Usually I build something I need and doesn't exist or can be improved wrt existing solutions. I don't necessarily do it for money since it's a side project we're talking about. Focusing on solving the core issue instead of finding a viable monetization strategy has some pros:
- makes it more fun for me
- feels lees like another job
- users won't be exploited
If you only need beer money to keep the project running, there are good chances you can keep it running for free too. There are lots of cool free services out there for starting out (eg. Vercel).
For example, I've just built and deployed https://calcolomassimale.it/ on Vercel for free: a 1-Rep Max calculator for strength exercises. There are several tools like this out there but:
- most are in english
- italian tools are clunky/have too much useless text for SEO purposes/use old and ugly interfaces
The idea in this case comes from a simple personal need.
- makes it more fun for me - feels lees like another job - users won't be exploited
If you only need beer money to keep the project running, there are good chances you can keep it running for free too. There are lots of cool free services out there for starting out (eg. Vercel).
For example, I've just built and deployed https://calcolomassimale.it/ on Vercel for free: a 1-Rep Max calculator for strength exercises. There are several tools like this out there but:
- most are in english - italian tools are clunky/have too much useless text for SEO purposes/use old and ugly interfaces
The idea in this case comes from a simple personal need.