There are five main ways Salesforce consultants can move away from hourly billing. Depending on whether you are a full-time employee or a freelancer, not every way will be easily available to you. The goal here is to show you the ways and then for you to determine which one or ones are best suited for your situation.
Method #1: Build an app or product
When you hear the word “app”, you probably think of a Salesforce app on the AppExchange. This is certainly one way to go, and I’ve done it myself. My tax receipting app for Canadian nonprofits is currently an unlisted app, and will be listed on the AppExchange soon.
Can you think of an app that clients would use? Keep an eye open for opportunities while working with your existing clients. Also, keep in mind the app doesn’t necessarily need to be a paid app. You could charge for installing and managing the app or just use it as an entry point to providing other services.
There’s obviously a great amount of information that could be discussed about app building. To start you off, I recommend listening to a recent podcast episode of mine with a Salesforce MVP.
Aside from an app, you can build a digital product, such as a guidebook or other informative book. These are great options because you build it once and sell it multiple times. The process involves choosing a popular topic and researching it thoroughly. Then sell the resulting .pdf for a nominal fee. Something that easily purchased without the need for management approval.
The takeaway
Whether you build an app or a product, it’s not necessary to become rich from them. It’s to open up doors for other services and to gain authority as a Salesforce consultant.