’s version control approach allows developers to track, merge, and organize code changes efficiently, and Ben thought this model could benefit Word users dealing with document versions. He created a minimum viable product (MVP) and shared it on Hacker News, where it gained traction, achieving over a thousand sign-ups and attracting attention from Microsoft.
Ben’s early success validated the demand for a version control solution for Word, leading him to leave his job and focus solely on Simul. With a functional product, Aaron joined to handle the go-to-market strategy and develop the company’s marketing, sales, and customer acquisition processes. Their goal was to simplify document collaboration for professionals, a need that wasn’t adequately addressed by existing solutions.
Creating the Company
After the initial success on Hacker News, Simul's growth plateaued, as they lacked a repeatable strategy for attracting new users. While the early influx of users validated the product, Ben and Aaron had to work on a more sustainable model to build a consistent customer base. They began with organic search and SEO-focused content to attract users who were already searching for solutions related to document version control.
To improve visibility, Ben wrote a blog post on version control for Microsoft Word, which ranked well on Google and brought in consistent traffic. Aaron leveraged his decade of experience in marketing for high-growth companies to build SEO-focused landing pages, write how-to blogs, and create free resources like templates for Word documents. This strategy grew their audience organically, gradually attracting more users and free trial signups.
Launching the Business
The launch of Simul Docs saw initial momentum but was followed by a slow growth period. Without paid advertising or SEO strategies, they initially relied on organic interest from Hacker News, but Aaron quickly recognized the need for a robust marketing plan. Once on board, he implemented SEO tactics to drive organic traffic, creating resources and guides related to Word that naturally attracted users to Simul Docs.
After refining their acquisition strategy, the founders turned to content marketing, focusing on common challenges people face with Word. By focusing on SEO, they attracted high-quality leads, many of whom converted into paying customers. They strategically avoided paid advertising and opted to grow slowly but sustainably, capitalizing on their content-driven approach.
Earnings
Simul Docs has achieved considerable growth, boasting over 10,000 users and doubling revenue annually. With a monthly revenue of approximately $10,000, the founders have positioned the company as a small but highly profitable business. The bootstrapped approach has allowed Aaron and Ben to retain full control, ensuring they can steer the company in a direction that aligns with their long-term vision.
The founders are committed to keeping Simul Docs lean and profitable without bringing on additional employees or seeking outside funding. Their success with organic search and SEO-driven traffic has minimized marketing expenses, allowing them to invest more in product development and customer support. With their current trajectory, they aim to continue doubling revenue, focusing on scaling within the document collaboration space for Word users.
