How a tool that improves the UI for ChatGPT reached $10k/mo only a few months after launch
This week I'm interviewing Tony Dinh. Tony is the the founder of TypingMind, a better UI for ChatGPT.
In just three months he's already acquired over 4,000 paying users and ended up as the #1 Product of the Day on Product Hunt.
Without further ado, let's get started!
What’s your name, and what are you working on?
My name is Tony Dinh, I’m working on TypingMind, a better chat UI for AI assistant models.
What inspired you to create TypingMind?
I find that the default chat experience provided by ChatGPT was very limited. For example, I couldn’t search for my past conversations within the app.
When OpenAI released its ChatGPT API, I tried to see if I could build a better UI on top of the API and provide a better chat experience.
At what point did you decide to devote more time to TypingMind vs. getting back to your job?
I had already quit my job two years ago and begun building apps as a solo indie hacker.
Before TypingMind, I built several apps like Xnapper, BlackMagic, DevUtils, and a tons of failed products.
When I saw there were sales coming from Typing Mind, it motivated me to continue putting more time into Typing Mind.
How did you validate that there’s a need for TypingMind?
I use ChatGPT almost every day, so I realized I wanted a better UI and a more enjoyable chat experience. I chose to create the first version of the app in a weekend just for my own use. I wasn't sure (or bothered) if others had the same issue as me.
I suppose that means I didn't really validate anything; I just made what I needed and added a price to it.
Many of my past weekend projects started this way, but TypingMind turned out
successful because this time, many others faced the same problem as me.
When did you start seeing traction?
At first, I posted the app on my Twitter and quickly got lots of good feedback. I set a selling price of $9, and soon sales began happening.
I improved the app and added more features, then raised the price with each new update. The price increased from $9 to $19, to $29, and so on. Sales kept going strong even as the price rose.
Once I reached $10K in earnings from the app — way above what I expected — I knew it could turn into something huge.
At the moment, the price is $79 for the premium license.
How did you spread the word for TypingMind in order to get more users?
Mostly via Twitter. I have a decent audience size on Twitter, so that helped a lot.
Was TypingMind the first successful AI project? Did you have any (un)successful attempts in building an API product?
I built at least 5 or 6 AI projects before TypingMind.
Only 3 of them made it to the “finished” state where I registered a domain, put a price tag on it, and actively tweet about it.
Among the 3, only TypingMind made any significant revenue. The other 2 failed, but I still keep them up for fun.
How is TypingMind doing now in terms of revenue/paying users?
TypingMind now has 4,000+ paying users!
I’m working on onboarding more business customer with a new branch of the product: Custom Deployment (at https://typingmind.com/custom). This branch of Typing Mind is now $3,500 MRR and growing.
I liked the way he casually said He had Failed ones before the successful one.
this is very cool! Trying out rn
EmojiAI has inspired me to create MagickPen, which is simple yet very inspiring. Thank you.
It's impressive to see how TypingMind evolved from a personal project born out of your desire for a better chat experience with ChatGPT. While you didn't initially validate the need for TypingMind, its success stemmed from the fact that many others faced the same issue and found value in your solution.
John Deere tractor on road price starts from as minimum as INR 4 lakhs and can go as high as INR 45 lakhs. The most expensive model is the John Deere 6120 B.
wow that's awesome. what forms of marketing did you use?
I appreciate his approach of increasing the "luck surface area" by actively building and trying out multiple things. It's a strategy that recognizes the importance of taking action and exploring various opportunities to increase the chances of success.
Inspired fr! It's a good example of "You won't fail until you stop" and you didn't stop. Thank you.
Super inspiring! Thanks for sharing
That easily means we shouldn't stop
I know a guy who created a ChatGPT wrapper app and made a lot of money. The right timing is very important.
I like that he does what he says: increasing the luck surface area, which is to build as many things as you can and seeing where you get lucky. Obviously you need to be fast at building stuff for this.
On the other hand, I am still stuck with my current idea and still validating the market. I should learn from him and start other things I want to build in parallel.
I think its quite amazing that he gets to grow it that much just by sharing it on twitter
Love the part about multiple failed projects before a successful one
Great to hear about this.
(and I like stories where you just simply followed your excitement, and a gut feeling that this is a good idea to build, even if it's just for you, but then turns into more than that )
You mentioned $79 for the premium license.
Sounds like a one-time purchase fee. How do you create your monthly recurring revenue? Is that through your new Custom Development you mentioned above ?
Awesome work!
Was the only marketing you did via Twitter, or did you do other things too?
What a journey !
I love how effectively you have used Daniel Vassalo’s small bets framework!
Nice job!
So much truth in this: "Many of my past weekend projects started this way, but TypingMind turned out successful because this time, many others faced the same problem as me."
Solving a problem that many have.
Also, how to do plan for sustainability once the ChatGPT hire calms down?
Thanks for sharing your insights
This is interesting! I wish the interview was a bit longer. :) Anyway, a good one!
Very nice project!!
Tony is a powerhouse, loved his interview on IH too!
It's always cool to see someone make a product by simply building a better interface to someone else's product. Good luck!
Your journey is quiet inspiration and how you fight back and keep on creating software.
Really motivated
Nice interview!
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