JT Smith

If you are a software developer and have created or are creating a start-up, then please do not forget about building a web services API. Not only will it be an excellent way to build out a web site and connect mobile clients, but a web services API can be an excellent marketing tool. 

The API allows other people to build their own stuff on top of your API. Sometimes these will just be hobbyists playing around, but those hobbyists can be an excellent marketing tool as they’ll likely write blog posts and release their source code out on GitHub, or elsewhere. In addition, businesses may tie into your service, which is not only an additional source of revenue, but they’ll likely tout their integration with you on their web site. 

[From my blog.]