Side Hustle Ideas for Developers in 2024
Tags: webdev, opensource, learning, tutorial
Published: 2024-05-19 06:22:51

Are you a software engineer eager to turn your skills into profitable side hustles? 

The possibilities for making money online are endless, and I have some exciting ideas that could make 2024 your greatest year yet. Whether you're looking for extra income or dreaming of launching your own business, these side hustles are designed to get you motivated and upskilled with the potential to boost your earnings. Let's dive in!


## Selling Digital Products & Plugins

According to Statista, transaction value in the Digital Commerce market is expected to reach US$7.63tn in 2024. So, if you have the motivation with a great idea, you can also be a part of this booming industry. This is your chance to get a piece of the pie by creating digital assets like plugins for Shopify or WordPress.

Why not create reusable website templates with your favorite tech stack and sell them on platforms like [Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/) or [Envato](https://themeforest.net/)? I will start by selling website templates on Gumroad, I've read and seen it can be a highly profitable venture.


![Selling digital products online](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/4zxf601pjbuq7i93ndab.jpg)

## App Store / Play Store App Development

Mobile app development is still thriving. As of 2023, the Google Play Store hosts approximately 3.718 million mobile apps, and the Apple App Store offers around 1.803 million iPhone apps. Using cross-platform tools and frameworks like React Native, Flutter, or Ionic, you can develop apps without learning native languages like Java/Kotlin or Swift.

Monetize your apps through ads, in-app purchases, or by offering a premium ad-free version with extra features. The mobile app market is a goldmine waiting for your innovative ideas.


![Mobile app development](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/4up3n87qtm39m6txjyjd.png)

## SaaS or Micro-SaaS Products

Creating specialized, niche SaaS (Software as a Service) products can be incredibly profitable. Micro-SaaS products, often developed by solo developers or small teams, focus on very specific markets or functionalities.

Take inspiration from Raycast, a productivity tool that streamlines daily tasks and workflows with quick access and custom scripts. This small team's subscription-based model has turned into a huge success. Your unique Micro-SaaS product could be the next big thing!


![SaaS or Micro-SaaS Products](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8u7h6b1ab9htrl6a5is1.png)

## Open Source Project Contributions

Contributing to open-source projects is a fantastic way to showcase your skills, collaborate with other developers, and build your reputation. These contributions can lead to job offers, consulting gigs, or opportunities to sell your own tools and services.

If you start an open-source project that gains traction, you can monetize it through sponsorships, donations, or dual licensing, offering both a free community version and a paid commercial version with additional features or support.


![open-source](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/p7lf8j3udkqvo2ovhlkq.png)


## Tech Blogging

Tech blogging is a powerful way to share your expertise, review new technologies, and provide tutorials. What starts as a hobby can become a lucrative career through advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored content, or selling digital products like e-books or courses.

Establish a niche, whether it's web development, AI trends, or gadget reviews. Grow your audience by delivering valuable, accurate, and engaging content. A strong personal brand as a blogger can lead to speaking engagements, book deals, and consulting work.

Ready to turn your skills into something more? These side hustle ideas are your ticket to a great 2024. Share these ideas with fellow developers and start building your side hustle empire today!


![Tech Blogging](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/pbmsmhgnh5qe8ph8urfg.png)

## Custom AI-Powered Solutions

AI is more than a buzzword; it's a booming market. In 2023, AI was valued at over $153.6 billion, and it's only getting bigger. Every week, new AI tools hit the market, offering endless opportunities for developers.

Imagine creating an AI-powered tool like AgentGPT, using large language models (LLMs) like [GPT](https://openai.com/index/gpt-4/), [Llama](https://llama.meta.com/), or [PaLM 2](https://ai.google/discover/palm2/). These tools break down user-defined goals into actionable tasks and execute them sequentially. Design a user-friendly interface to let users interact with the AI, define goals, monitor progress, and receive outputs. Monetize your creation with a subscription model, and watch the profits roll in as businesses and individuals pay for your time-saving solution.


![AI-Powered Solutions](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/qjlj7r1hmxdwh8dqfue3.png)


By exploring these side hustle ideas and others, you can discover new ways to effectively utilize your skills and profitably generate income. 


Feel free to follow the links below to view my Open Source Projects and more.

**[travislord.xyz](https://travislord.xyz/)
[github.com/lilxyzz](https://github.com/lilxyzz)**