30 Business Ideas For Release Managers [2024]

Updated: September 6th, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a doctor in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a doctor could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Doctors?

We put together 30 of some of the best doctor business ideas you can start in today.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other doctor businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a mobile app development business ($141K/month)

As a release manager, your deep understanding of software development cycles, version control, and deployment processes positions you uniquely well to start a mobile app development business. Leveraging your technical expertise and project management skills, you could oversee a team to create high-quality mobile applications tailored to various markets, from productivity tools to social networking platforms.

With mobile apps being an increasingly popular channel for businesses to reach their customers, your experience managing complex software deployments could give you an edge in ensuring smooth launches and updates, critical to retaining users and maintaining app relevance. Additionally, your strategic insight into market demands and the latest technological trends could help you identify lucrative app ideas and successfully market them.

Starting a mobile app development business could not only supplement your current income but also allow you to tap into a growing industry. It provides a fulfilling opportunity to leverage your existing skills while exploring entrepreneurial pathways.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $700,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How I Started A $6K/Month SEO And Digital Marketing Agency In Bangladesh

This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.

Read by 12,517 founders

2. Start an AI-based business ($27.9K/month)

As a release manager, you could consider starting an AI-based business to supplement your income or even pivot to a full-time entrepreneurial venture. Leveraging your expertise in software development cycles, you could create AI-driven tools that streamline the release process, such as automated testing frameworks or intelligent resource allocation systems. These innovations could help companies reduce errors, expedite deployments, and optimize their overall software delivery pipeline.

Additionally, you might explore developing predictive analytics tools that forecast project timelines and identify potential bottlenecks before they occur. By offering solutions that enhance efficiency and minimize risk, you could carve out a niche in the ever-evolving landscape of AI technologies. This not only positions you at the cutting edge of tech advancements but also opens up numerous possibilities for income generation and professional growth.

How much you can make: $100 — $200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)

How I Started A $10K/Month App Building Agency Using No/Low Code Tools

LowCode Agency uses no/low code tools to build custom-made apps at 80% lower cost and 70% faster than traditional app development agencies, growing double digits every month and targeting $150,000 in sales in their first year.

Read by 20,999 founders

3. Start a micro saas ($83.3K/month)

As a release manager, you inhabit a niche role that provides a unique vantage point within the software development lifecycle. This makes you particularly well-suited to identify inefficiencies and pain points that traditional SaaS solutions overlook. By leveraging your expertise, you could develop a micro-SaaS product that addresses specific challenges within the release management process, such as streamlined deployment tracking or automated release notes generation.

Starting a micro-SaaS business would allow you to not only solve these unique problems but also build a closer relationship with a well-defined customer base. Your hands-on experience ensures that the solutions are highly tailored, increasing their value and effectiveness. Moreover, by prioritizing customer feedback, you could perpetually enhance your product, aligning it perfectly with the ever-evolving demands of your market.

Embracing this entrepreneurial path could enable supplementary income streams or potentially pave the way for a full-fledged business venture. By focusing on a distinctive problem and choosing a scalable platform, you could create a specialized tool that sustains long-term success while making day-to-day processes more efficient.

How much you can make: $117 — $1,766,666/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How We Developed A $29K/Month WhatsApp Plugin For Shopify

SuperLemon, a WhatsApp plugin for Shopify eCommerce stores, crossed $29,000 in MRR as of July 2020, with 20,000 users from 50+ countries and 1700+ paying customers, all acquired through organic marketing strategies and a relentless focus on customer service and satisfaction.

Read by 23,576 founders

4. Start a b2b lead generation service ($172K/month)

As a release manager, you could leverage your organizational skills and attention to detail by starting a B2B lead generation service. Your experience in coordinating various teams and processes equips you with the project management prowess needed to identify and reach potential business clients effectively.

By utilizing your knowledge of data analysis and relationship building, you could create a robust pipeline of high-quality leads for companies in need. The demand for such services is consistently high, providing you with a scalable and lucrative opportunity to supplement your income or even transition to a full-fledged business over time.

How much you can make: $500 — $1,250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)

How I Started A $12K/Month Digital Marketing Agency While Traveling Around The World

A 20-year-old digital nomad and serial entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a successful digital marketing agency, Nomads with Solutions, which specializes in Facebook lead generation, and offers insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and focusing on self-improvement.

Read by 10,054 founders

5. Start a two sided marketplace ($20.3K/month)

As a release manager, you could leverage your organizational and technical expertise to create a two-sided marketplace that connects software development teams with freelance release management professionals. This platform could address the ever-growing demand for specialized release management services in various industries, enabling companies to find certified experts who can ensure smooth software deployments.

You would play a crucial role in curating the user experience, verifying the credentials of release managers, and facilitating secure transactions. With the software industry booming and the increasing complexity of release processes, a marketplace focused on this niche could experience substantial growth driven by network effects—attracting more talent and companies as the user base expands.

How much you can make: $100 — $100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

How This Uber Driver Created A $270K/Year App For Gig Workers

Muver is a mobile app for gig workers allowing them to multi-app seamlessly between Uber, Uber Eats, Doordash, Grubhub, Lyft, Instacart, and more within a single app with over $270k revenue in the past 12 months.

Read by 4,979 founders

6. Start an email app business ($64.6K/month)

As a release manager, you could leverage your expertise in software development and project management to start an email app business. This venture involves creating a platform that streamlines email communication, sorting, and organization through intelligent filtering, prioritization, and possibly AI-driven responses.

By addressing the widespread frustration of cluttered inboxes and inefficient email management, you could tap into a significant market need. With your background, you have the skills to oversee the development, ensure a user-friendly interface, and perform necessary market research to identify features that set your app apart from established competitors like Gmail and Outlook.

Focusing on innovative solutions for efficient communication tools not only supplements your income but also positions you for substantial market share in a digital-dominated world. This could evolve from a side business into a full-time venture, offering a valuable service to both individuals and businesses.

How much you can make: $21 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

We Built Our App From The Back Of A Bus And Grew It To 10,000 Users

Leave Me Alone, a web service that helps users easily unsubscribe from unwanted emails, launched in January 2019 and made $1,186 in revenue in its first month, with a successful Product Hunt launch and a focus on being an open startup contributing to its success.

Read by 13,354 founders

7. Start an ecommerce plugin ($23.4K/month)

As a release manager, venturing into the creation of an e-commerce plugin could offer substantial opportunities for supplementing your income or starting a side business. Given your extensive experience with software releases and understanding of coding principles, you could craft a plugin that integrates seamlessly with popular e-commerce platforms, addressing common pain points and enhancing online stores' functionality.

With the growing demand for efficient online selling solutions, your e-commerce plugin could help businesses automate tasks such as inventory management, order processing, or customer engagement, saving them valuable time and money. Leveraging your analytical skills, you could continuously iterate and improve your plugin based on user feedback and market trends, providing a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving digital marketplace.

How much you can make: $117 — $54,999/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Developed A $29K/Month WhatsApp Plugin For Shopify

SuperLemon, a WhatsApp plugin for Shopify eCommerce stores, crossed $29,000 in MRR as of July 2020, with 20,000 users from 50+ countries and 1700+ paying customers, all acquired through organic marketing strategies and a relentless focus on customer service and satisfaction.

Read by 23,576 founders

8. Start a niche web design business ($50K/month)

As a release manager, you could leverage your project management skills and attention to detail to start a niche web design business, focusing on industries such as law, home improvement, or fashion. Your ability to oversee complex projects and coordinate between various stakeholders would be invaluable when managing web design projects from conception to completion.

By concentrating your web design services on a specific market, you could position yourself as a recognized expert, enabling you to charge premium rates for your tailored solutions. The analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and strong communication prowess you'd bring from your current role would be crucial in understanding client needs and delivering high-quality, industry-specific websites.

How much you can make: $200 — $200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

How I Left Silicon Valley And Started A $100K/Month Digital Agency

Never Settle, a digital agency with over 1,000 completed projects and a focus on lean methodology and building relationships with clients, has made a name for itself in the eCommerce space, offering comprehensive solutions to businesses of all sizes while maintaining consistent and moderate growth.

Read by 7,270 founders

9. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)

As a release manager, you could leverage your project management skills and attention to detail by starting a social media automation business. This business would involve creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data, helping clients—from small businesses to influencers—enhance their social media presence effortlessly.

Given your experience in coordinating complex releases, developing or integrating software solutions for social media automation would be a natural extension of your skills. By staying updated on social media trends and tailoring services to meet client needs, you could build a lucrative side business or even transition to entrepreneurship full-time, tapping into the burgeoning demand for consistent and strategic social media engagement.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

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.

Read by 15,239 founders

10. Start a consulting business ($147K/month)

As a release manager, you could leverage your extensive experience and deep understanding of the software development lifecycle to start a consulting business, tapping into the booming $250 billion consulting industry. Release management consulting is in demand as businesses look to streamline their software delivery processes and improve efficiency.

By offering your expertise, you could help organizations refine their release strategies, implement best practices, and overcome common challenges. This side business could not only supplement your income but potentially grow into a full-time endeavor, providing you with the flexibility to manage your career trajectory.

Connecting with industry experts and learning from their entrepreneurial journeys would further equip you with the insights needed to navigate the consulting landscape effectively.

How much you can make: $100 — $1,666,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $45K/Month Cybersecurity Consulting Firm For Startups

Cybersecurity consulting firm Eden Data, launched in March 2020, scaled to four team members and generated over $45k MRR without large startup costs through their unique Virtual CISO offering, which outsources cybersecurity and compliance needs for a flat monthly price, rather than charging by the hour or for long-term commitments.

Read by 35,814 founders

11. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)

As a release manager, you could leverage your industry knowledge and unique experiences to start an insightful podcast that discusses the intricacies of release management, software development, and project coordination. This niche can be particularly appealing as it caters not only to other release managers but also to software professionals, project managers, and IT enthusiasts looking for industry-specific knowledge and best practices.

By sharing lessons learned, interviewing key industry players, and discussing emerging trends and tools, you could create a loyal audience and establish yourself as a thought leader in your field. With relatively low upfront costs for recording equipment and hosting platforms, starting a podcast could be a practical way to supplement your income through sponsorships and advertisements, while also enriching your professional network and personal brand.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.

Read by 19,195 founders

12. Start a business podcast ($111K/month)

As a release manager, starting a business podcast could be an excellent way to supplement your income and share your industry expertise. You could create engaging content focused on software release strategies, industry trends, and expert interviews, providing valuable insights to fellow professionals. By discussing real-world challenges and solutions, you would position yourself as a thought leader in your field.

The flexibility and low upfront costs make podcasting easy to integrate into your busy schedule. Plus, you could leverage your existing professional network to secure high-profile guests, adding credibility and interest to your episodes. With consistent effort and high-quality content, you could attract a loyal listener base, open doors to ad revenue, and cultivate a platform that enhances your career and entrepreneurial goals.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $349,983/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

Empire Flippers: $20M/Year Helping People Buy And Sell Websites

Empire Flippers is a thought leader in brokering online business deals, having brokered over $50 million worth of deals and grown their pool of potential buyers by hundreds every month through a focus on content marketing and middle-of-funnel content.

Read by 10,500 founders

13. Start an ecommerce marketing agency ($463K/month)

As a release manager, you could leverage your meticulous project management skills and familiarity with software deployment to start an eCommerce marketing agency. Your background ensures that you are well-equipped to handle the fast-paced and ever-changing eCommerce environment. With the increasing need for online sellers to stay competitive, you have an opportunity to provide valuable services that help them balance production, launch creative marketing campaigns, and grow their brands without the need to maintain a full-time staff.

Given your experience in managing release schedules, you could excel in coordinating various digital marketing initiatives, ensuring they are executed smoothly and efficiently. You could offer specialized services, like SEO optimization, social media marketing, or even full end-to-end eCommerce solutions, making you an indispensable partner to eCommerce businesses aiming to navigate the complexities of the industry.

Starting an eCommerce marketing agency can be both profitable and fulfilling, allowing you to expand your skill set while capitalizing on your existing expertise. By educating yourself on current digital marketing trends and focusing on building robust digital skills, you could create a sustainable side business or even transition to running this venture full-time.

How much you can make: $7,500 — $8,300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $120K/Month Online Course For Social Media Marketing Agencies

Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.

Read by 15,823 founders

14. Start a business communications software ($1.48M/month)

As a release manager, you could leverage your extensive knowledge of software development and deployment processes to create a business communications software tailored to enhance team collaboration and project management. Your intimate understanding of the pain points and inefficiencies in workplace communications uniquely positions you to design tools that streamline workflows, thereby increasing productivity and profitability.

Picture developing a state-of-the-art platform that bridges communication gaps, integrates seamlessly with existing systems, and supports the nuances of remote and hybrid work environments. By capitalizing on the growing market for reliable, user-friendly communication solutions, you could not only supplement your income but also carve out a niche in a largely uncharted business territory. With your expertise, you’ll be at the forefront of transforming how businesses interact and collaborate, ultimately creating a more engaging and efficient work environment.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $10,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

Raising $19,000 Building a Positive Card Game

PEAR Cards is a card-based tool/game that empowers players to open up and initiate positive conversations, and with the help of Ad Magic, their Kickstarter had an all-or-nothing fundraising goal, which they met with so much support the company is now growing through the power of Twitter and Instagram.

Read by 8,230 founders

15. Start an user feedback app ($28.7K/month)

As a release manager, starting a user feedback app could be a powerful way to supplement your income or launch a side business. Leveraging your experience in managing software releases, you could create a platform that efficiently gathers, organizes, and analyzes customer feedback in real time. This would provide businesses with crucial insights into customer needs and preferences without disrupting their user experience.

By developing an app that integrates seamlessly with various digital channels—such as websites, mobile apps, and email campaigns—you could help companies make data-driven decisions to enhance their products and services. This aligns perfectly with your expertise, as understanding customer feedback directly impacts release planning and quality assurance.

With a solid understanding of app development, data analysis, and user experience design, you are well-equipped to tackle the technical challenges. Plus, the potential for recurring revenue through subscription models makes this business idea particularly sustainable, giving you the opportunity to build a strong market presence over time.

How much you can make: $100 — $150,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A $4.5K/Month Website With User Flow Design Inspiration

Page Flows is a library of inspiration videos for digital product designers and makes about $4,500 per month in revenue from a small, one-off price, with slow and steady growth and long-tail keyword SEO as key drivers of success.

Read by 9,027 founders

16. Start a project management tool ($162K/month)

As a release manager, starting a project management tool business could align seamlessly with your expertise in organizing, planning, and tracking projects. Leveraging your deep understanding of workflows and deadlines, you could develop user-friendly software that includes essential features such as task lists, Gantt charts, time tracking, resource planning, and collaboration tools. This could not only supplement your income but also open up new entrepreneurial avenues.

You could offer this software as a web or mobile application via a software-as-a-service subscription model, tapping into the continuous demand for efficient project management solutions. Given that organizations are always seeking ways to improve workflow, accountability, and efficiency, an innovative project management tool cultivated from your industry insights has excellent business potential. This venture could transform your professional skills into a profitable side business or even a full-fledged enterprise.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $830,000/month

How long does it take to build: 178 days (?)

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

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.

Read by 12,017 founders

17. Start a financial service business ($372K/month)

As a release manager, your detailed-oriented skills and experience in managing complex processes could translate well into running a financial service business. You could leverage your analytical capabilities to offer expert financial advice, such as investing strategies, retirement planning, tax preparation, and budgeting assistance. Your ability to handle intricate project timelines and deliverables can help you manage multiple clients and their varying financial needs effectively.

Starting a financial service business could allow you to supplement your income while impacting others' financial health in a meaningful way. By building a reputable portfolio and staying updated on financial laws and regulations, you could develop a trustworthy brand that clients rely on for sound financial advice. If you enjoy problem-solving and have a passion for financial excellence, this could be a fulfilling entrepreneurial path.

How much you can make: $11,500 — $2,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 95 days (?)

How I Started A Crowdfunding-As-A-Service Platform That Helped 200K Projects Raise Over $200M

ConnectionPoint's founder and CEO, Daryl Hatton, shares his experience of launching an enterprise-class crowdfunding-as-a-service platform that has helped almost 200,000 projects in 40+ countries raise over $200 million, and offers valuable insights on taking a focused approach to growth and pivoting the business to solve customer problems.

Read by 6,424 founders

18. Start a mlm software company

As a release manager, you could leverage your expertise in software deployment and project management to start an MLM software company. Your deep understanding of managing and coordinating software releases ensures the seamless deployment of your product, which is critical for providing a reliable system for multi-level marketing businesses. Capitalizing on your organizational skills, you could design and refine a platform that effectively tracks sales, commissions, and downline activities, addressing the specific needs of MLM companies.

Diving into this venture would allow you to tap into a niche market with a constant demand for robust, efficient solutions. By focusing on creating a seamless, compliant, and analytical platform, you could build a recurring revenue stream through subscription models. This could supplement your current income or even become a full-time business, offering financial stability and the satisfaction of solving a major industry pain point.

How much you can make: $6,000/month

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

How I Started A $3.7K/Month Software Company In Kenya

Apps: Lab KE is a software development company generating $3,500 per month, specializing in problem-solving using technology and data for businesses and communities.

Read by 10,164 founders

19. Build a SEO tool ($99.8K/month)

As a release manager, your expertise in product launches and software lifecycle management can seamlessly translate into developing and scaling an SEO tool. Leveraging your knowledge in managing intricate projects and ensuring timely deliveries, you could build a tool that helps website owners swiftly identify and rectify their SEO issues. This not only supplements your income but also capitalizes on your current skills, providing a meaningful and lucrative side business.

Furthermore, your experience in stakeholder communication and requirement gathering positions you well to understand and anticipate the needs of potential clients, enabling you to create a tool that truly stands out in the market. By tapping into the growing demand for SEO solutions, you could develop a profitable venture that complements your existing career while opening new entrepreneurial avenues.

How much you can make: $2,800 — $850,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped My SaaS Company To $2.5M/Year In 5 Years As A Solo Founder

Solo founder Todd Hooper bootstrapped Prerender.io from zero to $2.5 million in ARR over 5 years by releasing an open-source project on Github and turning it into an SEO-friendly version of React, Angular, and Javascript websites, and then offering it as a SaaS service for businesses.

Read by 17,034 founders

20. Start an education products business ($31K/month)

As a release manager, your attention to detail and organizational skills can provide a solid foundation for starting an education products business. You could leverage your project management experience to develop and distribute high-quality educational materials, such as workbooks, apps, and online courses. Focusing on various age groups and subjects could open up a broad and diverse market, from primary school students to adult learners.

Conducting market research and creating content could tie in naturally with your experience in managing software releases and coordinating with different stakeholders. Additionally, understanding distribution channels such as online marketplaces and educational institutions could be an extension of the strategic planning you already perform. This venture allows you to make a meaningful impact in the education sector while building a profitable side business or even a full-time enterprise.

How much you can make: $50 — $86,992/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

We Built A $180K/Year Learn-To-Code Community

Online learning community Frontend Mentor has over 200,000 members, with over 1,500 paid subscribers generating over $15,000 MRR, offering professionally designed challenges to improve front-end coding skills with a freemium business model and a focus on real-life experience.

Read by 12,688 founders

21. Start an e-commerce order fulfillment business ($4.68M/month)

Leveraging your meticulous attention to detail and project management skills as a release manager, you could start an e-commerce order fulfillment business as a side hustle. Your expertise in managing complex workflows ensures that you can handle the intricacies of inventory storage, customized packaging, and efficient logistics without any hiccups. This background in orchestrating seamless software releases could give you an edge in setting up a dependable and highly organized fulfillment operation.

By creating a fulfillment infrastructure that integrates smoothly with popular e-commerce platforms, you could attract numerous online retailers looking for reliable partners to handle their warehousing and shipping needs. This venture offers a scalable business model that can grow alongside your client base, making it an enticing option for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset.

How much you can make: $18,000 — $25,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How This Immigrant Entrepreneur Built A $60M/Year Fulfillment Business

ShipMonk, a technology-driven fulfillment center, went from $130K in revenue in 2014 to nearly $30M in 2018 and was named America's Fastest Growing Fulfillment Center, with projected revenue of $60M for 2019.

Read by 18,231 founders

22. Start a reviews and rating app business ($19K/month)

As a release manager, your expertise in coordinating and managing software deployments could provide a unique advantage when starting a reviews and rating app business. Your insight into user experience and software quality assurance would allow you to design a platform with a user-friendly interface and ensure the app's reliability and scalability.

You could leverage your project management skills to oversee the verification process for authentic reviews and build strong partnerships with businesses. By focusing on gathering genuine, crowd-sourced opinions, your app could become a trusted resource for consumers seeking quality products and services, providing a valuable service while supplementing your income or paving the way for a full-scale business.

How much you can make: $40 — $50,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How We Created A Chrome Extension & Hit The Top Of The App Store

Travel-tech startup RatePunk created a browser extension that compares hotel prices across different booking websites for free and achieved over 3,000 installs within a few weeks of launch, while learning valuable marketing lessons from social media platforms, micro-influencers, and online communities.

Read by 5,924 founders

23. Become an ecommerce consultant ($680K/month)

As a release manager, you could leverage your existing skills in managing projects and coordinating across teams to become an eCommerce consultant. Your expertise in process optimization and stakeholder communication directly translates into helping businesses with conversion rate optimization and effective advertising campaigns. You could offer firsthand knowledge and advice on navigating the complexities of the eCommerce ecosystem, ensuring that clients successfully implement their online strategies.

Additionally, your ability to identify and mitigate risks would be invaluable in selecting profitable products and negotiating with suppliers. This consulting work could start as a side business, allowing you to supplement your income, with the potential to grow into a full-time enterprise. By focusing on these areas, you align perfectly with the growing demand for eCommerce expertise and can create a rewarding and scalable business.

How much you can make: $2,300 — $8,300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $55K/Month Email Marketing Agency Specialized in Ecommerce

Boundless Labs is an email marketing agency for eCommerce brands that has generated over $25 million in email attributable revenue for their clients since launching 18 months ago and currently makes around $90K per month, with plans to reach $100K per month by the end of January 2020 through client referrals, strong relationships, and hard work.

Read by 12,785 founders

24. Start an online tool ($13.5K/month)

As a release manager, you could leverage your expertise in software deployment and project management to create an online tool that addresses specific pain points in the tech industry. You might develop a web application focused on streamlining the release process, automating deployment tasks, or improving project scheduling and coordination.

This venture could supplement your income or even evolve into a full-fledged business, offering digital solutions that increase efficiency and productivity for other companies. The demand for such tools is substantial, given the constant push for optimized workflows and reduced time-to-market.

By investing in market research, development, and customer support, you could create a tool that stands out in a competitive landscape. Your first-hand experience in release management would provide invaluable insights, ensuring that the tool is not just functional but also highly relevant to industry needs.

How much you can make: $500 — $35,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)

How We Built An $8K/Month Niche Online Tool [Business Idea Validated On Reddit]

Stagetimer generates $8,000 in monthly revenue by providing a simple online countdown timer for event producers to keep meetings and presentations on time, built based on a need in the market and validated through word of mouth and search engine optimization.

Read by 14,372 founders

25. Start a SEO services ($87.4K/month)

As a release manager, you already possess a keen understanding of project timelines, meticulous attention to detail, and adept coordination skills—all of which are valuable assets when starting a SEO services business. By leveraging your organizational prowess, you could efficiently manage SEO projects including keyword research, content optimization, and backlink building for various clients.

Starting an SEO services business could be a low-cost venture and an excellent way to supplement your income or even transition into a new career. With just a computer, an internet connection, and some foundational SEO knowledge, you could offer valuable services to small businesses aiming to improve their online presence and rank higher on search engines like Google.

Furthermore, your experience with release cycles and stakeholder communication can be directly applied to managing client expectations and delivering measurable results in the SEO realm. This entrepreneurial pursuit not only has minimal startup costs but also opens up a wide array of opportunities to turn your expertise and skills into a thriving business.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $28K/Month Boutique SEO Company

This case study describes the journey of Russell Michelson who, after leaving his corporate job, turned his WordPress skills into a thriving boutique SEO agency earning $20k/month, thanks to client referrals and Upwork.

Read by 9,619 founders

26. Start a business growth service ($151K/month)

As a release manager, your expertise in coordinating and managing complex software releases can seamlessly translate into offering a business growth service. You could leverage your skills in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and cross-functional collaboration to help businesses scale effectively. By analyzing a company’s current performance and crafting tailored growth strategies, you could guide them through transformative changes that optimize their operations and boost revenue.

Additionally, your experience with troubleshooting and resolving issues quickly can be invaluable in identifying and mitigating growth obstacles for your clients. Firms are increasingly seeking specialized services to enhance their market presence and customer acquisition. If you have a strategic mindset and a passion for helping companies succeed, launching a business growth service could be a fulfilling side business or even a main venture, allowing you to expand your impact beyond your role as a release manager.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Launched A $5K/Month Platform To Connect With Growth Mentors

GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.

Read by 46,024 founders

27. Start a real estate marketing agency ($87.7K/month)

As a release manager, you could leverage your project management and organizational skills to start a real estate marketing agency. This business would allow you to create and execute marketing campaigns for clients in the real estate industry, capitalizing on the growing trend of online property searches. Your experience in managing multiple projects and coordinating between teams would be invaluable as you develop marketing materials, manage social media accounts, and conduct market research.

With your strong people skills and ability to handle various clients, you could build a successful agency that meets the specific needs of real estate agents looking to market properties effectively online. This venture could not only supplement your income but also open new networking opportunities and provide a substantial financial reward, with potential earnings reaching up to 50 lakh rupees. By tapping into this thriving market, you could build a profitable side business that complements your existing career.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

I Created A $1M/Year Subscription-Based Toolkit For Real Estate Professionals

Coffee and Contracts is a digital marketing subscription service for real estate professionals that has helped over 7,000 members in just two years, with an average monthly revenue of around $165,000, and has grown at a rate of about 5% each month through organic traffic from Instagram and word of mouth.

Read by 11,773 founders

28. Start a nut butter business

As a release manager, your skills in project coordination and quality assurance could be invaluable in starting a nut butter business. With a keen eye for detail and a structured approach to managing timelines, you could ensure the efficient production and distribution of high-quality nut butters. This could involve overseeing everything from sourcing premium nuts to ensuring that your manufacturing processes adhere to industry standards.

Additionally, your experience in handling releases and ensuring smooth rollouts can translate directly into managing product launches and market penetration strategies for your nut butter. By leveraging your project management skills, you could streamline operations and potentially open up multiple streams of income through retail, distribution, or even creating a niche market as a manufacturer. By focusing on delivering heart-healthy, high-quality nut butter products, you not only align with current health trends but also create a sustainable and profitable business venture.

29. Start an ecommerce brand ($79.9K/month)

As a release manager, you could leverage your project management and coordination skills to successfully start and run an ecommerce brand. Your experience in handling detailed timelines, overseeing complex workflows, and ensuring timely releases could be directly applicable to managing inventory, marketing campaigns, and order fulfillment.

Breaking into the ecommerce world offers the exciting challenge of building your own online brand from the ground up, where you could sell products directly to consumers through platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. The opportunity to craft your brand identity, engage directly with customers, and control product offerings and pricing would be in your hands, providing both creative and managerial fulfillment.

Though starting an ecommerce business involves significant work, the potential rewards are substantial, and your existing skill set can make the process smoother and more efficient. If you’re entrepreneurial-minded and keen on making extra income or building a side hustle, pursuing an ecommerce venture could be a highly fulfilling option.

How much you can make: $450 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Turned A $5K Investment Into A $7.2M Apparel Brand

This case study follows the story of a successful online business that has made 7.2 million dollars in sales since 2012, with profits of around 30-45%, and the founders share insights on lessons learned and tools used.

Read by 8,757 founders

30. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)

As a release manager, you could leverage your expertise in workflow management and stakeholder engagement by developing an online survey tool to supplement your income. This platform would enable companies to efficiently gather customer feedback, which is critical for refining their products and services. Your understanding of project timelines and deliverables will be invaluable in building a tool that not only collects data but also presents it in actionable formats through comprehensive reporting systems.

Moreover, as businesses increasingly rely on customer insights to drive innovation, your online survey tool could become an essential asset for companies aiming to make data-driven decisions. With the rising popularity of platforms like Typeform, there's a proven demand for user-friendly, reliable survey tools that can efficiently manage large volumes of data. This venture could capitalize on your existing skill set while providing a lucrative side income or even evolving into a full-fledged business.

By focusing on ease of use and robust analytics, you could create a tool that simplifies the data collection process, much like the success story of Typeform which reported surpassing $70 million in annual recurring revenue. By tapping into this growing market, you could help businesses stay ahead in a competitive landscape while carving out a profitable niche for yourself.

How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

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.

Read by 12,017 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.