I keep a running list of project ideas. Always.
This prevents “indie-hacker block”—that paralyzing state where I’m ready to build but have nothing worth building.
The list itself is quantity-focused. I throw in anything that crosses my mind. Zero judgment. Just capture.
When I need to pick what to build next, I run each idea through these filters.
DOs and DON’Ts for picking a new idea
The DON’Ts are non-negotiable. Every time I’ve ignored one, I’ve regretted it.
The DOs are nice-to-haves. Hitting all of them would be ideal, but I’m not waiting for perfection (it doesn’t exist). As long as one DO checks out, I move forward.
DON’Ts
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Don’t pick something you care nothing about You don’t need passion, but you need interest. Zero connection = guaranteed burnout.
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Don’t rely on unstable or unofficial services Especially for core features. Brittle dependencies that break every week will consume your life. Skip them.
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Don’t chase novelty Original ideas sound exciting but they’re risky. No market history means no validation. You’re flying blind. Proven ideas with existing demand beat novel concepts every time.
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Don’t try to create demand Creating a market is brutal. Painfully slow, often impossible. Unless it’s your life’s mission, don’t bother.
DOs
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Scratch your own itch Being your own user means you understand the problem, the solution, and the roadmap better. Everything gets easier.
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Solve or reduce a pain point Pain comes from two places: what someone has (a problem) or what they lack (a desire). Target either.
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Improve something that already exists If it exists and has a market, it’s validated. Find gaps in current solutions—product, UX, marketing, distribution. But actually improve it. Pure copycats get outcompeted.
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Ship an MVP in 2-4 weeks max No new Facebook. No new marketplace. Lean and fast wins.
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Pick something you’d use monthly (minimum) Regular use means you’ll care more, ship faster, and iterate better. If others use it regularly, they’ll talk about it more. Word of mouth compounds.
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Ride a wave (if you genuinely care) Trends work when your interest outlives the hype. Otherwise you’re just chasing.
Two Frameworks for Sourcing Ideas
Filters are great, but where do ideas come from in the first place?
Usually, my running list. I capture ideas as they come—no pressure, no forced brainstorming sessions.
But when that list runs dry, I use these two frameworks:
A. Build in public, find friction
Do things. Share what you’re doing.
You’ll hit friction—your own pain points. When something keeps showing up or hurts enough, build a solution.
Share that solution. If others resonate, you’ve found product-market fit before you even have a product.
Bonus: you build network and audience as you go.
B. Steal from winners, make it better
Browse marketplaces (Acquire), app stores, or Chrome Web Store.
Find products with real traction—revenue, users, or buzz.
If you’d actually use it or you’re curious about the space, ask: “How could this be better?”
Run that through your filters. If it passes, build it.