One year, twelve apps. Day 10.

As an adept web developer, I pride myself on my ability to transform a feature request into a production-ready product quickly and efficiently. My expertise lies in various technologies, including AWS, PHP, Python, and serverless architecture. However, there's a whole ecosystem related to business operations and customer acquisition that I'm eager to explore.

One of the gaps in my knowledge is the process of integrating tools like Stripe for payment processing. It's something I've never tackled before, but I view this as a major opportunity to grow and close the gap over the next 12 months. My goal? To build a micro SaaS that addresses a problem I encounter as a 40-year-old man every month.

So, over the coming year, I'm planning to embark on a unique journey. What I envision is akin to an incubator for my ideas. By the end of these 12 months, I aim to have a clear understanding of everything associated with a Stripe checkout—how to convert potential customers into buyers, how and when to pivot or pull the plug on ideas that don't meet expectations, and ultimately how to manage my micro SaaS ventures effectively.

My Twelve Micro SaaS Projects

The plan? To develop twelve micro SaaS solutions that target minor issues faced by myself, my wife, friends, or even colleagues. The strategy involves:

• Identifying tiny problems in everyday life.
• Creating solutions for these problems.
• Exploring ways to monetize these solutions.

With this initiative, I aspire to shift my identity from merely stating that I’m a web developer—someone who "makes browsers and servers do what other people want"—to proudly declaring myself as an entrepreneur who develops innovative micro SaaS products.

Imagine being able to say, “I create software as a service to solve everyday issues.” That’s the ultimate goal! I enjoy web development, and I believe owning these small solutions would be incredibly fulfilling. Just the thought of building something meaningful and watching people use it gives me a sense of ownership and pride.

Shifting My Mindset

For most of my career, I've been a contractor, which feels somewhat like a façade of entrepreneurship to me. While contracting and consulting provide a viable income stream, they don't carry the same weight as running a business. I plan to step beyond my engineering comfort zone and delve into the business realm.

This initiative isn't just about coding; it's about documenting my journey. I want to look back on this process, learn from it, and maybe even inspire others who find themselves in similar shoes. Speaking—even if it’s just to a camera—helps clarify my thoughts as I navigate this exciting challenge.

As of October 21st, I started my journey on October 11th. Though I haven't made particularly far progress yet, I'm hopeful that by the end of this week, I’ll have at least one micro SaaS to share with the world. I plan to solicit feedback from everyone around me because early inputs are essential to refining the concept.

The Bigger Picture

Let's discuss the overarching theme of this project: one year, twelve apps. This is a commitment to creating 12 unique applications in 12 months, and I intend to document every step of the way. So buckle up, and let’s go on this thrilling ride together!