Creating software that automates the connection between two large platforms is always a profitable idea. Notion, a versatile tool for organizing workspaces, has become extremely popular because it makes workflows more efficient and helps with organizing information. However, one major drawback has been that it doesn't seamlessly work with spreadsheet tools like Google Sheets.
This limitation inspired Leandro Zubreski to create Notion2Sheets, a groundbreaking service that fills this gap. Notion2Sheets allows users to fully utilize the capabilities of both Notion and Google Sheets, making it easier to work with them together.
In this article, we'll explore the case study of Notion2Sheets, from its beginning to its current success. We'll also look at the impact it has had in the productivity niche.
Leandro Zubreski
Getting started
Leandro, a software developer from Buenos Aires, Argentina, had been working as a freelancer for eight years. However, he had always dreamed of creating his own products. When Notion released its public API in May 2021, Leandro saw an opportunity to solve a common problem that Notion users were facing.
To get a better understanding of the users' needs, Leandro actively participated in several Notion user communities on platforms like Reddit and Facebook groups. It was through these interactions that he discovered a shared frustration among users: they wanted a way to seamlessly sync their Notion databases with Google Sheets. They desired the powerful features of Google Sheets, such as formulas and charts, while still keeping the structured data in Notion.
Drawing on his previous experience with the Google Sheets API, which he gained from a previous project, Leandro decided to create a solution called Notion2Sheets. In just two weeks, he developed a basic version of the product, known as a minimum viable product (MVP), and made it available on the Google Workspace Marketplace. Although there were some initial issues with bugs, the launch provided valuable feedback and initiated conversations with early adopters. This feedback and interaction set the stage for further improvements and enhancements to the product.
Gaining early traction
In the early stages of Notion2Sheets, Leandro put a lot of effort into engaging with users through social media. He actively participated in discussions on platforms like Reddit and Facebook, where he shared insights and mentioned his product when it was relevant to the conversation. To showcase what Notion2Sheets could do, Leandro posted videos and screenshots that demonstrated its capabilities, effectively conveying its value to potential users.
The timing of Notion2Sheets' launch was crucial to its initial success. As one of the first tools to use Notion's public API, it generated a lot of interest and curiosity about the new integration possibilities. The moderators on the Notion subreddit and Facebook groups were more lenient with self-promotion during this period, allowing Leandro to reach a wider audience.
During its initial launch, Notion2Sheets offered a generous free plan that allowed users to sync three workspaces and three databases. It provided hourly automatic updates and manual update options. This approach attracted a significant number of users, and Leandro was able to acquire his first 50 users within just ten days of launching the product. The organic growth and the fact that users actively sought out the product validated the demand for Notion2Sheets.
However, Leandro soon realized that the free plan was too generous and limited the potential for generating revenue. He iteratively refined the pricing structure, finding a balance between providing value to users and creating incentives for paid subscriptions. This process of determining the optimal limits and features for each subscription tier is an ongoing journey for Notion2Sheets.
Targeting the ideal customers
As Notion2Sheets continued to develop, Leandro identified the specific characteristics of his ideal customers. The tool strongly resonated with individuals working in operations, project management, or product management roles within companies that heavily relied on Notion for their organizational needs. These users had already invested a lot in using Notion and were actively seeking ways to overcome its limitations by integrating it with Google Sheets.
By integrating with Google Sheets, Notion2Sheets opened up a wide range of possibilities that were previously unavailable within Notion alone. Users could transfer their data to a spreadsheet and take advantage of advanced features like formulas, pivot tables, and charts. This allowed them to analyze and visualize their information in new and powerful ways. These enhanced capabilities appealed to users who wanted to optimize their workflows and make data-driven decisions.
To reach this target audience, Notion2Sheets focused on two main channels: the Google Workspace Marketplace and its own website. By being the top search result for 'Notion' on the Google Workspace Marketplace, the product gained significant visibility and credibility.
Additionally, the Notion2Sheets blog served as a valuable resource, offering informative articles and tutorials on how to effectively combine the strengths of Notion and Google Sheets.
The power of Product Hunt
One of the most important moments in Notion2Sheets' marketing journey was when it was launched on Product Hunt. Leandro strategically approached Ben, who was both a Notion employee and an active member of the Notion community, to be the one to introduce Notion2Sheets on the platform. This collaboration turned out to be highly successful, as Notion2Sheets ranked in the top 10 and secured a valuable spot in the Product Hunt newsletter.
The impact of the Product Hunt launch went beyond just the exposure on the platform itself. The process of preparing for the launch pushed Leandro to refine the copy on the landing page, improve the visuals, and fine-tune the overall message of Notion2Sheets. The buzz generated by the launch extended to social media, sparking conversations and attracting more attention to the product.
Leandro also took advantage of the momentum by posting about Notion2Sheets on Hacker News (HN). The post gained traction and made it to the front page of HN, resulting in a significant increase in website traffic. Although this exposure on HN didn't directly lead to many installations or sales, it did contribute to building brand awareness and establishing credibility for the product as a whole.
Current state and future prospects
As of the time this article was written, Notion2Sheets has achieved remarkable success, boasting a user base of over 40,000 individuals who have installed the add-on. Impressively, they have also got more than 400 paying customers. These numbers highlight the ability of the product to deliver value to users and sustain a profitable business model. By December of 2023, the SaaS was generating a monthly recurring revenue (MRR) of $8,400.
Leandro's journey with Notion2Sheets emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs, timing product launches, and engaging with the community. By actively participating in relevant online communities and providing genuine value, Leandro built trust and attracted early adopters who played a crucial role in shaping the product's development.
The success of Notion2Sheets also highlights the significance of integrations in the productivity tool ecosystem. As users increasingly rely on multiple platforms to streamline their workflows, the ability to seamlessly connect and synchronize data between tools becomes crucial. Notion2Sheets fills an important gap by enabling users to leverage the strengths of both Notion and Google Sheets, creating a more powerful and flexible productivity stack.
Looking ahead, the potential for Notion2Sheets is vast. As Notion continues to grow and evolve, the demand for integration solutions is likely to increase. Leandro's focus on user feedback and continuous iteration positions Notion2Sheets well to adapt to changing user needs and explore new opportunities for expansion.
Conclusion
The story of Notion2Sheets demonstrates the importance of identifying problems faced by a community of users. Leandro's journey, from being a freelance software developer to creating a successful micro-SaaS, shows that individuals have the potential to create impactful products that truly connect with users.
Notion2Sheets goes beyond just connecting two widely used productivity tools. It empowers users to discover new opportunities and simplify their work processes. With its seamless integration between Notion and Google Sheets, Notion2Sheets has become an essential tool for individuals and teams aiming to optimize their productivity.
