The crowded market was the opportunity
Charlie Clark, a software engineer, identified a glaring opportunity within a seemingly saturated market. While developing an earlier print-on-demand platform for artists, he observed many creators using Linktree for their link-in-bio pages. This wasn't a sign of market dominance, but rather a beacon for unmet needs.
Linktree proved the essential demand for a central hub for creators' online presences, but its limitations became Clark’s starting point. Users craved more visually appealing designs and greater flexibility than the standard, list-based format offered. Clark saw past the millions of users to the underlying frustration.
His solution, Liinks, transcended the simple button list. It emerged as a mobile-first mini website, offering creators multiple pages, richer content blocks, and extensive customization. This allowed individuals and brands to build a more dynamic, branded online presence, directly addressing the sophisticated needs of those actively monetizing their work.
Clark dedicated a focused two-week sprint to build Liinks, transforming a perceived crowded market into his launchpad. He recognized that while people needed a link-in-bio, they truly desired a more powerful, personalized digital storefront.
Two weeks to build—and real people to test it
Clark’s first bet was deliberately small: two weeks. Rather than spend months building an untested idea, he gave himself a tight deadline to create a functional Linktree alternative. This constraint forced focus and prevented over-engineering before any real-world validation.
He found early users through relentless, manual outreach. Clark tapped into his network of artists from his previous print-on-demand project, personally messaging individuals he saw using Linktree. He offered to build and style a Liinks page for them, asking for direct feedback in return.
This high-touch, "white glove" onboarding was not scalable, but that wasn't the point. This direct engagement validated demand, revealed friction points, and shaped crucial product decisions. Artists received a free Liinks account, providing Clark with invaluable insights before he invested in automated onboarding.
This approach proved a critical lesson for any founder: manual, direct customer acquisition, though inefficient at scale, provides the richest data. It’s how you truly understand user needs and build a product that resonates, paving the way for eventual growth and automation.
A $5 plan, a better fit, and channels that changed
Clark’s two-week bet immediately paid off. A Product Hunt launch generated initial traffic, and by introducing a low-priced premium plan, Liinks quickly reached roughly $100 MRR within months. This early validation proved people would pay for a better link-in-bio tool.
Early growth was fueled by Instagram ads, a channel that worked well for direct creator targeting. However, Clark soon pivoted, finding that Google Search ads provided a steadier stream of high-intent users actively searching for link-in-bio alternatives. This shift optimized his acquisition strategy for sustained, organic expansion.
Initially, the Starter plan cost $4 per month. Clark later increased it to $5 per month, a seemingly minor bump that translated to nearly $5,000 in additional MRR across his growing subscriber base. For users needing more robust features like custom domains and multiple pages, the Pro plan starts at $12, further solidifying Liinks’ position as a versatile, affordable option. Explore the features and plans yourself at Liinks - The Link in Bio Tool for Creators & Businesses.
Liinks now boasts over 5,400 paying customers, generating approximately $31,500 MRR. This remarkable growth from a simple side project to a thriving solo venture underscores the power of identifying overlooked market needs and executing with agile precision.
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He waited to quit until the numbers—and life—aligned
Clark’s journey to full-time entrepreneurship offers a pragmatic lesson: know when to leap. His first departure from a job in 2019, driven by an untested print-on-demand idea, preceded any significant revenue. The second, in August 2024, was a calculated move, made only after Liinks approached his Squarespace salary, generating over $25,000 MRR.
This deliberate timing was not for a dramatic "burn the boats" narrative. Instead, it reflected a practical alignment of life and finances. The intervening years brought a global pandemic and family plans, making a dependable income threshold—and the flexibility it afforded as a parent—far more valuable than a hasty exit.
The durable takeaway for aspiring founders is clear:
- Build beside a job when possible; revenue is robust evidence, not mere hype.
- Treat dominant competitors like Linktree as proof of existing demand, not proof that there is no room to win.
- Prioritize stability over spectacle, especially when life demands it. Clark’s measured exit proves that patience, not bravado, often leads to lasting success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Liinks?
Liinks is a mobile-first link-in-bio tool that lets creators and businesses build customizable pages linking to their online presence.
How much revenue does Liinks make?
Charlie Clark reported about $31,500 in monthly recurring revenue in the Starter Story interview.
How did Charlie Clark get Liinks' first customers?
He reached out directly to creators, offered to set up their pages, and used their feedback to improve the product.
How much does Liinks cost?
The interview describes a $5-per-month Starter plan and a Pro plan starting at $12 per month.
Did Charlie quit his job before Liinks made money?
He initially left work to pursue an earlier project, returned to Squarespace, then quit again in 2024 after Liinks grew enough to support the move.