198
Spent $70k and 2 years on my photo enhancement app, total failure. Shutting down this week
r/SideProject
5/28/2025
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo enhancement app | N/A | Image processing | Offers six enhancement modes: overall quality enhancement, color enhancement, dark photo enhancement, upscaling, colorization, and old photo restoration |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- High competition in photo enhancement market
- Difficulty converting free users to paying subscribers
- High server costs ($450/month)
- Poor time management and contractor selection
Problems to Solve:
- Need for high-quality photo enhancement solutions
- Desire for affordable and effective photo editing tools
- Demand for user-friendly interface and seamless experience
Potential Solutions:
- Open sourcing the project
- Shifting to on-device processing
- Exploring B2B licensing opportunities
- Pivoting to niche markets
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Conducting thorough market research
- Optimizing AI models for performance
- Implementing multiple business models
Marketing & Acquisition:
- ASO strategies and optimizations
- Free trial periods with ads
- Watermarking free versions
Monetization & Product:
- Subscription model with weekly/monthly options
- Need for better pricing strategy and value proposition
User Engagement:
- Community building through open source
- Providing clear examples and comparisons
- Offering generous free trials