How to Make Money Building Plugins for Existing Software

Hey, thanks for joining for another week of New Venture Weekly.

You don’t have to start from scratch when building a SaaS.

You can build apps and plugins for existing ecosystems that anywhere from 100k to 100m active users.

The help forums for these tools include hundreds if not thousands of ideas for apps, and extensions of plugins.

Every unsolved help request could be an app idea and they’re also a great way to promote your app as the solution to their problem.

These plugins also benefit from built-in distribution channels, like plugin marketplaces, where users actively search for solutions.

Let’s jump in!

 👀 Things Worth Checking Out

Cold Email Setup Offer

We sent 10,000 cold emails per day, and scaled a B2B offer to $108k MRR in 90 days. Now, you can have the same system set up (completely done-for-you) inside your own business - WITHOUT going to spam or spending thousands of dollars.

Get Pricing & Details

The best businesses solve specific problems

Are you tired of wasting time and resources on business ideas that don’t work? It’s not because you’re not smart or hardworking - it's because you’re not focused on solving the right problems.

Here’s a database of problems begging for a better solution.

⭐️ Examples:

• Shogun: Drag-and-drop landing page builder for Shopify and BigCommerce. Estimated revenue: $25M+ annually.

• Elementor: Page builder plugin for WordPress. Estimated revenue: $50M+ annually.

• Supermetrics: Data integration plugin for tools like Google Data Studio, Excel, and Sheets. Estimated revenue: $30M+ annually.

• OptinMonster: WordPress plugin for lead generation. Estimated revenue: $15M+ annually.

• Yoast SEO: SEO optimization plugin for WordPress. Estimated Revenue: $40M+ annually.

• Waves Audio: Develops a vast array of audio processing plugins for digital audio workstations (DAWs). Estimated Revenue: $200 million annually.

• ReCharge Payments: Subscription billing solutions for Shopify. Estimated Revenue: Over $15 million annually.

🧐 Opportunities:

Idea #1: Shopify Plugins

Find Shopify apps that charge customers a % of sales (think cart & post-purchase upsell apps or that charge high costs and make alternatives with better pricing models.

I previously wrote a full breakdown on how to make money with Shopify plugins here.

Idea #2: Figma Plugins

Figma is one of the most popular and powerful design tools around at the moment but there are a few gaps that could be filled with plugin. Here are some ideas based on common problems users have when using Figma;

• Performance with Large Files: Users report that Figma can become slow or laggy when handling large, complex files with many layers or components, impacting workflow efficiency.

• Learning Curve: Some users find Figma's interface and features complex, leading to a steep learning curve, especially for beginners or those transitioning from other design tools.

• Missing Advanced Features: There are requests for more advanced prototyping capabilities, such as high-level animations or interactive states, which some users feel are currently lacking.

• Lack of Advanced Animation Tools: Users seek more robust animation capabilities within Figma for complex design needs.

• Limited Import Options: Figma's support for importing files from other design tools is limited, complicating transitions from other platforms.

• Limited Support for Print Design: Figma is primarily geared towards digital design, making it less suitable for print design projects.

• Restricted Font Management: Managing and syncing custom fonts can be cumbersome, especially in collaborative environments.

Idea #3: Framer

Framer only just launched their plugin marketplace this year meaning there is enormous potential for growth and lots of untapped opportunities.

You can browse their existing plugins here.

In terms of what plugins you could/should build for Framer, I suggest looking at the biggest plugins on WordPress, Webflow & Shopify and seeing where there is a gap.

As the plugins are quite new, there should be a lot of them. But also, the current plugins will be very early stage - how can you improve upon them?

Don’t think because there’s already 1 plugin available on the marketplace that you can’t make a new one. There are already a few similar plugins that exist on the Framer Marketplace but they all have unique features. that set them apart.

Here are some ideas:

• Graphs: There is one graph plugin but this could be improved upon and expanded into a much more powerful app with better design features and graph types.

• SEO: These types of plugins are some of the biggest on WordPress but there are only a few limited options for Framer.

• WooCommerce for Framer: There are a few Framer + Shopify integrations, but what if you don’t want to leave Framer or use Shopify?

• Ad Inserter: A tool that manages and inserts advertisements into framer sites.

• Live Chat: Live chat tools made for Framer

• Popups: A way to add popups in one click and easily customise them.

Don’t want to build on any of the plugin ecosystems?

Here are 50 software tools that could make plugins for:

• Shopify

• WooCommerce

• BigCommerce

• Magento

• Squarespace

• Wix

• QuickBooks

• Xero

• FreshBooks

• Adobe Photoshop

• Adobe Illustrator

• Figma

• Sketch

• Webflow

• Framer

• WordPress

• Elementor

• Notion

• ClickUp

• Asana

• Trello

• Slack

• Microsoft Teams

• Jira

• Monday.com

• Basecamp

• Google Analytics

• Tableau

• Power BI

• Looker

• Amplitude

• Mailchimp

• HubSpot

• Salesforce

• Airtable

• Bubble

• Pro Tools

• Ableton Live

• Logic Pro

• FL Studio

• Final Cut Pro

• DaVinci Resolve

• Visual Studio Code

• Chrome (browser extensions)

• Firefox (browser extensions)

• Discord

• Unity

• Unreal Engine

• Blender

🛠 How to Build:

• Research & Validate

  • Identify software with an active and/or growing plugin ecosystem (e.g., Shopify, QuickBooks, WordPress).

  • Research pain points or gaps in the user experience - look at their help forums for unsolved and commonly asked questions.

  • Validate the idea with target users (surveys, forums, or communities).

• Understand Platform Requirements

  • Study the software’s developer documentation and API guidelines.

  • Review platform-specific rules (e.g., Shopify App Store, QuickBooks Marketplace policies).

• Define Features & Scope

  • Create a clear problem-solution statement.

  • Define the plugin’s core features (start small with an MVP).

  • Plan for scalability if needed (e.g., adding new integrations later).

• Set Up Development Environment

  • Register as a developer on the platform.

  • Get API keys, sandbox accounts, or developer access for testing.

  • Set up tools: IDE (e.g., VS Code), version control (e.g., GitHub), and testing frameworks.

• Develop the Plugin/App

  • Use platform-specific SDKs or APIs for integration.

  • Focus on clean, modular code to ensure scalability and maintainability.

  • Build both the backend (data processing) and frontend (UI, if applicable).

  • Test for compatibility with the main software and various user setups.

• Test & Optimize

  • Conduct functional, security, and performance tests.

  • Use beta testers (existing users of the main software) for feedback.

  • Fix bugs and optimize for usability.

• Launch & Distribute

  • Submit the plugin/app to the software’s marketplace or app store.

  • Follow platform guidelines for listing (e.g., descriptions, pricing, screenshots).

  • Launch with introductory pricing or free trials to attract early users.

🚀 How to Grow:

• Content Marketing: Create blogs, tutorials, and videos showcasing your plugin’s features and use cases.

• SEO: Optimize your website and app store listing for relevant keywords to attract organic traffic.

• Social Proof: Highlight reviews, testimonials, and case studies from satisfied users.

• Platform Marketplaces: Leverage the software’s app store or marketplace for visibility and credibility, some let you run ads.

• Free Trial/Freemium Model: Offer a free version or trial to attract users and upsell premium features.

• Referral Program: Incentivize users to refer others with discounts or extended subscriptions.

• Email Marketing: Build a mailing list and nurture leads with updates, tips, and offers.

• Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with influencers or bloggers in your niche to promote your plugin.

• Affiliate Program: Pay commissions to affiliates to drive new customers.

• PPC Ads: Use Google Ads or social media ads to target users searching for solutions your plugin provides.

• Webinars: Host live demos or Q&A sessions to showcase your plugin and engage potential users.

• Community Engagement: Participate in forums, groups, or communities related to the parent software.

• User Onboarding: Simplify the onboarding process to retain trial users and reduce churn.

• Cross-Promotions: Partner with complementary plugins or software to co-market your products.

• Educational Content: Create guides, eBooks, or online courses that incorporate your plugin.

• Retargeting Ads: Use retargeting campaigns to re-engage users who visited your website or tried your plugin.

• Partnerships: Collaborate with agencies or consultants who work with your target audience.

• In-App Promotions: Offer discounts or bundle deals directly within the plugin.

• Customer Support: Provide exceptional support to build loyalty and encourage word-of-mouth referrals..

🔥 Cool Stuff

(Bookmark these)

• Find problems that need business solutions - Access the Problems & Pain Points Database.

• Want to grow your business? Here’s a database of tools that can help.

• Want to promote your startup for free? Here’s a database of free places to promote your startup.

• Want to turn your idea into a business? Check out this business idea checklist.

• Want to differentiate from your competitors? Check out this Differentiation Strategy Guide

• Want to run ads for your business? Use these proven psychological ad positioning strategies.

• Like the newsletter and want to show your support? You can buy me a coffee here.

🤯 Recommendations

Get Your Team Booked on 3.8 Million Podcasts Automatically

It's 2025. Want to finally be a regular podcast guest in your industry? PodPitch will make it happen. Even the beehiiv team uses it!

The best way to advertise isn't Meta or Google – it's appearing on podcasts your customers love.

PodPitch.com automates thousands of weekly emails for you, pitching your team as ideal guests.

Big brands like Feastables use PodPitch.com instead of expensive PR agencies.

Get your FREE personalized demo!

Bootstrapped Growth

The best strategies, tools & resources to supercharge your SaaS growth.

Every Tuesday, you get 3 marketing examples, 2 free resources, and 1 growth strategy breakdown.

Subscribe in one click