So, over the long weekend, I started thinking about some side projects I might want to tackle in my spare time. I’ve always wanted to build a site or web app that can stand on its own, find a modest user base, and add value to someone’s life in some way. If it generates some revenue for me, well, that’d be gravy.
So, I’ve got a few ideas percolating in the old noggin.
Family Tree
Look around the web a bit, and you’ll notice one thing about Geneaology and Family Tree sites: They all stink. They’re stuck in the 1994 look and feel, with no real interaction other than links. I’d like to make a more dynamic and immersive program. Anyone from the family should be able to log in and contribute to the tree. In addition to names and dates, each leaf on the tree (that is, person) will have a biography, list of notable events, URLs, images, videos, whatever… We have plenty of social networks out there, and this wouldn’t attempt to compete there. In fact, it could even benefit from those by tapping into the vast Facebook and/or MySpace networks and suggesting possible family members.
Where’s My Stuff
Personal inventory site. I know I personally lend out movies, books and music a lot, and as a result have lost track of more than a few items in the past. This site would allow a user to view a rundown of what they have, what they’ve lent out, who they’ve lent it to, and when they expect it back. I’d want to make it very easy to add items. So not only would it work via the web, but you could optionally send the system an email or text message (by way of twitter). There could also be a feature that gently reminds someone that they should probably return such-and-such soon.
E-Landlord
A site for Landlords and Renters. Having done the apartment thing for a decade now, I’ve noticed that landlords are notoriously disconnected with regards to the web. Sure, many of them post their openings on craigslist or apartements.com, but once they’ve rented out the place, that’s the end of their e-presence. This site connects renters directly to their landlords, and provides numerous services that most landlords can not (or do not) offer currently. Rent reminder notifications, online payments, email maintenance requests (via a proxy email address to preserve privacy, if desired). A ratings system could also be implemented, so you could know before you sign a lease with a real slum lord. Another obvious use for the system would be as an apartment availability list.
Anyone? Comments section is right down there…
All seem like solid ideas for functional, useful websites. The E-Landlord might require some legal groundwork, as there is quite a bit of law on how Landlords and Renters communicate (and what constitutes ‘written notice’).
The “Where’s My Stuff” concept immediately jumped out at me as a profitable project. I was thinking of adding the functionality of recommendations of additional media products. You sell an exclusive online vendor contract to an Amazon.com or Target.com, or offer non-exclusive deals to multiple online vendors. When I enter that I own Blu-Ray versions of X3, The Incredible Hulk and IronMan, the ad in the margin suggests I may want to purchase the Blu-Ray of Spider-Man 3. All I have to do is Click Here to find it.
Maybe it could also add a wish list. Users add items they’d like to own/borrow to their Wish List. The Wish List searches the ownership lists of friends & family to see if any of them have the resource available for loan.
Should a product recall be offered on any known items, that message could be sent to all known owners. Should a sequel be announced, that message could be blasted.
I just see the most potential in this project of the three. Although, all three sound really good!
Totally agree. I think Where’s My Stuff (which totally needs a product name) has a pretty high profit potential. The direct cost to the user would of course be zero, but through directed ads and vendor affiliate programs, I could probably make some dough.
I had thought about the Wish List feature almost exactly as you describe with the addition of a Lending Library feature. Users can mark certain items of theirs as publicly lendable. Searching for an item could be location aware, and pick out people near you who have the item available. Contact with that person could occur directly through the site, so personal email addresses are not shared (unless the users choose to do so in their communications).
The family tree app would have almost no profitability and probably an overall very limited audience, but is of the most interest to me. E-Landlord, as you say, would be more of an involved development, requiring more than just legal consultation. It has, I think, a very high potential profitability, but requires the largest investment to build.
You always are thinking!!! They sound like interesting projects!!