My first $100 from the internet ~ building app
Hello everyone,
Introduction
i have built 6 apps , all of them failed to make even $1, and 0 users. Then, i started to wonder what the problem was. Then, i came to realize i built everything in my own room.
Thus, i began to share my journey on Twitter using #buildinpublic hashtag. It was uncomfortable at first because i was afraid that people copied my idea or being accused of being copycat.
However, the more I do it, the more I realize that people seem to have the same idea. What matters most is execution.
Discover Product through learning
One day, I wanted to learn about SEO and backlink. Then, i started to begin building indietool.io to target the indiehackers on Twitter. I was not sure whether it worked or not, but i was just going to ship it.
Launch
On the launch day, i reached out to 2 or 3 friend on Twitter to help repost, and i also made launch video using Canva Pro which is extremely easy to make video with.
Aha Moment
Boom, for something reason people liked it, and honestly i did not know why . Then, after few weeks, i started to charge users $1.99 per app, and i made the sale.
Bring Traffic
After the launch day, i kept posting about it whether from users visits to new feature, and i embedded my site's link to it. This is how i keep generate traffic to my site through Twitter. (currently 1.2k unique visitor )
Next Goal
To sum up, i think that nobody knows whether product is going to work or not only until you ship it and let people decide. Next step, i am setting a small goal of reaching $1000.
Here is my app if u want to check it out (https://www.indietool.io/)
Hey, cool idea, cool website. I've added our startup to the directory, glad to play a tiny part in your success:)
As a hint - I would love to be able to add more details on the product's LP.
Thanks for the supports. what do you mean by prodcut's LP?
When you click on an app in the directory, you get to the details of the product. I would love to be able to add more info there, such as testimonials, who is the target audience, screens, etc. Having more info should probably help with SEO as well.
thanks for i will note it down.
Congrats
thanks :)
Congrats dhang for this huge milestone! Getting the first dollars is huge! Wish you the best for the future.
Thank you Jip :)
The site design gives me 2010's vibes. How do you promote it? Can I copycat it? (Just kidding :) ). Congratulations on this milestone.
haha would u mind show me 2024's vibe look like? i would love to do it :).
Yes, u can copy it because i copy the idea from other people too. haha
I also wanted to create a directory but I wasn't sure how to promote it. Give me your X account to follow you. Let's compete :)
https://twitter.com/DarayuthH
we can share the pie. no need to compete haha
I’ll definitely check it out. Congrats on your success.
Thank you
Great job! I was worried abut building in public as well haha, but finally decided to send it and hope it pays off.
do it and keep us posted
I like this, how has your site been with driving customers to the apps?
Through twitter for now. Currently working on SEO
You're the man!
Thanks
Fantastic story! I would also love this tool to see have a wider audience feature beyond SEO and backlinks.
Using #buildinpublic hashtag on Twitter or whatever hashtags is really awesome, admire it mate!
Thanks :)
Congratulations on reaching your first $100 milestone from the Internet with your app! Achieving initial revenue is a significant step that validates your hard work and vision. Keep focusing on user feedback to refine your product and drive further growth.
As you scale, what strategies do you plan to implement to maintain a steady growth trajectory and ensure the long-term sustainability of your app?
i am not so sure yet. i am new to all of this. would u mind sharing the strategy?
Sure! But this strategy is just for me but still here it is
Improve the app based on user feedback and provide top-notch support.
Employ SEO, social media, and content marketing to attract new users.
Explore various monetization models and choose the best fit for your audience.
Track KPIs to understand user behavior and refine the app.
Keep the app fresh with new features and tech trends.
Foster user interaction and advocacy through social platforms.
Collaborate with complementary businesses to expand your reach.
Monitor expenses and cash flow closely to maintain financial health.
You can still do experiment to see what resonates with your users and adjust strategies as you grow.
Thank you. i note all of these down in my note.
how is this diff from product hunt? it's not clear to me besides the search tool i guess
The goal is to provide a backlink :)
We all start somewhere, and it is only the resilience that keeps us moving. Congratulations and cheers to many more!
Thank you. Yes, resilience is what keep us moving
That's amazing. I've even listed my product on your app. I've already got my first backlink. Well done 👏
Thank for the support. i will make sure i will improve my dr so that you will get highest dr that will boost your site dr and seo :).
Insightful read, Dhang. Next stop $1,000!
Thanks. i will try my best :)