How to Build a Side Project That Actually Makes Money
By Sabbir AI
Most side projects die in the graveyard of abandoned GitHub repos. But some turn into real businesses. Here's how to build one that actually generates income.
Start With a Problem, Not a Solution
Don't build "a Twitter clone with blockchain." Build something that solves a specific pain point you've experienced. The best products come from scratching your own itch.
Validate Before You Code
Spend a weekend creating a landing page. Describe your idea and add an email signup. Drive traffic with $50 in ads. If nobody signs up, your idea might need work.
Build the Minimum Viable Product
Your first version should be embarrassingly simple. One core feature that solves one problem really well. You can add bells and whistles after you have paying customers.
Monetization Models That Work
SaaS subscriptions: Monthly recurring revenue. Start at $9-29/month for indie products.
One-time purchases: Sell access to a tool, template, or resource. Easier to sell, but no recurring revenue.
Freemium: Free basic version, paid premium features. Good for viral growth.
Get Your First 10 Customers
Post on Reddit, Twitter, and IndieHackers. Give away free lifetime access to early adopters in exchange for feedback. Those 10 people become your marketing team.
The Tech Stack Doesn't Matter
Use whatever you know best. The graveyard is full of projects that died during "research phase" choosing the perfect framework. Ship first, optimize later.
Time Management
Dedicate specific hours. Maybe 6-8 AM before work, or weekends. Consistency beats intensity. 5 hours every Saturday is better than 20 hours once a month.
When to Quit Your Day Job
When your side project generates 50% of your salary for 6 consecutive months. Not before. Financial pressure kills creativity.
Real Examples
Pieter Levels built 12 startups in 12 months. Most failed. But NomadList and RemoteOK now make $3M+ annually. The key? He shipped fast and iterated based on real feedback.