My Journey to a Million $ Software Business - Progress Thread

[Vasudev Soni]

<div class="bbWrapper">I&#039;ve been thinking about ways to bring some value to this forum and I think creating a progress thread about my software startup could provide some insight to members interested in starting a software business/startup and also help myself stay accountable for doing what I need to do. I have read <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/threads/ive-read-the-millionaire-fastlane.28234/" class="link link--internal">The Millionaire Fastlane</a> twice and it has completely changed the way I think and perceive things.<br /> <br /> <b>Current situation:</b><br /> <br /> I am a 21yr old college student (B.Tech in Computer Science), I am running my app startup (Launched about 4 months ago and has 27k+ downloads on the Play Store already), and I am starting my new job next month (Application Developer).<br /> <br /> My overall goal is to convert my startup into a multi-million dollar software company within the next 3-4 years, by solving critical problems that users face daily in life and seeing my life change throughout the process because of the Fastlane ability that a software business provides.<br /> <br /> <b>What are the next steps?</b><br /> <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">I&#039;m focusing on my software business and scaling it to provide me with the income to pursue my goals</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Connecting with other like-minded people and establishing connections with them</li> </ul><br /> This thread won&#039;t (or may) see a lot of success in the coming 6-12 months, it will be 2-5 years to see substantial gains but I hope some of you can gain a lot from it if you&#039;re interested (or already own) in starting your own software business. You can check out my app <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bechde.buy_sell_app" target="_blank" class="link link--external" rel="noopener">here</a>.<br /> <br /> I will post weekly (or sometimes bi-weekly) updates in this thread describing my current situation, steps taken, and other information. <br /> So, <span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">watch this thread</span> and follow along. <br /> <br /> Also check out <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/members/112163/" class="username" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="112163" data-username="@Jai Mittal">@Jai Mittal</a>, as he is my business partner, and we work together as a team.</div>

 

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[MaximilianT]

<div class="bbWrapper">following</div>

 

[Jon822]

<div class="bbWrapper">What languages do you write code in?</div>

 

[Vasudev Soni]

<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 43957" data-quote="Jon822" data-source="post: 1063690" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1063690" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1063690">Jon822 said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> What languages do you write code in? </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Several, some of those include python, dart, html, css, javascript, etc.</div>

 

[Jon822]

<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 111997" data-quote="vasudevsoni" data-source="post: 1063692" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1063692" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1063692">vasudevsoni said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Several, some of those include python, dart, html, css, javascript, etc. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Awesome, I love python. I build websites using Flask a lot.</div>

 

[Vasudev Soni]

<div class="bbWrapper"><b>Weekly update - 17/05/23 <img src="/community/imgs/emoticons/em-peace.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":peace:" title="Peace :peace:" data-shortname=":peace:" /></b><br /> <br /> Hey guys, another week has gone by, and it was ok ok.<br /> <br /> I created a new landing page website for the app and launched it, you can check it out at <a href="http://bechdeapp.com" target="_blank" class="link link--external" rel="noopener">BechDe</a> and give me your suggestions/feedback about it. I also launched 2-3 updates of the app improving it with every update by fixing bugs, etc.<br /> <br /> The app now has a total of <b>30k+</b> downloads on the Play Store and <b>7k+</b> active users. The goal is to reach <b>50k</b> downloads by the end of May, and I think with some efforts it might be possible.<br /> <br /> I also joined <b>indiehackers</b> a few days ago, and I am quite impressed with the content it offers. You can check out my profile and follow me there too if you want - <a href="https://www.indiehackers.com/vasudevsoni2001/history" target="_blank" class="link link--external" rel="noopener">Vasudev on Indiehackers</a>.<br /> <br /> By the way, what <b>tech stack</b> are you using for your current <b>Saas/Web App/Startup</b>?<br /> <br /> <b>See you next week. <img src="/community/imgs/emoticons/em-praise.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":praise:" title="Praise :praise:" data-shortname=":praise:" /></b></div>

 

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[Eric L]

<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 111997" data-quote="vasudevsoni" data-source="post: 1064877" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1064877" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1064877">vasudevsoni said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> <b>Weekly update - 17/05/23 <img src="/community/imgs/emoticons/em-peace.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":peace:" title="Peace :peace:" data-shortname=":peace:" /></b><br /> <br /> Hey guys, another week has gone by, and it was ok ok.<br /> <br /> I created a new landing page website for the app and launched it, you can check it out at <a href="http://bechdeapp.com" target="_blank" class="link link--external" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">BechDe</a> and give me your suggestions/feedback about it. I also launched 2-3 updates of the app improving it with every update by fixing bugs, etc.<br /> <br /> The app now has a total of <b>30k+</b> downloads on the Play Store and <b>7k+</b> active users. The goal is to reach <b>50k</b> downloads by the end of May, and I think with some efforts it might be possible.<br /> <br /> I also joined <b>indiehackers</b> a few days ago, and I am quite impressed with the content it offers. You can check out my profile and follow me there too if you want - <a href="https://www.indiehackers.com/vasudevsoni2001/history" target="_blank" class="link link--external" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">Vasudev on Indiehackers</a>.<br /> <br /> By the way, what <b>tech stack</b> are you using for your current <b>Saas/Web App/Startup</b>?<br /> <br /> <b>See you next week. <img src="/community/imgs/emoticons/em-praise.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":praise:" title="Praise :praise:" data-shortname=":praise:" /></b> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> Current stack is swift, i&#039;m very close to finishing my IPhone app. Following your thread and good luck with your journey!</div>

 

[Vasudev Soni]

<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 35796" data-quote="Eric L" data-source="post: 1064890" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1064890" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1064890">Eric L said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Current stack is swift, i&#039;m very close to finishing my IPhone app </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>That&#039;s great. Best of luck with your app.<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="member: 35796" data-quote="Eric L" data-source="post: 1064890" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1064890" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1064890">Eric L said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Following your thread and good luck with your journey! </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Thank you for following, I will be sure to provide you with valuable content.</div>

 

[Vasudev Soni]

<div class="bbWrapper"><b>Weekly update - 06/08/23</b><br /> <br /> Didn&#039;t post for the past 2-3 weeks. Sorry for that.<br /> My exams are going on and I was in doubt whether to post another update or not.<br /> <br /> The app growth seems to be slowing down in the past 2-3 weeks. Also been receiving quite a lot of negative reviews on the app and I&#039;m not sure about how to proceed with this venture and how to make it grow more. Everything seems to be mixed up.<br /> <br /> I know that a few people have gained value from the app but I&#039;m not sure how to convert these few to a large number.<br /> <br /> We currently stand at 39k downloads on the Play Store and 7.5k active users.<br /> <br /> Here are some steps I might take in the coming days -<br /> <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Run ad campaigns on Google Ads or Bing Ads</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Try improving the app interface and add some features that have been requested by several users</li> </ul><br /> If you want to try out my app, download it <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bechde.buy_sell_app" target="_blank" class="link link--external" rel="noopener">here</a>. (Note: Only available in India)<br /> <br /> If you have some tips or suggestions for me, that&#039;d be great. <img src="/community/imgs/emoticons/em-halo.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":innocent: :halo:" title="Innocent :innocent: :halo:" data-shortname=":innocent: :halo:" /><br /> <br /> See you next week (most probably).</div>

 

[Yortanlı/Türkiye]

<div class="bbWrapper">.</div>

 

[Absar]

<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 111997" data-quote="vasudevsoni" data-source="post: 1063562" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1063562" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1063562">vasudevsoni said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> I&#039;ve been thinking about ways to bring some value to this forum and I think creating a progress thread about my software startup could provide some insight to members interested in starting a software business/startup and also help myself stay accountable for doing what I need to do. I have read <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/threads/ive-read-the-millionaire-fastlane.28234/" class="link link--internal">The Millionaire Fastlane</a> twice and it has completely changed the way I think and perceive things.<br /> <br /> <b>Current situation:</b><br /> <br /> I am a 21yr old college student (B.Tech in Computer Science), I am running my app startup (Launched about 4 months ago and has 27k+ downloads on the Play Store already), and I am starting my new job next month (Application Developer).<br /> <br /> My overall goal is to convert my startup into a multi-million dollar software company within the next 3-4 years, by solving critical problems that users face daily in life and seeing my life change throughout the process because of the Fastlane ability that a software business provides.<br /> <br /> <b>What are the next steps?</b><br /> <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">I&#039;m focusing on my software business and scaling it to provide me with the income to pursue my goals</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Connecting with other like-minded people and establishing connections with them</li> </ul><br /> This thread won&#039;t (or may) see a lot of success in the coming 6-12 months, it will be 2-5 years to see substantial gains but I hope some of you can gain a lot from it if you&#039;re interested (or already own) in starting your own software business. You can check out my app <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bechde.buy_sell_app" target="_blank" class="link link--external" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">here</a>.<br /> <br /> I will post weekly (or sometimes bi-weekly) updates in this thread describing my current situation, steps taken, and other information.<br /> So, <span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">watch this thread</span> and follow along.<br /> <br /> Also check out <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/members/112163/" class="username" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="112163" data-username="@Jai Mittal">@Jai Mittal</a>, as he is my business partner, and we work together as a team. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Hey, how do you differentiate yourself from others in your niche like OLX, quickr? What advantage do you have over them?</div>

 

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[Vasudev Soni]

<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 118999" data-quote="A B S A R" data-source="post: 1068863" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1068863" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1068863">A B S A R said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Hey, how do you differentiate yourself from others in your niche like OLX, quickr? What advantage do you have over them? </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>We provide the option to post unlimited listings for free, for which other platforms charge money.</div>

 

[GoingToSleep]

<div class="bbWrapper">I would recommend making your app available in apple for greater progress as it is used more than google play.</div>

 

[Vasudev Soni]

<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 126204" data-quote="GoingToSleep" data-source="post: 1068874" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1068874" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1068874">GoingToSleep said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> I would recommend making your app available in apple for greater progress as it is used more than google play. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Not in India dude. Almost 90% of people in India use Android.</div>

 

[Absar]

<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 126204" data-quote="GoingToSleep" data-source="post: 1068874" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1068874" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1068874">GoingToSleep said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> I would recommend making your app available in apple for greater progress as it is used more than google play. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Iphones in India are seen as above flagship smartphones. The people who have them are considered rich by a lot of people.</div>

 

[Absar]

<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 111997" data-quote="vasudevsoni" data-source="post: 1068873" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1068873" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1068873">vasudevsoni said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> We provide the option to post unlimited listings for free, for which other platforms charge money. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Meaning that you don&#039;t charge for any listing that a user places on the app? or you don&#039;t charge extra for posting more listings?<br /> <br /> One Idea that came to mind is the auction thing like on eBay. Just a random thought</div>

 

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[Vasudev Soni]

<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 118999" data-quote="A B S A R" data-source="post: 1068928" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1068928" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1068928">A B S A R said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Meaning that you don&#039;t charge for any listing that a user places on the app? or you don&#039;t charge extra for posting more listings?<br /> <br /> One Idea that came to mind is the auction thing like on eBay. Just a random thought </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>We don’t charge for any listings.</div>

 

[Vasudev Soni]

<div class="bbWrapper">I’m a little confused if I should continue posting in this thread. <br /> This month has been pretty bad for my app business.<br /> <br /> Any suggestions/feedback is appreciated.</div>

 

[WillHurtDontCare]

<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 111997" data-quote="Vasudev Soni" data-source="post: 1072339" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1072339" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1072339">Vasudev Soni said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> I’m a little confused if I should continue posting in this thread.<br /> This month has been pretty bad for my app business.<br /> <br /> Any suggestions/feedback is appreciated. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> bro go read <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/members/12271/" class="username" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="12271" data-username="@Ravens_Shadow">@Ravens_Shadow</a> &#039;s progress threads. He spent years posting about how stressed he was and how little money he was making despite working his a$$ off. Now he has one of the most valuable businesses on this forum.<br /> <br /> Starting a business is hard - just keep slogging it out and make adjustments. Don&#039;t give up because you had a bad month.</div>

 

[Vasudev Soni]

<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 48368" data-quote="WillHurtDontCare" data-source="post: 1072352" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=1072352" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-1072352">WillHurtDontCare said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> bro go read <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/members/12271/" class="username" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="12271" data-username="@Ravens_Shadow">@Ravens_Shadow</a> &#039;s progress threads. He spent years posting about how stressed he was and how little money he was making despite working his a$$ off. Now he has one of the most valuable businesses on this forum.<br /> <br /> Starting a business is hard - just keep slogging it out and make adjustments. Don&#039;t give up because you had a bad month. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Thank you so much. <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/members/12271/" class="username" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="12271" data-username="@Ravens_Shadow">@Ravens_Shadow</a> ’s posts are very motivating and pure <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite135" alt=":gold:" title="Gold :gold:" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":gold:" />.<br /> Will try to regularly post in this thread from now.</div>

 

[Vasudev Soni]

<div class="bbWrapper"><b>Update - 01/07/23</b><br /> <br /> Got about 11k downloads in June, which was around 5-10% less than the previous month.<br /> <br /> Talked to some freelancers about adding features to the app that I think will help improve the engagement and user retention.<br /> <br /> Maybe I should start looking for some investments and do things properly. But I think the investors won’t be interested if they don’t see some pretty good numbers.<br /> What do you think I should do? <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/members/12271/" class="username" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="12271" data-username="@Ravens_Shadow">@Ravens_Shadow</a> <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/members/48932/" class="username" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="48932" data-username="@fastlane_dad">@fastlane_dad</a> <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/members/55234/" class="username" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="55234" data-username="@Antifragile">@Antifragile</a> <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/members/23/" class="username" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="23" data-username="@biophase">@biophase</a> <br /> <br /> I am also starting google and bing campaigns to get more reach but the budget is a little low.<br /> <br /> Any resources that might help me with creating highly effective ad campaigns? <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/members/23590/" class="username" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="23590" data-username="@Andy Black">@Andy Black</a> <a href="https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/members/1/" class="username" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="1" data-username="@MJ DeMarco">@MJ DeMarco</a><br /> <br /> <br /> Gotta keep going, gotta work my a$$ off, there’s no stopping now. <img src="/community/imgs/emoticons/em-fire.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":fire:" title="Fire :fire:" data-shortname=":fire:" /><br /> Will keep you updated about the progress.</div>

 

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