There’s no denying that learning to code takes time. While some people are born with the ability to create working apps or websites in a matter of weeks, others will need to put in a lot of time and effort. Everyone starts with the same amount of money, regardless of how brilliant a programmer they are.
That’s not to say you won’t be able to profit right away. Sure, it won’t pay as much as a $100,000 plus salary for a senior web developer, but it’s a start. Isn’t it true that each and every penny matters?
Here are five options for making money while learning to code.
Invent Apps
The vast majority of people grossly underestimate the level of expertise needed to develop an app. You don’t even need to know how to programme anymore, thanks to certain software. Aspiring programmers, on the other hand, should not take this route. If you’ve been learning Swift or Objective-C, you’ll be able to create basic iOS apps in a matter of hours.
If you have a useful, marketable idea, you can easily make money by creating a free app, releasing it on the App Store, and selling it to the general public. All of this was completed in a single working day. If you think you have a knack for app development and the million-dollar app ideas just keep coming, look into PhoneGap, Appcelerator, or Apache Cordova. These automated coding apps can help you create apps in minutes rather than hours, but that doesn’t mean you should forego coding classes.
Locals are hired.
Both start-ups and large corporations require professional-level programming. On the other hand, small local businesses frequently only require the most basic apps and websites. They don’t have a lot of money to hire web or app developers in general. To put it another way, they’re looking for a solution that’s as simple and low-cost as possible.
You are the solution! If you can show that your skills match their needs, local business owners will be more than happy to hire you (which, trust us, they will in the vast majority of cases).
Unfortunately, you shouldn’t expect to become wealthy – but it’s a great way to get your first job, gain experience working on real-world projects rather than just making things for fun, and perhaps even land a second or third job. See what happens if you ask around or advertise your services in your neighborhood.
It is necessary to follow the tutorials.
For every expert coder, there are probably ten or more brand new coders eager to learn. What is the most common place for them to begin their education? They use whatever free online tutorials they can find. You can make a tutorial series by recording your screen while working on some simple projects, adding some comments or a voiceover.
Create your own website, fill it with those tutorials and other high-quality content, and connect it to Google AdSense, and your bank account will steadily grow. Search Engine Optimization, content creation, web design, and marketing are all skills you’ll need. But, hey, when you’re a well-rounded programmer/developer/all-around tech guru, it’s all part of the package. Believe it or not, it can also be a lot of fun.
Writer on the side (Wisely)
The most common way to make money while coding is to do freelance work on the side. However, it is easier said than done. Clients expect industry-standard code, and it may be difficult to find jobs at your skill level that are actually worth the money. However, if you want to work as a freelancer or consultant, it’s never too early to begin.
Join relevant Linkedin Groups, create an account on Upwork or Freelancer, Fiverr and start bidding on jobs. Don’t mislead potential clients about your level of expertise, and don’t take on too many jobs at once, no matter how lucrative the money may be. At the end of a successful job, always ask for feedback and recommendations; it’s the only way to improve your profile, ratings, and client base.
Take part in coding contests.
Yes, there are cash-based coding competitions. With over 1 million members, Topcoder is the largest and most popular. The three competition categories are design, data science, and development. Competitors in each category compete in Single Round Matches that emphasize fun and skill learning while working on real-world challenges for a total of 2,000 global clients.
It’s a very collaborative and interesting community to join, and no matter what your area of expertise is, you’ll learn a lot.
Enjoy yourself and don’t spend all of your money in one location!
