30 Business Ideas For Software Developers [2024]
Interested in starting a business as a software developer in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a software developer could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for software developers?
We put together 30 of some of the best software developer business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other software developer businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a no code platform ($308K/month)
As a software developer, starting a business or supplementing your income with a no-code platform could be highly advantageous. You could leverage your existing technical knowledge to guide non-technical users through the process of building applications, effectively bridging the gap between complex coding and intuitive design.
Moreover, you could create and sell customized templates or offer consulting services to businesses looking to quickly deploy digital solutions without the need for extensive coding. The no-code movement is rapidly growing, and your expertise could position you as a valuable resource, allowing you to capitalize on the increasing demand for accessible app development.
Additionally, a no-code platform empowers you to bring your own ideas to life faster and possibly more cost-effectively. This can enable you to test new business concepts, iterate quickly, and launch digital products without the traditional overhead of a development team.
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 (?)
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.
2. Create a shopify app ($52.4K/month)
As a software developer, you could tap into the booming ecommerce market by creating a Shopify app. These apps enhance the functionality of Shopify stores, offering solutions that store owners need, such as customer engagement tools, inventory management systems, or sales optimization features. With your coding skills and understanding of UX design, you could develop an app that addresses common pain points for store owners.
Although it's not a get-rich-quick scheme, building and maintaining a successful Shopify app could generate significant recurring revenue through monthly subscriptions or one-time fees. The Shopify App Store provides a built-in market, making it easier to reach your target audience. With dedication and the right idea, you could create a valuable tool for thousands of ecommerce businesses, supplementing your income or even transitioning into a full-fledged business.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $110,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
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.
3. Start an email automation platform ($348K/month)
If you're a software developer looking to supplement your income or start a side business, developing an email automation platform could be an excellent opportunity. You could create software that streamlines the process of sending personalized emails, helping businesses save time and maintain consistency in their communication. In an industry where digital marketing is vital, your expertise could provide much-needed solutions for audience segmentation, content personalization, and email scheduling.
Building this platform involves more than just coding; it requires collaboration with marketers and customer service teams to understand user needs and optimize the software for better performance. As businesses increasingly rely on digital marketing, the demand for effective email automation tools is continuously growing. By leveraging your technical skills, you could develop a service that becomes indispensable to marketers, thereby creating a sustainable and potentially lucrative business.
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 (?)
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.
4. Start a sales automation platform ($160K/month)
Struggling to keep up with the constant grind of sales tasks? Consider starting a sales automation platform. As a software developer, you could leverage your technical skills to build a tool that streamlines and automates various sales processes, such as lead generation and follow-ups. This would free up valuable time for businesses, letting them focus on closing deals rather than managing administrative tasks.
By developing a robust sales automation platform, you could significantly enhance efficiency for your clients, minimize errors, and provide a comprehensive solution that integrates seamlessly with existing sales strategies. Given the growing demand for digital transformation and operational efficiency, this venture aligns perfectly with today's business needs. Combining your software prowess with a keen understanding of sales workflows could make your platform a must-have for companies looking to stay competitive.
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 (?)
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.
5. Start a time tracking app ($223K/month)
As a software developer, you could leverage your technical expertise to create a time tracking app, catering to the growing demand for productivity tools in a remote work culture. With managers and enterprises keen on improving employee productivity, your app could offer functionalities such as clocking in/out, as well as advanced analytics and reporting features. These capabilities would help users gain insights into time spent on various tasks, projects, and clients, thereby increasing efficiency.
Embarking on this entrepreneurial journey allows you to define the project scope, select a development methodology, and assemble a project team, transforming your vision into a fully functional app. By utilizing suitable API solutions and thoroughly testing prototypes, you could ensure a seamless user experience. Once published, your time tracking app could become an essential tool for businesses, adding a lucrative revenue stream to supplement your income or possibly grow into a full-fledged 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 (?)
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.
6. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
As a software developer, starting an email marketing tool could provide you with a lucrative side business opportunity. With your programming skills, you could develop a robust application to create, manage, and automate email campaigns, tapping into the growing email marketing industry. This industry is expected to reach $2.53B by 2028, showcasing the significant market potential.
Moreover, you could leverage your expertise to design a user-friendly and powerful tool that caters to the needs of businesses ranging from startups to real estate agents. By doing so, you could help these businesses generate leads, increase sales, and improve SEO rankings through effective email campaigns. This venture not only allows you to supplement your income but also positions you to create a scalable business that could evolve into a primary source of revenue.
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 (?)
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.
7. Start a digital marketing consulting ($49.2K/month)
As a software developer, you could leverage your technical skills and understanding of digital landscapes to start a digital marketing consulting business. This venture revolves around helping businesses enhance their online presence through targeted strategies and campaigns. You'd be crafting personalized marketing plans, managing social media accounts, optimizing for search engines, and analyzing data to boost client visibility.
Given the shift of businesses to online platforms, there is a growing demand for experts who can navigate the complexities of digital marketing. If you enjoy marrying creativity with analytics, this field offers a significant potential for growth and could become a rewarding business venture. It’s a practical way to supplement your income, utilize your existing skills, and dive into the entrepreneurial world.
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 (?)
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.
8. Start a mobile photography business ($104K/month)
Starting a mobile photography business could be a fantastic opportunity for a software developer, allowing you to channel your technical skills and creativity into a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time venture. With the rise of social media, blogging, and online retailing, high-quality images are in high demand, and your ability to understand and navigate tech platforms can give you a significant edge.
You could focus on various niches such as shooting weddings, creating promotional images for ad campaigns, or freelancing for online magazines. By investing in professional photography equipment and photo-editing software, you can ensure your work stands out. Researching your target audience can help you determine the most profitable specialization, making this a smart business move for someone already comfortable with technology and digital tools.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)
Photobooth Supply Co. offers a profitable business opportunity through their sleek and portable photo booths, with up to 97% satisfaction rate and a focus on customer experience, in a fast-growing event industry where photo booths are exploding.
9. Become an IT consultant ($482K/month)
As a software developer, you could seamlessly transition into an IT consultant role to supplement your income or launch a new business venture. Leveraging your technical expertise and problem-solving skills, you could analyze and diagnose a company’s IT infrastructure and design solutions tailored to their specific needs. This not only involves evaluating systems but also strategically aligning IT operations with business objectives.
By becoming an IT consultant, you would have the flexibility to work with diverse clients and industries, allowing you to build a varied portfolio. This side business or new career path could also enhance your professional network and open doors to additional opportunities in the tech space. If you are an IT graduate still hunting for your dream job, starting as an IT consultant might be your ideal stepping stone.
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 (?)
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.
10. Start a no code automation business ($23.5K/month)
As a software developer, delving into a no-code automation business could open up new avenues for supplementing your income. This involves leveraging various no-code tools to automate repetitive tasks and workflows, making it possible to deliver custom solutions without writing a single line of code.
Given the rising demand for operational efficiency and cost reduction, many businesses are keen on adopting no-code automation solutions. From automating email marketing campaigns to integrating apps and managing customer data, you could offer valuable services that streamline business operations, saving time and money for your clients.
If you have a knack for problem-solving and an understanding of business processes, this venture could turn those skills into a profitable side hustle or even a full-time business. Start by exploring popular no-code tools and earning relevant certifications to establish yourself as a credible expert 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 (?)
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.
11. Build an AI tool ($297K/month)
As a software developer, you could leverage your technical skills and experience in computer science to develop an AI tool. Given the rapid adoption of AI across various industries, there's a significant demand for AI solutions, from chatbots and virtual assistants to machine learning platforms in sectors like healthcare, finance, and retail. This creates a unique opportunity for you to supplement your income or even establish a thriving side business.
By creating AI tools, you could help businesses automate their processes, thereby saving them time and money. Additionally, with the AI software market projected to grow significantly—from $9.5 billion in revenue in 2018 to an estimated $118.6 billion by 2025—the potential for earning is substantial. Stepping into this burgeoning market could not only be financially rewarding but also position you at the forefront of technology advancement.
Moreover, your deep understanding of the different types of AI tools and their applications would give you an edge in identifying and targeting niche markets. Whether you aim for improving customer service via intelligent chatbots or enhancing data analytics with custom machine learning platforms, the possibilities in this field are almost limitless and profoundly impactful.
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 (?)
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.
12. Start a video content creation business ($125K/month)
As a software developer, you could leverage your technical skills to start a video content creation business. You already possess a keen understanding of complex concepts and a detail-oriented mindset, which would be advantageous in creating high-quality, engaging videos. By producing content ranging from promotional videos to social media snippets or even tutorial series, you have the opportunity to tap into a rapidly growing market for video content.
This business could serve as a supplementary income stream or evolve into a full-time venture. With the increasing demand for video content across various platforms, small businesses and influencers alike need polished, professional-grade videos. By investing in some basic video equipment and learning editing software, you could meet this demand effectively and even set yourself apart with your tech-savvy background. The potential for creativity and innovation in this field is vast, making it an exciting option for entrepreneurial-minded software developers.
How much you can make: $7,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Silksocial produces rockstar video ads for eCommerce brands, with a turnover of around $30K/month and a focus on differentiation through a deep understanding of e-commerce video ad production techniques that optimize investment returns.
13. Start a video production company ($156K/month)
Starting a video production company could be an excellent venture for software developers with an entrepreneurial mindset. Your technical skills could allow you to develop custom software solutions to streamline video editing workflows, manage project timelines, or even create interactive video experiences. Leveraging your expertise in software development could set your VPC apart by offering innovative, tech-savvy services to clients.
Moreover, software developers often have a keen eye for detail and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial in video production. You could use these skills to ensure high-quality outputs, handle troubleshooting during shoots, and offer clients seamless post-production services. This combination of software and video expertise could open up lucrative opportunities by creating engaging corporate videos, online ads, and employee training videos for various businesses.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 72 days (?)
Lemonlight CEO, Hope Horner, co-founded an on-demand video production company that has produced over 7,000 videos for more than 3,000 brands, generating over $6 million in sales and growing to a 45-person team, all without taking any outside capital and being recognized in Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 360 for three years in a row.
14. Start a payment app ($716K/month)
If you're a software developer with an entrepreneurial mindset, starting a payment app could be an excellent way to supplement your income or launch your own business. Payment apps enable users to accept payments from anywhere utilizing their mobile phone or tablet, making it easier for business owners and professionals to manage transactions for products or services irregularly. Given the increasing popularity of such apps, there is substantial opportunity to capture a share of the growing market.
Creating a payment app not only allows for the generation of passive income online but also involves relatively low initial costs while promising significant revenue potential. By leveraging your coding skills and understanding of user experience, you could develop an intuitive, secure, and efficient payment solution that simplifies financial transactions for users. This endeavor could position you advantageously within the virtually endless niche of mobile payment solutions.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
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.
15. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
As a software developer, you could leverage your technical skills to start a social media automation business, which involves creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms. This allows businesses and influencers to maintain consistent and strategic social media engagement without manual effort, making your service highly valuable.
By developing or integrating software solutions, staying updated on social media trends, and tailoring your offerings to client needs, you could build a lucrative side business or even a full-time enterprise. The increasing demand for efficient and effective social media management presents a prime opportunity for entrepreneurial-minded software developers to capitalize on their expertise in technology.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
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.
16. Start a business communications software ($1.48M/month)
If you're a software developer with entrepreneurial aspirations, delving into business communications software could be an exciting endeavor. You could leverage your skills to create cutting-edge tools that facilitate seamless communication within companies, ultimately enhancing productivity and profitability. By addressing the communication gaps that often hinder collaboration, you could foster a more engaging and efficient work environment for various enterprises.
In an era where technology and remote work are paramount, the demand for reliable, user-friendly communication software is massive. This largely uncharted territory offers countless untapped opportunities, allowing you to break new ground and shape how businesses interact. As the architect behind tomorrow's communication tools, you could not only redefine business interactions but also carve out a lucrative niche in the business software solutions market.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $10,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
PEAR Cards is a card-based tool/game that empowers players to open up and initiate positive conversations, and with the help of Ad Magic, their Kickstarter had an all-or-nothing fundraising goal, which they met with so much support the company is now growing through the power of Twitter and Instagram.
17. Start an user feedback app ($28.7K/month)
As a software developer, creating a user feedback app could be a lucrative side business that leverages your existing technical skills. Imagine having direct insight into customer needs and preferences at your fingertips; that's the power of such an app. By developing a platform that seamlessly integrates with websites, mobile apps, and even email campaigns, you could help businesses gather valuable insights without disrupting their user experience.
Setting up this type of business involves skills you likely already possess, such as app development, data analysis, and user experience design. The tool could provide companies with actionable data to improve their products, services, and overall customer satisfaction. With a subscription-based revenue model, this idea has the potential for steady, recurring income, making it a strong candidate for a sustainable side business or even a full-time venture.
How much you can make: $100 — $150,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Page Flows is a library of inspiration videos for digital product designers and makes about $4,500 per month in revenue from a small, one-off price, with slow and steady growth and long-tail keyword SEO as key drivers of success.
18. Start a remote hiring company ($92.2K/month)
Starting a remote hiring company could be a natural extension of your skills as a software developer, allowing you to leverage your technical expertise to build a robust and secure platform. By facilitating connections between employers and remote employees, you could tap into the rapidly growing market of distributed workforces, providing endless opportunities for global collaboration.
Your technical acumen could be pivotal in developing efficient matching algorithms and ensuring a seamless user experience, key aspects that would differentiate your service in a competitive landscape. You could also implement advanced security measures to protect user data, fostering trust among both employers and job seekers.
This entrepreneurial venture not only allows you to supplement your income but also positions you at the forefront of the evolving job market, contributing to a future where work is more flexible and inclusive.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $350,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,875 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
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.
19. Start a freelancer platform ($391K/month)
As a software developer, launching a freelancer platform could be an excellent way to supplement your income or start a side business. These platforms act as marketplaces where individuals with various skills and services meet those who need such expertise. Given your technical proficiency, you could design an intuitive, efficient platform that stands out among competitors, thereby attracting both freelancers and clients.
The freelancing industry is on a rapid growth trajectory, with the global market size projected to reach $6.7 billion by 2025. As more people opt for freelancing as a career, your platform could serve as an invaluable resource for both freelancers seeking new opportunities and businesses looking to tap into a diverse talent pool. By leveraging your software development skills, you could build a secure, user-friendly, and scalable platform that meets the evolving demands of the gig economy.
In a market where businesses constantly seek skilled help for various projects, a well-crafted freelancer platform could become a lucrative venture. You have the opportunity not only to create a passive income stream but also to contribute meaningfully to the freelancing community by offering a reliable space for professional growth.
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 (?)
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.
20. Start an online video editing business ($37.7K/month)
For software developers with an eye for detail and a knack for digital projects, starting an online video editing business could be a lucrative side hustle or full-time venture. You could leverage your technical skills and understanding of media production to facilitate the seamless handling of camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, and special effects. By managing software tools and communicating effectively with clients and video editors, you could offer a comprehensive video editing service.
You could even consider outsourcing the actual video editing tasks to experienced professionals, simplifying your role to mainly picking the video footage from customers and coordinating its transformation into polished final products. This way, you could capitalize on your project management abilities and technical expertise without needing to master video editing yourself. With the increasing demand for high-quality video content across all industries, your business could quickly become an essential service.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
VEED.IO, a London-based start-up co-founded by Sabba and her partner, offers a simple online video editing platform using batch job cloud architecture to help social media managers across the world auto subtitle, filter, rotate videos and much more, earning the company $5,300 MRR and the founders Ramen profitability within just a year of starting.
21. Start a social media marketing service ($97.8K/month)
As a software developer, you could start a social media marketing service to supplement your income and leverage your technical skills in a new field. Your expertise in data analysis and algorithm development can be invaluable when creating and optimizing social media campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You'll not only create and manage content but also utilize your analytical skills to monitor engagement metrics and continually refine strategies to enhance client success.
By embarking on this path, you could enjoy flexible working hours, allowing you to maintain your current job while gradually scaling up your side business as client demand increases. Moreover, establishing a strong reputation in this niche can generate recurring revenue, providing both financial stability and growth opportunities. Your technical background gives you a unique edge in understanding and leveraging social media algorithms, making you an indispensable asset to businesses seeking to improve their online presence.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,380 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
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.
22. Start a SEO & lead generation service ($60K/month)
As a software developer, leveraging your technical skills to start a SEO & lead generation service could be a lucrative venture. Your deep understanding of algorithms and data analysis can provide you with a unique edge in optimizing website performance and implementing robust lead-generating strategies. By developing custom software solutions or using existing tools to enhance SEO campaigns, you could attract clients who seek to boost their online presence and drive more qualified leads.
Additionally, your experience with coding and problem-solving equips you with the ability to create automated systems for tracking and nurturing leads, improving efficiency for your clients. With the growing demand for digital marketing expertise and your ability to adapt to new technologies, you could build a steady stream of income while potentially transitioning this side gig into a full-fledged business. This path not only complements your existing skill set but also opens doors to diversify your career opportunities in the digital marketing landscape.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
A link building company co-founded by Justas Markus has grown to make an average of $35k per month in recurring revenue with a focus on delivering high-quality services through manual processes and focusing on fewer markets.
23. Start an etsy shop ($47.5K/month)
Starting an Etsy shop as a software developer could open up opportunities to generate additional income by offering digital goods such as custom software tools, coding resources, or unique designs for user interfaces. Your existing technical skills enable you to create high-quality, marketable digital products that cater to a niche, tech-savvy audience. Additionally, your problem-solving ability and attention to detail can help you stand out among other vendors on the platform.
Creating an Etsy store allows you to build your brand and potentially attract new clients who value your expertise. By showcasing your products in a visually appealing storefront, you can effectively market your capabilities while gaining exposure and feedback from a broader audience. This side business provides a flexible and low-overhead way to explore your entrepreneurial aspirations without significantly disrupting your primary job.
How much you can make: $100 — $750,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
24. Start a freelance marketplace business ($124K/month)
Starting a freelance marketplace business could be a practical and lucrative opportunity for a software developer. Leveraging your technical skills, you could build a platform that connects companies with independent professionals for temporary jobs or special projects.
Given the trajectory of the gig economy, with more than 50% of the US workforce expected to shift to freelancing in the near future, the demand for such platforms is set to rise. This trend presents a tremendous opportunity for you to create a tailored user interface and a robust backend system, essentially turning your technical expertise into a thriving business.
As you develop your niche and choose a business model, you could build a user-friendly platform that addresses the pain points both clients and freelancers face. By facilitating secure transactions through escrow accounts and smooth project management, your marketplace could become a go-to hub in the freelancing ecosystem, supplementing your income or even evolving into a full-fledged business.
How much you can make: $100 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Flexiple is a customer-funded profitable business, generating $80K in gross monthly revenues on an average over the last 6-months, driven by their focus on connecting high-quality freelancers with companies looking for reliable and remote talent, while continuously iterating on their business model and expanding into complementary areas like tech hiring and content marketing.
25. Start an ecommerce brand ($79.9K/month)
As a software developer, starting an ecommerce brand could be a strategic way to leverage your technical skills while exploring entrepreneurial opportunities. With your proficiency in coding and web development, you could build and maintain an efficient and visually appealing online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. This allows you to take full control over the functionality and user experience of your site.
Breaking into ecommerce involves choosing a niche, sourcing or creating products, and managing inventory and marketing. Your ability to optimize website performance and implement sophisticated features could give you a competitive edge in promoting your products and ensuring a seamless customer experience. The hands-on experience with different aspects of business management could also diversify your skill set and open up various revenue streams.
Moreover, the potential to scale your ecommerce venture at your own pace provides the flexibility to balance it with your current job until you’re ready to transition fully. This step-by-step approach mitigates risk while offering you the autonomy to shape your brand, engage directly with customers, and ultimately earn substantial rewards.
How much you can make: $450 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
This case study follows the story of a successful online business that has made 7.2 million dollars in sales since 2012, with profits of around 30-45%, and the founders share insights on lessons learned and tools used.
26. Start a lead generation service ($287K/month)
As a software developer, you could leverage your technical skills to start a lead generation service, a venture that involves identifying and attracting potential customers for businesses. By utilizing your background in digital marketing and data analysis, you could design innovative strategies, campaigns, and tools to capture interest and convert it into actionable leads, providing immense value to businesses seeking to stay competitive in today's digital age.
Starting a lead generation service could open up a reliable income stream and offer a direct impact on the success of your clients. Your technical expertise could provide an edge in creating efficient, automated systems that continuously deliver high-quality leads. If you're entrepreneurial-minded and passionate about helping businesses grow, this could be a worthwhile and lucrative side business or full-time endeavor.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Stackmatix achieved $20k MRR in under two years by providing integrated digital marketing solutions for businesses, from start-ups to Enterprises, with a holistic, consultative approach, and currently they're pacing towards their goal of $50k MRR in another six to twelve months.
27. Start a b2b lead generation service ($172K/month)
As a software developer, you could leverage your technical skills to start a B2B lead generation service and supplement your income or even build a full-fledged business. B2B lead generation involves identifying potential business clients and initiating contact to foster future deals, which is a critical need for any company seeking growth. Your expertise in technology could enhance your ability to use research tools, automate outreach processes, and analyze data to build a robust pipeline of high-quality leads for businesses.
Given the high demand for reliable lead generation, your service could become indispensable to companies aiming to expand their market reach. With a knack for sales, data analysis, and relationship-building, you could create a scalable and impactful venture that not only benefits other businesses but also drives your entrepreneurial goals forward.
How much you can make: $500 — $1,250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
A 20-year-old digital nomad and serial entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a successful digital marketing agency, Nomads with Solutions, which specializes in Facebook lead generation, and offers insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and focusing on self-improvement.
28. Start a website designer ($22.8K/month)
Starting a website design business could make perfect sense as a software developer because it allows you to leverage your existing technical skills while also tapping into your creative side. With the ever-growing demand for polished and functional online presences, there are numerous opportunities to build visually appealing and user-friendly websites for companies and individuals.
By combining your coding expertise with an eye for design, you could create intuitive and engaging digital environments where users can seamlessly navigate. This blend of creativity and technical proficiency opens doors for supplementary income, a profitable side hustle, or even a full-fledged business. Building a strong portfolio and continuously honing your design skills could position you at the forefront of this dynamic field, blending artistry with strategic website development.
How much you can make: $2,350 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
A creative director at a Brussels-based creative, technology, and e-commerce optimization agency outlines their process of building a digital agency that focuses on eCommerce and SEO-based projects while providing tips on the importance of looking up to others but never comparing yourself to them.
29. Start a clothing designing business ($38.3K/month)
As a software developer, starting a clothing designing business could be a creative and lucrative way to supplement your income. Leveraging your technical skills, you could utilize digital design tools to create and iterate stylish clothing and accessory designs efficiently. Given your problem-solving mindset, you could excel in the production and distribution planning stages, ensuring a smooth operational flow.
Additionally, your understanding of market trends and tech-savvy nature could help you identify a profitable niche, be it sportswear or business formalwear, and market your brand effectively on social media. By implementing lean manufacturing processes, you could control production costs and maximize profits. With strategic planning and appealing designs, your clothing brand could thrive and garner substantial consumer interest.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $60,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of Hawthorn, a UK-based custom clothing manufacturer that designs clothes for start-up brands, and offers the lowest minimum order quantity in the industry, producing bespoke orders for as little as 50pcs per design.
30. Start a pet company ($344K/month)
As a software developer, you could leverage your technical skills to create innovative solutions in the pet industry. For instance, you could develop apps or platforms that help pet owners track their pets' health, schedule grooming appointments, or find reliable pet sitters. By marrying your coding expertise with your love for animals, you could carve out a niche market and stand out from traditional pet businesses.
The pet business offers tremendous flexibility, allowing you to manage your venture from home or any other location that suits you. This flexibility can be particularly valuable if you're considering starting a side business alongside your primary job. Additionally, offering various services like pet grooming, food delivery, or customized pet products could open multiple revenue streams, making it easier to supplement your income while working on something you are passionate about.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,833,333/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC is a successful pet sitting and dog walking business that brings in over half a million dollars in sales per year, boasts 3,500-4,000 social media followers, employs 42 individuals and has been voted in the top 3 pet sitting/dog walking companies in the RI/MA area for eight years in a row.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
