5
I shipped my first dev tool and made $300. No magic, just momentum
r/SideProject
7/1/2025
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firebase Auth | https://firebase.google.com/ | Authentication | Google/Apple sign-in |
| RevenueCat | https://www.revenuecat.com/ | Monetization | In-app purchases and subscriptions |
| MongoDB | https://www.mongodb.com/ | Database | Backend database |
| Prisma | https://www.prisma.io/ | ORM | Database toolkit |
| Next.js | https://nextjs.org/ | Web Framework | React framework for building web applications |
| Tailwind CSS | https://tailwindcss.com/ | CSS Framework | Utility-first CSS framework |
| Capacitor | https://capacitorjs.com/ | Cross-platform | Build native mobile apps with web technologies |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Web developers want to build native mobile apps without learning new frameworks like React Native
- Developers are stuck in planning mode and struggle to ship products
- Difficulty in setting up complex features like authentication, push notifications, and in-app purchases
Problems to Solve:
- Creating native mobile apps using existing web development skills (Next.js, Tailwind)
- Streamlining the setup of essential mobile app features
- Overcoming procrastination and actually launching products
Potential Solutions:
- Providing a starter kit that integrates familiar web technologies for mobile app development
- Pre-configuring complex features like Firebase Auth, push notifications, and RevenueCat
- Encouraging developers to ship early and iterate rather than over-planning
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Shipping early and iterating based on feedback
- Leveraging viral posts on platforms like Reddit for initial traction
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Posting on Reddit communities (r/SideProject) to reach target audience
- Creating viral content that drives traffic (3,000+ visitors from 3 posts)
Monetization & Product:
- Offering a paid starter kit for developers
- Including monetization-ready features like RevenueCat for in-app purchases
- Focusing on product-market fit by solving a specific pain point (using web skills for mobile apps)
User Engagement:
- Engaging with the community through AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions
- Sharing progress and lessons learned to build trust and credibility