9 Profitable SaaS Apps You Could Build Today: Turning Your Programming Skills into Income

In today’s tech landscape, we often hear about the challenges in the developer market, the debate over bootcamp graduates, and concerns about AI taking our jobs.

However, outside of this drama, many developers are leveraging their programming skills to create profitable businesses.

These aren’t Silicon Valley startups, but rather basement SaaS (Software as a Service) products run by individuals or small teams.

This article aims to inspire you by showcasing nine examples of profitable apps that demonstrate the potential of your programming skills. We’ll explore how these apps solve real-world problems and generate significant income for their creators.

Let’s dive in!

9 Profitable SaaS Apps You Could Build Today

1. SVG Collections

SVG Collections is a WordPress and WooCommerce-based app that offers a collection of SVG files for $4/month.

The creators targeted a unique audience by marketing not only broadly to whoever needs SVGs, but to Cricut and Silhouette users, tapping into the crafting community.

And these designs can be created in-masse, for FREE. Here’s how it would go down starting this business:

Use a tool like Midjourney to create black and white SVGs
Vectorize PNG files to SVGs
Upload a variety of designs
Monitor user searches and create popular designs based on popular searches

Very easy idea. Rake in the profits.

2. Boilerplate Codebases

Price: $199

These products offer pre-configured codebases that include essential features like landing pages, payment gateways, databases, email services, authentication, and SEO optimization.

Two notable options:

Shipfast: A Next.js-based solution
Larafast: A Laravel alternative

Here is a video review that I did on Shipfast:

And here is a thorough blog post I created on Larafast.

3. Headshot Generator

Monthly Revenue: $3.9 million

This Headshot Generator app transforms selfies and everyday photos into professional headshots.

Built with Next.js, it offers a subscription for $30/month.

Key selling points:

8x cheaper than a photo shoot
Studio-quality headshots at home
Indistinguishable from real photos
Completed in under an hour

4. AI Resume Builder

Monthly Revenue: $375,000

AI Resume Builder uses AI to help users create professional resumes. Everyone needs this because most people create sub-par resumes.

5. Noteforms: Form Builders for Notion

Monthly Revenue: $39,000

Built with Nuxt.js, Noteforms creates custom forms that integrate seamlessly with Notion, enhancing productivity for Notion users.

People are making good money today selling Notion templates. This is a bit of a different approach.

6. FounderPal

Monthly Revenue: $11,500

Developed using Bubble.io, FounderPal is an AI-powered tool that assists entrepreneurs with various aspects of building and growing their businesses.

And it’s another wrapper app. Remember, developers know that it’s a wrapper application build around ChatGPT, but the customers do not. To them, it solves a problem. That’s an important distinction.

7. AI Directories

Monthly Revenue: $8,300

AI Directories, a Next.js app, serves as a comprehensive directory of AI tools and resources, helping users navigate the rapidly expanding AI landscape.

You pay to have your new AI app:

manually submitted to 100+ directories
benefit from high quality backlinks
receive an increase in traffic
etc.

8. MakeLanding

Acquired

Another Next.js creation, MakeLanding allows users to quickly generate professional landing pages using AI.

9. Captime

While details are limited, Captime is another example of a successful SaaS product that solves a specific problem for its users by creating specific timers used by CrossFit enthusiasts.

Tips for Building Profitable SaaS Apps

To help you get started on your own SaaS journey, here are two crucial tips:

Shift Your Mindset: Think of yourself as a developer-creator or developer-business owner, not just an employee. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to solve problems with software.
Solve Real Problems: Focus on creating solutions for repetitive tasks or processes that you or others find frustrating. Many successful apps start as small solutions to specific problems.

Conclusion

The examples in this article demonstrate that there’s a world of opportunity for developers who think beyond traditional employment. By identifying problems and creating targeted solutions, you can potentially create a profitable SaaS business while improving your programming skills and building an impressive portfolio.

Have you built anything that people use? Do you have any advice for aspiring SaaS creators? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!