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I offered $5 per conversion. They wanted $300 upfront. Here’s why I said no.
r/SaaS
7/9/2025
Content Summary
A bootstrapped SaaS founder building a freelancer tool (IndieHQ.org) shares his experience with influencer marketing offers. He critiques promoters demanding $300 upfront fees while refusing performance-based deals ($5/conversion), arguing this reveals lack of confidence in their own metrics. The discussion explores challenges of validating marketing effectiveness, balancing bootstrap budgets, and building trust through transparent tracking systems. Key debates revolve around influencer accountability, conversion rate variability, and alternative growth strategies like Meta Ads.
Opinion Analysis
Mainstream opinion supports performance-based models for bootstrapped startups, with many agreeing upfront fees often indicate low confidence. Key debates:
- Validation Methods: While OP offered custom tracking links and database access, some argue conversion rates depend on multiple factors beyond traffic quality (pricing, landing pages)
- Platform Suitability: Contention exists about whether Reddit influencers are appropriate for B2B SaaS vs using Meta Ads
- Risk Allocation: Marketers argue CPM models are standard as they can't control final conversions, while OP insists traffic quality should be their responsibility
- Product Readiness: Some suggest optimizing conversions before marketing, countered by OP's traction with 100+ signups in two weeks
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndieHQ | https://www.indiehq.org | Freelancer Business Management | Invoice tracking, payment monitoring, £11.99/month pricing |
| Hotjar | [Not mentioned] | User Behavior Analytics | Conversion optimization through heatmaps and session recordings |
| Meta Ads | [Not mentioned] | Advertising | Paid social media advertising platform |
| JobJump | [Not mentioned] | HR/Recruitment | Programmatic performance marketing with click validation and dynamic optimization |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Distrust of influencer marketing metrics
- High risk of wasted marketing budgets for bootstrapped startups
- Fake engagement and low-quality traffic concerns
- Need for transparent performance tracking
Problems to Solve:
- Finding reliable marketing partners aligned with business goals
- Validating actual conversion potential of promotional offers
- Balancing marketing spend with limited bootstrap budgets
- Building trust through transparent performance tracking
Potential Solutions:
- Performance-based pricing models tied to conversions
- Custom tracking links with real-time analytics
- Shared database access for conversion validation
- Focus on quality audience over vanity metrics
- Alternative marketing channels like Meta Ads
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Performance-based affiliate partnerships
- Transparent conversion tracking systems
- Bootstrapping with careful budget allocation
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Leveraging existing customer referrals
- Focus on product-led growth through user testimonials
- Utilizing programmatic advertising with dynamic optimization
Monetization & Product:
- Competitive pricing (£11.99/month vs £50+ competitors)
- Solving specific user pain points (Excel replacement)
- Maintaining financial autonomy without bank integrations
User Engagement:
- Building trust through real user success metrics
- Community engagement via transparent discussions
- Focusing on time-saving benefits over hype