20 Business Ideas For Poets [2024]
Are you a poet looking to turn your creativity into a sustainable business? In 2024, there are numerous opportunities for poets to make a living while staying true to their artistic roots. This article explores various business ideas tailored for poets, helping you navigate the journey from verse to venture.
You could host workshops or offer one-on-one tutoring sessions to fellow poets and writers. These educational services allow you to share your expertise while generating steady income. Alternatively, consider offering personalized poem services for special occasions like weddings or anniversaries.
For those who prefer the digital realm, launching a poetry-themed podcast or YouTube channel could be a rewarding option. You could monetize through sponsorships, ads, and listener donations. Additionally, self-publishing chapbooks or poetry collections online could open doors to global audiences and passive income streams.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other poet businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog is an excellent way for poets to supplement their income, connect with a like-minded audience, and establish authority in a specific area of interest. By focusing on a particular niche, such as poetry analysis, writing tips, or even exploring specific poetic forms, you can attract a dedicated readership that values your unique insights. Your blog could become a platform for monetizing through affiliate links, sponsored posts, collaborations with brands, and more.
Why starting a niche blog?
- Build a dedicated community by sharing your poetic expertise and insights.
- Generate multiple revenue streams through ads, affiliates, and brand collaborations.
- Establish your authority and reach a wider audience by providing valuable, niche-specific content.
For more information on profitability and marketing ideas for niche blogs, you can check out Starter Story's insights here.
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.
2. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a poet, starting an online course sales business could be an excellent way to supplement your income while sharing your passion for poetry. By creating engaging content on topics such as poetry writing, analyzing poetic forms, or even performing spoken word, you could tap into a global audience eager to learn. The e-learning market is expected to skyrocket, making this the perfect time to create and sell online courses, enabling you to transform your skills into a steady income stream. For more insights, explore some success stories of entrepreneurs who have thrived in this market.
Why start an online course sales business?
- You could turn your expertise in poetry into a lucrative passive income stream.
- You have an opportunity to reach a global audience without geographical limitations.
- Sharing your knowledge can be incredibly rewarding, as you help others develop their poetic skills.
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.
3. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Looking for a focused online venture that offers both creative freedom and potential revenue? As a poet, consider creating a niche website. This type of site centers around a specialized subject, such as poetry itself, offering your unique insights, curated works, and relevant products to a dedicated audience that shares your passion.
Starting involves choosing a poetry-related niche, crafting engaging content, and attracting traffic through strategic SEO. Monetization options include affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling e-books and poetry courses. A niche website can provide a consistent income stream, making it a rewarding side business or even a full-time pursuit for passionate poets. Dive deeper into this here.
Why build a niche website?
- You could monetize your expertise and creative content.
- It’s a platform to reach a dedicated audience with your unique voice.
- It offers a sustainable way to generate passive income over time.
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.
4. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast can be a powerful way for poets to supplement their income and share their unique voice with a broader audience. By creating a podcast centered around poetry, literary discussions, or creative writing tips, you could cultivate a loyal listenership. Additionally, it offers opportunities to monetize through sponsorships, advertising, and listener donations.
Explore successful podcast ideas for poets at Starter Story.
Why consider starting a podcast?
- You'll reach a global audience, introducing your poetry to listeners around the world.
- Monetization opportunities abound, from advertising to listener support on platforms like Patreon.
- A podcast provides a platform to network with other poets and authors, expanding your creative community.
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.
5. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel might be a great way for poets to supplement their income or even launch a thriving side business. By sharing your poetic works, creative process, or poetry-related content, you can attract a dedicated audience while earning through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. The platform’s versatility supports various content styles, from performance poetry and tutorials to discussions about literary techniques and behind-the-scenes looks at your creative journey.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could reach a broad audience globally, allowing your poetry to touch many lives.
- You could monetize your channel through multiple streams, such as ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise.
- Engaging with your audience through comments and live sessions could create a loyal community around your work.
If you’re ready to share your unique voice and dedicate the time to build a successful channel, check out more ideas on success stories.
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.
6. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
Venturing into the world of AI writing tools could be a game-changer for poets looking to supplement their income. By developing a digital tool powered by Artificial Intelligence, you could create technology that assists in content creation, facilitating the crafting of accurate and engaging content for businesses, bloggers, and students. The potential for error-free, automated writing that's both efficient and innovative positions this as a forward-thinking business idea.
Creating an AI writing tool taps into the demand for constant, high-quality content in today's digital landscape. As a poet, your intrinsic understanding of language and creativity could design a tool that stands out in the market. Imagine a platform that not only simplifies writing processes but also elevates the artistic value of the content it produces—this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact in the digital age.
Why create an AI writing tool?
- The demand for high-quality, automated content is surging, providing a lucrative market opportunity.
- As a poet, your unique grasp of language can create an AI tool that emphasizes creativity and engagement.
- This technology can revolutionize writing processes globally, positioning you as an innovative leader in the content creation industry.
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.
7. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Starting a mobile app as a poet could open up numerous opportunities to supplement your income, engage a wider audience, and create a dedicated platform for your unique voice. With a mobile app, you could offer poetry readings, workshops, and exclusive content, turning your artistic passion into a profitable business venture. The app development landscape is more accessible than ever, requiring either basic coding knowledge or the ability to collaborate with developers. Plus, marketing your app effectively could help you reach poetry enthusiasts around the world.
Why develop a mobile app?
- You could reach a broader and more diverse audience, allowing more people to connect with your poetry.
- The app could provide a new revenue stream through paid subscriptions, ad revenue, or in-app purchases.
- Creating a dedicated platform could solidify your brand and give you control over how you present and monetize your art.
For more insights on starting a mobile app business, visit here.
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.
8. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Starting a cold email service business as a poet offers a unique opportunity to blend creative writing with strategic marketing. Your ability to craft compelling narratives and engage readers through words could translate seamlessly into creating captivating email campaigns for businesses. By helping companies reach new clients via targeted emails, you could turn your poetic talent into a valuable and profitable venture.
Your knack for writing and understanding of audience engagement makes you perfectly suited for this field. While the initial phase may involve learning email marketing tools and tracking metrics, your strategic mindset and creativity could set you apart. This side business could grow over time, offering scalable opportunities and a steady income stream.
Why start a cold email service business?
- Your poetic skills will help craft engaging and persuasive email content.
- Personalized email campaigns are always in demand, ensuring a steady client base.
- This business allows you to combine creativity with technical marketing skills, broadening your professional expertise.
For more insights and success stories, visit Starter Story.
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.
9. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Venturing into a social media automation business could be a strategic move for poets looking to supplement their income. This type of business involves developing tools and services to automate social media activities, such as scheduling posts, managing interactions, and analyzing digital engagement. As a poet, your creativity and unique voice could give you an edge in crafting compelling social media content and strategies for your clients. Additionally, embracing such a business can free up more of your time for writing, while still generating revenue.
Why start a social media automation business?
- Enhance your creative impact by helping other creators and businesses build their social media presence.
- Utilize your poetic prowess to create engaging, relatable content that stands out in a crowded digital landscape.
- Leverage the growing demand for social media management services, turning your side gig into a profitable entrepreneurial venture.
For more insights on starting a social media automation business, you can visit this success story to get inspired by others who have succeeded in this field.
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.
10. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business can be a creative and lucrative side gig for poets. As a poet, you already have an eye for imagery and the ability to convey emotions through visual metaphors, skills that translate effectively into photography. This business can complement your poetic endeavors, allowing you to create and sell high-quality photos that generate passive income while you focus on your writing.
By utilizing platforms like Starter Story, you could build an impressive portfolio and market your unique perspective through visuals. With a small investment in photography gear and some practice, your poetic vision could manifest in striking images useful for businesses in marketing and advertising.
Why consider starting a stock photography business?
- Your poetic eye gives you a unique perspective useful in crafting compelling and marketable images.
- You could earn passive income, allowing you to focus more on your writing while still generating revenue.
- A stock photography business can diversify your creative portfolio, strengthening both your brand and artistic reach.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
11. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
For poets looking to diversify their income, starting an AI-based business solution offers a unique fusion of creativity and technology. By leveraging artificial intelligence, you could enhance various business processes, from customer service and data analysis to personalized marketing. This approach not only boosts efficiency but also opens new avenues for income generation, allowing you to focus on your poetry while the AI handles routine tasks.
The increasing demand for AI solutions means there’s a growing market ripe for innovative ideas. You don’t need a tech background to dive in; many platforms offer user-friendly tools and robust support. Discover the potential of AI-powered business solutions and how they can be a lucrative venture for poets on Starter Story.
Why consider an AI-based business solution?
- AI can automate tedious tasks, giving you more time to focus on your poetry.
- The market for AI solutions is rapidly expanding, providing ample opportunities for growth.
- You can leverage AI to provide valuable insights and personalized services, enhancing your business’s efficiency and appeal.
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.
12. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As a poet, you could leverage your creative and analytical skills to develop a lead generation tool that helps businesses identify and capture potential customer leads. This type of tool automates the process of collecting valuable data such as email addresses, phone numbers, and interests from various digital touchpoints like websites and social media. Given the high demand for efficient lead generation, creating such a tool could provide you with a steady income stream while allowing you to work on your poetry.
Why create a lead generation tool?
- You could use your unique creative skills to design an intuitive and engaging tool that stands out in the market.
- As a poet, you understand the importance of targeted communication, which is crucial for effective lead generation.
- Developing a lead generation tool offers continuous revenue potential, allowing you to supplement your income and invest more time in your poetry.
Explore more about how you can get started by visiting this resource on lead generation tool startup costs.
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.
13. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business can be an astute move for poets looking to supplement their income or start a side business. As a poet, you have a keen eye for detail and creativity—attributes that are also crucial in identifying gaps in existing plugins and crafting innovative solutions. By channeling your poetic empathy into understanding user needs, you could create plugins that enhance website functionality and help other creatives achieve their goals.
Why start a WordPress plugin business?
- You could leverage your creativity to solve real-world problems, helping others while making money.
- The technical and creative process could provide a fulfilling balance, blending your poetic intuition with coding.
- Selling plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon or your blog could generate a steady stream of passive income.
For more insights on starting a WordPress plugin business, click here.
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.
14. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business would make sense as a poet because it allows you to transform your written art into tangible products like apparel, home goods, phone cases, and more. By leveraging dropshipping services, you could minimize upfront inventory costs and focus on designing products that feature your poetry. This business model offers a scalable way to monetize your creativity, reach a global audience through online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon, and potentially run operations from the comfort of your own home. For more insights on the benefits and startup ideas, you can explore this Starter Story page.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- It's cost-effective with minimal startup expenses, allowing you to focus on creativity rather than inventory costs.
- You could reach a global audience and increase exposure for your poetry through popular online marketplaces.
- This model offers scalability and flexibility, enabling you to build a business at your own pace while working from home.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
15. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Starting a health and wellness app could be a unique and fulfilling way for poets to supplement their income or even create a full-time business. By combining your poetic sensibilities with the technology-driven world of health and wellness, you could offer users a platform that not only promotes physical health but also nurtures their mental and emotional well-being. Your background as a poet can help you create more engaging and inspirational content within the app, providing users with daily doses of motivation, mindfulness exercises, and guided meditations crafted with an artistic touch.
Why consider starting a health and wellness app? - You could use your poetic talent to create unique, engaging content that stands out in a crowded market. - A health and wellness app allows you to merge your passion for artistry with innovative technology, offering a digital space for creativity and healing. - By building a personalized and inspirational platform, you could make a meaningful impact on people's lives while generating a new revenue stream.
For more insights and examples, you can check out various success stories at Starter Story.
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.
16. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business could be a lucrative venture for poets passionate about sharing their craft and connecting with readers on a deeper level. By offering a curated selection of poetry-themed boxes each month, you could provide your subscribers with exclusive poetry collections, handwritten notes, and poetry-related merchandise. Such a business could not only supplement your income but also allow you to build a dedicated community of poetry enthusiasts who look forward to your unique offerings.
Why start a subscription box business?
- Subscription box businesses are in high demand and can provide a steady stream of recurring revenue.
- As a poet, you’d have the opportunity to showcase your work and collaborate with other poets and creators.
- With a well-designed subscription box, you could offer a personalized and tangible poetry experience that digital platforms can't match.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
17. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business can be an attractive avenue for poets to supplement their income or create a side business. By purchasing products for resale, you could maintain a low overhead as you scale your online presence. Plus, this model allows you to sidestep production costs, making it easier to focus on marketing and sales.
Importantly, you do not need to invest in a website immediately. Social media platforms can serve as your initial marketplace until you're ready to expand. This flexibility offers poets the chance to delve into the business world without hefty upfront costs.
Why consider an ecommerce reselling business?
- Low startup cost: You could begin with minimal investment by utilizing social media as your initial sales platform.
- Creativity in marketing: Use your poetic skills to craft compelling product descriptions and promotional content.
- Scalable growth: Start small and scale up at your own pace, eventually expanding to a dedicated website for greater reach.
For more insights, visit these success stories.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
18. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
Starting a real estate investment firm might seem unrelated to poetry at first glance, but it offers a wealth of creative and financial possibilities. As a poet, you have a unique eye for detail and an appreciation for the beauty around you, which can translate into identifying properties with great potential. Additionally, the steady income from real estate investments can provide the financial stability to pursue your poetic passions without undue stress.
Diving into real estate allows you to explore diverse communities and cultures, fueling your creativity and broadening your literary world. For those considering entrepreneurial ventures beyond the literary realm, real estate presents a structured yet flexible opportunity to build wealth and financial independence. Explore how tailored strategies and diligent market research can set your investment firm on a path to success. You can find more insights on the pros and cons of starting a real estate investment firm here.
Why starting a real estate investment firm?
- Real estate provides a steady income stream through rentals, supporting your poetic endeavors.
- Exploring properties and communities can inspire and enrich your creative work.
- Success in real estate offers financial stability, allowing you to pursue poetry without the stress of financial uncertainty.
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.
19. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
Starting an email marketing tool as a poet can be an innovative and profitable endeavor. With your unique command over language and creativity, you could craft stellar email campaigns that resonate deeply with audiences, creating strong engagement and trust. Additionally, leveraging the booming email marketing industry, projected to reach $2.53B by 2028, opens up vast opportunities for income while allowing you to maintain your passion for poetry.
Email marketing tools are software applications designed to help you create, manage, and automate email campaigns. As a poet, you could explore how your literary skills can enhance email content, making your tool stand out in a crowded market. Should you decide to expand your business horizons, more detailed information on tips for starting an email marketing tool business can guide you.
Why consider starting an email marketing tool?
- Your knack for crafting compelling content can differentiate your email marketing tool, attracting a loyal client base.
- The email marketing industry is rapidly growing, allowing you to tap into a lucrative market.
- Running an email marketing tool gives you the flexibility to supplement your poetry career with a steady income stream.
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.
20. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Affiliate marketing can be an excellent avenue for poets looking to supplement their income or start a side business. By promoting products and services that resonate with your audience, you can earn commissions on each sale, creating a steady stream of passive income. With a well-managed affiliate marketing business, you have the potential to monetize your online presence and leverage your poetic influence to bring in extra cash.
Why consider affiliate marketing?
- It's a low-cost way to start earning extra money, requiring minimal upfront investment.
- You can seamlessly integrate affiliate products into your poetry blog or social media, keeping your content authentic.
- This business model allows you to capitalize on your existing audience, making it easier to generate sales and income.
Consider exploring affiliate marketing success stories to see how others have leveraged this business idea successfully.
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.
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.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
