30 Business Ideas For Social Media Managers [2024]
Interested in starting a business as a social media manager in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a social media manager could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for social media managers?
We put together 30 of some of the best social media manager business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other social media manager businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a social media marketing service ($97.8K/month)
As a social media manager, you could seamlessly transition into starting a social media marketing service to supplement your income or launch a new business. Leveraging your existing skills, you could help companies enhance their online presence, attract more followers, and drive engagement on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
By creating and managing content, analyzing engagement metrics, and fine-tuning strategies, you could become an indispensable asset to businesses aiming for growth. This venture allows you to work flexible hours and scale up as you gain more clients, leading to recurring revenue and greater financial stability.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,380 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
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.
2. Become a Facebook ads consultant ($801K/month)
As a social media manager, you could harness your existing skills to start a lucrative side business as a Facebook ads consultant. By expertly managing Facebook ad campaigns, you could drive significant traffic to clients' websites and promote their products effectively, ensuring they gain valuable customers.
This role is becoming increasingly popular, with many consultants finding success and earning a passive, predictable income. The income potential varies based on your niche, ad budget, and other factors, but your foundational knowledge in social media management sets you up for success.
By adding Facebook ads consulting to your services, you could diversify your income streams and enhance your professional portfolio while helping businesses achieve their marketing goals.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $8,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,175 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
MonetizeMore founder and CEO shares his success story of growing his ad optimization business to over $20M in annual revenues by focusing on the offering that delivered the best results, using content marketing for lead generation, and establishing strategic partnerships with complimentary businesses.
3. Start an ecommerce marketing agency ($463K/month)
As a social media manager, starting an ecommerce marketing agency could be a natural extension of your current expertise and skill set. You already possess the creative and marketing skills essential for helping online sellers achieve their eCommerce business goals. By leveraging these talents, you could offer specialized services to eCommerce brands looking to enhance their online presence and drive sales through effective digital marketing strategies.
In this role, you could help clients stay abreast of the ever-evolving eCommerce trends, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing market. Your ability to manage and launch creative services would be invaluable for brands struggling to balance production and growth.
Additionally, more online sellers are seeking the services of eCommerce agencies to scale their businesses without the overhead of full-time staff. This demand presents a lucrative opportunity for you to supplement your income or even transition into running a full-fledged business. Whether you choose to focus on a specific niche or offer comprehensive end-to-end services, starting an eCommerce marketing agency could offer both profitability and professional fulfillment.
How much you can make: $7,500 — $8,300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.
4. Start a freelance writing business ($62.6K/month)
As a social media manager, you could leverage your content creation and strategy skills by starting a freelance writing business. Your expertise in creating engaging social media posts will translate well into writing high-quality articles, blog posts, and other content for a diverse range of clients. Additionally, your knack for understanding what appeals to audiences on social platforms can help you craft compelling narratives and messaging that resonate across different niches.
Freelance writing offers the flexibility to work from home and set your own schedule, making it an excellent side business or even a full-time gig. The ability to meet deadlines, stay updated with current writing tools and trends, and maintain strong communication skills are all essential qualities that you likely already possess. By tapping into these strengths, you could supplement your income and explore new entrepreneurial avenues with a freelance writing business.
How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 56 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
5. Start a mom blog ($5.33K/month)
Starting a mom blog could be a natural extension of your expertise as a social media manager. As a mother or someone passionate about parenting, you could share your journey and insights, helping other parents feel less alone. By leveraging your skills in content creation and social media strategy, you could drive significant traffic to your blog.
With a solid following, you would have the opportunity to monetize through affiliate marketing or by selling your own merchandise. Your experience in managing social media for brands could ensure your content remains engaging and valuable, attracting a loyal audience. This venture could not only supplement your income but also allow you to explore entrepreneurial opportunities within a familiar and rewarding niche.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $10,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Mom blogger creates two related businesses, one generating 8-10k Canadian dollars per month in traffic revenue, and another offering courses to new bloggers about how to monetize their sites, all at an initial investment of $2,000, and largely based on her Pinterest presence.
6. Start an online video editing business ($37.7K/month)
As a social media manager, you could seamlessly transition into an online video editing business by leveraging your existing skills in media production and communication. Given your expertise in creating engaging content and understanding audience preferences, you have a head start in identifying the kind of video content that resonates. The demand for high-quality video content is rising, and your experience places you in a prime position to tap into this market.
Moreover, you could outsource video editing tasks to experienced professionals, allowing you to focus on client acquisition and project management. This means you wouldn't need to handle every technical aspect, but rather curate and deliver top-tier video content that aligns with your clients' needs. By offering video editing services, you could supplement your income and diversify your service portfolio, making your business more comprehensive and attractive to clients seeking complete social media solutions.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
VEED.IO, a London-based start-up co-founded by Sabba and her partner, offers a simple online video editing platform using batch job cloud architecture to help social media managers across the world auto subtitle, filter, rotate videos and much more, earning the company $5,300 MRR and the founders Ramen profitability within just a year of starting.
7. Start a website development business ($387K/month)
Starting a website development business could be a lucrative opportunity for a social media manager given your existing expertise in digital marketing and audience engagement. Since you're already knowledgeable about how content and design drive user interaction, transitioning into website development allows you to leverage these skills to create visually appealing and user-friendly websites. This complementary service can enhance your current offerings and boost your income.
Additionally, your understanding of social media analytics and performance metrics gives you an edge in optimizing website performance and capacity. By learning different web programming languages, you could cater to a variety of clients, from eCommerce businesses looking to improve their online storefronts to local brick-and-mortar stores aiming to establish an online presence. Expanding into web development can position you as a one-stop solution for online branding and digital growth.
How much you can make: $200 — $8,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 55 days (?)
How a founder turned his passion for marketing and technology into a successful Boston-based web design and SEO company, generating over $20k in sales each month by focusing on serving the niche market of small businesses through affordable and personalized services, while establishing his reputation through B2B networking and online initiatives.
8. Start a fashion design business ($101K/month)
As a social media manager, you could leverage your deep understanding of online trends and audience engagement to launch a successful fashion design business. Your expertise in creating compelling content and managing brand presence will serve as a valuable asset when promoting your original clothing and accessory designs. By strategically using your social media skills, you could generate buzz and build a loyal customer base around your unique fashion line.
Starting a fashion design business would allow you to blend your creative vision with your marketing acumen, enabling you to stay ahead in the dynamic fashion industry. You could start with a small collection, showcasing your designs through social media channels, and gradually expand your offerings as your brand gains traction. This entrepreneurial venture not only provides a creative outlet but also opens up new revenue streams, complementing your career as a social media manager.
How much you can make: $150 — $525,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Love Lorn Lingerie started as a side hustle and now generates $1.9k per month in revenue through Etsy and local events, with plans to expand into wholesale and increase marketing efforts to eventually replace the founder's day job.
9. Start an influencer platform ($71.6K/month)
As a social media manager, you could leverage your expertise and network to create an influencer platform, bridging the gap between brands and influential personalities. Imagine developing an intuitive online marketplace where brands can easily browse, evaluate, and negotiate with influencers who perfectly align with their target audiences. This could offer a significant opportunity for scalable income, taking advantage of the growing demand for authentic engagement and visibility in digital marketing.
Creating this platform would involve tasks you're already familiar with—such as curating a robust database of influencers and marketing to brands seeking to amplify their reach. Additionally, built-in analytics tools could track campaign performance, providing valuable insights that drive continuous improvement and success. For entrepreneurial-minded social media managers, this endeavor could be a rewarding extension of your existing skillset, tapping into the ever-expanding digital marketing ecosystem.
How much you can make: $500 — $350,000/month
How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)
This case study is about a founder who launched a paywall platform for content creators in 2019, bootstrapping it from $0 and eventually selling it for $3.5M on Flippa, with the platform generating between $125,000 - $142,000 in Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) on 95% margins.
10. Become a social media consultant ($99.2K/month)
Starting a social media consulting business could be a natural next step for you as a social media manager. With your existing expertise in optimizing social media presence and leveraging platforms, you could attract clients seeking to improve their digital footprint. This role allows you to offer targeted strategies that elevate client engagement and foster brand growth, potentially leading to a flexible income source or full-time endeavor.
By becoming a social media consultant, you could capitalize on the rising demand for specialized skills in content marketing, public relations, and communication. Whether you choose to offer general consulting services or focus on a niche market, the opportunities to grow your clientele and expand your business are extensive. Plus, the flexibility of this role lets you dictate your schedule and leverage your strengths to maximize your earning potential.
How much you can make: $100 — $550,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 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.
11. Start a social media advertising specialist business ($106K/month)
As a social media manager, branching out into a social media advertising specialist business could be a natural progression to supplement your income or even start an entirely new business venture. Leveraging your existing knowledge of platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, you could focus on creating targeted advertising campaigns that engage new customers and keep existing ones interested.
By honing essential skills in modern social media marketing and designing unique advertising plans for various clients, you could offer specialized services that businesses desperately need. This could position you as an expert in driving customer acquisition and engagement, thus opening up multiple revenue streams and entrepreneurial opportunities.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $350 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study follows Kelsey Chance and her creative agency, Good Chance Creative, which specializes in social media content creation, and in just 3 years she has grown her one-woman business to make $20,000 in monthly revenue through a niche in small in-house marketing teams and start-ups managing their social content, with key services including lifestyle brand photography, social media account management, copywriting, and eCommerce strategy consulting.
12. Start an online tool ($13.5K/month)
As a social media manager, you could leverage your industry knowledge to develop an online tool that addresses specific challenges within your field. Imagine creating a web application that simplifies content scheduling, automates repetitive tasks, or provides advanced analytics to measure the effectiveness of social media campaigns. Such a tool can greatly resonate with fellow professionals seeking to enhance their productivity and streamline their workflows.
By identifying common pain points and offering a digital solution, you could build a product that's in high demand within the growing market of digital solutions. While this venture requires skills in programming, design, and marketing, you could either develop these skills or build a team with the necessary expertise. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for solving problems through technology, starting an online tool could be a lucrative side business or even a full-time endeavor.
How much you can make: $500 — $35,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)
Stagetimer generates $8,000 in monthly revenue by providing a simple online countdown timer for event producers to keep meetings and presentations on time, built based on a need in the market and validated through word of mouth and search engine optimization.
13. Start a shopify ecommerce agency ($105K/month)
As a social media manager, starting a Shopify eCommerce agency could be a natural extension of your existing skills and expertise. By leveraging your knowledge in social media marketing, you could help retailers effectively target potential customers and boost their online sales. You would provide a range of services such as SEO, web development, and eCommerce marketing, making you a one-stop-shop for businesses aiming to enhance their online presence.
Given your background, you already understand how to engage audiences and drive traffic, skills that are highly valuable in eCommerce. This makes transitioning to a Shopify eCommerce agency a feasible side hustle or full-time venture, allowing you to diversify your income streams. Ultimately, by defining a niche and growing your clientele, you could build a successful agency that complements your social media management expertise.
How much you can make: $20,000 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 95 days (?)
Velstar, a UK-based Shopify Plus partner agency, has seen impressive year-on-year revenue growth of at least 100% every year, due to their focus on building engaging and conversion-focused eCommerce websites, and highly effective growth marketing for direct-to-consumer brands on Shopify, with big ambitions for 2020 including launching a local Shopify Plus meetup, an eCommerce podcast, investing in content marketing and hiring their first business development personnel.
14. Start a content creation business ($80.3K/month)
As a social media manager, starting a content creation business could be a natural extension of your existing skill set and professional network. You could flex your writing skills across various formats and subjects to elevate marketing campaigns and offer specialized services that cater to clients' specific goals and target audiences. This gives you an opportunity to leverage your deep understanding of social media trends and engagement techniques to create compelling content that drives results.
Offering niche-specific expertise lets you provide tailored messages and strategies, enhancing your clients' brand stories and digital experiences. With options ranging from freelance gigs to running a full-service content studio, you could enjoy the freedom to choose a work model that fits your lifestyle. By combining creativity with strategic thinking, your content creation venture is well-positioned to drive lead generation and visibility in today's content-rich market.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Power Move Marketing is an innovative digital marketing company founded by Hailey Brooke McFadden, which has achieved an impressive monthly income of $22,075 and is projected to make almost $300,000 in its first year, by offering a one-stop-shop for e-commerce businesses looking for a marketing powerhouse with a female positive culture.
15. Launch an online classes platform ($64.7K/month)
As a social media manager, you could leverage your expertise to create an online classes platform that offers courses on social media strategies, content creation, and digital marketing. With the ever-growing demand for remote and flexible learning solutions, you could meet an essential need by providing specialized courses that cater to various learning styles and skill levels.
By creating, marketing, and selling your courses to a global audience, you could generate a significant supplemental income or even build a full-fledged business. Your deep understanding of effective social media marketing means you could reach and engage your target audience efficiently, ensuring continuous growth and engagement. This entrepreneurial venture allows you to blend technology, education, and your passion for social media, making it a rewarding and impactful project to undertake.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $175,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
MillionCenters is a hyperlocal TUTOR/COACHING-CENTER connecting platform that aims to be the one-stop platform for all learning needs, with 50,000 plus downloads and growing in double digits growth rate month-over-month and a customer acquisition rate of USD 1.
16. Start a beauty and fashion marketplace ($149K/month)
As a social media manager, you could leverage your skills to start a beauty and fashion marketplace, seamlessly integrating your expertise in digital content and audience engagement. Your in-depth understanding of social media platforms can be utilized to create compelling marketing campaigns, influencer collaborations, and targeted advertisements, driving traffic and sales to your marketplace.
By offering a diverse range of products such as makeup, skincare, haircare, clothing, and accessories, you could cater to a wide array of customer preferences and build a loyal community. Your ability to stay updated with industry trends and quickly adapt to new styles can help you keep your offerings fresh and relevant. Combining your social media acumen with a passion for fashion and beauty, you could cultivate a flourishing business that stands out in the competitive marketplace.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $658,333/month
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
This case study showcases the journey of Tradlands, a women's clothing brand generating $134k in monthly revenue, which was started with just $15k, and grew through email marketing, Instagram, and influencer collaborations.
17. Start a women's clothing line ($79.8K/month)
Starting a women’s clothing line could be an excellent entrepreneurial opportunity for a social media manager. With your expertise in building and managing online communities, you could effectively launch and promote your brand on various platforms, reaching a wide audience without substantial initial investment. Utilizing your knowledge of current trends, you could develop designs that resonate with your followers and stay on top of emerging fashion trends.
Moreover, your skills in content creation, influencer partnerships, and engagement strategies could be leveraged to create a strong and appealing brand presence. By showcasing your clothing line through captivating visuals and strategic promotions, you could boost your income and potentially transition into a full-time business. With the continuous evolution in women’s fashion, there will always be growth opportunities to explore, turning your passion into a profitable venture.
How much you can make: $500 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
Boutique Rye is an online-only women's clothing and accessories boutique that has grown to 3,200 Facebook Group members and a successful website through organic customer sharing, live sales, and open communication with customers.
18. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)
As a social media manager, starting an eCommerce store could be a lucrative way to supplement your income or even create a new standalone business. With your deep understanding of online behavior, trends, and digital marketing, you're well-equipped to drive traffic and sales through well-crafted social media strategies. By leveraging your skills, you could effectively promote your eCommerce products to a broad audience, enhancing your reach far beyond traditional brick-and-mortar limitations.
eCommerce is booming due to its convenience and efficiency, and you could capitalize on this trend by setting up an online store where customers can browse and buy your carefully curated products. With lower overhead costs and the ability to reach a global market, your eCommerce venture could thrive through your expertise in creating engaging content, effective ads, and captivating social media campaigns. This approach allows you to showcase your products in a way that resonates with consumers, all from the comfort of your home, tablet, or smartphone.
How much you can make: $350 — $13,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
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.
19. Start an online hobby classes ($3.9M/month)
As a social media manager, you could leverage your expertise in content creation and audience engagement to start an online hobby class business. With your skills in producing high-quality videos and understanding the nuances of different platforms, you are well-positioned to create engaging and professional online classes that attract a wide audience. The online education industry is booming, expected to reach $350 billion by 2025, offering a lucrative opportunity to supplement your income or even pivot into a new full-time venture.
Additionally, your ability to connect with and understand diverse audiences can help tailor your classes to meet student needs, creating a positive learning experience that encourages repeat business and glowing reviews. This entrepreneurial endeavor not only allows you to monetize your passion but also provides the flexibility to manage your schedule while building a loyal customer base.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $7,800,000/month
MillionCenters is a hyperlocal TUTOR/COACHING-CENTER connecting platform that aims to be the one-stop platform for all learning needs, with 50,000 plus downloads and growing in double digits growth rate month-over-month and a customer acquisition rate of USD 1.
20. Start a tax preparation business ($16.5K/month)
As a social media manager, you could leverage your organizational skills and attention to detail by starting a tax preparation business. With your experience in managing complex campaigns and data analysis, transitioning into tax preparation for individuals or small businesses aligns well with your analytical abilities. You could offer specialized services in individual or corporate income taxes, sales taxes, or even property taxes, depending on your expertise.
Moreover, you could take advantage of your marketing knowledge to attract clients effectively. Promoting your tax preparation services on social media platforms could help you gain a steady stream of clients who trust your professional insights. Whether you choose to offer in-home consultations or develop tax preparation software, the ability to manage your own business could provide you with both financial rewards and professional growth.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $25,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 32 days (?)
A4E, a full-service accounting business, grew five times from when it started about a year ago when it was only offering tax services, and its current MRR is around $8k with a targeted MRR of $13k, providing 100% done-for-you accounting solutions that combine bookkeeping, taxes and CFO services under one roof and for an amazing value for US-based businesses in tech-related industries and services.
21. Start a smoking accessories brand ($33.3K/month)
As a social media manager, you could leverage your deep understanding of online engagement and content creation to launch a smoking accessories brand, tapping into a billion-dollar market that is continuously expanding. By creating a professional, yet uniquely relatable brand, you have the opportunity to connect with a niche audience that enjoys the lifestyle of smoking, setting your brand apart from larger, more impersonal competitors.
Your expertise in building online communities and fostering trust through authentic interactions could be integral to gaining customer loyalty. Using your highly developed social media skills, you could craft compelling content, run engaging campaigns, and ultimately drive sales, making this venture a lucrative side business or even a full-time career shift.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $70,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
This case study showcases how a smoking accessories brand called Tetra created a unique and elevated position in the industry, and has since grown to average nearly $20,000 per month in revenue with no outside investment and just a $12,000 initial founders’ outlay.
22. Start a social goods marketplace ($257K/month)
As a social media manager, starting a social goods marketplace could be a fantastic way to supplement your income while making a positive impact. Imagine leveraging your expertise in social media to create and promote an online platform where consumers can purchase ethically produced, sustainable, and fair-trade products. Your ability to create compelling content and engage with a socially conscious audience would be invaluable in attracting discerning shoppers who care about more than just price.
By connecting conscious consumers with artisans and small businesses committed to social impact, you could foster meaningful connections and contribute to a better world. This venture aligns seamlessly with the entrepreneurial spirit, allowing you to combine your social media skills with a mission-driven business. If you’re passionate about ethical consumerism, this could be a fulfilling and profitable side business that amplifies your impact through social responsibility.
How much you can make: $14,500 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 432 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.
23. Start a courier business
As a social media manager, you could leverage your exceptional organizational and communication skills to start a courier business on the side. Utilizing your expertise in managing online presence and engagement, you can effectively market your courier service to individuals, e-commerce stores, law offices, banks, and hospitals.
Starting small as a delivery driver allows you to gain firsthand experience and maintain a flexible schedule, fitting in with your current social media management responsibilities. Over time, as your courier business grows, you could even hire self-employed delivery drivers and invest in delivery vans for bulkier shipments, providing a scalable model to boost your income.
Given your strong time-management skills, balancing both roles can become a practical reality. This venture would not only supplement your income but also expand your entrepreneurial horizons, ultimately enabling you to diversify your skill set and business portfolio.
How much you can make: $5,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Bangladesh-based logistics company Parcelmagic has onboarded over 100 merchants and delivers 10,000 parcels each month within just six months of operation, offering technology-based end-to-end services for small to medium business parcel delivery, individual document and parcel couriers, and corporate logistics service solutions.
24. Start a conference room rental
As a social media manager, you could leverage your strong network and digital presence to attract clients interested in renting a conference room. By using your skills in content creation and online marketing, you could effectively promote the space to freelancers, small businesses, or even local influencers looking for a professional venue to host meetings, workshops, or events.
Moreover, your understanding of audience engagement could help you tailor the rental space to meet the needs of various professionals, ensuring frequent bookings and satisfied clients. This venture could easily complement your existing career by providing an additional income stream while allowing you to exercise your creative and managerial talents in a new capacity.
25. Start a real estate tool
As a social media manager, you could leverage your expertise in audience engagement and digital marketing to develop a real estate tool. This software platform could streamline property management, client relationship management, and market analytics, making it an invaluable resource for real estate professionals. By integrating user-friendly features and continuous updates based on feedback, you may save agents time, reduce errors, and help them make more informed decisions.
This venture could position you as an innovator in the real estate sector while allowing you to supplement your income or scale up into a fully-fledged business. Your familiarity with tech tools and data analysis could be instrumental in making this platform indispensable for the real estate industry. In doing so, you’ll not only diversify your skills but also add significant value to a key market.
26. Start a startup instructing business ($28.4K/month)
As a social media manager, leveraging your expertise by starting a startup instructing business could be a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time venture. You could offer valuable guidance on business planning and marketing strategies to new entrepreneurs, especially those who are looking to establish a strong online presence. Your knowledge of social media algorithms, content creation, and digital marketing would be uniquely beneficial to startups seeking to navigate and succeed in the digital landscape.
To start this on a budget, you could first identify your areas of expertise and the specific niche you want to focus on. Setting up a basic website or creating social media profiles to showcase your services could help attract potential clients. By offering affordable rates initially, you could build a solid reputation through satisfied customers and word-of-mouth referrals, gradually establishing yourself as a trusted advisor in the startup community.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.
27. Start a SEO services ($87.4K/month)
As a social media manager, you already have a solid understanding of digital marketing and online engagement, making SEO services a natural extension of your skill set. By starting an SEO services business, you could help businesses improve their visibility on search engines like Google through tasks such as optimizing website content, building quality backlinks, and conducting keyword research. This could significantly boost their online presence and attract potential customers, providing them with valuable leads.
Given your existing expertise, you could seamlessly integrate SEO strategies into the overall digital marketing packages you offer, allowing you to expand your service offerings and attract a broader client base. With the relatively low start-up costs associated with an SEO business—requiring mainly a computer, an internet connection, and foundational SEO knowledge—you could begin generating additional income with minimal upfront investment. This new venture could not only supplement your current income but also position you as a versatile digital marketing expert, providing comprehensive solutions to your clients' online challenges.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study describes the journey of Russell Michelson who, after leaving his corporate job, turned his WordPress skills into a thriving boutique SEO agency earning $20k/month, thanks to client referrals and Upwork.
28. Start a facebook group ($142K/month)
As a social media manager, starting a Facebook group could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even build an entirely new business. With around 1.8 billion people using Facebook Groups each month, you could leverage this massive user base to create a niche community centered around your expertise. By fostering organic discussions, posting engaging content, and sharing valuable experiences, you could position yourself as an industry leader, attracting potential clients and collaborations.
Moreover, a well-managed Facebook group could be a powerful tool for lead generation and customer acquisition. You could offer exclusive insights, host Q&A sessions, and provide premium content to drive membership engagement. This not only boosts your professional credibility but also creates additional revenue streams through premium memberships, affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts.
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.
29. Start an online education business
As a social media manager, you could leverage your extensive knowledge of social platforms to start a successful online education business. By creating and selling courses or offering one-on-one coaching sessions, you could teach businesses and individuals effective social media strategies, content creation techniques, and analytics interpretation.
Building an online education business allows you to capitalize on your existing expertise and network while creating a scalable income stream. You could also diversify your content by incorporating webinars, e-books, and subscription services, expanding your reach and potential earnings.
30. Start an instrument repair business ($277K/month)
As a social media manager with an entrepreneurial mindset, you could consider starting an instrument repair business to supplement your income or even as a side business. Leveraging your high level of technical aptitude for instrumentation engineering, you could tap into a niche market by offering repair and restoration services for instruments. This could range from fixing minor faults to substantial restorations for a diverse clientele of musicians, from beginners to amateurs.
Moreover, your expertise in social media management could become a significant asset in marketing your services. You could use your skills to build a strong online presence, engage with potential customers, and create content that showcases your repair work, enticing a broader audience. This dual approach not only diversifies your income streams but also allows you to explore a passion for both social media and instrumental craftsmanship.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $550,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
Retro Radio Farm founder, Allen Chiang, earns $50k per year as a side business restoring old radios and offering Bluetooth MP3 upgrades, with the business growing 20% every year.
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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.