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Ask HN: How to Get Software Based Business Ideas?

by OulaX on 6/18/23, 10:31 PM with 19 comments

I live in a developing country, where there's supposed to me lots of problems that I can solve with Software.

But, I can't find any problems to solve! Don't get me wrong, I don't mean there are no problems around me, I just mean the problems that exist either a) Can't be solved by software, or b) Is not worth solving for multiple reasons.

I want to build a side hustle (App/Website) that I can generate income from. Where should I look for ideas?

  • by qup on 6/18/23, 10:51 PM

    Copy an existing idea in a space that has several competitors. This means you know there are customers and they will pay for the service.

    Change something to make it better, or at least change something to make it your own flavor.

    Choose something you think is very exciting or cool, it will be easier to work on.

    Don't worry about copying them. You don't need to invent a new idea.

  • by nicbou on 6/18/23, 11:05 PM

    Talk to more people. I help people deal with bureaucracy in Berlin. Even in that tiny space, there is a need for software solutions. Software to generate documents, to connect people to experts, to navigate through a flowchart, etc.

    Sometimes you don't sell software to people. Instead you use software to connect people to businesses. You help people as much as you can, and pocket a commission if they get stuck and hire a professional.

    Sometimes you help people compare products and get a commission from the business they choose.

    There are so many problems that are too small for large tech companies, but that still deserve attention. You have many opportunities to be the local wizard, and to bring magic to your community.

  • by Jemaclus on 6/20/23, 7:47 PM

    One piece of advice I heard was to try and build something. You will inevitably run into a problem you can't solve easily. Throw away your initial idea, and work on solving that problem. Repeat this process until you think you have a business people will pay you for.

  • by ano88888 on 6/19/23, 7:34 AM

    I am in the same position. I also live in a third world country. I am currently planning to quit my job (similar to Singapore pay) and start my own software business. I plan to do lots of experiments to create small products that solve niche problems relevant to the local context. Like you said, there are so many problems. What is important is to think about distribution or customer acquisition channel/cost before you build the product and facter it into your product. It is worthless if you can't sell it. Focus on quick product iterations to find out product market fit.

  • by 4hEn on 6/19/23, 12:16 PM

  • by quickthrower2 on 6/19/23, 1:28 AM

    If you don't have problems to solve, then build and ship stuff. You will soon find problems to solve!

  • by hnaccountme on 6/19/23, 10:11 AM

    Software is just a tool for delivering a solution for another industry.

  • by xupybd on 6/19/23, 9:34 AM

    Find an industry that has poor automation and build the tools they need.

    Cabinet making is one that could use some help.

  • by joshxyz on 6/20/23, 8:05 AM

    startupschool.org will definitely help too