I Vibe-Coded a Website Wrapper to $7.4K in 2 Weeks

Summary

A developer shares their experience of launching a simple app for fishermen in Bristol Bay, Alaska, offering essential data about the fishing season. In just two weeks, the app earned $7,600 through a $25/year subscription model. By focusing on distribution and using automation tools like Python scripts, the app was built in under 40 hours with minimal custom code. The developer plans to expand the app with a directory of services for fishermen, potentially increasing revenue. They emphasize that in today’s world, distribution is the key to success, not just building code.

Takeaways

• 😀 Distribution is crucial: Building a product is not enough; success depends on how well it reaches the target audience.
• 😀 Niche market success: The speaker built an app specifically for fishermen in Bristol Bay, Alaska, using deep knowledge of the community's needs.
• 😀 Significant revenue in a short time: In just two weeks, the app generated $7,600 in revenue despite a modest $25 yearly subscription.
• 😀 Minimal development time: The app was built in less than 40 hours, utilizing small time blocks of effort (around 2 hours at a time).
• 😀 Code as a commodity: Traditional coding is no longer a unique skill, with tools like Gemini 25 enabling easier app development without writing code.
• 😀 Simple solution, big impact: The app is essentially a wrapper for data, solving a real problem (easy access to fishing data for fishermen with limited connectivity).
• 😀 Lean app design: The app offers a straightforward paywall (no freemium model) and displays essential data in an easy-to-use format.
• 😀 Expansion potential: The speaker plans to extend the app to cover other fisheries and add services like a directory for service providers to the app.
• 😀 Valuable feedback: The speaker incorporated user feedback to add additional features, such as a directory for mid-season service needs (electricians, welders, etc.).
• 😀 Market-focused growth: The app's growth is driven by understanding the unique needs of a specific market and addressing those needs directly with simple, accessible tech.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker in the transcript?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of distribution over product development in building a successful business, sharing their experience with a small app that generated substantial revenue despite its simplicity.

How much revenue did the speaker generate in two weeks with their app?

The speaker generated approximately $7,600 in revenue within two weeks, with a $25 annual subscription model.

What kind of app did the speaker build?

The speaker built a simple app that acts as a wrapper for data from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, tailored for fishermen in Bristol Bay. It displays important fishery data, such as run statistics, harvest info, and current announcements.

What makes this app profitable despite its simplicity?

The app's profitability is attributed to its niche market and effective distribution. It addresses a specific need for fishermen in a remote area, and the speaker’s familiarity with the industry allowed them to identify and solve this pain point.

How did the speaker implement subscriptions in the app?

The speaker used Revenue Cat, an easy-to-implement service that allows for seamless integration of subscription management into both iOS and Android apps. The app has a straightforward paywall that asks users to pay $25 for full access.

What tools or technologies did the speaker use to build the app?

The app was built using Python for web scraping and the Gemini tool, with automation for collecting and displaying data. The speaker did not write any code themselves but utilized existing tools and services to quickly develop the app.

What feedback did the speaker receive from users, and how are they planning to improve the app next season?

Users suggested adding a directory of services like electricians or welders, which could be useful for fishermen during the season. The speaker plans to approach service providers next year to offer a listing on the app for a fee, thus expanding its value.

Why does the speaker claim that building code is no longer special or unique?

The speaker argues that building code has become commoditized due to the availability of tools and services that simplify development. In their case, they used pre-existing tools like Gemini to handle most of the technical work, which made the development process faster and less complex.

What future plans does the speaker have for their app and business model?

The speaker plans to expand the app to other fisheries in Alaska, building on the success of the current app. They also aim to monetize additional features, such as the service directory, to further grow the app's revenue potential.

What does the speaker believe is the most important aspect of building a business today?

The speaker believes that the most important aspect is distribution. While building a product is important, it’s more critical to ensure that the product reaches the right audience through effective marketing and distribution strategies.