In the latest episode of the Niche Pursuits podcast, you’ll hear the incredible story of Will Hatton, founder of thebrokebackpacker.com. Will’s entrepreneurial journey began when he spent two and a half years in India with almost no money, selling items collected during his travels back home in England. He started The Broke Backpacker as an email list, and later turned it into a budget travel information site. His unique experiences in less touristy countries garnered media attention and led to a loyal following. Will discusses brand building, content creation, managing affiliates, and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also shares his plans for the future, including focusing on the backpacker lifestyle and expanding his coworking hostel brand in Bali. This episode is filled with inspiring stories and valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Get ready for a captivating episode as Niche Pursuits interviews Will Hatton, the founder behind thebrokebackpacker.com. Will’s journey into entrepreneurship began when he ventured to India at the age of 18 with almost no money. From there, his experiences in less touristy countries like Iran and Pakistan led to the creation of The Broke Backpacker, an email list turned budget travel information site. Will shares his strategies for brand building, content creation, and managing affiliates. He also discusses the impact of COVID-19 on his business and his plans for the future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of entrepreneurship and travel.
Will Hatton’s Entrepreneurial Journey on the Niche Pursuits Podcast
Will Hatton, founder of thebrokebackpacker.com, recently shared his inspiring entrepreneurial journey on the Niche Pursuits podcast. At just 18 years old, Will embarked on a life-changing adventure, spending two and a half years in India with almost no money. During this time, he relied on his resourcefulness and entrepreneurial skills to sustain his travels. He sold items he had collected during his journey back home in England, which allowed him to continue exploring and experiencing the wonders of India.
Spending Two and a Half Years in India
Traveling in a foreign country with such limited funds was not an easy feat, but Will embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. He immersed himself in the cultures, traditions, and people of India, allowing himself to truly experience the country on a deeper level. Despite the difficulties he faced, he persisted and found innovative ways to sustain his travels.
Selling Items Collected during Travels
One of the strategies Will used to support his journey was selling items he had collected during his travels. These items held sentimental value and were unique artifacts from his adventures. By selling them, he not only generated income but also shared pieces of his journey with others. This allowed him to connect with fellow travelers and create lasting memories.
Challenges Faced as a Young Traveler
As a young traveler navigating a foreign country, Will faced numerous challenges along the way. He encountered language barriers, cultural differences, and unfamiliar environments. However, these challenges served as opportunities for growth and learning. Through perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering determination, he overcame these obstacles and continued on his entrepreneurial journey.
Creation of The Broke Backpacker
Inspired by his experiences in India and fueled by his passion for budget travel, Will took a leap of faith and started The Broke Backpacker. Initially, it began as an email list, a small and humble venture with just 30 subscribers. However, in 2013, Will transformed it into a full-fledged website focused on providing budget travel information to fellow adventurers.
Initial Idea and Concept
The initial idea behind The Broke Backpacker was to share the hows, whats, and whys of traveling on a budget. Will realized that his experiences resonated with people, and they were genuinely interested in the journeys he had embarked upon. His raw and authentic content highlighted the ups and downs of budget travel and inspired others to explore the world in a similar fashion.
Email List as the Starting Point
Will’s journey with The Broke Backpacker began with an email list. This allowed him to directly connect with a small group of like-minded individuals who were interested in his content. The email list served as a platform for him to share his stories, tips, and advice with his audience. It provided a foundation for the growth and expansion of The Broke Backpacker.
Benefits and Limitations of Email List
While the email list was instrumental in the initial stages of The Broke Backpacker’s growth, it had its limitations. Although it allowed Will to engage with his audience on a personal level, it lacked the reach and scalability of a website. However, it provided valuable insights and feedback from his subscribers, which guided him in shaping the future of The Broke Backpacker.
Transition from Email List to Website
Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive platform to share his travel knowledge, Will transitioned The Broke Backpacker from an email list to a fully-fledged website. This allowed him to expand the content and services he offered to his audience. With a dedicated website, he was able to reach a wider audience and cater to the growing demand for budget travel information.
Expansion of Content and Services
With the launch of the website, The Broke Backpacker saw significant growth in both its content and the services it provided. Will expanded the range of topics covered, delving into various aspects of budget travel, from destination guides to tips for saving money on accommodations and transportation. This expansion allowed him to cater to the diverse needs of his audience and establish The Broke Backpacker as a go-to resource for budget travelers.
Development of a Dedicated Website
As the demand for budget travel information continued to grow, Will recognized the need for a dedicated website that could handle the increasing traffic. He invested time, effort, and resources into developing a user-friendly and visually appealing website. This not only enhanced the user experience but also established the credibility of The Broke Backpacker as a reputable source of travel information.
Establishing a Brand
Building a brand was a crucial aspect of Will’s entrepreneurial journey. Before building a website, he focused on building a brand identity that resonated with his audience. By sharing his raw and honest stories on social media platforms, particularly Snapchat, he gained traction and built a loyal following. The unique content he created, which showcased his adventurous and unconventional travel experiences, helped him stand out from the crowd.
Experiences in Less Touristy Countries
Will’s decision to explore less touristy countries played a pivotal role in shaping the unique content of The Broke Backpacker. By venturing off the beaten path, he discovered hidden gems and experienced cultures that were often overlooked by mainstream travelers. This allowed him to create a niche within the travel industry and offer a fresh perspective to his audience.
Creation of Unique and Raw Content
Authenticity was at the core of Will’s content creation strategy. He shared his experiences without filters or edits, allowing his audience to witness the raw and unfiltered truth of his travels. Whether it was hitchhiking in Iran and Pakistan or driving a multicolored rickshaw in India, Will captured every moment and shared it with his audience. This real and relatable content resonated with his audience and set The Broke Backpacker apart from other travel websites.
Utilization of Social Media Platforms
Will harnessed the power of social media platforms to reach a wider audience. He leveraged platforms like Snapchat to share real-time updates, giving his audience a glimpse into his daily adventures. By embracing social media, he was able to connect with fellow adventurers, build a community, and promote The Broke Backpacker to a global audience.
Gaining Media Attention
Unique content and authentic storytelling caught the attention of media outlets. Will’s unconventional travel experiences, such as getting a tattoo from a 102-year-old Filipino tattoo artist, garnered media attention and high-profile backlinks. This exposure helped further establish The Broke Backpacker as a reputable and influential brand in the travel industry.
Monetizing The Broke Backpacker
Like any entrepreneur, Will needed to generate income from his venture. He used a combination of strategies to monetize The Broke Backpacker and sustain its growth. Sponsored posts were a significant source of income, allowing Will to partner with brands and share their products or services with his audience. Additionally, he ventured into organizing small group tours, providing a unique travel experience to his audience while generating revenue.
Earning through Sponsored Posts
Sponsored posts offered Will the opportunity to collaborate with brands that aligned with The Broke Backpacker’s ethos. By promoting products or services that were relevant to his audience, he could generate income while maintaining the trust and authenticity that his followers valued. These partnerships opened doors to new opportunities and allowed The Broke Backpacker to reach a wider audience.
Venturing into Small Group Tours
Recognizing the potential for growth and the desire of his audience for unique travel experiences, Will ventured into organizing small group tours. These tours catered to budget travelers who sought authentic and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Not only did they generate income for The Broke Backpacker, but they also allowed Will to connect with his audience on a more personal level and create lasting memories.
Scaling the Website and Team
As The Broke Backpacker continued to grow, Will realized the need to scale both the website and his team. He invested in tools and resources to streamline content creation, manage affiliates, and optimize the user experience. He hired a team, including a Filipino virtual assistant, to handle various aspects of the business. This enabled him to focus on strategic growth and negotiate better commission structures with affiliate partners.
Achieving a High Volume of Monthly Users
Through perseverance and dedication, The Broke Backpacker reached a significant milestone, attracting 1.5 million unique users per month. This level of traffic showcased the popularity and influence of the website. It was a testament to the compelling content, unique experiences, and engaging storytelling that Will and his team consistently delivered.
Factors Contributing to the Website’s Success
Several factors played a role in the success of The Broke Backpacker. The raw and authentic content resonated with the audience, as did the unique experiences Will shared. The website’s user-friendly design and intuitive navigation enhanced the user experience. Additionally, the brand partnerships and media attention helped increase the website’s visibility and reach.
Impact of COVID Setbacks
Unfortunately, the global COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on The Broke Backpacker, as it did on many businesses in the travel industry. The website experienced a decline in traffic and income due to travel restrictions and decreased demand for travel-related content. Will faced the challenges head-on, adapting his strategies and focusing on creating valuable content during a time when travel was limited.
Building a Brand before Building a Website
Will emphasizes the importance of building a brand before building a website. By sharing his authentic stories on social media platforms and connecting with his audience, he was able to establish a loyal following even before launching The Broke Backpacker’s website. This brand building allowed him to attract like-minded individuals and potential employees who shared his passion for travel and adventure.
Attracting a Loyal Audience
Will’s authenticity and unique content attracted a loyal audience that resonated with The Broke Backpacker’s message. By staying true to himself and embracing honesty, he created a community of like-minded individuals who celebrated the unfiltered reality of budget travel. This loyal audience became ambassadors for The Broke Backpacker, spreading the word and contributing to its growth.
Potential Employees and Collaborators
Building a successful venture goes beyond just getting customers—it also involves attracting the right employees and collaborators. Will’s brand-building efforts and the strong community he created helped him find potential employees who shared his vision and passion. The Broke Backpacker team worked together to achieve the website’s goals and expand its reach.
Sharing Raw and Honest Stories
Authenticity is at the heart of The Broke Backpacker. Will continues to share raw and honest stories from his adventures, providing a genuine and relatable experience for his audience. By being transparent about the ups and downs of travel, he creates a connection with his readers and inspires them to embrace their own travel journeys.
Unique and Adventurous Content Ideas
Will constantly seeks out unique and adventurous content ideas to captivate his audience. From hitchhiking in Iran and Pakistan to driving a multicolored rickshaw in India, he goes beyond traditional travel experiences. This commitment to finding new and exciting adventures ensures that The Broke Backpacker offers fresh and engaging content.
Importance of Authenticity
Authenticity is what sets The Broke Backpacker apart from other travel websites. Will’s commitment to remaining true to himself and his audience has allowed him to build a brand that resonates with travelers worldwide. By staying authentic, he fosters trust and loyalty, keeping readers engaged and coming back for more.
Challenges in Content Creation
Content creation comes with its own set of challenges. Will acknowledges the difficulties in consistently producing captivating content that resonates with his audience. He strives to strike a balance between sharing his unique experiences and addressing the practical needs of his readers. Meeting the ever-evolving demands of his audience requires constant adaptation and innovation.
Summary of Will Hatton’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Will Hatton’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, resourcefulness, and authenticity. From his humble beginnings as a young traveler in India to the founder of The Broke Backpacker, Will’s story is one of passion, determination, and innovation. He built a brand before building a website, focused on authenticity, and embraced unique content to connect with his audience.
Final Thoughts and Insights
Will’s journey highlights the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Despite setbacks, such as the impact of COVID-19 and changes in Google’s algorithms, he remains optimistic and focused on his goals. He offers invaluable insights into brand building, content creation, managing affiliates, updating content, and addressing the challenges of an ever-changing industry. Will encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to cultivate their passion, stay true to themselves, and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.