From Side Project to Sustainable SaaS: How Julian Built Note Forms for Notion Users



Introduction: Julian’s Journey into SaaS

Julian’s transformation from software engineer to solopreneur offers invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Starting with a simple idea, Note Forms, a form-building app for Notion users, Julian managed to carve a niche in the SaaS world by solving personal pain points and leveraging his technical expertise. This article delves deep into Julian’s journey, unpacking every stage—from ideation to monetization and growth strategies. Whether you're looking to build on existing platforms or monetize your software ideas, Julian’s story is a treasure trove of actionable insights.

I. Julian's Journey & Note Forms

From Software Engineer to Solopreneur

Julian’s journey began with a desire for independence. While working full-time as a software engineer, he pursued side projects to enhance his skills and explore entrepreneurial opportunities. His persistence paid off when he launched Note Forms, a tool designed to enhance Notion, a popular productivity platform.

What motivated Julian was a simple observation: Notion lacked native form-building capabilities. Identifying this gap, he leveraged his technical background and user experience to create a product that seamlessly integrated with Notion, addressing a clear need in the market.

The Birth of Note Forms

The idea for Note Forms came during Julian’s daily use of Notion for managing projects. He noticed inefficiencies in collecting structured data and envisioned a tool that could bridge this gap. The release of Notion’s API provided the perfect opportunity to bring his vision to life.

Building on Existing Platforms

Creating a product that relies on a larger platform like Notion has clear advantages, such as tapping into an established user base and ecosystem. However, it also comes with risks, including dependency on platform changes or restrictions. Julian’s approach was to embrace the benefits while diversifying Note Forms’ functionality to minimize risk.

II. Idea Generation and Validation

Solving Personal Problems

Julian’s philosophy is simple: the best ideas solve personal problems. By designing a product he would use daily, he ensured that Note Forms had a clear purpose and practical value. This approach also allowed him to refine the app based on his own experience before reaching a broader audience.

The Importance of Shipping Fast

One of Julian’s core beliefs is the value of speed. Instead of perfecting Note Forms before launch, he focused on building a functional prototype and releasing it quickly. This strategy enabled him to gather feedback early, iterate effectively, and reduce development risks.

Frameworks for Building MVPs

Julian shared a repeatable framework for creating MVPs:

  1. Identify a single, high-impact problem to solve.
  2. Build only the core features required to address that problem.
  3. Reuse existing libraries and frameworks to save time.
  4. Test with a small group of users before scaling.

III. Marketing and Growth

Tapping into Existing Communities

Julian’s initial marketing strategy revolved around online communities. He joined Reddit and Facebook groups where Notion users congregated, engaging in discussions and sharing Note Forms as a solution to common challenges.

Navigating the Twitter Landscape

On Twitter, Julian took a more personal approach, sharing his journey and engaging directly with Notion enthusiasts and influencers. This helped him build a loyal following and amplify his product’s visibility.

Beyond Product Hunt

While Product Hunt provided an early boost, Julian soon realized that relying solely on such platforms wasn’t sustainable. He diversified his marketing efforts by investing in content creation, SEO, and partnerships with productivity bloggers.

The Power of Viral Loops

Julian embedded a viral loop into Note Forms: every form created with the app included a subtle Note Forms branding link. As users shared their forms, they inadvertently promoted the app, driving organic growth.

IV. Customer Support and Feature Development

Wearing Multiple Hats

In the early days, Julian managed every aspect of the business, from development to customer support. While this was challenging, it gave him invaluable insights into user needs, shaping future development.

Building a Support System

As Note Forms grew, Julian implemented an AI chatbot to handle common queries and hired a part-time support specialist to provide more personalized assistance.

Customer Feedback as a Roadmap

User feedback became the cornerstone of Note Forms’ evolution. Julian actively engaged with his customers, analyzing recurring requests and pain points to prioritize new features. This approach ensured that each update delivered tangible value.

V. Monetization and Business Model

Transitioning from Free to Paid

Julian began with a free version of Note Forms to attract early adopters. Once the product gained traction, he introduced paid plans, using early access offers to reward loyal users and ease the transition.

Finding the Right Price

Pricing Note Forms involved extensive experimentation. Julian analyzed competitors, surveyed users, and tested different pricing tiers to find a balance between affordability and profitability.

The Subscription Model

Julian opted for a subscription-based model, offering monthly and annual plans. This approach ensured recurring revenue, allowing him to reinvest in product development and customer support.

VI. Technology and Operations

The Tech Stack

Julian built Note Forms using:

  • Front-End: React.js for a responsive user interface.
  • Back-End: Node.js for handling server-side operations.
  • Database: MongoDB for scalable data storage.
  • Hosting: AWS for reliable performance.

Operational Tools

To streamline operations, Julian relied on:

  • Zendesk: For customer support.
  • Google Analytics: For tracking user behavior.
  • Trello: For managing the product roadmap.

Cost Breakdown

Running Note Forms costs approximately $1,200/month, including:

  • Server and hosting: $500
  • SaaS tools: $300
  • Marketing spend: $200
  • Miscellaneous: $200

VII. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Bias for Action

Julian emphasizes the importance of starting now. Many aspiring entrepreneurs get stuck in planning mode, but launching even a rough prototype can provide clarity and momentum.

The Power of Sharing and Feedback

By sharing his journey and soliciting feedback, Julian built a supportive community around Note Forms. He encourages others to be transparent about their process, as this fosters trust and collaboration.

Risk vs. Reward

Julian reframes entrepreneurship as a low-risk, high-reward endeavor for software engineers. The upfront costs are minimal compared to the potential gains, making it an ideal path for those willing to invest their time.

Conclusion

Julian’s journey with Note Forms showcases the power of solving personal problems, shipping fast, and building on existing platforms. His strategies for marketing, customer engagement, and monetization provide a roadmap for aspiring SaaS entrepreneurs. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your approach, Julian’s story is a masterclass in solopreneurship success.

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Discover how Julian built Note Forms, a form-builder for Notion users, into a sustainable SaaS. Learn strategies for ideation, growth, and monetization.

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