16
I just made my first internet dollar, and it was via a donation
r/SideProject
6/26/2025
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Susie | https://www.talktosusie.org | AI Therapy | Free, accessible, private (local storage only, no cloud storage), donation-based |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Lack of validation for side projects
- Doubts about business viability
- Low user engagement/signal
Problems to Solve:
- Creating accessible mental health support
- Providing private therapy alternatives
- Validating product-market fit
Potential Solutions:
- Donation-based monetization model
- Privacy-focused design (local storage)
- Free access to lower barriers
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Donation-based monetization for initial validation
- Privacy as a key differentiator
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Organic sharing on platforms like Reddit
- Community engagement in relevant subreddits
Monetization & Product:
- Free access with optional donations
- Focus on accessibility and privacy features
- Validating product-market fit through user donations
User Engagement:
- Encouraging user feedback through donation notes
- Building trust via privacy features
- Sharing milestones to foster community support