Startup cost: $500 - $2k

Setup costs range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the tools and services you choose. At a minimum, you would need essential software for code profiling and optimizing, which can be found for around $500. On the higher end, investing in premium tools, additional plugins, and professional services could total up to $2,000. Optional expenses might include purchasing ads to promote your services or attending industry conferences to network and gain clients. Hidden costs could involve recurring fees for software updates or online subscriptions to stay current in the field. Online discussions suggest that while it's possible to start with a lower budget, expenses can increase as you commit more deeply to the business. For a friend looking to take this seriously, I'd recommend budgeting between $500 and $2,000 to ensure a solid start in the Smart Code Performance Profiler and Optimizer side hustle.