How Thomas Sanlis Makes $7K/month From A Product Hunt Alternative He Built
How Thomas Sanlis Makes $7K/month From A Product Hunt Alternative He Built
Dec 27, 2024
Thomas Sanlis
Thomas Sanlis
⏳ 5.2 min
⏳ 5.2 min
Revenue/month
Revenue/month
$7,000
$7,000
$7,000
No. of founders
No. of founders
1
1
1
Startup costs
Startup costs
N/A
N/A
N/A
Company type
Company type
Company type
Saas
Saas
Saas
Contents
Introduction
Introduction
Thomas Sanlis always had an interest for building things. In 2019, while still a student, he started a simple directory of frontend development tools as a way to learn NuxtJS. Fast forward to today, that experiment has transformed into Uneed—a thriving product launch platform generating $7k/month. This is the story of how Thomas built, pivoted, and scaled his project, all while staying true to his indie hacker roots.
Thomas Sanlis always had an interest for building things. In 2019, while still a student, he started a simple directory of frontend development tools as a way to learn NuxtJS. Fast forward to today, that experiment has transformed into Uneed—a thriving product launch platform generating $7k/month. This is the story of how Thomas built, pivoted, and scaled his project, all while staying true to his indie hacker roots.
The Beginning
The Beginning
Back in 2019, Thomas’s goal was straightforward: explore NuxtJS and create a resource for developers. He began adding one tool daily to his directory, helping developers discover useful resources. As the site gained traction, submissions started pouring in through a Google Form. Overwhelmed, Thomas introduced a “skip the line” paid option, and just like that, he realized he could turn his passion for building into a living.
Instead of jumping into a full-time job after graduation, Thomas chose freelance work, giving him the flexibility to focus on his side projects. Uneed’s revenue grew steadily, hitting $2,000/month with minimal effort.
Back in 2019, Thomas’s goal was straightforward: explore NuxtJS and create a resource for developers. He began adding one tool daily to his directory, helping developers discover useful resources. As the site gained traction, submissions started pouring in through a Google Form. Overwhelmed, Thomas introduced a “skip the line” paid option, and just like that, he realized he could turn his passion for building into a living.
Instead of jumping into a full-time job after graduation, Thomas chose freelance work, giving him the flexibility to focus on his side projects. Uneed’s revenue grew steadily, hitting $2,000/month with minimal effort.
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➤ Every week, we dig up stories of how regular people started and grew their businesses—
➤ Plus the marketing hacks that won them customers.
➤ Then, we share those insights with you.
➤ Every week, we dig up stories of how regular people started and grew their businesses—
➤ Plus the marketing hacks that won them customers.
➤ Then, we share those insights with you.
From Directory to Launch Platform
From Directory to Launch Platform
By early 2024, dissatisfaction with Product Hunt was growing. Thomas saw an opportunity. He decided to evolve Uneed from a simple tool directory into a full-fledged product launch platform.
The transition wasn’t easy. Revenue initially dropped from $1,917 in January to just $870 in March. Thomas admits, “I was tempted to revert to the old model multiple times, but something kept telling me, ‘This HAS to work.’”
Sticking to his vision paid off. By September 2024, both traffic and revenue had hit record highs, and October’s revenue reached $6,738.
The pivot wasn’t smooth sailing. Uneed’s initial drop in revenue was gut-wrenching. But instead of panicking, Thomas doubled down on building the platform he envisioned. By focusing on user needs and market gaps, he turned the situation around.
Key Lesson: Don’t fear bold moves. If Thomas had pivoted earlier, Uneed might have reached its current success much sooner.
By early 2024, dissatisfaction with Product Hunt was growing. Thomas saw an opportunity. He decided to evolve Uneed from a simple tool directory into a full-fledged product launch platform.
The transition wasn’t easy. Revenue initially dropped from $1,917 in January to just $870 in March. Thomas admits, “I was tempted to revert to the old model multiple times, but something kept telling me, ‘This HAS to work.’”
Sticking to his vision paid off. By September 2024, both traffic and revenue had hit record highs, and October’s revenue reached $6,738.
The pivot wasn’t smooth sailing. Uneed’s initial drop in revenue was gut-wrenching. But instead of panicking, Thomas doubled down on building the platform he envisioned. By focusing on user needs and market gaps, he turned the situation around.
Key Lesson: Don’t fear bold moves. If Thomas had pivoted earlier, Uneed might have reached its current success much sooner.
The Tech Stack That Scales
The Tech Stack That Scales
Thomas’s approach to technology is pragmatic. He believes the best stack is the one you’re most productive with. For Uneed, that means:
Frontend: Nuxt with TailwindCSS and Nuxt UI
Backend: Supabase (handles authentication, database, and storage)
Hosting: Hetzner VPS using Coolify (after a costly $600 bill from Vercel)
Payments: Lemon Squeezy
Analytics: Self-hosted Plausible
Marketing Automation: Bento
Customer Support: Fernand
Automation plays a crucial role. Daily tasks like showcasing new products, notifying winners, and scheduling tweets are all automated. This setup allows Thomas to focus on growth rather than mundane tasks.
Thomas’s approach to technology is pragmatic. He believes the best stack is the one you’re most productive with. For Uneed, that means:
Frontend: Nuxt with TailwindCSS and Nuxt UI
Backend: Supabase (handles authentication, database, and storage)
Hosting: Hetzner VPS using Coolify (after a costly $600 bill from Vercel)
Payments: Lemon Squeezy
Analytics: Self-hosted Plausible
Marketing Automation: Bento
Customer Support: Fernand
Automation plays a crucial role. Daily tasks like showcasing new products, notifying winners, and scheduling tweets are all automated. This setup allows Thomas to focus on growth rather than mundane tasks.
Building Multiple Growth Channels
Building Multiple Growth Channels
Growing Uneed wasn’t about finding a magic bullet. Thomas built multiple interconnected growth channels that reinforced each other:
Building in Public: Sharing his journey on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Bluesky fostered trust and community.
Newsletter: Uneed’s weekly newsletter now has 8,000 subscribers, driving traffic and engagement.
SEO: Programmatic SEO generates alternative pages from Uneed’s database, like “Mailchimp alternatives,” boosting search visibility.
Partnerships: Collaborations with platforms like DevHunt created mutual growth opportunities.
Reddit: Using RedReach, Thomas tracks discussions about Product Hunt alternatives, engaging where Uneed is relevant.
Product Reviews: Uneed’s $217 product reviews offer creators visibility and valuable testimonials, further enhancing the platform’s value.
Badges: Winning products receive Uneed badges, which create backlinks and boost SEO.
Interviews and Podcasts: Every appearance is a chance to share Uneed’s story and reach new audiences.
💡Insight: Effective growth isn’t about one big win—it’s about creating a system where every channel supports the others.
Growing Uneed wasn’t about finding a magic bullet. Thomas built multiple interconnected growth channels that reinforced each other:
Building in Public: Sharing his journey on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Bluesky fostered trust and community.
Newsletter: Uneed’s weekly newsletter now has 8,000 subscribers, driving traffic and engagement.
SEO: Programmatic SEO generates alternative pages from Uneed’s database, like “Mailchimp alternatives,” boosting search visibility.
Partnerships: Collaborations with platforms like DevHunt created mutual growth opportunities.
Reddit: Using RedReach, Thomas tracks discussions about Product Hunt alternatives, engaging where Uneed is relevant.
Product Reviews: Uneed’s $217 product reviews offer creators visibility and valuable testimonials, further enhancing the platform’s value.
Badges: Winning products receive Uneed badges, which create backlinks and boost SEO.
Interviews and Podcasts: Every appearance is a chance to share Uneed’s story and reach new audiences.
💡Insight: Effective growth isn’t about one big win—it’s about creating a system where every channel supports the others.
Staying Organized and Focused
Staying Organized and Focused
In mid-2024, Thomas revamped his workflow using a Kanban board in Todoist. By tagging tasks with “growth,” he prioritized features and activities that directly contributed to Uneed’s success.
Pro Tip: Ruthless prioritization can make or break a solo founder. Focus on tasks that drive growth and don’t get sidetracked by shiny objects.
In mid-2024, Thomas revamped his workflow using a Kanban board in Todoist. By tagging tasks with “growth,” he prioritized features and activities that directly contributed to Uneed’s success.
Pro Tip: Ruthless prioritization can make or break a solo founder. Focus on tasks that drive growth and don’t get sidetracked by shiny objects.
What NOT to Do
What NOT to Do
Don’t Quit Your Job Prematurely: Freelancing gave Thomas financial stability, allowing him to grow Uneed without stress.
Don’t Overprioritize Coding: Thomas emphasizes learning marketing and sales alongside technical skills. A great product means nothing without users.
Don’t Quit Your Job Prematurely: Freelancing gave Thomas financial stability, allowing him to grow Uneed without stress.
Don’t Overprioritize Coding: Thomas emphasizes learning marketing and sales alongside technical skills. A great product means nothing without users.
Prepare for the Long Haul
Prepare for the Long Haul
“Success in indie hacking typically takes years, not months,” Thomas said in an interview. Building Uneed was a marathon, not a sprint. Sustainable habits and mental health care were crucial for his journey.
💡Reminder: Overnight success is a myth. The ones who succeed are those who stick with it long enough to figure things out.
“Success in indie hacking typically takes years, not months,” Thomas said in an interview. Building Uneed was a marathon, not a sprint. Sustainable habits and mental health care were crucial for his journey.
💡Reminder: Overnight success is a myth. The ones who succeed are those who stick with it long enough to figure things out.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Start small, listen to the market, pivot boldly, and build systems that scale. Thomas's story reminds us that success isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence, adaptability, and making the most of opportunities.
For aspiring indie hackers, Uneed’s trajectory offers valuable lessons: Stay curious, embrace failure, and don’t be afraid to bet on yourself. Who knows? Your side project could be the next big thing.
P.S. I’ve got a weekly newsletter where I dig up stories of how regular people started and grew their businesses— Plus the marketing hacks that won them customers. Then, I share those insights with you. I would love for you to join us here
Shoot me a DM if you want to share your story, or visit this page to submit your information 💌
- h/t Uneed, Indie Hackers ⇢ Great resources
Start small, listen to the market, pivot boldly, and build systems that scale. Thomas's story reminds us that success isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence, adaptability, and making the most of opportunities.
For aspiring indie hackers, Uneed’s trajectory offers valuable lessons: Stay curious, embrace failure, and don’t be afraid to bet on yourself. Who knows? Your side project could be the next big thing.
P.S. I’ve got a weekly newsletter where I dig up stories of how regular people started and grew their businesses— Plus the marketing hacks that won them customers. Then, I share those insights with you. I would love for you to join us here
Shoot me a DM if you want to share your story, or visit this page to submit your information 💌
- h/t Uneed, Indie Hackers ⇢ Great resources
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