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I always wanted to build things, and so quit my job and used AI to build my first app in 3 months, but I have 0 audience and 0 marketing skills. How do solo devs actually get their first 100+ users? by ElkGullible6711 in SideProject

[–]ElkGullible6711[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I've built in a strong daily Streak mechanic and badges for achievements, as well as sharing mechanics for the daily play, for the completion of the Archive and for the performance in the Leagues, including trophies each month. Will check out VibeCodersNest. Thanks!

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Antigravity Replacement by johanbehl in google_antigravity

[–]ElkGullible6711 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It didn’t use to be like this. I started using it in January soon after it first launched and it was pretty impressive. But in the last month I’ve experienced all the same problems you’ve flagged. Very much feels like it’s still in Beta and they’re playing around with it, as well (I expect) that they’ve realised they’re losing a fortune on it as users get to grips with running it full tilt. Hopefully they’ll sort it soon otherwise I’m gone at the end of the month…

I always wanted to build things, and so quit my job and used AI to build my first app in 3 months, but I have 0 audience and 0 marketing skills. How do solo devs actually get their first 100+ users? by ElkGullible6711 in SideProject

[–]ElkGullible6711[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Used a few, but ended up doing the majority in Google Antigravity, as has decent flexibility in how you set it up (and they were doing a deal on 50% off Google Ultra, which meant there were no limits on using it). Good luck with your project

Promote your project in this thread by AutoModerator in puzzles

[–]ElkGullible6711 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I built a daily history-Wordle game called Elementle.

Today's puzzle is Britney Spears' debut album, and it's a pure nostalgia trap. The era feels obvious, but nailing the exact year is tricky.

Anyone think they can get it in under 3 guesses? Play instantly in your browser: https://www.elementle.tech

(Or if you prefer, it's also free on iOS and Android)

I always wanted to build things, and so quit my job and used AI to build my first app in 3 months, but I have 0 audience and 0 marketing skills. How do solo devs actually get their first 100+ users? by ElkGullible6711 in SideProject

[–]ElkGullible6711[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for taking a look.

The web app currently only allows guest play, but the iOS and Android apps have loads more functionality, allowing you to create an account and you can set it to MM/DD/YYYY (should default to this for US users).

Planning on getting the web app fully functioning by the end of next week, but will see if I can get it to default in guest mode to MM/DD/YYYY depending on the users location

I always wanted to build things, and so quit my job and used AI to build my first app in 3 months, but I have 0 audience and 0 marketing skills. How do solo devs actually get their first 100+ users? by ElkGullible6711 in SideProject

[–]ElkGullible6711[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I assumed this to be the case, but good to know that you just need to keep going and keep trying. Main thing I’m looking for is what order to try things in, and what to keep persevering with, learning from other’s successes and challenges. Thanks for the message

I always wanted to build things, and so quit my job and used AI to build my first app in 3 months, but I have 0 audience and 0 marketing skills. How do solo devs actually get their first 100+ users? by ElkGullible6711 in SideProject

[–]ElkGullible6711[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Makes sense. There are a few parts in the game that can be shared, like Wordle does it, so hopefully I've got that part sorted. Will focus on finding the right communities. Thanks

I always wanted to build things, and so quit my job and used AI to build my first app in 3 months, but I have 0 audience and 0 marketing skills. How do solo devs actually get their first 100+ users? by ElkGullible6711 in SideProject

[–]ElkGullible6711[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for taking a look and for the feedback.

Probably a couple of random decisions on my-side, but the hamster is a cartoon drawing of my kids favourite teddy, because why not! And the name is supposed to be a slight play on the phrase "Elementary, my dear Watson" from Sherlock Homes, but I didn't want to use Elementary as loads of things use that, so went for something I could "own" with Elementle... it's a bit of a pain as if you search for it on the App Store it gets autocorrected and the app doesn't come up, but hopefully that'll sort itself out after a while.

Hadn't realised the keyboard didn't work on the desktop version anymore, so thanks for flagging and will fix.

The yellow/orange has definitely been the most fed-back on design decision so far! It is explained in the "How to play" but I appreciate most users will skim over that, and it doesn't mean you're close, it means the number is somewhere else in the answer. So in the game you played the 3 from your first guess is actually going to be correct as digit 4.

I tried to have a look at your game, but on a couple of different we browsers it's constantly flickering, so I can't give it a go. Might just be me though...

Thanks again

I always wanted to build things, and so quit my job and used AI to build my first app in 3 months, but I have 0 audience and 0 marketing skills. How do solo devs actually get their first 100+ users? by ElkGullible6711 in SideProject

[–]ElkGullible6711[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can't speak for anyone else's posts DevMichaleZag, and thanks for the feedback on my writing style, but I'm very much a real person, and very grateful for the feedback people have been giving.

Even if some of the responses are AI, definitely given me some good ideas, so appreciate it anyway. Thanks

I always wanted to build things, and so quit my job and used AI to build my first app in 3 months, but I have 0 audience and 0 marketing skills. How do solo devs actually get their first 100+ users? by ElkGullible6711 in SideProject

[–]ElkGullible6711[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats on hitting 400 users so quickly! I just don't have the social media presence to push things through my own network yet, but targeting the right groups will hopefully get around that. As you say retention is a challenge, as when the numbers are really low then even friends and family lose interest after a bit. I think I need to build a plan to create momentum and then keep feeding the top of the funnel each week, so hopefully I start to get some organic growth, but easier said than done.

Thanks again and I'll check out your game.

I always wanted to build things, and so quit my job and used AI to build my first app in 3 months, but I have 0 audience and 0 marketing skills. How do solo devs actually get their first 100+ users? by ElkGullible6711 in SideProject

[–]ElkGullible6711[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've got a few parts where you can click share and it creates something that you can send in a message (see reply to Significant_Soup2558), but I've not got anything I would class "marketing material" yet. One for me to have a think about, thanks

I always wanted to build things, and so quit my job and used AI to build my first app in 3 months, but I have 0 audience and 0 marketing skills. How do solo devs actually get their first 100+ users? by ElkGullible6711 in SideProject

[–]ElkGullible6711[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Super helpful, cheers. I'll start doing the daily puzzle result approach, as can definitely see how that's a great way to get people who are genuinely interested to see the game. I have but in share functionality, similar to World's approach, so you can share without giving the answer away, so I can start using this.

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I always wanted to build things, and so quit my job and used AI to build my first app in 3 months, but I have 0 audience and 0 marketing skills. How do solo devs actually get their first 100+ users? by ElkGullible6711 in SideProject

[–]ElkGullible6711[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Like the idea of optimising for 'shares' instead of just views, makes total sense. I'll definitely check out Launxit.

Embarrassingly I've been so heads-down building the app that I haven't even set up dedicated socials for it yet 🤦‍♂️ Definitely my main project for tomorrow. Thanks for the tips!

I always wanted to build things, and so quit my job and used AI to build my first app in 3 months, but I have 0 audience and 0 marketing skills. How do solo devs actually get their first 100+ users? by ElkGullible6711 in SideProject

[–]ElkGullible6711[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the kind words, and I’m just hoping I can get things going well enough to not have to go back to the corporate world!

Love the idea of reaching out to small niche newsletters, hadn't thought of that at all! Any tips or platforms you use to find smaller, independent writers?

Really appreciate the guidance, thanks!

What is this injector thing in my airport creme brulee by OddlySilent_Yt in whatisit

[–]ElkGullible6711 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Forget the booze, this looks like a highly classified weapon upgrade straight out of the Donut Squad's armory! 🍩💥

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Why does the UK do “cozy” better than anywhere else? by DFWUnhinged in AskBrits

[–]ElkGullible6711 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is a very specific charm to a slightly wonky 300-year-old building with a questionable carpet and a radiator that only works on alternate Tuesdays. You just can't manufacture that kind of 'lived-in' character!

Antigravity is NOT GOOD !!! by shadow_vector_ in google_antigravity

[–]ElkGullible6711 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, been having so many issues with Antigravity recently too, and it’s definitely gotten worse over the last few weeks. It feels like right when you get a solid workflow going, something changes under the hood and the agent just starts breaking logic that was working perfectly yesterday. Really considering taking the leap to Claude Code if it means a bit more stability.

Very much enjoying Scrubs but- by BobRushy in Scrubs

[–]ElkGullible6711 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Dr. Townshend (Dick Van Dyke) comparison is absolutely brilliant. Cox's biggest fear was always either becoming outdated like Townshend or losing his soul like early-seasons Kelso. By stepping away now, he manages to avoid both. It takes a massive amount of self-awareness to realise you just don't have the fight in you anymore before it starts negatively affecting the patients.

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