Turn your coding skills into income by building useful tools and utilities. Each method includes step-by-step guidance, required tools, realistic income expectations, and proven strategies to help you succeed.
From browser extensions to API wrappers - discover proven ways to monetize your coding skills
Build useful browser extensions that solve specific problems. Popular niches include productivity tools, ad blockers, shopping helpers, and developer utilities.
JavaScript, HTML/CSS, Chrome Extension API, manifest.json knowledge
Learn Chrome extension basics, identify a problem to solve, build MVP, publish to Chrome Web Store, offer freemium model or one-time purchase
$100-500/mo for niche tools, $500-2K+/mo for popular extensions with thousands of users
Create Discord bots for moderation, gaming, music, utility functions, or server management. Monetize through premium features, server slots, or Patreon.
Node.js or Python, Discord.js or Discord.py, hosting (Heroku/Railway/VPS), Discord Developer Portal
Learn Discord API, build bot with useful features, test in own server, list on bot directories (top.gg), offer free + premium tiers
$200-800/mo for niche bots, $1K-3K+/mo for popular bots serving thousands of servers
Build scripts that automate repetitive tasks for businesses or individuals. Popular areas include data scraping, file processing, report generation, and social media automation.
Python, Beautiful Soup, Selenium, Requests library, basic command line knowledge
Learn Python basics, identify common business tasks, create ready-to-use scripts, sell on Gumroad or Fiverr, offer customization services
$50-300/mo selling scripts, $500-1.5K/mo with custom automation services
Create simplified wrappers for complex APIs or build libraries that make developers' lives easier. Monetize through sponsorships, donations, or premium support.
Programming language of choice, API documentation understanding, package managers (npm, pip, gem), GitHub
Find complex API to simplify, build wrapper with good documentation, publish as open-source, monetize via GitHub Sponsors or premium features
$100-500/mo from sponsorships, $500-2K+/mo with premium support or enterprise features
Build command-line interface tools for developers. Popular categories include build tools, deployment helpers, code generators, and development utilities.
Node.js/Python/Go, CLI frameworks (Commander.js, Click, Cobra), package managers, testing tools
Identify developer pain points, build tool with excellent docs, distribute via npm/pip, offer free tier + paid pro features or licenses
$100-400/mo for niche tools, $500-1.5K+/mo for widely-used developer utilities
Develop WordPress plugins that add functionality to websites. Popular niches include SEO tools, security plugins, form builders, and e-commerce enhancements.
PHP, WordPress API knowledge, JavaScript, MySQL, local WordPress development environment
Learn WordPress plugin development, solve common WP problems, create freemium plugin, submit to WordPress.org directory, sell premium on own site
$200-1K/mo for small plugins, $1K-5K+/mo for popular premium plugins with large user base
Create apps for Shopify stores that enhance functionality. Popular categories include inventory management, marketing automation, customer service tools, and analytics.
React/Node.js, Shopify API, Shopify Polaris, GraphQL, OAuth, web hosting
Learn Shopify development, identify merchant needs, build app with Shopify CLI, test thoroughly, submit to Shopify App Store, offer subscription pricing
$300-2K/mo starting out, $2K-10K+/mo for successful apps with hundreds of paying merchants
Build Telegram bots for automation, group management, notifications, games, or utility features. Monetize through premium features or subscriptions.
Python or Node.js, python-telegram-bot or node-telegram-bot-api, hosting, Telegram Bot API
Learn Telegram Bot API, create bot via BotFather, develop useful features, deploy to cloud, promote in Telegram channels, offer freemium model
$100-500/mo for niche bots, $500-2K+/mo for popular utility bots with premium subscriptions
Develop Slack integrations that improve team productivity. Popular categories include project management, analytics, team engagement, and workflow automation.
Node.js or Python, Slack API, Bolt framework, OAuth, webhooks, hosting platform
Learn Slack development, identify workplace pain points, build app with Slack Bolt, test with team, submit to Slack App Directory, use freemium pricing
$200-1K/mo starting out, $1K-4K+/mo for apps serving multiple workspaces with paid plans
Create tools that generate boilerplate code, templates, or repetitive code structures. Popular niches include component generators, API scaffolding, and configuration generators.
Language of choice, templating engines, AST parsers, web framework for UI, good understanding of code patterns
Identify repetitive coding tasks, build generator with templates, create web interface or CLI, offer free tier, charge for advanced features or commercial use
$100-800/mo for niche generators, $1K-3K+/mo for widely-used professional tools
Build extensions for Visual Studio Code that enhance the development experience. Popular categories include themes, snippets, linters, formatters, and productivity tools.
TypeScript/JavaScript, VS Code Extension API, Node.js, Yeoman generator, vsce publishing tool
Learn VS Code API, use extension generator, develop useful feature, test thoroughly, publish to marketplace, monetize via sponsorships or premium features
$100-600/mo from sponsorships, $600-2.5K+/mo for popular paid extensions with thousands of installs
Create JavaScript snippets that enhance or modify website functionality. Popular uses include data extraction, UI improvements, automation, and productivity enhancements.
JavaScript, DOM manipulation knowledge, Tampermonkey/Greasemonkey for userscripts, browser developer tools
Learn JavaScript basics, identify website annoyances to fix, create bookmarklet or userscript, share on platforms like Greasy Fork, monetize via donations or premium versions
$50-200/mo from donations, $300-800/mo with premium features for popular scripts
Develop software development kits that help mobile developers integrate specific functionality. Popular categories include analytics, authentication, payments, and UI components.
Swift/Kotlin or React Native/Flutter, mobile development environment, API design skills, documentation tools
Learn mobile development, identify common developer needs, build SDK with excellent docs, distribute via package managers, offer free tier with paid features
$200-1K/mo starting out, $1K-4K+/mo for widely-adopted SDKs with enterprise customers
Create custom GitHub Actions that automate CI/CD workflows. Popular categories include deployment tools, testing utilities, security scanners, and notification systems.
JavaScript/TypeScript or Docker, GitHub Actions toolkit, YAML, understanding of CI/CD pipelines, GitHub account
Learn GitHub Actions, identify workflow pain points, build action, publish to GitHub Marketplace, monetize via GitHub Sponsors or premium support
$100-400/mo from sponsorships, $500-1.5K+/mo for popular actions with enterprise support
Build tools that integrate with Notion using their API. Popular categories include automation tools, backup solutions, sync utilities, and analytics dashboards.
JavaScript/Python, Notion API, OAuth, web framework, database knowledge, hosting platform
Learn Notion API, identify user needs, build integration tool, create landing page, offer freemium or subscription model, market to Notion communities
$100-500/mo for simple tools, $500-2K+/mo for advanced tools with recurring subscribers
Follow these steps to launch your first money-making coding project
Select a method that matches your current skills and interests. If you're already comfortable with JavaScript, start with browser extensions or bookmarklets. If you prefer Python, try automation scripts or Telegram bots.
Start with easier methods like automation scripts or bookmarklets to build confidence before tackling more complex projects like Shopify apps or mobile SDKs.
The best tools solve real problems. Look for pain points in your own workflow, browse online communities (Reddit, Discord, Twitter), or check reviews of existing tools to find gaps in the market.
Narrow your focus. "A tool for developers" is too broad. "A VS Code extension that formats API responses" is specific and addressable.
Don't try to build the perfect tool right away. Create a basic version with core functionality that solves the main problem. Get it working, test it thoroughly, and launch quickly to get feedback.
Aim to launch within 1-2 weeks for simple tools, 2-4 weeks for more complex projects. You can always add features based on user feedback.
Each tool type has its ideal distribution channel: Chrome Web Store for extensions, GitHub Marketplace for Actions, npm for Node packages, Gumroad for scripts, etc. Follow platform guidelines carefully for approval.
Write clear documentation, add screenshots/demos, and include a compelling description. Your listing is your sales page - make it count!
Share your tool on relevant subreddits, Product Hunt, Hacker News, Twitter, and niche communities. Create a simple landing page explaining the problem it solves. Engage with users and iterate based on feedback.
Build in public! Share your progress on Twitter/X, create a changelog, and respond to user feedback quickly. This builds trust and creates organic marketing.
Choose a monetization strategy that fits your tool: freemium for feature-rich tools, one-time purchase for utilities, subscriptions for ongoing services, sponsorships for open-source projects, or donations via GitHub Sponsors/Buy Me a Coffee.
Consider offering a free tier to build your user base, then add premium features later. It's easier to monetize existing users than to acquire paying customers from scratch.
A structured roadmap to launch and monetize your first coding tool in 3 months
Days 1-30: Research, Learn & Build
Days 31-60: Release, Market & Iterate
Days 61-90: Earn, Optimize & Expand
Everything you need to start building and monetizing your coding tools
Join thousands of developers who are building profitable tools in their spare time. Start with one method, launch quickly, and scale as you learn.
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