Ask HN: Do people actually pay for small web tools?
May 18, 2025 - news.ycombinator.com
The article suggests that a tech-savvy audience, such as those on Hacker News, may not be the best target for certain business questions, as they are likely to solve their problems with simple scripts. It emphasizes the importance of framing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) around the specific problem it solves, understanding how many people face that problem, and determining how many are willing to pay for a solution.
The use of AI is deemed less important than having domain-specific knowledge and understanding the typical problems within that domain. The focus should be on the relevance and applicability of the solution to the target audience's needs rather than the technology used to develop it.
Key takeaways:
Tech-savvy audiences may prefer solving personal needs with scripts rather than seeking external solutions.
It's crucial to define your MVP by identifying the problem it solves and its target audience.
Understanding the market size and willingness to pay for a solution is essential for business success.
The use of AI is less important than having domain knowledge and understanding typical problems in that domain.
