I've sold 5 AI-micro SaaS with only $32
Many people think that to start a business, you need a huge initial capital, a team of developers, and months of preparation. But the truth is, it's not like that, what you need the most is the desire to do it. In the last month, I sold not one, but three artificial intelligence applications, with only 50 dollars and one day of work on each project. (and without knowing how to "program").
The first time I heard about no-code tools, I realized it was what I was looking for. The hardest part was deciding which of all the tools I wanted to learn. I chose Bubble because I wanted to make web apps. I watched some videos on YouTube and set out to make the first application. Then, we started Vintti and I began to develop the Talent Pool with Bubble.
One weekend, about 2 months ago, I said, why don't I try making an application to sell it?
I took my first idea: an application to help teachers generate tasks with the help of artificial intelligence. I got on Bubble to make an application, used Unicorn Platform to create a landing page, and Canva for a promo video and some images. 2 weeks later, I was signing the APA (Asset Purchase Agreement) and 1 week later, selling the app on Acquire. Yes, really. The costs of this? $32 a month for Bubble and $8 for the landing page on Unicorn.
Now, it's also believed that you need a lot of money for marketing. Well, I wasn't planning to spend a single peso (or dollar). I created a lead magnet with Canva and ChatGPT, uploaded it to Gumroad (https://lnkd.in/dp9M3DBY), and shared it in teacher groups on Facebook and Reddit. Results? 117 downloads, 20 registered users. The best part, I received $28 in donations for the content on Gumroad, so the cost could be said to be $12. In two weeks, I received 25 LOIs, and ended up selling the application for $1,700. And best of all, the net profit was $1,688.
After this, I wanted to do more. I set out to create my second application: Tiny Fables (tinyfables.co), a bedtime story generator for children. In this case, the sale was even faster. I made the landing page, recorded a demo video of the app, and put it up for sale. I didn't even pay the monthly cost of Bubble, as it offers 2 free weeks per application. I sold it in 3 days for $800.
And as they say, "there's no two without three". My third idea was an application that generates real estate property listings using artificial intelligence (realstatify.co). The result? Sold for $1,450 in less than a week.
Then I created songsster.com, an app that helps songwriters create great songs with AI for $1200, and GetcontentAI for $750 USD.
So, what do I want you to take away from this post? You don't have to wait to have a lot of money or an army of developers to start a business. There are tools and resources at our disposal that allow us to do incredible things with what we already have: YouTube is free, Canva is free, Gumroad is free. Bubble? You can develop for free and pay when you deploy.
Really cool stuff from where you get niche ideas?
Thanks for sharing this! Super inspiring! :)
Would love to know how you found buyers. Did you go through a marketplace like acquire or flippa?
Acquire!
great story, this is my short story, How I built a AI and making $3000 by selling source code of my AI!!
Every time I want to access ChatGPT, I need to login ChatGPT first, filling password, Captcha, and changing browser tab again and again for using Chatgpt that complete make me unproductive and overwhelming.
So, I built my own AI tool to access GPT-4 on any site without leaving the current site, you just type "help" and instant access GPT-4 on any site.
I think its make me 10 times more productive, and best part is, I was so insecure before launching my AI product because I was thinking no one will buy it.
but when I launch the product everyone love it.
After launching the product, in just 5 days I make around $300 by selling the complete source code and ownership of the product, so people can use it, resell it, modify it or anything they want to do.
My Product link - https://www.helperai.info/
I hope you like it because i'm not good in marketing and writing, if you good marketer please DM. i love to work with you.
Soooo inspiring story, and your sales strategy is particularly interesting. Thank you for sharing such a great story."
Grande, Santiago! I'm amazed by the speed at which you've put together and brilliantly executed ideas. Would love to hear more about the your approaches to distribution. The leadgen tactic was very interesting!
congrats man, I loved it
Awesome, Santiago! You're a real inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. Your success today serves as a reminder that it doesn't take a significant amount of money or intricate programming knowledge for one to start a business. Kudos to you for your hard work and dedication!
Really cool story. But to sustain this way you need to build products every month.
Isn't it?
If the value of selling is over $5k, I won't mind building one every month, that will also be so tiring.
For some quick money this is good, may be within 10 products you build I can become a unicorn.
I imagine he has an AI app template he keeps using. Change up the GPT prompt and sales copy. Impressive returns. Wonder if it better to keep them
though for the passive income.
That's a good one then.
Hi, really cool story, that I, as a bubble user can relate.
How did you sell the SaaS? Did you sell the whole bubble account or how does this work?
Thanks!
Bubble allows you to transfer the app!
Oh ok good to know, thanks!
Congradulations, thx for sharing
Congrats! I'm inspired. I've been meaning to off load some projects and just wrote a post about it. Will look into Aquire.
https://www.indiehackers.com/post/ready-made-ai-tools-seeking-visionary-entrepreneurs-a33376036b
Wow, what an incredible journey you've had!
As you have built diversified products, I want to know: How do you vet your ideas?
Just do stuff I like
I appreciate you sharing your amazing success story because it serves as a powerful reminder that creativity and tenacity are the true forces behind success for entrepreneurs.
That's really cool. Where do you find people that want to buy your apps?
in acquire.com
Very interesting. You're building and flipping on a micro level. If it works, why change it. You could reinvest funds into getting more users for new projects using ads. It will definitely increase traffic and conversions, but more importantly, you will have a consistently working traffic source to sell with the platform.
What website you used to sell your apps?
acquire.com
Wow, that's amazing! Where did you find buyers of those apps?
@santiagopoli Great work! Your products look awesome. I wonder if you build everything on bubble.io. What about the landing page? It looks great
I've been following you from the start, you are my favorite Argentinian indie maker.
Also thx for all the feedback you bring for Unicorn Platform, I'd say your our top 3 power users.
What is the new domain for realstatify.co?
Your journey into entrepreneurship using no-code tools is truly inspiring! It's a testament to the fact that with determination, creativity, and the right tools, starting a business doesn't necessarily require a huge initial investment or extensive technical expertise. Your ability to identify opportunities, create valuable applications, and successfully sell them within a short timeframe is commendable.
Your choice of no-code tools like Bubble, Unicorn Platform, Canva, and Gumroad, combined with platforms like YouTube and Reddit for marketing, highlights the democratization of entrepreneurship. It's empowering to see how readily available resources can be leveraged to turn ideas into profitable ventures.
Your specific examples of applications, such as the teacher task generator, Tiny Fables, real estate property listings generator, Songsster, and GetcontentAI, showcase the diverse range of possibilities within the realm of artificial intelligence and no-code development.
The key takeaway from your post is clear: the barrier to entry for aspiring entrepreneurs has significantly lowered, thanks to accessible tools and platforms. Your success demonstrates that passion, creativity, and a willingness to explore these resources can lead to tangible results.
For anyone reading this, it's a compelling reminder that the entrepreneurial journey is not confined to those with large budgets or extensive technical skills. Your story serves as motivation for individuals who might be hesitant to start their own ventures. Thank you for sharing your experience, and best of luck with your future endeavors!
This was really insightful! How do you reconcile knowing you may have sold your apps for much less than what they may have potentially brought you in recurring revenue in the future?
And what was the reason you chose to use gumroad? Just to have a place to put your apps up for sale?
I really like this model, and reminds me of a post i saw earlier today about Micro-Saases being the future of entrpreneurship.
Sending you a follow as i would love to learn more about this in-depth!
I chose Gumroad because I can put $0 price and it's perfect for download assets. This was a PDF.
The reason I've sold instead of looking for revenue is because honestly i don't have time
Yes I totally agree. The truth is that i'm 100% focused on Vintti (https://vintti.com) and that was kind of a experiment. I sold them really really fast, so probably I could have sold then in way more much. Doing an experiment with new apps, to see if I can sell them for much more (6-8 k)
I see, keep up the good work! I'm going to be taking a page out of your book and give some of the apps in my head a shot!
I'd love to connect on Twitter if you are there as well!