21 Business Ideas For Programmers, Developers & Coders [2024]
Interested in starting a business as a programmers in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a programmers could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Programmers?
We put together 21 of some of the best programmers business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other programmers businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a mobile app development business ($141K/month)
Starting a mobile app development business could be an excellent avenue for programmers looking to supplement their income or even transition into full-time entrepreneurship. With your technical expertise, you could create a variety of applications ranging from games to productivity tools, addressing specific needs in the market and providing immense value to users. The demand for mobile apps is continually increasing as businesses strive to connect with their customers through mobile platforms.
As a programmer, you already possess the core skill set required to develop high-quality software applications. This would allow you to hit the ground running and produce polished, functional mobile apps. Additionally, understanding how to market and sell your apps can turn your side project into a lucrative business venture, tapping into the ever-growing mobile app industry.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $700,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 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.
2. Start an AI-based business ($27.9K/month)
As a programmer, the prospect of launching an AI-based business could enable you to leverage your existing skill set while venturing into one of the most transformative sectors today. You could develop software or platforms that utilize AI to optimize processes, automate tasks, or provide deep insights, creating solutions that add tremendous value to businesses by increasing efficiency and reducing operational costs. Picture yourself building an AI-driven customer service bot or a predictive analytics tool for the healthcare industry—your expertise could make these innovative solutions a reality.
Moreover, with AI's rapid evolution and growing adoption across various industries, an AI-based business could position you at the cutting edge of technological advancements. By diving into this burgeoning field, you could capitalize on emerging opportunities, ensuring that you stay ahead of the curve and at the forefront of industry innovation. For entrepreneurial-minded programmers, this translates into not just supplementary income but potentially pioneering the next big tech revolution.
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 (?)
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.
3. Start a micro saas ($83.3K/month)
Starting a micro-SaaS could be a lucrative side business for programmers, allowing you to leverage your coding skills to create targeted software solutions for niche markets. By focusing on specialized problems, you can develop highly customized applications that address unique needs, setting your product apart from broader, one-size-fits-all SaaS solutions.
This approach allows you to build a strong relationship with your customer base, as you will have the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of their specific requirements. This close interaction can help you refine your product more effectively through regular customer feedback, ensuring its long-term success.
By identifying a distinctive problem and choosing a scalable platform, you could establish a thriving micro-SaaS business that not only supplements your income but also provides a fulfilling entrepreneurial endeavor.
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 (?)
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.
4. Start a two sided marketplace ($20.3K/month)
Starting a two-sided marketplace could offer you an exciting and scalable way to supplement your income or even build an entire business. As a programmer, you already possess the technical skills to develop and maintain a platform that connects two distinct groups—buyers and sellers. Think of companies like Airbnb and eBay; they thrive by solving pain points for both parties, and you could create a similar ecosystem in a niche that you're passionate about or have expertise in.
Your responsibilities would extend beyond just coding; you'd need to ensure a seamless user experience, handle transactions, and verify users to maintain trust on the platform. The beauty of this model is that it scales well; as more users join, the value of the platform increases exponentially due to network effects. With diligent planning, a keen eye for user acquisition strategies, and continuous optimization, a two-sided marketplace could not only provide extra income but also evolve into a successful, full-time venture.
How much you can make: $100 — $100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
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.
5. Start an ecommerce plugin ($23.4K/month)
As a programmer, you could leverage your coding skills and experience with e-commerce platforms to create a valuable e-commerce plugin. Whether it’s a shopping cart, payment gateway, or product catalog, the development of these plugins could provide businesses with essential tools to enhance their online sales capabilities. With the growing demand for e-commerce solutions, your plugin could fill a niche by offering unique features or superior reliability.
Furthermore, a well-designed e-commerce plugin could automate routine tasks for businesses, saving them time and money while driving your revenue through plugin sales or subscription models. This side business opportunity not only supplements your income but also positions you as a key player in the e-commerce ecosystem. Given the increasing reliance on online sales, the market potential for innovative and robust e-commerce plugins continues to expand, making it a lucrative venture for entrepreneurial-minded developers.
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 (?)
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.
6. Start an email app business ($64.6K/month)
If you're tired of cluttered inboxes and inefficient email management, starting an email app business could be an exciting venture. As a programmer, you could develop an application to streamline email communication, sorting, and organization, addressing a common pain point in the ever-digital world.
By offering intelligent filtering, prioritization, and AI-driven responses, you could create a platform that stands out from established competitors like Gmail and Outlook. This business idea taps into a growing need for efficient communication tools, allowing you to provide a valuable service to both individuals and businesses.
Building such an app will leverage your skills in software development, user interface design, and market research, making it a viable side business or even a full-time endeavor. The increasing demand for innovative email management solutions means your app could capture a substantial market share, supplementing your income or potentially becoming a lucrative standalone business.
How much you can make: $21 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
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.
7. Start an ecommerce platform ($202K/month)
Starting an eCommerce platform could be a lucrative venture for a programmer. Given your ability to build and customize websites, you might create a unique, user-friendly online store that stands out amidst the competition. With over 2 billion people preferring to shop online, there is substantial demand and opportunity to capture a segment of this vast market.
As a programmer, you could leverage your technical skills to optimize website performance, enhance security, and integrate advanced features like AI-driven product recommendations, which could set your eCommerce business apart. By starting your own online store, not only could you supplement your income, but you might also develop a comprehensive business model that could evolve into a full-fledged, profitable venture over time.
How much you can make: $100 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
A 3D CAD designer and product inventor who started as a side hustle and averaged $9,000 a month in revenue, shares his insights on the ups and downs of owning a service-based business alongside an eCommerce store, as well as lessons learned in customer acquisition and in generating multiple streams of passive income.
8. Start a data analytics software business ($454K/month)
Starting a data analytics software business could be a savvy move if you're a programmer, as it allows you to leverage your technical skills to meet a growing demand for data-driven decision-making tools. By identifying a specific industry or niche, you could develop specialized software with custom reporting tools, dashboards, and features tailored to that sector's needs. This ensures you provide targeted solutions that help organizations visualize and interpret their data more effectively.
With a focus on creating user-friendly and efficient tools, you could position your product as an essential asset for business intelligence and strategic planning. Marketing your software by emphasizing its simplicity and the actionable insights it provides can attract a dedicated client base. Ultimately, by addressing the unique challenges of your target market, you could establish a profitable venture that adds significant value to your clients' decision-making processes.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Diesel Laptops, a B2B company that sells diesel diagnostic hardware, software, and services, successfully doubled revenue each year to make $20 million annually within three years, grew from its founder's garage and dining room table to a 21,000 square foot facility with over 90 employees by listening to customer pain points and offering the bundled products, technical support and repair information to attract and retain diesel technicians and repair shop owners.
9. Start a computer store
Starting a computer store could be a lucrative venture for a programmer looking to supplement their income or transition into entrepreneurship. With your technical expertise, you could not only sell high-quality computers and peripherals but also provide exceptional repair and maintenance services that set your store apart from competitors. Offering data recovery, installation, and setup services could further capitalize on your skills and create additional revenue streams.
Being knowledgeable in the latest technology trends, you'll be well-positioned to advise customers on the best products to meet their needs, enhancing their experience and building customer loyalty. Your ability to troubleshoot and fix common computer issues would attract repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Additionally, leveraging your tech-savvy nature to deploy effective online marketing strategies could help you establish a robust customer base and drive sales.
As a programmer, you already possess the analytical and problem-solving skills essential for running a successful computer store. Developing a supportive and knowledgeable team, fostering relationships with suppliers for competitive pricing, and maintaining an organized and professional store environment could set the stage for long-term success in this business endeavor.
10. Start a brand consultant business ($313K/month)
As a programmer, you could leverage your analytical mindset and problem-solving skills to launch a brand consultant business. Your ability to dissect and understand complex systems can translate well into market research and brand strategy. By offering insights into brand positioning and messaging, you could help startups and established companies alike build a strong, cohesive identity that resonates with their target audience.
Your technical expertise can also be a unique selling point, differentiating you from traditional brand consultants. Imagine assisting clients in implementing their branding strategies through custom-built websites or applications that align with their brand values. With a solid understanding of design and strategic thinking, combined with your programming knowledge, you could shape the digital and visual aspects of a brand, ensuring a seamless and impactful market presence.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
TapResearch generates roughly $1.5M in revenue per month through their Sample and Insights platforms, which allow market researchers to access survey respondents they need and make fast and easy decisions through a highly scalable respondent network that delivers surveys to hundreds of millions of people.
11. Start an artificial intelligence business ($60K/month)
Starting an artificial intelligence business could be a highly lucrative endeavor given the rapid growth of the AI market, estimated to increase by approximately 54% YoY and reach over 22 billion U.S. Dollars in the near future. As a programmer, you could leverage your existing skills to develop AI-driven solutions, such as machine learning models, natural language processing tools, or predictive analytics software, tailored to various industries.
You could also create customized AI applications to help businesses automate routine tasks, enhance decision-making processes, or improve customer engagement through advanced chatbots and recommendation systems. Moreover, offering consultancy services to companies looking to integrate AI into their operations could be another profitable avenue.
By starting an AI-related business, you not only supplement your income but also position yourself at the forefront of a transformative technology that is shaping the future.
How much you can make: $150 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
AdviNOW Medical uses artificial intelligence to automate clerical work, resulting in doctors being able to focus solely on patients and patients seeing more doctors every day, leading to increased profitability while solving healthcare issues.
12. Start a knowledge sharing tool ($168K/month)
Thinking of ways to supplement your income or start a side business? As a programmer, you could consider developing a knowledge sharing tool. This type of software enables users to effortlessly exchange information, insights, and expertise within a centralized platform, making it an invaluable asset for any organization.
Imagine coding a solution where employees can quickly find answers to their questions, share best practices, and collaborate more effectively on projects. Such a tool would not only boost productivity but also foster an environment of continuous learning and growth. Your investment in technology and user experience design could transform the way teams operate, leading to optimized workflows and enhanced employee satisfaction.
If you're passionate about improving workplace efficiency, a knowledge sharing tool could be incredibly fulfilling to create. You'll meet a growing demand for efficient knowledge management while making a tangible impact on modern business operations. This entrepreneurial venture could leverage your existing skills and provide a lucrative avenue for additional income.
How much you can make: $160,000 — $175,000/month
How long does it take to build: 227 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.
13. Start an appliance repair business ($52K/month)
Starting an appliance repair business could be a viable venture for a programmer. You could leverage your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities to diagnose and fix common household appliances like microwaves, dishwashers, and refrigerators. This technical aptitude, combined with structured training and hands-on experience, can help you become proficient in appliance repair while diversifying your skill set.
With an entrepreneurial mindset, you could first gain experience by working under an appliance engineer, honing your skills before launching your own business. Specializing in certain lines of appliances or offering general services gives you the flexibility to tailor your business model to market demands. The combination of your technical background and entrepreneurial spirit could make this a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time business.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $100,000/month
Retro Radio Farm founder, Allen Chiang, earns $50k per year as a side business restoring old radios and offering Bluetooth MP3 upgrades, with the business growing 20% every year.
14. Become a content strategist ($64K/month)
As a programmer, you could tap into your analytical and technical skills to start a content strategist business. Your proficiency in data analysis, market research, and staying abreast of industry trends would be invaluable in identifying target audiences and creating effective content strategies. By leveraging your existing knowledge of digital tools and platforms, you could offer comprehensive content plans that align with business goals and drive measurable outcomes.
Additionally, your experience working on development projects could translate well to the project management aspect of content strategy. You could efficiently juggle multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality output. Combining your technical acumen with strong communication skills would allow you to collaborate seamlessly with marketing and sales teams, ensuring that content initiatives support broader business objectives. By doing so, you could build a reputable side business or even transition into a full-fledged content strategist career.
How much you can make: $500 — $550,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Draft founder, Karl, built a productized service for technical content, generating $10k in (mostly) recurring revenue in just three months of running the business, showing the success of skill-stacking and the impact of word of mouth and maintaining a strong network in a service business.
15. Become a business law consultant ($518K/month)
If you have a knack for understanding and navigating the complex world of business law, starting a business law consultancy could be a savvy move. As a programmer, you could leverage your analytical skills to offer services like contract reviews, compliance auditing, and legal risk assessments. This could not only supplement your income but also serve as a gateway into the ever-growing field of legal consultancy, where there is a rising demand for expert guidance due to the increasingly intricate regulatory environment.
By providing essential legal advice, you could help businesses avoid costly legal pitfalls and ensure they adhere to laws and regulations. The analytical and problem-solving skills honed through programming are invaluable when interpreting and advising on legal matters, making this a complementary side business or even a full-time venture. It’s an excellent opportunity to diversify your professional portfolio while becoming an indispensable advisor to businesses looking to navigate complex legal challenges confidently.
How much you can make: $80,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Rankings.io is a hyper-focused SEO agency that helps elite personal injury law firms dominate first page rankings and was ranked #858 in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America for 2018, with a current revenue just under $300,000 per month, with plans for a record-breaking year.
16. Start an ecommerce management services ($597K/month)
Starting an ecommerce management service could be a highly lucrative venture for a programmer. You could leverage your technical expertise to streamline operations for various online stores by handling tasks like inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer service through custom software solutions and automation. Your programming skills would enable you to develop efficient backend systems, integrate third-party tools, and even enhance the user experience, all of which are crucial for the success of an ecommerce business.
By offering comprehensive support, you could help overwhelmed entrepreneurs focus on innovating and scaling their businesses, thereby providing immense value. This role requires strong organizational skills, familiarity with digital tools, and a keen understanding of ecommerce trends—attributes that align well with a programmer’s technical and analytical skill set. If you're passionate about the online retail space and enjoy intricate problem-solving, ecommerce management could be a rewarding side business or even a full-time endeavor.
How much you can make: $2,300 — $2,400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
ShipHero co-founders built their successful e-commerce fulfillment business, offering warehouse management software and outsourced eCommerce fulfillment, growing revenues from zero to $30 million annually, processing over $5 billion of e-commerce gross merchandise volume (GMV) annually while only having received $435,000 in outside capital investment.
17. Start a saas company ($296K/month)
As a programmer, starting a SaaS company could be an excellent way to supplement your income or transition into a full-fledged business. Given your strong technical skills and understanding of software development, you could build a high-quality SaaS product that offers essential business tools such as project management, automation, and workflow design. This subscription-based service could provide consistent and recurring revenue, adding a reliable income stream.
SaaS products are increasingly popular as businesses look to optimize costs and increase efficiency by leveraging cloud-based solutions. With the right market research and marketing strategy, your SaaS company could attract a significant customer base. Consider the success of companies like Salesforce, which generates billions in revenue annually, to understand the potential of a well-executed SaaS business.
In summary, starting a SaaS company leverages your existing skill set and positions you in a growing, high-margin industry. This venture offers not only the opportunity to make extra money but also the potential to scale into a successful, entrepreneurial endeavor.
How much you can make: $20 — $20,833,333/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
AI-powered web application, Excelformulabot.com, generates Excel formulas within seconds for a subscription fee of $6.99/month or free for five formula requests per month, resulting in $14k/month in recurring revenue since its launch in September 2022, accruing millions of visitors through word of mouth, influencer marketing, SEO, and PPC, implemented through no-code web application Bubble.io, while preparing to penetrate a B2B market and focus on B2B outreach in the future.
18. Become a spa consultant
As a programmer, you could use your analytical and problem-solving skills to become a successful spa consultant. The thriving wellness industry provides a great opportunity to leverage your expertise in systems optimization, workflow automation, and data analysis to help spa owners improve their operations.
You could advise on integrating advanced booking systems, customer relationship management tools, and even customized wellness apps to enhance the customer experience. Your technical skills could also be instrumental in designing efficient frameworks for staff training and operational protocols, ensuring that spas not only stand out but also run smoothly in a competitive market.
By merging your programming talents with a passion for wellness, becoming a spa consultant could be a highly rewarding entrepreneurial venture. This role demands strong business acumen and communication skills, but the impact you could make on your clients' success and customer satisfaction could be enormous.
How much you can make: $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 80 days (?)
Case study of Alma Curry's successful business, Meridian Spa, generating impressive annual revenue of £350K with a profit of £198-200K, reaching 2.82M total impressions in the last 12 months through effective marketing strategies like PPC, FB Meta ads, and SEO.
19. Start a golf course maintenance business
As a programmer looking to diversify your income and venture into physical services, starting a golf course maintenance business could be an appealing and rewarding opportunity. By leveraging your problem-solving skills and attention to detail, you could effectively manage the various aspects of maintaining and enhancing golf course conditions—such as repairing club assets, mowing turf, and removing debris—to provide an excellent playing environment.
Additionally, this venture allows you to engage in a business that is methodical and systematic, qualities you likely appreciate as a programmer. Whether you decide to buy an existing golf course maintenance business or explore franchising options, meticulously planning and conducting competitor research can set you up for success. Combining your analytical mindset with the physical aspects of golf course upkeep can open up new avenues for revenue while diversifying your professional skillset.
How much you can make: $3,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Golf course software startup Live Tourney saw $18k in revenue, with $3k MRR after launching in 2023, focusing on a simple web-based live leaderboard solution for golf events and targeting customer growth through cold calls and innovative recruitment strategies.
20. Start a 3D-printed shoes business
As a programmer, venturing into a 3D-printed shoes business could present a unique and profitable opportunity. Leveraging your technical expertise, you could develop custom software to streamline the design and production workflows, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing the time to market. Furthermore, your skills in coding could enable you to create innovative, data-driven designs that optimize fit and comfort based on user-specific measurements.
Since the 3D printing and footwear market is projected to generate over $8 billion in profits in the coming years, this is an industry ripe with potential. Your ability to prototype and iterate rapidly with 3D printing technology means you could experiment with advanced materials and unique structures, setting your product apart from traditional offerings. By choosing a niche and investing in the necessary equipment, you could establish a side business or even a full-scale enterprise in the burgeoning field of 3D-printed footwear.
21. Become a scout
As a programmer, you could leverage your analytical skills and attention to detail to excel as a scout. Scouting involves identifying talented individuals or valuable opportunities across various sectors such as sports, entertainment, or business. Your core tasks would include networking, evaluating potential, and providing insights to help organizations make informed decisions.
Your ability to analyze data and trends could give you an edge in identifying emerging talents or opportunities. The beauty of this venture lies in its variety and flexibility—everyday presents new people and possibilities, making it an exciting side business or full-time endeavor. If you have a knack for spotting talent and enjoy connecting dots that others overlook, scouting could be a rewarding and profitable path.
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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.
