The world of mobile app development is abuzz with innovative ideas, but finding success can be challenging. In this article, we'll explore eight categories where solo builders and small teams are generating revenue today. From AI-powered productivity tools to professional training apps, these ideas have proven to be lucrative for entrepreneurs who understand the importance of getting their product live, paid, and into the hands of users.
AI-Powered Professional Productivity Tools
In a surprising twist, it's not groundbreaking AI concepts that drive success in this category. Instead, builders are taking existing AI capabilities and wrapping them in workflows that make specific professions faster at their work. A finance professional in Japan, for instance, earned $34,000 by creating an AI tool that generates client-ready financial reports. The key to success lies in understanding the domain knowledge and delivering a product that saves professionals time on their own work.
Why it works: Professionals are willing to pay for tools that streamline their internal workflows, making tasks like report generation, data analysis, and document drafting more efficient. By focusing on a specific profession's needs, builders can create valuable products that generate recurring revenue through monthly subscriptions or usage-based pricing.
Revenue model: Monthly subscription prices typically range from $29 to $99, depending on the tool's value proposition. Some builders also charge per report generated or per analysis run.
How to get your first customers: Identify online communities where your target profession hangs out and post a demo video showcasing the tool's capabilities. Offer discounted rates for early adopters in exchange for feedback, and watch as word-of-mouth marketing spreads through professional networks.
Professional Training and Certification Apps
Regulated education is a lucrative space for app builders. By creating training apps that help professionals stay current with mandatory certifications, entrepreneurs can generate recurring revenue. A medical student, for example, earns $85 per month from a CPR training app that helps healthcare workers maintain their certification.
Why it works: Regulated education creates an urgency that drives purchase motivation. Professionals must complete required training to keep their licenses or certifications, making them more likely to pay for efficient solutions.
Revenue model: Per-user subscriptions range from $50 to $100 per month, with some builders charging per course or certification cycle.
How to get your first customers: Partner with a training program, school, or professional association in your field and offer a pilot program. Use the feedback to refine the experience and then market directly to individuals studying for the same credential.
Client Portals for Service Businesses
Existing clients are often the best source of revenue for service businesses. By creating client portals that streamline communication and organization, entrepreneurs can generate recurring revenue. A marketer generated $20,000 by building an AI referral tool for a niche audience.
Why it works: Client portals create value by simplifying complex processes, making it easier for clients to access important information and communicate with the business. The result is increased customer satisfaction and retention.
Revenue model: Recurring revenue streams can come from monthly or annual subscription fees, as well as one-time setup charges.
How to get your first customers: Identify a specific service industry or niche audience and create a prototype that addresses their pain points. Offer early adopters a discounted rate in exchange for feedback and testimonials, which can be used to market the product to other clients in the same industry.
These eight categories have proven to be profitable for entrepreneurs who understand the importance of getting their products live, paid, and into the hands of users. By focusing on specific audiences and delivering valuable solutions, builders can generate recurring revenue and build successful app startups.