The latest articles on DEV Community by xiaomo fan (@xiaomo). https://dev.to/xiaomo https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F3931938%2Fedf234bf-05a4-4a82-a117-30e5d5ffb729.png https://dev.to/xiaomo en xiaomo fan Thu, 14 May 2026 20:32:52 +0000 https://dev.to/xiaomo/how-i-built-an-ai-tools-directory-in-an-internet-cafe-nextjs-tailwind-vercel-e19 https://dev.to/xiaomo/how-i-built-an-ai-tools-directory-in-an-internet-cafe-nextjs-tailwind-vercel-e19 <p>I spent the last few days building useaitools.me from scratch in an internet café in China. Here's the tech stack and what I learned along the way.</p> <p><strong>Stack</strong>: Next.js 16 + Tailwind CSS + TypeScript + Vercel + GitHub</p> <p><strong>Features</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>50+ AI tools across 6 categories (Writing, Image, Productivity, Code, Audio, Video)</li> <li>Dynamic tool pages with feature lists and CTA buttons</li> <li>Category pages, tool comparison page, blog module</li> <li>Dark mode, search, category filtering, save/favorite tools</li> <li>Affiliate monetization (Rytr, 30% recurring commission)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Biggest Lessons</strong>:</p> <ol> <li>Ship first, polish later. My v1 was a single page with 20 tools.</li> <li>SEO matters from day one. Sitemap, robots.txt, meta tags — add them early.</li> <li>Affiliate programs take time. Rejected by AppSumo for "low traffic" — fair for a new site.</li> <li>Build in public. Sharing your journey brings feedback, motivation, and sometimes traffic.</li> </ol> <p><strong>What's next</strong>: Adding more blog content (tool comparisons), applying for more affiliate programs, and growing organic traffic.</p> <p>Would love feedback from the community!</p> <p><strong>Link</strong>: <a href="https://useaitools.me" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://useaitools.me</a></p> <p>#indiemaker #ai</p> nestjs tailwindcss buildinpublic webdev