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John Rush
John Rush

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

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:

  1. 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.

  2. Launchpads.
    Develop a launch platform for a specific industry. Idea: A launchpad for growth tools.

  3. SEO Tools.
    Create a tool that focuses on a single aspect of SEO.
    Idea: A tool that generates alt texts for images.

  4. Productized Services.
    Offer standardized services that are repeatable. Idea: design, coding or social media management.

  5. Marketplace Platforms.
    Create a platform that connects buyers and sellers, earning transaction fees.
    Idea: An online marketplace for domains.

  6. Membership Sites.
    A subscription-based site with exclusive content. Idea: A founder 0-to-1 site.

  7. White Labeling.
    A product that other businesses can rebrand as their own.
    Idea: A white-labeled website builder.

  8. Selling Data.
    Provide anonymized data insights to companies.
    Idea: Selling user behavior data.

  9. Affiliate Marketing.
    Promote products/services and earn commissions on sales. Idea: Recommending hosting services on a tech blog.

  10. Selling Leads.
    Generate and sell business leads.
    Idea: Selling leads who raised a fresh seed round.

  11. Niche Social Networks.
    Create a paid community around a specific interest. Idea: A network for SEO experts.

  12. Sell Domains.
    Buy and sell domain names for profit.

  13. Virtual Products.
    Sell digital products like templates or graphics.
    Idea: Website themes for nextjs or boilerplates.

  14. On-Demand Services.
    Build a platform for gigs like delivery or tutoring. Idea: An app for freelance tutors.

  15. Niche Job Boards.
    Start a job board focused on a specific industry.
    Idea: A job board for remote tech jobs.

  16. Crowdsourced Content.
    Create a user-generated content platform and monetize through ads.
    Idea: Site to share startup hacks.

  17. Buy and Flip Businesses.
    Purchase underperforming businesses, improve them, and sell for profit. Idea: Acquiring a low-traffic blog, optimizing it, and selling.

  18. AI-Powered agents.
    Develop AI tools that solve specific business problems. Idea: An AI tool that automates customer support.

  19. Microservices.
    Offer small, specialized tools, sdks or APIs.
    Idea: An api for currency conversion.

  20. Influencer Platforms.
    Create a platform connecting influencers with brands.
    Idea: Connect AI influencers with AI founders.

  21. Niche Directories.
    Build a paid directory for a specific industry.
    Idea: A directory of developers who can train models.

  22. E-Learning Platforms.
    Build a platform for educators to sell courses.
    Idea: A site where AI experts sell AI courses.

  23. Virtual assistants.
    Hire them and sell on subscription.

  24. No-Code Tools.
    Create tools that allow non-technical users to build things.
    Idea: A no-code website builder for bakeries.

  25. Labor arbitrage.
    Idea: Connect support agents from Portugal with US clients and charge commission.

Top comments (3)

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horaceshmorace profile image
Horace Nelson

This just gave me a really good idea. So how many of these have you used? Do you code everything yourself?

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johnrushx profile image
John Rush

I use nocode for directories and code for saas.
some I code myself, some I do with cofounders or outsource

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monica_exists profile image
Monica Blake

Selling Data
Sell Domains
Labor arbitrage

I don't disagree, but I am surprised you don't have at least 1 comment arguing with you already! :D