78 Profitable Software Engineering Business Ideas [2023]
Interested in starting a business as a software engineer in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a software engineer could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for software engineers?
We put together of some of the best software engineer business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other software engineer businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start an ai platform ($402K/month)
If you're a software engineer with a knack for AI, starting an AI platform could be a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture. Your platform could offer tools and frameworks that allow companies to seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence into their operations without the heavy lifting.
By providing ready-made solutions for data analysis, machine learning models, and automation, you could help organizations optimize their processes and boost productivity. With the rising demand for AI, companies are eager to adopt these technologies but often lack the expertise to do so. Your platform would bridge this gap, offering them a plug-and-play solution.
This endeavor would require a solid foundation in AI and software development, but the potential rewards in terms of growth and impact are significant. Offering a solution that minimizes technical barriers will make your platform invaluable to businesses looking to harness the power of AI.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
A founder shares how he built AudioPen.ai, a tool that transcribes voice notes, generating $15,000 monthly with minimal costs and no paid marketing, highlighting the importance of focusing on the product, word of mouth, and personal communication with users for sustainable growth.
2. Start an AI SaaS business ($39.3K/month)
As a software engineer, launching an AI SaaS business could be a lucrative side venture or even a full-time pursuit. Imagine offering cutting-edge technology solutions without the need for extensive physical infrastructure. An AI SaaS business involves building cloud-based software powered by artificial intelligence that other businesses can subscribe to, providing them with advanced capabilities without the hassle of in-house development.
The market is rich with opportunities, from natural language processing tools to predictive analytics, allowing you to design and deploy applications that companies pay to use. You'll leverage your existing skill set in AI and software development, and while you'll need cloud infrastructure and a proficient development team, the demand for such innovative solutions is high. If you are tech-savvy and vision-oriented, this could be your ticket to a scalable and thriving enterprise in a rapidly growing industry.
How much you can make: $150 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 20 days (?)
NotionForms, a SaaS company offering a form builder integration to Notion, boasts an impressive total of 26k users, 850 paid subscribers, and an ARR of $182k, with steady growth since its launch and being used internally by many huge tech companies.
3. Start an AI-based business ($27.9K/month)
As a software engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to create AI-based businesses that revolutionize traditional sectors. Imagine harnessing the power of AI to solve real-world problems by developing software or platforms that optimize processes, provide insightful data analytics, or automate mundane tasks. Whether you’re interested in building AI-driven customer service bots or crafting predictive analytics tools for healthcare, the potential applications are extensive.
The appeal is clear: businesses using AI can operate more efficiently, cut costs, and spearhead innovation. With your tech-savvy background and keen interest in emerging technologies, the AI landscape presents a lucrative and burgeoning field ripe for exploration. Dive in, and you could find yourself at the forefront of the next major technological breakthrough, supplementing your income or even transitioning into a full-fledged entrepreneurial venture.
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.
4. Start an innovation and technology co. ($1.99M/month)
Starting an innovation and technology company could be an exciting and profitable endeavor for a software engineer. Leveraging your technical expertise, you could help businesses integrate cutting-edge technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT to streamline their workflows, enhance productivity, and boost overall performance. This approach not only solves critical business problems but also keeps you at the forefront of technological advancements.
Given the rapid pace of tech innovation, there is a steady demand for consulting services that can help companies stay competitive. By offering bespoke tech solutions tailored to client needs, you could create a valuable service that appeals to a wide range of industries. If you have a passion for technology and enjoy solving complex problems, this could be a fulfilling way to supplement your income or even build a thriving side business.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $13,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
UK-based Idea Drop is a software-as-a-service (SAAS) allowing businesses to identify, refine and execute innovative ideas through its platform, which is already being used by MT, Ericsson, and the Kent Police Force, offering a public challenge facility allowing clients to crowdsource ideas, with one Covea idea implemented via the platform estimated to save the company £2.5m over five years.
5. Start an ecommerce platform ($202K/month)
Starting an ecommerce platform could be an excellent opportunity for a software engineer looking to supplement their income or even launch a full-scale business. Given your technical skills, you could develop a robust, scalable, and user-friendly ecommerce site from scratch, tailoring it to meet consumer demands and leverage the booming online shopping trend.
With over 2 billion people preferring to shop online, the potential customer base is vast, making it a lucrative venture. Additionally, your ability to integrate advanced features like machine learning for personalized recommendations, secure payment gateways, and efficient backend inventory management systems could give you a competitive edge.
Ultimately, your experience as a software engineer positions you uniquely to create an innovative and high-performing ecommerce platform, setting you on a promising path toward entrepreneurial success.
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.
6. Start a micro saas ($83.3K/month)
If you're a software engineer with an entrepreneurial mindset, starting a micro-SaaS business could be a highly rewarding venture. By focusing on providing targeted software solutions to niche markets, you could distinguish yourself from broader SaaS models and gain deeper insights into your customers' specific needs. This allows you to deliver highly customized solutions that solve unique problems, fostering a closer relationship with your customer base.
To get started, you could pinpoint a distinctive problem within a specific market segment that requires solving. Choosing a platform that supports your business's growth and expansion will be crucial. Prioritizing customer feedback can help you refine your product, ensuring its long-term success and making your venture both effective and sustainable.
Ultimately, a micro-SaaS approach not only allows you to supplement your income but could also evolve into a full-fledged business, providing you with greater control over your career trajectory. This path offers the perfect blend of leveraging your technical skills while tapping into your entrepreneurial spirit.
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.
7. Start a wordpress maintenance services ($24.3K/month)
If you're a software engineer, starting a WordPress maintenance service could be a great way to leverage your technical skills. This involves managing, updating, and optimizing WordPress websites, targeting the growing number of website owners who lack the time or expertise to handle these tasks. You could take on responsibilities like security updates, plugin and theme management, speed optimization, backups, and troubleshooting.
The beauty of this business lies in its potential for recurring revenue. Many businesses and bloggers are willing to pay for monthly service plans, offering you a steady income stream. Plus, it's a scalable model—if demand increases, you could hire a team of specialists or use automation tools to manage the workload efficiently.
For entrepreneurially-minded software engineers, WordPress maintenance services offer a satisfying and profitable business opportunity. You won't need to develop new platforms; your focus will be on maintaining and enhancing existing websites, providing invaluable peace of mind to your clients.
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 (?)
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.
8. Start a tech talent platform ($852K/month)
As a software engineer, you could leverage your tech expertise to create a specialized platform that connects skilled professionals with employers in need of top-tier talent. Given the growing demand for niche tech skills, a tech talent platform offers a promising opportunity to supplement your income or transition into a full-time business. By focusing on the unique needs of both tech talents and companies, you could facilitate career growth and help businesses thrive.
Building a robust, user-friendly platform would be essential, along with implementing effective marketing strategies to attract both job seekers and employers. Successful execution would not only involve matching talent with job openings but also fostering long-term professional relationships and growth opportunities. If you're entrepreneurial-minded and ready to explore the tech recruitment domain, this venture could be highly rewarding.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $5,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 133 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.
9. Start a SEO agency ($113K/month)
As a software engineer, you could leverage your technical skills to start an SEO agency and supplement your income or even create a thriving side business. You already possess the analytical mindset and proficiency with data-driven decision-making, which are critical for optimizing search engine performance and developing effective SEO strategies.
The SEO industry is rapidly growing, with experts earning six-figure incomes and the potential for dramatic future growth. Starting an SEO agency now, before the market becomes too saturated, could provide a solid foundation for long-term success.
With abundant resources and relatively low competition, it’s easier than ever to start an SEO agency. By studying successful digital agencies, you could gain insights into best practices and strategies, positioning your business for success in this lucrative field.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 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.
10. Start a no code platform ($308K/month)
As a software engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to start a side business or supplement your income using a no-code platform. No-code platforms allow users to build software applications through graphical interfaces, eliminating the need for traditional coding. This means you could focus on rapid application development, enabling quicker turnaround times and lower costs for clients.
Even if you're well-versed in coding, offering no-code solutions could open up new business opportunities, allowing you to serve a broader range of clients who might be intimidated by complex programming. No-code platforms democratize app development, making it accessible to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists. By leveraging your understanding of high-level tech concepts, you could build, customize, and deploy intuitive digital solutions efficiently, turning innovative ideas into profitable products.
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.
11. Start a saas company ($296K/month)
Starting a SaaS company as a software engineer could significantly supplement your income and even serve as an entirely new business venture. Given your strong technical skills and understanding of software development, you could create a high-quality product that solves real business problems. For instance, you might develop a project management tool or an automation engine that simplifies workflows, making your solution indispensable to other businesses.
As the demand for cost-effective IT solutions increases, SaaS companies are becoming increasingly popular, often enjoying high margins and offering substantial entrepreneurial flexibility. By leveraging your existing skill set, you could tap into a subscription-based, recurring revenue model and achieve financial stability while providing valuable services to your clients. Take inspiration from successful companies like Salesforce, whose integrated CRM platform has become a market leader, generating substantial annual revenue, thereby proving the potential of scaling a SaaS business effectively.
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.
12. Start a natural health product business ($188K/month)
As a software engineer, you could leverage your technical and problem-solving skills to start a natural health product business with a unique digital twist. Imagine developing an e-commerce platform that offers personalized health and wellness solutions or creating an app that helps users track their nutritional intake and order supplements tailored to their needs. The health and wellness industry is booming, forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% and exceed $32 billion, offering a lucrative opportunity to supplement your income or build an entirely new business.
Moreover, your expertise in data analytics could be invaluable in understanding consumer behavior, optimizing inventory, and tailoring marketing strategies to maximize profitability. Whether you focus on health foods, supplements, or weight management products, your background in software engineering provides you with a competitive edge in developing innovative solutions that could set your business apart.
How much you can make: $35,000 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
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.
13. Build a chrome extension ($72.8K/month)
As a software engineer, developing a Chrome extension could be an excellent way to supplement your income and potentially build a side business. With your programming and coding expertise, you could create unique and useful browser enhancements, such as productivity tools or security features, and sell them on the Chrome Web Store. Alternatively, you could offer your extension for free and monetize through advertising, tapping into a steady revenue stream.
Leveraging your existing skills, developing Chrome extensions allows you to showcase your creativity and technical prowess. This venture can be highly profitable, given the vast user base of Google Chrome and the increasing demand for customized browsing experiences. Creating a successful extension not only adds to your portfolio but also opens up new entrepreneurial opportunities.
How much you can make: $10 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 21 days (?)
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.
14. Become a mobile app builder ($153K/month)
As a software engineer, leveraging your coding skills to create a mobile app builder offers a lucrative entrepreneurial opportunity. A mobile app builder empowers non-developers to effortlessly design, customize, and publish their own mobile applications, making it an attractive tool for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists.
Given the increasing demand for mobile solutions, companies are eager to invest in platforms that streamline this process. By developing a robust, user-friendly app builder with continuous updates and strong user support, you could tap into a thriving market keen on turning their mobile app visions into reality.
This venture not only allows you to monetize your technical expertise but also positions you at the forefront of a rapidly growing industry with boundless potential.
How much you can make: $7,500 — $700,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Imaginovation, a technology and app development company in Raleigh, NC, was recently named one of the Top Technology Companies in North Carolina by Clutch and has grown an average of over 40% in revenue every year since it was founded in 2011 by co-founders Michael Georgiou and Pete Peranzo.
15. Start a hangover cure product ($70.3K/month)
As a software engineer, you could leverage your technical skills to develop a hangover cure product by creating an engaging e-commerce platform or a mobile app that simplifies purchasing and personalizes recommendations based on user preferences. Utilizing your expertise in data analysis, you could also track customer feedback and sales trends to refine the product and marketing strategies effectively.
Additionally, integrating tech solutions like subscription services and automated reminders could enhance customer convenience and retention, thus boosting sales. This venture offers not only the possibility of diversifying your income stream but also the satisfaction of creating a product that meets a widespread need with significant market demand.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Brine Brothers sells all-natural pickle brine (pickle juice), generating over $10,000/month and winning an investment from Barstool and Jon Taffer, and is determined to become a million-dollar beverage company.
16. Start an art gallery
Starting an art gallery could be an intriguing and profitable side business for a software engineer. With the global art market contributing up to 45 billion dollars, you could leverage your technical skills to create an innovative online platform that connects artists with buyers internationally. Utilizing your expertise, you could develop features such as virtual galleries, secure payment gateways, and even AI-driven art recommendations to enhance user experience and elevate your platform above traditional brick & mortar stores.
Additionally, by creating an online marketplace, you could help artists overcome the enormous challenge of gaining attention from conventional galleries. Your platform could provide them a broader, international audience, expanding their reach and sales potential. This entrepreneurial venture not only supplements your income but also marries your technical skills with a passion for the art industry, offering a fulfilling and lucrative pursuit.
How much you can make: $876/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Independent artist Justin Erickson earns between $500-$1500 a month and offers advice on developing a career as an independent artist and graphic designer, from building a brand through printmaking, launching a business, attracting and retaining customers, and learning from other resources.
17. Start a sales leads business ($452K/month)
As a software engineer, starting a sales leads business could seamlessly align with your skill set. Utilizing various data scraping, automation, and analytical tools, you could effectively gather, verify, and sell valuable leads to businesses seeking potential customers. Your expertise in technology would allow you to implement efficient processes and ensure the accuracy of the data collected, making your services highly sought after.
Given the high demand for quality leads across industries, this side business could become a substantial source of supplemental income or even evolve into a full-time venture. Your methodical and data-driven approach would be an asset in this field, enabling you to provide reliable and valuable information that helps other businesses succeed. By leveraging your technical skills, you could create a profitable and scalable enterprise that taps into a consistently thriving market.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $3,333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
18. Start a boozy subscription box
As a software engineer, you could leverage your technical skills to develop a custom platform for a boozy subscription box service, differentiating yourself from competitors. You could create an intuitive, user-friendly website that automates the sign-up process, manages subscriptions, and even offers personalized drink recommendations based on customer preferences and past orders. Your ability to integrate data analytics could help in understanding your market better and optimizing inventory.
Moreover, you could develop a mobile app that enhances customer engagement by offering exclusive content, such as tasting notes, pairings, and virtual tasting events. The combination of your engineering skills and an entrepreneurial mindset could result in a seamless, tech-driven customer experience that not only supplements your income but also sets the stage for a thriving business in a growing niche market.
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
19. Start a sales automation platform ($160K/month)
As a software engineer, you could leverage your technical skills to create a sales automation platform that streamlines and automates sales tasks, such as lead generation and follow-ups. This platform would free businesses from the mundane aspects of sales, allowing them to focus on closing deals and enhancing overall productivity. By integrating advanced features that minimize errors and improve efficiency, your software could become indispensable to companies looking to optimize their sales processes.
This venture would require you to have a solid understanding not only of software development but also of sales strategies to ensure your platform provides real value. Given the growing emphasis on digital transformation and the constant demand for tools that boost efficiency, a well-crafted sales automation platform presents a promising opportunity. Entrepreneurial-minded individuals in the tech industry could find this an especially lucrative path to supplement their income or even pivot to a full-time business.
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.
20. Start a Wedding Jewelry Business
As a software engineer, transitioning into the wedding jewelry business could be an exciting and profitable venture. Leveraging your analytical skills and attention to detail, you could design and manage an e-commerce platform that caters specifically to wedding jewelry, ensuring a seamless customer experience. Additionally, your tech-savvy background would allow you to integrate advanced features like virtual try-ons and custom design tools, providing a unique selling proposition that sets you apart from traditional jewelers.
Starting as a side hustle, you could allocate your evenings and weekends to developing your product line, creating a website, and marketing your offerings. With the wedding jewelry market growing and average salaries for jewelers being quite competitive, the initial time and effort investment could yield significant financial rewards. If you eventually choose to shift full-time, the extensive profit potential and high demand for unique, quality pieces could make this a lucrative and fulfilling entrepreneurial pursuit.
How much you can make: $10,000/month
The Budget Savvy Bride is a top wedding planning resource and support community that grew from a passion project into a successful business, reaching millions of readers annually and breaking revenue records in 2020 with a 46.6% increase in revenue and a 21.28% increase in traffic.
21. Start a car photography business
As a software engineer, you could leverage your technical and analytical skills to break into the car photography business, making use of your keen eye for detail and precision. You might start by developing a portfolio showcasing your photography skills, perhaps using your coding expertise to create a slick, user-friendly website where potential clients can view your work. This could serve as a side business to supplement your income, allowing you to monetize an existing passion for cars and technology.
Furthermore, you could utilize your programming skills to automate some aspects of the business, like creating custom scripts for photo editing or setting up automated email marketing campaigns to reach out to new clients. This integration of tech and creativity not only supplements your income but offers a balanced, diversified career path that plays to both analytical and artistic strengths.
22. Start a fragrance store ($553K/month)
As a software engineer with an entrepreneurial mindset, starting a fragrance store could be an exciting way to supplement your income or even pivot to a new business entirely. Given that 59% of women and 54% of men use fragrance daily, there's a robust and growing market for perfumes and colognes.
Leveraging your technical skills, you could create a seamless online shopping experience, using your expertise to optimize e-commerce platforms, handle inventory management, and implement effective digital marketing strategies. Additionally, the beauty industry is a thriving sector; combining your passion for tech and fragrance could lead to a highly successful venture.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Find out how a candle brand started with less than $100 and, in just eight months, achieved $5,000 in revenue, landed deals with major companies such as Greetabl and Kinder Beauty, and enjoyed a 86% profit margin thanks to its eco-friendly, handmade, and affordable candle products.
23. Start an online coaching ($194K/month)
Starting an online coaching business could be a natural fit for you as a software engineer. With your deep technical knowledge and experience in the industry, you could offer coaching services to aspiring developers, helping them navigate their career paths, improve their coding skills, or prepare for technical interviews. Your insights could be invaluable to clients who are looking to transition into tech roles or advance their current positions.
Additionally, the flexibility and global reach of online coaching allow you to supplement your income without leaving your primary job. By leveraging digital platforms, you can set your own schedule and connect with clients from all over the world, providing personalized guidance from the comfort of your home. This entrepreneurial venture not only diversifies your income streams but also enables you to make a meaningful impact by helping others succeed in their software engineering careers.
How much you can make: $20,000 — $541,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $550 (?)
How long does it take to build: 37 days (?)
Giulia Cian Seren, founder of Juicy Pickles, offers digital marketing consulting, training, and coaching to small businesses and has grown her monthly revenue to an average of $20,000 by focusing on long-term relationships over short-term gains and helping small, traditional businesses transition into the digital world.
24. Start a personal coaching business ($119K/month)
If you have a knack for guiding people toward their goals, consider starting a personal coaching business. As a software engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise and problem-solving skills to offer tailored advice, motivation, and action plans to clients facing challenges in their careers or personal development. This isn't a one-size-fits-all job; understanding individual needs and crafting bespoke strategies will be key to your success.
The demand for personal coaches is rising as people seek personalized support in a fast-paced world. To get started, you might want to gain certification in coaching, build a website, and market your services through social media or networking events. By turning your passion for helping others into a side business, you could supplement your income and possibly transition to a new, fulfilling career.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $293,220/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 205 days (?)
A futurist and innovator has built a business strategy consulting company with revenues of around $293k per month by helping companies increase revenues and patent portfolios, and generate employee engagement, using a set of tools, workshops, and coaching to move people from their comfort zones, with a highly structured process for lead generation that he considers a trade secret.
25. Start a digital tools business ($38.5K/month)
As a software engineer, you could leverage your technical skills to start a digital tools business, creating software solutions that help organizations streamline their operations, manage tasks, or enhance productivity. This venture involves identifying market needs, conceptualizing appropriate tools, and developing the software, often in collaboration with other developers.
Once your tool is developed, you could market it through various channels to reach potential customers. A significant advantage of this business model is its scalability and the potential for recurring revenue through subscription-based services for ongoing support and updates. Given the growing reliance on digital solutions, a well-executed digital tools business promises consistent demand and ample growth opportunities, especially if your tools offer innovative, user-friendly solutions that address real business problems.
How much you can make: $17,000 — $60,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
French filmmaker Steven Liszka's BIGFILMS generates $35k+ per month by providing digital tools that give filmmakers access to special effects, with video ads proving to be a game-changer for the business.
26. Start a public relations marketing business ($20.7K/month)
As a software engineer, you could leverage your analytical skills and technical prowess to start a public relations marketing business. Your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail are assets in managing a company's reputation, crafting precise press releases, and strategizing effective media outreach. By integrating data-driven insights, you could tailor compelling PR strategies that resonate with target audiences and measure their success.
In addition, your experience with various digital platforms and programming languages could give you an edge in developing innovative social media campaigns and optimizing online presence for your clients. Starting with small businesses, you could offer specialized services and gradually expand your client base to larger corporations. This venture not only allows you to supplement your income but also provides an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact by shaping public perception and connecting people and ideas.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
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.
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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.
