17 Best Business Ideas For Web Developers [2024]
Are you a web developer looking to make additional income?
There are many profitable business ideas for web developers that you can start today.
From designing websites for small businesses to creating custom WordPress themes, the possibilities are endless.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most promising web design business ideas that can help you turn your passion for web development into a successful and profitable career.
1. Start a web development business
A web development business is a company that builds and takes care of websites. They typically use coding and design skills to create online spaces that meet the needs of individuals or businesses.
These businesses help ensure websites work well and look good, playing a key role in the online presence of their clients.
How much you can make: $6,600 — $350,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Vuetify is a popular open-source user interface library, built with the Vue.js framework, that generates revenue through digital content and services such as paid digital content in the Vuetify store, direct support through consulting, ad revenue from Carbon ads on the documentation pages, and donations/sponsorships via GitHub and Patreon, generating an average income of $6,500 per month.
2. Create a web development course
A web development course is an educational program designed to teach individuals the skills and knowledge needed to create and maintain websites and web applications.
These courses typically cover programming languages, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as frameworks, databases, and other tools relevant to web development. Courses may be offered by educational institutions, online platforms, or coding bootcamps, catering to beginners or those looking to enhance their existing skills in the field of web development.
How much you can make: $500 — $110,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
No Code MBA founder, Seth Kramer, has built a training platform for entrepreneurs who want to learn how to launch their very own businesses and build apps using no-code tools, recording over 150 real-world video lessons which have resulted in over 400 paid members in just 6-months and a focus on growing the No Code MBA community.
3. Build an API
API is the acronym for “application programming interface” and is a software intermediary connecting applications.
More and more companies are adopting a digital business strategy to streamline their operations and provide better customer service.
Many benefits come with using an API, and we’ve compiled a list of the best API businesses today.
How much you can make: $3,600 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Geocode.xyz, a geolocation API, has grown from thousands of daily users to over a hundred million in monthly API calls to revenues of over $15k per month, showing over 1,000% growth in the past year while providing a geocoding API for the world.
4. Start a browser extension business
A browser extension business involves creating and offering small software add-ons that enhance the functionality of web browsers.
These extensions are like tiny apps that users can install to customize and improve their online experience.
Examples include ad blockers, password managers, or tools that streamline certain tasks.
Starting a browser extension business requires skills in software development, as you’ll need to design, build, and maintain these extensions.
Additionally, understanding user needs and keeping up with browser updates is crucial for success in this dynamic and growing market.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $8,333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
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.
5. Start a website theme development business
Starting a website theme development business involves creating visually appealing and functional website designs. These themes can be sold to individuals or companies looking to update their online presence. To start and run this business successfully, you will need a strong understanding of website design and development and a portfolio of your work to showcase to potential clients.
Additionally, you will need a strong marketing strategy to reach potential customers and showcase your skills. This may involve creating a website or social media presence to showcase your work and attract new clients.
Running a website theme development business also requires strong project management skills to ensure that projects are completed on time and to the satisfaction of your clients. Good communication skills are also essential, as you will need to work closely with clients to understand their vision and ensure that you are creating a theme that meets their needs.
Overall, starting a website theme development business requires a combination of creative skills and business acumen. This can be a rewarding and successful business venture with the right tools and strategies.
How much you can make: $150,000 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 95 days (?)
This case study follows the success story of Nick, founder of Qoders Family, who has generated over $3M in revenue through his various website building services including an award-winning development design agency, custom-designed WordPress theme templates, free WordPress plugins, and a Shopify app.
6. Start an ux testing software
To start a UX testing software business, understand UX principles and testing methodologies, and develop user-friendly software.
Clients can analyze user behavior, gather feedback, and optimize products for enhanced satisfaction and engagement.
Emphasize the value of your software in enhancing user experience and boosting satisfaction when marketing to businesses seeking to improve their digital offerings.
How much you can make: $150,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
PlaybookUX is a remote research platform that uses qualitative research to test and analyze digital assets with Fortune 500 firms and sole freelancers as customers, having achieved $1.8m in annual revenue with 1,100 customers and 100% YoY growth as a result of bootstrapping their business and keeping user feedback in focus.
7. Start a CSS learning platform
A CSS learning platform is an online resource designed to teach individuals Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), a crucial technology for web development.
This platform provides easy-to-follow tutorials, interactive exercises, and real-world examples to help beginners understand how to style and format websites.
Users can learn at their own pace, gaining practical skills in manipulating the appearance of web pages. The platform may also offer quizzes and assessments to reinforce learning.
Overall, a CSS learning platform aims to empower aspiring web developers with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance the visual aspects of websites through effective styling techniques.
How much you can make: $100,000/month
Learn how a developer's failure to properly manage cash flow and expenses led to the shutting down of their SaaS business, resulting in a loss of around $45,000.
8. Develop a web analytics tool
A web analytics tool is a powerful solution that assists website owners in comprehending how visitors interact with their online platform.
The tool collects and analyzes data on user behavior, such as page views, clicks, and time spent on the site, which is crucial for businesses to make informed decisions about their online presence and marketing strategies.
A web analytics tool enables you to track the performance of your website, identify popular content, and measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
If you are interested in starting a web analytics business, you can provide these valuable insights to other businesses and help them optimize their websites to achieve better results in the online world.
How much you can make: $20 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 133 days (?)
Plausible Analytics, a privacy-friendly web analytics tool, reached $4,557 MRR and 743 paying subscribers by focusing on content marketing and engaging relevant communities, rather than paid advertising, while positioning itself as a lightweight, cookie-free and affordable alternative to Google Analytics.
9. Become a freelance web developer
Are you passionate about technology and looking for a way to earn extra income while working on your terms? How about becoming a freelance web developer? Firstly, web development is a highly sought-after skill in every industry. Secondly, the pay rate is higher than freelance writers, and freelance graphic designers earn. As a freelance web developer, you put yourself in a high-value proposition. However, it would be best to learn languages like HTML, CSS, and Javascript to get started. Find a niche and start building anything and everything. Create a personal brand and build up your portfolio.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $148,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)
Cantilever Web Design and Development, with clients including IBM and small businesses, reached a revenue of over $750k last year with a gross margin of 50% by prioritizing Digital Hospitality, fostering high-quality relationships, and constantly improving their process and philosophy.
10. Start a SEO services
An SEO services business helps other businesses improve their visibility on search engines like Google.
It involves tasks like optimizing website content, building quality backlinks, and conducting keyword research.
Essentially, it helps websites rank higher in search results, making them more likely to be found by potential customers.
Starting an SEO services business can be a low-cost venture, as it mainly requires a computer, an internet connection, and some basic SEO knowledge.
You can offer your services to small businesses looking to improve their online presence without the need for a large upfront investment.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $550 (?)
How long does it take to build: 55 days (?)
Deepak Shukla founded Pearl Lemon in 2016, and as of February 2022, the company generates between $80-$110K per month providing SEO and B2B lead generation services to clients ranging from small businesses to public companies.
11. Start a website performance service
A website performance service aims to enhance and optimize the speed, reliability, and functionality of websites.
This service helps clients to ensure that their websites load quickly, function smoothly, and deliver a positive user experience.
The services offered by this business may include analyzing and fine-tuning website code, optimizing images and other media, and implementing strategies to improve page load times.
By availing these services, businesses can improve their online presence, increase customer satisfaction, and improve their search engine rankings.
As the demand for faster and more efficient websites grows, starting a website performance service can be a valuable and in-demand business idea.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $18,933,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)
A website design, development, and SEO Agency, Pneuma Media was able to scale from $0 - $2M in under 2 years using content-focused SEO campaigns as their main product, a process that is supported by Lean Thinking and reviewed in monthly "autopsies," and driven by cold outbound and networking, formalized partnerships, and communications including Slack, monthly meetings, and the Quarterly Business Review.
12. Start a wordpress security business
A WordPress security business focuses on protecting websites built on the popular WordPress platform from online threats and vulnerabilities.
This business involves offering services such as malware scanning, firewall setup, regular software updates, and overall website security audits.
By identifying and addressing potential risks, the aim is to ensure the safety of clients' WordPress sites, preventing unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyber threats.
As a WordPress security business owner, your key tasks would include providing robust security solutions, educating clients on best practices, and offering ongoing support to keep their websites safe and secure.
WordPress security businesses play a crucial role in safeguarding the online presence of individuals and businesses using WordPress for their websites.
How much you can make: $600 — $18,933,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Site Alert, a small business-focused monitoring tool for websites, saw revenue grow by 51% under new ownership by Southport Ventures, thanks to focused growth initiatives and organic growth through the WordPress plugin marketplace.
13. Build a real-time chat app
Chatbots have a massive implication in easing things for businesses and customers. For instance, when customers come to your website, they have an easy time figuring out where to look for information. Chatbots help to:
- Improve dwell time
- Facilitates better searches
- Help get better ratings
- Collect data for better insights and improvement
Website owners are looking for ease of navigation, and that’s what real-time chatbots offer. Thus, starting a real-time chatbot development business can be a great business.
How much you can make: $7,500 — $83,333/month
Lithuanian developer turned open-source guru builds and grows Live Helper Chat, attracting thousands of clients, and generates $90k/year, all in his spare time, without any marketing or investors.
14. Start a website traffic analysis
Website traffic analysis involves the examination of data related to visitors on a website to gain insights into their behavior, preferences, and interactions.
Using tools like Google Analytics, businesses can track metrics such as the number of visitors, pages viewed, and the duration of visits.
This information helps in understanding user engagement, identifying popular content, and optimizing the website for better performance.
Starting a website traffic analysis business can be lucrative because businesses increasingly rely on data-driven decisions to enhance their online presence, improve user experience, and ultimately boost their revenue.
How much you can make: $20/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 86 days (?)
Beam Analytics offers GDPR-compliant web analytics including funnel analysis, cohort retention, and custom event tracking, with a generous free tier and pricing starting at just $11/month, attracting over 100 users within two weeks of launching.
15. Start a website plugin
A website plugin is a small piece of software that can be added to a website to enhance its functionality.
These plugins often serve specific purposes, such as improving SEO, adding social media buttons, or integrating e-commerce features.
Creating a website plugin business can be a lucrative opportunity as it meets the growing need for customizable and efficient online experiences. This enables website owners to enhance their sites without extensive coding knowledge.
As more businesses and individuals seek to establish and improve their online presence, providing valuable plugins can be a profitable venture in the digital market.
How much you can make: $20 — $18,933,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 103 days (?)
Learn how two entrepreneurs developed a successful open-source membership plugin for WordPress that brought in an average of $100k per month in revenue and grew to over 100,000 sites while offering premium add-ons and support services.
16. Develop a web development tool
A web development tool is software that assists individuals and businesses in creating and maintaining websites.
These tools simplify the process of designing, coding, and managing websites, making it easier for both beginners and professionals alike.
They usually come with features like code editors, pre-built templates, and testing environments that simplify the development process.
Whether you’re creating a personal blog or an e-commerce site, these tools provide the necessary tools to bring your vision to life quickly.
Starting a web development business requires the use of these tools to provide website creation and maintenance services, helping clients establish and enhance their online presence.
How much does it cost to start: $624 (?)
How long does it take to build: 97 days (?)
17. Become an e-commerce web page developer
Global eCommerce sales are expected to reach over $6 trillion in the next few years. The market growth is because of the increased number of merchants following consumer demand online.
Online stores are popping up daily, with an estimated 12-24 million eCommerce sites across the globe.
If you are wondering how to build a profitable business within the eCommerce industry, consider becoming an eCommerce webpage developer.
eCommerce web developers play a critical role in ensuring potential customers can easily navigate eCommerce stores, find what they are looking for, and checkout easily and safely. To become an eCommerce platform developer, you must have the capability to:
- Design your eCommerce storefront to be both functional and beautiful
- Make it easy for customers to find what they want, whether through filtering options like size, color, or price
- Help eCommerce platform owners decide which features work best with the rest of the website content
How much does it cost to start: $20 (?)
- 4,818 founder case studies
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- 8,628 business ideas
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
