20 Business Ideas For Woodworkers [2024]
If you're a woodworker with an entrepreneurial spirit, 2024 offers a range of business opportunities tailored to your skills. With your craftsmanship and dedication, you could transform your woodworking hobby into a thriving business. From custom furniture to small decorative items, there's a market out there for unique, handmade items.
You could consider venturing into sustainable woodworking, focusing on products made from reclaimed or eco-friendly materials. There's also potential in offering woodworking classes or DIY kits, catering to the growing demand for hands-on, creative experiences. Each of these possibilities not only aligns with your passion but also caters to current market trends.
Beyond traditional products, you could explore the digital realm by selling your designs or plans online. Platforms for digital products are expanding, giving you a way to reach a broader audience. The opportunities are out there; it's all about finding the right fit for your skills and interests.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other woodworker 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 a great way for you to supplement your income or even start a side business as a woodworker. By showcasing your skills and projects, you can attract a wide audience and potentially earn revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. YouTube allows you to share how-to guides, vlogs, and educational content, offering a versatile platform for creativity and entrepreneurship.
Building your channel will require consistent content creation and engaging with your audience, but the rewards can be significant. If you're passionate about woodworking and willing to dedicate time and effort to your channel, this could be a fulfilling and profitable venture. Explore more about the potential of starting a YouTube channel for woodworkers.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You can monetize your passion for woodworking through ads, sponsorships, and product sales.
- You have a platform to reach and engage with a large audience, turning your expertise into influence.
- Sharing your unique woodworking projects and tutorials can build a loyal community and drive traffic to your other business ventures.
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)
As a woodworker, starting an online course sales business could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even build a standalone venture. With the rise of e-learning, there is a growing demand for unique courses, and your woodworking skills could attract a niche market eager to learn. By creating comprehensive courses, you could turn your expertise into a stream of passive income, enabling you to share your craft with a global audience.
Why start an online course sales business?
- You could monetize your woodworking skills by teaching others, generating a steady income from online course sales.
- With a potential e-learning market worth over $645 Billion, there is significant opportunity to reach eager learners.
- This venture requires minimal upfront investment compared to physical products, allowing more flexibility and focus on quality content development.
For further insights on starting an online course business, you can explore pros and cons of online course sales businesses.
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 subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business can be an excellent opportunity for woodworkers to supplement their income or even create a full-fledged business. By curating a monthly box filled with handcrafted wooden items—such as unique home decor pieces, small furniture, or carved utensils—you could tap into a niche market that appreciates artisanal craftsmanship. Plus, subscription boxes are in high demand, as they offer customers exclusive, high-quality products and a unique unboxing experience.
Why start a subscription box business?
- You could build a loyal customer base by offering exclusive, handcrafted wooden items that cannot be found in stores.
- This business model provides a steady monthly income, helping to balance out the ebbs and flows of other woodworking projects.
- Subscription boxes have high perceived value, allowing you to charge a premium for your carefully curated offerings and maximize your profits.
For more insights, you can explore subscription box business success stories on Starter Story.
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.
4. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business is an excellent opportunity for woodworkers to supplement their income and potentially turn their craft into a full-time business. This model allows you to focus on marketing and selling while bypassing the complexities and costs associated with production. Additionally, you can leverage platforms like social media to reach potential customers without needing an immediate investment in a website.
Reselling woodworking tools, equipment, or even custom wood pieces gives you the flexibility to cater to a market with specific needs, while capitalizing on your woodworking expertise. As your business grows, transitioning to a fully-fledged ecommerce platform could further expand your reach and increase profitability.
Why start an ecommerce reselling business?
- It allows you to tap into an existing market without the upfront production costs.
- You could reach a wider audience with minimal initial investment by leveraging social media platforms.
- As a woodworker, you have the expertise to select high-quality products, ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat business.
For more information, check out these success stories of ecommerce reselling businesses.
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.
5. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog as a woodworker can be an excellent way to share your expertise with a passionate online community while supplementing your income. By focusing on specific topics within woodworking, such as DIY projects, tool reviews, or woodworking techniques, you could attract a dedicated audience looking for insight and advice. As your blog grows, you could monetize it through affiliate marketing, brand collaborations, and even sponsored posts.
Why consider starting a niche blog?
- You could generate passive income by leveraging your existing woodworking knowledge.
- You’ll gain exposure and build a personal brand within the woodworking community.
- It offers a flexible revenue stream that can grow with your online presence and 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. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business can be an excellent way for woodworkers to supplement their income or even create a new revenue stream entirely. By leveraging your existing knowledge of woodworking products, you could curate a specialized online store tailored to the needs of your fellow craftsmen. With platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, and suppliers from AliExpress, this low-risk business model allows you to sell high-quality woodworking tools, materials, and accessories without holding any inventory.
Why consider a dropshipping business?
- Lower initial investment: No need to allocate funds towards inventory storage or manufacturing costs, allowing you to start on a budget.
- Flexibility and scalability: Easily add or remove products based on market trends and customer demand without worrying about leftover stock.
- Synergy with carpentry: Utilize your industry expertise to select and market products that appeal directly to woodworking enthusiasts, maximizing your profits.
For more insights and tips on starting a dropshipping business, check out these success stories on Starter Story.
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.
7. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
As a woodworker, you could diversify your income streams by starting a stock photography business. Utilizing your knowledge of wood, craftsmanship, and fine detail, you could create unique stock images that appeal to designers, marketers, and website owners. Not only would this venture allow you to showcase your woodworking pieces, but it could also build a passive income stream by making your high-quality photos available for purchase in various formats.
Considering the growing demand for authentic and niche photography, this business idea holds significant potential. To get started, you might want to invest in good photography gear and learn the intricacies of creating appealing stock photos. By building an impressive portfolio online, you could sell your stock photos faster and at profitable margins. Curious to see if this is for you? Check out some successful stock photography business ideas and profitability insights here.
Why start a stock photography business?
- You could create a passive income stream by selling your photos online.
- Stock photography offers a platform to showcase your woodworking craftsmanship.
- High-quality, niche photos are in demand, giving your unique images considerable market potential.
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.
8. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business might be a smart way to supplement your income as a woodworker. By promoting woodworking tools, materials, or even eBooks related to woodworking, you could earn commissions on each sale while continuing to focus on your primary craft. This creates a vehicle for passive income, allowing you to make money even when you're not actively working on projects.
To get started, you can browse through resources on how to become an affiliate marketer on platforms like eCommerce stores or by partnering with specific manufacturers. Once you understand how to find the right product to promote, you'll have yet another revenue stream to support your woodworking business. For more tips, visit Affiliate Marketing Tips.
Why start an affiliate marketing business?
- It provides a passive income stream, generating earnings while you focus on woodwork.
- You can promote products you already use and recommend, making it a more genuine endorsement.
- Affiliate marketing requires low initial investment, making it an accessible side hustle for woodworkers.
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.
9. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Navigating the world of stock investing can be a rewarding venture if you have a knack for financial markets. As a woodworker, you likely value precision and strategic planning, both of which are essential in stock investing. This business revolves around analyzing market trends, making informed decisions, and executing trades with accuracy to generate profit. For those intrigued by finance and numbers, stock investing offers an exciting avenue to turn passion into profit.
By starting a stock investing business, you position yourself in a domain with potential for high returns. This is not a get-rich-quick scheme but instead requires strategy, analysis, and risk management. If you’re prepared to delve into market intricacies and strategize for long-term growth, stock investing can be a highly rewarding entrepreneurial journey. You can read more about tips and success stories on stock investing here.
Why consider a stock investing business?
- It leverages your existing skills in precision and strategic planning.
- Offers the potential for high returns with informed and strategic decision-making.
- Can be managed alongside your woodworking business, providing an additional income stream.
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.
10. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
A real estate investment firm offers an excellent opportunity for woodworkers seeking to diversify their income streams. As a woodworker, you already possess a keen eye for craftsmanship and value, making you adept at identifying properties with potential. By leveraging your skills in renovation and design, you could increase the value of the real estate you acquire, maximizing your profit margins.
Moreover, this venture can provide a steady income through rental properties or profitable sales, allowing you to supplement your woodworking business. Click here to explore more about starting a real estate investment firm.
Should you start a real estate investment firm?
- Your woodworking skills will help you spot properties with untapped potential and transform them into more valuable assets.
- Diversifying your income through real estate can offer financial stability and growth, especially in fluctuating markets.
- Managing property renovations allows you to apply your craftsmanship in a new, profitable way.
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.
11. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
Starting an online survey tool could be a savvy move for a woodworker looking to diversify their income streams. By developing an online survey service, you could help other businesses gather valuable customer feedback, which can inform better product development and service improvements. With the rise in demand for data collection tools, creating a survey builder with features like advanced data collection and reporting systems could lead to a potent source of recurring revenue. Take inspiration from Typeform, whose annual recurring revenue surpassed $70 million, showcasing the financial potential of this industry.
Why develop an online survey tool?
- The growing need for data-driven decisions. Businesses are increasingly reliant on customer feedback to make informed choices.
- You could tap into a lucrative market. As seen with Typeform's success, there's a significant demand for effective survey tools.
- Versatile skill application. As a woodworker, this could diversify your portfolio and open up new revenue streams.
To explore more about starting this innovative business idea, check out success stories here.
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.
12. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Looking to supplement your income or turn a passion into a profitable side business? Consider starting a niche website dedicated to woodworking. By focusing on specific topics like DIY woodworking projects, tool reviews, or unique woodcraft techniques, you can create a valuable resource for enthusiasts similar to yourself. This type of website can generate income through various monetization strategies, including affiliate marketing, ad placements, and selling digital products.
Building a niche website involves selecting a specialized area you're passionate about and creating engaging content to attract and retain visitors. For inspiration and success stories, check out how other niche website entrepreneurs have thrived here.
Why start a niche website as a woodworker?
- You’ll establish yourself as an authority in your field, drawing a dedicated audience.
- It offers multiple revenue streams, such as ads, affiliate links, and digital product sales.
- It provides a platform to share your passion and knowledge while earning passive income.
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.
13. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business can be an unexpected yet profitable venture for woodworkers looking to supplement their income or start a new side hustle. Woodworkers are often creative problem-solvers, and developing a WordPress plugin to address specific issues can leverage that skill in a digital domain. Plus, you could create versatile plugins geared towards the woodworking community—think tools for organizing project plans or e-commerce plugins for selling handmade wood items online.
For a deeper dive into starting a WordPress plugin business, you can check out success stories and tips from others here.
Why starting a WordPress plugin business?
- You could tap into an ever-growing online market, leveraging the widespread usage of WordPress.
- You might use your problem-solving skills to create unique plugins tailored to the woodworking niche, increasing their demand.
- It's a scalable business model, allowing you to generate passive income once your plugin gains traction.
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. Start a SEO & lead generation service ($60K/month)
As a woodworker, starting an SEO & lead generation service could be a strategic move to supplement your income or even launch a new business. By mastering the skills of digital marketing and lead generation, you could help other local artisans or small businesses attract more customers and increase their sales. This service can be particularly valuable, as many small business owners in creative fields may not have the time or expertise to manage these tasks themselves.
Why starting a SEO & lead generation service?
- You could leverage your existing networks in the woodworking and crafting community to identify potential clients.
- You already understand the unique challenges of small, creative businesses, making you well-suited to offer tailored solutions.
- The digital marketing skills you gain could also benefit your own woodworking business, helping you attract more customers online.
For more details on starting this type of business, you can explore the profitability of SEO & lead generation services here.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
A link building company co-founded by Justas Markus has grown to make an average of $35k per month in recurring revenue with a focus on delivering high-quality services through manual processes and focusing on fewer markets.
15. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast as a woodworker can open up numerous opportunities to supplement your income, make extra money, or even launch a side business. By leveraging your woodworking expertise, you could share valuable insights, tips, and project ideas that resonate with fellow enthusiasts. This form of engaging audio content can attract a loyal audience, and as your listener base grows, you could potentially secure sponsorships and advertisers to monetize your podcast.
Consider diving into Starter Story's success stories for podcasts to see real-life examples [link to /podcast-quotes].
Why start a podcast?
- Establish yourself as a woodworking authority and attract a dedicated audience interested in your craft.
- Monetize your content through sponsorships, advertisements, and listener donations.
- Promote your existing woodworking business or side hustle by directing listeners to your products or services.
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.
16. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business could be a savvy move for woodworkers looking to expand their entrepreneurial horizons and diversify their income streams. By leveraging your creativity and technical skills, you could create tools and services that help manage social media accounts, schedule posts, and analyze engagement data. Small businesses, including fellow artisans and influencers, would value your services for streamlining their social media presence, allowing them to focus more on their craft.
Why start a social media automation business?
- You could leverage your attention to detail, a trait honed through woodworking, to create highly effective automation tools.
- By providing specialized services, you could build valuable relationships with other small business owners looking to grow their online presence.
- It offers an excellent opportunity to diversify your income, making your financial portfolio more robust and resilient.
For more tips on starting a social media automation business, you can explore insights and success stories on Starter Story.
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.
17. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Bringing your woodworking skills into the digital age by developing a mobile app can open up new revenue streams and increase your brand's visibility. You could create an app that provides detailed woodworking tutorials, project plans, or even a virtual showroom for your creations. By leveraging your industry expertise, your app could attract a niche market of DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, and other woodworkers looking for inspiration and guidance.
Why start a mobile app business as a woodworker?
- You could reach a global audience, allowing your knowledge and craftsmanship to benefit people far beyond your local area.
- Mobile apps offer a recurring revenue model through subscriptions or in-app purchases, providing sustainable income.
- With the rise of DIY culture, an app dedicated to woodworking can become a valuable resource and community hub for like-minded individuals.
For more insights on starting a mobile app business, you can explore success stories and detailed guides on Starter Story.
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.
18. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
As a woodworker, the idea of starting a health and wellness app might seem off the beaten path, but it's actually a unique opportunity to leverage your creative and problem-solving skills in a new domain. By developing an app that offers personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises, you could provide a valuable tool to help users achieve their health goals. This venture could serve as a lucrative side business, supplement your income, or even become your primary focus.
Creating a health and wellness app involves market research, collaboration with health experts, app development, and effective marketing strategies. However, if you're passionate about health and technology, this could be your way to make a meaningful contribution while building a successful business. Explore more about starting a health and wellness app and how it aligns with your skills here.
Why starting a health and wellness app?
- You could combine your creativity with tech skills to design an engaging app that stands out in the market.
- Focusing on health and wellness aligns with current market trends and growing consumer interest.
- This business model offers a unique opportunity to positively impact people's lives while generating a steady income.
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.
19. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
For woodworkers looking to diversify their income streams, starting a cold email service business offers a unique opportunity. Leveraging the art of storytelling and persuasive communication, a cold email service involves crafting and sending targeted emails to potential clients on behalf of businesses. Mastering this service could allow you to supplement your woodworking income with a steady revenue stream, all while utilizing digital marketing tools and strategies to reach a wider audience.
Why starting a cold email service business?
- You could effectively use your storytelling skills to craft compelling email copy that captures potential clients’ attention.
- It’s a scalable business, allowing you to start small with local businesses and eventually expand to larger companies.
- Diversifying your skills into the digital marketing realm can provide a dependable secondary income, balancing the seasonality and demand fluctuations in woodworking.
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)
Stepping into the world of AI writing tools is a savvy business move, especially for woodworkers looking to diversify their income streams. This venture leverages cutting-edge technology to create a tool that helps streamline the content creation process for businesses, bloggers, and students. By offering automated, precise, and engaging content generation, you could significantly reduce the time and effort writers need to produce high-quality work.
Imagine integrating this innovation into your woodworking business, allowing you to market not just your handcrafted items but also powerful writing software. This hybrid approach could set you apart and open up new income avenues. For more insights on profitability and strategy, check out this success stories.
Why delve into AI writing tools?
- You could create an additional, tech-driven income stream that complements your crafted products.
- This tool could automate your marketing content, blogs, and product descriptions, giving you more time in the workshop.
- Offering an AI writing tool could attract a broader, more tech-savvy customer base, expanding your market reach.
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.