How to build something small and 100 places to promote it.

Most people teach you how to build something big. I think we should build something small.

Here's the smallest thing I built yesterday.

X sorting Chrome extension

Last week, I wanted to sort my competitors' tweets but couldn't find a single easy tool that did the job. So the next day, instead of just solving my problem, I decided to solve the problem of every consumer like me.

Day 1: released v-1 on Chrome Web Store
Day 2: added Stripe into it
Day 3: first paying customer

And it relates to YC's 2026 demo day statement: the companies that figure out the problem first and then build the product are always the greatest ones.

Meanwhile, for the last 3 months I was building a tool to set up your AI agent in the time it takes to brew a coffee, with zero technical knowledge.

Effort: 3 months
Cost: 100M Opus tokens
Result: $0

Even though that is live too at brewclaw.com (if you also feel like laughing at past Divy, visit once).

That's my 2 cents.

Reflection: Positioning is everything. If you're everything to everybody, you end up being nothing to nobody. You become a generic, bland thing that will be eaten by Claude.

Now coming to:

1. Sorry to break it to you but you're not unique. So even if you think you have a problem that's too niche, there are 10,000 more people on this earth with the same problem, and at least 1,000 of them will pay for the fix.

2. Use the /gstack skill by Garry Tan to evaluate an idea across different parameters: is it worth solving, how feasible is it to build, and is it worth shipping.

3. Get yourself a Max plan of Claude, even split with 3-4 friends. That $30-40 will be the most efficient investment you make in yourself. Then spend tokens like crazy.

4. Start small, but over time make a skill for everything and automate everything. Stop the day you spend more time automating and fixing things than actually building.

5. Build the most viable product first. Not what Claude tells you in its "Plan Mode."

6. Talk to customers. And actually sell to them. If you want to go one step further, talk to customers as the very first thing and read "The Mom Test."

7. Stop reading random dude’s newsletters and start building.

And most importantly:

Here's the full list I pulled from launchdirectories.com. Save this. Open one a day. Don't dump everywhere on day one.

1. [StartupFA.me](https://startupfa.me/) - Directory for finding and submitting startup tools and resources. This was episode 6 of 50 Shades of AI.

2. [PeerPush](https://peerpush.net/) - A community-driven startup directory with high domain rating that rewards you for spotlighting the next big thing while showcasing your own growth journey.

3. [Aura++](https://auraplusplus.com/) - Increase your online aura.

4. [EarlyHunt](https://earlyhunt.com/) - Hunt early products on EarlyHunt.

5. [Builtbyindies](https://builtbyindies.com/) - See what indie hackers are building, share your progress, and join the conversation.

6. [Launchy.tools](https://launchy.tools/) - A weekly product launch platform, but visual-first.

7. [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/) - The front page of the internet, diverse communities and discussions.

8. [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com) - Leading technology media property dedicated to obsessively profiling startups.

9. [Sourceforge](https://sourceforge.net/) - Platform for sharing and reviewing open-source and commercial software.

10. [Hacker News](https://news.ycombinator.com) - Y Combinator's community-driven tech news and startup discussion platform.

11. [Product Hunt](https://www.producthunt.com/) - The premier platform for discovering and launching new products daily.

12. [G2](https://www.g2.com/) - Platform for discovering and comparing software.

13. [Capterra](https://www.capterra.com/) - A site for comparing business software.

14. [Fazier](https://fazier.com/) - Marketplace for SaaS products and startup tools.

15. [Twelve Tools](https://twelve.tools/) - Curated collection of tools for entrepreneurs and makers.

16. [Dang AI](https://dang.ai/) - Directory of AI tools and artificial intelligence resources.

17. [Indie Hackers](https://indiehackers.com) - Community of developers sharing the strategies behind their companies.

18. [Turbo0](https://turbo0.com/?via=launchdirectories) - Fast-track platform for launching products quickly.

19. [AlternativeTo](https://alternativeto.net/) - Crowdsourced software recommendations and alternatives.

20. [findly.tools](https://findly.tools) - The best tools, all in one place.

21. [SaaSHub](https://www.saashub.com/) - Software alternatives and reviews platform.

22. [Toolpilot](https://www.toolpilot.ai/) - AI tools discovery and directory.

23. [There's An AI For That](https://theresanaiforthat.com/?via=krzysztof) - Comprehensive database of AI tools for every use case.

24. [Peerlist](https://peerlist.io/) - Network and portfolio platform for tech professionals.

25. [BetaList](https://betalist.com/) - Platform for discovering and getting early access to tomorrow's startups.

26. [LaunchIgniter](https://launchigniter.com/) - Launch platform for startups and indie products.

27. [Versily](https://versily.com) - The curated launchpad for SaaS and AI startups.

28. [Uneed](https://www.uneed.best?atp=DYqKOG) - Curated directory of the best tools for entrepreneurs.

29. [SubmitAiTools](https://submitaitools.org/) - Simple platform to discover and share AI tools.

30. [Alternative.me](https://alternative.me/) - Find alternatives to popular software and services.

31. [SoftwareWorld](https://www.softwareworld.co/) - Find the best software and services for your business.

32. [neeed.directory](https://neeed.directory/) - Tools directory.

33. [TinyLaunch](https://www.tinylaunch.com/) - Product launch platform with visibility.

34. [magicbox.tools](https://magicbox.tools/) - Featuring over 20,000 awesome AI tools.

35. [Future Tools](https://www.futuretools.io/) - Directory of AI tools and future technology.

36. [SideProjectors](https://www.sideprojectors.com/) - Community for sharing and discovering side projects.

37. [Open Launch](https://open-launch.com/) - Open platform for product launches and feedback.

38. [AiTools](https://aitools.inc/) - Handy directory for finding AI tools.

39. [startupfa.st](https://www.startupfa.st/) - Startup directory.

40. [FoundrList](https://foundrlist.com/) - SaaS and startup directory.

41. [toolsfine](https://toolsfine.com/) - Better tools, better work.

42. [TrustMRR](https://trustmrr.com/) - The database of verified startup revenues.

43. [NextGen Tools](https://www.nxgntools.com) - Discover the best AI tools and SaaS products.

44. [acidtools.com](https://acidtools.com/) - Directory of productivity and AI tools.

45. [Startup Stash](https://startupstash.com/) - Curated directory of resources and tools for startups.

46. [Pitchwall](https://pitchwall.co/) - Premium startup showcase.

47. [DevHunt](https://devhunt.org/) - Product Hunt for developers, showcase developer tools.

48. [Super Launch](https://www.superlaun.ch) - A product launch platform cum directory.

49. [aiwith.me](https://aiwith.me/) - Discover the latest and best AI tools.

50. [MicroLaunch](https://microlaunch.net/) - Platform for launching and discovering micro startups.

51. [Indie Deals](https://www.indie.deals/) - Deals and discounts for indie makers and startups.

52. [Openhunts](https://openhunts.com/) - Launch and hunt products openly.

53. [Startups Lab](https://startupslab.site) - Showcase your startup.

54. [Toolfio](https://toolfio.com/) - The ultimate hub for finding and showcasing SaaS products.

55. [Indiehunt](https://indiehunt.io/) - AI-powered launch platform featuring weekly launches. Get discovered by builders, innovators, and early adopters.

56. [Shipybara](https://shipybara.com/) - Launch your startup, get seen by early adopters.

57. [Unite List](https://unitelist.com/) - A straightforward directory where makers and SaaS creators can easily find and add useful digital tools.

58. [Firsto](https://firsto.co/) - A product-launch platform tailored for indie makers, developers, and startups. Visibility-first, no gatekeepers.

59. [Launch (trylaunch.ai)](https://trylaunch.ai/) - The best new AI products. Every day.

60. [MakerThrive](https://makerthrive.com/) - Community and resources for makers and creators.

61. [StartupTrusted](https://startuptrusted.com/) - Discover trusted startups and submit your own to get discovered.

62. [Promote Project](https://www.promoteproject.com/) - Platform for promoting and marketing your projects.

63. [Open Alternative](https://openalternative.co/) - Open source alternatives to popular software.

64. [SaasHunt](https://saashunt.best/) - Product Hunt alternative for SaaS products.

65. [AI Tech Viral](https://aitechviral.com/) - A simple directory for sharing AI tools.

66. [AppaList](https://appalist.com/) - Explore software solutions that take your productivity to the next level.

67. [Launching Next](https://www.launchingnext.com/) - Platform for announcing upcoming product launches.

68. [rankinpublic.xyz](https://rankinpublic.xyz/) - Live product rankings.

69. [IdeaKiln](https://ideakiln.com) - A community-driven directory for early-stage startup ideas, prototypes, and MVPs.

70. [We Like Tools](https://weliketools.com/) - Celebrates the best productivity solutions. Discover tools that we genuinely recommend and love.

71. [Huzzler](https://huzzler.so/) - Platform for discovering and promoting new startup projects.

72. [Tiny Startups](https://tinystartups.com/) - Community for small startups and indie hackers.

73. [Launch Llama Tools](https://tools.launchllama.co/) - Directory for indie hackers and early-stage founders.

74. [Micro SaaS Examples](https://www.microsaasexamples.com/) - Explore the best micro SaaS ideas from the internet.

75. [SoloPush](https://solopush.com/) - Platform for solo entrepreneurs to promote their projects.

76. [AiTools.fyi](https://aitools.fyi/) - Find the best AI tools that make your life easy.

77. [Awesome Tools](https://awesome.tools/) - Best awesome tools for startups.

78. [Proofstories](https://proofstories.io/directory) - A collection of tools sharing how they won their first customers.

79. [startuplist.ing](https://startuplist.ing/) - All-in-one platform for builders.

80. [TinyLaunchpad](https://tinylaunchpad.com/) - Fresh products and startups launched every Monday.

81. [ProductBurst](https://productburst.com/) - Daily featured products and startup showcases.

82. [IndieHub](https://indiehub.best/) - All-in-one directory for indie makers.

83. [StartupBase](https://startupbase.io/) - Database and directory of startup companies.

84. [1000.tools](https://1000.tools/) - An exclusive list of the 1000 best tools, carefully vetted and maintained by humans.

85. [SaaSBison](https://saasbison.com/) - Find the best software and alternatives in minutes with filters and reviews.

86. [launch.cab](https://launch.cab/) - Helping indie founders get discovered and track trends.

87. [Made with Lovable](https://madewithlovable.com/) - Showcase of websites and apps built with Lovable.

88. [ConfettiSaaS](https://confettisaas.com) - Platform for showcasing and discovering confetti-powered apps.

89. [Saaspa.ge](https://www.saaspa.ge/) - SaaS products directory.

90. [toolfolio](https://toolfolio.io/) - All the tools and resources you need, in one place.

91. [RankYourAI](https://rankyourai.com/) - Ranking and review platform for AI tools.

92. [ShipYard HQ](https://shipyardhq.dev) - Shipyard shows what builders are actually clicking on.

93. [BuildVoyage](https://buildvoyage.com/) - Discover and track real micro-SaaS journeys.

94. [SubmitHunt](https://www.submithunt.com/) - Visual showcase for startups.

95. [FindYourSaaS](https://www.findyoursaas.com/) - Discover and compare SaaS products for your business.

96. [EuroAlternative](https://euroalternative.co) - Discover European alternatives to big tech companies.

97. [Best of Web](https://www.bestofweb.site/) - All-in-one growth platform.

98. [Resource.fyi](https://resource.fyi/) - Collection of useful resources for entrepreneurs.

99. [Startups.fyi](https://startups.fyi/) - Information and resources for startup founders.

100. [Startups.fm](https://startups.fm/) - Podcast and community focused on startup stories.

101. [Stellar Launch](https://stellarlaunch.org/) - Where products keep getting discovered after launch day.

102. [aat.ee](https://www.aat.ee/) - Product launches.

103. [LLM Relevance](https://llmrelevance.com/) - Curated AI SEO tools, playbooks, and guidance for small businesses that need to show up in LLMs.

104. [ProductLaunchpad](https://productlaunchpad.app/) - Launch your product to early adopters.

105. [HUNT0](https://hunt0.com) - LaunchPad. Ship early, hunt early.

106. [AwesomeIndie](https://awesomeindie.com/) - A curated platform for discovering indie products, side projects, and micro-startups.

107. [DodoDirectory](https://dododirectory.com/) - Business directory with permanent dofollow backlinks and AI-powered reviews.

108. [Sumodir](https://sumodir.com/) - The business directory for startups, SaaS companies, local businesses, and apps.

109. [Bulletin](https://bulletin.so/) - A front page for early products. No upvotes. No hype.

110. [IndieHackerStacks](https://indiehackerstacks.com/) - Discover the best tools from fellow indie hackers to build your product.

111. [ToolHub](https://toolhub.me/) - Central hub for discovering useful tools and apps.

112. [hot100](https://www.hot100.ai/) - The weekly chart for indie AI projects and Vibe Coders.

113. [SaaSGrow](https://saasgrow.app/) - The home of startups built in public.

114. [Saassy Board](https://saassy-board.com/) - Launch SaaS, earn rewards, fight hunger.

115. [startuups](https://startuups.com/) - Launch platform for SaaS products.

116. [Toollist](https://toollist.ai/) - Directory of artificial intelligence tools.

117. [madewithbolt](https://madewithbolt.com/) - A collection of apps and websites made with Bolt.new.

118. [Justgotfound](https://justgotfound.com/) - Discover amazing products.

119. [Top10](https://top10.now/) - Top 10 lists of tools and services in various categories.

120. [Postioo](https://postioo.com) - General web directory.

121. [Daily Pings](https://dailypings.com/) - Daily digest of new product launches and startup news.

122. [Launch Vibe](https://www.launchvibe.app/) - Launch to thousands of founders.

That's 122 places. Way more than 100. You don't need to hit all of them. Pick 10 to start. Submit one a day. By day 10 you'll have inbound traffic, real users, and the muscle memory to do it again on your next small thing.

The lesson stays the same: build something small, ship it fast, get it in front of humans the same week.

Mentions: [launchdirectories.com] for the list of those 100 places
Zara Zhang: For the incredible hook and thoughts.

That was Episode 5 of 50 Shades of AI: A single stop series to keep you ahead of AI girl.