26 Ways to Make Money as a Startup Founder (for coders & noncoders)

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.