For experienced indie hackers, what can I do better?
The project I am currently working on is called KamousAI. It introduces general tools for language learners, such as an AI dictionary, reverse dictionary, and paraphraser. It is quite similar Quillbot.com, Rytr.me. However, it is specifically designed to be simpler, with a particular focus on a different target audience, people who are learning a new language. In order to enhance the user experience, I have incorporated the ability to install it via Progressive Web App (PWA). I am actively developing an authentication system that will allow the storage of user preferences and history records, which I believe will greatly enhance the overall user experience.
While I have a number of ideas for additional features, I'm at a crossroads regarding the direction of the project. I'm unsure whether to continue developing new features or focus on refining the existing ones in order to drive more traffic to the website. It's a delicate balance and I'm open to suggestions.
I am looking for advice on how to further improve this project. Specifically, I am wondering what features could be implemented that would bring users the most value. What could we introduce or modify that would make our project indispensable to our users?
Additionally, I'm seeking advice on potential marketing channels that could be utilized to increase traffic to the website. To be honest, marketing is not my forte, it took me more than a month to get from 18 to +40 followers on X and this often causes me frustration. Any advice on effective marketing strategies or channels would be greatly appreciated.
Get the engineer hat off and put the user hat on.
Who is going to use this?
In what context?
When will this be 10x better than what they currently have? or at least what's the biggest impact this can make if they switch from something they are currently using?
Like anywhere I would write I'd have auto-correction from OS, doc manager (word, google docs) from Grammarly addon. They are all 100% integrated, I don't need to think about them. And when they don't do I put the word/phrase into google. (and there is also google translate everywhere, web/app)
When will your tool solve something that isn't solved for me that is worth me searching for, trying, using, and integrating into my normal writing/learning flows?
You mention learning languages, I think number one in the game, due maybe not really being the solution, is Duolingo, how is your service fitting my interactions with them?
I don't say you have to have one of these, but what is a user workflow that currently doesn't produce the user's wanted outcome to a degree they are willing to change and check solutions and how is your product/service fitting into that?
You're making something generic that can be used for everything, but then you can't market it to anything specific. Your examples are at least a bit more focused than yours, helping people who have a job/high-intensity task of writing content for different mediums, and that can be compared to a paid job and an alternative cost can be compared say a writer gig or job.
Perhaps you need to focus more on connecting with your target audience? I would recommend leaning on "sales" right now to build up a user base of some capacity. Then you will be able to identify which features are more important compared to others. I would imagine there are local ESOL communities around you where you could offer a training session that showcases how helpful your project could be towards their every day. Just don't want to see you wasting your time on features when you don't even know for sure what your audience wants. - BO BANKS
As @hatkyinc already suggested, think of the problem you're solving. From what you wrote above, I don't know what problem you're trying to solve and why users would use your product over already existing ones. Where "making it easier to use" can be a USP, it means that you're putting yourself in direct competition with an already existing product. This can backfire, and might just lead to them making theirs easier to use. The result is you improved their product and failed with yours.
Maybe think of which niche you serve exactly, and what specific problem of this niche are you solving. Just doing something with AI doesn't mean that it will be something that creates value. And don't get me wrong I'm very pro AI. ;)
To improve the project, we prioritize user feedback on feature development. Consider features that streamline your users' workflows and provide unique value. Try targeted social media campaigns and his SEO optimization to effectively increase your website traffic.
Hey Ali, congrats on your product. One thing I would recommend as I come from a marketing analytics background is to start utilizing your data as early as possible.
Once you start increasing your ad spend, you will be able to derive so much value from your data. You may realize a completely different target audience is more interested in your product.
On top of this, you will be able to fine tune your ad spend to increase conversions and no matter what point you are at in your business, a few % increase in conversion can work wonders.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Hey, Ali.
Whatever you do, consider consulting with the people that fall into your buyer segment. There's a cool framework called "Product Discovery" that I think would make things easier for you and basically help you prioritize your tasks and features.
Typically PD is used before even prototyping starts but you can still start implementing its logic post-launch.
Here are a few books you can check out:
(Books in no particular order)
Hope this helps.
Have a good one ahead.
I frequently interact with SaaS founders at Micro SaaS HQ where we brainstorm a lot of things around SaaS. In this case, if you hate sales/marketing - the two options would be to leverage SEO as much as you can and try building related side projects to drive audience. Alternatively if there is some revenue generation, you can also try to get a marketing cofounder.