32 Business Ideas For IT Solutions Developers [2024]

Updated: September 6th, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a doctor in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a doctor could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Doctors?

We put together 32 of some of the best doctor business ideas you can start in today.

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

Here's the full list:

1. Start a mobile app development business ($141K/month)

As an IT solutions developer, starting a mobile app development business could be a natural extension of your existing skill set, allowing you to leverage your strong technical background to create high-quality software applications. Mobile apps are in high demand, with businesses continuously seeking innovative ways to engage with their customers through productivity tools, games, and social networking platforms. This opens up numerous opportunities to develop customized solutions tailored to market needs.

By branching into mobile app development, you could supplement your income or even build a thriving side business by offering your app development expertise to various clients. Your understanding of software development processes will be crucial in creating efficient, user-friendly apps that stand out in a competitive marketplace. Additionally, you'll gain firsthand experience in marketing and selling your mobile apps, further broadening your professional capabilities and entrepreneurial skills.

Ultimately, venturing into mobile app development not only allows you to explore new revenue streams but also keeps you at the forefront of technological innovation. This business is a great way to diversify your portfolio and secure a competitive edge in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $700,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 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

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

As an IT solutions developer, you could leverage your expertise to launch an AI-based business, capitalizing on the growing demand for intelligent solutions. By creating AI-driven software or platforms, you could optimize processes, provide valuable insights, and automate routine tasks for businesses, enhancing their efficiency and innovation capabilities. The possibilities are immense, from developing AI-driven customer service bots to sophisticated predictive analytics tools for various industries, including healthcare and finance.

With your technical background, diving into the AI landscape allows you to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field, positioning yourself at the forefront of technological advancement. This venture not only supplements your income but also opens avenues to significantly impact traditional sectors through groundbreaking solutions. By harnessing AI, you could help businesses reduce costs and improve operations, making your services indispensable in a tech-forward market.

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

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

As an IT solutions developer, you could leverage your software development skills to create a robust email marketing tool, capitalizing on the projected $2.53B market size by 2028. This side business would allow you to design, manage, and automate email campaigns, offering immense value to entrepreneurs, startups, and various industries, including real estate.

Email marketing remains one of the most effective channels for lead generation and customer engagement. By developing an intuitive and feature-rich email marketing tool, you could attract a wide customer base eager for efficient, scalable solutions. This venture not only supplements your income but also broadens your professional horizons by venturing into the lucrative realm of digital marketing.

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

4. Start a marketing coaching business ($69.6K/month)

As an IT solutions developer, you could leverage your analytical skills and strategic thinking to excel in a marketing coaching business. Your technical expertise in data analysis and problem-solving can help businesses refine their marketing strategies and identify their unique selling points. Additionally, your experience with IT solutions allows you to integrate advanced tools and analytics to measure the success of marketing efforts.

You might start with one-on-one coaching sessions or group workshops, providing actionable insights to improve messaging and engagement. Offering online courses could also be a scalable way to reach a broader audience. With minimal upfront investment and your deep understanding of digital tools, starting a marketing coaching business could be a highly rewarding avenue for supplementing your income while helping businesses achieve their marketing goals.

How much you can make: $350 — $4,166,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,350 (?)

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

How I Started A $10K/Month Business Selling DIY Web Design And Marketing Courses

How Shannon Mattern built a DIY web design training business from scratch that now generates $10k/month in revenue through affiliate commissions and courses, without outside investment or debt.

Read by 21,223 founders

5. Start a startup instructing business ($28.4K/month)

As an IT solutions developer, you could leverage your expertise in technology to start a startup instructing business, providing valuable guidance to fledgling businesses and solopreneurs. By offering advice on business planning, marketing strategies, and overall direction for success in the tech industry, you could supplement your income while broadening your entrepreneurial horizons.

You could begin this venture with minimal budget by focusing on your specific areas of expertise and targeting a niche audience that could benefit most from your knowledge. Developing a basic website or maintaining active social media profiles to promote your services would help attract potential clients. By offering affordable rates and building your reputation through satisfied customers and word-of-mouth, you could gradually establish a thriving side business or even transition it into a full-time enterprise.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $100,000/month

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

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

How I Launched A $5K/Month Platform To Connect With Growth Mentors

GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.

Read by 46,029 founders

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

As an IT solutions developer, starting an email app business could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even launch a full-fledged side business. You could leverage your expertise in software development to create an application that streamlines email communication, sorting, and organization, addressing a common pain point for many professionals. By incorporating intelligent filtering, prioritization, and AI-driven responses, you could differentiate your email app from established competitors like Gmail and Outlook.

Given your background, you could excel in integrating advanced features that set your product apart, providing users with an efficient and seamless emailing experience. The increasing demand for effective communication tools highlights a significant market opportunity, allowing your innovative email app to gain traction among both individual users and businesses. By thoughtfully addressing real-world needs, you could capture a substantial market share and build 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 13,365 founders

7. Start an ecommerce plugin ($23.4K/month)

As an IT solutions developer, venturing into the creation of an e-commerce plugin could be a lucrative side business or even a full-fledged enterprise. Your strong coding skills and familiarity with different e-commerce platforms will enable you to develop plugins that meet the growing demand for enhanced online shopping experiences. By building a robust e-commerce plugin that features a shopping cart, payment gateway, or product catalog, you could offer small to medium-sized e-commerce businesses the tools they need to improve their processes and increase their sales.

Given the burgeoning market for online stores and the increasing demand for automation, creating a well-designed plugin could save businesses significant time and money. Your expertise in plugin development can help you craft solutions that not only integrate seamlessly with existing systems but also add valuable features that set your offerings apart from the competition. This entrepreneurial venture has the potential to supplement your income or even transform into a successful standalone business by addressing the specific needs of e-commerce businesses.

How much you can make: $117 — $54,999/month

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

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 23,585 founders

8. Start a b2b lead generation service ($172K/month)

As an IT solutions developer, you could leverage your technical expertise and analytical skills to start a successful B2B lead generation service. Combining your proficiency with data analysis and technology, you could pinpoint high-quality prospective clients and build a robust pipeline of business opportunities for your clients.

By utilizing various tools and techniques, you could streamline the often daunting task of lead identification and outreach, providing a much-needed service that many companies struggle to manage in-house. Given the constant demand for quality leads, this venture promises a steady flow of income and the potential to scale quickly.

Furthermore, having a background in IT solutions gives you an edge in integrating sophisticated systems to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of your lead generation efforts. This entrepreneurial path allows you to supplement your income or even transition into a full-fledged business, all while harnessing your existing skill set to drive business growth for your clients.

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

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

How I Started A $12K/Month Digital Marketing Agency While Traveling Around The World

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.

Read by 10,061 founders

9. Start a micro saas ($83.3K/month)

As an IT solutions developer, starting a micro-SaaS business could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even transition into a full-fledged entrepreneurial venture. By leveraging your expertise in specialized software solutions, you could create targeted applications that address specific needs within niche markets. This not only allows you to gain a deep understanding of your customers' unique challenges but also positions you to provide highly customized and effective solutions.

Furthermore, focusing on a micro-SaaS model enables you to build closer relationships with your customer base, fostering loyalty and ensuring continuous feedback to refine and improve your product. By pinpointing a distinctive problem and selecting a scalable platform, you could position your business for growth while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction. Prioritizing customer insights will be crucial for the long-term success of your micro-SaaS venture, making it a smart and strategic choice for entrepreneurial-minded IT professionals.

How much you can make: $117 — $1,766,666/month

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

How long does it take to build: 60 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 23,585 founders

10. Start a niche web design business ($50K/month)

As an IT solutions developer, you could leverage your technical expertise by starting a niche web design business tailored to specific industries like law, home improvement, or fashion. Your existing skills in visual design, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript would allow you to create highly specialized and effective websites tailored to the unique needs of these sectors.

Focusing on a specific market not only helps you become a recognized expert but also enables you to charge premium rates for your services. Your strong communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills would be invaluable in understanding and addressing your clients' particular needs.

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

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

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

How I Left Silicon Valley And Started A $100K/Month Digital Agency

Never Settle, a digital agency with over 1,000 completed projects and a focus on lean methodology and building relationships with clients, has made a name for itself in the eCommerce space, offering comprehensive solutions to businesses of all sizes while maintaining consistent and moderate growth.

Read by 7,272 founders

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

As an IT solutions developer, starting a social media automation business could be a natural extension of your skills in creating efficient, scalable technology solutions. You could develop or integrate software tools that streamline tasks like scheduling posts, automating interactions, and analyzing user engagement data across various platforms. This kind of automation helps small businesses and influencers save time and maintain a consistent social media presence.

Given the growing importance of strategic social media engagement, there's a significant market demand for these services. By leveraging your technical expertise, you could build robust solutions tailored to client needs, enabling you to supplement your income or even transition to a full-time entrepreneurial venture. This business also offers the opportunity to stay updated on the latest social media trends and technology, further enhancing your professional growth.

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

12. Start a consulting business ($147K/month)

Starting a consulting business could be a highly lucrative avenue for IT solutions developers looking to supplement their income or even transition into a full-time entrepreneurial role. With the consulting industry experiencing significant year-over-year growth and valued at approximately $250 billion globally, there's never been a more opportune time to capitalize on this booming market.

By leveraging your expertise and insights as an IT solutions developer, you could offer specialized consulting services to businesses looking to enhance their IT infrastructures, streamline operations, or implement new technologies. Reading about the journeys of industry experts could provide valuable insights and strategies, helping you navigate your own path to success in this thriving sector.

How much you can make: $100 — $1,666,667/month

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

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

How I Started A $45K/Month Cybersecurity Consulting Firm For Startups

Cybersecurity consulting firm Eden Data, launched in March 2020, scaled to four team members and generated over $45k MRR without large startup costs through their unique Virtual CISO offering, which outsources cybersecurity and compliance needs for a flat monthly price, rather than charging by the hour or for long-term commitments.

Read by 35,824 founders

13. Start a cooking class

As an IT solutions developer, you could leverage your technical skills to create a seamless and engaging online platform for your cooking classes, supplementing your income or even starting a side business. By designing a user-friendly website and maintaining a robust social media presence, you could attract a broad audience interested in unique culinary experiences. Offering members-only content, selling recipes, and providing exclusive offline classes can diversify your revenue streams.

Additionally, your expertise in IT could enable you to integrate advanced features such as subscription services, automated booking systems, and interactive live sessions, enhancing the customer experience. With a strategic approach to content creation and marketing, you could tap into the growing demand for online learning, turning your passion for cooking into a lucrative entrepreneurial venture.

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Started A Cooking Classes Business With 7 Locations

Hipcooks is a 7-location cooking school business that has grown organically to reach $100k/month in revenue, and attracts and retains customers through their communal approach, vibrant online presence, and updated Google and Yelp business pages.

Read by 10,030 founders

14. Start a natural health product business ($188K/month)

As an IT solutions developer, you could leverage your technical skills to create a natural health products business that stands out in the market. By developing an e-commerce platform or a mobile app tailored to your product line, you could offer a seamless customer experience, ensuring ease of purchase and accessibility.

Given the growing interest in health and wellness and the projected 5.3% CAGR growth in the natural health products industry, you could tap into a lucrative market. Your IT expertise could further be utilized to implement data analytics for customer insights, enabling you to continually refine your product offerings based on consumer needs and trends.

Starting a natural health product business allows you to pair your technical knowledge with a passion for wellness, creating a unique and profitable entrepreneurial opportunity. Whether as a side business or a full-time venture, this approach could help you diversify your income streams and achieve financial success.

How much you can make: $35,000 — $500,000/month

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

How I Created A $30K/Month Greens Superfood Powder Supplement

SuperGreen TONIK's founder developed a greens powder supplement with 38 superfood nutrients, adaptogenic herbs, vitamins, and minerals that achieved $250k in sales in its first year and is looking to hit 7-figures in its second year, thanks to transparency, repeat customers, and focusing on fewer, properly dosed ingredients.

Read by 15,916 founders

15. Start a two sided marketplace ($20.3K/month)

As an IT solutions developer, you could leverage your technical expertise to build a two-sided marketplace, connecting service providers and consumers. This business model allows you to create a platform where sellers can list their services or products while buyers can browse, compare, and purchase, similar to how platforms like Airbnb and eBay operate. Your role would involve ensuring the platform runs smoothly, verifying users, and managing transactions, utilizing your skills in software development and system optimization.

The potential for income supplementation and business growth is considerable, driven by network effects—the more users that join your marketplace, the more valuable it becomes for both groups. By solving a significant pain point and ensuring a seamless user experience, you could create a scalable and profitable side business or even transition it into a full-time entrepreneurial venture. The technical complexities and continuous optimization required align perfectly with your background, offering a unique opportunity to capitalize on your skills while building something impactful.

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

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

How This Uber Driver Created A $270K/Year App For Gig Workers

Muver is a mobile app for gig workers allowing them to multi-app seamlessly between Uber, Uber Eats, Doordash, Grubhub, Lyft, Instacart, and more within a single app with over $270k revenue in the past 12 months.

Read by 4,989 founders

16. Start a business communications software ($1.48M/month)

For an IT solutions developer, starting a business communications software could be a perfect venture to supplement your income or even become a full-fledged business. Leveraging your existing expertise, you could develop cutting-edge tools that facilitate seamless communication within and between companies. These tools could streamline workflows, boost productivity, and drive profitability, making them highly attractive to businesses aiming to optimize their operations.

In the age of remote work and advanced technology, the demand for reliable, user-friendly communication software is skyrocketing. You could tap into this expansive market by bridging communication gaps and enhancing collaboration, thereby creating a more engaging and efficient work environment. As you venture into this largely uncharted territory, you have the opportunity to not only shape how businesses interact but also to establish yourself as a pioneer in the realm of business software solutions.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $10,000,000/month

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

Raising $19,000 Building a Positive Card Game

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.

Read by 8,232 founders

17. Start an user feedback app ($28.7K/month)

As an IT solutions developer, you could leverage your technical expertise to create a powerful user feedback app. This innovative tool would provide businesses with instant, insightful data on customer preferences by integrating seamlessly with websites, mobile apps, and email campaigns. Imagine the value you'll bring by enabling companies to gather and analyze feedback in real time without disrupting their user experience.

Starting this side business or full-fledged venture not only allows you to utilize your skills in app development, data analysis, and user experience design but also opens up recurring revenue streams through subscription models. By helping companies understand their customers better, you could drive significant improvements in their products, services, and overall market position. This business idea taps directly into a growing demand for actionable customer insights, making it a promising and sustainable option for entrepreneurial IT professionals.

How much you can make: $100 — $150,000/month

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

How I Started A $4.5K/Month Website With User Flow Design Inspiration

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.

Read by 9,031 founders

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

As an IT solutions developer, you could leverage your technical expertise to start a successful eCommerce marketing agency. Your ability to create robust, scalable, and secure eCommerce platforms would be invaluable to online sellers looking to optimize their business processes and stay ahead of the competition.

An eCommerce marketing agency supplements your income by tapping into the growing demand for online business solutions without requiring sellers to hire full-time staff. By staying updated on the latest eCommerce trends and focusing on digital marketing, you could offer end-to-end services or specialize in a niche market, thereby attracting a diverse client base.

Balancing your IT skills with the creative and marketing needs of eCommerce brands could lead to a profitable and fulfilling side business or even a full-time venture over time. This entrepreneurial route not only diversifies your income streams but also allows you to capitalize on the constantly evolving eCommerce industry.

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

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

Transitioning into software development could be a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture for an IT solutions developer. With strong technical skills and experience in programming, you could design, test, and oversee the creation of software tailored for various purposes, such as business solutions, personal use applications, or social networking platforms.

Given the average salary of software developers is around $110,140, with top earners making up to $140,000, starting your own software development company could significantly enhance your income. The current market trends favor mobile apps and cloud-based solutions, presenting numerous opportunities to develop innovative products that meet the growing demands of businesses looking for efficient ways to access data and applications.

Expanding into software development aligns perfectly with the skill set of an IT solutions developer, making it a natural and promising entrepreneurial move. By leveraging your understanding of how software works and staying updated with emerging trends, you could carve out a niche in this burgeoning industry.

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 39,451 founders

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

As an IT solutions developer, venturing into cloud management software offers a unique opportunity to leverage your technical expertise into a promising business. You could create software that aids companies in managing their cloud resources efficiently, overseeing aspects like data storage, scalability, and security compliance. This is an area of considerable demand as organizations increasingly migrate their operations to the cloud, requiring robust solutions to monitor and maintain their infrastructure.

By developing user-friendly interfaces and reliable backend systems, you could provide businesses across various industries—from healthcare to finance—with tools to optimize their cloud usage. This entrepreneurial pursuit is not only aligned with your skills but also places you in a growth industry poised for expansion. If solving complex problems and developing innovative software excites you, cloud management software could be the rewarding side business or even a full-fledged venture you’re looking for.

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 8,125 founders

21. Become a temporary tattoo artist

As an IT solutions developer, venturing into the world of temporary tattoos offers a creative outlet and an additional revenue stream that complements your technical skills. You could leverage your detailed-oriented mindset and precision honed from coding to create intricate, eye-catching temporary tattoo designs. Moreover, your ability to adapt and learn new tools quickly means you could master the techniques involved in applying these tattoos, either by hand or with specialized equipment.

This side business could fit well into your schedule, allowing you to work on weekends or during downtime between IT projects. You could also utilize your digital marketing skills to build an online presence, showcase your work on social media, and attract a clientele that appreciates both your artistry and tech-savviness. Given the $1.4 billion market for tattoo artists in the U.S., this could grow into a significant income stream as you establish a strong reputation in the industry.

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

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

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

How I Started A Passive Income Business While Living Out Of A Van

Forgotten Mermaids creator Anslea shares how she started a passive income business while living out of a van, creating mermaid temporary tattoos and accessories, and has grown to average $1,000 per month in mostly passive income over the last six months.

Read by 9,202 founders

22. Become a mobile personal trainer ($29.1K/month)

As an IT solutions developer, you could leverage your technical skills to establish a mobile personal training business. This side hustle allows you to be flexible with your schedule, taking on clients during your off-hours or weekends. Your analytical abilities can help you optimize workout plans and track clients' progress through user-friendly fitness apps or custom-built solutions.

Given your professional network, you could easily market your services through online advertising and social media, attracting clients who are also in the tech industry and might value your understanding of their lifestyle. Also, once you establish yourself as a competent trainer, referrals from current clients could significantly boost your business. You'll need to complete a certification course to offer personal trainer services, but once certified, this side business could generate meaningful extra income.

How much you can make: $600 — $60,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 4 hours/week

How We Launched A $25K/Month Interactive Live Streaming Group Fitness Workout Platfrom During The Pandemic

Sweat from Home is a two-way, interactive, and live-streaming group fitness workout startup that has held over 800 classes since March 2020, generates $25k in monthly recurring revenue, and has donated over $7k to 6 different charities; they aim to become the world's best live-streamed fitness class.

Read by 9,184 founders

23. Start a wordpress maintenance services ($24.3K/month)

As an IT solutions developer, starting a WordPress maintenance service could be a natural and lucrative extension of your technical expertise. By managing, updating, and optimizing WordPress websites, you could provide valuable support to businesses and bloggers who lack the time or know-how to handle technical complexities. This not only offers a practical way to supplement your income but also allows you to leverage your existing skills in a scalable business model.

The recurring revenue from monthly service plans can provide a steady income stream, making it an appealing side business or even a full-fledged venture. You could handle tasks such as security updates, plugin management, speed optimization, backups, and troubleshooting, ensuring that clients’ websites run smoothly and securely. As your business grows, you could hire specialized staff or use automation tools to efficiently manage an expanding client base.

How much you can make: $600 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $550 (?)

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

How I Started A $1.4K/Month WordPress Support Service

Work Hero is a WordPress support and maintenance service that went from working with one website in December 2019 to 13 recurring customer sites today, earning ~$1470/month with most customers paying an unlimited fee of $149/month.

Read by 7,842 founders

24. Start a social media analytics business ($177K/month)

As an IT solutions developer, you could seamlessly transition into the social media analytics business by leveraging your existing skills in data analysis and systems integration. This venture involves helping companies understand and utilize their social media metrics to enhance their online presence and marketing strategies. By providing insights into engagement rates, audience demographics, and performance trends, you could enable businesses to make data-driven decisions to boost their brand and sales.

With the growing demand for actionable social media insights, this business presents a timely and promising opportunity. You would become an essential partner for firms looking to outpace their competitors in the digital landscape. To succeed, you would need to acquire the right analytical tools, build a strong understanding of social media platforms, and foster strong client relationships for sustained growth.

How much you can make: $12,000 — $749,998/month

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

Bootstrapping A $100K/Month Social Media Planner And Analytics Tool

Metricool, a SaaS social media management tool, built a business with a Freemium model, starting with just $50k in investment and now boasts over 5,000 clients, more than 400,000 users, and over $1 million of annual recurring revenue.

Read by 8,869 founders

25. Start a product design inspiration blog ($4.74K/month)

As an IT solutions developer with a knack for innovation, you could leverage your technical expertise to create a product design inspiration blog. By curating content that highlights cutting-edge product designs and trends in technology, you would not only showcase your industry knowledge but also inspire other developers and designers. Your ability to discuss both the technical and aesthetic aspects of product design could set your blog apart from general design blogs.

Starting this blog could supplement your income through various monetization strategies like affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or selling related digital products and services. Additionally, your technical background would enable you to create a user-friendly website on cost-effective platforms like WordPress or Wix, ensuring a seamless experience for your audience. Over time, as you build a strong social media presence and consistently publish high-quality content, this side venture could potentially transform into a thriving business in its own right.

How much you can make: $4,487 — $5,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $4.5K/Month Website With User Flow Design Inspiration

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.

Read by 9,031 founders

26. Start a healthy meal delivery service ($138K/month)

As an IT solutions developer, you could leverage your technical expertise to launch a successful healthy meal delivery service, tapping into the growing demand from busy professionals and health-conscious individuals. Utilizing your skills, you could create a seamless e-commerce platform that simplifies order processes, integrates personalized meal planning, and optimizes delivery logistics.

By embracing technologies like AI for personalized meal recommendations and data analytics for optimizing supply chain management, you would provide a superior customer experience while minimizing food waste and operational costs. This entrepreneurial venture could open new revenue streams while enhancing your portfolio with the integration of tech solutions in innovative ways.

How much you can make: $60,000 — $300,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)

How We Started A Meal Prep Delivery Business And Did $1.8M In Sales

Healthy Chew is a profitable weekly meal preparation service that grew from 200 to 10,000 weekly bowls in just over 3 years, with an overall sales figure of $1.8 million, achieved through effective branding and personalised customer service.

Read by 40,268 founders

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

As an IT solutions developer, starting an IT consultancy could be a strategic way to supplement your income or even transition into a full-time business. With your extensive technical skills and understanding of complex IT systems, you could leverage your knowledge to diagnose IT infrastructure issues and design tailored solutions for various companies. This not only allows you to apply your expertise to diverse challenges but also enables you to build a portfolio of satisfied clients, enhancing your professional reputation.

In essence, by becoming an IT consultant, you could provide invaluable insights and innovative strategies that help businesses optimize their IT operations and achieve their goals more efficiently. This role offers flexibility, enabling you to work with multiple clients across different industries and scale your services as you grow. Expanding into IT consulting not only diversifies your income streams but also positions you as a sought-after expert in your field.

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

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

As an IT solutions developer, venturing into an SEO consulting business could be a lucrative side gig or a full-fledged business. With your technical background, you could easily leverage your skills in website optimization, analytics, and data interpretation to help businesses improve their search engine rankings. The demand for SEO services is rising rapidly, making it an opportune time to enter the market.

By offering SEO consulting services, you could supplement your income with relatively high profits due to the specialized knowledge you possess. Furthermore, your understanding of complex algorithms and coding practices will give you an edge in developing sophisticated SEO strategies that drive real results for your clients. Consider focusing on niche markets or industries where you already have experience to differentiate yourself and attract a loyal client base.

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

29. Start a content marketing business ($91.3K/month)

As an IT solutions developer, starting a content marketing business could be a logical and lucrative side venture. With the increasing demand for content marketing services, businesses with a content marketing strategy get 67% more leads, indicating a high potential for revenue.

Your technical expertise can help you develop SEO strategies and optimize content for maximum visibility and engagement. By hiring content creators, you could focus on managing and expanding your client base, offering specialized, data-driven content strategies that drive significant results. This business would not only supplement your income but also leverage your existing skill set, making it an efficient and impactful entrepreneurial endeavor.

How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.

Read by 24,821 founders

30. Start an ac repair business ($955K/month)

As an IT solutions developer, you could leverage your technical skills and analytical mindset to start a profitable AC repair business. With the HVAC market growing at a 6.1% CAGR and expected to reach $82.5 billion, there is significant potential for supplementary income. Your experience in troubleshooting and problem-solving can be directly applied to diagnosing and repairing HVAC units, which require regular maintenance due to their frequent breakdowns.

You could start by assembling a skilled AC repair technical team, targeting both commercial and residential customers to maximize your client base. By marketing your services online, you can tap into the increasing trend of consumers searching for HVAC solutions on the web, similar to how they might seek IT solutions. This approach allows you to use your existing knowledge of digital marketing and online service platforms to establish a thriving side business or even transition into a full-scale entrepreneurial venture.

How much you can make: $200,000 — $2,290,747/month

How We Started A $1M/Month Business Selling HVAC And Energy Auditing Tools

TruTech Tools, LTD is one of the largest online stores in the niche market of tools and test instruments for HVAC/R Technicians, with $16 million in sales in 2020 and 20% YoY growth thanks to a focus on providing an exceptional customer experience and staying true to their core values.

Read by 9,425 founders

31. Start a tech blog ($91.6K/month)

Starting a tech blog could be a strategic move for an IT solutions developer looking to supplement their income or launch a side business. Leveraging your expertise and understanding of the latest technology trends, you could provide valuable insights on new products, industry news, and cutting-edge developments. With your background, you would have an edge in creating content that is both credible and engaging for a tech-savvy audience.

A tech blog allows you to position yourself as an industry thought leader while exploring monetization opportunities through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and ad revenue. While the road to generating a significant income may take time, doing it right could potentially lead to earnings of $37,073 per year. A tech blog aligns perfectly with the skill set of an IT solutions developer, making it an excellent avenue for entrepreneurial growth.

How much you can make: $150 — $700,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $275 (?)

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

How I Launched A $1K/Month Newsletter Covering European Tech

Seedtable is an authentic weekly newsletter on European tech, business, and politics, with 10,000+ subscribers and 50,000+ monthly visitors to its startup rankings, providing an insight into the European tech industry for investors, founders, and employees of leading Euorpean tech companies and funds.

Read by 9,258 founders

32. Create a website builder ($667K/month)

As an IT solutions developer, you could leverage your technical expertise to launch a website builder business, combining your deep understanding of web development and user experience to create a robust platform. This platform would enable individuals and businesses to easily design their own websites through drag-and-drop features, customizable templates, and integrated functionalities such as eCommerce and SEO tools. By addressing the growing need for a strong online presence among small businesses, freelancers, and personal brands, you tap into a vast and ever-expanding market.

The skills you currently have position you perfectly for creating a user-friendly and adaptable tool, keeping you ahead of industry trends and customer demands. Starting a website builder business could not only supplement your income but also potentially become a full-fledged enterprise, offering significant returns as you empower users to efficiently establish their digital footprint.

How much you can make: $200 — $8,500,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $8.5M/Month Company Providing Marketing Solutions To SMBs

Co-founder of Madwire JB Kellogg grew his business from just the two of them in a tiny office to over 500 employees and $100 million in annual revenue in under 10 years, by focusing on exceptional customer service and a multi-channel inbound strategy.

Read by 14,113 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls