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.