How agencies can create and sell custom plugins?

Umbraco is a powerful and flexible CMS that allows developers to create highly customized solutions for businesses. One of the best ways for agencies to leverage Umbraco’s extensibility is by developing custom Umbraco packages. These packages not only streamline development but also present a lucrative opportunity to generate recurring revenue. In this guide, we will explore how agencies can create, market, and monetize custom Umbraco packages effectively. 

Why Agencies Should Build Custom Umbraco Packages 

Building custom Umbraco packages can offer multiple benefits to agencies, including: 

• Revenue Generation: Selling premium Umbraco packages on the Umbraco Marketplace or directly to clients can provide a steady income stream. 

• Time and Cost Efficiency: Reusable packages reduce development time, making projects more efficient and profitable. 

• Increased Brand Visibility: High-quality packages position your agency as an authority in the Umbraco ecosystem. 

• Client Retention: Offering exclusive custom plugins can help agencies maintain long-term relationships with clients. 

Understanding the Market for Custom Umbraco Packages 

Before building custom Umbraco packages, agencies should conduct market research to identify gaps in the existing ecosystem. Some popular categories include: 

• SEO & Performance Optimization: Packages that enhance speed, improve metadata handling, and optimize for search engines. 

• E-commerce Integrations: Custom Umbraco packages that extend functionalities for platforms like Shopify, Stripe, or PayPal. 

• Marketing & Automation: Plugins that integrate CRMs, email marketing tools, or analytics solutions. 

• Security & Compliance: GDPR-friendly packages that ensure user data protection and compliance with regulations. 

• Content & Media Management: Advanced media libraries, bulk content importers, or automated tagging solutions. 

Steps to Build a Custom Umbraco Package 

1. Define the Purpose and Features 

Start by identifying the problem your package will solve. Outline the features, potential use cases, and how it adds value to Umbraco users. 

2. Set Up Your Development Environment 

To create custom Umbraco packages, agencies need a well-configured development environment. The essential setup includes: 

• Installing the latest Umbraco CMS version 

• Setting up a local development environment (Visual Studio, SQL Server, etc.) 

• Using Umbraco’s Package Developer tools 

3. Develop the Package 

The development phase involves: 

• Creating Backoffice Extensions: Using AngularJS or React for a seamless UI. 

• Building Custom Property Editors: Extending Umbraco’s existing editor functionalities. 

• Integrating APIs: Connecting with external services or databases. 

• Ensuring Compatibility: Testing across different Umbraco versions and configurations. 

4. Testing and Debugging 

Thorough testing is critical before launching your custom Umbraco package. Agencies should: 

• Test in multiple Umbraco environments 

• Conduct performance and security assessments 

• Gather feedback from beta testers 

5. Packaging and Deployment 

Once development and testing are complete: 

• Package your solution using Umbraco’s package format (.zip/.umbraco) 

• Upload it to the Umbraco Marketplace or a dedicated website 

• Provide installation guides and support documentation 

Monetizing Custom Umbraco Packages 

Agencies can monetize their custom Umbraco packages in various ways: 

1. Selling on Umbraco Marketplace 

The official Umbraco Marketplace is a great place to sell your packages to a global audience. 

2. Offering Freemium Versions 

Providing a free version with basic features and a paid version with premium functionalities can attract more users. 

3. Subscription-Based Pricing 

Charge a monthly or yearly subscription fee for updates, support, and premium features. 

4. Custom Implementation Services 

Sell installation and customization services alongside your package to provide end-to-end solutions. 

Marketing Your Custom Umbraco Package 

To maximize sales and visibility, agencies need a solid marketing strategy: 

1. Content Marketing 

• Write blogs, tutorials, and case studies showcasing real-world use cases. 

• Create video demonstrations explaining package features. 

2. SEO Optimization 

• Use relevant keywords like custom Umbraco packages to rank higher on search engines. 

• Optimize landing pages with compelling CTAs and product descriptions. 

3. Community Engagement 

• Contribute to the Umbraco forums and GitHub discussions. 

• Offer free webinars and training sessions. 

4. Partnering with Other Agencies 

Collaborate with other Umbraco agencies to expand your package’s reach. 

Ensuring Seamless Umbraco Upgrades 

One critical aspect of maintaining custom Umbraco packages is ensuring they work smoothly with future Umbraco updates. Learn more about best practices for keeping your Umbraco websites running flawlessly by checking out our guide on How to Ensure Seamless Umbraco Upgrades Without Breaking Client Websites. 

Conclusion 

Developing custom Umbraco packages is an excellent business opportunity for agencies. By identifying market needs, building high-quality solutions, and implementing strong marketing strategies, agencies can create valuable products that generate long-term revenue. With the growing demand for tailored Umbraco solutions, now is the perfect time to invest in custom plugin development. 

Start building your custom Umbraco package today and position your agency as a leader in the Umbraco development community!