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Portfolio Strategy
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Portfolio Strategy: Be a Machine Gunner, Not a Sniper
"On the internet, even with a low success rate, if you take enough shots, success is a mathematical inevitability."
What you will get in this chapter
- A minimum viable product matrix (MVS)
- Matrix SOP (decompose -> filter -> batch release)
- Portfolio metrics
One-sentence definition
Portfolio strategy = decompose a big need -> batch small tools -> reuse and cross-promote.
Single-point failure is fatal; a portfolio failure only costs you a pawn.
Minimum viable matrix (MVS)
| Step | You need | Acceptance result |
|---|---|---|
| Demand decomposition | 1 big need + 10 small tools | Can launch independently |
| Template reuse | Unified UI / SEO / deployment | New tool can launch within 1 day |
| Cross-promotion | Unified passport + recommendation slots | Traffic can flow both ways |
Qualified signal: launch 3 tools within 7 days and enable cross-promotion.
Portfolio SOP (standard process)
- Pick a big need: high frequency and decomposable
- Split features: list 10-20 point tools
- Prioritize: sort by search volume, difficulty, and dev cost
- Unify templates: share UI, SEO, deployment, and monitoring
- Batch release: P0 first, then P1
- Cross-promote: internal links + recommendation slots + SSO
Core metrics (must track)
Definition (default):
- Time window: unless stated otherwise, use the last 7 days rolling.
- Data source: use one trusted source (GA4/GSC/platform console/logs) and keep it consistent.
- Scope: only the current product/channel, exclude self-tests and bots.
| Metric | Meaning | Pass line |
|---|---|---|
| Time-to-Launch | Time to launch a single tool | <= 2 days |
| Reuse Ratio | Code reuse share | >= 70% |
| Portfolio Hit Rate | Tools reaching baseline traffic/revenue | >= 20% |
| Revenue Concentration | Share of revenue from the top tool | <= 50% |
Acceptance checklist
At least 10 independently launchable tools are defined
Unified template enables repeatable release
Cross-promotion and unified passport are designed
Common mistakes
- Needs too scattered -> no cross-promotion
- No unified template -> rebuild every tool
- Only split, no filter -> low-value tools drain resources
Community case addendum (from developer communities)
The following are public community shares. Metrics are self-reported or taken from public pages and are not independently verified:
- HN Show HN: getsphere.dev team says it runs "more than half a dozen products" and revived the open-source crowd.dev as a new business; this reflects portfolio tactics and asset reuse. Link: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40918056
Summary
Key takeaways
1. A matrix strategy spreads risk and expands traffic.
2. Reuse and filtering are key, otherwise you just get busier.
3. Use metrics to control portfolio quality, not just quantity.
Next chapter, we will cover Unified Passport -- let users move freely inside the matrix.