20 Business Ideas For Intellectuals [2024]
In the evolving business world of 2024, intellectuals hold a unique position to explore opportunities that align with their analytical skills and knowledge. Whether you're an academic, a researcher, or simply someone who enjoys thoughtful problem-solving, the avenues available to you are both numerous and promising. By leveraging intellect, you could carve out successful ventures that not only meet market demands but also satisfy your quest for meaningful work.
This article will explore various business ideas designed to tap into your intellectual strengths. From consulting services to technology startups, the scope for creating impactful enterprises is vast. Here, you will find concepts and suggestions that enable you to utilize your intellectual prowess, allowing you to find a fulfilling and lucrative path.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other intellectual businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast is a natural fit for intellectuals who are eager to share their expertise, insights, and perspectives with a broader audience. Podcasting offers a platform where you could explore deep, meaningful conversations on topics you're passionate about, allowing you to establish yourself as a thought leader in your niche. By leveraging your intellectual strengths, you could create engaging content that attracts an audience, potentially monetizing through sponsorships, advertising, or listener donations.
Why start a podcast?
- Showcase your expertise: Use your knowledge to provide valuable insights, establishing yourself as an authority in your field.
- Engage with a global audience: Podcasts have a wide reach, allowing you to connect with listeners from around the world who share your interests.
- Monetization opportunities: With a growing audience, you could attract sponsors, advertisers, or even direct donations from passionate listeners.
For more insights on the profitability of starting a podcast, check out this link to the page.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
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 niche investment platform ($167K/month)
Starting a niche investment platform could be a great way for an intellectual to supplement their income or even establish a full-fledged business. As the founder of a custom-tailored online exchange dealing in alternative assets like collectibles, cryptocurrencies, or real estate, you would be leveraging modern technology to create transparent trading ecosystems. This specialized focus can help you build an exclusive user base, enabling recurring revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions. For more details and insights, you could visit Starter Story's success stories.
Why consider starting a niche investment platform?
- You could offer asset diversification to investors seeking alternatives amid volatile stock markets.
- This platform would attract specialized investors, creating a loyal and engaged user base.
- As an intellectual, you could easily understand and navigate the complexities of alternative asset classes, giving you a competitive edge.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
3. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Starting an online course sales business could be an excellent opportunity for intellectuals looking to share their expertise while generating income. The process is straightforward: choose a target audience, create content-rich courses, and select a platform to distribute the courses. With the e-learning market projected to surpass $645 billion in the coming years, the potential for growth and passive income is substantial.
Why consider starting an online course sales business?
- Leverage your knowledge: Transform your intellectual expertise into a marketable product by teaching what you know best.
- Create passive income: Build a course once and sell it repeatedly, providing a steady income stream with minimal ongoing effort.
- Flexible and scalable: The online nature of the business allows you to reach a global audience and scale your offerings over time.
For more information on the possibilities of starting an online course sales business, check out the success stories of others who have done it.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
4. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
Venturing into the world of AI writing tools could be a lucrative and intellectually stimulating pursuit. By developing a digital tool powered by Artificial Intelligence, you could offer a seamless solution for content creation that caters to businesses, bloggers, and students. This tech-driven enterprise is not merely futuristic; it meets a critical demand for high-quality, efficient, and error-free content.
Embedding AI at the heart of your content creation tool could significantly simplify the writing process, making it quicker and more accurate. Imagine providing a tool that effortlessly generates engaging content, transforming how writers operate daily. To learn more about the potential of this venture, explore the profitability of AI writing tools.
Why create an AI writing tool?
- You could simplify and expedite content creation for writers worldwide, enhancing their productivity.
- The demand for high-quality, consistent content continues to grow, presenting a lucrative market opportunity.
- As an intellectual, you have a unique perspective and understanding that could drive innovation in this field.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
5. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Considering an AI-based business solution can be a strategic move for intellectuals looking to supplement their income or start a side business. By leveraging artificial intelligence, you could optimize various business processes, from customer service and data analysis to personalized marketing and inventory management. This opportunity allows you to combine your intellectual prowess with cutting-edge technology to enhance business efficiency and drive decision-making based on data.
AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, provide actionable insights, and predict market trends, offering businesses a significant competitive advantage. You don't need a tech background to get started, as many platforms come with user-friendly interfaces and robust support. With the rising demand for AI-driven solutions, venturing into this market space could prove to be both innovative and lucrative.
Why consider starting an AI-based business solution?
- AI-based solutions can streamline operations and increase efficiency, freeing up time for strategic thinking.
- The AI market is expanding rapidly, making it a timely venture with high growth potential.
- Many AI platforms are designed to be user-friendly, minimizing the need for extensive technical knowledge.
For more details, explore AI-based business solution success stories.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
6. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
Creating a lead generation tool offers an excellent opportunity for intellectuals to leverage their skills in technology and marketing to create a profitable business. This involves developing a software application that automates the process of identifying and capturing potential customer leads for other businesses, thus saving them valuable time and effort. By streamlining this critical aspect of business growth, you could carve out a niche in a high-demand market, providing a service that countless companies are eager to pay for.
Developing a lead generation tool enables you to integrate with websites, social media channels, and other digital interfaces to collect essential data, such as email addresses, phone numbers, and customer interests. This allows businesses to focus on conversion rather than the arduous task of finding new clients. If you're tech-savvy and have a knack for understanding customer needs, this could be a lucrative venture for you. (Check out this page for more insights.)
Why consider developing a lead generation tool?
- The market for lead generation is growing rapidly; businesses are constantly seeking ways to optimize their marketing efforts.
- You could automate and simplify a laborious process, making it easier for companies to grow their customer base.
- This venture merges technical skills with marketing acumen, allowing you to utilize and expand your intellectual capabilities.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
7. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
Starting an email marketing tool is an excellent opportunity for intellectuals to leverage their analytical and problem-solving skills. Email marketing is a powerful channel known for its high ROI, making it conducive for creating sustained revenue streams. By developing a software application that automates email campaigns, you could tap into a booming market forecasted to reach $2.53 billion by 2028.
Why start an email marketing tool?
- High ROI and effective market reach.
- Leverage your analytical skills to solve real-world marketing problems.
- Enter a growing industry with significant financial potential.
For more information on how to kickstart your own email marketing tool business, check out Starter Story's insights.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 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.
8. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business involves creating and managing tools that streamline social media activities like scheduling posts, automating interactions, and analyzing performance metrics. For intellectuals, this endeavor can be particularly appealing due to the ample opportunities to leverage technology and strategic marketing for driving client engagement and growth. This business not only meets the increasing demand for online presence enhancement but also allows you to apply sophisticated software solutions and maintain cutting-edge knowledge of social media trends.
Why start a social media automation business?
- Intellectual challenge: This business combines technology and marketing, enabling you to tackle complex problems using your expertise.
- High demand: With businesses and influencers constantly seeking to enhance their social media presence, there's a continuous market need.
- Scalability: Once developed, your automation tools can serve multiple clients with minimal additional effort, maximizing your income potential.
For more information on profitability and success stories, visit Starter Story here.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 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.
9. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Starting a cold email service business is an excellent opportunity for intellectuals looking to employ their strategic thinking and communication skills in a financially rewarding venture. This business revolves around helping companies engage potential clients by crafting and sending targeted email campaigns. With a sharp mind for analysis and a knack for writing compelling messages, you could provide valuable lead generation services that businesses continually need.
Not only does a cold email service business allow you to leverage your proficiency in email marketing tools and metrics analysis, but it also offers scalability. Start with small businesses and gradually build a robust client base as your reputation grows with each success story. This blend of technical knowhow and creativity makes the business both challenging and fulfilling.
Why start a cold email service business?
- You could quickly scale your services from small enterprises to larger firms, increasing your revenue potential.
- Your strategic mindset and writing prowess will find a perfect outlet in crafting persuasive and targeted email campaigns.
- You'll be offering a service that is always in demand, ensuring a steady stream of clients seeking your expertise.
For more insights, check out some cold email service business success stories.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
10. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
If you have a knack for solving problems and enjoy working with technology, starting a WordPress plugin business could be an excellent way to monetize your intellectual capabilities. WordPress plugins are essential for running successful websites, so if you develop a plugin that addresses a unique need, you can create a steady income stream. You could sell your plugins on platforms such as CodeCanyon, your blog, or a dedicated website.
Why start a WordPress plugin business?
- There's a high demand for plugins, making them a lucrative opportunity for recurring revenue.
- You could use your intellectual skills to solve specific problems, benefiting numerous website owners.
- Developing and selling plugins can be done remotely, offering flexibility and scalability to your business.
For additional insights and tips on starting your own WordPress plugin business, you can explore this guide.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
11. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Ever thought about turning that brilliant idea into a mobile app? As an intellectual, your logical thinking and problem-solving skills make you well-suited for developing innovative mobile apps. The process entails planning the user experience, designing engaging interfaces, and ensuring functionality through rigorous testing, all of which align with a methodical and analytical mindset.
Moreover, creating a mobile app allows you to address real-world problems or entertain masses with your unique solutions. With dedication and an effective marketing strategy, you could attract a broad audience and generate substantial revenue. For more insight, explore some successful mobile app stories.
Why consider creating a mobile app?
- You could transform abstract ideas into practical, impactful tools.
- Intellectuals thrive on continuous learning; developing an app would provide constant opportunities to expand your knowledge.
- Offering unique solutions or entertainment through your app could lead to significant financial rewards.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
12. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Starting a health and wellness app is a great business opportunity for intellectuals looking to merge their professional expertise with their entrepreneurial ambitions. An app that provides personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises could offer immense value in today's health-conscious society. By leveraging your knowledge and collaborating with health experts, you could create a virtual coach that really makes a difference in users' lives.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- You could tap into a growing market. The demand for health and wellness solutions is increasing, making it a promising field for new ventures.
- You could make a significant impact. Offering tools that improve physical and mental well-being allows you to positively influence people's lives.
- You could combine technology and health. Utilize your technical and intellectual skills to develop sophisticated, user-friendly solutions that stand out in the market.
To learn more about starting a health and wellness app, explore success stories and startup costs here: 12 Business Ideas For Intellectuals.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
13. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
As an intellectual with a keen eye for detail and strategic planning, starting a real estate investment firm presents a unique opportunity to leverage your analytical skills in a highly profitable industry. This business involves the acquisition, management, and sale of real estate assets, encompassing tasks that require sound decision-making and meticulous financial oversight. Success hinges on extensive market research and adept negotiations, making it a fitting venture for those who excel in critical thinking and data analysis.
Investing in real estate offers the potential for significant financial returns through property appreciation and rental income streams. The satisfaction of transforming properties and navigating market trends adds an intellectual challenge, appealing to those who enjoy problem-solving and strategic development. For more insights on starting a real estate investment firm, check out this comprehensive guide on Starter Story.
Why consider starting a real estate investment firm?
- Real estate investment combines analytical skills with practical applications, making it intellectually stimulating.
- The potential for high returns on investment is substantial, particularly with well-researched property choices.
- It provides a steady income stream through rentals, offering both short-term gains and long-term financial security.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
14. Start a SEO & lead generation service ($60K/month)
Starting a SEO & lead generation service is an excellent opportunity for intellectuals with an entrepreneurial mindset. Lead generation experts play a crucial role in helping businesses attract potential customers and convert them into loyal clients. By mastering digital marketing fundamentals and indulging in continuous learning, you could establish a side business or even a full-time venture that aligns with your analytical skills and strategic thinking.
With the increasing emphasis on digital presence, businesses are eager to invest in experts who can enhance their visibility and drive growth. By leveraging your knowledge and problem-solving abilities, you could offer invaluable services that cater to a growing market. For more insights on profitability and success in this field, you can explore SEO & Lead Generation Services Profitability.
Why starting a SEO & lead generation service?
- Lead generation is a critical function that contributes directly to a business’ bottom line.
- You could leverage your analytical skills to develop data-driven strategies for attracting and converting leads.
- This field offers continuous learning opportunities, a perfect fit for intellectuals who thrive on acquiring new knowledge.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
A link building company co-founded by Justas Markus has grown to make an average of $35k per month in recurring revenue with a focus on delivering high-quality services through manual processes and focusing on fewer markets.
15. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog can be an excellent way for intellectuals to channel their expertise into a profitable venture. By focusing on a specific subject that you are passionate about, such as film reviews or cooking, you could build a loyal audience that values your unique insights and authoritative content. Creating engaging articles, how-to guides, and reviews can attract followers, leading to monetization opportunities through affiliate links, brand collaborations, and even speaking engagements. For more insights on profitability, you can visit Starter Story’s niche blog profitability page.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could turn your expertise into income by sharing valuable content that engages readers.
- By focusing on a specific niche, you could build a loyal community interested in what you have to say.
- Leveraging your intellectual insights, you could establish authority and attract monetization opportunities like brand partnerships and affiliate marketing.
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.
16. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
A niche website allows intellectually driven individuals to meld their expertise with a viable business model, reaching a specific audience with content that truly matters to them. By diligently researching and curating valuable information within a specialized topic, you could establish yourself as an authority in your field, attracting a loyal following and leveraging multiple monetization methods, such as affiliate marketing, ad placements, and digital products. As the site grows, it becomes a potential source of passive income, rewarding your efforts with both financial and intellectual satisfaction.
Building a niche website offers both creative freedom and focused purpose, letting you delve deep into subjects you’re passionate about. For more inspiration on how niche websites have panned out for others, check out these success stories on Starter Story.
Why build a niche website?
- It aligns with your intellectual pursuits and allows you to share your depth of knowledge with a targeted audience.
- There are diverse monetization options, from affiliate marketing to selling digital products, enabling a custom revenue model.
- The initial setup efforts could lead to passive income, freeing up time for other intellectual pursuits.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
17. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
Creating an online survey tool as an intellectual venture allows you to leverage your analytical skills while generating a steady income stream. This business idea is growing in popularity, bolstered by the increasing demand for data-driven decisions in various sectors. Online survey tools offer convenient, cost-effective ways for businesses to gather essential customer feedback, making it a valuable service to offer.
Popular platforms like Typeform have demonstrated the high revenue potential of this market, with Typeform boasting an annual recurring revenue surpassing $70 million as of 2021. With the right approach, you could create a sophisticated survey tool that businesses rely on to improve their products and services.
Why start an online survey tool business?
- High demand for data collection makes this a lucrative business opportunity.
- Intellectual work involved, such as data analysis and tool development, can be deeply fulfilling.
- The flexibility of an online business allows you to scale at your own pace, balancing it with other professional endeavors.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
18. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business makes perfect sense as an intellectual because it leverages your analytical and strategic thinking skills to promote products effectively and generate passive income. By selecting high-quality products and brands to partner with, you could use your expertise to create compelling content that drives sales and earns commissions.
Why consider starting an affiliate marketing business?
- It requires minimal initial investment, allowing you to start earning without substantial financial risk.
- With the right strategies, your analytical skills could help you identify and tap into profitable niches.
- The passive income generated from commissions provides long-term financial benefits with ongoing sales.
Explore more about affiliate marketing businesses and how to launch one successfully here.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
19. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel offers intellectuals a compelling way to share their knowledge and expertise with a global audience while creating a potential source of revenue. By focusing on producing high-quality, educational, or informative content, you could leverage your intellectual strengths to build a loyal audience and monetize through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. The flexibility and creative freedom offered by YouTube make it an appealing platform for entrepreneurial-minded individuals looking to supplement their income or transition into a full-time venture.
If you have a knack for creating compelling video content, this could be your next big move. For more insights on how to get started, you may find useful information on success stories here.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could reach a global audience, sharing your passion and expertise far and wide.
- Monetization opportunities are vast, including ads, sponsorships, and selling merchandise.
- It's a versatile platform that allows for creative freedom and the ability to focus on niche topics.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
20. Start a human resource recruitment agency
As an intellectual, leveraging your analytical skills and deep understanding of human behavior to start a human resource recruitment agency could be a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor. Recruitment agencies bridge the gap between talented job seekers and employers, providing a service that is highly valued across industries. By choosing a specialized area of expertise, you could significantly impact both the lives of job seekers and the efficiency of businesses.
Why start a human resource recruitment agency?
- You could utilize your keen understanding of professional skills to match the right candidates with the right roles.
- This business model offers recurring revenue opportunities since companies often have continual hiring needs.
- By focusing on a niche market, you could become a trusted expert, making it easier to build a reputation and client base.
Learn more about starting a human resources agency here.
How much you can make: $350,000/month
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
Virtual Latinos is a win-win-win situation platform connecting entrepreneurs and business owners with top pre-vetted talent from Latin America while helping fellow Latinos find jobs with an average salary two to four times higher than in their home countries.
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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.
