I used Cursor to build an app on the train, made $30K, and quit my job.

From Commuter to Entrepreneur: How I Built an App on the Train

In today’s fast-paced world, the dream of becoming an entrepreneur can sometimes feel out of reach. However, with the right tools and mindset, it’s not just a fantasy. My journey began during my daily commute, where I transformed spare moments into a profitable venture. This blog post explores how I used Cursor to build an app on the train, earned $30,000, and ultimately decided to leave my job to pursue entrepreneurship full-time.

The Power of a Daily Commute

For many, commuting to work is mundane, filled with the routine of coffee stops and delays. However, I saw this time as an opportunity. With an average daily commute of over an hour, I decided to turn this idle time into productive hours, laying the groundwork for an entrepreneurial career.

By leveraging tools that facilitated creativity and productivity on the go, my daily ride became a space for innovation rather than just a means of transportation.

Discovering Cursor: The Ultimate Development Tool

The journey began when I stumbled upon Cursor, an innovative platform designed for app development. Cursor allows users to code collaboratively in real-time, making it ideal for individuals who might not have a traditional development background. Its user-friendly interface and intuitive features made it possible to build complex applications effortlessly.

Why I Chose Cursor

1. User-Friendly Interface: As a beginner in app development, I needed a tool that wouldn’t overwhelm me with technical jargon. Cursor’s straightforward layout made it easy to navigate while I was on the train.

2. Real-Time Collaboration: This feature allowed me to share my work with friends and mentors instantly. Their feedback was invaluable in refining my app.

3. Comprehensive Resources: Cursor includes tutorials and documentation that helped me learn the ropes. Having access to such information made the process more manageable for someone just starting.

Ideation: Turning Thoughts into Action

Once I set up my account on Cursor, it was time to brainstorm app ideas. I leveraged my experiences and noticed gaps in the market where my skills and interests could align. The initial brainstorming sessions were surprisingly productive, fueled by creativity and a desire to create something meaningful.

Valuing Feedback

In collaboration with peers on Cursor, I shared my ideas and built prototypes. Gathering feedback was crucial. Many of my friends and mentors offered suggestions that helped shape the app into something beneficial for its target audience.

Building the App: Designing and Coding

With a solid idea in place, I dove into the design and coding phase. Here’s how I made the process efficient:

Setting Clear Goals

I decided to set daily goals for myself. Each commute, I aimed to complete specific tasks, whether it was coding a particular feature or improving the app’s design. This structured approach kept me focused and ensured steady progress.

Leveraging Cursor’s Features

Cursor’s functionalities allowed me to streamline my development process. Features like instant preview helped me visualize changes immediately, enabling rapid iterations. I began to see results quickly, which kept my motivation high.

Marketing Strategies: Making My App Stand Out

As I approached the completion of my app, I pivoted to developing a marketing strategy. With functionality underway, a robust marketing plan was essential for reaching potential users.

Identifying the Target Audience

Understanding who would benefit from my app was crucial. I conducted surveys and leveraged social media to gain insights into my user base. This knowledge allowed me to tailor both the app’s features and marketing efforts to meet their needs.

Utilizing Social Media and Influencers

With the app nearing completion, I began creating buzz around it through social media platforms. Engaging potential users before launch helped build anticipation. I reached out to influencers in my app’s niche to help spread the word, offering them early access in exchange for reviews.

Launching the App: A New Beginning

After months of hard work, I finally launched my app. The feeling of seeing my idea come to life was exhilarating. However, the real challenge was just beginning.

Building a User Base

Launching the app was just the start of my entrepreneurial journey. I focused on user engagement, gathering feedback, and making iterations based on user experiences. Listening to users became a priority, leading to further refinements, and encouraging more downloads.

Monetizing the App: Turning Passion into Profit

Within a few months after launch, I managed to monetize the app successfully. Several revenue streams emerged. Here’s how I transformed my app into a profitable business:

In-App Purchases

I implemented in-app purchases for premium content, which allowed users to unlock exclusive features. This model encouraged users to engage with the app more holistically.

Subscription Models

Launching a subscription model provided steady revenue. Users valued the ongoing updates and additional features they could access as members, which built a loyal customer base.

Achieving Financial Freedom

Within a relatively short time, my app generated $30,000 in revenue. This achievement was both shocking and exhilarating. It not only validated my efforts but also opened the door for new opportunities.

The Decision to Leave My Job

With my app performing well, a life-changing decision loomed: Should I leave my job to pursue entrepreneurship full-time?

Weighing the Options

After deep reflection, I decided to take the leap. The financial stability my app provided made it possible to transition into full-time entrepreneurship. While the prospect of leaving the security of a regular paycheck was daunting, the independence and fulfillment I felt were undeniable.

Embracing the Entrepreneurial Life

Switching to entrepreneurship has been an enlightening journey. Each day brings new challenges and rewarding experiences. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:

Resilience is Key

The path of entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs. There are moments of doubt and setbacks, but resilience has been my guiding light. Each challenge fuels my determination to keep pushing forward.

Continuous Learning

The tech industry is ever-evolving. Continuous learning has become essential, whether through online courses, workshops, or keeping up with industry trends. Staying informed allows me to adapt and grow my business effectively.

Looking Ahead: The Future of My Journey

As I continue to develop my app and explore new ideas, I remain grateful for the initial steps that set this journey in motion. The combination of utilizing tools like Cursor, leveraging my commute for productivity, and focusing on user needs transformed my dream into reality.

Encouraging Aspiring Entrepreneurs

If I can do it, so can you. The journey to entrepreneurship is achievable through dedication, creativity, and the right resources. Whether you have a long commute or extra time during your day, view those moments as opportunities. With the right mindset, you too can build something great.

Conclusion

My experience demonstrates that success is within reach, even for those starting from scratch. With determination and the right tools, anyone can turn ideas into realities and chart a path toward financial independence and personal fulfillment. Embrace your journey, learn from every experience, and don’t be afraid to take the leap. Your entrepreneurial adventure could be just a train ride away.