26 Ways to Make Money as a Startup Founder (for developers)

#developer #startup #howto #beginners

I've launched 24 projects (here is the proof johnrush.me).

None of my projects is making millions a month, but many of them make over $1k a month, some do over $10k, and few do even more.

I'd not recommend anyone to start by trying to build a unicorn. Better start simple. Aim for $2-4k a month first. Once you get there, either scale it or start a new project with large TAM.

From my own experience, the 26 Ways to Make Money as a Startup Founder:

One-Feature SaaS.
Extract a feature from a popular tool and build a micro SaaS around it.
Idea: A SaaS that only offers automated email follow-ups.
Launchpads.
Develop a launch platform for a specific industry. Idea: A launchpad for growth tools.
SEO Tools.
Create a tool that focuses on a single aspect of SEO.
Idea: A tool that generates alt texts for images.
Productized Services.
Offer standardized services that are repeatable. Idea: design, coding or social media management.
Marketplace Platforms.
Create a platform that connects buyers and sellers, earning transaction fees.
Idea: An online marketplace for domains.
Membership Sites.
A subscription-based site with exclusive content. Idea: A founder 0-to-1 site.
White Labeling.
A product that other businesses can rebrand as their own.
Idea: A white-labeled website builder.
Selling Data.
Provide anonymized data insights to companies.
Idea: Selling user behavior data.
Affiliate Marketing.
Promote products/services and earn commissions on sales. Idea: Recommending hosting services on a tech blog.
Selling Leads.
Generate and sell business leads.
Idea: Selling leads who raised a fresh seed round.
Niche Social Networks.
Create a paid community around a specific interest. Idea: A network for SEO experts.
Sell Domains.
Buy and sell domain names for profit.
Virtual Products.
Sell digital products like templates or graphics.
Idea: Website themes for nextjs or boilerplates.
On-Demand Services.
Build a platform for gigs like delivery or tutoring. Idea: An app for freelance tutors.
Niche Job Boards.
Start a job board focused on a specific industry.
Idea: A job board for remote tech jobs.
Crowdsourced Content.
Create a user-generated content platform and monetize through ads.
Idea: Site to share startup hacks.
Buy and Flip Businesses.
Purchase underperforming businesses, improve them, and sell for profit. Idea: Acquiring a low-traffic blog, optimizing it, and selling.
AI-Powered agents.
Develop AI tools that solve specific business problems. Idea: An AI tool that automates customer support.
Microservices.
Offer small, specialized tools, sdks or APIs.
Idea: An api for currency conversion.
Influencer Platforms.
Create a platform connecting influencers with brands.
Idea: Connect AI influencers with AI founders.
Niche Directories.
Build a paid directory for a specific industry.
Idea: A directory of developers who can train models.
E-Learning Platforms.
Build a platform for educators to sell courses.
Idea: A site where AI experts sell AI courses.
Virtual assistants.
Hire them and sell on subscription.
No-Code Tools.
Create tools that allow non-technical users to build things.
Idea: A no-code website builder for bakeries.
Labor arbitrage.
Idea: Connect support agents from Portugal with US clients and charge commission.

Speedy emails, satisfied customers

Are delayed transactional emails costing you user satisfaction? Postmark delivers your emails almost instantly, keeping your customers happy and connected.