# My website makes $34K/month (built in 3 hours) Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWPN-PAhtLA Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/LWPN-PAhtLA Generated: 2025-11-16T18:33:56.671+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The Cursor Directory, built by Pontus Abrahamsson and Viktor in just three hours, achieved $35,000 in monthly recurring revenue with a 99.8% gross margin by capitalizing on the high demand for AI-assisted coding tools and focusing on a simple, unique design. **Key Points:** - The Cursor Directory generated $35,000 in monthly recurring revenue. - The entire MVP was built in just three hours. - The project achieved a massive 99.8% gross profit margin. - The launch strategy heavily involved building in public on X (Twitter) and posting detailed explanations on forums like Hacker News. - Key to success was identifying a high-demand topic (AI coding assistance) and maintaining a simple, unique design. - The tech stack included v0 for design, Next.js for the front end, and Vercel for hosting, keeping costs extremely low ($500/month operational cost). ![Screenshot at 00:03: The core success metric of the Cursor Directory is displayed: built in a weekend, it now generates $35K per month, highlighting the immediate financial outcome.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/LWPN-PAhtLA/00-00-03.png) **Context:** This video features an interview between the host of Starter Story and Pontus Abrahamsson, the creator of Cursor Directory, a platform designed to aggregate and organize custom rules (MCPs) for the Cursor AI code editor. Pontus recounts the rapid development and immediate viral success of the directory, which solved the problem of discovering and sharing these specialized AI coding rules. ## Detailed Analysis Pontus Abrahamsson discusses the creation and success of the Cursor Directory, a platform that organizes community-contributed rules (MCPs) for the Cursor AI code editor. He emphasizes the rapid development, stating they built the MVP in just three hours while on a flight to France, and launched it immediately upon landing. The Directory achieved massive traction, gathering over 1.1 million views in 48 hours and generating $35,000 in monthly recurring revenue with an exceptional 99.8% gross margin. The low operational cost was only about $500 per month, supplemented by $270 for emails and $60 for analytics. Pontus attributes this success to three main factors: finding the right audience fit (Cursor users needing better rule discovery), good market timing (as AI-assisted coding was rapidly growing), and providing a high-demand topic (a centralized rule repository). Their launch strategy involved building in public on X (sharing the tech stack and progress), posting on forums like Hacker News, and actively sharing knowledge. Pontus stresses the importance of a simple, unique design over perfection, noting that many AI-generated sites look the same. He advises aspiring builders to start quickly, iterate based on feedback, and not overthink the initial launch. ### Cursor Directory Metrics - $35K/month MRR - 99.8% gross margin - $500/month operational cost ### V1 Tech Stack - Design (v0 - Free) - Front End (Next.js - Free) - Hosting (Vercel - $70) - Language (TypeScript - Free) - Design Components (Shadcn.io - Free) - Emails (Resend - $270) - Analytics (OpenPanel - $60) - AI Code Editor (Cursor - $60) - Project Management (Notion - Free) - Version Control (GitHub - Free) ### Pontus' Launch Strategy - 1. Build in public on X (sharing tools and progress) - 2. Post on forums (Hacker News) to drive initial traffic - 3. Share knowledge (posting the tech stack) ### Pontus' Design Formula - 1. Keep it simple (avoiding over-engineering) - 2. Find a style you like (ensuring uniqueness over generic AI-generated looks) - 3. Learn from others (following successful community-focused projects) ### Key Takeaways - The Directory solved the problem of scattered rules, leading to high adoption; speed of execution (3 hours build time) was crucial; and focusing on a clear need in the AI coding ecosystem drove success. ![Screenshot at 00:01: Pontus introduces the Cursor Directory, highlighting its rapid development and high revenue achievement.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/LWPN-PAhtLA/00-00-01.png) ![Screenshot at 00:14: Visual representation of the Cursor Directory homepage, showing the community focus and job listings.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/LWPN-PAhtLA/00-00-14.png) ![Screenshot at 00:21: A timeline graphic summarizing the key success points: $34K/month in 3 hours, the reason for success, and advice.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/LWPN-PAhtLA/00-00-21.png) ![Screenshot at 01:16: Host promotes the Starter Story Black Friday deal, urging viewers to join the waitlist for early access.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/LWPN-PAhtLA/00-01-16.png) ![Screenshot at 02:21: Pontus explains that a small weekend project can turn into something big, referencing the Directory as an example.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/LWPN-PAhtLA/00-02-21.png) ![Screenshot at 04:07: The V1 Tech Stack is detailed, showing the use of free tools like v0 and TypeScript alongside paid services like Vercel and Resend.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/LWPN-PAhtLA/00-04-07.png) ![Screenshot at 05:54: Pontus outlines his three-step launch strategy: Build in public, Post on forums, and Share knowledge.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/LWPN-PAhtLA/00-05-54.png) ![Screenshot at 06:33: A slide detailing Pontus' Design Formula, emphasizing simplicity and finding a unique style.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/LWPN-PAhtLA/00-06-33.png) ![Screenshot at 07:47: A key piece of advice is highlighted: 'TIP: STAND OUT WITH UNIQUE DESIGN' to gain a competitive edge.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/LWPN-PAhtLA/00-07-47.png) ![Screenshot at 09:29: A slide titled 'SUCCESSFUL DIRECTORY REQUIREMENTS' lists 'Right audience fit', 'Good market timing', and 'High demand topic' as crucial factors.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/LWPN-PAhtLA/00-09-29.png)