29 Business Ideas For Podcasters [2024]

Updated: July 28th, 2024

Podcasting continues to grow as a powerful medium. As a podcaster, you have a unique set of skills and a dedicated audience. These assets can open up several entrepreneurial opportunities.

You could explore the world of merchandise, creating items that resonate with your listeners. Another possibility is hosting live events, bringing your digital community together in person. Additionally, you might consider offering consulting services to aspiring podcasters.

There are also opportunities in content creation beyond your core podcast. You could write books or create online courses that delve deeper into your niche. Each of these business ideas leverages your existing platform and passion, opening new revenue streams.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other podcaster businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a marketing agency ($250K/month)

Integrating a marketing agency into your podcasting business is a logical expansion, leveraging your already established audience and communication skills. As a podcaster, you possess a unique ability to engage and influence listeners, creating a strong foundation for cross-promotions and targeted advertising campaigns. By adding a marketing agency to your endeavors, you could offer businesses a comprehensive suite of services—ranging from content creation to ad placements—drawing upon your experience and expertise in media.

Additionally, marketing agencies are in high demand by businesses looking to optimize their advertising strategies without the overhead costs of hiring in-house marketers. With the potential to command lucrative fees, starting a marketing agency could turn your side venture into a main income stream. For some inspiring stories on how to get started, check out how other agencies were able to grow their agency and scale effectively.

Why start a marketing agency?

  • Your podcast audience translates to a ready client base that trusts your recommendations.
  • You'll diversify your income, reducing reliance on podcast sponsorships alone.
  • You'll capitalize on your expertise in content creation and audience engagement to attract clients.

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 (?)

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

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.

Read by 19,158 founders

2. Start a digital agency ($186K/month)

Starting a digital agency can be a natural extension of your podcasting career, leveraging your skills in content creation, audience engagement, and digital communication. As a podcaster, you're already familiar with online platforms, digital marketing techniques, and building a community around your content, making this a logical step to diversify your income sources. This move could complement your podcasting activities, allowing you to offer services like social media management, content marketing, and brand strategy while capitalizing on the $305 billion industry.

Why start a digital agency?

  • You already have a strong understanding of digital content and audience engagement, crucial for running a successful digital agency.
  • You could use your existing podcasting platform to market your agency services and attract clients.
  • The digital agency market is growing rapidly, offering ample opportunities to carve out a profitable niche.

For more information, check out this guide on how to start a digital agency.

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 We Started A $100K/Month Company That Provides Transcription Services

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.

Read by 13,359 founders

3. Start a film production company ($364K/month)

Starting a film production company could be a natural extension of your journey as a podcaster. With your existing skills in content creation, storytelling, and audience engagement, you could transition these talents into creating visually compelling content. This diversification can open up new revenue streams while leveraging your established brand and audience. By tapping into the film production market, you could amplify your creative voice and increase your influence in the media landscape.

Why starting a film production company?

  • You could utilize your storytelling skills to create captivating visual content, expanding your brand’s reach.
  • You already understand audience engagement, making you adept at producing content that resonates.
  • Diversifying into film production can open new revenue streams, adding more financial stability.

For more insights into starting a film production company, consider checking out our success stories to get inspired by other entrepreneurs who made this transition successfully.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 65 days (?)

How I Started A $500K/Month Video Production Company From My Bedroom in LA

Lemonlight CEO, Hope Horner, co-founded an on-demand video production company that has produced over 7,000 videos for more than 3,000 brands, generating over $6 million in sales and growing to a 45-person team, all without taking any outside capital and being recognized in Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 360 for three years in a row.

Read by 18,276 founders

4. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)

Starting a podcast can be a lucrative side hustle or a full-time business for entrepreneurial-minded individuals. With the rising popularity of audio content, you could tap into this growing audience to share your passion, entertain, or inform. By choosing a niche topic, investing in essential recording equipment, and promoting your podcast through various channels, you have the potential to attract sponsors and advertisers, converting your podcast into a sustainable income stream. For more insights on how to get started, check out this guide on how to start a podcast.

Why start a podcast?

  • Podcasting allows you to share your passion and expertise with a broad audience, potentially leading to sponsorships and advertising revenue.
  • The startup costs are relatively low, making it an accessible business venture with a high return on investment.
  • You have the flexibility to produce content on your own schedule, allowing you to balance podcasting with other commitments.

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

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

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.

Read by 19,158 founders

5. Start an online advertising agency ($177K/month)

Starting an online advertising agency could be an excellent way for podcasters to supplement their income, especially as they already have experience in digital media and audience engagement. Leveraging your podcasting skills, you could help businesses promote their products or services online by creating compelling ad campaigns. With a bit of time and dedication, starting this business can be both budget-friendly and potentially very profitable.

Why consider an online advertising agency?

  • You could tap into your existing digital media knowledge to attract clients and provide effective marketing strategies.
  • Building an online advertising agency allows you to diversify your income streams, reducing financial dependency on your podcast alone.
  • The skills you gain here can enhance your podcast's reach, leading to mutual benefits.

For more information on starting an online advertising agency, check out the success stories and tips on starting and running a successful agency.

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 (?)

How I Started A $120K/Month Online Course For Social Media Marketing Agencies

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.

Read by 15,773 founders

6. Start a SEO agency ($113K/month)

Starting an SEO agency can be an excellent supplemental business for podcasters looking to diversify their income streams. As a podcaster, you already have experience creating engaging content and understanding your audience—skills that translate well into the SEO field. By leveraging your expertise in content creation and audience analysis, you could offer valuable SEO services to businesses looking to improve their online visibility.

Launching an SEO agency offers the flexibility to work remotely and build a client base while continuing your podcasting endeavors. Given the rapid growth and high earning potential in the SEO industry, now is the perfect time to get started. For more insights on how to launch an SEO agency, check out this guide on how to start an SEO agency.

Why start an SEO agency?

  • You already possess content creation skills and audience insights which are crucial for SEO success.
  • The SEO industry is expanding, offering significant income opportunities and relatively low competition.
  • An SEO agency provides the flexibility to work from anywhere, allowing you to balance multiple ventures seamlessly.

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 (?)

How I Started An SEO Agency For Lawyers Generating $3.6M/Year

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.

Read by 38,694 founders

7. Start a social media marketing service ($100K/month)

As a podcaster, you already understand the importance of engaging content and building an audience. Starting a social media marketing service could be a natural extension of your skills, allowing you to help other businesses enhance their online presence and drive engagement on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You could create and manage content, analyze engagement metrics, and fine-tune strategies to boost your clients' success.

This business idea is highly scalable, letting you work flexible hours and grow your client base over time. Establishing your expertise in social media trends and marketing best practices can lead to recurring revenue and long-term stability. For more detailed insights, check out this guide on starting a social media marketing service.

Why start a social media marketing service?

  • You could leverage your skills in engaging content creation and audience building.
  • This business offers flexible hours and scalability, fitting well as a side gig or full-time venture.
  • Establishing expertise can lead to recurring revenue, offering both stability and growth.

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 (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

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.

Read by 15,167 founders

8. Start a social media management business ($128K/month)

Starting a social media management business could be a natural extension for podcasters looking to supplement their income or even transition to a full-fledged business. As a podcaster, you're already familiar with engaging audiences, curating content, and maintaining an online presence, which are key elements in social media management. This business allows you to leverage your existing skills to help other brands or individuals attract followers, create compelling content, and analyze marketing performance. Further, if you’re looking to branch out from just podcasting, you can check out the profitability of a social media management business to assess its potential returns.

Why start a social media management business?

  • You can build on your existing skills in content creation and audience engagement.
  • It offers flexible work hours and the ability to choose which niches or clients to work with.
  • You can create multiple revenue streams by managing various social media accounts and offering strategic marketing services.

How much you can make: $100 — $550,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Left My Job To Start A $50K/Month Digital Advertising Agency Specialized In Facebook Ads

This case study is about how the founder of AdvertiseMint, a Facebook advertising agency, started the company with just one employee and has since grown it to 25 employees, managing close to $100 million in digital media buys for clients such as Coca-Cola and Viacom.

Read by 11,942 founders

9. Start an exporting business

Are you ready to explore international markets and expand your business horizons? As a podcaster, you could leverage your existing connections and communication skills to start an exporting business. Exporting involves identifying products with global demand, handling logistics, and establishing relationships with international buyers. This venture can be rewarding, providing vast growth opportunities and diversification.

Why start an exporting business?

  • You could tap into the global market and diversify your income streams.
  • Your podcasting platform provides a unique marketing tool to promote your exporting business internationally.
  • Establishing international relationships can enhance your network and open new doors for entrepreneurial ventures.

Explore more on how to start an exporting business.

How much you can make: $1,333,333/month

How We Bootstrapped A $1.4M/Year Clothing Manufacturing Business [From Ludhiana]

NG Apparels is a garment export unit based in Ludhiana that caters to the clothing segments worldwide, boasting a turnover of $1,581,547 without loans or credit card limits.

Read by 4,227 founders

10. Start a digital marketing business ($119K/month)

Starting a digital marketing business makes sense as a podcaster because you’re already skilled in content creation, audience engagement, and leveraging digital platforms. By expanding into digital marketing, you could help businesses grow their online presence and reach new customers, while also diversifying your income streams. This business idea is not only versatile but can also scale alongside your podcasting career, offering numerous growth opportunities.

To be successful, consider enhancing your skills through digital marketing courses and focusing on a specific niche that aligns with your podcast's audience. You can find more details on the steps to start a digital marketing business here.

Why start a digital marketing business?

  • You already have a foundation in digital skills and understand audience engagement.
  • It’s a growing industry with a continuous need for innovative marketing solutions.
  • You could diversify your income by offering services like social media management, SEO, and content creation.

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 (?)

I Built A SEO Tool That's Completely Free For Users [From Lebanon]

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.

Read by 14,016 founders

11. Create an online course ($91.9K/month)

Starting an online course can be a perfect way for podcasters to supplement their income, leverage their existing content and expertise, and engage more deeply with their audience. As a podcaster, you're already skilled in creating engaging and informative content, making the transition to teaching online courses a natural fit. Developing an online course allows you to identify educational gaps in your niche and provide valuable, structured learning experiences to your listeners.

Moreover, online courses provide the flexibility to design content that fits both self-paced and cohort-based structures, catering to different learning preferences. This side business can turn into a lucrative passive income stream, as students continually enroll in your course for easy access to emerging subjects. Explore more about how to make online courses profitable here.

Why consider creating an online course as a podcaster?

  • You could monetize your expertise with minimal startup costs, turning your knowledge into a passive income stream.
  • Online courses offer your audience more value, deepening engagement and building a loyal community around your brand.
  • The initial content creation effort can pay off long-term, providing a steady revenue stream as new students enroll over time.

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 (?)

How This 28-Year-Old Couple Quit Their Jobs And Make $20K/Month Running A Blog

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.

Read by 28,719 founders

12. Start a media company ($210K/month)

Starting a media company can be a lucrative addition to your podcasting ventures. As a podcaster, you are already creating engaging content, building an audience, and establishing your brand. Expanding into a media company allows you to diversify your content offerings, attract a larger audience, and monetize in various ways, including advertising, sponsored content, and premium subscriptions.

To begin, identify the audience you want to target and create content that matches their interests. Focus on producing high-quality content and distributing it through accessible platforms to ensure maximum reach and engagement. Learn more about the profitability and startup costs of running a media company here.

Why start a media company?

  • You already have a loyal audience. Your podcast listeners trust your content and are likely to follow your other media endeavors.
  • Diversification of revenue streams. By offering different content formats, you increase potential income sources such as ads and subscriptions.
  • Enhanced brand presence. A media company can bolster your brand's credibility and visibility, attracting a broader audience and potential business partnerships.

How much you can make: $150 — $4,100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Turned A Crappy Idea Into A $3M/Year Business

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.

Read by 76,998 founders

13. Start a content marketing agency ($83K/month)

Starting a content marketing agency makes sense for podcasters because content is the currency of the digital world. As a podcaster, you're already adept at creating engaging, valuable content, which is a crucial skill for content marketing. The content marketing industry was valued at $66 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $137 billion by 2026, reflecting the growing demand for content marketing services.

With your podcasting experience, you could leverage your skills to offer bespoke content strategies, increasing your income while helping businesses thrive in the digital space. The demand for content marketers is expected to grow by 27% in the next few years, highlighting the potential for success in this field. For more details, you can explore the profitability of content marketing agencies.

Why start a content marketing agency?

  • You already create engaging content, so transitioning to content marketing can be seamless.
  • The content marketing industry is rapidly growing, offering multiple opportunities.
  • As a podcaster, you have a unique understanding of audience engagement, essential for crafting effective content strategies.

How much you can make: $500 — $650,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

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.

Read by 24,771 founders

14. Start an online book store ($37.7K/month)

Starting an online book store can be an excellent business idea for a podcaster interested in supplementing their income and connecting with their audience in new ways. As a podcaster, you already have a platform that can be leveraged to market your books, whether they are vintage collectibles, out-of-print gems, or your own self-published works. You can also tap into your existing fanbase, creating a curated experience for book lovers, with recommendations that are tailor-fit to your audience's interests.

Why consider an online book store?

  • You already have a built-in audience. As a podcaster, you could effortlessly promote books relevant to your episodes, driving a steady stream of potential customers to your store.
  • It's a natural extension of your content. Rebroadcasting book reviews and interviews with authors can seamlessly integrate with your current podcasting activities.
  • Diversify your income streams. Selling books can provide an additional revenue channel, making your overall business more resilient and less dependent on a single source of income.

For more details on how to kickstart your book-selling business, you might find this Startup Costs of a Book-Selling Business article helpful.

How much you can make: $200 — $120,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Generate $10K/Month As An Indie Writer

This case study follows full-time thriller and action-adventure author Nick Thacker who earns between $10k to $20k per month from writing, predominantly through Amazon Kindle Unlimited sales, and goes in-depth into his self-publishing strategy which maximizes sales and minimizes costs, such as developing a mailing list and utilizing print-on-demand services.

Read by 10,782 founders

15. Start a business podcast ($111K/month)

Starting a business podcast could be a strategic move to diversify your income streams and build a strong personal brand in the business community. By sharing industry insights, trends, and conducting expert interviews, you could establish yourself as an authority in your niche while engaging a dedicated audience.

With a clear vision and consistent effort, you could transform your passion for business into a rewarding venture. Marketing your podcast on platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts and using social media to engage with your audience are crucial steps. For more insights on how to get started, explore this guide on business podcast success stories.

Why consider a business podcast?

  • You could establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry.
  • Creating a business podcast involves low upfront costs and flexible scheduling.
  • A unique and engaging podcast could attract sponsorships and ad revenue, supplementing your income.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $349,983/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

Empire Flippers: $20M/Year Helping People Buy And Sell Websites

Empire Flippers is a thought leader in brokering online business deals, having brokered over $50 million worth of deals and grown their pool of potential buyers by hundreds every month through a focus on content marketing and middle-of-funnel content.

Read by 10,465 founders

16. Start a middleman business

Starting a middleman business is a practical way for podcasters to diversify their income streams and catalyze their entrepreneurial endeavors. As a podcaster, you possess unique insights into your audience's interests, allowing you to effectively connect them with products or services they need. Whether through affiliate marketing, lead generation, or managing a network of service providers, you could position yourself as an essential link that adds value to transactions.

Why start a middleman business?

  • You leverage your existing audience. By understanding what your listeners need, you can offer products or services that cater directly to them, ensuring higher engagement and conversions.
  • You minimize initial investment risks. Acting as a middleman often requires less capital than starting a product-based business since you don’t need to maintain inventory.
  • You create multiple revenue streams. From commission-based earnings to potential sponsorships, a middleman business allows you to diversify how you make money.

Learn more about starting a middleman business and its pros and cons here.

17. Start a content marketing business ($91.3K/month)

Starting a content marketing business could be a perfect side venture or even a full-fledged business for podcasters. As a podcaster, you already excel in creating engaging content, and you understand the importance of attracting and retaining an audience. Leveraging these skills to develop and distribute relevant, helpful content for other businesses could allow you to tap into the growing demand for content marketing services.

Moreover, you could utilize your understanding of SEO and social media to help businesses generate 67% more leads compared to companies without a content marketing strategy. For more details, you can explore a comprehensive overview on content marketing business here.

Why start a content marketing business?

  • You have a proven ability to create compelling content, a key asset in content marketing.
  • Businesses are actively seeking content marketing experts, making it a high-demand industry.
  • It offers a flexible and scalable business model, perfectly complementing your existing podcasting efforts.

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 I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

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.

Read by 24,771 founders

18. Start a newsletter ($213K/month)

As a podcaster, supplementing your income with a newsletter is a strategic move that leverages your existing audience and builds deeper connections. Given that there has been a 50% increase in newsletter readership over the past five years, a well-crafted newsletter can position you as a trusted expert while keeping your audience informed and engaged between podcast episodes. It's an effective way to educate, persuade, and even sell to your audience through consistent, curated content.

You can explore the possibility of creating a newsletter by visiting starterstory.com to learn more about its profitability and practical tips.

Why start a newsletter?

  • Expand your reach. Your newsletter can help you engage with your podcast listeners on another platform, extending your influence.
  • Generate additional income. Offering premium content through subscriptions or sponsored content can create new revenue streams.
  • Build trust and authority. Providing valuable insights through your newsletter can enhance your reputation as an expert in your niche.

How much you can make: $160 — $4,100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How I Started A $36M/Year Stock Market Research Newsletter

Financial media company MarketBeat, founded by Matt Paulson, provides objective financial information and real-time market data to empower individual stock investors to make better trading decisions, generating approximately $8 million in revenue in 2019 and ending the year with over 1.3 million unique email subscribers due to a freemium model with 75% of revenue from advertising and 25% from subscriptions.

Read by 28,526 founders

19. Start a pet park business

Running a pet park business could seamlessly align with your role as a podcaster, allowing you to leverage your platform to promote your services while engaging with a dedicated community of pet lovers. Given the rise in pet ownership, creating a controlled environment where dogs can play and exercise off-leash can be both rewarding and profitable. Furthermore, as a podcaster, you could share insights, experiences, and tips about pet care, creating a dynamic synergy between your content and your pet park business. Explore more details on costs here.

Why consider a pet park business?

  • You could tap into the growing demand for pet services, meeting the needs of numerous pet owners.
  • Your podcast could serve as a natural marketing platform, attracting pet enthusiasts to your business.
  • Combining your love for pets and podcasting could create a unique, passion-driven income stream.

20. Start a website building agency ($198K/month)

Starting a website building agency is a smart move for podcasters looking to supplement their income or create a full-fledged business. With the global website building market expected to double from $7 billion in 2021 to $14.3 billion by 2026, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is on the rise. As a podcaster, you already possess skills in content creation and audience engagement, which can easily translate into building compelling websites for clients. This venture allows you to leverage your existing audience and create an additional revenue stream.

Why start a website building agency?

  • You could capitalize on a rapidly growing market, ensuring a steady flow of clients.
  • A website building business offers the flexibility to work from home, allowing you to manage your time effectively.
  • Your skills in content and audience engagement will support seamless website development, making you a standout choice for potential clients.

For more insights on starting a website building agency, check out these success stories.

How much you can make: $12,200 — $1,180,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How I Started A $750K/Year Web Development Agency

Cantilever Web Design and Development, with clients including IBM and small businesses, reached a revenue of over $750k last year with a gross margin of 50% by prioritizing Digital Hospitality, fostering high-quality relationships, and constantly improving their process and philosophy.

Read by 42,548 founders

21. Start an interior design consulting business ($33.4K/month)

Starting an interior design consulting business could be a great way to leverage your passion for design while supplementing your income as a podcaster. With your podcasting platform, you already have an audience and a means to promote your new venture. By showcasing your design expertise through podcast episodes or social media, you could attract clients interested in your services and build your credibility in the field.

If you have a strong understanding of design principles and a unique style, turning this passion into a consulting business is an excellent opportunity. Make sure to have a portfolio of past projects and to stay updated on the latest design trends, as well as developing business skills like marketing and project management.

Why consider starting an interior design consulting business?

  • You could monetize an existing passion by turning your design hobby into a source of income.
  • Your podcast audience offers built-in marketing opportunities to promote your design services.
  • Expanding into a consulting business allows you to diversify your revenue streams and create a more robust entrepreneurial profile.

Take a moment to read more detailed information and success stories on the Starter Story interior design consulting guide.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $110,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How We (Mother And Daughter) Started A $1M/Year Boutique Design Firm

Mother and daughter duo turn passion for antiques and design into a boutique design firm with over $1 million in annual revenue and hundreds of trophy projects, showcasing the importance of grit, determination, and passion in building a successful business.

Read by 8,875 founders

22. Start an entrepreneurship blog ($30.2K/month)

Starting an entrepreneurship blog is a natural extension for podcasters who already have a knack for creating engaging content and connecting with an audience. By sharing your entrepreneurial journey, insights, and strategies, you could not only help aspiring business owners but also establish yourself as an authority in the field. This platform allows you to delve deeper into your business experiences, complementing your podcast content while also attracting a larger reader base.

With the increased demand for practical advice, success stories, and how-to guides, an entrepreneurship blog could be a fulfilling and profitable venture. Over time, you could monetize through advertising, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing, turning your blog into a sustainable income source. For more inspiration, check out some successful entrepreneurship blogs here.

Why start an entrepreneurship blog?

  • You already have an audience. Leverage your podcast listeners to build a blog readership and expand your influence.
  • You can diversify your content. Blogging allows you to provide in-depth articles, tips, and guides that may be harder to cover in podcast episodes.
  • There's potential for multiple revenue streams. Monetize through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate links to create a steady income.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $240,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $425 (?)

How long does it take to build: 22 days (?)

How These Cousins Started A $200K/Month Consultant Training And Coaching Business

Consulting Success® is a 7-figure, highly profitable business that offers courses and coaching programs for consultants looking to start or grow their consulting business, built through iterative content creation and audience validation.

Read by 9,336 founders

23. Start a business startup instruction business ($173K/month)

Starting a business startup instruction business can be an excellent venture for podcasters seeking to diversify their income streams. As a podcaster, you can leverage your existing audience, communication skills, and content creation expertise to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the complexities of launching startups. By blending educational content, workshops, and one-on-one consultations, you can provide a structured roadmap, essential resources, and expert advice to those looking to bring their business ideas to life.

Many people dream of starting their own businesses but often feel overwhelmed by the initial steps. You could fill this gap by offering valuable insights and practical guidance based on your understanding of the startup ecosystem. This business doesn’t require a significant initial investment but demands keen problem-solving skills and effective communication, making it an ideal side business or even a primary venture for podcasters.

Why start a business startup instruction business?

  • You could capitalize on your communication expertise to simplify complex startup processes for aspiring entrepreneurs.
  • This venture allows you to build a loyal community by providing tangible value and support through educational resources and consultations.
  • It’s relatively low-cost to start, relying more on your knowledge and skills than on substantial financial investments.

For more insights on starting a business startup instruction business, check out real-world success stories on Starter Story.

How much you can make: $2,246 — $1,399,996/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 110 days (?)

How I Created A $5K/Month Online Course About Blogging

How a full-time blogger created a 5-figure online business from a hobby, and now helps people start a side hustle and earn passive income with a signature program that teaches how to start and grow a blog, reach 100K page views and $5,000/month, and live life on their own terms.

Read by 15,259 founders

24. Start a niche newsletter ($38.1K/month)

Starting a niche newsletter can be a savvy move for podcasters looking to supplement their income or launch a side business. By leveraging your existing expertise and audience, you can curate and deliver highly focused content that caters to a specific community. This not only allows you to showcase your insights but also opens up diverse monetization opportunities through subscriptions, sponsorships, and ads.

Why start a niche newsletter?

  • You could monetize your specialized knowledge. Subscribers are often willing to pay for high-quality content that addresses their specific interests.
  • You already have an audience. Use your podcasting platform to promote and grow your newsletter's subscriber base.
  • Expansion of your brand. A niche newsletter adds another dimension to your brand, reinforcing your authority and reach in your field.

For a deeper dive, take a look at successful case studies and potential profitability in niche newsletters by visiting Starter Story's success stories.

How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,055 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How My Blog With Body-Safe Sex Toys Reviews Turned Into A $2K/Month Side Hustle

Sex blogger turns a free WordPress blog into a $2,000 a month part-time digital business by investing in education, self-hosting, and building relationships within the NSFW community.

Read by 18,352 founders

25. Develop a subscription analysis tool

For podcasters with a knack for software development and an eye for financial efficiency, starting a subscription analysis tool could be a lucrative side business or even a primary venture. Tracking and optimizing recurring expenses can be overwhelming for businesses and individuals alike. A subscription analysis tool simplifies this process by evaluating and consolidating all subscription data, providing critical insights on usage, costs, and potential savings.

By creating such a tool, you could tap into the growing demand for subscription management solutions, offering significant value to both businesses and households. This business idea not only allows you to leverage your technical skills but also offers a scalable income source, capitalizing on the trend toward digital financial management.

Why develop a subscription analysis tool?

  • The demand for subscription management solutions is rapidly growing.
  • As a podcaster, you already understand the recurring revenue model, making it easy to translate this knowledge into a useful tool.
  • It's a scalable business idea with the potential to generate substantial passive income.

For more insights on startup costs and business ideas related to developing a subscription analysis tool, you can refer to Starter Story: Startup Costs

26. Start a gaming arcade business

The allure of a gaming arcade business lies in its blend of nostalgia and modern entertainment. For podcasters, especially those with a focus on gaming or pop culture, a gaming arcade presents an opportunity to engage with your audience on a whole new level. Imagine leveraging your podcast's platform to draw fans into a physical space where they can experience the excitement and camaraderie of classic pinball machines, retro video games, and state-of-the-art VR setups.

A gaming arcade can become a community hub, amplifying your brand and opening new income streams through admission fees, game rentals, and branded merchandise. For more insights on launching your own gaming arcade business, check out success stories on Starter Story.

Why consider a gaming arcade business?

  • It complements your existing audience. Transform your listeners into loyal customers by offering a physical space that mirrors the content they love.
  • It adds a tangible layer to your brand. Hosting events and tournaments can build a deeper connection with fans.
  • It diversifies your revenue. Aside from podcast earnings, you could profit from game usage fees, concessions, and merchandise sales.

How much you can make: $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 14 days (?)

How We Launched A $1M/Month Video Games Boosting Services Marketplace

Overgear, a gaming marketplace offering assistance and training in WoW, Path of Exile, Destiny, Call of Duty, and Valorant, saw over $8 million in revenue and a 6x increase in clients in the past year by prioritizing user experience and customer retention through SEO and Google Ads, reinvesting profits, and creating a user-friendly product, amongst other things.

Read by 11,186 founders

27. Start a freelance network

As a podcaster, starting a freelance network can be a strategic way to supplement your income or even pivot into a full-time business. Your existing network and audience provide a built-in client base, leveraging your reputation and reach. By creating a freelance network, you could connect professionals in various fields with those in need of their services, all while earning a commission for each successful match.

Why start a freelance network?

  • You could utilize your current audience, offering them valuable services while generating additional income for yourself.
  • Your skill in content creation and networking positions you well to manage and promote a freelance network effectively.
  • Diversifying your business model with a freelance network can make your revenue streams more stable and resilient.

For more insights on starting a freelance network, you can visit this Starter Story page.

28. Start a free trials providing business

Leveraging your podcasting platform to start a free trials providing business is a smart way to generate additional revenue. By partnering with various companies to offer your listeners exclusive free trials, you can attract more audience engagement and build a diverse income stream. This business model fits seamlessly with podcasting because it allows you to integrate promotions naturally into your content, tapping into the trust and influence you already have with your listeners. For more insights on startup costs, check out this guide here.

Why start a free trials providing business?

  • It’s a natural extension of your podcast. Promoting free trials can be seamlessly integrated into your episodes, enhancing listener experience without feeling intrusive.
  • You’re leveraging existing trust. Your audience already trusts your recommendations, making them more likely to try the products you introduce to them.
  • Multiple income streams. By partnering with various companies, you could earn commissions, build affiliate revenues, and even secure sponsorship deals.

29. Start a romance planning service ($4.33K/month)

Thinking about starting a side business or supplementing your income as a podcaster? Consider launching a romance planning service. This venture allows you to leverage your creativity and organizational skills to help clients plan unforgettable romantic experiences, from anniversaries and proposals to spontaneous date nights. Coupled with your podcast's reach, this service could tap into a diverse client base and build a strong brand in a heartfelt niche.

Why consider starting a romance planning service?

  • Your podcast's audience offers a built-in market to promote romantic events and services.
  • You could benefit from cross-promotional opportunities, such as featuring testimonials and success stories from clients on your podcast.
  • Expanding into romance planning could diversify your revenue streams, reducing financial dependence solely on podcasting.

For more insights on successfully starting a romance planning service, visit /ideas/romance-planning-service/success-stories.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $13,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How My Blog With Body-Safe Sex Toys Reviews Turned Into A $2K/Month Side Hustle

Sex blogger turns a free WordPress blog into a $2,000 a month part-time digital business by investing in education, self-hosting, and building relationships within the NSFW community.

Read by 18,352 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.