The framework for picking what to build — filtered through real MRR data and proven indie patterns.
Distribution is the moat — build audience before product
80-95% of AI projects fail to deliver ROI
Niche and moat win over breadth
Portfolios compound — Levels $3M+, Marc Lou $1M+
PhotoAI — $88K/mo, AI photographer
TrustMRR — $30K/mo, verified revenue database
Interior AI — $31K/mo, AI interior design
DataFast — $21K/mo, revenue-first analytics
Painkiller workflow tools. AI wrappers focused on one niche. Launch platforms and discovery. If it solves a recurring painful problem, it survives.
Undifferentiated AI wrappers. Single-platform dependencies. Low-engagement consumer apps. Most indie products churn within 2 years.
Boring tools print the most revenue
Zenvoice — $138/mo, dodges Stripe fees
ByeDispute — $222/mo, chargeback protection
MoveMRR — $7.5K/mo, subscription migration