30 Business Ideas For Automation Engineers [2024]
Interested in starting a business as a doctor in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a doctor could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Doctors?
We put together 30 of some of the best doctor business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other doctor businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start an AI-based business ($27.9K/month)
As an automation engineer, starting an AI-based business could provide a seamless extension of your existing skill set. Leveraging your expertise in automating processes, you could develop AI-driven tools that optimize business operations, such as predictive maintenance systems or intelligent workflow automation platforms. These innovations could help companies reduce costs and improve efficiency.
With the growing demand for smart solutions, there's a significant market for AI applications in customer service, healthcare, and manufacturing. By venturing into an AI-based business, you could create cutting-edge products that harness the power of AI to solve complex problems, ultimately positioning yourself as a leader in a rapidly evolving field. Dive in, and you might just find yourself at the forefront of the next major technological revolution.
How much you can make: $100 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)
LowCode Agency uses no/low code tools to build custom-made apps at 80% lower cost and 70% faster than traditional app development agencies, growing double digits every month and targeting $150,000 in sales in their first year.
2. Start a mobile app development business ($141K/month)
As an automation engineer, venturing into a mobile app development business presents a unique opportunity to leverage your existing technical expertise in coding, software development, and problem-solving. You could create innovative mobile applications designed to automate various tasks, enhancing productivity and efficiency for consumers and businesses alike. This aligns well with your current skill set and offers a new revenue stream through apps that capitalize on trends in automation and smart technologies.
Moreover, as businesses increasingly seek mobile solutions to engage their customers, your ability to develop high-quality, reliable software can set you apart in this competitive market. You could specialize in apps that integrate with IoT devices, industrial automation systems, or enterprise solutions, thereby expanding your professional footprint in areas that are closely related to your expertise. Leveraging your understanding of how automation systems work, combined with strategic marketing and sales skills, you could build a successful sideline—or even a full-fledged business—creating apps that meet the growing demand in this tech-savvy, mobile-centric world.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $700,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.
3. Start a career guidance app business ($34.7K/month)
As an automation engineer, you could leverage your tech-savvy skills to develop a career guidance app that offers personalized advice and resource tools for users navigating their professional journeys. Utilizing your expertise in algorithms and software development, you could create features like job matching, resume tips, and tailored guidance based on the individual's skills, interests, and goals.
Imagine being part of a solution that empowers individuals to make informed career decisions; there's satisfaction in knowing your app could genuinely impact people's lives. If you're entrepreneurial-minded and passionate about career development, this venture could not only supplement your income but also align perfectly with your technical skills and professional aspirations.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $86,992/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 74 days (?)
Loopcv is a job search automation platform experiencing 15% monthly growth, offering solutions for bootcamps, universities, career coaches, developers, recruitment companies, job boards, affiliates, and companies looking to perform internal restructuring.
4. Start an athletic gear business
As an automation engineer, starting an athletic gear business could present an exciting opportunity to leverage your technical skills and entrepreneurial spirit. You could create innovative athletic products that integrate smart technology, such as wearable fitness trackers or intelligent training equipment. By applying your expertise in automation, you could design efficient manufacturing processes, ensuring high-quality products at lower production costs.
Additionally, your analytical skills would be invaluable in optimizing supply chain management and inventory tracking, making the business more scalable and responsive to market demands. You could also use your problem-solving abilities to continuously improve product designs based on customer feedback, setting your athletic gear business apart in a competitive market. With your background, transitioning into this new venture could be not only feasible but also highly rewarding.
5. Start a payment app ($716K/month)
As an automation engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to develop a payment app that stands out in the competitive landscape. By automating user experience features, security protocols, and transaction processing, you would create an efficient and reliable payment system that both businesses and consumers trust. This venture could allow you to supplement your income significantly by tapping into the growing demand for seamless and secure mobile payments.
Starting a payment app requires minimal initial investment and offers the potential for substantial passive income. Given the popularity of mobile payments, your app could easily capture a share of this expansive market. By providing a solution for business owners to accept payments effortlessly, you could carve out a profitable niche for yourself in the burgeoning fintech sector.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.
6. Start a fashion design business ($101K/month)
As an automation engineer, starting a fashion design business offers you a unique opportunity to supplement your income and tap into your creative side. You could leverage your technical skills to streamline production processes, utilizing automation to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. This knowledge could also help you stand out in a competitive market, allowing you to offer custom, high-quality designs that reflect both innovation and style.
You could begin with a small collection, gradually expanding as you gain traction and build your brand presence. Whether you aim to create a high-end luxury line or focus on eco-friendly, sustainable fashion, the potential for growth is significant. By combining your automation expertise with your passion for fashion, you have the chance to create a unique niche that blends technology and creativity.
How much you can make: $150 — $525,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Love Lorn Lingerie started as a side hustle and now generates $1.9k per month in revenue through Etsy and local events, with plans to expand into wholesale and increase marketing efforts to eventually replace the founder's day job.
7. Start a micro saas ($83.3K/month)
As an automation engineer, venturing into the micro-SaaS space allows you to leverage your expertise in streamlining processes and optimizing efficiencies. You could create niche software solutions targeted towards industries or processes you are already familiar with, such as automating repetitive tasks or enhancing productivity in manufacturing, quality control, or system monitoring. Given your technical background, developing and maintaining a micro-SaaS tailored to solve specific automation challenges could not only supplement your income but position you as an industry innovator.
A micro-SaaS business lets you dive deeply into the needs of a targeted market, enabling you to build highly customized, precise solutions that traditional broad-spectrum SaaS products might overlook. By focusing on customer feedback and continuously refining your product, you’d foster closer relationships with your users and ensure that your solutions remain relevant and effective.
Starting a micro-SaaS side business aligns perfectly with an automation engineer’s skills in problem-solving and process improvement, offering a practical path to entrepreneurial success.
How much you can make: $117 — $1,766,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
SuperLemon, a WhatsApp plugin for Shopify eCommerce stores, crossed $29,000 in MRR as of July 2020, with 20,000 users from 50+ countries and 1700+ paying customers, all acquired through organic marketing strategies and a relentless focus on customer service and satisfaction.
8. Start a no code automation business ($23.5K/month)
As an automation engineer, starting a no-code automation business could offer a lucrative opportunity to supplement your income by leveraging your expertise in streamlining processes. You could use user-friendly no-code tools to develop custom automation solutions for businesses, simplifying tasks such as email marketing, app integration, and customer data management without needing advanced programming skills.
Given the increasing demand for efficiency and cost reduction, companies are continually seeking ways to automate their workflows. By helping these businesses optimize their operations, you could create substantial value and carve out a niche in this growing market. If you enjoy problem-solving and exploring new tools, this side business could evolve into a profitable full-time venture.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)
Codemap.io is a freelance & agency marketplace for no-code, low-code, and automation, enabling anyone to hire no-code experts to build their products, MVPs, and apps up to 10x cheaper and faster than with traditional development, with 900+ clients, close to $2,000,000 in created projects, and 110+ hires made, all achieved in less than 6 months.
9. Start a SEO agency ($113K/month)
Starting an SEO agency could be an excellent supplementary income opportunity for an automation engineer. With your analytical mindset and problem-solving skills, you could optimize websites for better search engine rankings efficiently. The growing demand for SEO services means that, with your technical expertise and systematic approach, you could help businesses improve their online visibility and gain a competitive edge.
Moreover, the SEO industry is currently experiencing significant growth, with many experts already earning six-figure incomes and projecting even greater earnings in the near future. Entering this field now, before it becomes overly saturated, would allow you to establish a solid foundation and a reputation for delivering results. Utilizing the various tools available today, starting and running a successful SEO agency is more manageable than ever, providing a lucrative and scalable business venture aligned with your skill set.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Rankings.io is a hyper-focused SEO agency that helps elite personal injury law firms dominate first page rankings and was ranked #858 in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America for 2018, with a current revenue just under $300,000 per month, with plans for a record-breaking year.
10. Start an online food business ($336K/month)
As an automation engineer, you could leverage your technical skills to streamline and optimize operations in an online food business. From automating the order processing system to implementing efficient inventory management, your background will enable you to minimize manual tasks and improve overall efficiency. Leveraging data analytics, you could also predict food trends and customer preferences, allowing you to tailor your offerings more precisely.
Moreover, your problem-solving mindset could help you in developing an online platform that offers a seamless user experience, effectively bridging the gap between home chefs and food enthusiasts. By integrating smart technology, such as IoT for temperature control and quality assurance, you could ensure that your products maintain high standards throughout the supply chain. The combination of your technical expertise and the growing demand for convenient, diverse meal options can lead to a profitable venture in the online food business.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Healthy Chew is a profitable weekly meal preparation service that grew from 200 to 10,000 weekly bowls in just over 3 years, with an overall sales figure of $1.8 million, achieved through effective branding and personalised customer service.
11. Start a tech writing business ($23.4K/month)
As an automation engineer, you could leverage your deep understanding of technical concepts and systems to start a tech writing business. By creating user manuals, how-to guides, and product specifications for companies that produce or utilize technology products, you would help users understand and effectively interact with complex systems. Your expertise would ensure the technical accuracy and clarity of these documents, making them invaluable assets to your clients.
Moreover, collaborating with subject matter experts and designers to organize and present technical information would align well with your background in working across various teams and departments. The communication skills honed through your engineering career could also play a crucial role, enhancing your ability to liaise effectively with clients and team members from multiple industries.
Staying updated with emerging technologies and industry trends would not only keep you competitive but also enrich your content, making it more relevant and insightful. By combining your passion for technology with your ability to clearly convey complex information, you could build a rewarding and profitable tech writing side business or even transition it into a full-time venture.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $62,500/month
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Content-Whale, a content curation agency, has achieved a Rs. 4 crore ($514k/year) turnover 4-5 years after being started with just Rs. 2500 ($35), and has a pool of more than 500 writers, aiming to become a market leader in the global content market.
12. Start an event venue sharing business ($50K/month)
As an automation engineer, starting an event venue sharing business could be an intriguing venture to supplement your income. Leveraging your technical expertise, you could develop a sophisticated platform that connects venue owners with event planners, optimizing the process through automation. This business would benefit from your skills in managing logistics, ensuring seamless transactions, and utilizing data to improve user experience.
Additionally, your problem-solving abilities can help overcome hurdles in real-time, making the entire operation efficient and reliable. With your background, you could potentially automate many aspects of the business, such as booking management, customer interactions, and even marketing strategies, enabling you to focus on scaling the venture without it becoming overly time-consuming. This not only diversifies your revenue streams but also allows you to engage in an entrepreneurial effort that aligns well with your existing skill set.
How much you can make: $50,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Spacehuntr achieved a +700% growth in 2019 with revenues, despite the global pandemic, on track to match that growth in 2020, by launching a 360° platform for businesses to book and manage unique Work, Play & Stay spaces, catering to international corporations such as Airbnb, Netflix, and Uber.
13. Start a software business ($209K/month)
As an automation engineer, starting a software business could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even transition entirely into entrepreneurship. Leveraging your expertise, you could develop specialized automation tools or applications that address industry-specific challenges or inefficiencies. The demand for software solutions that optimize processes, reduce errors, and increase productivity is ever-growing, providing a lucrative market for your innovations.
By creating proprietary software solutions, you could offer your products on a subscription-based model or as a one-time purchase, diversifying your revenue streams. Additionally, your deep understanding of automation can help you identify new opportunities for niche software solutions, giving you a competitive edge in the market. This approach not only aligns with your existing skill set but also allows you to generate substantial income while making a significant impact in the field of automation.
How much you can make: $350 — $4,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Diesel Laptops, a B2B company that sells diesel diagnostic hardware, software, and services, successfully doubled revenue each year to make $20 million annually within three years, grew from its founder's garage and dining room table to a 21,000 square foot facility with over 90 employees by listening to customer pain points and offering the bundled products, technical support and repair information to attract and retain diesel technicians and repair shop owners.
14. Create a cloud management platform
As an automation engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to start a cloud management platform, providing businesses with streamlined tools to manage their cloud infrastructure. This service would involve offering solutions to optimize resource allocation, monitor performance, and ensure security compliance, thereby helping companies navigate the complexities of cloud computing. Given the ongoing surge in cloud adoption, businesses are increasingly seeking efficient ways to handle their digital assets.
Creating such a platform would allow you to tap into a growing market while applying your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge. By developing a user-friendly interface and a robust backend, you could empower businesses to focus on their core activities without worrying about their cloud infrastructure. This entrepreneurial endeavor not only promises significant rewards but also enables you to address real-world challenges, potentially turning it into a worthwhile side business or even a full-time venture.
How much you can make: $35,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
OpsLyft is a two-year-old high-growth startup built out of India and managing over $100 million of cloud investments each year, offering help to enterprise software companies globally to manage their cloud infrastructure costs without compromising the performance and reliability of applications running on it.
15. Start an online directory ($146K/month)
As an automation engineer, starting an online directory could provide a lucrative side business opportunity by leveraging your existing industry's network. Your expertise in automation technologies and processes positions you well to create a dedicated directory for automation-related services, tools, and consultants. This niche focus could attract a targeted audience of businesses seeking reliable automation solutions, thus enhancing the value of your directory.
Additionally, the recurring revenue model of online directories means that you can earn steady income through subscription fees from listing businesses. Given your technical skills, you could develop a highly efficient and user-friendly platform, ensuring that your directory stands out in the market. Moreover, your understanding of the automation sector allows you to accurately vet and recommend the top resources, building trust and reliability for your site among users.
How much you can make: $1,661 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A high school student turned his love for LEGO into a $1.6k/month business, Summerfield's Toys, by reselling sets online through eBay, BrickLink, and Facebook Marketplace, in addition to buying and reselling brand new sets.
16. Start a saas company ($296K/month)
As an automation engineer, starting a SaaS company could be a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture. Given your strong technical skills and understanding of automation, you could develop a high-quality software product that addresses specific needs in your field, such as project management, workflow design, or an advanced automation engine. Leveraging your expertise, you could create subscription-based solutions that help other engineers and businesses optimize their processes and reduce IT costs.
This venture also opens possibilities for substantial income and flexibility, as SaaS companies typically enjoy high margins. The increasing popularity of SaaS models means that there is a growing market for your services, offering a reliable path to monetizing your skills. Imagine delivering a product as integral to businesses as Salesforce's CRM platform, and you could well position yourself at the forefront of innovation within the tech industry.
By understanding the SaaS business model and focusing on marketing and development, you have the chance to build a successful company that aligns perfectly with your technical background and professional experience.
How much you can make: $20 — $20,833,333/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
AI-powered web application, Excelformulabot.com, generates Excel formulas within seconds for a subscription fee of $6.99/month or free for five formula requests per month, resulting in $14k/month in recurring revenue since its launch in September 2022, accruing millions of visitors through word of mouth, influencer marketing, SEO, and PPC, implemented through no-code web application Bubble.io, while preparing to penetrate a B2B market and focus on B2B outreach in the future.
17. Start a dairy queen franchise business
As an automation engineer, starting a Dairy Queen franchise could be a lucrative way to supplement your income or even transition into full-time entrepreneurship. Leveraging your technical expertise, you could streamline the operations of the franchise by implementing automated systems for inventory management, order processing, and even customer service. These efficiencies could reduce labor costs and improve service speed, setting your franchise apart in a competitive market.
Your analytical skills also position you well for interpreting business data to make informed decisions that drive profitability. With Dairy Queen's established brand and extensive support network, you could focus on optimizing processes and growing your customer base through enhanced operational efficiency. This blend of engineering acumen and franchise consistency could create a successful and potentially scalable business venture.
18. Start an e-commerce order fulfillment business ($4.69M/month)
As an automation engineer, you could leverage your skills in systematic problem-solving and process optimization to start an e-commerce order fulfillment business. Your expertise in designing and implementing automated systems would be invaluable in streamlining warehousing, packaging, and shipping processes, ensuring that operations run efficiently and reliably. This technical proficiency would allow you to build a robust fulfillment infrastructure that integrates seamlessly with popular e-commerce platforms, providing a turnkey solution for online retailers.
Additionally, by focusing on creating a dependable and efficient service that handles merchant inventory storage, customized packaging, and domestic shipping logistics, you could offer a comprehensive service that allows retailers to concentrate on maximizing their sales. Your ability to implement sophisticated return processing systems could further differentiate your business in the market. This venture could not only supplement your income but potentially scale into a successful enterprise by solving a critical pain point for e-commerce businesses.
How much you can make: $18,000 — $25,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
ShipMonk, a technology-driven fulfillment center, went from $130K in revenue in 2014 to nearly $30M in 2018 and was named America's Fastest Growing Fulfillment Center, with projected revenue of $60M for 2019.
19. Start a microphone parts business
As an automation engineer, starting a microphone parts business could be a natural extension of your technical skills and understanding of precision electronics. Your expertise in system design, troubleshooting, and automation can provide you with a competitive edge in creating high-quality, innovative microphone components. Your background enables you to develop and refine parts that meet the specific demands of manufacturers and audio enthusiasts who require reliable and optimal performance.
You could leverage your problem-solving abilities to address common issues in existing microphone technologies and create superior alternatives. Additionally, your industry connections and knowledge of supply chains can help you efficiently source materials and market your products. This side business could not only supplement your current income but potentially evolve into a full-fledged enterprise, offering unique solutions in the ever-growing audio equipment market.
20. Start an online courses business ($118K/month)
As an automation engineer, you could significantly supplement your income by leveraging your specialized skills to create an online courses business. Sharing your expertise in areas such as PLC programming, robotics, or industrial automation systems could attract a wide audience of aspiring engineers and professionals looking to upskill. With the growing demand for automation across various industries, your knowledge would be highly valuable to many learners.
To get started, choose a niche you excel in, like SCADA systems or automated quality control. Develop engaging content with video tutorials, interactive assignments, and practical resources. Promote your courses through social media and email campaigns to reach a broader audience.
As your reputation grows and more students benefit from your courses, word-of-mouth will help your business scale. Additionally, you could expand your offerings to cover more advanced topics or even delve into related fields, increasing your reach and impact.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Solopreneur Justin Welsh built a knowledge business through social media with over $2M in annual revenue and no full-time employees, offering flagship digital courses with a monthly revenue of $80K and $45K respectively, through LinkedIn and Twitter growth as well as organic and affiliate marketing.
21. Start an online tool ($13.5K/month)
As an automation engineer, you could leverage your skills to develop an online tool that simplifies everyday tasks for businesses or individuals. Consider creating a web application focused on project management, scheduling, or financial tracking. This will allow you to use your expertise in automation to design a solution that enhances efficiency and productivity.
You could start by identifying common challenges that people face in their daily workflows and then developing a digital solution to address these issues. Although this requires an understanding of programming, design, and marketing, you could either acquire these skills or bring together a team with the necessary capabilities. The demand for digital solutions is vast, making the potential returns for such a venture significant.
Launching an online tool doesn’t just stop at development; it also involves ongoing improvements based on user feedback and market trends. This commitment to continually providing value can set your tool apart in the marketplace. If you have a talent for innovation and a passion for problem-solving, this business idea could be a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor.
How much you can make: $500 — $35,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)
Stagetimer generates $8,000 in monthly revenue by providing a simple online countdown timer for event producers to keep meetings and presentations on time, built based on a need in the market and validated through word of mouth and search engine optimization.
22. Start a content marketing business ($91.3K/month)
As an automation engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise and analytical skills to start a content marketing business. With companies seeking to boost their lead generation by 67% through strategic content marketing, your knowledge of complex systems and processes would be invaluable in creating highly specialized, technical content that can engage and convert potential customers.
Additionally, your problem-solving abilities and familiarity with data can be utilized to hone SEO strategies, ensuring that content is optimized for search engines and social media platforms. By hiring skilled content creators, you could efficiently develop and distribute valuable, relevant content aimed at your target audience, establishing a steady stream of income and carving out a niche in a high-demand area.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
23. Digital products ($261K/month)
As an automation engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to create and sell digital products. Given your knowledge, you might develop specialized software tools, applications, or scripts that address common pain points in the automation industry. These products could streamline processes, increase efficiency, or simplify complex tasks for other engineers and technicians.
Additionally, you could create information-based products like eBooks, online courses, or tutorials to share your unique insights and solutions. This could be beneficial for individuals looking to break into the field or enhance their current skill set. The beauty of digital products is that they require minimal overhead and can be easily distributed online, allowing you to scale your business effortlessly.
How much you can make: $10,417 — $1,766,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
FilterGrade is an eCommerce platform offering digital assets such as photo filters and video templates; attracting over 450,000 monthly users and generating approximately 30k a month, the founders worked hard to build a valuable marketplace for creators while focusing on digital marketing, partnerships, and content creation.
24. Start a mobile karaoke experience
If you're an automation engineer looking to supplement your income or start a side business, launching a mobile karaoke experience could be an exciting and viable option. As someone adept at using technology and systems integration, you could leverage your skills to set up and troubleshoot a professional-level karaoke system with ease.
Urban areas have seen a rising trend in karaoke services, making it a popular choice for social gatherings and events. By strategically targeting bars, restaurants, and event planners, you could tap into this demand and offer a unique, hassle-free entertainment service. This venture is relatively low-maintenance and requires minimal set-up and transport time, allowing you to balance it alongside your primary career in automation engineering.
How much you can make: $12,000/month
Kelli Bielema and Vanessa Resler run The AirScream, a mobile karaoke lounge in a vintage Airstream located in Seattle, WA, which began as a successful Kickstarter campaign raising $45k.
25. Start an electric bike ($190K/month)
As an automation engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise tostart an electric bike business seamlessly. The business could involve manufacturing or selling e-bikes, where your engineering skills would be instrumental in optimizing the design, assembly, and integration of electric motors and batteries. Your proficiency with automation systems can ensure high-quality production and efficient operations, giving you a competitive edge in this burgeoning market.
Moreover, with urban communities increasingly supporting green initiatives, you could capitalize on the growing demand for eco-friendly transportation. Starting an electric bike business would not only diversify your income streams but also align with your professional inclination towards innovation and sustainability. By effectively marketing and distributing these modern transport solutions, you could make a significant environmental impact while ensuring a profitable side endeavor.
How much you can make: $30,000 — $350,000/month
How long does it take to build: 127 days (?)
Bolton Ebikes has experienced 500% YoY growth, bringing in $350k per month in revenue, all without any paid advertising and primarily driven by YouTube videos; the founder emphasizes the importance of finding out who your customers are and serving them what they want.
26. Start a homemade vegan lip gloss business
Starting a homemade vegan lip gloss business as an automation engineer could be a lucrative and rewarding side venture. Leveraging your technical skills, you could automate portions of the production process, ensuring consistency and efficiency in creating high-quality vegan lip gloss products. Your understanding of systems and programming could aid in optimizing the manufacturing and packaging processes, reducing labor costs, and enhancing productivity.
The vegan beauty market is on the rise, with more consumers seeking eco-friendly and cruelty-free products. You could capitalize on this trend by developing unique, high-quality lip gloss recipes that cater to this growing customer base. With the potential for a high profit margin and the ability to operate from home, this business idea could supplement your income effectively while tapping into an emerging market.
27. Start a web design business ($507K/month)
As an automation engineer, starting a web design business could be a practical side hustle or a full-fledged entrepreneurial venture thanks to your existing technical skill set. Your expertise in scripting, programming, and problem-solving will empower you to create efficient, high-quality websites, making you a valuable asset in the lucrative web design market.
Moreover, your logical and analytical approach is ideal for handling client requirements, optimizing backend operations, and planning for sustainable business growth. By leveraging platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn, and a specialized website portfolio, you could effectively attract and manage clients, positioning yourself strategically within your chosen niche. This transition allows you to supplement your current income while potentially laying the groundwork for a profitable independent venture.
How much you can make: $2,350 — $8,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Co-founder of Madwire JB Kellogg grew his business from just the two of them in a tiny office to over 500 employees and $100 million in annual revenue in under 10 years, by focusing on exceptional customer service and a multi-channel inbound strategy.
28. Start a security training business
As an automation engineer, you could leverage your technical background to start a security training business focused on educating individuals and organizations about various security measures and practices. Your skills in process optimization and system integration could be particularly useful in developing comprehensive training programs that are both effective and efficient. This venture could satisfy an entrepreneurial mindset by addressing a critical and continuously relevant need in personal and business security.
For example, you could offer specialized training on integrating security protocols within automated systems, a unique niche that aligns with your professional expertise. Additionally, your ability to understand and convey complex information clearly could make you an excellent instructor, whether through in-person workshops or online courses. By empowering others to protect themselves and their assets, you not only create a viable business but also contribute positively to the community.
How much you can make: $28,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
All Things Secured is a personal security and privacy brand with over 100,000 YouTube subscribers, 160 written guides, and 110 videos that have reached 11 million people worldwide; the founder's goal is to make online security and privacy attainable to anyone regardless of their age or technical proficiency.
29. Build an iPhone app ($238K/month)
As an automation engineer, you could leverage your technical skills to develop an iPhone app that solves specific problems in your industry or enhances productivity. For instance, you might create an app that offers real-time monitoring and management of automation systems, providing users with valuable insights and control from their mobile devices. Given the iPhone's widespread popularity and its integral role in daily life, an innovative app could reach a broad audience and address common pain points within your field.
Moreover, with the iPhone app market constantly evolving, there is significant potential to stand out by offering unique functionalities or a distinctive user experience. Whether it's through a sleek user interface, advanced analytics, or seamless connectivity with existing automation tools, your expertise could translate into a valuable application that attracts a dedicated user base. By focusing on what makes your app unique and ensuring it appeals to your target audience, your entrepreneurial venture could become a successful addition to your professional repertoire.
How much you can make: $150 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.
30. Become an art blogger
As an automation engineer with a passion for artwork, starting an art blog could be an excellent way to supplement your income and share your creativity with the world. Your engineering skills can help automate many aspects of running a successful blog, such as content scheduling, analytics tracking, and even setting up e-commerce functionalities for selling your art pieces.
An art blog also allows you to invite prospective buyers into your world by showcasing your artwork and engaging them with behind-the-scenes content that leverages storytelling—something that can enhance the perceived value of your work. Additionally, you could use your platform to share industry insights, highlight upcoming art events, and educate others, thus building a loyal following over time.
By integrating your analytical and automation expertise with your artistic endeavors, you could both streamline your blogging process and create a unique niche in the art blogging community. So, if you're looking for a creative outlet that aligns well with your technical skills, starting an art blog might just be the perfect side business for you.
How much you can make: $2,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $747 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
A DIY and renovations blog called Grandma's House DIY, founded by Tarah Wolff, is bringing in around $2,000 a month, and has grown to average 40k monthly sessions with around 70k monthly page views, through consistent posting and promotion on niche websites.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
