Solopreneur Tech Stack: $10K MRR, Key Tools

I vividly recall the day my projects crossed the $10K MRR line. It wasn't magic; it was my tech stack. Today, I'm going to walk you through exactly how I built it, the tools I embraced, and the pitfalls I managed to avoid. We kick off with Next.js to orchestrate the backend, then move to React Native with Expo for crafting mobile apps. I also leaned on Supabase for database management. And to ship fast and smart, I use a boilerplate that truly makes a difference. This isn't abstract theory, it's concrete reality. I'll show you how these tech choices helped me control costs while boosting efficiency. No fluff, just real-world insights and tools that actually work.

Building the Foundation with Nex.js

I chose Nex.js for my web projects primarily because it offers a robust structure that accelerates development. Why waste time reinventing the wheel when Nex.js lets you focus on what's essential? With Nex.js, I've been able to streamline my development process thanks to its built-in routing system and SSR (Server-Side Rendering) support, which works wonders for SEO.

One of the major trade-offs I encountered is the increased complexity when handling larger applications. Nex.js is fantastic for getting started, but watch out for limits when you exceed 100,000 tokens. It's crucial to orchestrate your project's structure well to avoid poor performance. For efficient Nex.js integration, I recommend using plugins and tools like Vercel for continuous deployment, which greatly simplifies the process.

• Use built-in routing for better SEO management.
• Optimize project structure to avoid excessive complexity.
• Deploy with Vercel for a smoother workflow.

Mobile Mastery: React Native with Expo

For mobile apps, React Native with Expo is my winning combo. Setting up React Native with Expo is a breeze, and it's a real time-saver. The benefits? Speed and simplicity that allow you to focus on the app's critical features. That said, every silver lining has a cloud. I faced performance issues, especially with complex animations.

When issues arose, I found that using the Ship React Native boilerplate helps keep performance in check. Expo is great for speed, but can become a resource hog if you don't configure dependencies correctly. Keep an eye on Expo's frequent updates to benefit from the latest optimizations.

• Kickstart quickly with Expo for rapid iterations.
• Avoid heavy animations to preserve performance.
• Stay updated with Expo's regular releases.

Speeding Up with Ship Fast

With Ship Fast, launching my web projects has never been quicker. This boilerplate, developed by my friend Mark Blue, simplifies integrating common features. I integrate Ship Fast into my existing workflows to cut down the time between development and deployment. However, there's a fine line between speed and quality. Rushing can lead to costly mistakes.

My personal hacks for using Ship Fast effectively? Customize the templates to better suit your project's specific needs. This helps avoid wasting time on non-essential elements and focus on what truly matters.

Database Management with Superbase

Superbase is my choice for database management. Why? Because it combines the power of PostgreSQL with a modern, intuitive UI. Setting up and managing databases with Superbase is a breeze, and costs are kept in check with transparent pricing.

However, avoid overloading your queries with too much data. This can quickly become costly, especially if you're using third-party APIs like Twitter, which costs $200 per month. Optimize your queries to avoid common pitfalls in database management.

• Use Superbase's modern UI to simplify management.
• Avoid heavy queries to reduce costs.
• Opt for transparent pricing to better manage the budget.

Cost Breakdown and Achieving High Margins

Maintaining profit margins over 95% is a challenge, but it's achievable by closely monitoring costs. The monthly cost of the Twitter API is $200, which represents a significant portion of my monthly expenses. To balance costs with growth opportunities, I ensure resources are well-distributed and avoid common mistakes like overconsumption of non-essential services.

Here are my strategies for maintaining these high margins:

• Constantly monitor costs and adjust budgets accordingly.
• Invest wisely in tools that offer the best ROI.
• Avoid unnecessary expenses by automating and optimizing existing processes.

Managing costs and margins effectively is essential for building a successful personal brand in the digital world.

Building a tech stack to support $10K MRR is all about making informed choices at every step. I personally lean on Nex.js for its flexibility and use React Native with Expo for mobile apps. It's a combo that works, but be careful not to underestimate maintenance time. Then, I go for Supabase for database management. It's a real game changer in terms of speed, but watch out for token usage to avoid hidden costs. And of course, there's 'ship fast', a boilerplate tool that’s let me launch web projects in no time.

Looking forward, every tool you adopt should not only solve an immediate problem but also scale with your growth. That's where continuous optimization comes into play.

Whether you're starting or optimizing, these insights can really streamline your tech stack and boost efficiency. Watch the full video here for more details – it’s like chatting with a colleague sharing their firsthand experience.