I just made something, so how do I sell it (tool for web developers)?

5 points

15 years ago

So, now that it is too late, is there even a market for tools for developers? I've seen so many attempts fail. But if there is, how do I improve my pitch?

By too late, I mean I developed an extension to Firebug and made it available for sale[1]. Very version 1, yet very useful for people using some JavaScript frameworks. But shipped. Still embarrassed by the code, so I have it minimized. I can finally start on that refactor. Well, if there is a market...

I focussed my attention on ExtJS because it uses abstractions that happen to map to the DOM, rather than building the other way around. It wasn't built to fit Firebug. So this makes Firebug fit the framework. I have a sucky 60second screencast if you want to know what I mean[2]. Yes, it is silent. So that ought to be the first change, I suppose...

I also used ExtJS because I knew it well, and I wanted to address my personal pain points. I added Dojo Toolkit, SproutCore, and qooxdoo in various degrees of support along the way. The jQueryUI support makes me wince, but it is something, and I have ideas on how to improve it in the future.

I tried to make the site[3] simple in design, and use color in only a few places -- to draw attention to the download button, for example.

I got some great quotes from Mozilla and Sencha, and posted them on the home page.

I suck at copywriting and sales pitches. But I'm trying, and want to learn. Please help!

Thanks!

-steve--

[1] http://www.illuminations-for-developers.com/product/debugger/ [2] http://www.illuminations-for-developers.com/about/ [3] http://www.illuminations-for-developers.com/