When it comes to being an indie maker, there are endless possibilities for the types of products you can build. However, as a single person business, it’s important to consider the feasibility and market potential of your chosen product. In this article, we will explore some common product options for indie makers and discuss their advantages and challenges.
Infoproducts
Creating an infoproduct is one of the easiest ways to build a product as a single person. This involves packaging and organizing a set of information that you have knowledge about. It could be anything from a unique skillset to a different perspective on a particular subject. While you may think you don’t have enough credentials or authority in the industry, there’s always a market for valuable information. There are millions of people who lack the skills or knowledge that you possess, and some of them are willing to pay for it. Infoproducts can take the form of ebooks, online courses, or other digital resources.
Ebooks
Ebooks are a great starting point for indie makers. They can be distributed through platforms like Amazon Kindle or directly on your own website. However, it’s important not to underestimate the effort required to create a quality ebook. Simply repurposing blog posts into a short ebook won’t cut it. To succeed in this space, you need to provide valuable and in-depth content that stands out from the competition.
Online Courses
Creating an online course is more advanced and time-consuming than writing an ebook. Platforms like Udemy make it easy to create and sell your course to a global audience. Online courses typically consist of video lessons, quizzes, and supplemental materials like textbooks. Unlike ebooks, online courses require interaction with your students. This means you need to provide support and engage with your students throughout the learning process. Pricing for online courses is often higher than ebooks, which gives you more flexibility in terms of marketing strategies.
Software
If you’re a programmer, building a software product may seem like a natural choice. However, it’s important to consider the challenges and potential risks associated with this option.
Mobile Apps
Developing mobile apps for platforms like iOS and Android can be an attractive business opportunity. However, the app market is highly competitive, making it difficult to stand out and achieve success. App stores have strict guidelines and review processes, which can slow down development and updates. Additionally, if you want to reach a wide audience, you need to consider testing and supporting your app on multiple devices, which can be costly. It’s crucial to have a robust marketing strategy and a bit of luck to succeed in the app business.
Desktop Applications
While mobile apps have gained popularity, there is still a demand for desktop applications, especially for work-related tasks. Selling apps for Windows or OSX can be done through your own website or through app stores like the Mac App Store and the Windows Store. Desktop apps generally have a higher price tag compared to their mobile counterparts. However, similar to mobile apps, you may encounter technical issues and will need to provide customer support and updates.
Plugins or Themes for CMS
Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress have a massive user base, presenting an opportunity for indie makers to create plugins or themes. Plugins offer additional features, while themes modify a website’s design. WordPress plugins have both free and paid versions, allowing you to monetize your product. However, there is intense competition in the WordPress ecosystem, and you may need to provide ongoing support and updates for compatibility.
SAAS
Software as a Service (SAAS) is a software delivery model where your product runs on your own servers, and users access it via a browser. SAAS allows you to have complete control over your software and immediate bug fixes. However, there are some challenges to consider with this model.
Challenges of SAAS
Unlike app stores and CMS plugin directories, there is no built-in distribution system for SAAS products. You are responsible for marketing and customer acquisition. Additionally, you need to ensure your service is always available, as any technical issues can prevent all your customers from accessing their data. Selling a subscription-based service also requires additional effort to retain customers and manage churn.
Add-ons for SAAS Platforms
Another option is to create add-ons for existing SAAS platforms like Shopify or Salesforce. These platforms have an established marketplace and a user base that is already paying for the core service. Creating an add-on provides additional functionality that is tailored to the needs of these users. Distribution and marketing are relatively easier in this scenario, but you still need to consider technical support and updates.
In conclusion, there are several product options for indie makers, each with its own advantages and challenges. It’s important to consider your skills, resources, and market potential when choosing a product to build. Regardless of the path you choose, creating a quality product and having a well-defined marketing strategy are key to success.
Tags: indie maker, infoproducts, ebooks, online courses, software, mobile apps, desktop applications, plugins, themes, SAAS, add-ons