I've been moderately successful with niche website tools and SaaS products. I agree with HeyLaughingBoy in a sense–most of the things I've done that have generated revenue were "accidental" in the sense that a person or problem in the niche came to me. When I go looking for a startup, they usually crash and burn.
I'm reminded of Paul G's interview with Zuck at Startup School where he said (more or less) "I wish more startups started the founders".
I would start by (a) putting an ad in the jobs section of craigslist and asking for owner/manager types to do some interviewing/beta testing. Many see it as a cool opportunity and will sit down and tell you their problems. Then, (b) take 2 days off and go talk to owner/manager types at local businesses in your town. Make sure to visit during slow times (don't go to a restaurant at 7pm on Friday or a bank on the 1st of the month).
Now that I have that out of the way, here are actual ideas I think could work because I've heard people complain about them:
Weekly schedule manager: I personally help a few local gyms and churches manage web stuff. Every day they field phone calls that ask "What time is yoga tonight?" or "What time are your Sunday services?". Now, imagine if they could manage that info in one place and then embed it in their website, post on their Facebook page, print it, embed it in a mobile or native app, or have an automatic voice/text line (Twilio).
Niche SEO: we do some SEO work for wedding vendors, but I think there's a need for other segments too. Basically, any business that is going to get traffic from regional google searches but not necessarily Yelp (think lawyers, dentists but not restaurants or hotels). This company in my town is doing it for plastic surgeons (along with web design) and killing it: http://www.etnainteractive.com
I'm reminded of Paul G's interview with Zuck at Startup School where he said (more or less) "I wish more startups started the founders".
I would start by (a) putting an ad in the jobs section of craigslist and asking for owner/manager types to do some interviewing/beta testing. Many see it as a cool opportunity and will sit down and tell you their problems. Then, (b) take 2 days off and go talk to owner/manager types at local businesses in your town. Make sure to visit during slow times (don't go to a restaurant at 7pm on Friday or a bank on the 1st of the month).
Now that I have that out of the way, here are actual ideas I think could work because I've heard people complain about them:
Weekly schedule manager: I personally help a few local gyms and churches manage web stuff. Every day they field phone calls that ask "What time is yoga tonight?" or "What time are your Sunday services?". Now, imagine if they could manage that info in one place and then embed it in their website, post on their Facebook page, print it, embed it in a mobile or native app, or have an automatic voice/text line (Twilio).
Niche SEO: we do some SEO work for wedding vendors, but I think there's a need for other segments too. Basically, any business that is going to get traffic from regional google searches but not necessarily Yelp (think lawyers, dentists but not restaurants or hotels). This company in my town is doing it for plastic surgeons (along with web design) and killing it: http://www.etnainteractive.com
I will add some more later ...