Last week I launched QuickCurrency.net after getting frustrated with existing currency converters that track everything.
The Problem 🤦♀️
Every currency converter I tried had issues:
- ❌ Forced sign-ups and email collection
- ❌ Tracked user behavior with cookies
- ❌ Loaded slowly with bloated scripts
- ❌ Bombarded users with ads
- ❌ Required registration for basic features
As someone who travels and shops online internationally, I just wanted a simple tool that respects privacy.
The Solution ✅
I spent 2 weeks building QuickCurrency with these priorities:
✅ 30+ world currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, DOP, and more)
✅ Real-time exchange rates updated hourly
✅ Zero registration required - just visit and use
✅ 100% free forever - no premium tiers or paywalls
✅ Privacy-first - no tracking, no cookies, no data collection
✅ Lightning-fast - loads in 2-3 seconds, then instant with caching
✅ Works offline after first visit
Tech Stack 💻
I kept it simple:
- Vanilla HTML/CSS/JS - no frameworks, no bloat
- Exchange Rate API for real-time data
- LocalStorage caching for instant repeat visits
- Responsive design - works on any device
The entire app loads in 2-3 seconds on first visit. After that? Instant (0.1 seconds) thanks to smart caching.
The Launch 🚀
I launched simultaneously on multiple platforms:
- Product Hunt - Scheduled launch
- Hacker News - Show HN post
- Reddit - r/SideProject community
- Twitter - Announcement thread
Results in 24 hours:
- 📊 68 active users at peak
- 👥 400+ total visitors
- 🔄 253 currency conversions
- 🔝 Front page of r/SideProject
- ⭐ Listed on Product Hunt
Lessons Learned 📚
1. Privacy messaging resonates
People are genuinely tired of being tracked. Multiple users commented specifically about appreciating the "no sign-up" approach.
2. Simplicity wins
Users loved that they could just visit the site and start converting. No friction, no barriers.
3. Multiple platform launches create momentum
Posting on 4 platforms simultaneously created cross-pollination. People saw it in multiple places, which built credibility.
4. Responsive engagement drives traffic
I replied to every single comment within minutes. This drove more upvotes and visibility.
5. Community-driven features work
A user on Facebook asked for Dominican Peso. I added it the same day. That responsiveness earned loyalty and word-of-mouth.
What's Next 🎯
Planning to add:
- More currencies (taking requests!)
- Historical rate charts
- Currency conversion alerts
- API access for developers
- Dark mode
Try It 🌍
It's live, it's free, and it respects your privacy.
I'd love feedback from the dev community!
- What features would make this more useful?
- What other "simple tools" need privacy-focused alternatives?
- Any bugs or issues you encounter?
Drop a comment below! 👇
Stats:
- ⚡ 2-3 sec first load, 0.1 sec after
- 🌍 30+ currencies supported
- 🔒 Zero tracking or data collection
- 💯 100% free forever
Let's build tools that respect users! 🚀