Starting a wishlist website/app?

[Alexandra91zk]

Hi,


I'd like to start a wishlist website or application. I make lists all the time and as a good capitalist, have a huge list of things I want to buy which grows everyday, from browsing TikTok and Instagram (actually sounds kinda sad being said like this). Anyways.

I haven't been able to find the perfect app or website for evergrowing need of making lists AND wishlists, and it's driving me crazy.

My idea is to go a bit further into collaborative birthday, baby shower lists and so on, and being able to purchase directly from that list thanks to add-ons or browser extensions.

This is absolutely more of a side hustle than a fastlane idea since I want to do this mostly for myself, I just want to have wishlists on my phone that aren't Pinterest boards or iPhone sticky notes.

I'd still like to make a few bucks from it, but I don't know how.

I have seen a few websites like this that seem to be thriving, but that are free and that are also ad-free, and so I've been wondering how they make money.

This website, for example : Milirose : créer une liste de cadeaux en ligne gratuitement. It's French, and it's been around for years. I looked the CEO up and it seems like his main activity. So how does he make money from it, with no ads? Partnerships, maybe? Anybody has an idea ?

I'm also not a developer, so I was looking into Wix or Wordpress to build this, but it seems like this would require actual development. Any ideas?

And also if you think that's a terrible idea, do share.


Thanks!

 

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[eramart]

This website, for example

The answer lies in their TOS:

Les liens vous redirigeant vers les sites tiers peuvent être sponsorisés.
En tant que Partenaire Amazon, le Site réalise un bénéfice sur les achats remplissant les conditions requises.

 

[Alexandra91zk]

The answer lies in their TOS:

Oh thanks, I did not pay attention ...
That's super smart, much better than a website filled with ads.

 

[Jobless]

It's not a bad idea. If you want to execute it well, with new features the competition lacks, cross-platform as an app + website + browser addon etc., and you want to attract users -- it will take major investment into development and marketing. I'd find a partner that could do the technical aspects, and/or someone willing to invest into the project early.

 

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[Alexandra91zk]

It's not a bad idea. If you want to execute it well, with new features the competition lacks, cross-platform as an app + website + browser addon etc., and you want to attract users -- it will take major investment into development and marketing. I'd find a partner that could do the technical aspects, and/or someone willing to invest into the project early.

Thank you for the feedback.
those are valid points except that like I said, I was hoping to start this merely as a side hustle, since I'm still working at the moment. So I wanted to do everything myself, from marketing to development.

Do you think it's possible to develop something like this as a non-developer? What about platforms like Wix or Wordpress?

 

[Jobless]

Thank you for the feedback.
those are valid points except that like I said, I was hoping to start this merely as a side hustle, since I'm still working at the moment. So I wanted to do everything myself, from marketing to development.

Do you think it's possible to develop something like this as a non-developer? What about platforms like Wix or Wordpress?

I don't think so, but one way to start could be making the landing page. The page describing / illustrating what your application will be able to solve for users and how they can access it / sign up.

Usually you start with a product and then you market it, but you can do it the opposite way.

If you design the product based on a landing page that shows high interest from users, you have valuable feedback before you start developing the app. This way you can see what features are actually requested, and how you will need to do to develop them.

 

[Djioul]

Thank you for the feedback.
those are valid points except that like I said, I was hoping to start this merely as a side hustle, since I'm still working at the moment. So I wanted to do everything myself, from marketing to development.

Do you think it's possible to develop something like this as a non-developer? What about platforms like Wix or Wordpress?

Hey @Alexandra91zk ,

I'm not sure but a platform like Bubble might be helpful. It's a "no-code" web app builder.
Have a look there but I just looked at the Milirose website and it doesn't seem to be super complicated. I've just finished playing around with Bubble to check what it is possible to do, and it looks quite powerful and easy to use.

 

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[Alexandra91zk]

I don't think so, but one way to start could be making the landing page. The page describing / illustrating what your application will be able to solve for users and how they can access it / sign up.

Usually you start with a product and then you market it, but you can do it the opposite way.

If you design the product based on a landing page that shows high interest from users, you have valuable feedback before you start developing the app. This way you can see what features are actually requested, and how you will need to do to develop them.

Yes, maybe it makes sense to make a landing page first and see the engagement.
I've always been scared to do this — and I think even MJ talks about this in one of the books — coming forward with an unfinished product and building it as it goes. It sounds weird to possibly gain publicity for something that's unfinished, and then you have to find funding (if you need to).

I guess that's something I never considered for those reasons but I know a lot of people have been recommending it, indeed.

 

[Alexandra91zk]

Hey @Alexandra91zk ,

I'm not sure but a platform like Bubble might be helpful. It's a "no-code" web app builder.
Have a look there but I just looked at the Milirose website and it doesn't seem to be super complicated. I've just finished playing around with Bubble to check what it is possible to do, and it looks quite powerful and easy to use.

Yes I've heard of Bubble! I heard they also have Bubble Coaches to help you design your website but idk if that's worth it.
The milirose website looks super easy for sure. i don't think they've used any CMS though.
Thanks, I'll have a look at Bubble

 

[eramart]

I think that you should research the market and flesh out and test your ideas first. There are a lot of simple wishlist apps and few complex ones - maybe shared editing and collaboration is too complex and no one will use it?

 

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[Alexandra91zk]

I think that you should research the market and flesh out and test your ideas first. There are a lot of simple wishlist apps and few complex ones - maybe shared editing and collaboration is too complex and no one will use it?

That's a valid point. It needs to be easy like dragging and dropping, and literally the opposite of complex (like copy pasting URLs and such).

My idea was to just have this Registry of things you want/like/need everywhere with you, kinda like on Amazon except you have to buy from Amazon.

However I do need to clarify my ideas before doing any development for sure.

 

[Xeon]

Isn't this kinda like Delicious?

What Happened to Delicious, the Social Bookmarking Site?

Delicious was a pioneer in social bookmarking tools until it was overtaken by rivals and ultimately acquired by Pinboard at a reduced price.

www.failory.com

 

[Alexandra91zk]

Isn't this kinda like Delicious?

What Happened to Delicious, the Social Bookmarking Site?

Delicious was a pioneer in social bookmarking tools until it was overtaken by rivals and ultimately acquired by Pinboard at a reduced price.

www.failory.com

i've just looked it up and no, I don't think it can compare.

The goal isn't to just save URLs but to literally pin stuff only that you can buy, and being able to share that with others. It's kind of like a Pinterest registry except you don't have to browse endlessly.

 

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[woken]

Do you think it's possible to develop something like this as a non-developer? What about platforms like Wix or Wordpress?

No coding, no fun.

I’m not aware of any drag and drop app makers that give you ownership to the app when finished.

The rest could be done by yourself.