Write of Passage
David Perell, founder of Write of Passage, transformed his 2.9 GPA into a $3 million annual recurring revenue (ARR) business by teaching online writing. Starting in January 2019, Write of Passage quickly grew by focusing on high-quality content and strategic use of social media, particularly Twitter. Perell and his co-founder, Tiago Forte, built and launched the course in just 60 days, initially charging $600 per student. Today, the course offers multiple pricing tiers and continues to attract students worldwide.
Texas City, TX, USA
North America
1
$220,000
$100,000 ≥
≤ $1,000
About the Company

Write of Passage is an online course designed to teach individuals how to write effectively, share their ideas, and build an audience. Founded by David Perell and Tiago Forte, the course aims to help people overcome common challenges in content writing, such as writer's block, time constraints, and maintaining quality. By offering comprehensive modules on writing techniques, audience engagement, and personal branding, Write of Passage provides a structured and supportive learning environment for aspiring writers.

David Perell also hosts two podcasts, the Write of Passage Podcast and the North Star Podcast, which complement the course by offering additional insights and discussions on writing and idea-sharing. This multifaceted approach helps build a community around the course, fostering a sense of belonging and continuous learning among participants.

Since its inception, Write of Passage has focused on addressing the specific pain points of content creators, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their online writing skills and grow their audience. The course's success lies in its ability to deliver practical, actionable advice and support to its students.

Idea Behind Company

The inspiration for Write of Passage came to David Perell after he participated in Tiago Forte's course. Motivated to help 1,000 people start writing online, Perell viewed this as a personal challenge. His enthusiasm led him to tweet about his goal, which quickly gained traction and interest from his followers.

Recognizing the growing demand for online writing education, Perell saw an opportunity to create a structured course that could help others overcome the same challenges he faced. He approached Tiago Forte with the idea, and together they decided to co-create the course, leveraging their combined expertise and passion for teaching.

This initial spark of inspiration was fueled by the belief that anyone could become a successful writer with the right guidance and support. By transforming this idea into a tangible product, Perell and Forte aimed to make a significant impact on the lives of aspiring writers around the world.

Creating the Company

David Perell and Tiago Forte collaborated to build Write of Passage, starting with a five-minute pitch that led to a decision to co-create the course. They filmed the course in Mexico City, with production and travel costs covered by a supportive friend. This quick and efficient setup allowed them to complete the course in just two months, setting the stage for a successful launch.

The course was structured into seven pre-recorded modules, each designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills for online writing. With an inaugural price of $600, Write of Passage attracted 150 students who formed the initial cohort. This early success validated the demand for the course and provided valuable feedback for future improvements.

Perell and Forte's collaborative effort and swift execution demonstrated their commitment to delivering a high-quality product. By leveraging their networks and expertise, they were able to bring their vision to life and establish Write of Passage as a leading online writing course.

Launching the Business

Write of Passage launched with a focus on delivering value and engaging content. David Perell's growth strategy centered around a laser-focused marketing approach on Twitter, where he created shareable content to drive traffic to his email list. This strategy helped build a strong online presence and community around the course, attracting more students and generating buzz.

The course's initial success was bolstered by Perell's dedication to continuously refining and improving the content. By listening to feedback from early students and iterating on the course materials, Write of Passage maintained its relevance and appeal to a growing audience. This iterative process ensured that the course stayed current with industry trends and best practices.

As the course gained traction, Perell introduced multiple pricing options to cater to different levels of access and support. This tiered pricing strategy allowed the business to scale and diversify its revenue streams, contributing to its sustained growth and success.

Earnings

Write of Passage offers three pricing packages: $4,000 for cohort-only access, $5,000 for one cohort plus three months of post-cohort support, and $9,000 for lifetime access to all cohorts. This tiered pricing strategy has contributed significantly to the business's revenue, which now stands at $25,000 per month. The course's popularity and the effectiveness of its marketing strategies have helped Write of Passage achieve a $3 million annual recurring revenue, highlighting its success and impact in the online education space.

The revenue model is designed to provide value at different price points, ensuring that a wide range of students can benefit from the course. By offering various levels of access and support, Write of Passage caters to both beginners and more experienced writers seeking ongoing mentorship and community engagement.

The financial success of Write of Passage underscores the viability of online education as a business model. Perell's ability to identify a niche market, create a high-quality product, and effectively market it has resulted in a thriving business that continues to grow and evolve.

Back to Database
Write of Passage
Founder / CEO
David Perell
Annual Revenue
$220,000
Est. Initial Investments
$0
Employees
1
Website
Location
Texas City, TX, USA

About The CompanyIdea Behind CompanyCreating The ProductLaunching The BusinessEarnings
Back to Database