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Case Study: Matrix in Practice
PremiumA sample case that breaks down multi-product coordination.
Case Study: Matrix in Practice (The Matrix)
"A matrix is not about making more products, it is about letting each product serve the others."
What you will get in this chapter
- Minimum viable matrix structure (MVS)
- Matrix SOP and coordination strategy
- Core metrics and acceptance checklist
One-sentence definition
Matrix = multiple tools share infrastructure + unified account + cross-promotion.
Case setup (sample)
- Domain: PDF tools
- Strategy: break down a big need into 15-20 micro tools
- Goal: reduce CAC and increase LTV through the matrix
Minimum viable matrix (MVS)
| Module | You need | Acceptance result |
|---|---|---|
| Shared templates | UI/SEO/tracking templates | New tools go live within 1 day |
| Unified passport | SSO + unified account | Cross-site login-free |
| Cross-promotion | Placement + internal links | Cross-site activation >= 5% |
| Asset reuse | Component library/toolkit | Reuse rate >= 70% |
Qualified signal: launch 3 tools within 7 days and enable mutual traffic flow.
Matrix SOP (standard process)
- Decompose big needs: split "editor" into micro tools
- Build templates: unify UI/SEO/deploy
- Batch launch: P0 first, then expand P1
- Unify accounts: SSO for a seamless experience
- Cross-promote: result-page recommendations and internal links
- Review metrics: filter and retire
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-Activation | Cross-site activation | >= 5% |
| Reuse Ratio | Reuse share | >= 70% |
| LTV | Lifetime value | Rising over time |
| CAC | Customer acquisition cost | Falling over time |
| Time-to-Launch | New tool launch cycle | <= 2 days |
Common mistakes
- Fragmented accounts -> unified passport is top priority
- Templates not updated -> version governance and sync
- Tools too scattered -> keep within the same demand cluster
Acceptance checklist
Unified templates and component library
SSO and unified account system
Cross-promotion placements and internal link network
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: A team runs "more than half a dozen" micro SaaS products, revived open-source crowd.dev, and integrated mainstream tools as a new line. It shows "use existing open source + integration" to expand the portfolio. Link: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40918056
- Reddit /r/micro_saas: A developer shared an iOS mini-tool portfolio reaching $70 MRR with multiple standalone apps, aiming to iterate and improve ASO. It reflects "multi-product small portfolio + compounding iteration". Link: https://old.reddit.com/r/micro_saas/comments/1ov2w27/small_win_hit_70_mrr_after_quitting_my_95_to_go/
- Reddit /r/SaaS: The author completed a third micro SaaS acquisition, portfolio MRR about $5k (goal $20k). The target was a B2B Slack app with <3.5x ARR valuation, about $1.3k MRR, >80% net margin, and growth mostly from Slack marketplace organic traffic (self-report). Link: https://old.reddit.com/r/SaaS/comments/1hii2na/i_just_completed_my_3rd_micro_saas_acquisition/
Summary
Key takeaways
1. Matrix efficiency comes from "reuse + coordination".
2. Unified accounts are the infrastructure for cross-promotion.
3. Tools must stay within the same demand cluster.
Case studies section summary
Three cases map to three growth paths:
- SEO factory: win stable traffic with scale and differentiation
- Viral tool: trigger a burst with a reason to share
- Matrix system: reduce CAC through multi-product coordination
The case studies section ends here. Next is the Epilogue section: human advantages, dark forest, and the final chapter.