Leveraging AI coding assistants (like Replet with ChatGPT/Cloud 3.7) to quickly build simple, custom CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) applications or automations for small to medium-sized businesses. This approach focuses on solving specific pain points by replacing or enhancing existing SaaS solutions (e.g., AirTable, Google Sheets, HubSpot) with tailored, often cheaper, alternatives. The strategy involves identifying demand first (e.g., via Upwork or direct outreach) then building a rapid prototype and selling the solution.
Opportunity8.5
Why now
The rapid advancement and accessibility of AI coding tools (Replet, ChatGPT, Cloud 3.7) significantly lower the barrier to entry for building functional applications quickly, enabling non-developers to create valuable solutions. This allows for demand-first development and reduces risk.
Market gap
Businesses needing custom workflows or automations that existing expensive SaaS solutions don't perfectly fit or are too costly per seat. Opportunity to 'unbundle' and offer cheaper, niche-specific alternatives to large SaaS.
Business fit
Type
Service/Agency (Productized Services)
Target
Business owners, non-profits, consultants who use existing SaaS inefficiently or find it too expensive, or need specific automations.
Revenue
Can easily clear 5-10k a month solo, potentially six figures with a small agency. Projects range from $125 (low) to $2500+, with potential for recurring revenue from support and hosting.
Founder
Self-taught 'script kitties' or individuals who enjoy building and selling, even if not traditional developers. People who prefer B2B sales and can identify business pain points. Those who understand that distribution and marketing for a SaaS are different skill sets than building.
Scores
Problem
9.0
Feasibility
9.0
Why now
9.0
Go-to-market
8.0
Confidence
10.0
Proof signals
Billy Howell's personal success: Sold multiple Replet apps, first one for $750.
Observation of Upwork market: 'scouring Upwork is a really, really interesting way to see what are business problems and what are SAS businesses that you can create.'
Existence of solo devs making 5-10k a month.
Specific project examples with stated budgets ($125 for nonprofit case management, $2500 for tutoring workflow).
Replit's capabilities: 'get from idea to MVP with the least amount of friction.'
Comparison to Calai (30M/year), illustrating different approaches to software.
'unbundling existing SAS' as a 'huge market soon'.
Keyword demand
Keyword
Volume
Growth
Vibe Coding
110,000/mo
0% YoY
AI Services Upwork
no data
no data
Custom App Development
1,900/mo
-77% YoY
SaaS Replacement
no data
no data
US English Google Ads volume from DataForSEO; growth uses returned monthly search history.
Source episode
He makes $750 a day 'Vibe Coding' Apps (using Replit, ChatGPT, Upwork)Episode source
vibe coding and teaching you how people are doing it by selling AI services on Upwork.