Best tools to launch a side project

A side project needs three things: a page that sells it, a way to build it, and checks before shipping. Here is a stack that covers all three for under $40 a month — most of it free.

What do you actually need to launch?

Three things: a landing page (Carrd, $19 a year), a builder (Cursor or Claude Code, $17 to $20 a month — or neither, if a template covers it), and pre-launch checks (free). That is the whole stack. Everything else can wait until the project earns it.

Six picks, by job.

The last three are my own free tools — they are the checks this shop runs on its own launches.

Carrd — the landing page

One-page sites with a custom domain, forms, and checkout widgets from $19 a year — the cheapest credible home for a launch. Start from a Templates of Carrd layout instead of a blank page. This Carrd referral link takes 30 percent off any paid plan.

Cursor — build it in an editor

An AI editor that turns a brief into a working prototype while you steer — free Hobby tier, Pro $20 a month. Best when the project itself is a web thing you want to shape by hand. This referral link takes 50 percent off your first month of Pro.

Claude Code — build it with an agent

An agent that builds whole tools from a paragraph — included with Claude Pro at $17 a month billed annually. The tiny-web-tool guide is the workflow. This Claude referral link starts a plan that includes it.

Launch Checklist Prompt — the pre-ship audit

Pick launch workflows, copy an audit prompt, and run it in your AI tool against the real project. Open it free.

Responsive Preview — the layout check

Any page at mobile, tablet, and desktop widths side by side with synced scrolling. Open it free.

Secure Photo Blur — the safe screenshot

Blur emails, names, and keys out of launch screenshots in the browser — nothing uploads. Open it free.

Honest notes before you buy anything.

  • Carrd is one page by design — a store or blog roadmap needs a bigger platform (see Carrd vs Squarespace).
  • Cursor and Claude Code overlap — pick by working style (compared here), not both on day one.
  • The free tools check and preview; they will not build or market the project for you.

The order that wastes the least.

  1. Put up the Carrd page with a waitlist form before building — see the live examples for structure.
  2. Build the smallest version with Cursor or Claude Code while signups trickle in.
  3. Audit with the Launch Checklist Prompt and Responsive Preview.
  4. Publish on your own domain — the custom domain guide covers it — and announce with safely blurred screenshots.