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r/SideProject
2025-07-07·7
254

This side project made me $140 in 18 days

RedditDetails

Summary

AdityaShips shares their journey building Text In Between, a SaaS tool for adding text between images in social posts. After initial struggles with zero traction, two viral Twitter posts drove significant growth: 1200+ users and $140 revenue in 18 days. Key strategies included daily Twitter engagement, transparent journey sharing, and pricing adjustments. The post highlights the emotional value of first revenue and importance of persistence.

Opinion

The author demonstrates passionate enthusiasm about their SaaS journey, combining vulnerability (sleepless nights) with triumphant milestones. They emphasize persistence through daily social engagement and validate the emotional significance of first revenue. While promoting their product, they maintain a humble tone encouraging others in the community.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Text In Betweenhttps://textinbetween.inText FormattingAdds text between images for social media posts
Toolfoliohttps://toolfolio.comTool DirectoryDirectory for design tools
bigideasdb.comhttp://bigideasdb.comIdea GenerationProvides business ideas and boilerplate
postbuffer.comNot providedSocial SchedulingSocial media scheduling and viral shorts creation

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty gaining initial traction for new SaaS products
  • Struggling with user acquisition and visibility
  • Uncertainty about effective marketing strategies
  • Need for validation through first revenue

Problems to Solve:

  • Getting first users and revenue
  • Creating viral content for promotion
  • Finding effective distribution channels
  • Building product-market fit

Potential Solutions:

  • Consistent social media engagement (especially Twitter/X)
  • Leveraging viral posts for growth
  • Pricing adjustments based on traction
  • Listing in tool directories (e.g. Toolfolio)
  • Community building through daily updates

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Rapid MVP development (1 week turnaround)
  • Transparent public documentation of journey
  • Viral social media content strategy

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Daily Twitter/X engagement
  • Leveraging viral posts (100k-250k views)
  • Cross-posting to Reddit communities
  • Encouraging user feedback loops

Monetization & Product:

  • Freemium model with paid upgrades
  • Dynamic pricing adjustments
  • API accessibility for integration
  • Focus on visual content creation tools

User Engagement:

  • Public progress sharing builds community
  • Direct interaction with commenters
  • Encouraging user testimonials
  • Maintaining consistent posting schedule
84

First app starting to make money

RedditDetails

Summary

A developer shares initial success with their new app MacroRadar, which helps users find macro-specific meals at nearby restaurants. The post shows early Google Admob ad revenue (approximately $3.40/day) and discusses growth strategies. Users suggest feature expansions and caution about Admob limitations. The developer seeks organic growth methods and engages with community feedback.

Opinion

The author expresses excitement about initial monetization success and motivation to scale. They show openness to community suggestions, particularly regarding feature expansion and growth strategies. While optimistic, they acknowledge the need to overcome payout thresholds and ad platform limitations.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Google Admobhttps://admob.google.com/Mobile Ad MonetizationAd revenue tracking, mobile app integration, payout threshold management ($100 minimum cashout)

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • High minimum payout thresholds ($100) for ad revenue
  • Need for effective organic growth strategies
  • New Admob account ad limits and verification requirements

Problems to Solve:

  • Increasing app visibility and user acquisition
  • Optimizing ad revenue conversion rates
  • Expanding app functionality for broader market appeal

Potential Solutions:

  • Implementing dietary filters beyond macros (future planning)
  • Leveraging community feedback for feature development
  • Exploring alternative monetization strategies alongside ads

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Niche market targeting (health-conscious eaters)
  • Iterative feature development based on user feedback

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Organic content creation (requested formats/methods)
  • Community engagement through Reddit discussions

Monetization & Product:

  • Ad-based revenue model via Google Admob
  • Clear product-market fit validation through early ad revenue
  • Future plans for feature expansion (dietary filters)

User Engagement:

  • Public progress sharing for motivation
  • Crowdsourcing growth strategies from community
  • Maintaining developer-user dialogue in comments
44

Projects NOT using AI?

RedditDetails

Summary

A Reddit discussion exploring non-AI side projects across various domains including travel, art, productivity, and gaming. Users showcase tools emphasizing privacy, manual curation, and subscription alternatives. Key themes include anti-AI positioning as a differentiator, client-side processing for privacy, and addressing subscription fatigue through pricing innovation.

Opinion

The author expresses curiosity about non-AI projects, appreciating their diversity and practical solutions. They show skepticism towards AI overuse while acknowledging its utility, advocating for balanced tool choices. Their engagement demonstrates support for indie developers and interest in subscription alternatives.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
SlickTripslicktrip.comTravelFlight price comparison, price drop alerts
Artdotsartdots.coArt CommunityConnect art inspirations across mediums
Guerilaapps.apple.com/ca/app/guerila/id6621189450AR ArtShare art in real-world locations
RollForPlotrollforplot.comGamingTTRPG random table manager
Bugletbuglet.ccFeedbackLightweight feedback widget with screenshots
FreeToolSuitefreetoolsuite.comUtilities200+ browser-based tools
BizCommandbizcommand.proMarketingOrganic marketing toolkit
Badgerusebadger.devGamificationAchievement API for apps
Reflectapps.apple.com/us/app/reflect-track-anything/id6463800032ProductivityGoal tracking with analytics
HabitStockhabitstock.comHabit TrackingMobile habit tracking app
CSVForgecsvforge.comDataCSV conversion/cleaning tool
ReactTVreact.tvContent CurationUser-curated TV channels
Total Runtimetotalruntime.antrikshy.comEntertainmentTV series runtime calculator

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Subscription fatigue for small businesses
  • Distrust of AI solutions in certain domains
  • Need for privacy-focused/local processing
  • Difficulty finding non-AI alternatives

Problems to Solve:

  • Managing multiple SaaS subscriptions
  • Finding reliable non-AI tools
  • Maintaining creative control (e.g. TTRPG tables)
  • Privacy concerns with data processing

Potential Solutions:

  • One-time payment options
  • Client-side processing
  • Manual curation over automation
  • Highlighting 'No AI' as feature

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Targeting niche markets (e.g. TTRPG players)
  • Privacy-focused positioning
  • Browser-based/no-install solutions

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Leveraging anti-AI sentiment as USP
  • Community building through beta testing
  • Showcasing on platforms like ProductHunt

Monetization & Product:

  • Tiered pricing for indie developers
  • Lifetime license options
  • Maintaining free tiers for adoption

User Engagement:

  • Direct developer-user communication
  • Public roadmaps/feature voting
  • Gamification elements
27

Month 1 stats for my first iOS app

RedditDetails

Summary

A developer shares first-month stats for their Pomodoro timer iOS app (7k+ downloads, $214 revenue). The app was built in 2 weeks and received 50+ 5-star ratings. The creator plans to focus on organic marketing through Reddit and expand to Instagram/TikTok. Comments discuss marketing challenges and solutions including automated conversation monitoring tools.

Opinion

The author is proud of their first iOS app's initial success, showing satisfaction with the development speed and early metrics. They demonstrate openness to new marketing strategies and tools, while maintaining realistic expectations about scaling challenges. The tone is optimistic yet practical about growth opportunities.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
StyleShothttps://www.styleshot.app/Content CreationMobile tool to prettify screenshots
CrowdWatchhttps://crowdwatch.techMarketing AutomationScans relevant conversations across Reddit, Twitter, LinkedIn

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty scaling Reddit marketing
  • Finding relevant promotion channels
  • Learning curve for new marketing tools

Problems to Solve:

  • Need effective app promotion strategies
  • Seeking automated marketing solutions
  • Want to improve content presentation

Potential Solutions:

  • Using conversation-based marketing tools (CrowdWatch)
  • Expanding to Instagram/TikTok marketing
  • Utilizing screenshot styling tools (StyleShot)

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Organic marketing through niche communities
  • Multi-platform social media expansion

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Reddit community engagement
  • Planned Instagram/TikTok campaigns
  • Automated conversation monitoring (CrowdWatch)

Monetization & Product:

  • Freemium model with free trial option
  • Focus on user ratings (50+ 5-star)

User Engagement:

  • Direct interaction in comment threads
  • Sharing development updates publicly
  • Community-driven promotion
27

This free site determines the best day and time to post on r/SideProject

RedditDetails

Summary

A user shares a free tool called Later for Reddit that analyzes optimal posting times for the r/SideProject subreddit. The analysis suggests Monday/Tuesday 4pm and Friday mornings UK time as best periods. Comments show appreciation for the solution.

Opinion

The author demonstrates enthusiasm for data-driven content optimization, positioning the tool as helpful for community members. The follow-up comment ("see you tomorrow at 4pm") shows confidence in the tool's recommendations and willingness to validate results.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Later for Reddithttps://dashboard.laterforreddit.com/analysis/Social Media AnalyticsAnalyzes best posting times for Reddit subreddits

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty determining optimal posting times for Reddit
  • Lack of data-driven insights for content scheduling

Problems to Solve:

  • Maximizing post visibility and engagement on r/SideProject
  • Improving content strategy through timing optimization

Potential Solutions:

  • Use analytics tools to identify peak engagement periods
  • Schedule posts during recommended time windows

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Providing free value-added tools to attract users

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Organic promotion through Reddit communities
  • Solving specific niche problem (post timing optimization)

Monetization & Product:

  • Freemium model (free tool with potential premium features)
  • Focused feature set addressing clear user need

User Engagement:

  • Creating shareable analytical outputs
  • Encouraging recurring usage through time-based recommendations
19

I grew my side project to $118/m in 3 weeks

RedditDetails

Summary

A developer launched a ChatGPT-powered coding prompt enhancement tool as a Chrome extension, growing it to $118/month in 3 weeks through organic growth strategies including daily social media engagement, SEO optimization, and a Product Hunt launch. The project faced security vulnerabilities which were promptly addressed. Future plans include expanding to VS Code/Cursor extensions and a Product Hunt relaunch.

Opinion

The author demonstrates a growth-focused mindset with emphasis on organic acquisition and rapid iteration. They show openness to feedback (security fix) and confidence in their marketing approach through social media engagement. The tone suggests pride in early traction while acknowledging challenges as learning opportunities.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Vibe Code Promptinghttps://promptdc.com/Coding/ProductivityChatGPT wrapper for coding prompt enhancement
Knock Securityhttps://knock.onyxai.app/SecuritySimilar coding assistant tool (implied)

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Security vulnerabilities in coding tools
  • Difficulty writing effective coding prompts
  • Need for organic growth strategies

Problems to Solve:

  • Enhancing coding productivity through prompt engineering
  • Securing SaaS applications against exploits
  • Acquiring users without paid advertising

Potential Solutions:

  • Implementing robust security measures
  • Creating SEO-optimized content for organic discovery
  • Leveraging social media (X/Twitter) engagement

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Organic growth through social media engagement
  • SEO optimization for LLM recommendations
  • Product expansion (VS Code/Cursor extension)

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Daily posting and engagement on X/Twitter
  • Product Hunt launches (initial and relaunch)
  • Lifetime pricing plans for early adopters

Monetization & Product:

  • Lifetime subscription pricing model
  • Feature expansion based on user needs
  • Targeting developer productivity niche

User Engagement:

  • Active community interaction on social media
  • Responsive handling of security issues
  • Continuous product improvements
17

How do you guys market your apps??

RedditDetails

Summary

A developer seeks advice on ethically marketing SaaS apps in niche Reddit communities with strict anti-promotion rules. Commenters suggest using approved self-promotion subreddits, creating value-first content, engaging authentically in communities, leveraging launch platforms like Product Hunt, and using social media/email marketing tools. Key strategies include building in public, soft promotion, and community participation.

Opinion

The author expresses frustration with strict subreddit promotion rules and seeks ethical marketing methods. They value authentic community engagement over spammy tactics and show willingness to maintain integrity by not using fake accounts. The attitude combines determination to find solutions with annoyance at ineffective promotion attempts.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Product Hunthttps://www.producthunt.com/Launch PlatformGetting a good launch can be hit or miss
Onghosthttps://onghost.com/Marketing ToolSocial media/email marketing assistance
mediafa.sthttps://mediafa.st/Marketing ToolSocial media/email marketing assistance
FazierNot providedLaunch PlatformMentioned alongside Peerlist
PeerlistNot providedLaunch PlatformMentioned alongside Fazier
MyGICTools Reddit Toolshttps://mygictools.com/reddit-toolsAnalytics ToolTracks self-promotion friendly subreddits

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty promoting apps in niche subreddits with strict anti-promotion rules
  • Posts removed even when not directly selling
  • Struggle to disclose founder status without penalty
  • Finding authentic ways to reach target audiences

Problems to Solve:

  • How to ethically promote apps in relevant communities
  • Acquiring real users without spamming
  • Building trust while disclosing product affiliation
  • Identifying effective marketing channels

Potential Solutions:

  • Use approved self-promotion subreddits (r/playmygame, r/androidapps)
  • Create valuable content instead of direct promotion
  • Engage genuinely in communities before promoting
  • Utilize launch platforms like Product Hunt
  • Leverage social media and email marketing tools
  • Share technical content and build in public

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Building in public and sharing development insights
  • Creating educational content around problem space
  • Participating in niche communities authentically

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Soft promotion through value-first engagement
  • Using approved self-promotion subreddits with contribution
  • Leveraging multiple launch platforms (Product Hunt, Fazier, Peerlist)
  • Paid ads (Meta/Google) depending on product type

Monetization & Product:

  • Offering free forever plans to build trust
  • Bootstrapping through community-focused free apps
  • Focusing on product-market fit through user feedback

User Engagement:

  • Community building through genuine participation
  • Using Twitter and indie communities for early adopters
  • Providing free deals and valuable resources