I understand the temptation of using AI to write your own apps. I’m sick of the endless subscriptions, feature bloat, and raising the subscription price to accommodate the feature bloat. But it may not be all it’s cracked up to be.
It can definitely be a huge timesaver (I've used it to build WordPress plugins and write Obsidian Dataview code), but it can also be a huge time suck.
It can be hard to know if it’s worth trying. That’s why in this episode, I give you a simple 5-question framework to help you decide when building your own software makes sense — and when it's just a shiny distraction.
If you've ever thought about vibe coding your way to the perfect tool, this one's for you.
Have you tried vibe coding something for your business? I want to hear about it — head over to Streamlined Feedback and leave me a voice note.
And if you want to try the iOS app I built, join the beta at streamlined.fm/app. In this episode, I cover:
- Why the death of single-purpose software is making us all want to build our own tools
- The 3 things you still need to understand even when AI is writing the code
- Quick wins: where AI-assisted coding actually saves time
- My cautionary tale of building an iOS app with AI
- A 5-question decision framework for solopreneurs considering building software
- 3 pieces of advice if you do decide to go for it
- How to use your app as "sawdust" — and turn it into a lead magnet
————
Streamlined Solopreneur helps overwhelmed solo business owners go from overwhelmed to having their time back.
Each week, Joe Casabona shares one practical idea — a system, tool, or strategy to help you get your time back without selling your soul to AI...and run your business without sacrificing the rest of your life, or your health.
Streamlined Solopreneur helps overwhelmed solo business owners go from overwhelmed to having their time back.
Each week, Joe Casabona shares one practical idea — a system, tool, or strategy to help you get your time back without selling your soul to AI...and run your business without sacrificing the rest of your life, or your health.
Looking for a place to start? Take the Solo Systems Starter Quiz. 60 seconds, 8 questions, and I will tell you what system you should build first, and exactly how to build it. https://streamlined.fm/quiz
Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcasabona/