Hello there! Meet Priit Vaikmaa, the CEO of TextMagic, a super cool SaaS company that’s shaking up the SMS marketing game! With services that help businesses across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe connect with their customers through the power of text messaging, TextMagic is the go-to platform for anyone looking to spice up their communication strategy. Their main product? An integrated Application-to-Person (A2P) SMS platform that’s as user-friendly as it is powerful!
So, how did this all come to be? Let’s dive into Priit’s story!
The Humble Beginnings of a Powerhouse SMS Platform
It all started in 2001, when TextMagic was nothing more than a small side project focused on the UK market. Fast forward to 2007, and Priit was handed the keys to the company. He took the reins, brought his tech-savvy background, and never looked back. With a love for technology and a deep interest in helping businesses communicate better with their customers, Priit knew this was his chance to turn TextMagic into something extraordinary.
Before joining TextMagic, Priit worked at Modera, a company specializing in customer relationship management for the automotive industry. He knew that no matter the business—whether it’s cars or SMS services—communication is at the heart of success. So, when he saw the potential in TextMagic, he decided to take it to the next level.
Crafting a Product That People Would Love to Use
One of Priit’s first moves as CEO was transforming TextMagic from a simple Windows desktop app into a full-fledged web application that could cater to a global audience. And let me tell you, it wasn’t easy! The real challenge was integrating the backend with cellular networks worldwide to ensure SMS messages could be sent anywhere. But Priit and his team embraced the challenge, knowing it was key to unlocking TextMagic’s global potential.
Priit also knew that the product needed to be easy to use. After all, what good is an SMS platform if no one can figure it out? So, they focused on usability, building a simple yet powerful product. And guess what? It worked!
Many features, like SMS chat and automations, came directly from customers asking for them. If customers wanted it, Priit made sure to build it!
The Secret to Growing TextMagic? Listening to Customers!
Priit’s magic formula for growth? Listening to customers. Every time a customer had a suggestion, Priit and his team took it to heart. They built over 40 tools based on feedback, offering businesses more than just an SMS platform—they provided them with tools to grow.
TextMagic also doubled down on SEO and content marketing. Using tools like Semrush and Ahrefs, they optimized every blog post, landing page, and headline to attract customers from all over the world.
They also made sure the platform was affordable, so businesses of all sizes could jump on board without breaking the bank.
Taking TextMagic to New Heights
Fast forward to today, and TextMagic is a SaaS powerhouse! Headquartered in Estonia, the company operates globally with offices across Europe and a remote workforce from all corners of the globe.
One of the company’s biggest achievements? In December 2021, TextMagic went public on the Nasdaq First North Tallinn, raising a whopping €49.5 million through an IPO! With nearly 10 million shares across 15,000 investors, this was a huge milestone for the company.
But that’s not all! Priit and his team are working on a brand-new product called Touchpoint—an all-in-one business platform that goes beyond SMS. It’s designed to manage everything from multi-channel marketing to CRM solutions.
Lessons Learned from the Journey
What has Priit learned from his journey? Timing is everything! When TextMagic expanded internationally, they rode the wave of unified communications, which gave them a massive edge. But Priit believes they could have grown even faster if they’d expanded sooner.
Another big lesson? Hire great people and trust them to do their jobs. Priit believes in empowering his employees, giving them the freedom to make decisions, which has paid off in spades.
Tools That Helped TextMagic Thrive
Running a successful SaaS company takes a well-oiled machine. TextMagic uses tools like Google Analytics, Ahrefs, Semrush, and Google Search Console for SEO. For content creation, they rely on Wordy and Grammarly, and they find talented freelancers on Upwork.
For development processes, they use Atlassian, GitHub, Mailgun, and Zendesk to keep everything running smoothly.
Inspiring Resources
When it comes to inspiration, Priit has some favorite resources that shaped his entrepreneurial journey. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is a standout for him. “It’s all about having a clear vision of your goals,” he explains. “Visualizing success helped me track our revenue milestones and keep pushing forward.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
So, what’s Priit’s best advice for those looking to venture into the entrepreneurial world? “Surround yourself with good people who will challenge and support you,” he advises. “Objectivity is key!”
And remember, don’t be afraid to dream big! “Have the courage to take risks and make sacrifices in your personal life. It’s all part of the journey,” he encourages. “Leaving a secure job is daunting, but faith in your vision is crucial. You’ve got to swing for the fences!”
Priit’s journey with TextMagic proves that with passion, dedication, and a willingness to adapt, you can turn a niche side project into a thriving SaaS company. Who knows? Your big idea might be just around the corner!
