Pulling In $75K/Month Helping Muslims Learn Fluent Arabic [Update]
This is a follow up story for Andalus Institute. If you're interested in reading how they got started, published over 3 years ago, check it out here.
Hello again! Remind us who you are and what business you started.
Hey there! I'm Muhammad al Andalusi, and I run an online education platform called Andalus Institute.
We mainly help Muslims learn Arabic, the liturgical language of Islam.
Every Muslim yearns to grasp this language for a deeper understanding of their faith, and that's where we step in.
At the moment, we're pulling in an impressive $75,000 monthly.
For more about my journey, check out my story on:
Tell us about what you’ve been up to. Has the business been growing?
It's been a whirlwind for the business since we last caught up. First off, our growth trajectory has been stellar, and I'm not just talking numbers but strategies and methods as well. We've jumped from an average of $30,000 to an astounding $75,000 a month. Heck, we even saw a few months breezing past the $100,000 mark!
Much of this surge came when we reignited our ad campaigns, this time with a game-changer – Hyros. Post-iOS's 2022 restrictions, running ads was somewhat of a gamble, but Hyros changed the game for us. Big shoutout to Alex Becker, the brain behind the software and a significant inspiration to me.
Another avenue that set the ball rolling was a major pivot in our organic content strategy. Inspired by the viral feats of Andrew Tate, I got into serious video content creation. With a dedicated video production team, we've been churning out content that's garnering between 3 to 4 million views monthly across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
Diversifying our accounts, each ranging from 10,000 to 200,000 followers, was a wise move. My YouTube channel now thrives on weekly videos, which have not just augmented my brand but also directly influenced our sales. It's been a valuable lesson on the significance of focus and the potency of ideas when brought to life.
The magic lies in unwavering commitment. There will be moments, perhaps extended periods, of doubt and stagnation.
Speaking of focus, the team grew with the addition of six new members, echoing the business's expansion. I've been contemplating roping in a COO, a move to further streamline operations and emphasize vision and growth. It's been a journey learning to delegate, fighting the instinctual notion of 'I can do it better'.
An exhilarating start to the year was our investment into crafting our very own platform. It took five months and $20,000 to sculpt the framework, but the flexibility and the potential it offers over platforms like Kajabi makes it all worth the wait.
We introduced a new service that gives our existing students more personalized help, which saw our revenue spike by $7,000 monthly. This was a response to a need I felt was crucial but kept shelving. It's simple – four live sessions a day, backed by two new teachers and an efficient Google Sheets tracking system.
Lastly, I started taking serious email marketing. Pushing subscribers to take action through compelling emails has become one of our top sales-driving channels. And yes, I've got to give it to ChatGPT – it's made crafting emails a breeze and lent a tremendous helping hand in numerous tasks.
That's the gist of our journey so far – a mix of tried and tested methods, new strategies, and some fabulous tools to back it all up.
What have been your biggest challenges in the last year?
Navigating the challenges of remote team management has been quite an endeavor for me over the past year. It's been a quest to keep the team motivated and running at their peak performance. My initial hope was to streamline operations without the need for regular face-to-face interactions.
However, the reality has been different; we find that our best collaboration and productivity moments come from those Zoom calls. The looming decision is whether to appoint a manager to handle this, something I've been mulling over. Perhaps the delay in taking this step has, in some ways, kept us from performing at our best.
I consciously practiced disconnecting from work during specific times, and to my surprise, our growth didn't stall; it flourished.
A significant shift in my strategy was around ads. I had hoped we could scale without them, valuing the freedom it grants. But growth and consistent presence in the market require advertisements. While I value the art of content creation and have seen its immense potential, especially inspired by figures like Alex Hormozi, advertisements offer a different kind of consistency. They run in the background, ensuring constant visibility, while content creation demands continuous effort.
Another roadblock was the delay in our new platform development. The initial plan was to have it up and running by April, but we've sailed into July, and it's still in the works. This experience was a stark reminder that procrastination isn't an option. Instead of holding off on initiatives, and waiting for the 'perfect' moment or tool, it's essential to act with the resources at hand. While the aspiration is always 100% perfection, sometimes embracing the 80% can drive forward momentum.
What have been your biggest lessons learned in the last year?
One of the most profound realizations I've had this year revolves around the Pareto principle or the 80/20 rule.
I've discovered firsthand that 80% of our success can indeed be attributed to just 20% of our efforts. In the past, I was perpetually plugged into my business - constantly checking messages, sales, and various apps. I believed that this incessant monitoring was the secret to our growth.
However, this year, I consciously practiced disconnecting from work during specific times, and to my surprise, our growth didn't stall; it flourished. This journey taught me the importance of delegation and being at peace with others taking the reins. This shift not only boosted my business but also positively impacted my personal life.
On a personal front, this newfound balance allowed me to indulge in cherished pursuits. One such achievement was my daily recitation and revision of the Quran every morning – a spiritual goal I had long yearned to fulfill but always found myself too consumed by business.
Similarly, taking up boxing and being more consistent with gym workouts has granted me a sense of fulfillment. These physical and spiritual routines don't just serve as a break from work; they invigorate me, fueling more focused and productive work sessions.
This year has truly been about learning to balance work with personal growth and understanding that the two can coexist harmoniously.
What’s in the plans for the upcoming year, and the next 5 years?
Looking forward, there's an expansive vision we're nurturing for Andalus Institute. In the upcoming year, we aim to break language barriers even further by introducing content in French and Spanish. This move isn't just about broadening our market base; it's a testament to our commitment to making the Arabic language, and the profound wisdom it encapsulates, accessible to as many as possible.
One of the milestones that fills me with anticipation is envisioning the company touching an annual profit of $10 million. But it isn't just about the numbers; it's about fostering a collaborative environment where the team feels genuinely invested in the company's success. I'm enthusiastic about the idea of profit-sharing, especially with employees who demonstrate the drive and capability to uphold our brand's quality and growth trajectory.
Zooming out to our five-year plan, the vision is clear and compelling: We want to be a transformational hub for Arabic learners. We're not just teaching a language; we're bridging cultures and deepening understanding.
I dream of showcasing hundreds of 'before' and 'after' stories, demonstrating the incredible progress our students have made through our platform. The goal is not just proficiency in Arabic, but a tangible connection between our students and the profound heritage and spirituality the language opens doors to.
What’s the best thing you read in the last year?
I haven’t read any new books, but I read daily the Quran.
I did consume a lot of content on social media.
Advice for other entrepreneurs who might be struggling to grow their business?
For every entrepreneur on the precipice of giving up or feeling overwhelmed, my foremost piece of advice is: find yourself a mentor. There's undeniable power in learning from someone who's already walked the path you're treading. They've seen the pitfalls, climbed over the hurdles, and navigated the maze. Why go at it alone when there's a wealth of experience you can tap into?
One of the most common errors I see budding entrepreneurs make is scattered focus. They jump from one idea to the next, hoping to find that elusive magic bullet that'll skyrocket their growth. But here's the truth: the magic lies in unwavering commitment. There will be moments, perhaps extended periods, of doubt and stagnation.
But it's crucial to understand that these are parts of the entrepreneurial journey. If everything feels like it's going sideways, remember that even in the most tumultuous seas, diamonds are forming beneath the surface.
Stay the course. Be patient. Sometimes, success isn't about a sudden, dramatic breakthrough but about chipping away consistently until the dam gives way. Embrace the uncertainty, for it's in these moments of ambiguity and struggle that real growth occurs. The road to success is littered with challenges, but once you cross that threshold of uncertainty, the horizon becomes clearer, and the journey, is oh-so rewarding. So, gear up, hold tight, and most importantly, believe in the path you've chosen. The destination might just be a few more determined steps away.
Are you looking to hire for certain positions right now?
We're on the lookout for exceptional talent to join our team at Andalus Institute.
At the forefront of our search are experienced video editors who can seamlessly blend their editing prowess with a command of both English and Arabic. It's not just about splicing clips for us; we want someone who can enhance the storytelling experience through their edits.
However, we're not solely on the hunt for editors. If you possess an unmatched passion and skill set that can significantly elevate our business, we're keen to meet you. There's an open challenge: if someone can truly understand the vision and workings of the institute as I do and is equipped to take over as CEO, I'd be more than willing to pass the torch.
Ready to make a difference? Send your applications and portfolios to [email protected].
Where can we go to learn more?
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
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