22 Business Ideas For Software Configuration Managers [2024]

Updated: September 21st, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a software configuration manager in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a software configuration manager could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for software configuration managers?

We put together 22 of some of the best software configuration manager business ideas you can start in today.

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

Here's the full list:

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

As a software configuration manager, you possess a deep understanding of software development cycles and systems, making you an ideal candidate to start a business using a no-code platform. You could leverage your expertise to build and deploy applications without the need for extensive coding, streamlining processes for small businesses or even devising custom solutions for clients. The intuitive drag-and-drop features of no-code platforms allow you to rapidly prototype and iterate, transforming innovative ideas into viable products quickly.

This entrepreneurial venture could supplement your income by offering your no-code development services as a side business, catering to entrepreneurs and small business owners who need digital solutions but lack technical skills. With the growing demand for customized digital tools, your ability to create websites, mobile apps, or data analysis tools through a no-code platform could position you as a sought-after professional in the market. By tapping into this trend, you could expand your career horizons while adding a lucrative stream of income.

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

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

As a software configuration manager, you could leverage your existing technical skills and knowledge to develop a Shopify app, tapping into the booming ecommerce market. With your understanding of coding and UX design, you could create an app that enhances Shopify stores by addressing common needs such as customer engagement, inventory management, or sales optimization. This venture could supplement your income or even evolve into a full-time business, as successful Shopify apps often generate recurring revenue through monthly subscriptions or one-time fees.

Developing a Shopify app is not a get-rich-quick scheme; it requires ongoing development, customer support, and regular updates to keep pace with Shopify’s platform changes. However, with your passion and dedication, you could create a valuable tool that offers significant payoff by solving a common problem for store owners. The Shopify App Store provides you with a built-in market for your app, making it easier to reach your target audience and potentially help thousands of ecommerce businesses succeed.

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

3. Start an email automation platform ($348K/month)

As a software configuration manager, you could leverage your technical expertise to venture into developing an email automation platform. This platform would simplify the process of segmenting audiences, personalizing content, and scheduling emails, thereby addressing common pain points in digital marketing. With your background in software configurations, you'd be well-equipped to collaborate with developers, marketers, and customer service teams to create a robust, optimized solution.

Entering this field could provide you with a steady supplemental income as demand for efficient email solutions continues to grow in the business world. Furthermore, your unique insight into client needs and technical performance optimization would set you apart, giving you a competitive edge. If you are entrepreneurial and tech-savvy, this could be the perfect opportunity to apply your skills in a new, rewarding endeavor.

How much you can make: $21 — $4,160,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

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

How We Launched A $35K/Month Tool To Send Bulk LinkedIn Messages

Two entrepreneurs developed Coldinbox, a bulk LinkedIn messaging tool that assists B2B business development managers in converting high-value prospects into leads and customers, resulting in $35,000 in monthly profits.

Read by 13,797 founders

4. Start a sales automation platform ($160K/month)

Struggling to keep up with the constant grind of sales tasks? As a software configuration manager, you could leverage your technical expertise to develop a sales automation platform that streamlines and automates various sales processes. This not only supplements your income but also addresses a critical need in today's fast-paced business environment.

With your background in software, you could create a robust tool that enhances efficiency, minimizes errors, and allows sales teams to focus more on closing deals rather than managing administrative tasks. Given the growing demand for digital transformation, this venture could be a lucrative side business or even evolve into a full-fledged company.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,666,667/month

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

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

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Read by 12,019 founders

5. Start a resuscitation kits business

As a software configuration manager, you could leverage your organizational and project management skills to start a resuscitation kits business. Your expertise in streamlining processes and attention to detail would be invaluable in managing inventory, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining the high quality of your products. This business could offer significant opportunities for additional income while allowing you to utilize your existing skills in logistics and quality assurance.

Furthermore, your familiarity with software tools and systems can be a great asset in creating an efficient e-commerce platform to reach a broader audience. By integrating your technical knowledge with this niche market, you could build a scalable side business, and eventually, if desired, transition into it full-time. By strategically marketing resuscitation kits to healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations, you could tap into a crucial and steadily growing demand.

6. Start a SEO services ($87.4K/month)

As a software configuration manager, leveraging your detailed technical skills and understanding of system optimizations, you could venture into offering SEO services to supplement your income or even build a thriving side business. Given your expertise in managing software processes and configurations, you are already well-equipped to grasp the intricacies of website optimization, keyword research, and monitoring changes for improvements.

By offering SEO services, you could help small businesses enhance their online visibility, making their websites rank higher in search results and attracting more potential customers. This business demands minimal upfront investment, primarily requiring a computer, internet connection, and some foundational SEO knowledge, making it a low-cost yet high-reward opportunity for someone with your background.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $28K/Month Boutique SEO Company

This case study describes the journey of Russell Michelson who, after leaving his corporate job, turned his WordPress skills into a thriving boutique SEO agency earning $20k/month, thanks to client referrals and Upwork.

Read by 9,629 founders

7. Start a product development consulting business ($119K/month)

As a software configuration manager, your keen eye for detail and systematic approach make you well-suited for a product development consulting business. You could leverage your expertise to help businesses transform their ideas into market-ready products, guiding them through essential stages such as market research, prototype creation, and product launch strategies.

This field provides a blend of creative problem-solving and strategic planning, offering you the chance to interact with various industries and keep your work dynamic and engaging. By sharing your knowledge and skills, you could help companies save time and resources while maximizing their product's potential, all while building a reputable and rewarding side business.

How much you can make: $21,000 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)

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

I Built $140K+ MRR SaaS With No Audience & Sold It For $3.5M

This case study is about a founder who launched a paywall platform for content creators in 2019, bootstrapping it from $0 and eventually selling it for $3.5M on Flippa, with the platform generating between $125,000 - $142,000 in Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) on 95% margins.

Read by 10,038 founders

8. Start an e-commerce order fulfillment business ($4.69M/month)

As a software configuration manager, you could leverage your strong organizational and systems integration skills to start an e-commerce order fulfillment business. By setting up a streamlined warehousing, packaging, and shipping operation, you could provide essential backend support to online retailers, ensuring their products reach customers efficiently and effectively.

Your expertise in managing complex systems and processes would be invaluable in building a reliable fulfillment infrastructure that integrates seamlessly with popular e-commerce platforms. This business could supplement your income by handling inventory storage, customized packaging, and shipping logistics for various merchants. Additionally, your attention to detail and process optimization mindset could lead to a highly efficient operation, making you a trusted partner for e-commerce businesses seeking dependable delivery solutions.

How much you can make: $18,000 — $25,000,000/month

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

How This Immigrant Entrepreneur Built A $60M/Year Fulfillment Business

ShipMonk, a technology-driven fulfillment center, went from $130K in revenue in 2014 to nearly $30M in 2018 and was named America's Fastest Growing Fulfillment Center, with projected revenue of $60M for 2019.

Read by 18,243 founders

9. Start a seo consultant business ($151K/month)

As a software configuration manager, leveraging your meticulous attention to detail and analytical skills could be a natural fit for starting an SEO consulting business. The demand for SEO services is skyrocketing as companies strive to improve their online presence and compete effectively. By offering your expertise in optimizing websites, you could help businesses achieve higher search rankings, thereby boosting their visibility and success.

Your background in managing software configurations equips you with a strong technical foundation, making it easier to understand and implement advanced SEO strategies. This could serve as a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture, offering you the flexibility to supplement your income while providing valuable services in a high-demand market.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,800,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $22K/Month One-Stop Shop Marketing Company For E-commerce Businesses

Power Move Marketing is an innovative digital marketing company founded by Hailey Brooke McFadden, which has achieved an impressive monthly income of $22,075 and is projected to make almost $300,000 in its first year, by offering a one-stop-shop for e-commerce businesses looking for a marketing powerhouse with a female positive culture.

Read by 11,652 founders

10. Start a time tracking app ($223K/month)

As a software configuration manager, you could leverage your deep understanding of software development processes and project management timelines to develop a time tracking app. This app could cater to the growing need among managers and enterprises to improve employee productivity and adapt to remote work environments. By creating a sophisticated tool that allows users to clock in and out, use stopwatches for task timing, and offer analytics and reporting features, you could provide businesses with valuable insights into time allocation across tasks, projects, and clients.

Given your familiarity with defining project scopes and choosing software development methodologies, you could effectively outline the development process and lead your project team towards creating a reliable and functional app. By incorporating robust testing protocols and integrating suitable API solutions, you could ensure a seamless user experience. Ultimately, launching this time tracking app could generate a significant supplemental income stream or even serve as the foundation for your own thriving business.

How much you can make: $350 — $1,833,333/month

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

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

How I Launched A $185K/Month Employee Time & GPS Tracking App

Labor Sync is a mobile application that provides business owners with the ability to track the time and GPS location of their mobile workforce and after just one year of use, they saved $104,000 across 45 employees despite starting off with no funds for advertising or marketing.

Read by 8,219 founders

11. Become an IT consultant ($482K/month)

As a software configuration manager, you possess a deep understanding of IT systems and the nuances of their integration, making IT consulting a natural extension of your expertise. You could leverage your experience to evaluate other companies' IT infrastructures, diagnose issues, and design tailored solutions that align with their business objectives. This could be an excellent way for you to supplement your income or even transition to a full-time business consultancy.

Thinking entrepreneurially, IT consulting allows you to utilize your existing skills in a flexible manner, giving you the opportunity to work with a variety of clients and industries. By understanding your clients’ needs and solving complex IT problems, you not only enhance their operational efficiency but also position yourself as a trusted advisor in the field. This not only increases your earning potential but also broadens your professional network and experience.

How much you can make: $2,100 — $4,166,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)

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

How I Started A $6K/Month SEO And Digital Marketing Agency In Bangladesh

This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.

Read by 12,523 founders

12. Start a cloud management software ($129K/month)

As a software configuration manager, you could leverage your expertise to create cloud management software that helps companies efficiently manage their cloud resources, from data storage to security compliance. This venture would enable you to solve complex problems while meeting a critical need, as more organizations migrate their operations to the cloud. Your specialized knowledge in configuration management could be invaluable in designing robust backend systems and user-friendly interfaces that optimize cloud infrastructure.

The potential market for cloud management tools is vast and spans multiple industries, including healthcare and finance. By entering this high-demand growth industry, you could establish a rewarding business with the potential for significant financial returns. If you're motivated by the idea of digital transformation and have a passion for software development, cloud management software offers a promising entrepreneurial path.

How much you can make: $25,000 — $330,000/month

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

How We Partnered With Salesforce To Develop A $330K/Month Laboratory Information Management SaaS

Third Wave Analytics developed the world's first cloud-based and customizable LIMS platform on Salesforce, generating $330k monthly revenue from clients such as Ohio State University and Boston University School of Medicine while partnering with the University of California-Berkeley for a COVID-19 study; founder Savitra Sharma advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on clear objectives to meet their goals.

Read by 8,127 founders

13. Become a digital product designer ($89.1K/month)

As a software configuration manager, starting a digital product designer business could offer a lucrative side hustle or even a new career path. Leveraging your technical expertise and understanding of system intricacies, you could seamlessly transition into creating user interface design PSD templates and other digital products. Your depth of knowledge in software systems would enable you to create efficient, user-friendly designs that resonate well with new businesses seeking sleek, functional interfaces.

This venture would also cater to your problem-solving skills and attention to detail, critical attributes for successful digital product design. By building a strong portfolio of UI design templates, you could sell these products online, supplementing your income or establishing a sustainable business. As the demand for high-quality digital products continues to grow, your ability to translate technical specifications into compelling designs offers significant entrepreneurial potential.

How much you can make: $3,500 — $300,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $69K/Month Software Agency After A Failed Product Launch

A software agency started by a non-technical founder helps diverse clients with their minimum lovable product, boasting a revenue of over $700,000 this year with a 20% profit margin and a team of 8.

Read by 25,960 founders

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

As a software configuration manager, your expertise in systematic management and optimization of software systems could provide a strong foundation for starting an ecommerce marketing agency. By leveraging your skill set in technology and project management, you could help online sellers streamline their operations, stay ahead of eCommerce trends, and manage the complexities of digital marketing campaigns.

This entrepreneurial venture would allow you to offer a range of services, from niche-specific strategies to comprehensive end-to-end solutions that empower eCommerce brands to flourish without the need for full-time staff. The rapidly evolving eCommerce landscape rewards those who can balance the technical and creative demands, a skill combination you’re already well-versed in, making it a profitable and fulfilling opportunity to supplement your income or even transform into a full-time business.

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

15. Start a law firm ($1.04M/month)

As a software configuration manager, you could leverage your expertise in process optimization, version control, and documentation to start a law firm focused on providing exceptional legal services. You might partner with qualified lawyers to streamline case management, boost operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with legal standards through advanced software tools and methodologies.

This entrepreneurial move could allow you to utilize your project management skills in a new domain, overseeing the technology stack that supports the law firm’s operations. By integrating your technical prowess with legal expertise, you could drive innovation in legal services, improve client outcomes, and establish a profitable side business or full-fledged enterprise in a consistently in-demand field.

How much you can make: $80,000 — $5,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 22 days (?)

How I Started A $5M/Month Law Firm Focused On Personal Injury Cases

A Texas law firm founded on the premise of extreme preparation and relentless advocacy for its clients captured tens of millions of dollars of market share per year as it grew from a boutique firm with a scrappy reputation to dominating the competitive Texas legal market.

Read by 6,871 founders

16. Start a recruiting agency ($109K/month)

As a software configuration manager, you possess a unique set of skills in organization, process optimization, and meticulous attention to detail, which are highly transferable to running a successful recruiting agency. With the global online recruitment market projected to grow to $43 billion by 2027, there is a significant opportunity to capitalize on this expanding industry. Your intimate understanding of the IT landscape positions you well to identify, attract, and place top talent, particularly in the tech sector.

Starting a recruiting agency could allow you to leverage your network within the software and IT community, providing specialized recruitment services that many companies desperately need. By focusing on delivering outstanding results and garnering positive client feedback, you could build a reputation that distinguishes your agency in the competitive recruitment market. This side business could initially supplement your income and, with dedicated effort, potentially grow into a full-time entrepreneurial venture.

How much you can make: $100 — $320,000/month

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

How I Started A $3M/Year Remote Worker Recruitment Agency

DistantJob is a unique recruitment agency that specializes in finding full-time remote employees, and with $3 million in annual revenue, they offer small to medium-sized tech companies an edge over big competitors who are not willing to hire remotely.

Read by 12,076 founders

17. Start a digital marketing consulting ($49.2K/month)

As a software configuration manager, your expertise in systematic data handling and process optimization could be invaluable in digital marketing consulting. By leveraging your analytical skills, you could craft personalized marketing plans, optimize search engine results, and manage social media accounts to enhance a business's online presence.

Your attention to detail and proficiency in navigating complex digital systems would make you well-suited to analyze marketing data and implement strategies that significantly boost client visibility. This side venture could provide a creative and financially rewarding way to diversify your income, especially given the growing demand for digital marketing experts.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

How We Started A $100K/Month Marketing Agency During Our Honeymoon In Costa Rica

From a honeymoon in Costa Rica to a successful global digital marketing agency generating $100k a month, Travis Richardson shares his journey of building Impressions Agency without taking any loans or money from friends by keeping costs low, adapting quickly, testing out new strategies that produce results, and focusing on building long-term customer relationships.

Read by 10,134 founders

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

As a software configuration manager, starting an email marketing tool could be a lucrative side business due to your proficiency with software systems and automation. By leveraging your technical skills, you could create a robust platform that helps businesses streamline their email campaigns, manage subscriber lists, and analyze campaign performance.

Given the boom in the email marketing industry, with the market expected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028, the demand for efficient and user-friendly email tools is on the rise. This presents a golden opportunity for you to use your configuration and automation expertise to create innovative solutions that meet the needs of entrepreneurs, startups, and various other sectors like real estate. Not only could this supplement your income, but it might also grow into a full-fledged business.

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

19. Start a project management tool ($162K/month)

As a software configuration manager, you possess the technical expertise and organizational acumen to create an effective project management tool. Leveraging your deep understanding of workflow dynamics and project timelines, you could design a tool that includes features like task lists, Gantt charts, time tracking, and resource planning, all tailored to enhance efficiency and accountability within teams. This could fill a vital niche in improving how projects are managed, offering real value to businesses looking to streamline their processes.

Moreover, by offering this software as a web or mobile application via a subscription-based model, you could create a steady revenue stream. Organizations are always in search of innovative, user-friendly tools to boost productivity and manage resources effectively; your specialized knowledge positions you perfectly to capitalize on this demand. This venture would not only supplement your income but could also evolve into a full-fledged business, providing you the flexibility and gratification of running your own enterprise.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $830,000/month

How long does it take to build: 178 days (?)

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Read by 12,019 founders

20. Start a logo designing business ($45K/month)

As a software configuration manager, you already possess a keen eye for detail and a methodical approach to problem-solving—skills that can be seamlessly transferred into the world of logo design. You could leverage your technical expertise and experience with design software to create impactful logos that help startups achieve brand recognition. Given your background in managing and configuring systems, developing a streamlined workflow for logo creation and client collaboration would be a natural extension of your skill set.

Moreover, starting a logo designing business could supplement your income significantly, as demand for creative logos is consistently high among new businesses. You could either design logos yourself, capitalizing on any artistic talents, or outsource the designs while you handle the client relations and project management aspects. This dual approach allows you to scale your side business effectively without compromising your primary professional responsibilities.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $275,000/month

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How We Launched A $5K/Month Content Writing Solutions Service

Content writing company 411Writers started with $13.99 and now generates over $50,000 revenue per month, providing clients with unique website content for both search engines and human readers.

Read by 7,465 founders

21. Start a jute bags business

Starting a jute bags business could be a lucrative side venture for a software configuration manager like you. With your understanding of systematic processes and attention to detail, you could efficiently manage the production workflow and ensure high-quality products. The eco-friendly and biodegradable nature of jute bags aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable products, making it a timely and appealing market.

Additionally, your analytical skills and familiarity with project management tools could help streamline inventory management and order processing, optimizing the business operations. Given the low-cost investment and high demand for fashionable jute bags, this could transform into a highly profitable endeavor, supplementing your income and potentially growing into a full-time business. Embracing this entrepreneurial opportunity could allow you to diversify your professional skills while contributing to a greener planet.

22. Build an iPhone app ($238K/month)

As a software configuration manager, your expertise in managing software development environments can seamlessly translate into creating and maintaining a successful iPhone app. Leveraging your skills, you could design an app that addresses common pain points in software configuration, offering solutions for version control, build automation, or deployment management directly from an iPhone. Given the iPhone's ubiquity and its role in modern communication, your app could extend your professional influence and put your innovative solutions in the hands of users globally.

Moreover, creating an iPhone app allows you to diversify your income streams while applying your existing knowledge in a new context. The ever-evolving app market offers endless opportunities for creativity and innovation, encouraging you to develop an app that not only works well but also stands out in a crowded marketplace. Imagine providing your target audience with an intuitive, user-friendly tool that enhances their productivity, thereby establishing a brand identity and opening doors to further entrepreneurial ventures.

How much you can make: $150 — $2,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Created A $60K/Month App That Collects In-Person Payments Through Stripe

Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.

Read by 23,507 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.