How to Make Money with MCP Servers: The Developer's Guide

TL;DR: Find a niche problem AI agents can't solve alone. Price at 10% of value delivered ($9-29/mo for dev tools). MCPize handles hosting and billing with 85% revenue share. Realistic first-year target: $500-2,000/month from a well-positioned server.

I keep seeing the same question pop up in developer forums and Discord channels: "Is anyone actually making money selling MCP tools?"

The short answer is yes. But here's the thing. It's not happening the way most developers expect.

The MCP economy in 2025 isn't about building the next SaaS unicorn. It's about finding a specific problem that AI agents can't solve on their own. You wrap the solution in an MCP server. You charge for access. Some developers earn $50/month. Others pull in $2,000+. The difference isn't technical skill. It's understanding what people will actually pay for.

This is the guide I wish existed when I started exploring how to monetize MCP server projects. No vague platitudes about "building value." Instead I'm giving you concrete business models, actual pricing strategies, step-by-step publishing workflows, and realistic revenue expectations.

Here's what you'll learn about making money with MCP:

• Why MCP servers represent a massive income opportunity for developers right now
• 4 proven business models for monetizing your MCP server (and which one fits your situation)
• Exactly how to price your server (with category-specific recommendations and testing strategies)
• Where to sell your MCP server (marketplace comparison with revenue shares and hidden costs)
• Step-by-step MCPize publishing and monetization walkthrough with code examples
• Marketing strategies that actually drive installs and conversions (not just traffic)
• Real revenue expectations with conservative and growth scenarios
• The 10 most common mistakes that kill MCP server revenue

This isn't theory. I've watched dozens of developers go from zero to earning real income from their MCP servers. The patterns are clear. Follow them and you'll make money. Ignore them and you'll wonder why your server has free users but no revenue.

If you haven't built an MCP server yet, don't worry. I've got you covered.

Let's get into how to make money with MCP servers.

Why MCP Servers Are the New Developer Side Income#

If you want to monetize MCP server projects, the timing couldn't be better. The shift happened faster than anyone predicted. I was skeptical at first. Another protocol? Another standard? But then I saw the numbers.

AI agents need tools. They can reason. They can write. They can analyze data. But they can't access your database without help. They can't check your calendar. They can't query Salesforce or pull data from your internal APIs. That's where MCP servers come in.

Every enterprise adopting AI assistants is a potential customer for quality MCP integrations. And enterprises are adopting AI at an absolutely insane rate right now.

I've been watching search volume for "mcp server" grow 10x since early 2024. That's not hype. That's real demand from developers and enterprises looking for solutions.

Here's why the opportunity is structural:

First, the big AI companies are all-in on MCP. Anthropic created it. OpenAI is adopting it. Google is watching closely. This isn't a flash-in-the-pan technology. It's becoming the standard for how AI agents interact with external tools and data.

Second, enterprises are adopting AI assistants at unprecedented rates. Every one of those deployments needs MCP servers to actually be useful. A Claude without MCP is like a car without wheels. It's impressive technology that can't actually go anywhere.

Third, and this is the big one: supply is way behind demand. There are maybe a few thousand MCP servers out there right now. The market needs tens of thousands. Low competition means high opportunity for developers who move early.

The barrier to entry is technical, not capital. If you can write code and build an MCP server, you can monetize MCP server projects with surprisingly little friction. No investors required. No marketing budget required. No team required. Just you, your skills, and a problem worth solving.

I've seen developers make money with MCP servers solving problems I never would have thought of. Database query optimization tools. Calendar sync utilities. Specialized API wrappers for niche enterprise software. The market is wide open.

The window won't stay open forever though. First movers in any new market have huge advantages. The developers who establish themselves now will have name recognition, user bases, and revenue streams when the competition catches up.

What Types of MCP Servers Make Money?#

Not all MCP servers are created equal when it comes to monetization potential. I've noticed patterns in what sells:

High monetization potential:

• Enterprise integrations (Salesforce, HubSpot, ServiceNow connectors)
• Database and data processing tools
• DevOps and deployment automation
• Security and compliance monitoring
• Specialized vertical solutions (healthcare, finance, legal)

Medium monetization potential:

• Developer productivity tools
• Documentation and knowledge base integrations
• Project management connectors
• Communication platform bridges

Lower monetization potential (but still viable):

• General utilities that replicate free alternatives
• Personal productivity tools with limited scope
• Hobbyist-oriented servers

The sweet spot is solving a $500/hour problem for a $19/month fee. When you save an enterprise developer hours per week, the pricing conversation becomes trivially easy.

4 Business Models for MCP Server Monetization#

Every successful developer who learned to monetize MCP server projects followed one of these four patterns. I'm going to break each one down so you can pick the right model for your situation.

1. Subscription Model#

How it works: Users pay a monthly or annual flat fee for access to your MCP server.

This is the most common model for a reason. It's simple to understand, simple to implement, and creates predictable recurring revenue. You know exactly how much money is coming in each month.

Best for:

• Enterprise integrations like Salesforce, Jira, or Notion connectors
• Developer tools that provide daily value
• Any server with ongoing utility that users rely on regularly

Typical pricing range: $5-99/month depending on the value delivered

The pros: Predictable revenue. Lower churn when you offer annual discounts. Easy to budget and plan around.

The cons: You need to deliver consistent value every month. If users feel like they're not getting their money's worth, they cancel.

Real example: A database MCP server charging $19/month for unlimited queries and priority support. Another charging $9/month for calendar integration that syncs with multiple providers. Both work because users rely on them daily.

2. Usage-Based Pricing#

How it works: You charge per API call, per operation, or per volume of data processed.

This model aligns your revenue directly with the value you deliver. Users who get more value pay more. Users who use less pay less. It feels fair to everyone.

Best for:

• Data processing servers
• API wrappers where you have pass-through costs
• Tools with highly variable usage patterns

Common pricing approaches:

• Per call: $0.001-0.10 per request
• Per 1,000 calls: $1-10
• Per MB processed: $0.01-0.50
• Per outcome: $0.10-1.00 per document, per lead, or per result

The pros: Revenue scales directly with customer success. Users feel like they're paying for what they use. You can handle both small and enterprise customers with the same pricing structure.

The cons: Revenue is less predictable month to month. You need metering infrastructure to track usage accurately. Some users get nervous about open-ended billing.

Key insight from my research: Your billing metric has to match what customers perceive as valuable while also tracking your actual costs. If you charge per API call but your costs scale with data volume, you'll get squeezed by heavy users.

MCPize handles the metering infrastructure for you. That's a huge win because building accurate usage tracking from scratch is surprisingly complex.

3. Freemium (Free Tier + Premium Upsell)#

How it works: You offer a free tier with limited functionality. Users who want more upgrade to paid plans.

I love this model for building a user base quickly. People can try before they buy. They prove the value to themselves. Then upgrading feels natural.

Best for:

• Growing your user base as fast as possible
• Tools where the value becomes obvious through use
• Competitive markets where you need to reduce friction

Typical structure:

• Free: 100 calls/day, basic features only
• Pro ($19/mo): Unlimited calls, all features
• Enterprise ($99/mo): Team access, SLA, priority support

The pros: Maximum discovery. Users can find and try your tool with zero friction. Natural upgrade path when they hit limits. Great for word-of-mouth growth.

The cons: Free tier costs you money to run. Conversion optimization requires effort. Some users will never upgrade no matter how much value they get.

Here's a playbook that works really well. Let users sign up for an API key. Give them the first 5-10 requests completely free. Then prompt them to upgrade to $19/month for higher limits. The taste of value converts better than any marketing copy.

4. One-Time Purchase#

How it works: Users pay once for perpetual access. No recurring payments.

This is the simplest model but it's less common in the MCP world. It works best for utilities that solve a specific problem without ongoing costs.

Best for:

• Niche utilities with limited scope
• Converters and data transformers
• Tools that don't have ongoing infrastructure costs

Typical pricing range: $10-99 one-time

The pros: Simple for users to understand. No ongoing commitment required. Can be attractive for budget-conscious developers.

The cons: No recurring revenue. You need to constantly find new customers. Harder to capture future value as your tool improves.

Which Model Should You Choose?#

When deciding how to monetize MCP server projects, here's how I think about it:

My recommendation: Go hybrid. The most resilient strategy combines a subscription floor for predictable baseline revenue with usage-based overages for heavy users. You get the best of both worlds.

Revenue Potential by Business Model#

Let me put some numbers to these models so you can plan:

Subscription at $19/month:

• 50 paying customers = $950/month revenue
• 85% to you = $807/month
• That's $9,690/year from one MCP server

Usage-based at $0.01/call:

• 100 users averaging 500 calls/month = $500/month
• Heavy users (10 at 5,000 calls) = $500/month
• Combined = $1,000/month, $850 to you

Freemium with 5% conversion:

• 1,000 free users
• 50 convert to $19/month = $950/month
• Year 2 with growth: 5,000 free, 250 paid = $4,750/month

These are realistic numbers for a well-positioned MCP server in a growing niche. I've seen developers hit these targets within 6-12 months of launching.

How to Price Your MCP Server#

When you monetize MCP server projects, pricing is where most developers go wrong. I've seen it over and over again. Either they price too cheap, which undervalues their work and attracts the wrong customers. Or they price too expensive, which kills initial traction.

Let me help you get this right.

Category-Specific Pricing Recommendations#

I've researched what works across different MCP server categories. Here's what the data shows:

These aren't random numbers. They're based on what users in each category are accustomed to paying for similar tools. Developers expect to pay for quality tools. Enterprises expect to pay even more for reliability and support.

The Pricing Strategy Framework#

Here's the exact process I use:

Step 1: Calculate your actual costs

Before you set a price, know what it costs you to run this thing:

• Hosting costs: ~$5-20/month minimum for even a basic server
• External API costs: Whatever you're passing through
• Your time: Maintenance, support, updates

Add these up. Your price needs to cover costs with healthy margin.

Step 2: Research what alternatives cost

What do similar tools charge? If there's a traditional SaaS that does what your MCP server does, what's their pricing? What's the cost of NOT having your tool? That's your value ceiling.

Step 3: Start conservative and iterate

Here's counterintuitive advice: launch at about 70% of what you think your tool is worth. This gives you room to raise prices later once you've proven value.

Never lower prices publicly. It signals desperation and devalues your existing customers' decisions. If you need to adjust, add features to higher tiers instead.

The $0.99 App Mistake#

Please don't underprice. I see this constantly. Developers who charge $0.99 or $2/month for genuinely valuable tools.

Here's why that's a terrible idea:

• It signals low value before anyone even tries your tool
• It attracts the most price-sensitive customers who will complain the most
• It makes support uneconomical (one support ticket wipes out months of revenue)
• It prevents you from investing in sustainable development

Think about it this way. If your tool saves someone 1 hour per month, $19/month is completely reasonable. That's less than minimum wage for the time saved. If it saves 10 hours, $99/month is a bargain.

Price for the value you deliver. Not for the time it took you to build.

Testing and Adjusting Prices#

One of the beautiful things about digital products is you can test pricing quickly. Here's how I approach it when helping developers monetize their MCP servers:

Start with a hypothesis. Based on competitor research and value calculation, pick a starting price. Let's say $19/month for a mid-tier developer tool.

Run for 2-4 weeks. Get enough traffic to make the data meaningful. 100+ visitors minimum.

Track the metrics that matter:

• Conversion rate (free to paid)
• Time to conversion (how long do users stay free before upgrading?)
• Churn rate (how many paid users cancel each month?)
• Revenue per user

Interpret the signals:

• High conversion + high churn = Your price is right but your product is disappointing paying customers
• Low conversion + low churn = Price might be too high for discovery, but keepers love it
• High conversion + low churn = You might be underpriced. Test raising by 20-30%
• Low conversion + high churn = Fundamental product/market fit issues

Make one change at a time. If you adjust price and features simultaneously, you won't know what worked.

The goal when you monetize MCP server products isn't to find the perfect price on day one. It's to establish a feedback loop that moves you toward optimal pricing over time.

Where to Sell Your MCP Server#

When you're ready to monetize MCP server projects, you've got three main paths to market. Let me break down the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision.

MCPize Marketplace (Recommended)#

Revenue share: 85% (you keep the lion's share)

I'm obviously biased here since this is MCPize's blog. But I genuinely believe the marketplace model is the best path for most developers who want to monetize their MCP server.

What MCPize handles for you:

• Hosting and infrastructure (you don't manage servers)
• Billing and payment processing (you don't integrate Stripe)
• User authentication (you don't build auth)
• Marketplace discovery (you don't beg for traffic)
• Analytics and usage tracking (you don't build dashboards)

The real benefits:

• Zero infrastructure to manage. Just push code.
• Discovery to 10,000+ developers who are actively looking for MCP servers
• One-click install for users reduces friction to almost nothing
• Automatic updates and versioning without DevOps headaches

The 85% revenue share means if you charge $19/month, you keep $16.15. MCPize takes $2.85 to handle all the infrastructure, billing, and discovery.

For most developers, especially those just starting out, this math works out heavily in your favor. Building all that infrastructure yourself would cost far more than 15% of revenue.

Self-Hosted Options#

Revenue share: 100% (but you do everything yourself)

If you want maximum control or have specific requirements that a marketplace can't meet, self-hosting is an option.

When self-hosted makes sense:

• You already have an existing audience who will find you
• Your server requires custom infrastructure that won't fit a marketplace
• You want maximum control over every aspect

When it doesn't make sense:

• You're starting from zero with no audience
• You want to focus on building, not billing infrastructure
• Discovery matters to you (which it should)

I've talked to developers who spent weeks building payment integration and auth systems. That's weeks they could have spent making their MCP server better. Time is money.

Platform Comparison#

The real question is: what's your time worth? If you value your time at $50/hour and you spend 40 hours building infrastructure, that's $2,000 of your time. You'd need to make $13,333 in revenue before the 15% marketplace fee catches up.

For most MCP servers, especially early ones, the marketplace is the smarter choice. You can always migrate to self-hosted later once you've proven the market and have resources to invest in infrastructure.

The Hidden Costs of Self-Hosting#

Let me break down what self-hosting actually costs:

Infrastructure:

• Server hosting: $20-100/month
• Database: $15-50/month
• Monitoring: $10-30/month
• SSL certificates: Free to $20/month
• Total: $45-200/month before you make a dime

Development time:

• Payment integration: 20-40 hours
• User authentication: 15-30 hours
• Usage metering: 10-20 hours
• Dashboard/analytics: 20-40 hours
• Total: 65-130 hours of development

At $50/hour, that's $3,250-$6,500 in opportunity cost. Plus ongoing maintenance.

Compare to MCPize: zero infrastructure cost, zero development for billing/auth, 5-minute setup. The 15% fee looks very different in this context.

I'm not saying self-hosting is always wrong. If you have an established audience and you're hitting $5,000+/month, the math shifts. But when you first monetize MCP server projects and you're getting started? Marketplace wins every time.

Step-by-Step: Publish and Monetize on MCPize#

Alright, let's get practical. Here's exactly how to monetize MCP server projects and take your code to cash.

Step 1: Prepare Your Server#

Before you can monetize your MCP server, make sure it's actually ready for users:

• Clear tool descriptions (Claude reads these to understand what your tools do)
• Solid error handling (nothing kills trust faster than mysterious errors)
• A README with actual usage examples (not just API docs, real examples)

Step 2: Create Your mcpize.yaml Configuration#

Every monetized MCP server needs a configuration file that tells MCPize how to handle pricing:

name: my-awesome-server
version: 1.0.0
description: "Clear description of what this does and why users need it"
runtime: python  # or node

# Pricing configuration - this is where the money happens
pricing:
  model: subscription
  tiers:
    - name: free
      price: 0
      limits:
        calls_per_day: 100
    - name: pro
      price: 19
      limits:
        calls_per_day: unlimited
      features:
        - priority_support
        - advanced_features

This configuration sets up a freemium model. Free users get 100 calls per day. Pro users at $19/month get unlimited access and premium features.

Step 3: Implement Tier Checks (Optional)#

If you want to restrict certain features to paid tiers, MCPize makes it easy:

from mcpize import get_user_tier

@server.call_tool()
async def premium_feature(name, arguments):
    tier = get_user_tier()  # MCPize injects this automatically
    if tier == "free":
        return "Upgrade to Pro for this feature - $19/mo"
    # Premium logic goes here
    return await do_premium_stuff(arguments)

The get_user_tier() function is injected by MCPize. You don't need to handle authentication or subscription validation. It just works.

Step 4: Publish#

Two commands and you're live:

mcpize login
mcpize publish --monetized

That's it. Your server is now on the MCPize marketplace with pricing tiers active.

Step 5: Set Up Payouts#

Now for the part you've been waiting for. Getting paid.

1. Go to MCPize Dashboard, then Settings, then Payouts
2. Connect your Stripe account (takes about 5 minutes)
3. Payouts happen automatically on the 15th of each month

You can track revenue in real-time from the dashboard. Watch those numbers grow.

Step 6: Monitor and Optimize#

After your first week live, check these metrics in your MCPize dashboard:

Install rate: How many people who see your listing actually install? If it's below 5%, your listing needs work. Better title, better description, better screenshots.

Activation rate: Of those who install, how many actually use your server? If they install but never call a tool, there's friction in the setup process.

Upgrade rate: What percentage of free users become paid? Industry standard for freemium developer tools is 3-8%. If you're below that, your free tier might be too generous or your premium value proposition isn't clear.

Churn rate: How many paid users cancel each month? Under 5% monthly churn is excellent. Over 10% means you're not delivering ongoing value.

These aren't vanity metrics. They're the levers that determine how much money you make with your MCP server. Improving install rate by 2x literally doubles your revenue.

Marketing Your MCP Server#

Publishing isn't enough. I wish it was, but "build it and they will come" is a myth that's killed more good products than bad code ever has.

Here's what actually drives installs and conversions when you sell your MCP server.

Optimize Your Marketplace Listing#

Your MCPize listing is your storefront. Treat it that way.

Title: Include the main use case, not just a clever name. "PostgreSQL Query Optimizer MCP" beats "QueryBot" every time because users search by function, not by brand.

Description: Lead with the problem you solve, then explain your solution. "Tired of slow database queries killing your AI workflow?" grabs attention. "This MCP server provides database optimization" puts people to sleep.

Screenshots and GIFs: Show your server actually working in Claude. A 10-second GIF of your tool in action converts better than 500 words of description.

Documentation: Complete and with real examples. Copy-paste ready code snippets. Users won't pay for tools they can't figure out.

Distribution Channels That Work#

I've tested a lot of channels. Here's what actually moves the needle:

My recommended launch sequence:

1. Optimize your MCPize listing first (the foundation)
2. Post on Twitter/X with a demo GIF
3. Share in relevant Discord communities
4. Write a "how I built this" blog post
5. If you've got something genuinely interesting, submit to Hacker News

Content That Converts#

Some content types work way better than others for selling MCP servers:

Write a "How I built [your server]" post. Developers love behind-the-scenes content. It establishes credibility and attracts exactly your target audience.

Create "How to [use case] with Claude" tutorials. Target people who are searching for solutions, not products. Solve their problem and mention your tool as part of the solution.

Make a demo video (30-60 seconds max). Show the tool working in real time. No narration needed. Just screen recording with captions. This converts browsers to installers faster than anything else.

Don't spam. I can't stress this enough. Provide value first. Answer questions without pitching. Build trust. When you do mention your tool, it should feel like helpful information, not marketing.

Building Long-term Discovery#

Beyond launch marketing, you want sustainable discovery. Here's what works for ongoing growth:

SEO for your MCP server: Your MCPize listing gets indexed by Google. Optimize it for the searches your target users make. If you built a PostgreSQL optimization MCP, you want to rank for "postgres ai assistant" and "claude database optimization."

Get featured in MCP directories: There are growing lists of MCP servers across GitHub, Reddit, and community sites. Get listed. It's free traffic.

Build integrations and partnerships: Can your server complement other popular servers? Reach out to those developers. Cross-promotion works well in niche markets.

Respond to every review: Both positive and negative reviews deserve responses. It shows you're active and builds trust with future users. Negative reviews handled gracefully can actually increase conversions.

Ship updates and announce them: Every update is a marketing opportunity. "Just shipped v1.3 with X feature" is content. Keep shipping, keep announcing.

The developers who successfully monetize MCP server projects treat marketing as part of the product, not an afterthought.

Real Revenue Potential: What You Can Actually Expect#

Let's get real about expectations. I'm not going to promise you'll make a million dollars. Here's what actually happens when you monetize your MCP server.

Conservative Scenario (Your First 6 Months)#

This is what I'd expect if you're starting from scratch with no existing audience:

This isn't "quit your job" money yet. But it's real passive income that compounds over time. Month 6 includes all the customers from months 1-5 who didn't churn.

Growth Scenario (With Marketing Effort)#

If you actually put effort into marketing and your product is genuinely useful:

Now we're talking. $4K/month passive income is a meaningful number. That's a nice supplement to a day job or a foundation for going independent.

Enterprise Scenario#

Enterprise customers change the math completely:

One enterprise customer at $99/month = $84/month in your pocket after MCPize's cut. Not exciting on its own.

But ten enterprise customers = $840/month passive income. Twenty enterprise customers = $1,680/month. And enterprise customers tend to stick around longer than individuals.

The compound effect is the key insight here. Unlike freelancing or consulting, MCP server revenue accumulates. You're not trading time for money. Month 12 includes all the customers from the previous 11 months who are still subscribed.

The Multi-Server Strategy#

Here's something most guides don't mention. You don't have to stop at one server.

Once you've figured out how to monetize your first MCP server successfully, the second one is easier. And the third is easier still. You've already solved the hardest problems: understanding the market, building for the right audience, marketing effectively.

Some developers I know run 3-5 MCP servers, each earning $200-500/month. Combined, that's serious passive income. And because they're different servers, they have diversified revenue. If one server's market changes, the others keep earning.

The key is not spreading yourself too thin at the start. Nail one server first. Get it to sustainable revenue. Then expand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid#

I've seen developers make the same mistakes over and over. Here's how to avoid them:

1. Pricing too low

You're building real infrastructure. You're solving real problems. Charge accordingly. $2/month isn't a strategy. It's a charity.

2. No free tier

Free tiers drive discovery and build trust. Users want to try before they buy. If you don't offer a taste, you're leaving installs on the table.

3. Overcomplicated tier structure

Keep it simple. Free + Pro works for most servers. Add Enterprise only if you genuinely have enterprise-specific features like team access or SLAs.

4. No documentation

Users won't pay for tools they can't figure out. Invest time in docs. Include working examples. Make it copy-paste easy.

5. Ignoring user feedback

Every complaint is a feature request wearing an angry costume. Listen to what users are asking for. The ones who complain are often your most engaged users.

6. The "build it and they will come" fantasy

Distribution requires effort. Marketing matters. Plan for it. Budget time for it. Don't assume quality speaks for itself.

7. Giving up too early

MCP server income takes time to build. I've seen developers quit after 2 months because they only had 3 paying customers. Those same servers, if they'd kept going, would likely have 30+ customers by month 6. Patience matters.

8. Not iterating on feedback

Your first version won't be perfect. That's fine. But you need to listen to what users tell you and iterate. The developers who make money with MCP servers are the ones who ship improvements weekly, not quarterly.

9. Competing on price instead of value

If someone else sells a similar server for $9/month, don't charge $7. Charge $15 and be better. Add features. Write better docs. Provide better support. Race to the bottom is a losing strategy.

10. Ignoring the power of niching down

A "general purpose data processing MCP" will struggle. A "Shopify inventory optimization MCP for D2C brands" will win. The more specific your target, the easier it is to find customers and charge premium prices.

FAQ: MCP Server Monetization#

Can I really make money with MCP servers?#

Yes. The market is early. Competition is low. Enterprises are actively seeking quality integrations. Early movers have significant advantages in building reputation and user base.

This isn't theory. Developers are earning real money right now. The only question is whether you'll be one of them.

How much should I charge for my MCP server?#

Start at $9-19/month for most developer tools. Enterprise features warrant $49-99+. Data-intensive processing can go even higher if you're delivering proportional value.

Test and iterate based on conversion rates and churn. If everyone's converting, you might be priced too low. If no one's converting, revisit your value proposition before dropping prices.

Why should I use MCPize instead of self-hosting?#

MCPize handles billing, authentication, hosting, and discovery. You focus on building. The 85% revenue share is competitive given the value provided.

The math: if MCPize's infrastructure and discovery brings you even 5 extra paying customers, the 15% fee pays for itself.

How do I get my first users?#

MCPize marketplace gives you built-in discovery to 10,000+ developers. Combine that with your own marketing: Twitter posts, blog content, Reddit participation, Discord community engagement.

Quality tools with good documentation grow organically. But you have to give them initial momentum.

When do I get paid?#

Monthly payouts on the 15th via Stripe connected to your MCPize account. Set it up once and money flows automatically.

What if my MCP server has ongoing API costs?#

Use usage-based pricing that covers your costs plus a healthy margin. MCPize's metering tracks calls automatically so you can bill accurately.

Structure your pricing so heavy users pay more. This protects your margins while keeping the tool accessible to lighter users.

What's the best MCP server marketplace to sell on?#

MCPize offers the best combination of revenue share (85%), built-in infrastructure (hosting, billing, auth), and discovery (10,000+ developers). For most developers, especially those starting out, it's the obvious choice.

If you have an existing audience and want 100% revenue share, self-hosting is viable but requires significant infrastructure investment.

How long does it take to start making money with MCP?#

Realistically, expect 2-4 weeks to get your first paying customer. It takes time for users to discover your server, try the free tier, and upgrade.

Sustainable income (enough to be meaningful) typically takes 3-6 months of consistent effort: shipping improvements, marketing, and responding to users.

Do I need to be an expert programmer to sell MCP servers?#

No. You need to be competent enough to build a working server that solves a real problem. That's intermediate skill level for most developers.

What matters more is understanding your target market and their pain points. Technical brilliance with no market fit earns $0.

Start Earning Today#

The MCP marketplace economy is real. Developers are earning. The window for early movers is open but it won't stay open forever.

Here's the truth. You don't need permission. You don't need investors. You don't need a team. You need an MCP server that solves a real problem and the willingness to put it out there.

Your next steps:

1. Already have a server? Publish it now. Seriously, today. Every day you wait is customers you're missing.

2. Need to build first? Start with the MCP server tutorial. You can have something running in an afternoon.

3. Want inspiration? Browse the marketplace to see what's working for other developers.

The developers making money with MCP servers aren't fundamentally different from you. They just started.

Quick Recap: Your Path to MCP Revenue#

Let me summarize the key points for making money with your MCP server:

1. Choose the right niche. Enterprise integrations and developer tools have the highest monetization potential.

2. Pick a business model. Freemium subscription works best for most developers starting out. Add usage-based overages later.

3. Price confidently. $9-19/month for developer tools, $29-99/month for enterprise features. Don't undercharge.

4. Use MCPize marketplace. 85% revenue share plus zero infrastructure headaches. Focus your time on building.

5. Market actively. Optimize your listing, create content, engage in communities. Build it and they will come is a myth.

6. Monitor and iterate. Track install rate, conversion rate, and churn. Use the data to improve.

7. Think long-term. Revenue compounds. Month 12 is much better than month 1.

The MCP economy is real and growing. The question isn't whether there's money to be made. It's whether you'll be one of the developers making it.

Related guides:

• MCP Business Models - Deep dive into pricing strategies
• Complete Publishing Guide - Everything about getting your server live
• MCP Server Examples - What successful developers have built

Questions about monetization? Ask in MCPize Discord or explore successful servers on the marketplace.