Coding remains one of the most highly valuable technical skills to have in the digital age and with a continuously expanding array of services and job opportunities that require coding expertise, even those who only know the basics can start earning money more easily than ever before. Whether you’re just learning the ropes or you’re a seasoned developer, this guide will explore beginner-friendly coding methods as well as advanced projects—and the platforms you can leverage to get paid.
Lets Cut The Bullshit:
Firstly, lets begin with clearing the air. Coding is not a get rich quick scheme. Depending on the language and route you go down, time learning the language will need to happen. Now, this doesn’t mean it will take you months or years, however different coding languages have a varying level of difficulty. That is why below I have included various languages along side various different projects to earn money with from them.
Lastly before we begin, putting the time in to learn and have an awareness of these coding languages is a key life skill to have, and so even if you don’t pursue a specific project mentioned in this blog – keep at it as the amount of jobs offering VERY good money for some limited coding knowledge is unreal…
Beginner-Friendly Ways to Earn with Coding
You don’t need to become a coding expert to start earning money. If you’re a beginner, these methods make it easy to get started while honing your skills.
1. Build Simple Websites for Individuals or Small Businesses
One of the easiest and most practical ways to start earning as a beginner is by building websites. Small businesses and personal brands often need basic sites to showcase their services, and you can create these using beginner-friendly languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Platforms to Learn:
- freeCodeCamp: Offers free courses on web development fundamentals.
- W3Schools: A beginner-friendly platform for learning web languages like HTML and CSS.
Expected Earnings:
You can charge anywhere between £100 to £500 per site depending on complexity.
Where to Find Work:
Pro Tip:
For added value, include basic SEO services to help improve visibility for your clients’ sites. If you can offer website services whilst also offering SEO and linkbuilding, you will do very well.
2. Create Scripts to Automate Tasks
Python is a beginner-friendly coding language ideal for creating simple automation scripts, such as email responders, data entry tools, or social media schedulers. Companies and individuals often pay for scripts that save time and reduce manual labour.
Platforms to Learn:
- Coursera: Offers beginner Python courses from universities like MIT or Stanford.
- Codecademy: Their Python course is interactive and beginner-friendly.
Expected Earnings:
Automated scripts sell for £50 to £500, depending on complexity.
Where to Find Work:
- PeoplePerHour
- Toptal for slightly advanced beginners.
Example:
Build a simple Python script to automate email responses for a freelance client.
3. Develop WordPress Plugins or Themes
WordPress powers over 43% of all websites globally, creating a huge demand for customised plugins and themes. If you’re comfortable with PHP and HTML, you can develop plugins and themes, then sell them.
Platforms to Learn:
- WordPress Codex: Learn the ins and outs of WordPress development.
- LinkedIn Learning: Offers tutorials specifically on WordPress themes and plugins.
Expected Earnings:
Themes can sell on marketplaces for £20 to £100 each, while plugins can fetch £50 to £500 depending on functionality. Passive income builds as your sales grow!
Where to Sell:
Intermediate to Advanced Level Coding Projects That Pay
If you’ve mastered the basics, these projects offer higher earning potential while challenging your skills.
4. Mobile App Development
If you’re comfortable with languages like Java or Swift, you can create Android or iOS apps. From fitness apps to productivity tools, there’s a massive demand for innovative apps.
Platforms to Learn:
- Udemy: Courses in Java and Swift focused on mobile development.
- Android Developer by Google: Free resources directly from the source.
Expected Earnings:
Mobile app projects can pay anywhere from £1,000 to £10,000 depending on complexity.
Where to Find Work:
- Freelancer
- Guru
- Create and monetise your own app via Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Example:
Build a budget tracker app, and monetise it through ads or in-app purchases.
5. Custom E-Commerce Solutions
E-commerce businesses often need tailored solutions like inventory management systems or shopping cart customisations. If you’ve advanced skills in JavaScript frameworks like React or backend languages like PHP, this could be a goldmine.
Platforms to Learn:
Expected Earnings:
Projects often pay £2,000 to £15,000, depending on the scale.
Where to Find Work:
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for recurring income, offer ongoing support packages.
6. Create APIs for Businesses
APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are used by businesses to connect software systems. If you’re skilled in languages like Python, PHP, or JavaScript, you can develop APIs for various functionalities like payment processing or data transfer.
Platforms to Learn:
- Pluralsight: Advanced courses in API development.
- Medium Articles on RESTful Services: Learn RESTful API development.
Expected Earnings:
You can charge £1,500 to £5,000+ per custom API.
Where to Find Work:
Example:
Develop an API to connect a company’s e-commerce platform with their CRM system.
Help! What Coding Language Do I Learn To Make Money?
If you are a complete beginner to coding it may be very daunting to know which projects you may want to pursue, and so here is my advice;
There a 2 solid places to start with coding:
- Python
- Python is one of the simpler but most powerful programming languages around with plenty of free educational resources online.
- Websites (HTML & CSS)
- Learning to code websites teaches you very important skills that propel you in learning code as a whole, whilst also still be a valuable skill to have.
If you have NO CLUE of the type of project you want to be making money from with coding that is fine. Start learning the language first and the capabilities that come with it, and from there you will think of gaps in the market for scripts etc that can be made with such languages.
If in Doubt, Start With Python.
Coding continues to be a valuable key skill to have in 2025, whether that’s for long term career goals or perhaps side projects you want to make some extra money with. There is literally endless capabilities with Coding and as such endless possibilities to make money from it.
Remember, if you don’t know where to start and you don’t have a specific money making project in mind, start learning Python and go from there.
