Placecard Me
Project Overview
Cory Zue has developed multiple successful side projects, including:
- PlaceCard.me: A wedding place card generation app earning $1,000/month
- SaaS Pegasus: A Django SaaS boilerplate generating $5,000/month
- ChatStats: A GroupMe analytics app earning $150/month
Technical Implementation
The projects are primarily built using Python and Django, with a focus on solving specific niche problems. PlaceCard.me uses royalty-free images from sites like Pixabay, while ChatStats offers a freemium model with a $10/year upgrade option. The developer maintains an open dashboard tracking revenue, time investment, and project metrics.
Business Strategies
Key strategies include:
- Heavy investment in SEO and content marketing
- Keeping projects low-touch and simple
- Targeting specific, underserved market segments
- Maintaining transparency about project performance
Community Response
Developers appreciated the:
- Open revenue tracking
- Practical approach to side project development
- Technical implementation details
- Emphasis on marketing alongside coding
Notable Insights
The project highlights include:
- Seasonal business models (e.g., wedding-related services)
- Importance of consistent marketing efforts
- Potential for generating meaningful income from side projects
- Flexibility of working independently
Challenges and Learnings
The creator noted early challenges like pandemic impacts on PlaceCard.me and initial low hourly rates. Taxation and compliance emerged as complex considerations, with recommendations to consult professionals and potentially use services like Paddle for international transactions.