30 Business Ideas For Front End Developers [2024]

Updated: September 21st, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a front-end developer in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a front-end developer could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for front-end developers?

We put together 30 of some of the best front-end developer business ideas you can start in today.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other front-end developer businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Create a shopify app ($52.4K/month)

As a front-end developer, creating a Shopify app could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even start a thriving side business. With your skills in coding and UX design, you have the expertise required to develop apps that enhance the functionality of Shopify stores, addressing key needs such as customer engagement, inventory management, or sales optimization. The Shopify App Store offers a built-in market, simplifying the process of reaching potential users.

This venture is not without its challenges; it demands ongoing development, customer support, and regular updates to keep pace with Shopify's platform changes. However, if you can solve a common problem for store owners, the financial rewards can be substantial through monthly subscriptions or one-time fees. If you have a passion for tech and an interest in the ecommerce market, developing a Shopify app could be a rewarding entrepreneurial opportunity.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $110,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Developed A $29K/Month WhatsApp Plugin For Shopify

SuperLemon, a WhatsApp plugin for Shopify eCommerce stores, crossed $29,000 in MRR as of July 2020, with 20,000 users from 50+ countries and 1700+ paying customers, all acquired through organic marketing strategies and a relentless focus on customer service and satisfaction.

Read by 23,590 founders

2. Start a no code platform ($308K/month)

As a front-end developer, leveraging no-code platforms opens up new possibilities for entrepreneurship and supplemental income. You could use your existing skills to understand and optimize the user experience while allowing the no-code tools to handle the heavy lifting of backend development. This approach lets you bring innovative products to market quickly and affordably, appealing to non-technical entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Moreover, by offering your services as a no-code consultant or creating customized solutions, you could tap into a growing demand for accessible digital tools. This side venture or full-time business could both diversify your income and establish you as a thought leader in this burgeoning space. The simplicity and speed of no-code platforms could empower you to turn your creative ideas into viable products with minimal overhead.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $3,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $749 (?)

How long does it take to build: 85 days (?)

How I Started A $7K/Month Marketplace To Connect Companies With No-Code Talent

Codemap.io is a freelance & agency marketplace for no-code, low-code, and automation, enabling anyone to hire no-code experts to build their products, MVPs, and apps up to 10x cheaper and faster than with traditional development, with 900+ clients, close to $2,000,000 in created projects, and 110+ hires made, all achieved in less than 6 months.

Read by 10,783 founders

3. Start a web development business ($91.1K/month)

Starting a web development business could be a natural transition for a front-end developer looking to supplement their income or even build a full-fledged side business. With your existing coding and design skills, you could create customized, high-quality websites that meet the needs of various clients, from small businesses to personal projects. This not only utilizes your expertise but also opens up a new revenue stream.

As an entrepreneurial-minded front-end developer, you could leverage your knowledge to offer tailored solutions that enhance the online presence of your clients. By ensuring that their websites are not only visually appealing but also functional, you play a vital role in their digital success. Whether it’s a side gig or a full-time venture, a web development business presents a promising opportunity to capitalize on your skills and passion.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $700,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

I Built A $300K/Year Vue.js Component Library

Vuetify is a popular open-source user interface library, built with the Vue.js framework, that generates revenue through digital content and services such as paid digital content in the Vuetify store, direct support through consulting, ad revenue from Carbon ads on the documentation pages, and donations/sponsorships via GitHub and Patreon, generating an average income of $6,500 per month.

Read by 46,502 founders

4. Build an AI tool ($297K/month)

As a front-end developer, tapping into the burgeoning field of AI tools could be a lucrative entrepreneurial opportunity. Creating an AI tool, such as a chatbot or a virtual assistant, to complement web applications could not only enhance user experience but also showcase your prowess in combining front-end development skills with cutting-edge AI technologies.

Given the increasing demand for AI-driven solutions across various industries, businesses are on the lookout for innovative ways to automate processes and elevate customer service. As someone proficient in front-end technology, you could develop intuitive interfaces for these AI tools, making them more user-friendly and accessible.

By leveraging your existing technical skills and gaining a deeper understanding of AI utilization, you could create impactful AI-based solutions that attract a wide range of clients. With AI revenues projected to skyrocket to $118.6 billion by 2025, investing your efforts in this field could potentially lead to significant financial rewards and long-term business success.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $3,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 57 days (?)

How I Started A $40K/Month AI-Powered Recruiting App

SkillSoniq, the world's first AI-powered recruiting app, connects companies with skilled freelancers on a trial basis, saving companies 60%+ in hiring costs and earning $350,000+ in gross revenues in its first year, with a current average of $40,000 a month, and plans to raise a second round of seed funding to achieve escape velocity and continue to form a world-class company.

Read by 9,559 founders

5. Start an ecommerce marketing agency ($463K/month)

As a front-end developer, starting an eCommerce marketing agency could be a seamless and profitable venture. With your technical skills, you could build robust, user-friendly eCommerce platforms and optimize them for better customer experiences. Your understanding of the latest web technologies means you could continuously innovate and keep clients' online stores ahead of industry trends.

Beyond just building sites, you could leverage your creative skills to provide added value, such as custom design elements and user interface improvements—key factors that drive conversion rates. With the constantly evolving nature of the eCommerce sector, your ability to stay current with trends ensures your clients won’t fall behind their competition.

By focusing on a niche market or offering a comprehensive range of services, you could carve out a unique position in the industry and attract a steady stream of clientele. This entrepreneurial venture wouldn’t just supplement your income but also provide a fulfilling pathway to leveraging your existing skillset in new and lucrative ways.

How much you can make: $7,500 — $8,300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $120K/Month Online Course For Social Media Marketing Agencies

Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.

Read by 15,834 founders

6. Start a bathrobe business

As a front-end developer, your attention to user experience and design can be a major asset in starting a bathrobe business. Imagine creating a sleek, user-friendly e-commerce website where customers can browse and customize luxurious bathrobes. Your skills in web development allow you to seamlessly integrate features like virtual try-ons or personalization options, setting your bathrobe brand apart from competitors.

Additionally, the flexibility of front-end development means you could maintain your day job while gradually growing your side business. You could leverage your tech expertise to optimize online marketing strategies, utilizing SEO and data analytics to pinpoint customer preferences and boost your sales. Combining your creative and technical skills with the surging market interest in self-care products could turn your bathrobe venture into a lucrative endeavor.

How much you can make: $10,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)

How This Couple Launched A Premium Robe Business

Highway Robery is a sustainable robe company in Austin, Texas, producing colorful, all-inclusive, gender-neutral robes in the USA, having increased their sales up 49% YoY as of May 31, 2019.

Read by 12,236 founders

7. Build a SEO tool ($99.8K/month)

As a front-end developer, leveraging your expertise to create an SEO tool could be a fantastic way to supplement your income or even start a side business. SEO tools are in high demand, as they provide vital data and alerts about the health and success of websites, helping website owners quickly identify and fix SEO issues. By developing such a tool, you would not only utilize your coding skills but also address a crucial need in the market.

You could design intuitive dashboards and interfaces that make it easier for users to digest and act on SEO data. Your background in front-end development ensures that the user experience is seamless, which is a major advantage in a competitive market. Thus, starting an SEO tool business could be both rewarding and lucrative, offering you the opportunity to grow professionally while generating additional income.

How much you can make: $2,800 — $850,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped My SaaS Company To $2.5M/Year In 5 Years As A Solo Founder

Solo founder Todd Hooper bootstrapped Prerender.io from zero to $2.5 million in ARR over 5 years by releasing an open-source project on Github and turning it into an SEO-friendly version of React, Angular, and Javascript websites, and then offering it as a SaaS service for businesses.

Read by 17,041 founders

8. Start a freelancer platform ($391K/month)

As a front-end developer with an entrepreneurial mindset, starting a freelancer platform could be a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture. Such a platform would serve as a marketplace where individuals with various skills and services can connect with businesses in need of those specific talents. Given the rapid growth of the freelancing industry, now is an opportune time to capitalize on this booming sector.

By creating a freelancer platform, you could tap into the projected $6.7 billion market size by 2025 and offer a service that helps both freelancers and businesses find the perfect match for their needs. Leveraging your expertise in front-end development, you could design a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of finding and hiring freelance talent, thereby attracting a large user base. With numerous businesses looking for assistance with their websites and digital presence, your platform could become an essential tool for connecting clients with skilled professionals.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $5,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)

We Bootstrapped A Tech Talent Platform To $1.2M Sales In Our First Year

CloudDevs, a tech talent platform that sources and vets freelance tech talent and matches them with companies, has achieved $1 million in GMV in its first year, plans to achieve 100% growth year on year, and focuses on customer loyalty through its Net Promoter Score metric.

Read by 17,347 founders

9. Become a software developer ($51.7K/month)

As a front-end developer, you could leverage your strong technical skills and understanding of how software works to start a software development business. This avenue allows you to use your expertise in creating user interfaces and experiences to design, test, and oversee the creation of robust software solutions for various purposes, including business applications and social networking tools.

Given that the average salary for software developers sits at $110,140, with top earners making up to $140K annually, transitioning into a software development role or business could significantly boost your income potential. Focusing on contemporary trends such as mobile apps and cloud-based solutions might offer you the edge in meeting the market’s current demand.

Starting a software development company could not only supplement your income but also serve as a full-fledged business opportunity. With businesses increasingly seeking efficient ways to provide customers easy access to data and applications, your front-end expertise could be the catalyst for creating user-friendly and cutting-edge software solutions.

How much you can make: $500 — $350,000/month

How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)

How We Started A $350K/Month Business Developing Software Tools For Ecommerce Brands

SkyVerge, a software company, has grown rapidly with revenue of $350,000 per month, over 100,000 eCommerce customers, and a globally distributed team of 30 people, all through starting with consulting projects and building focused and solutions-based products, acquiring small products from other developers, and focusing largely on content marketing and providing excellent customer support.

Read by 39,462 founders

10. Start a beauty and fashion marketplace ($149K/month)

As a front-end developer, you could leverage your skills to create a visually appealing and user-friendly beauty and fashion marketplace. Your expertise in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript would allow you to design an engaging online platform that attracts and retains customers, ensuring they can easily browse, compare, and purchase products. With the beauty and fashion industry heavily relying on visual aesthetics, your ability to develop a seamless and attractive user interface could set your marketplace apart from competitors.

You could also incorporate cutting-edge web technologies, such as responsive design and interactive elements, to enhance the shopping experience and engage a broader audience. Furthermore, by staying up-to-date with industry trends and continuously improving the site’s functionality, you could keep customers coming back and attract new users. This venture could not only provide an additional stream of income but also allow you to explore your entrepreneurial side while utilizing your core development skills.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $658,333/month

How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)

How This Couple Started A $130K/Month Women’s Effortless, Refined, Quality Clothing Brand

This case study showcases the journey of Tradlands, a women's clothing brand generating $134k in monthly revenue, which was started with just $15k, and grew through email marketing, Instagram, and influencer collaborations.

Read by 10,141 founders

11. Start an AI-based business ($27.9K/month)

AI-Based Business for Front-End Developers

Starting an AI-based business could be a lucrative venture for front-end developers looking to supplement their income or transition into a new entrepreneurial role. With your existing skills, you could develop AI-driven user interfaces that provide personalized experiences, optimize user interactions, or automate customer service. Imagine leveraging AI to create smarter, more intuitive interfaces that elevate user satisfaction and streamline operations.

The opportunities are vast—from creating AI-powered chatbots to developing predictive analytics tools for various sectors, such as healthcare or e-commerce. With the tech-savvy mindset of a front-end developer, you could easily delve into this burgeoning field and be at the forefront of impactful technological advancements. The combination of your expertise and the power of AI could revolutionize how businesses operate, offering a compelling path for entrepreneurial growth.

How much you can make: $100 — $200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)

How I Started A $10K/Month App Building Agency Using No/Low Code Tools

LowCode Agency uses no/low code tools to build custom-made apps at 80% lower cost and 70% faster than traditional app development agencies, growing double digits every month and targeting $150,000 in sales in their first year.

Read by 21,003 founders

12. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)

As a front-end developer, you could leverage your coding skills to create an engaging and user-friendly email marketing tool. This software would help users design, manage, and automate their email campaigns, tapping into a highly effective marketing channel that is pivotal for generating leads, increasing sales, and improving SEO rankings.

Given the rapid growth of the email marketing industry, projected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028, there's ample room for innovation and profit. By developing a robust email marketing tool, you could cater to a broad audience, including entrepreneurs, startups, and professionals in various fields like real estate. This side business not only supplements your income but also allows you to explore new entrepreneurial opportunities within the digital marketing space.

How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

I Built A SEO Tool That's Completely Free For Users [From Lebanon]

H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.

Read by 14,150 founders

13. Start a no code automation business ($23.5K/month)

Starting a no-code automation business could be an excellent way for a front-end developer to supplement their income or launch a side venture. With your strong grasp of user interfaces and user experience, you could leverage no-code tools to automate repetitive tasks and streamline business operations without writing a single line of code. This allows you to offer valuable services, such as automating email marketing campaigns or integrating various apps, which are increasingly in demand as companies look to optimize efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Being a front-end developer, you already possess problem-solving skills and an eye for detail, which are crucial for understanding and refining business processes. By diving into the world of no-code automation, you could turn these strengths into profitable custom solutions for businesses. To get started, explore popular no-code platforms and consider earning certifications to enhance your credibility in this burgeoning field.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)

How I Started A $7K/Month Marketplace To Connect Companies With No-Code Talent

Codemap.io is a freelance & agency marketplace for no-code, low-code, and automation, enabling anyone to hire no-code experts to build their products, MVPs, and apps up to 10x cheaper and faster than with traditional development, with 900+ clients, close to $2,000,000 in created projects, and 110+ hires made, all achieved in less than 6 months.

Read by 10,783 founders

14. Start a health and wellness retreat

As a front-end developer with an entrepreneurial mindset, you could explore the burgeoning market for health and wellness retreats to supplement your income or even start a side business. Given the increasing importance of mental well-being and the rising trend in retreat bookings, you could leverage your technical skills to create a standout online presence for your retreat business. By designing a captivating, user-friendly website, you could easily attract potential clients who are looking to relax and recharge.

Moreover, your expertise in web development could help you develop personalized features such as digital scheduling, client portals, and wellness tracking tools that set your retreat apart from competitors. This fusion of your technical background with a health and wellness venture not only diversifies your skill set but also opens up new revenue streams, making it a viable and lucrative addition to your professional toolkit.

15. Start an ecommerce management software ($536K/month)

As a front-end developer, you could leverage your expertise to create an ecommerce management software that significantly streamlines online retail operations. This platform would enable online retailers to manage inventory, sales, and customer interactions efficiently, all from a single interface. Given the growing demand for intuitive and smart ecommerce solutions that save time and reduce errors, there's a substantial market waiting to be tapped.

You could focus on automating critical aspects such as inventory tracking, order processing, and customer relationship management. By integrating user-friendly design and robust functionality, you could attract both small businesses and larger enterprises looking for ways to simplify their ecommerce processes. If you're motivated to build a product that offers tangible benefits to online retailers, diving into ecommerce management software could be a highly rewarding venture.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $2,400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Started A $30M/Year Warehouse Management Software And Outsourced Ecommerce Fulfillment Business

ShipHero co-founders built their successful e-commerce fulfillment business, offering warehouse management software and outsourced eCommerce fulfillment, growing revenues from zero to $30 million annually, processing over $5 billion of e-commerce gross merchandise volume (GMV) annually while only having received $435,000 in outside capital investment.

Read by 9,379 founders

16. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)

Starting a social media automation business could be a natural progression for a front-end developer, leveraging your existing skills in coding and user interface design. You could create tools and services that help businesses and influencers manage their social media presence effortlessly, from scheduling posts to automating interactions and analyzing engagement data.

Given the growing demand for consistent social media engagement, your technical expertise could enable you to develop or integrate software solutions that save your clients valuable time while boosting their online visibility. This venture not only capitalizes on your knack for technology but also opens up opportunities to build meaningful relationships with clients in diverse industries.

Lastly, staying updated on the latest social media trends would allow you to offer tailored, cutting-edge solutions, making your business both lucrative and fulfilling. By combining tech skills with marketing savvy, you could effectively transform your side hustle into a thriving enterprise.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.

Read by 15,250 founders

17. Start an ecommerce management services ($597K/month)

If you're a front-end developer with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting an ecommerce management service could be an exciting and lucrative venture. This business involves providing comprehensive support to online stores, including tasks like inventory management, customer service, marketing, and order fulfillment. Essentially, you would be the backbone ensuring smooth and efficient processes, which are crucial for the growth and success of any ecommerce business.

You could leverage your technical skills and understanding of digital tools to streamline operations for overwhelmed entrepreneurs, allowing them to focus on innovating and expanding their products and services. With a keen eye for ecommerce trends and excellent organizational abilities, you could help businesses maximize their sales and efficiency. This niche offers both challenges and rewards, making it a fulfilling side hustle or even a full-fledged business opportunity.

How much you can make: $2,300 — $2,400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Started A $30M/Year Warehouse Management Software And Outsourced Ecommerce Fulfillment Business

ShipHero co-founders built their successful e-commerce fulfillment business, offering warehouse management software and outsourced eCommerce fulfillment, growing revenues from zero to $30 million annually, processing over $5 billion of e-commerce gross merchandise volume (GMV) annually while only having received $435,000 in outside capital investment.

Read by 9,379 founders

18. Start a vegan youtube channel

As a front-end developer, you could harness your technical skills to create a visually appealing and engaging vegan YouTube channel. Your expertise in web design, user experience, and multimedia implementation would allow you to produce high-quality videos that resonate with viewers and build a loyal audience.

Building a YouTube channel requires a variety of tech-savvy capabilities, such as video editing, SEO optimization, and website integration—areas where your front-end development skills can shine. This venture could supplement your income through ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing, offering a lucrative side business or even a full-time opportunity if it gains significant traction.

19. Start a social media management tool ($31.6K/month)

As a front-end developer, you could leverage your skills to create a social media management tool that simplifies the chaos of handling multiple platforms. Picture developing an intuitive dashboard where businesses can streamline content creation, track trending topics, and gain actionable insights—all while enhancing their social media presence.

Given the rising reliance on social media for consumer engagement, companies are clamoring for efficient management solutions. Crafting such a tool not only addresses a glaring need but also taps into a burgeoning market, providing a rewarding entrepreneurial opportunity. If you have a knack for digital marketing and a passion for tech, building this tool could be both profitable and fulfilling.

How much you can make: $100 — $125,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

How I Left My Job To Start A $50K/Month Digital Advertising Agency Specialized In Facebook Ads

This case study is about how the founder of AdvertiseMint, a Facebook advertising agency, started the company with just one employee and has since grown it to 25 employees, managing close to $100 million in digital media buys for clients such as Coca-Cola and Viacom.

Read by 11,975 founders

20. Create a social media scheduling tool ($119K/month)

As a front-end developer, you could leverage your web development skills to create a user-friendly social media scheduling tool. This type of app allows users to plan and schedule their posts ahead of time, simplifying their social media management tasks. Virtually all businesses rely on social media, making this a lucrative and in-demand market.

By focusing on an intuitive and aesthetically pleasing design, you could stand out in an already thriving market. Additionally, your ability to integrate responsive design and seamless user experiences would make your tool highly appealing to end-users. This could be an excellent side business or even grow into a full-time endeavor, providing a steady supplemental income while solving a real-world problem.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 20 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.

Read by 15,250 founders

21. Start a kitchenware and home essentials shop ($40.9K/month)

If you are a front-end developer looking to diversify your income, starting a kitchenware and home essentials shop could be an exciting opportunity. Leveraging your web development skills, you could create an engaging, user-friendly online presence to complement your physical store and attract even more customers. This dual approach would allow you to blend your tech expertise with a traditional retail business model, catering to both digital-savvy shoppers and those who prefer in-person experiences.

Opening a physical store near high-traffic residential areas ensures you tap into the consistent demand for kitchenware and home essentials. Additionally, purchasing an existing struggling store can offer a quick entry into the market, allowing you to revamp and modernize it with your unique perspective and skills. This approach not only supplements your current income but could potentially grow into a full-scale business, providing you with increased financial and professional independence.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $78,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $60K/Month Media Company Focused On The Real Estate Market

A real estate media company in Singapore skyrocketed its monthly revenue to $60k by providing in-depth condo reviews and leveraging high-quality multimedia content, gaining 700k page views, 43k Instagram followers, and 17k YouTube subscribers.

Read by 6,466 founders

22. Start a live video service

As a front-end developer, you could leverage your technical skills and user experience insight to create a live video service, capitalizing on the growing trend of live streaming. With over 57% of marketers using live streaming, there is a significant demand for customizable and reliable live streaming platforms beyond what social media offers. By developing sophisticated, user-friendly live streaming websites or applications, you could attract businesses looking for tailored streaming solutions for events, webinars, or regular content delivery.

Kickstart your business by planning and forming a legal entity, then tap into your network and expertise to market your unique, technically robust services. This venture not only allows you to supplement your income but also gives you the flexibility to build a sustainable side business that could evolve into a full-time endeavor. With your background in front-end development, you'll be well-equipped to provide a superior product that stands out in a crowded market.

How long does it take to build: 272 days (?)

23. Start a branding agency ($65.3K/month)

As a front-end developer, you could leverage your technical skills and design expertise to start a branding agency. Your ability to create visually appealing and user-friendly websites positions you perfectly to help businesses craft compelling online identities. By integrating your development skills with branding strategies, you could offer a comprehensive service that includes not only the look and feel of a brand but also the user experience and functionality of their digital presence.

Given the high demand for branding solutions, your services could be in constant demand as businesses look to improve their visibility and relevance in crowded markets. By weaving together data and information into compelling narratives, you could help a wide range of clients convey their stories and express their unique values. This venture could be both profitable and gratifying, as you'll be directly influencing how brands are perceived and experienced by their target audiences.

How much you can make: $1,300 — $350,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How I Started A $5,000/Month Luxury Branding Agency

How one founder started a luxury boutique branding house and quit her corporate job, becoming a successful entrepreneur with a team of contractors, interns, and VAs, expanding services to personal styling, social media management, and content creation, while building an online course and planning to become a community for female entrepreneurs.

Read by 14,805 founders

24. Start an advertising on your car

As a front-end developer, you could leverage your everyday commute by turning your car into a moving billboard. By signing up with car advertising companies, you could earn extra income simply by driving your usual routes. This additional income can help fund your side projects, purchase new tools, or allow you to invest more in your developing business.

This opportunity is low-effort and allows you to make money without significant time away from your primary focus. Plus, as someone already attuned to brand aesthetics and user experience, you could offer a more compelling pitch to companies looking for high-quality ad spaces.

25. Start a sneaker business ($122K/month)

As a front-end developer, you could leverage your technical skills to create a vibrant and user-friendly e-commerce platform tailored specifically to the sneaker market. Experts estimate the current sneaker market at $2 billion, with projections to hit $30 billion in the next few years, offering significant opportunities for growth and profit.

Consider building features like real-time inventory updates, personalized recommendations, and a sleek, responsive design to attract and retain customers. Starting a sneaker business could also allow you to blend your passion for tech with a lucrative niche in sneaker resales, although you might need to invest time in immersing yourself in sneakerhead culture to effectively compete in this high-demand market.

By marrying your front-end development skills with the burgeoning sneaker market, you could create a unique and profitable side business that beautifully integrates technology and fashion.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $50K/Month Business Customizing Sneakers

Meet Blake Barash, a custom shoe painter who grew his business from his bedroom to now making $50k per month and employing six people.

Read by 17,386 founders

26. Start an email app business ($64.6K/month)

If you're a front-end developer with an entrepreneurial mindset, an email app business could be a great way to supplement your income or even start a full-fledged business. By developing an application that streamlines email communication, sorting, and organization, you could address the common frustration of cluttered inboxes and inefficient email management. This is a venture with significant potential, given the global reliance on digital communication.

You could leverage your skills to create a platform that offers intelligent filtering, prioritization, and possibly even AI-driven responses. To succeed, you will need to focus on a user-friendly interface and features that set your product apart from giants like Gmail and Outlook. As a front-end developer, your expertise in user interface design will be crucial in making your app compelling and easy to use.

With the increasing demand for efficient communication tools, your innovative email app could capture a substantial market share. This could provide a valuable service to both individuals and businesses, potentially turning your side project into a profitable venture.

How much you can make: $21 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

We Built Our App From The Back Of A Bus And Grew It To 10,000 Users

Leave Me Alone, a web service that helps users easily unsubscribe from unwanted emails, launched in January 2019 and made $1,186 in revenue in its first month, with a successful Product Hunt launch and a focus on being an open startup contributing to its success.

Read by 13,370 founders

27. Start a podcast launch service

As a front-end developer, you could leverage your technical expertise and design skills to create a polished, user-friendly podcast launch service. By using your knowledge of web technologies, you could develop customized podcast websites optimized for SEO, integrate advanced analytics, and ensure a seamless user experience. Your ability to create engaging, aesthetically pleasing interfaces could set your service apart from competitors, attracting podcasters who want their shows to stand out.

Additionally, you could offer value-added services such as automated social media posting, subscription management, and custom-branded web apps to streamline the podcasting process. Considering your background, you could also create plugins or widgets that integrate with popular podcasting platforms, expanding your service offerings. This blend of creative design and technical implementation makes launching a podcast service a viable and potentially lucrative side business or full-time venture for a front-end developer.

28. Start a corporate uniforms

As a front-end developer, you could leverage your design skills and keen eye for detail to start a corporate uniform business. The venture involves more than just sewing fabrics; understanding each client's brand identity and offering various style and fabric options aligns well with your experience in creating cohesive and visually appealing user interfaces. Your ability to deliver a quality, branded product can set you apart in this growing market.

Moreover, your project management and client communication skills will be invaluable for managing supply chains and ensuring timely deliveries. By focusing on quality and customer service, you could carve out a profitable niche in the corporate apparel market, providing a steady revenue stream as new businesses emerge and existing ones seek to revamp their looks. This could be a promising way to supplement your income or pivot entirely into an entrepreneurial venture.

How much you can make: $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Built A $3.4M/Year Custom Uniforms Manufacturing Business

Case study on the transformation of a D2C menswear brand into a successful B2B uniform provider for hospitality industry giants, achieving revenue growth from $700k in 2019 to $3.4M in 2023, through strategic collaborations, product expansion, and community-driven initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read by 643 founders

29. Start a cross-border payments app business

As a front-end developer, you could leverage your skills to create a cross-border payments app that simplifies international money transfers. By developing a user-friendly mobile application, you could help users send and receive money globally with minimal friction, delivering a smooth and efficient experience while sidestepping traditional banking intermediaries.

With the growing need for secure, quick, and affordable international payments due to globalization, your app could save users time and money. This business idea not only challenges you to implement rigorous compliance with financial regulations and robust cybersecurity measures but also allows you to innovate in the fintech space.

If you're passionate about making global transactions smoother, a cross-border payments app could provide both a rewarding side business and a significant income supplement. Your unique expertise in front-end development can play a crucial role in crafting a reliable and attractive user interface, making you a key player in this entrepreneurial journey.

How much you can make: $1,500,000/month

How We Launched A $1.5MM/Month Digital Wallet and Financial Services Company

iCard is a leading e-money institution that offers a unique and 100% digital bank account alternative, with their app and services supporting the daily payments of people in over 30 European countries, and since launch in late 2017, the iCard app has seen around 500,000 downloads.

Read by 11,116 founders

30. Start a christmas lights service

As a front-end developer, you could leverage your eye for design and aesthetic sensibility to start a Christmas lights service, a highly lucrative seasonal venture. Homeowners and business owners are always looking for stunning and unique decorations, particularly during the holiday season, and your design skills could set you apart from the competition. This side business could be an excellent way to supplement your income, especially during the high-demand months of winter.

Additionally, setting up a Christmas lights service is a low-cost business idea with high-profit potential. Many people are willing to pay top dollar for expert installation and beautifully designed festive displays. By using your technical skills to perhaps even optimize your services online, create a portfolio or manage bookings, you could seamlessly integrate this business into your professional skill set and capitalize on the festive spirit.

meet the author
Pat Walls