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I solo-built a simple budgeting app in just 3 months and now it has 61 users! Can't be more proud of myself!
r/indiehackers
8/2/2025
Content Summary
A solo developer built a budgeting app in 3 months using Flutter and successfully acquired 61 users through social media, friends, and work. The app is completely free with no ads, and the developer is focused on maintaining product quality and user experience. Advisors suggest focusing on technical stability, gathering user feedback, and building a community around the app rather than adding features.
Opinion Analysis
Mainstream opinion is highly supportive of the developer's achievement, with comments praising the solo effort, the use of Flutter, and the decision to keep the app free and ad-free. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of product quality, user feedback, and community building. However, there is a minor controversy around the 'BoardOS' system used to generate advice, with one user questioning its authenticity and another defending it as a real system designed to help solo founders. This highlights a debate about the role of AI in providing startup advice and the value of simulated advisory boards.
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flutter | https://flutter.dev | Development Framework | Cross-platform mobile app development framework |
| Google Play Store | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.winst.flutter_app | App Distribution | Android app distribution platform |
| BoardOS | https://www.reddit.com/r/BoardOS | Startup Advisory Platform | AI-powered startup advisory board simulation system |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Users want a simple, ad-free budgeting solution
- Users desire a product they can be proud of
- Users value privacy and data integrity
Problems to Solve:
- Tracking expenses and managing personal budgets
- Finding a lightweight and reliable budgeting tool
- Avoiding intrusive advertising in financial apps
Potential Solutions:
- A free, ad-free budgeting app with a focus on simplicity and usability
- A mobile app built using Flutter for cross-platform compatibility
- A focus on technical stability and performance for long-term user satisfaction
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Leveraging social media and personal networks for organic growth
- Focusing on core product quality and user experience
- Building a loyal community around the app through engagement
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Organic growth through social media, friends, and work connections
- Word-of-mouth referrals from initial users
Monetization & Product:
- Choosing a free model with no ads to maintain product integrity
- Prioritizing product-market fit by focusing on a clear user need
- Avoiding feature bloat to maintain simplicity and usability
User Engagement:
- Building a community through user feedback and engagement
- Setting measurable goals to track progress and maintain motivation
- Focusing on qualitative feedback to improve the core user experience