How Brad Built Designfly into a $10k/Month Productized-Service in 1.5 Years
How Brad Built Designfly into a $10k/Month Productized-Service in 1.5 Years
Nov 26, 2024
Brad Adkins
Brad Adkins
⏳ 4.5 min
⏳ 4.5 min
Revenue/month
Revenue/month
$10,000
$10,000
$10,000
No. of founders
No. of founders
1
1
1
Startup costs
Startup costs
N/A
N/A
N/A
Company type
Company type
Company type
Productized-Service
Productized-Service
Productized-Service
Contents
The Backstory
The Backstory
Ever thought of starting your own business but feeling stuck in a frustrating job? Meet Brad Adkins, who took the leap from his design job to launch Designfly, a productized design service, and quickly hit $10k MRR (monthly recurring revenue). His story shows you don’t need a big network, capital, or fancy degrees to make it work. Just a good idea, the drive to make it happen, and a well-planned path. Let’s break down how Brad did it and the lessons you can apply.
Ever thought of starting your own business but feeling stuck in a frustrating job? Meet Brad Adkins, who took the leap from his design job to launch Designfly, a productized design service, and quickly hit $10k MRR (monthly recurring revenue). His story shows you don’t need a big network, capital, or fancy degrees to make it work. Just a good idea, the drive to make it happen, and a well-planned path. Let’s break down how Brad did it and the lessons you can apply.
The Bold Leap
The Bold Leap
Brad didn’t have a long-term business plan, investors, or even clients lined up when he quit his job as a designer. All he had was frustration and a vision. He had enough savings to last a few months, so he decided to risk it all for a chance to build something of his own.
The real motivation for Brad? Freedom and control over his work. Plus, he’d noticed something over the years—business owners seemed to be living the good life. He used to do door-to-door sales and saw firsthand how the business owners he met tended to live in the nicest homes. That lifestyle stuck with him. “I wanted to be a business owner too”
So, after seeing other productized design services, Brad thought, If they can do it, why not me? With over a decade of design experience, he felt confident he could compete. To get some guidance, he took the "Productize Yourself" course by Brett from designjoy.co. The course offered insights into running a productized service and connected him to a community of founders sharing tips and advice.
The takeaway: Find your motivation—whether it’s independence, creativity, or financial freedom—and find a community that supports your journey. Starting without a safety net isn’t easy, but taking that leap can set you on the path to success.
Brad didn’t have a long-term business plan, investors, or even clients lined up when he quit his job as a designer. All he had was frustration and a vision. He had enough savings to last a few months, so he decided to risk it all for a chance to build something of his own.
The real motivation for Brad? Freedom and control over his work. Plus, he’d noticed something over the years—business owners seemed to be living the good life. He used to do door-to-door sales and saw firsthand how the business owners he met tended to live in the nicest homes. That lifestyle stuck with him. “I wanted to be a business owner too”
So, after seeing other productized design services, Brad thought, If they can do it, why not me? With over a decade of design experience, he felt confident he could compete. To get some guidance, he took the "Productize Yourself" course by Brett from designjoy.co. The course offered insights into running a productized service and connected him to a community of founders sharing tips and advice.
The takeaway: Find your motivation—whether it’s independence, creativity, or financial freedom—and find a community that supports your journey. Starting without a safety net isn’t easy, but taking that leap can set you on the path to success.
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➤ Every week, we dig up stories of how regular people started and grew their businesses—
➤ Plus the marketing hacks that won them customers.
➤ Then, we share those insights with you.
➤ Every week, we dig up stories of how regular people started and grew their businesses—
➤ Plus the marketing hacks that won them customers.
➤ Then, we share those insights with you.
Crafting Designfly’s Unique Structure and Offer
Crafting Designfly’s Unique Structure and Offer
Brad launched Designfly as a productized service focused on UI/UX design for SaaS startups. What’s a “productized service”? It means Brad offers a set scope of design services on a subscription model—no custom quotes, no surprise fees. Just a flat monthly rate for a specific service.
The Service Model
Designfly offers two main plans: a 1-day delivery option and a 2-day delivery option. He knows he can turn around most design deliverables in 1-2 hours, which means he can manage multiple clients while keeping quality high.
Not all projects fit the 1-2 day delivery. For larger projects, like a complete website, he breaks it down into multiple deliverables to keep things manageable. With this structure, he’s able to serve 8-10 clients at any given time.
Key Insights on Speed and Efficiency
Brad’s not just fast—he’s systematized. Over his 10 years of experience, he’s developed a way to work that lets him crank out quality designs quickly. "Having good taste in design also plays a huge role" he says, "It means I can make quick, confident decisions without second-guessing."
(DesignFly landing page)
The takeaway: Structure your offer around your strengths and streamline your workflow. If you can deliver great work quickly, you can carve out a niche and keep clients coming back for more.
Brad launched Designfly as a productized service focused on UI/UX design for SaaS startups. What’s a “productized service”? It means Brad offers a set scope of design services on a subscription model—no custom quotes, no surprise fees. Just a flat monthly rate for a specific service.
The Service Model
Designfly offers two main plans: a 1-day delivery option and a 2-day delivery option. He knows he can turn around most design deliverables in 1-2 hours, which means he can manage multiple clients while keeping quality high.
Not all projects fit the 1-2 day delivery. For larger projects, like a complete website, he breaks it down into multiple deliverables to keep things manageable. With this structure, he’s able to serve 8-10 clients at any given time.
Key Insights on Speed and Efficiency
Brad’s not just fast—he’s systematized. Over his 10 years of experience, he’s developed a way to work that lets him crank out quality designs quickly. "Having good taste in design also plays a huge role" he says, "It means I can make quick, confident decisions without second-guessing."
(DesignFly landing page)
The takeaway: Structure your offer around your strengths and streamline your workflow. If you can deliver great work quickly, you can carve out a niche and keep clients coming back for more.
Pricing Strategy: Start Low, Then Scale
Pricing Strategy: Start Low, Then Scale
One of the smartest moves Brad made was his approach to pricing. Right from the start, he knew he’d have to attract clients, so he priced his services lower than he wanted to. He offered an introductory price of $1k/month, which was affordable for his first few clients and generated momentum.
This strategy gave him a full client roster within a month. With experience under his belt and demand growing, he gradually raised his prices to $1,750/month for the 2-day delivery tier. His clients at the lower rate got to keep their original rate—a win-win that kept them happy while Brad moved toward higher-paying clients.
This approach is pure gold for new entrepreneurs: Don’t be afraid to start low. When you’re new, it’s easier to raise prices as you go than to lower them. Starting low helps you build trust and gather testimonials, giving you more leverage down the line.
One of the smartest moves Brad made was his approach to pricing. Right from the start, he knew he’d have to attract clients, so he priced his services lower than he wanted to. He offered an introductory price of $1k/month, which was affordable for his first few clients and generated momentum.
This strategy gave him a full client roster within a month. With experience under his belt and demand growing, he gradually raised his prices to $1,750/month for the 2-day delivery tier. His clients at the lower rate got to keep their original rate—a win-win that kept them happy while Brad moved toward higher-paying clients.
This approach is pure gold for new entrepreneurs: Don’t be afraid to start low. When you’re new, it’s easier to raise prices as you go than to lower them. Starting low helps you build trust and gather testimonials, giving you more leverage down the line.
Marketing Without a Budget
Marketing Without a Budget
Brad didn’t have the capital for ads or a big network to help him promote Designfly. So, he focused on two things he could control: polishing his online presence and strategic networking.
1. Building a Sleek Website and Portfolio
Brad knew that first impressions matter, especially when you’re offering design services. He made sure his website and portfolio looked professional and appealing, showing clients that they’d be getting quality work from day one.
2. Testing the Waters with a Community Launch
He started with a $1k/month plan, which he shared in a private community of business founders. The response was immediate. “I was fully booked within a month,” he says.
3. Leveraging Online Communities
Brad took to Indie Hackers, Twitter, and some private Discord groups, sharing updates, wins, and even failures. He didn’t just promote his business—he provided value, shared insights, and asked for feedback. This helped him gain visibility and attract clients without spending a dime on ads.
The takeaway here: Go where your clients are, and offer value upfront. Social media isn’t just for promotion—it’s a place to engage, learn, and generate organic leads.
Brad didn’t have the capital for ads or a big network to help him promote Designfly. So, he focused on two things he could control: polishing his online presence and strategic networking.
1. Building a Sleek Website and Portfolio
Brad knew that first impressions matter, especially when you’re offering design services. He made sure his website and portfolio looked professional and appealing, showing clients that they’d be getting quality work from day one.
2. Testing the Waters with a Community Launch
He started with a $1k/month plan, which he shared in a private community of business founders. The response was immediate. “I was fully booked within a month,” he says.
3. Leveraging Online Communities
Brad took to Indie Hackers, Twitter, and some private Discord groups, sharing updates, wins, and even failures. He didn’t just promote his business—he provided value, shared insights, and asked for feedback. This helped him gain visibility and attract clients without spending a dime on ads.
The takeaway here: Go where your clients are, and offer value upfront. Social media isn’t just for promotion—it’s a place to engage, learn, and generate organic leads.
Lead Generation through Side Projects
Lead Generation through Side Projects
Here’s a cool twist: Brad launched a side project called Roasti, a design “roasting” service. It wasn’t just a fun way to engage—it was also a smart lead-generation tool. Here’s how it works: people send in their designs for feedback, and Brad provides honest, expert critiques. Clients often liked his input so much that they’d end up hiring him for more comprehensive design work through Designfly.
Why it Works
Roasti lets potential clients see Brad’s skills firsthand in a low-stakes setting. They see the value, they see his expertise, and suddenly, they’re interested in what more he could do for them.
Here’s a cool twist: Brad launched a side project called Roasti, a design “roasting” service. It wasn’t just a fun way to engage—it was also a smart lead-generation tool. Here’s how it works: people send in their designs for feedback, and Brad provides honest, expert critiques. Clients often liked his input so much that they’d end up hiring him for more comprehensive design work through Designfly.
Why it Works
Roasti lets potential clients see Brad’s skills firsthand in a low-stakes setting. They see the value, they see his expertise, and suddenly, they’re interested in what more he could do for them.
The Tax Advantage He Wishes He’d Known
The Tax Advantage He Wishes He’d Known
Brad’s one regret? Not setting up an S Corporation sooner. He estimates he could’ve saved around $6,000 in taxes his first year if he’d known about the benefits of an S Corp over an LLC.
LLC owners pay self-employment taxes on their profits, which can add up. An S Corp, by contrast, allows profits to pass directly to shareholders, who then pay personal income taxes rather than corporate tax rates. This structure can offer significant savings.
The takeaway: If you’re launching a business, get some tax advice early. It might seem complicated, but the right setup could save you thousands.
Brad’s one regret? Not setting up an S Corporation sooner. He estimates he could’ve saved around $6,000 in taxes his first year if he’d known about the benefits of an S Corp over an LLC.
LLC owners pay self-employment taxes on their profits, which can add up. An S Corp, by contrast, allows profits to pass directly to shareholders, who then pay personal income taxes rather than corporate tax rates. This structure can offer significant savings.
The takeaway: If you’re launching a business, get some tax advice early. It might seem complicated, but the right setup could save you thousands.
Brad’s Blueprint for Productized Service Success
Brad’s Blueprint for Productized Service Success
So, what does Brad recommend for anyone looking to start a productized service? Here’s his top advice:
Master Your Craft – Brad’s success hinges on his design skills and his ability to deliver fast. If you’re going productized, choose a service where you’re a pro.
Keep Pricing Simple and Accessible – Avoid confusing tiers and complex quotes. Start with something straightforward to attract clients, then raise rates as you grow.
Focus on Quality – Whether you’re charging $100 or $1,000, make sure your work speaks for itself. Happy clients turn into long-term clients.
Engage with Communities – Don’t skip the networking, even if you’re working online. People need to see you’re out there, sharing insights, and offering value.
Be Open to Feedback – Brad asked for feedback on his work from day one, even if it was a bit nerve-wracking. This openness helped him improve and establish credibility.
Consider Creative Lead-Gen Ideas – Like Roasti, find ways to let potential clients “sample” your skills. It’s a fun and effective way to turn strangers into clients.
Get Good Tax Advice Early On – Setting up an S Corp or similar structure can save you money in the long run.
So, what does Brad recommend for anyone looking to start a productized service? Here’s his top advice:
Master Your Craft – Brad’s success hinges on his design skills and his ability to deliver fast. If you’re going productized, choose a service where you’re a pro.
Keep Pricing Simple and Accessible – Avoid confusing tiers and complex quotes. Start with something straightforward to attract clients, then raise rates as you grow.
Focus on Quality – Whether you’re charging $100 or $1,000, make sure your work speaks for itself. Happy clients turn into long-term clients.
Engage with Communities – Don’t skip the networking, even if you’re working online. People need to see you’re out there, sharing insights, and offering value.
Be Open to Feedback – Brad asked for feedback on his work from day one, even if it was a bit nerve-wracking. This openness helped him improve and establish credibility.
Consider Creative Lead-Gen Ideas – Like Roasti, find ways to let potential clients “sample” your skills. It’s a fun and effective way to turn strangers into clients.
Get Good Tax Advice Early On – Setting up an S Corp or similar structure can save you money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Brad’s journey from frustration to $10k/month in just 1.5 years is a testament to what’s possible with focus, structure, and a dash of creativity. He went from an unsatisfied employee to a thriving business owner, proving that with the right approach, you can turn a simple idea into a powerful business.
Starting a business is scary—but if Brad’s story tells us anything, it’s that a well-executed leap can pay off in ways you never imagined. So if you’re ready, take the plunge!
P.S. I’ve got a weekly newsletter where I share Stories of how regular people started and grew their businesses— Plus the marketing hacks that won them customers. Then, I share those insights with you. I would love for you to join us here
Shoot me a DM if you want to share your story or visit this page to submit your information 💌
- h/t Brad, Indie Hackers ⇢ Great resources
Brad’s journey from frustration to $10k/month in just 1.5 years is a testament to what’s possible with focus, structure, and a dash of creativity. He went from an unsatisfied employee to a thriving business owner, proving that with the right approach, you can turn a simple idea into a powerful business.
Starting a business is scary—but if Brad’s story tells us anything, it’s that a well-executed leap can pay off in ways you never imagined. So if you’re ready, take the plunge!
P.S. I’ve got a weekly newsletter where I share Stories of how regular people started and grew their businesses— Plus the marketing hacks that won them customers. Then, I share those insights with you. I would love for you to join us here
Shoot me a DM if you want to share your story or visit this page to submit your information 💌
- h/t Brad, Indie Hackers ⇢ Great resources
