How I Failed as an Indie Hacker (And Why I’m Starting Over With a $5K/Month Goal)
In June 2024, I did what many dream of doing: I quit my job to go all in on building my own indie apps.
I had saved a little runway. I had confidence. I had some skills. I thought I knew what I was doing.
But now, a 11 months (May 2025) later, I’m sitting here having made exactly $11.
Not $11k. Just eleven dollars. From two apps:
- Codlixe – a goal setting and tracking app
- SemajAI.com – an app to help English speakers learn Japanese
Both are now dead.
So what happened?
I Thought I Knew Better
I thought coding was enough. I thought if I built something useful and clean and clever, people would just… show up.
They didn’t.
I underestimated how hard it is to get attention. To sell. To tell a compelling story. I ignored marketing because I thought it was “for other people.” That was mistake #1.
I Didn’t Do Marketing
I didn’t build an audience. I didn’t share consistently. I didn’t talk to users. I didn’t validate deeply. I spent too long in the code editor and not enough time in the real world.
I built in silence and launched into the void.
Imposter Syndrome
Even when I wanted to show up online, imposter syndrome whispered:
“You’re not good enough.”
“Who are you to give advice?”
“You don’t even have revenue.”
So I hid. I scrolled Twitter. I lurked in indie hacker spaces. I watched others win and quietly felt like I never would.
Shiny Object Syndrome Wrecked My Focus
I jumped from one idea to the next. Every new trend was a potential “big thing.”
In total, I only shipped two products, but I started many more. I wasted months trying to find the “perfect” idea instead of sticking with one and learning to sell it.
The Brutal Bottom Line
Revenue: $11
Time spent: 11 months
Lessons learned: Infinite
Why I’m Starting Over
Despite the failure, I’m not giving up. I’m starting over, but this time, it’s different.
My new goal: Build a $5K/month indie app business.
Not overnight. Not with luck. Not with shortcuts.
Just one small, focused step at a time, and I’m sharing everything I learn along the way right here.
My New Apps (All at $0)
I’ve got 3 apps so far:
- Lifemarks – helping people track meaningful moments in their lives
- LoveQuests – daily challenges for couples to build stronger relationships
- ImStory – turning images to audio stories.
All are currently making $0. And that’s okay.
Because I’ve changed the approach.
What’s Different This Time?
- I’m focusing on one idea at a time
- I’m doing marketing from day one
- I’m building in public — here, with you
- I’m being honest, even when it hurts
- I’m giving myself permission to start small
No more pretending I know everything. No more hiding. No more chasing shiny objects.
Just steady, focused progress.
If You’ve Failed Too
You’re not alone. This path is hard. It’s lonely. And failure is common, expected, even.
But you’re not done. Neither am I.
Follow along as I share the real, raw journey to $5K/month. No fluff. No filters.
Just one indie hacker, starting from $0. Again.