29 Business Ideas For Drone Owners [2024]
Are you a drone owner looking to turn your hobby into a profitable venture in 2024? With the drone industry expanding rapidly, there are numerous business opportunities that you could explore. Whether you're interested in photography, agriculture, or public safety, there's a niche waiting for you to fill.
Imagine using your drone for aerial photography and videography services at events like weddings or real estate listings. Alternatively, you could offer agricultural monitoring, where farmers could benefit from precise crop data collected by your drone. You could even delve into disaster response efforts, providing crucial aerial views to assist emergency services.
The possibilities are vast and varied, making it easier than ever to find a profitable use for your drone skills. This article will guide you through several business ideas that you could pursue to make the most out of your drone investment in 2024. Dive in to discover how you could turn your passion for drones into a thriving business.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other drone owner businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a marketing agency ($250K/month)
Starting a marketing agency as a drone owner can be a highly lucrative endeavor. You could leverage your aerial photography and videography skills to create compelling marketing content for businesses. Aerial footage provides a unique perspective that can make marketing campaigns stand out, offering a competitive edge in an increasingly visual market.
Why start a marketing agency?
- High demand for unique marketing content across different industries.
- You already have specialized equipment, reducing initial startup costs.
- Opportunity to differentiate your services with aerial photography, giving clients an innovative way to showcase their products or services.
For more details on starting a marketing agency, check out this guide on Starter Story on how to start a marketing agency.
How much you can make: $1,300 — $8,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
2. Start a digital agency ($186K/month)
As a drone owner, starting a digital agency can be a lucrative way to leverage your skills and equipment. By offering specialized services such as aerial photography, videography, mapping, and surveys, you could help businesses achieve their advertising, marketing, or technology-related goals. With the global digital agency market valued at nearly $305B in 2020 and expected to grow, there's significant potential to build a profitable side business or even transition into a full-time endeavor.
Why starting a digital agency?
- The demand for high-quality digital content is rising; your drone footage can set you apart.
- Drones offer unique perspectives that can enhance marketing campaigns, making you an invaluable asset to clients.
- With minimal additional investment, you can diversify your service offerings and increase your revenue streams.
For more insights on how to get started, you might want to check out this article.
How much you can make: $100 — $3,699,632/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
How this founder started a $100K/month guaranteed transcription service for medical, legal, law enforcement, financial, academic and general business industries, winning the NASPO ValuePoint transcription services contract over 26 other companies and learning valuable lessons about getting a coach and getting as much PR as possible.
3. Start a digital marketing business ($119K/month)
Starting a digital marketing business could be a lucrative and exciting venture for a drone owner. You could leverage your drone’s capabilities to create high-quality, engaging content for local and international companies aiming to amplify their online presence. From capturing stunning aerial shots and video for social media campaigns to providing valuable visual content for websites and digital ads, the possibilities are immense. By educating yourself and honing your digital marketing skills through online courses, you could attract a niche audience interested in unique, drone-captured content and significantly grow your revenue.
Explore more about starting a digital marketing business here: how-to-start-digital-marketing-business.
Why consider starting a digital marketing business?
- The demand for high-quality, unique content is ever-increasing, and your drone can provide innovative visual solutions.
- With the digital marketing field constantly evolving, there are endless opportunities to learn and grow.
- Starting a digital marketing business can be a versatile addition to your skillset and professional portfolio.
How much you can make: $100 — $1,250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
4. Create an online course ($91.9K/month)
As a drone owner, creating an online course can be a lucrative way to monetize your expertise. By designing digital classes, you could teach aspiring drone enthusiasts everything from basic piloting skills to advanced techniques in aerial photography and videography. With minimal startup costs and the flexibility of a self-paced or cohort-based learning structure, this business model offers a steady stream of passive income as your student base grows.
Why create an online course?
- There is rising demand for specialized skills in drone technology, making your expertise extremely valuable.
- Developing digital courses requires low initial investment but offers high potential returns through continuous enrollments.
- Sharing your knowledge can be personally rewarding and helps build a community of engaged learners who share your passion.
For more details on starting an online course business, check out these success stories on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $350 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
5. Start a SEO agency ($113K/month)
Starting an SEO agency is a great way for drone owners to effectively supplement their income or even launch a full-fledged business. Since drone operations often require a strong digital presence, drone owners are already familiar with creating engaging online content, which is a key skill in SEO. SEO is a booming industry with high earning potential, offering excellent opportunities for drone owners who want to leverage their existing digital skills check out these success stories.
Why consider starting an SEO agency?
- The demand for SEO services is growing, meaning there’s potential for substantial income.
- Your content creation skills from drone operations transfer well to SEO work.
- You can start small and scale up, allowing you to balance this venture with your existing commitments.
For more insights, explore how to start an SEO agency.
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.
6. Start a social media marketing service ($100K/month)
For entrepreneurial-minded drone owners, starting a social media marketing service could be an excellent way to supplement your income, make extra money, or even build a thriving side business or full-time endeavor. By offering compelling aerial footage captured with your drone, you could help businesses elevate their social media presence, attract more followers, and engage their target audience more effectively. Since the power of visuals in social media is well-established, providing high-quality, unique overhead photos and videos can set you apart and deliver tremendous value to your clients.
Not only does this business idea allow you to leverage your existing drone skills, but it also offers flexible working hours and can be scaled up as you onboard more clients. Furthermore, by establishing your expertise in this niche, you could create a stable and recurring revenue stream.
Why start a social media marketing service?
- You could offer unique and eye-catching content thanks to your drone, making your services stand out.
- The flexible hours allow you to balance this venture with other commitments or career pursuits.
- Social media marketing is a booming industry, and businesses are continually seeking innovative ways to attract and engage customers.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,380 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
7. Start a local gold dealing business
Starting a local gold dealing business as a drone owner could open up unique opportunities to source, verify, and even transport gold. With drones, you could survey larger areas for potential gold sources and verify their authenticity while keeping costs low. Additionally, using drones for safe and efficient transportation could further position you competitively in the local gold market.
For more details on starting a local gold dealing business, check out our guide on pros and cons of local gold dealing businesses.
Why starting a local gold dealing business?
- Drones can help survey and identify new gold sourcing opportunities, giving you an edge.
- Using drones can enhance the safety and efficiency of transporting valuable assets.
- Leveraging drone technology reduces operational costs, increasing your profit margins.
8. Become an online fitness coach ($21K/month)
Leveraging your drone's capabilities, you could create compelling and unique online fitness content, from aerial yoga sessions to guided runs or nature workouts. As a drone owner, you have the innovative advantage of offering visually dynamic classes that distinguish you from conventional fitness coaches. With the increasing number of internet users and more hours spent online, the demand for unique and engaging online fitness content is on the rise.
Why become an online fitness coach?
- You could create visually engaging content. Your drone can capture spectacular aerial views, making your fitness videos stand out and more appealing.
- You could reach a broader audience. Online fitness coaching allows you to connect with clients worldwide, expanding your market beyond local limits.
- You can provide a unique experience. By incorporating drone footage, you offer clients a fresh perspective and a more immersive workout environment.
For more detailed steps and insights, you can check out some startup ideas for online fitness coaching.
How much you can make: $250 — $82,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study is about a former personal trainer who launched his online personal training platform, TeamFFLEX, starting with no money and a lot of drive, and grew it into a 6-figure business in less than a year, now doing $48,000 a month with potential for continued growth.
9. Start a shipping container coffee shop
Starting a shipping container coffee shop could be a lucrative and innovative way to supplement your income as a drone owner. Not only are shipping container businesses trendy and eco-friendly, but they also offer a unique, mobile, and affordable approach to setting up a café. As a drone owner, you could use your drones to capture stunning aerial footage of your coffee shop and surrounding areas, creating engaging promotional content for social media and marketing campaigns. For more insights, you can explore the startup costs involved in setting up a shipping container coffee shop on Starter Story.
Why consider a shipping container coffee shop?
- Reduced initial investment compared to a traditional brick-and-mortar café, allowing for a quicker ROI.
- Mobility and flexibility give you the option to relocate or expand to different locations easily.
- Using drones for aerial marketing can create captivating content that attracts more customers, boosting your brand's visibility.
10. Start an online advertising agency ($177K/month)
If you're a drone owner looking to diversify your income, starting an online advertising agency could be an excellent way to leverage your skills and equipment. By utilizing your drone to capture stunning aerial footage and photos, you could offer unique and engaging promotional content that businesses can use in their online campaigns. This type of high-quality visual media is a valuable asset for companies looking to stand out in a competitive digital marketplace, making your services in high demand.
Building a portfolio by creating mock campaigns, offering discounted services, and showcasing your skills on a professional website can help you attract clients. With dedication and consistent effort, your agency could grow into a lucrative income stream, allowing you to turn your passion into a thriving business. For more insights on starting an online advertising agency, you can explore tips and success stories on Starter Story.
Why starting an online advertising agency?
- High demand for unique and engaging visual content can set you apart in the market.
- Drones provide a competitive edge by enabling you to offer aerial footage, a rarity in traditional advertising.
- Digital marketing expertise can be learned online with minimal upfront investment, allowing you to start on a budget.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.
11. Start an ecommerce marketing agency ($411K/month)
As a drone owner, starting an ecommerce marketing agency can leverage your unique skill set to help online sellers achieve their business objectives. Drone footage can add significant value to ecommerce marketing by providing high-quality visuals for product showcases, advertisements, and promotional materials. By combining your drone expertise with digital marketing skills, you could offer specialized services that set your agency apart in a competitive market. For those interested in diving deeper, explore further at Starter Story's profitability insights on ecommerce marketing agencies.
Why start an ecommerce marketing agency?
- You could utilize your drone footage to create engaging and dynamic promotional content for clients.
- By offering a niche service like drone videography, you could differentiate your agency from competitors.
- The ecommerce industry is rapidly growing, providing a steady demand for innovative marketing solutions.
How much you can make: $7,500 — $8,300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.
12. Start a consulting business ($104K/month)
Starting a consulting business as a drone owner can be a lucrative venture, given the increasing reliance on drones across various sectors. By leveraging your expertise, you could advise clients on areas like drone deployment, data analysis, and regulatory compliance, turning your knowledge into a valuable service. The global consulting industry, valued at roughly $250 billion, presents a significant opportunity for entrepreneurial-minded individuals.
Why start a consulting business?
- You could capitalize on the growing demand for specialized drone knowledge in industries like agriculture, real estate, and construction.
- You could make a significant impact by helping businesses navigate complex regulations and optimize their drone operations.
- You could build a flexible, scalable business model that allows you to share your expertise while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
To learn more about the journey of starting a consulting business, check out the insights from industry experts on how they succeeded: consulting business success stories.
How much you can make: $100 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Cybersecurity consulting firm Eden Data, launched in March 2020, scaled to four team members and generated over $45k MRR without large startup costs through their unique Virtual CISO offering, which outsources cybersecurity and compliance needs for a flat monthly price, rather than charging by the hour or for long-term commitments.
13. Start a web design & online marketing business ($129K/month)
Starting a web design & online marketing business as a drone owner could be an ideal move given the growing demand for high-quality visual content. Utilizing your drone for compelling video footage and aerial photos can give you a unique edge in creating engaging websites and marketing materials. As you already possess the skills for drone operation and potentially have a knack for design, combining these with web design and online marketing could turn into a profitable business venture.
The online marketing industry, already the second largest in the U.S., is growing by 30% annually and is set to reach $400B within the next four years. With such explosive growth, leveraging your existing drone skills to offer specialized services such as drone-based visuals for clients could set you apart from competitors and open up new revenue streams.
Why start a web design & online marketing business?
- You could leverage your unique aerial footage to offer clients something different from the competition.
- There's tremendous growth in the online marketing industry, providing numerous opportunities to scale your business.
- Combining drone photography and videography with web design enhances your portfolio, making your services more attractive to potential clients.
For more tips on starting a web design & online marketing business, check out these success stories.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
How Shannon Mattern built a DIY web design training business from scratch that now generates $10k/month in revenue through affiliate commissions and courses, without outside investment or debt.
14. Start a mobile app development business ($141K/month)
Diving into the mobile app development space could be a lucrative avenue for drone owners looking to supplement their income or start an entirely new business. As a drone enthusiast, you could capitalize on your unique insight into the needs of the drone community by developing specialized apps that cater to fellow drone pilots, whether they are for flight planning, drone maintenance, or community networking. The explosion in mobile app usage opens doors to reach a vast audience keen on innovative drone-related applications.
Why consider starting a mobile app development business?
- Bridging a unique niche: Being part of the drone community, you could create apps that address specific needs within this niche, giving you an edge over general app developers.
- Financial growth potential: The increasing demand for mobile apps offers a substantial opportunity to earn a consistent income or even scale into a full-fledged business.
- Leveraging existing skills: Your technical knowledge and passion for drones can seamlessly transition into the realm of mobile software, simplifying the learning curve and enhancing your market offerings.
For more detailed insights on starting a mobile app development business, check out this guide on profitability and business ideas.
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.
15. Start a hot sauce business ($85.1K/month)
Starting a hot sauce business could be an exciting venture for a drone owner looking to supplement their income. With drones' ability to capture stunning aerial footage, you could produce eye-catching promotional videos and photos for marketing your unique hot sauce brand. Additionally, the appeal and versatility of hot sauce mean a steady demand, allowing you to capitalize on consistent sales.
Why start a hot sauce business?
- You could utilize your drone to create captivating promotional content that sets your brand apart from competitors.
- The hot sauce market is vast and growing, providing ample opportunities for steady income.
- A hot sauce business allows you to combine creativity with commerce, appealing to both your entrepreneurial spirit and love for flavorful food.
Learn more about starting a successful hot sauce business: Starter Story Hot Sauce Business Ideas.
How much you can make: $2,250 — $200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)
Trini Pepper Sauce co-founder and co-owner, Mustafa Mannan, shares how he successfully imported and manufactured his family's unique pepper sauce recipe and launched it through a Kickstarter campaign, now selling an average of $3,000/month in revenue.
16. Start a mobile photography business ($104K/month)
Starting a mobile photography business as a drone owner offers you a unique way to supplement your income or transform your passion into a full-fledged side business. With the rising demand for high-quality aerial images for real estate listings, marketing campaigns, and social media content, your drone can be a pivotal tool in setting your photography services apart. By investing in professional cameras, lenses, and editing software, you can provide stunning, diverse images for various clients, enhancing your marketability.
Why start a mobile photography business?
- High demand for unique aerial shots: Drones offer perspectives that traditional photography can't match.
- Flexibility and mobility: You could travel to clients and cover diverse events, landscapes, and projects.
- Growing market: With the explosion of social media and online platforms, quality visual content is more in demand than ever.
For more insights on starting a photography business, you can check out this page on how to start a photography business.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)
Photobooth Supply Co. offers a profitable business opportunity through their sleek and portable photo booths, with up to 97% satisfaction rate and a focus on customer experience, in a fast-growing event industry where photo booths are exploding.
17. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog can be an excellent way for drone owners to supplement their income or even establish a thriving side business. By sharing your passion and expertise in drone technology, you could engage with a dedicated online community while creating informative content like how-to guides, drone reviews, and aerial photography tips. This not only helps you build a following but also provides numerous monetization opportunities such as affiliate marketing, brand collaborations, and sponsored content.
For more insights on the profitability and success of niche blogs, you can explore this resource on how much niche blogs make.
Why starting a niche blog?
- You could easily blend your passion for drones with content creation, turning your hobby into a potential income stream.
- Blogging allows you to establish yourself as an expert in the drone community, which can lead to speaking engagements and consulting opportunities.
- With a growing audience, your blog could attract lucrative partnerships with drone manufacturers, tech brands, and other niche markets.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
18. Start a career consulting business ($32.9K/month)
As a drone owner, starting a career consulting business could provide a unique avenue for supplementing your income and making a meaningful impact on others' lives. This venture involves guiding individuals through job transitions, professional development, and optimizing their resumes and interview skills. With a strong background in human resources and communication, you could create lasting client relationships and continually impact their career growth positively.
Leveraging your drone expertise, you might even offer specialized advice for those looking to enter the growing field of drone technology and operations. For more insights on launching a successful career consulting business, check out the latest tips and success stories.
Why start a career consulting business?
- The demand for guidance in professional growth and transition is ever-present, ensuring a steady flow of potential clients.
- Offering specialized consultation in drone technology can position you as a niche expert, attracting a targeted client base.
- Helping others achieve their career goals not only generates income but also creates a rewarding, impactful career opportunity for yourself.
How much you can make: $1,100 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $850 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Career Sidekick founder Biron Clark shares how he turned his job search advice website into a multiple six-figure per year business, earning approximately $25,000 per month from revenue streams predominantly based on display advertising and affiliate marketing.
19. Start an educational technology product ($48K/month)
As a drone owner, starting an educational technology product could be a smart move to supplement your income or build a side business. Imagine leveraging your drone skills to develop engaging edtech tools that facilitate learning—think of apps or platforms where students can explore physics principles through drone flight simulations or interactive lessons on modern technology. The scope is vast, positioning you at the intersection of tech and education, where there's growing demand for innovative learning tools. For more insights on starting an edtech business, check out educational technology products startup costs.
Why consider launching an educational technology product?
- Drones and technology excite students: Edtech tools featuring drones can make learning more engaging and captivating.
- Meet the demand for innovative education: Schools and educators are constantly seeking new ways to teach complex subjects.
- Combine passion with profit: Use your drone skills to create a product that can make a significant educational impact while generating income.
How much you can make: $50 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
UpBrainery Technologies, founded by Ghazal Qureshi, revolutionizes STEAM education by providing hands-on learning experiences in the form of education kits, virtual tutoring, and online curriculum, while also offering their services to organizations such as the Girl Scouts, Girls Inc., and the Houston Rockets.
20. Start a travel-planning app business ($91.3K/month)
As a drone owner, you could leverage your aerial photography and videography skills to create a unique travel-planning app, offering prospective travelers breathtaking aerial views of destinations to help them decide where to go. This could include features like interactive maps and virtual tours, making your app a one-stop platform for adventure seekers. Given the predicted 9.0% annual growth rate in online travel booking services, such an app could attract a significant user base and generate substantial income.
Why consider a travel-planning app business?
- You could provide stunning aerial footage of destinations, giving users a unique perspective that sets your app apart.
- The online travel trend is growing, presenting a profitable opportunity for tech-savvy entrepreneurs.
- Combining drone footage with travel planning can create a comprehensive tool, simplifying trip preparations for users.
How much you can make: $22,000 — $233,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Visa List is a successful micro start-up that provides one-stop visa information for travellers, earning $5000/month on average with 350K monthly active users and has helped over 2 million users with their visa requirements, all starting from a personal frustration with visa processes.
21. Start a natural health product business ($188K/month)
Starting a natural health products business is an excellent venture for drone owners looking to supplement their income or start a side business. Leveraging drones, you could provide unique aerial imagery and footage of natural ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes, which adds authenticity and transparency to your brand. Additionally, the thriving wellness industry, expected to reach over $32 billion with a CAGR of 5.3%, offers a lucrative market opportunity.
Why start a natural health products business?
- The wellness industry is booming, ensuring a large and growing customer base.
- Drones can provide unique marketing content that builds trust with consumers.
- Natural health products offer high margins and recurring revenue potential.
For further insights into starting a natural health products business, check out /how-to-start-natural-health-product-business.
How much you can make: $35,000 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
SuperGreen TONIK's founder developed a greens powder supplement with 38 superfood nutrients, adaptogenic herbs, vitamins, and minerals that achieved $250k in sales in its first year and is looking to hit 7-figures in its second year, thanks to transparency, repeat customers, and focusing on fewer, properly dosed ingredients.
22. Start an entrepreneurship course ($3.93K/month)
Starting an entrepreneurship course as a drone owner places you at the forefront of education and innovation, providing an ideal opportunity to monetize your expertise. This venture could involve creating a detailed curriculum designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to start and run successful businesses. By sharing your unique experiences and insights, especially within the rapidly growing drone industry, you could inspire the next generation of business owners. Learn more about starting an entrepreneurship course here: /ideas/entrepreneurship-course/success-stories.
Why consider launching an entrepreneurship course?
- You could leverage your knowledge and experience to create compelling and practical course content that resonates with other entrepreneurs.
- The growing demand for digital-first learning solutions presents a lucrative opportunity to reach a broader audience.
- Starting this course could establish you as an authority in both entrepreneurship and the drone industry, enhancing your network and business opportunities.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $8,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $9,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
A 3D CAD designer and product inventor who started as a side hustle and averaged $9,000 a month in revenue, shares his insights on the ups and downs of owning a service-based business alongside an eCommerce store, as well as lessons learned in customer acquisition and in generating multiple streams of passive income.
23. Start a wordpress resource business ($5.34K/month)
For drone owners with an affinity for digital content and a profound understanding of WordPress, starting a WordPress resource business can offer a unique avenue for supplemental income or even a full-fledged business. By offering valuable resources like themes, plugins, tutorials, and support services tailored to the WordPress community, you could leverage your technical skills and creativity to tap into an expanding market. This business demands not just coding expertise but also a deep understanding of user experience, market trends, and community engagement, providing endless avenues to innovate and grow. For more in-depth information about starting such a business, check out this guide on WordPress resource business ideas and tips.
Why starting a WordPress resource business?
- You already possess the technical know-how, making it easier to create high-quality, profitable resources.
- The WordPress market is vast and continuously growing, ensuring a steady demand for unique themes, plugins, and tutorials.
- It offers flexibility to scale, allowing you to start small while organically growing your business as you gain more customers and refine your offerings.
How much you can make: $800 — $12,200/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Work Hero is a WordPress support and maintenance service that went from working with one website in December 2019 to 13 recurring customer sites today, earning ~$1470/month with most customers paying an unlimited fee of $149/month.
24. Start an event management company ($131K/month)
Starting an event management company as a drone owner could be a highly lucrative side business or even a full-time venture. With your unique skills, you could offer a range of services such as aerial event photography, videography, and live streaming, providing a fresh perspective that adds tremendous value to any event. As the event management and planning industry is projected to grow by 10% in the coming years, there's a substantial market for innovative services like yours.
Why consider starting an event management company?
- Capture unique, stunning aerial shots that other event managers can't offer.
- Diversify your revenue streams by combining event planning with specialized drone services.
- Leverage the growth in the event industry to build a profitable, dynamic business.
For more insights and inspiration, check out successful event management company stories on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 160 days (?)
A successful ticketing platform that grew from a side project into a business that issues over 5 million tickets annually, using a combination of cold calling, word of mouth, and partnerships to attract and retain customers while navigating the challenges of COVID-19.
25. Start an activewear brand ($25.1K/month)
Starting an activewear brand as a drone owner opens up some unique and exciting opportunities. The health and fitness industry is growing rapidly, and by leveraging your drone, you could create stunning, high-quality video content that showcases your activewear in dynamic and eye-catching ways. Imagine aerial shots of athletes practicing yoga on mountaintops or runners sprinting through scenic trails—your drone footage could set your brand apart in a crowded market.
Marketing is crucial for any brand, especially in activewear, and your drone could be a game-changer. Utilizing drone shots can create visually appealing and engaging content that’s perfect for social media and promotional campaigns, helping you capture the attention of potential customers. For more insights on starting an activewear brand, check out Starter Story’s tips.
Why start an activewear brand?
- The health and fitness industry is booming, providing a ripe market for new entrants.
- Leveraging drone footage allows you to create unique and engaging marketing content that stands out.
- A focus on quality products, great prices, and amazing service can help you carve out a niche and build a loyal customer base.
How much you can make: $650 — $125,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Learn how a lawyer turned YouTube comedian turned gym apparel entrepreneur created a profitable side business selling gym apparel with designs based on his dark sense of humor and love of video games, reaching a monthly revenue of over $8,000 by capitalizing on his newfound YouTube popularity and keeping an eye on competitors.
26. Start a flight tours business ($772K/month)
Starting a flight tours business could be an exciting and profitable venture for a drone owner. With the increasing popularity of aerial sightseeing, you could provide unique and thrilling experiences that cater to the growing demand for picturesque views. Given the flexibility in scheduling, you can manage this business as a side gig or turn it into a full-time endeavor, all while creating unforgettable memories for your clients.
By tapping into the scenic air tours market, you are leveraging your existing drone skills to capture breathtaking moments from above. This business not only lets you explore diverse landscapes but also allows you to set competitive rates based on your expertise and the uniqueness of the locations you cover. Curious about making this idea a reality? Check out some strategies and success stories here.
Why start a flight tours business?
- The demand for unique aerial experiences is growing, offering a lucrative market.
- You already possess the necessary drone skills, making the startup process smoother.
- Flexible scheduling makes it an ideal side hustle or full-time business.
How much you can make: $43,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)
Envi Adventures, a Troutdale, Oregon-based air tour business, grew from making $7,000 in a month in its first year to over $30,000 a month in its second year, using Instagram and influencer marketing to create an interactive, personalized experience for guests.
27. Start a packing crate service
Starting a packing crate service as a drone owner opens up unique opportunities to supplement your income or create a thriving side business. With the ability to offer aerial inspections, you could provide a specialized service by using your drone to measure large items and spaces accurately, ensuring that clients receive custom-fit packing crates. Additionally, your drone expertise could help in overseeing production and quality control from above, making your service more efficient and reliable.
Why start a packing crate service?
- You could leverage your drone for precise measurements, which ensures a better fit for custom crates.
- Drones offer a unique marketing angle and competitive edge in the packing crate industry.
- Combining a drone with your service creates operational efficiencies, allowing you to manage larger projects with ease.
28. Start an AI-based business ($27.9K/month)
For drone owners, starting an AI-based business can open a world of opportunities, allowing you to leverage advanced technology to solve real-world challenges. Utilizing your drone’s capabilities, you could develop AI software that enhances aerial data collection, automates surveying processes, or provides advanced predictive analytics for industries like agriculture, real estate, or construction. This kind of business not only supplements your income but positions you at the cutting edge of technological innovation, driving efficiency and offering valuable insights to your clients. For further inspiration, you can explore success stories of AI-based business ideas here.
Why consider starting an AI-based business?
- AI can significantly enhance the functionality and value of your drone operations.
- There is a rising market demand for AI-driven solutions, offering substantial profit potential.
- Combining AI with drones puts you in a niche market, giving you a competitive edge.
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.
29. Start a phone repair business
Starting a phone repair business as a drone owner could be an excellent way to diversify your income streams. The mobile phone industry is booming, and with people heavily reliant on their devices, cell phone repair is a service that is always in demand. By leveraging your technical skills or expanding your expertise, you could tap into this low-capital, high-demand market, offering services at your convenience.
Why consider a phone repair business?
- Capitalize on an ever-growing market: The mobile phone repair industry is driven by constant demand, ensuring a steady flow of customers.
- Low startup costs and flexible work hours: Starting this business requires minimal capital investment and allows you to define your own working hours.
- Expand your tech expertise: As a drone owner, you already possess technical knowledge that can be easily adapted to phone repairs, opening up new income possibilities.
For additional insights on how to kickstart your phone repair business, you may want to explore our detailed articles on profitability and startup costs within the Starter Story site.
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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.
