75
I made $629 from a dev tool I built in my room. Here’s what worked.
r/SideProject
7/9/2025
Content Summary
A developer created a Next.js-based mobile app starter kit (NextNative) that bundles Capacitor, Firebase, and RevenueCat to solve common mobile development pain points. The product generated $629 from 12 paying users through Reddit marketing, with strategies including frequent community posts, early adopter discounts, and transparent progress sharing. The discussion reveals debates about product originality and pricing transparency, while highlighting effective growth tactics like SEO preparation and email list building.
Opinion Analysis
Mainstream opinions praise the practical solution and transparent sharing of metrics. Key debates include:
- Product Originality: Some criticize the lack of innovation in 'builder tools', while others defend solving real developer pain points
- Pricing Transparency: Questions arose about revenue math vs stated pricing tiers, resolved through discount explanations
- Marketing Ethics: Discussions about whether showcasing earnings helps or hinders community reception
- Technical Implementation: Developers debated best practices for component rendering and styling approaches Supporters value the starter kit's time-saving benefits, while critics urge more creative product development.
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Next.js | https://nextjs.org | Frontend Framework | React framework for web applications |
| Capacitor | https://capacitorjs.com | Mobile App Runtime | Convert web apps to native mobile apps |
| Firebase | https://firebase.google.com | Backend-as-a-Service | Authentication, database, cloud functions |
| RevenueCat | https://www.revenuecat.com | In-App Purchases | Subscription management for mobile apps |
| ConvertKit | https://convertkit.com | Email Marketing | Email list management and automation |
| Gumroad | https://gumroad.com | E-commerce | Digital product sales and payments |
| Loops | https://loops.so | Email Marketing | Email automation and workflows |
| Pulse for Reddit | N/A | Analytics | Track Reddit post performance |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Difficulty converting Next.js projects to functional mobile apps
- Authentication and payment integration challenges
- App Store build rejections
- Complexity in deployment processes
- Lack of ready-made solutions for hybrid mobile development
Problems to Solve:
- Enable web developers to create mobile apps without learning new frameworks
- Simplify mobile app deployment processes
- Provide integrated solutions for auth/payments in hybrid apps
- Avoid App Store submission rejections
Potential Solutions:
- Bundled starter kits with proven tech stack
- Detailed deployment guides and documentation
- Pre-configured authentication/payment integrations
- Community-driven troubleshooting and support
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Solving personal pain points as validation for product-market fit
- Gradual pricing strategy with early adopter discounts
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Frequent Reddit posts in relevant communities (3-4 posts/week)
- Leveraging SEO for organic growth
- Preparing Meta Ads infrastructure
Monetization & Product:
- Tiered pricing model ($78-$97.50) with promotional discounts
- Focus on technical documentation quality
- Continuous product improvement based on user feedback
User Engagement:
- Active community interaction through Reddit comments
- Direct customer support via DMs
- Email list building for audience retention
- Sharing transparent metrics and progress updates