I'm curious about the business of selling PHP scripts. I've tried selling templates on platforms like CodeGrape and Codester, but I've only sold five copies. I'm considering CodeCanyon, but their approval process seems tough, and I feel like I'm just an average programmer and designer. I might even try selling my scripts on my own website, but I'm unsure if it's worth the effort. The Google search volume for website scripts appears to be pretty low, and many are sold at low prices. I don't want to underprice a script I've spent a month developing. For instance, I built one called ReviewMyLink and I'm thinking of selling it for $99 each. I just want to sell my first copy! Given your experience in web development, where do you think I should be selling my scripts?
3 Answers
It's tough to sell scripts, especially when there are free options out there. Most of the time, businesses hire coders to create custom solutions because they offer a complete package, not just a script. Think about how your script solves a unique problem for users and try to market that. It might help to look into freelance work where you can showcase your skills and build a portfolio that can lead to more opportunities.
I've been in web development for over 20 years and honestly, I've never seen many people make money from selling PHP scripts. It's usually about providing a comprehensive service instead of just selling a script. If your project minimizes a hassle significantly, people are more likely to pay for that outcome rather than the script itself.
Honestly, I wouldn't recommend trying to sell off-the-shelf PHP scripts unless they're super niche and solve a specific problem. Rely on custom solutions for clients instead. Think of it as creating something valuable that people will pay a premium for because it saves them time and effort. That's usually more lucrative than selling generic scripts.
Yeah, it’s like trying to sell gold to miners. They can easily make their own, so focus on crafting solutions that fit their needs.
Exactly! People usually pay for a solution to a headache, not just a script. If you can show the value your script brings, that could attract buyers.