Vynixal
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r/SideProject
2025-06-16·14
480

My weekend side project ended up paying for my house. Still feels surreal.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Box2Dhttps://box2d.org/Physics Engine2D physics simulation for games and simulations
Mediumhttps://medium.com/Publishing PlatformArticle hosting, monetization through Partner Program

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty monetizing side projects
  • Uncertainty about product-market fit
  • Balancing passion projects with business needs

Problems to Solve:

  • Finding sustainable monetization strategies
  • Building engaging user experiences
  • Scaling projects without losing authenticity

Potential Solutions:

  • Leveraging ads and affiliate marketing
  • Creating shareable content
  • Building community engagement

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Organic virality through engaging content
  • Leveraging existing platforms (Medium)
  • Building community through personal storytelling

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Word-of-mouth through engaging user experiences
  • Strategic use of loading screens and level transitions for ads
  • Creating helpful content (walkthroughs)

Monetization & Product:

  • Balancing user experience with monetization
  • Experimenting with different ad placements
  • Building products that solve real user needs

User Engagement:

  • Creating memorable user experiences
  • Building emotional connections through storytelling
  • Encouraging user sharing and word-of-mouth
48

I built an app that lets you customise your mac desktop with GIFs

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Gifnanahttp://gifnana.app/Desktop CustomizationAllows customizing Mac desktop with GIFs

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty finding effective ways to market SaaS products
  • Need for more feedback and testing

Problems to Solve:

  • Making desktop customization more engaging and interactive
  • Providing easy way to add animated elements to desktop

Potential Solutions:

  • Offering lifetime license keys for testing
  • Implementing user feedback for feature development
  • Expanding to multiple platforms like Windows

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Offering free trials and lifetime licenses to generate interest
  • Building community through Reddit engagement

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Leveraging social proof from first paid sale
  • Using Reddit to find early adopters and testers

Monetization & Product:

  • Considering alternative platforms like itch.io for distribution
  • Planning cross-platform expansion to Windows

User Engagement:

  • Encouraging user feedback and feature requests
  • Building relationships with early adopters
28

Any vibecoders here? You might like this hack. I tried to vibe-code an actual SaaS MVP. Got 80% there. Then gave up and hired a Fiverr dev for the final 20%.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Fiverrhttps://www.fiverr.com/Freelance MarketplacePlatform for hiring freelance developers and other professionals

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty in completing SaaS MVP development
  • Lack of technical skills to finish the project

Problems to Solve:

  • Need to complete SaaS MVP development
  • Need to find affordable development resources

Potential Solutions:

  • Hiring freelance developers on platforms like Fiverr
  • Using vibe coding techniques for initial development

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Leveraging freelance platforms for development resources

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • No specific marketing methods mentioned

Monetization & Product:

  • Importance of completing MVP for product launch

User Engagement:

  • No specific engagement techniques mentioned
26

I finally launched my Japanese learning website after all your positive feedback on the website

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Lengakihttps://www.lengaki.com/Language LearningInteractive flashcards, mobile-friendly interface
WaniKani-Language LearningFocus maintenance, immediate input handling

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty deploying website due to cost
  • Need for interactive learning tools
  • Desire for mobile-friendly interface

Problems to Solve:

  • Learning Japanese characters effectively
  • Maintaining focus during input
  • Providing immediate feedback

Potential Solutions:

  • Interactive flashcards
  • Mobile-friendly design
  • Consistent input handling
  • Comprehensive data validation

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Sharing preview content to generate interest
  • Engaging with community feedback

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Leveraging positive community response
  • Direct user contributions

Monetization & Product:

  • Freemium model with premium features
  • Focus on core learning functionality

User Engagement:

  • Building community through feedback loops
  • Iterative feature development based on user input
22

I built KICHAN — an AI-powered Chrome extension that lets you instantly tweak any website

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
KICHANhttps://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/kichan-ai-web-augmentatio/fekmdfegfaglchbmiedfgjgkponhachfChrome ExtensionAI-powered web tweaking, local script storage, context-aware prompts
Google Geminihttps://gemini.google.com/AI ModelUsed for generating JavaScript snippets from natural language prompts
Ollamahttps://ollama.ai/Local AI ModelPotential future integration for local LLM support
LM Studiohttps://lmstudio.ai/Local AI ModelPotential future integration for local LLM support

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty in quickly modifying website behavior
  • Need for reusable web tweaks
  • Lack of easy automation for multi-step workflows
  • Challenges with website content scraping and manipulation

Problems to Solve:

  • Automating repetitive web tasks
  • Customizing website behavior without coding
  • Creating reusable web tweaks
  • Building complex web automation workflows

Potential Solutions:

  • AI-generated JavaScript snippets
  • Local script storage and management
  • Community script sharing
  • API for advanced script capabilities

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Building a community script hub
  • Offering local LLM integration
  • Providing API for advanced capabilities

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Chrome Web Store listing
  • Social media presence (Twitter)
  • Developer community engagement

Monetization & Product:

  • Free tier with generous AI usage
  • Potential premium features (advanced editor, versioning)
  • Enterprise API access

User Engagement:

  • Local script storage and management
  • Community script sharing
  • API for advanced capabilities
  • Integration with local AI models
13

Just launched Webdev Club – a chill space for devs to learn, share & vibe

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Webdev Clubhttps://webdev.clubDeveloper Community PlatformClean, focused space for code sharing, real-world dev questions, frontend/backend discussion, learning without ego or gatekeeping

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Tired of noisy forums
  • Annoyed by spammy newsletters
  • Frustrated with dead-end Discords

Problems to Solve:

  • Need for clean, focused developer community
  • Desire for real-world dev discussions
  • Want to learn without ego or gatekeeping

Potential Solutions:

  • Clean, focused community platform
  • Real-world dev discussions
  • Learning environment without ego or gatekeeping

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Building community by developers for developers
  • Focusing on clean, focused user experience
  • Avoiding ads and fluff

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Launching on relevant subreddits
  • Seeking early user feedback

Monetization & Product:

  • No ads or fluff
  • Future plans for poll posts and meetup scheduling

User Engagement:

  • Encouraging code sharing and real-world discussions
  • Fostering learning without ego or gatekeeping
11

I built a trading simulation game using real historical data - practice risk free, no sign up!

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Dare2Tradehttps://dare2trade.com/Trading SimulationReal historical market data, set entry/stop-loss/take-profit levels, desktop experience

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Risk of financial loss in real trading
  • Need for practice environment
  • Desire for educational tools

Problems to Solve:

  • Safe trading practice without financial risk
  • Learning from trading mistakes
  • Accessing historical market data

Potential Solutions:

  • Trading simulation with real data
  • Technical indicators like moving averages
  • Multiple asset and timeframe options

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Freemium model with no sign-up required
  • Desktop-first experience
  • Iterative feature development based on user feedback

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Reddit community engagement
  • Showcasing product through video demonstrations

Monetization & Product:

  • Potential for premium features or subscriptions
  • Focus on user experience and usability

User Engagement:

  • Active response to user feedback
  • Regular feature updates and improvements
10

Built a macOS screenshot tool as a side project — 10k visits, but few paid users

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Shotomatichttps://shotomatic.commacOS Screenshot AutomationCustom area capture, PDF/GIF/ZIP exports

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty converting initial traction into sustainable conversions
  • Struggling to identify effective strategies for monetization

Problems to Solve:

  • Turning curiosity into paying customers
  • Finding product-market fit for screenshot automation tools

Potential Solutions:

  • Focusing on solving workflows with urgency
  • Offering freemium model with premium features
  • Building AI-powered features to add value

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Launching in relevant communities
  • Product Hunt launches

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Sharing in communities like Reddit, LinkedIn, Twitter

Monetization & Product:

  • Freemium model with premium features
  • AI-powered features for added value

User Engagement:

  • Building tools that streamline post-screenshot workflows
10

I made an app that creates personal bitcoin paper wallet for gifts, and with an offline mode

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Hongbao Bitcoinhttps://hongbaob.tcBitcoin Paper Wallet GeneratorOffline mode, custom key generation, open source code

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Need for secure Bitcoin gifting
  • Desire for offline Bitcoin wallet generation

Problems to Solve:

  • Securely gifting Bitcoin without compromising security
  • Generating Bitcoin wallets offline for maximum security

Potential Solutions:

  • Open source code for transparency
  • Offline mode for enhanced security

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Open source approach for community trust

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Leveraging Reddit community for initial traction

Monetization & Product:

  • Free core product with potential for premium features

User Engagement:

  • Open source code for community contribution and trust building
8

F*** the bots and get your dream job (Free Waitlist Access)

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
The Job Companyhttp://www.the-job-company.comJob Search PlatformAggregates roles from 20+ job boards, auto-filters to user background/goal, provides hiring manager/employee contacts, offers intro template

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Losing to AI-generated applications
  • Job postings clogged with bots
  • Difficulty getting noticed by recruiters
  • Wasting time on keyword changes

Problems to Solve:

  • Getting noticed by actual humans in hiring process
  • Finding relevant job opportunities
  • Reducing time spent on job search busywork

Potential Solutions:

  • Providing direct contact info for hiring managers/employees
  • Automating job filtering based on background/goal
  • Offering personalized intro templates

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Building a waitlist for early user engagement
  • Offering free access to build initial user base

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Targeting job seekers frustrated with current job board systems
  • Leveraging Reddit communities for feedback and validation

Monetization & Product:

  • Considering $4-5/month pricing to cover costs
  • Avoiding exploitative pricing for job seekers

User Engagement:

  • Providing value through job filtering and contact information
  • Encouraging personalization of intro templates
7

I Spent Days Making This Elegant Dress — It Got Ignored. Here’s Why I Won’t Stop.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
[No SaaS tools mentioned][No SaaS tools mentioned][No SaaS tools mentioned][No SaaS tools mentioned]

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Frustration with lack of recognition for creative work

Problems to Solve:

  • Need for validation and appreciation of creative efforts
  • Desire to continue pursuing creative passions despite setbacks

Potential Solutions:

  • Finding supportive communities
  • Developing resilience and persistence in creative pursuits

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • [No specific growth strategies mentioned]

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • [No specific marketing methods mentioned]

Monetization & Product:

  • [No specific product insights mentioned]

User Engagement:

  • [No specific engagement techniques mentioned]
5

Would you use this app to plan your day + track time & expenses?

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
[No specific SaaS tools mentioned][No specific SaaS tools mentioned][No specific SaaS tools mentioned][No specific SaaS tools mentioned]

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Scheduling app fatigue
  • Need for better time management
  • Desire for expense tracking

Problems to Solve:

  • Managing daily schedule more effectively
  • Tracking time usage and expenses
  • Improving daily habits based on past logs

Potential Solutions:

  • Combining scheduling, journaling, and budgeting into one app
  • Providing daily reports based on user logs
  • Helping users improve their daily habits

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Combining multiple features into a single app
  • Providing daily reports and insights

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • [No specific marketing methods mentioned]

Monetization & Product:

  • [No specific pricing or monetization mentioned]

User Engagement:

  • Providing value through daily logs and reports
  • Helping users improve their daily habits
5

Tired of the usual weekend spots? I built an app to find awesome farmhouses near Gujarat India

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Book My Farmhttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.bookmyfarmTravel/Accommodation Booking- Focuses on farmhouses and villas
  • Includes private pool and family-friendly options
  • Covers Gujarat area including Daman
  • Mobile app for easy booking

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty finding quality farmhouses
  • Frustration with existing apps
  • Time-consuming search process

Problems to Solve:

  • Need for reliable farmhouse booking platform
  • Desire for easy weekend getaway planning
  • Demand for detailed property information

Potential Solutions:

  • Mobile app with curated farmhouse listings
  • Detailed property information and photos
  • Easy search and booking process

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Building a niche product for specific region
  • Solving a clear local problem

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Leveraging personal network for initial feedback
  • Encouraging word-of-mouth sharing

Monetization & Product:

  • Focus on local market needs
  • Building trust through quality listings

User Engagement:

  • Encouraging user feedback and suggestions
  • Building community through sharing
5

Built a local Mac AI assistant – would you actually use something like this?

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
SuriAIwww.suriai.appAI AssistantRuns offline using local LLMs (MLX/CoreML/Ollama)
Chatting with LLMs (markdown, code, streaming)
System control (open apps, search files)
Voice/text interface (coming soon)
Extensible with Python agents (LangChain-based)

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Frustration with Apple's Siri/Apple Intelligence
  • Need for more capable AI assistant on Mac
  • Desire for voice interface that doesn't break workflow

Problems to Solve:

  • Need for better local AI assistant on Mac
  • Need for seamless voice/text interface
  • Need for more functionality beyond basic search

Potential Solutions:

  • Offline AI assistant running locally
  • Voice mode that allows typing/coding while talking
  • Integration with messaging platforms (Slack, Discord)

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Building a strong brand and website design
  • Engaging with community through Discord
  • Gathering user feedback early in development

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Showcasing product through website and demos
  • Leveraging Reddit communities for feedback and exposure

Monetization & Product:

  • Potential subscription model ($10/month mentioned)
  • Emphasizing local processing and privacy benefits

User Engagement:

  • Building community through Discord
  • Encouraging user feedback and involvement