20 Business Ideas For Techies [2024]
In 2024, the tech world is brimming with opportunities for those ready to turn their skills into thriving businesses. As a techie, you could harness your expertise to create innovative solutions in emerging fields like AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity. These aren't just trends; they're the building blocks of future industries.
Imagine using your coding skills to develop automated systems that streamline complex tasks for companies, or leveraging your knowledge of blockchain to create secure, decentralized applications. You could also dive into the growing demand for cybersecurity solutions, offering services to protect businesses against ever-evolving threats.
Whether you're interested in launching a startup or offering specialized freelance services, your tech skills are a valuable asset in today's dynamic market. This article will explore several business ideas tailored for tech enthusiasts like you, ready to make a mark in 2024.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other techie businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
Starting an email marketing tool business could be an excellent opportunity for tech-savvy entrepreneurs in 2024. Leveraging your technical skills, you could create software to help businesses efficiently manage and automate their email campaigns, catering to the growing demand in the booming email marketing industry. Given the industry's projected market size of $2.53 billion by 2028, this venture offers substantial income potential.
Why consider an email marketing tool?
- High demand and growth potential: The email marketing industry is expanding rapidly, offering a lucrative market for new solutions.
- Technical expertise advantage: As a techie, you have the skills to innovate and develop robust, user-friendly tools that outperform existing solutions.
- Recurring revenue model: Email marketing tools typically operate on a subscription basis, providing consistent and scalable monthly income.
For more insights, you can explore success stories and profitability tips for email marketing tools on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
2. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
For tech enthusiasts, starting a business with an AI writing tool is a highly logical step forward given the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence technology. This venture hinges on developing a digital tool aimed at boosting efficiency in content creation, enabling businesses, bloggers, and students to generate precise and engaging content effortlessly. By embedding AI at the core of writing processes, you could revolutionize content creation, offering automated, error-free, and time-efficient solutions that cater to the soaring demand for quality content.
Imagine creating a solution that truly enhances the productivity of writers globally. Such an innovation not only fulfills a critical market need but opens up niche opportunities to reshape the digital content landscape. If you're looking for a business idea that merges cutting-edge technology with practical applications, developing an AI writing tool could be your pathway to making a significant impact. Explore AI writing tool business profitability.
Why start an AI writing tool business?
- High demand for quality content: Companies, bloggers, and students are continually seeking efficient ways to produce high-quality content.
- Competitive edge through innovation: AI-driven writing tools place you at the forefront of technological advances, cementing your status as a forward-thinking entrepreneur.
- Scalability and automation: AI tools not only streamline writing processes but also offer scalable solutions, enabling you to handle larger volumes of work with ease.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
3. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Starting an AI-based business solution is a smart move for tech-savvy entrepreneurs looking to tap into evolving technologies. Leveraging artificial intelligence can help companies streamline operations, optimize their supply chains, and personalize customer experiences, thus driving efficiency and innovation. You could assist businesses in making data-driven decisions by automating repetitive tasks and providing actionable insights.
With the increasing demand for AI solutions, this business idea has significant growth potential. You'll not only boost business performance but also stay ahead of technological trends. For inspiration and to explore how you can make this idea profitable, check out these success stories here.
Why consider starting an AI-based business solution?
- The market demand for AI solutions is rapidly growing, creating ample opportunities.
- Techies can leverage their skills to build impactful, data-driven applications.
- AI tools can significantly enhance efficiency and innovation in various business processes.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
4. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Thinking about turning that brilliant idea into a mobile app? Developing a mobile app is a practical business idea that aligns well with your technical skills. With a clear vision and either some coding knowledge or the ability to hire a skilled developer, you could create an app that addresses user needs, from productivity tools to entertainment.
Starting a mobile app business involves planning the user experience, designing engaging interfaces, and testing for functionality and bugs. Effective marketing is crucial to attract users and drive downloads. To kickstart your journey, explore Starter Story for insights and success stories of other tech entrepreneurs who have ventured into mobile app development.
Why create a mobile app?
- Mobile apps have become an integral part of daily life, presenting numerous opportunities for innovative solutions.
- As a techie, you already possess the foundational knowledge needed to either code the app yourself or effectively collaborate with developers.
- The potential for generating significant revenue from app downloads and in-app purchases is substantial, making it a lucrative side hustle or full-time venture.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
5. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth. That’s the essence of a social media automation business. In simple terms, this involves creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms. Your clients—from small businesses to influencers—pay you to save them time and enhance their social media presence.
With the burgeoning need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there’s a significant demand for automation. For those with a knack for technology and marketing, starting a social media automation business could be both a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor. Dive deeper into the profitability and tips for starting this business here.
Why start a social media automation business?
- The demand for efficient social media management tools continues to grow.
- You could leverage your technical skills to create innovative solutions that drive client success.
- This business model offers recurring revenue through subscription services.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
6. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
Starting a lead generation tool makes sense as a techie because you could leverage your technical expertise to create a solution that significantly reduces the burden for businesses to find potential customers. By automating the process of gathering and sorting leads, you could provide valuable data to companies, allowing them to focus more on converting leads into customers. This type of tool is high in demand, and with your tech skills, you could build a scalable and efficient system that attracts a broad user base.
Why develop a lead generation tool?
- The demand for automated lead generation solutions is soaring, offering a lucrative and expansive market.
- As a techie, you could easily integrate various data points and digital touchpoints, adding immense value to your tool.
- Developing such a tool allows you to turn your coding skills into a recurring source of income through subscription models.
For more insights, check out lead generation tool success stories.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 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.
7. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Starting a cold email service business can be an excellent avenue for techies with a knack for marketing and a strategic mindset. You could help companies reach new clients directly by crafting and sending targeted email campaigns, analyzing their needs, and tracking metrics like open rates and conversions. As you build success stories with small businesses needing lead generation, your potential client base could grow significantly. Check out real-world successes and strategies at Starter Story to get inspired.
Why consider a cold email service business?
- It combines marketing skills with technical know-how, making it a perfect match for techies.
- There is always a demand for effective lead generation services, providing steady business opportunities.
- High potential for scaling, allowing you to transition from side hustle to full-time venture as you grow your client base.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
8. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business makes sense for a techie due to the immense potential to supplement your income, make extra money, or even establish a full-fledged business. If you've used WordPress, you know how indispensable plugins are for running successful websites. As a techie, you can leverage your skills to solve specific issues by developing plugins and selling them on platforms like CodeCanyon or through your own website.
Why start a WordPress plugin business?
- Specialized expertise: You already possess the technical know-how to create high-quality plugins that meet specific market needs.
- Scalability: Once developed, successful plugins can be sold repeatedly with minimal additional effort, offering a scalable income source.
- Market demand: With WordPress powering over 40% of websites, there's a constant demand for innovative and effective plugins.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
9. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
A health and wellness app is a perfect venture for techies who want to merge their technical expertise with a passion for health. Imagine an all-in-one digital tool that offers personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking. As a techie, you could leverage your skills in app development and data analytics to create a seamless experience for users, guiding them towards their health goals like a virtual coach.
Building this app involves thorough market research, collaboration with health experts, and effective marketing strategies. The growing demand for personalized health solutions could make this a lucrative business. For inspiration and further guidance, check out these health and wellness app success stories.
Why starting a health and wellness app?
- You could leverage your tech skills to create a sophisticated, user-friendly interface that enhances user engagement.
- The health and wellness industry is thriving, providing a robust market for your innovative solutions.
- You could make a meaningful impact by helping users achieve their health goals, blending technology with well-being.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
10. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Looking for a focused online business that offers both creative freedom and potential revenue? Consider building a niche website. A niche website centers around a specialized topic, serving a dedicated audience with targeted content and products. If you’ve got a specific interest and the drive to dive deep, building a niche website could be your next rewarding project.
Starting this venture involves selecting a niche you’re passionate about and knowledgeable in, creating compelling content, and driving traffic to your site. You’ll need to invest time in research, content creation, and SEO to attract loyal followers. Monetization options are varied—whether through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products, your specialized content can generate income. A niche website can become a reliable source of passive income once established.
Why create a niche website?
- Leverage your expertise: Use your existing technical skills to build and optimize a high-quality, SEO-friendly website.
- Monetization variety: Choose from multiple revenue streams such as affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products.
- Passive income potential: Once established, a well-maintained niche website can provide a steady stream of passive income.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
11. Start a SEO & lead generation service ($60K/month)
Starting a SEO and lead generation service can be an excellent business idea for techies. With the ever-increasing reliance on digital marketing, businesses continually seek professionals who can help them improve their online presence and attract qualified leads. As a techie, you could leverage your technical skills and knowledge of algorithms to help businesses optimize their websites, increase search engine rankings, and convert visitors into customers, creating a scalable and potentially lucrative side business or full-time venture.
Moreover, this business allows you to make use of your analytical skills and understanding of data to fine-tune strategies that can significantly impact a client's bottom line. With expertise in various digital marketing areas and lead generation techniques, you can attract a broad range of clients, from small businesses to large enterprises, thereby supplementing your income effectively. Check out some successful SEO & lead generation business stories to get inspired.
Why start a SEO & lead generation service?
- Demand for SEO and lead generation is continuously growing as businesses need to enhance their online visibility.
- You can leverage existing technical skills and knowledge in digital marketing to offer a high-demand service.
- This business offers flexibility—you can start as a side hustle and scale it up to a full-time income stream depending on client growth.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
A link building company co-founded by Justas Markus has grown to make an average of $35k per month in recurring revenue with a focus on delivering high-quality services through manual processes and focusing on fewer markets.
12. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
Starting an online survey tool can be an excellent business idea for techies interested in data collection and analysis. As a techie, you could leverage your technical skills to develop a robust platform that helps businesses gather valuable customer feedback efficiently. This service offers comprehensive features such as a survey builder, data collection tool, and reporting system, meeting a growing demand in the market.
With the rising popularity of online surveys, there's strong potential for recurring revenue. Consider looking into successful examples like Typeform, which tripled its annual recurring revenue over three years, surpassing $70 million in 2021. For more insights on starting this business, check out some online survey tool success stories.
Why develop an online survey tool?
- Online survey tools are essential for businesses to gather customer feedback and make data-driven decisions.
- You could build a high-value product that experiences strong recurring revenue, similar to other market leaders.
- Developing an online survey tool allows you to utilize and enhance your technical skills while fulfilling a growing market need.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 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.
13. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business could be an excellent opportunity for tech-savvy entrepreneurs. With your technical skills, you could easily set up and manage an online store on platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, automating many aspects of the business. By leveraging data analytics, you can optimize your marketing strategies and monitor your expenses and profit margins, ensuring that your side business remains profitable.
Why consider launching a dropshipping business?
- You could maximize efficiency using your tech skills to automate and streamline operations.
- With no need for inventory, you can focus on other growth areas, such as marketing and customer service.
- The scalability of dropshipping allows you to test different niches and products without the financial risk of holding stock.
For inspiration and more detailed guidance, refer to these dropshipping business success stories on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
14. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Starting an online course sales business could be a highly lucrative venture for techies. With your advanced skills and technical knowledge, you could create comprehensive courses on topics like coding, web design, or cybersecurity. By leveraging e-learning platforms, you could turn your expertise into a passive income stream while helping others enhance their skills.
Why consider starting an online course sales business?
- The potential for passive income is immense. Create a course once and continue to generate revenue as new students enroll.
- You can capitalize on the booming e-learning market, which is expected to exceed $645 Billion in the coming years.
- With your technical background, producing high-quality, value-driven content will be more straightforward, positioning you as an industry expert.
For more insights and success stories, check out this Starter Story page.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
15. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business could be an excellent avenue for techies to supplement their income or even build a full-time enterprise. With your technical expertise, you could leverage platforms to identify high-demand products, manage inventory efficiently, and optimize online sales channels. Additionally, with minimal upfront investment, it's a low-risk way to test the entrepreneurial waters without diving directly into product development.
For detailed insights and strategies, explore the success stories here.
Why starting an ecommerce reselling business?
- You could use your analytical skills to identify profitable niches and trending products.
- Your technical know-how allows you to automate processes and improve operational efficiency.
- With a low barrier to entry, you could test out the business model part-time before committing fully.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
16. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Starting a stock investing business could be a smart move for techies with a knack for analyzing data and spotting trends. The business revolves around buying and selling stocks to generate profit, requiring a disciplined approach to market analysis and strategy implementation. With the right educational resources and trading platforms, you could turn your passion for financial markets into a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture.
Why starting a stock investing business?
- High potential for returns: Strategic stock investments can lead to significant financial gains over time.
- Leverage technical skills: You could use your analytical skills and tech expertise to better navigate trading algorithms and market trends.
- Flexible learning and growth: Continuous learning and adaptation are key, providing ongoing opportunities for professional and financial growth.
For more tips and success stories, consider visiting Starter Story.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
17. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Have a knack for creating compelling video content? Starting a YouTube channel might be your next big move. As a techie, you could leverage your technical expertise and creativity to build a channel that attracts a dedicated audience and generates revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. From how-to guides and tech reviews to educational content and software tutorials, the possibilities are endless.
Building a successful YouTube channel requires consistency and quality. You’ll need to plan your content, shoot and edit videos, and engage with your audience regularly. If you're ready to do the hard work, the payoff can be significant both financially and personally.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could turn your technical expertise into income by sharing valuable content.
- You’ll create a platform to showcase your projects and innovations.
- The potential for additional revenue streams, including ads and sponsorships, could grow your business rapidly.
For more insights on how to start a YouTube channel and its profitability, check out this guide.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
18. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business could be an excellent choice for techies looking to supplement their income or transition into a new business venture. As a tech enthusiast, you likely possess the analytical skills and digital know-how needed to identify profitable niches and effectively market products. Additionally, affiliate marketing offers the potential for passive income, which can be especially appealing for those who want to earn money while working on other projects or maintaining a full-time job.
To get started, you'll need to find the right products and brands to partner with, ideally aligning them with your interests and expertise. For instance, you could become an affiliate for an eCommerce store or leverage your tech background to promote software and digital tools, earning commissions for each sale you generate. If you're curious to learn more, you can explore success stories and tips at Starter Story.
Why consider starting an affiliate marketing business?
- It requires minimal upfront investment, making it a low-risk way to start earning money online.
- As a techie, your digital marketing and analytical skills will give you a competitive edge in identifying profitable opportunities and optimizing campaigns.
- You have the potential to earn passive income, allowing you to make money even when you're not actively working.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
19. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)
Starting a niche investment platform as a techie opens up an exciting opportunity to tap into alternative asset classes like collectibles, cryptocurrencies, or real estate. By leveraging your technical skills, you could create a highly transparent and user-friendly trading ecosystem that attracts specialized investors. Providing flexible portfolio options can help build a loyal, exclusive user base, while generating recurring revenue from transaction fees and premium subscriptions. This venture can be particularly appealing for those looking to offer brokers and traders diversified investment options in unpredictable financial markets.
Explore success stories and startup costs for niche investment platforms here.
Why start a niche investment platform?
- You can create a unique trading ecosystem that fills a market gap.
- Specialized platforms attract dedicated users willing to pay premium fees.
- You generate recurring revenue through transaction fees and subscriptions.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
20. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business could be a lucrative opportunity for techies, combining your tech skills with the booming e-commerce market. By leveraging your expertise in data analysis, you could better understand market trends and customer preferences, enhancing the value proposition of your subscription boxes. Additionally, your ability to automate and optimize operations with technology can lead to higher efficiency and profitability.
Why start a subscription box business?
- Your tech skills could streamline operations and maximize efficiency through automation and data analysis.
- With high demand for niche products, you could cater to specific customer needs while ensuring a steady revenue stream.
- Your technical knowledge could help you create engaging and user-friendly websites, crucial for attracting and retaining subscribers.
For more insights, check out this article on subscription box business success stories.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
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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.
