Software developers who want to become solopreneurs because they value the freedom and autonomy.

And, making money is key to that autonomy.

These are 5 different ways for software solopreneurs can make money while staying in software industry based on my experience and observing what others have tried successfully.

These are:

1. Service-based and act as subcontractor to larger software agency

2. Service-based and act as main contractor to non-software agency business customer

3. Code as primary input and Product-based such as SaaS or installable software

4. Software-focused or developer-focused community

5. Content as primary input and Product-based such as courses

I won't cover Community and Courses because both are not using code as primary leverage.

I will write a series of 3 essays documenting the pros and cons of the 3 options for solopreneurs.

Service-Based And Subcontractor to Software Agency

I've never done this before personally but I can easily see many people going for it.

Examples include lemon.io.

This makes sense if you're based in a country where cost of living is way lower and the agency gets clients based in developed countries such as USA. This is arbitrage play.

But, take note, this means the agency takes a cut of what they charge the customers. So, this is the least revenue maximizing.

Of the three options, this has the lowest ceiling in terms of growth in revenue. Of all the three options, this is probably the easiest to start if you're an introvert and don't know how to find customers directly.

And all your time is likely devoted to just one client: the agency. The uncharitable interpretation is you're an employee without employee benefits. Contrast this with the product-based option where any single customer leaving you isn't as bad.

You're NOT building equity with this option.

You're still trading time for money like an employee or a gig economy worker.

I recommend this if you're based in low cost country and you don't know how to source for clients directly. Otherwise, I don't recommend.

If you must take this on based in a developed country, do it as a temporary measure. Once you get your financial footing, quickly move away from this.

Next Option Will Be Covered In Tomorrow's Essay So Follow or Like to Get Notified

I realized if I were to write the other two options here, this will be a ~1k word essay.

So I will break it up into 2 more essays -- each covering one option and publishing them over the next 2 days.

Stay tuned.