It’s been a while.
The last time I was seriously indie making was sometime back in 2020-2023. Since then, life took over — work, family, and the usual responsibilities. I never fully stopped building things, but it all felt scattered. Some apps made a little money, but none stuck. This time… I’m doing things differently.
This is my return to the fold. I’m keen on doing it better — and more sustainably.
🚀 The New Journey Begins: Wildcardo
My first milestone? Wildcardo — a Shopify app I just got approved.
Wildcardo helps merchants automatically detect and fix 404 errors before they hurt SEO or customer experience. It offers automated and wildcard-based 301 redirects, branded short links, and error notifications. Basically: no more broken links tanking your rankings or sending customers into the void.
This is also my first personally published Shopify app. I used to build Shopify apps professionally, but this one is fully indie. Just me (and a few very smart AI agents).
🧭 What I’m Doing Differently This Time
After years of trying lots of things, here’s the distilled strategy I’m betting on now:
1. Build in public. Always.
This post is part of that. I’ll be sharing progress, lessons, and flops — regularly. It helps me stay accountable and (hopefully) connect with people who care about the same things.
2. Build to test, not to finish.
I’ve learned the hard way that building too much too early is a trap. Now I aim to build just enough to answer one question: Does this solve a real problem for someone who’s willing to pay?
If not, move on — fast.
3. Time is scarce, automate everything.
Between freelance, family, and focus, time is tighter than ever. So:
I’m automating workflows with n8n
Adding proper monitoring and error alerting
Using Cursor, ChatGPT , and other AI tools as true co-pilots
Avoiding side quests at all costs
4. Make AI a first-class citizen
Not just in how I build, but also in the products themselves. If AI can create real leverage for users — I want it baked in, not bolted on.
5. Spend at least 50% of my time not coding
This one’s hard — but essential. Discovery, customer development, marketing, distribution. That’s where momentum is built (and where I used to stall out).
6. Ship value early, often, and clearly
Nobody cares unless you make their life better today. So I’m working on getting much faster at showing obvious wins. Not vague “it could help” stuff — actual, valuable outcomes. That means leaning heavily on Jobs To Be Done, and hyper-focusing on real user struggles.
🎯 The Goal: $1K MRR in 6 Months
I’ll be honest. I haven’t settled on the exact figure yet. But it helps to have something rather than nothing.
I’ll get there by:
Building a few small, sharp apps that solve painful problems
Creating valuable content around those problems
Reaching out directly with useful demos, not generic cold messages
Letting go of what doesn’t click
If it doesn’t get traction, I’ll learn and move on.
🌱 What’s Next?
I’ve got a list of ideas I’m exploring — and I’ll be building in the open as I go. I’m also carving out time each week to write, reflect, and engage with others on the same path.
There’s no magic plan here. Just a commitment to keep learning, stay small, and stack tiny wins.
Let’s see where this goes.
Follow Along?
If you’re also returning to building — or just curious where this journey leads, feel free to subscribe.
Twitter: @logicalicy
Product updates: logicalicy.substack.com
App: Wildcardo on Shopify
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