20 Business Ideas For Swimmers [2024]
Are you a swimmer looking to dive into the world of business? 2024 presents a variety of exciting opportunities tailored just for you. Leveraging your skills and knowledge of the aquatic world, you could find unique ways to transform your passion into profit.
This article explores practical business ideas that utilize your swimming expertise. From coaching to creating aquatic-themed products, there are countless possibilities to consider. Let's explore the avenues that could help you take the plunge into entrepreneurship.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other swimmer businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be an excellent way for swimmers to supplement their income, make extra money, and potentially start a side business. With a focus on sharing your swimming knowledge, training routines, and personal experiences, you can engage a dedicated audience while earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. Additionally, creating compelling video content allows you to document your journey, inspire others, and build a community around your passion for swimming.
If executed consistently and with high-quality content, a YouTube channel could turn into more than just a hobby—it could become a lucrative business venture. To get started, check out these success stories of YouTube channels to draw inspiration from those who have made it big in the digital content space.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could monetize your passion for swimming by sharing valuable and engaging content.
- You have the opportunity to build a loyal following and create a community around your expertise.
- With the potential for ad revenue and sponsorships, it could become a significant financial asset.
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.
2. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Starting an online course sales business could be a particularly lucrative opportunity for a swimmer. You could create courses that break down specific swimming techniques, training regimens, or even mental strategies for competition. Leveraging your swimming expertise, you could draw in an audience eager to improve their skills and knowledge, all while generating passive income. With the e-learning market expected to soar over the next few years, the timing couldn't be better to dive into this field. Learn more about the potential here.
Why start an online course sales business?
- You could easily monetize your unique swimming skills and knowledge by creating high-value courses.
- Once created, online courses can provide ongoing passive income with minimal additional effort.
- The growing e-learning market offers a vast audience ready to invest in improving their swimming 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)
If you’re a swimmer looking for a creative way to supplement your income, starting a niche website could be an excellent option. By focusing on a specialized topic within the swimming community—whether it's training techniques, swimming gear reviews, or nutrition for swimmers—you could build a loyal audience eager for your expert insights. Over time, your website could generate income through affiliate marketing, ad placements, and selling digital products, becoming a reliable source of passive revenue.
Creating a niche website allows you to share what you love and know best, which can be particularly rewarding for someone deeply involved in the swimming world. Explore success stories of niche websites to gain inspiration and insights.
Why starting a niche website?
- You could turn your swimming expertise into income by sharing valuable content.
- You could build a community around your passion, creating opportunities for engagement and feedback.
- Passive income potential means your initial efforts could pay off long-term, allowing you to focus more on your swimming career.
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 health and wellness app ($108K/month)
For swimmers looking to supplement their income or start a side business, developing a health and wellness app can be an ideal venture. Such an app could offer personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking. Think of it as creating a digital coach that provides expert advice anytime, combining your passion for health and technology to make a positive impact on users' lives.
Starting this business involves market research, collaborating with health experts, app development, and effective marketing strategies. However, the potential to tap into a growing market makes this a compelling option. Learn more about what this type of business entails at Starter Story.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- You could use your swimming expertise to offer unique and credible fitness content.
- It's a growing market with increasing awareness about health and well-being.
- The app could provide passive income through subscriptions or in-app purchases.
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.
5. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog can be an incredible way for swimmers to supplement their income, given their unique expertise and passion for the sport. By identifying an underserved niche within swimming—such as training tips, product reviews, or personal experiences—you could engage an audience that shares your enthusiasm. Creating consistent, high-quality content with articles, guides, and videos can attract followers, offer affiliate marketing opportunities, and build partnerships with relevant brands.
For more insights, you can check out some success stories from niche bloggers on Starter Story.
Why starting a niche blog?
- You could turn your swimming passion into income by sharing your expertise and engaging with a like-minded community.
- Blogging about swimming allows you to promote affiliate products, which could generate additional revenue streams.
- As a knowledgeable swimmer, you’re well-positioned to create authentic and valuable content that resonates with your audience.
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.
6. Build an analytics tool ($157K/month)
Starting an analytics tool could be a highly profitable business for swimmers with strong technical skills. This software or app can help businesses of all sizes make data-driven decisions by providing access to data visualization and analysis. With the increasing importance of big data, more companies are eager to adopt analytics tools to enhance their operations and performance. Click here to explore success stories of entrepreneurs who have successfully launched analytics tools.
Why build an analytics tool?
- Your unique understanding of performance metrics and data as a swimmer can be translated into creating a tool that offers actionable insights for other industries.
- You are not limited to a single market; your analytics tool can be used by various sectors, increasing your potential customer base.
- With examples like QlikView generating $750M in revenue, the financial reward for getting it right is substantial.
How much you can make: $20 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Plausible Analytics, a privacy-friendly web analytics tool, reached $4,557 MRR and 743 paying subscribers by focusing on content marketing and engaging relevant communities, rather than paid advertising, while positioning itself as a lightweight, cookie-free and affordable alternative to Google Analytics.
7. Start a facebook group ($142K/month)
Starting a Facebook group offers swimmers a unique opportunity to supplement their income or launch a side business. By fostering a community of fellow swimmers, enthusiasts, and professionals, you could provide valuable insights, training tips, and exclusive content while monetizing through memberships, sponsored posts, or merchandise sales. With around 1.8 billion people using Facebook Groups monthly, there is immense potential for growth and engagement within this niche. For more details on the profitability of such groups, check out this Starter Story article.
Why create a Facebook group?
- You could build a loyal community around your passion, sharing experiences and knowledge with fellow swimmers.
- You could create additional revenue streams through ads, brand partnerships, or selling swim-related products.
- It leverages your existing expertise in swimming to grow a business without needing significant initial investment.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 272 days (?)
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
8. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business makes perfect sense for swimmers looking to turn their passion into profit. By curating a monthly box with swim gear, training aids, nutrition products, and recovery tools, you could offer fellow swimmers a convenient way to access high-quality items. Subscription boxes are in high demand and can provide a steady stream of income while allowing you to share your expertise and love for swimming with others.
Why start a subscription box business?
- It's a great way to share your expert knowledge. As a swimmer, you understand the specific needs and wants of your audience, making it easier to curate appealing and useful products.
- Subscription boxes are profitable and sustainable. The recurring revenue model can ensure a steady income while providing value to subscribers.
- You can build a loyal community. Offering exclusive products and insider tips could help you cultivate a dedicated following among swimmers who trust your recommendations.
For more ideas and insights, check out these subscription box business success stories.
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.
9. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business could be an excellent fit for swimmers looking to supplement their income or create a side business. By leveraging your understanding of the sports world and connecting with similar athletes, you could create specific social media strategies to drive engagement and build a larger audience. Additionally, the flexibility of managing client accounts during downtime between training and competitions provides an ideal balance between business and athletic pursuits.
For those who excel in technology and marketing, this venture could be highly rewarding and profitable. Check out some tips on profitability and success stories from others in the field (link).
Why starting a social media automation business?
- You could manage your time effectively. Automation allows you to handle tasks at your convenience, making it easy to balance with training schedules.
- There is a huge demand. Small businesses and influencers constantly seek ways to streamline their social media presence.
- Your sports network provides a ready market. Tap into your connections within the swimming community to find initial clients.
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 dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business could be an ideal side hustle or primary business for swimmers looking to supplement their income. Dropshipping allows you to sell products without the need for inventory, making it a flexible and low-risk venture. As a swimmer who might spend considerable time training or competing, this business model provides the freedom to manage your store from anywhere with an internet connection, ensuring it doesn't interfere with your swimming schedule.
To start, select a niche that resonates with you—perhaps sports accessories, swimwear, or fitness gadgets. Platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce can help set up your online store efficiently. From there, connect with reliable suppliers on platforms like AliExpress and focus on marketing and customer service to grow your business. Remember to monitor your expenses and profit margins to ensure your venture remains profitable. Check out Starter Story's insights on dropshipping business profitability to guide your efforts (/ideas/dropshipping-business/profitability).
Why is dropshipping a good fit for swimmers?
- You can run this business anywhere with internet access, allowing you to balance your training.
- Low initial investment and no warehousing needs make it financially viable for those already springing expenses on swimming.
- Allows you to potentially sell swimming-related gear, combining your passion with business.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
11. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business as a swimmer could be a fantastic way to supplement your income while leveraging your passion for swimming. Affiliate marketing involves promoting other companies' products and earning a commission for each sale made through your referral. As a swimmer, you could specialize in promoting swimming-related products, such as swimwear, gear, and training programs, allowing you to make money by recommending products you already know and love.
To get started, you'll need to find the right products and brands to partner with. For example, you may prefer becoming an affiliate marketer for an eCommerce store or partnering with a manufacturer to promote their swimming products for a commission.
Why consider starting an affiliate marketing business?
- Low startup costs: You don't need to invest in inventory or shipping; simply promote products online and earn commissions.
- Flexible schedule: You could work on your affiliate marketing business anytime, fitting it around your swim training and competitions.
- Passive income: Once your content is created and your audience is established, you could continue earning commissions long after the initial effort.
For more details on how to get started, you can find some success stories and tips on Starter Story.
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.
12. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business is a great way for swimmers to supplement their income or even build a full-fledged business without worrying about upfront inventory costs. By selling customized products like swim-themed apparel, accessories, and home goods, you can leverage your knowledge of swimming culture to create unique, trendy designs. Utilizing online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon, you can reach a global audience while managing the business operations from home at your own pace.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- It's cost-effective and doesn't require a large initial investment.
- You can blend your love for swimming with creativity by designing niche products that appeal to fellow swimmers.
- With flexible hours and remote operations, it complements your swimming schedule and lifestyle.
For more insights and to see successful examples, you can check out Starter Story's print-on-demand business success stories.
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.
13. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
Starting an online survey tool could be a smart business move for swimmers looking to diversify their income. Just like how swimmers constantly seek feedback to improve their technique, businesses need customer input to refine their products and services. By leveraging your understanding of the importance of feedback, you could create a tool that assists companies in collecting valuable customer insights efficiently. If you're entrepreneurial-minded and tech-savvy, this venture could complement your swimming career by offering flexible work hours and potential passive income.
Why launch an online survey tool business as a swimmer?
- You already understand the value of feedback, making you well-positioned to create a tool that businesses need.
- This can be a flexible side gig that fits around your practice and competitions, allowing for scalable growth.
- The low initial investment and high demand for data collection services make it a promising opportunity with great potential for returns.
For more insights on starting an online survey tool business, check out these success stories.
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.
14. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast can be a great way to supplement your income and share your unique perspective as a swimmer. By creating episodes that delve into swimming techniques, personal stories, and interviews with other athletes, you could attract a dedicated audience interested in swimming and sports. This not only allows you to engage with the swimming community but also opens up opportunities for sponsorships and advertisements.
To get started, choose a niche within the swimming world that you're passionate about and that has an audience. Gather basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones, and then find a free or affordable hosting platform to publish your episodes. By promoting your podcast through social media, online communities, and word of mouth, you can build an audience and potentially attract sponsors or advertisers. For more tips, see this article on podcast startup costs.
Why start a podcast?
- You could share your expertise and stories, creating a connection with listeners who share your passion for swimming.
- It provides an additional revenue stream through sponsorships and advertisements as your audience grows.
- Hosting a podcast offers networking opportunities with other swimmers, coaches, and sports industry professionals, which might lead to further business ventures or collaborations.
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.
15. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
As a swimmer looking to diversify your income or start a side business, an AI-based business solution could be an excellent opportunity. Leveraging AI technology can streamline business operations, enhance customer service, and provide data-driven insights that drive success. This tech-savvy approach offers a competitive edge, without requiring a deep tech background, as many platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support.
Implementing AI solutions can help automate repetitive tasks, manage inventory, and provide personalized marketing strategies, all of which enable you to focus on your primary passion—swimming. Plus, as demand for AI tools grows, there’s significant potential for profitability and market impact.
For more on how AI-based business solutions can be profitable, check out this link.
Why consider starting an AI-based business solution?
- Automate routine tasks to free up more time for your swimming training and competitions.
- Gain valuable customer insights and data analytics to make informed decisions.
- Tap into a growing market, enhancing your entrepreneurial portfolio with minimal tech expertise.
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.
16. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
Starting a real estate investment firm offers swimmers a unique way to diversify income streams and leverage their strategic thinking skills honed during practice and competition. This business involves buying, managing, and selling real estate assets to generate profit, allowing you to create a steady income stream or substantial financial gains over time. Just like swimming, real estate investment requires dedication, precise planning, and the ability to navigate complexities effectively.
Why start a real estate investment firm?
- You could use the discipline and focus you've developed as a swimmer to excel in market research and strategic planning.
- Real estate offers a steady cash flow through rental properties, which can provide financial stability alongside your swimming career.
- The long-term appreciation of property values can significantly boost your wealth, aligning with a swimmer's goal-oriented mindset.
To learn more about the pros and cons, explore real estate investment firm details.
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.
17. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Starting a stock investing business could be a smart move for swimmers looking to diversify their income. Given the nature of stock trading, it is a flexible venture that can fit around your training schedule. By leveraging the analytical skills often honed during swimming—such as precision, strategic planning, and time management—you could excel in stock investments.
For further insights, you can explore useful resources on successful stock investing techniques and tips at Starter Story.
Why starting a stock investing business?
- Flexible hours mean you can trade around your training and competition schedule.
- Skills like strategy and analysis from swimming can be directly applied to analyzing market trends.
- Potential for high returns provides an avenue to secure financial stability and independence.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
18. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business can be a fantastic side hustle or full-time venture for swimmers looking to supplement their income. As a swimmer, you have unique access to aquatic environments, allowing you to capture exclusive underwater and swimming-related photos that are in high demand. With stock photography, you could build an impressive portfolio of high-quality images and earn passive income by licensing them for marketing purposes.
Why start a stock photography business?
- You could leverage your unique access to aquatic environments to create niche and high-demand stock photos.
- Stock photography can generate passive income, allowing you to focus on your swimming pursuits while still making money.
- Building a portfolio of professional photos could enhance your skills and open up additional opportunities in photography.
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.
19. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Starting a cold email service business makes sense for entrepreneurial swimmers looking to supplement their income. This venture allows you to blend your strategic mindset with your networking abilities, much like you navigate your way through swim meets and competitions. You could leverage your discipline and focus from training to craft compelling email campaigns and diligently track their performance. For ideas on what's involved, check out success stories from others who started a cold email service business.
Why start a cold email service business?
- A swimmer's disciplined lifestyle aligns well with consistent client engagement and follow-ups.
- You can manage this business remotely, making it flexible enough to fit around your training schedule.
- The scalability of the business model allows for growth, expanding from small clients to larger enterprises over time.
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.
20. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As a swimmer, creating an AI writing tool could be an advantageous side business that aligns with the modern era's technological advancements. You could develop this tool to assist businesses, bloggers, and students by automating the content creation process, offering error-free, engaging, and time-efficient writing solutions. This could not only supplement your income but also provide a valuable resource that meets today's increasing demand for high-quality content.
In the fast-paced world of professional swimming, having a reliable source of passive income can be incredibly beneficial. By leveraging AI writing tools, you could tap into a profitable industry without the need for constant hands-on management, allowing you to focus on your training and competitions. For more insights, check out this page on how to start an AI writing tool business.
Why start an AI writing tool business?
- You could achieve passive income with less daily involvement, freeing up time for swim practice.
- Address a massive demand for high-quality, efficient content creation, appealing to a wide range of users.
- Innovating in this field could set you apart, combining your competitive spirit with groundbreaking technology.
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.
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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.
