The Builder-Badge Method
Build instant authority by making others famous
I watched a nobody become the most connected person in indie startups using one stupid trick. He never launched a product. Never raised a round. Just made everyone else look good and they showed him off for it.
Here's the "Builder-Badge" method that builds instant authority...
In this guide
The Story
This guy created a "Top 50 Indie Founders 2024" website in 2 hours. Cost him $12 for the domain. Made it look like TechCrunch with a free template.
Then he did something clever:
- Picked 50 indie builders with 10K+ followers
- Made a "badge of honor" for each one
- DMed them: "Congrats you made our exclusive list! Here's your builder badge"
42 out of 50 posted it immediately.
Here's what happened next:
Every founder drove their audience to HIS site to see the list. He got 1.2M visitors in 48 hours from people who build the internet.
But the site wasn't just a list...
The entire thing was a funnel for his new "founder community" platform. Every page had subtle CTAs. "Want to join these builders? Apply for early access"
Within 30 days:
- 1.2M organic visitors
- 42 indie founders promoting him
- Seen as the "authority" who spotlights builders
- $250K in platform signups and consulting
The Psychology
The psychology is perfect:
Founders want respect and recognition
They'll promote anything that boosts their street cred.
Give someone a badge and they become your evangelist
The badge is social proof they earned. They HAVE to share it.
You're not asking for promotion
You're GIVING them social proof. They promote themselves and amplify you by accident.
The trap is beautiful: The winners think they're flexing. Their followers think it's legit. You position yourself as the curator without any hype or credentials.
How to Replicate This
Pick a founder-heavy niche
SaaS, indie hackers, no-code builders, AI founders, bootstrappers—all of them work.
Create "Top X Indie Builders" site
Use a free template. Make it look professional. Add branding that feels like an authority publication.
Make clean, builder-style badges/graphics
Badges should be shareable on social. Design them to look prestigious.
Include people with audiences you want
Target 10K+ followers minimum. They have reach but still appreciate recognition.
Notify winners they've been selected
Personal DM with their badge attached. Make them feel special.
Site becomes funnel for your service/community
Subtle CTAs everywhere. "Want to join these builders?" "Apply for early access"
Top 50 Indie Builders 2026
Here's a template with 50 placeholder entries. Replace with real builders from your target niche:
This list is a template. Build your own with real builders from your niche!
Badge Examples
Create badges that founders will be proud to display. Here are some design concepts:
TOP 50
Indie Builder 2026
ELITE
Startup Builder
RECOGNIZED
SaaS Maker
Outreach Script
Here's the exact DM script template that gets 80%+ response rates:
Hey [Name]! 👋
Congrats—you've been selected for our Top 50 Indie Builders of 2026 list!
We reviewed hundreds of builders and you stood out for [specific reason: your work on X / your growth with Y / your community building].
Here's your exclusive builder badge: [image]
Your profile is live here: [link to their profile on your site]
Feel free to share it—you earned it! 🏆
Pro tip: Personalize the "specific reason" for each person. Generic messages get ignored. Mention something specific about their product or recent achievement.
Real Examples Working Now
"Top Indie SaaS Makers 2025"
Funneling to a SaaS community platform
"Most Active Bootstrappers"
Driving founder coaching service signups
"Elite Startup Builders List"
Building a collaboration platform waitlist
Cost Breakdown
The Final Truth
Everyone promotes your site to see their name. You get thousands of visitors who now see you as the go-to connector for builders.
This is how unknown indie founders become kingmakers overnight.
Not by building the best product—but by deciding WHO BUILDS.
Ready to Become a Kingmaker?
Join Builders.to and connect with the indie founders you want to recognize. Build your authority by celebrating others.