29 Business Ideas For Research Specialists [2024]

Updated: September 5th, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a doctor in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a doctor could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Doctors?

We put together 29 of some of the best doctor business ideas you can start in today.

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

Here's the full list:

1. Start a data analysis service ($42.6K/month)

Starting a data analysis service could be an excellent opportunity for research specialists looking to supplement their income or launch a new side business. Leveraging your analytical skills, you could offer services that help businesses make sense of their data, providing insights into customer behavior, optimizing marketing campaigns, and ultimately aiding better decision-making processes. By translating complex data into clear and actionable insights, you could create significant value for your clients.

Given the high demand for data analysis services and the potential profitability of this field, this venture could be particularly lucrative. You already possess the essential knowledge in data analysis, and honing your ability to communicate findings effectively with clients could set your service apart. Moreover, it's not just about making money; your expertise could help businesses unlock new opportunities and enhance their operational efficiency, making your role pivotal in their success.

How much you can make: $20 — $250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

I Built $1.54M/Year Tool That Finds The Best Investment Properties [From UK]

Founder of PropertyData creates a subscription website for UK property investors and developers that is now making $128,000 per month in recurring revenue.

Read by 10,238 founders

2. Start a data mining and analytics tools business ($237K/month)

As a research specialist, starting a data mining and analytics tools business could be a strategic way to supplement your income or even launch a full-fledged enterprise. By leveraging your skills in data analysis and understanding industry-specific needs, you could develop software that transforms raw data into actionable insights. Imagine identifying patterns and trends for key sectors like finance, healthcare, and retail to drive their business decisions.

The demand for data-driven decision-making is skyrocketing, creating a lucrative market for advanced analytics solutions. With expertise in programming, statistics, and machine learning, you could offer businesses the intelligence they need to make better strategic decisions, thus spearheading their success and driving industry transformations. This endeavor combines your technical know-how with a keen sense of market needs, presenting both a challenging and rewarding opportunity.

How much you can make: $450 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 107 days (?)

How We Developed A $40K/Month Email Parser Application

Parseur, the data extraction tool, helps businesses automate their data entry process, catering to multiple industries such as food delivery, real estate and marketing, and has grown to over $40k in revenue per month since its launch in 2017.

Read by 10,496 founders

3. Start an online tool ($13.5K/month)

As a research specialist, starting an online tool can be a lucrative way to supplement your income or even develop into a full-fledged business. Leveraging your expertise in data analysis and problem-solving, you could design a web application that addresses common challenges in your field, such as advanced project management, streamlined scheduling, or efficient financial tracking. Such a tool would simplify everyday tasks, making it highly valuable to other professionals and businesses.

You'll need skills in programming, design, and marketing or the ability to assemble a capable team to help bring your vision to life. The demand for digital solutions is continually growing, driven by the need to increase efficiency and productivity. While launching an online tool involves significant effort, including market research, development, and customer support, the potential returns are substantial.

Your expertise in research can guide you in understanding market needs and identifying gaps, allowing you to create a tool that stands out. This isn't just about coding; it's a commitment to providing ongoing value through technology, driven by user feedback and market trends. If you have an entrepreneurial mindset and a knack for innovation, developing an online tool might be a perfect opportunity to explore.

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 (?)

How We Built An $8K/Month Niche Online Tool [Business Idea Validated On Reddit]

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.

Read by 14,373 founders

4. Start an educational technology product ($48K/month)

As a research specialist, you could leverage your analytical skills to develop an educational technology product that addresses critical gaps in the education system. Imagine creating an innovative app that helps teachers design more effective lesson plans or a gamified platform that simplifies complex concepts for students. Your expertise in data analysis and research methodologies would be instrumental in understanding market needs and user behavior.

By venturing into the edtech space, you could supplement your income, make extra money, or even transition to a full-time entrepreneurial role. This not only allows you to apply your research skills in a new domain but also provides an opportunity to drive meaningful change in education. This blend of technology and education can be highly rewarding, both financially and in terms of personal fulfillment.

How much you can make: $50 — $120,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 67 days (?)

How We Launched An Educational Platform During COVID-19 And Landed Partnerships With Houston Rockets And Whataburger

UpBrainery Technologies, founded by Ghazal Qureshi, revolutionizes STEAM education by providing hands-on learning experiences in the form of education kits, virtual tutoring, and online curriculum, while also offering their services to organizations such as the Girl Scouts, Girls Inc., and the Houston Rockets.

Read by 8,293 founders

5. Start a tutoring or education business ($60.3K/month)

As a research specialist, starting a tutoring or education business could be a lucrative and fulfilling side venture. Leveraging your expertise in specific subjects, you could help students overcome their academic challenges while honing your entrepreneurial skills.

This opportunity allows you to set your own schedule, offering flexibility and independence. By building lasting relationships with students and their parents, you'll not only gain satisfaction from helping others succeed but also potentially create a steady stream of income. Additionally, with the high demand for knowledgeable tutors, this venture can be financially rewarding.

How much you can make: $50 — $235,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $200K/Month Online Makeup Academy

Online makeup academy, Vizio Makeup Academy, founded in 2011 by Anastasia Andreani and her partner, has enrolled over 3,300 students and generated $2.4M in revenue this year, by offering professional makeup courses online and creating their own cosmetic line.

Read by 15,646 founders

6. Start an user feedback app ($28.7K/month)

As a research specialist, your expertise in data analysis and understanding user behavior positions you perfectly to develop a user feedback app. Imagine leveraging your skills to create a platform that solicits, organizes, and analyzes customer feedback in real time—providing businesses with invaluable insights at their fingertips. This is a powerful tool for companies to understand their customer needs and preferences without disrupting the user experience.

By integrating this app seamlessly with websites, mobile apps, and email campaigns, you could help businesses gather actionable data that leads to improved products, services, and overall customer satisfaction. Setting up this business might require some technical know-how, including app development and user experience design, but your background in data analysis gives you a strong foundation.

The potential for this business idea goes beyond just a side hustle. With a subscription model, you could establish a recurring revenue stream, tapping into the constant need for businesses to stay attuned to their customer's desires. This could be a lucrative, sustainable venture, leveraging your existing skills while offering a new entrepreneurial path.

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

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A $4.5K/Month Website With User Flow Design Inspiration

Page Flows is a library of inspiration videos for digital product designers and makes about $4,500 per month in revenue from a small, one-off price, with slow and steady growth and long-tail keyword SEO as key drivers of success.

Read by 9,031 founders

7. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)

As a research specialist, starting an AI-based business solution could be a strategic way to leverage your analytical skills and streamline business operations. By offering AI-driven services, you could help companies enhance their efficiency, reduce costs, and make more informed, data-driven decisions. This involves optimizing various business facets, such as customer service automation, inventory management, and personalized marketing strategies.

The demand for AI solutions is skyrocketing, providing a ripe opportunity for entrepreneurial-minded individuals like yourself to tap into this expanding market. With user-friendly programming interfaces and robust support from platform providers, you don’t need a tech background to get started. Focus on high-impact areas where you can offer the greatest value; your expertise as a research specialist positions you uniquely to pinpoint and address these needs effectively.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month

How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)

How We Launched A $120K/Month Audiobook Publishing Course

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.

Read by 21,996 founders

8. Start a college

As a research specialist, you could channel your expertise and knowledge into starting a niche college focused on your area of specialty. Given your deep understanding of research methodologies, advanced techniques, and the cutting-edge developments in your field, you would be in an excellent position to design a curriculum that meets current and future industry demands.

You could offer programs that provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, thereby attracting students who are passionate about research and eager to gain a competitive edge. Additionally, your connections within the academic and professional communities could help in securing guest lecturers, partnerships, and even funding, making your institution a reputable center for learning and innovation.

Starting a college could not only supplement your income but also establish you as an authority in your field while contributing to the education and development of the next generation of research specialists.

9. Start a transportation service ($331K/month)

As a research specialist, starting a transportation service could provide you with a flexible and profitable side business. Utilizing your analytical skills, you could efficiently manage logistics, ensuring timely and cost-effective transportation solutions, whether you're targeting individual passengers, companies, or global business partners. Your attention to detail will be an asset in setting up the proper business structure, registering the business, and navigating the necessary permits and licenses.

Additionally, your research background could aid in identifying market gaps and optimizing operational procedures, such as hiring competent drivers and maintaining vehicle safety through regular upkeep and recertifications. This side venture not only supplements your income but also leverages your organizational capabilities, offering a practical and lucrative way to diversify your career.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $1,080,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Developed A $6K/Month Parcel Tracking Software While In College

Deepfinity, a proptech/logistics company, has developed an internal parcel tracking software tool that's helping large buildings cope with the influx of online shopping, and has been growing 20% MoM since making its first revenue 1.5 years ago, currently making $6K/Month.

Read by 8,507 founders

10. Start a vr based classrooms

As a research specialist, your deep expertise in data analysis and experimental design could be instrumental in creating cutting-edge VR classrooms. You could leverage your research skills to develop immersive educational experiences that enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. By using VR technology, you can design virtual environments where students can explore complex theories and concepts in a more interactive and memorable way.

Additionally, your ability to identify gaps in current educational methodologies would allow you to tailor VR lesson plans that meet specific learning needs effectively. This side business could not only supplement your income but also position you as a pioneer in educational technology. If you are passionate about VR and its potential to revolutionize learning, starting a VR classroom application could be a fulfilling and profitable entrepreneurial endeavor.

11. Start a customer intelligence analytics business ($107K/month)

As a research specialist, your analytical skills and attention to detail make starting a customer intelligence analytics business a natural extension of your expertise. By leveraging your ability to dissect and interpret data, you could assist businesses in making better-informed decisions and improving overall customer satisfaction. This could greatly enhance their marketing strategies and customer retention rates.

In this entrepreneurial venture, you would analyze customer interactions and extract valuable insights that can steer businesses toward more effective strategies. With tools like Verint's customer intelligence platform, which has helped organizations generate significant revenue, you could provide actionable intelligence that’s crucial for any business looking to stay competitive. The demand for these services spans from small businesses eager to optimize their sales tactics to large corporations aiming for higher retention rates.

Overall, by utilizing your research skills to deliver high-impact customer insights, you could create a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture. The growing popularity of customer intelligence analytics ensures there will be a steady market for your expertise.

How much you can make: $100 — $840,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Developed A $30K/Month Open Source CRM

EspoCRM, an open-source CRM application for small and mid-size businesses, has seen an average of over 16,000 downloads per year and makes up to $30k per month, offering efficient tools to systematize customer data, improve sales cycles, and automate routine administrative tasks.

Read by 10,959 founders

12. Start a social media marketing service ($97.8K/month)

As a research specialist, you could leverage your analytical skills and keen eye for trends to start a social media marketing service. By helping businesses enhance their online presence through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, you could utilize your expertise in data analysis to craft targeted marketing strategies and fine-tune campaigns based on engagement metrics.

This side business provides the flexibility to work around your current career while eventually scaling up as you gain more clients and expertise. Establishing your reputation in this field not only offers an additional income stream but can also lead to recurring revenue, making you an indispensable asset to businesses seeking to grow their digital footprint.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,380 (?)

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

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

MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.

Read by 15,249 founders

13. Digital products ($261K/month)

As a research specialist, you could leverage your expertise to create digital products like detailed eBooks, in-depth courses, or specialized research tools catered to your niche audience. With the rising popularity and ease of creating and sharing digital products, you could start building a business that delivers high-quality, information-based resources.

Given your skill set, launching a membership site or an online community where you offer exclusive research insights and data analysis could also be a viable option. The beauty of digital products lies in their low overhead; you don't have to manage physical inventory, allowing you to focus entirely on delivering value to your audience directly from your website.

How much you can make: $10,417 — $1,766,666/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

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

How We Created A $30K/Month Marketplace Of Photo Filters And Digital Assets For Creatives

FilterGrade is an eCommerce platform offering digital assets such as photo filters and video templates; attracting over 450,000 monthly users and generating approximately 30k a month, the founders worked hard to build a valuable marketplace for creators while focusing on digital marketing, partnerships, and content creation.

Read by 11,056 founders

14. Start a writing tool ($381K/month)

As a research specialist, you could use your analytical skills and attention to detail to develop a writing tool that addresses common challenges in drafting well-structured and engaging content. By leveraging your expertise in crafting precise and insightful research papers, you could create software that offers essential features like grammar checking, style suggestions, and AI-generated content ideas.

Such a tool could appeal to a wide audience, including students, professionals, bloggers, and novelists, all seeking to elevate the quality of their written work. Whether users are working on academic papers, business reports, or creative writing, your tool could provide them with the support they need to communicate more effectively.

Embarking on this journey would involve rigorous research, software development, and ongoing updates to stay aligned with user needs. This business idea allows you to supplement your income, make extra money, or even pivot into a full-time entrepreneurial venture, all while making a significant impact on how people write and share their ideas.

How much you can make: $30 — $2,000,000/month

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

I Built An Online Word Counter Tool That Makes $20K/Month [Google's Top Result]

Founder Kevin Miller's online word counter tool achieved over 300,000 keyword rankings, over 2,400 domain referrals and made $40,000 per month through Google's top results in just two years through SEO practices, proving the value of investing in quality and SEO.

Read by 12,359 founders

15. Start a business growth service ($151K/month)

Considering your skills as a research specialist, starting a business growth service could be a compelling opportunity. You could leverage your expertise in data analysis and research methods to offer valuable insights into market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes. This analytical foundation is crucial for crafting tailored growth strategies that help businesses scale efficiently and strategically.

By focusing on areas such as enhancing digital marketing efforts, optimizing customer acquisition channels, and refining business models, you could play a pivotal role in guiding businesses through transformative changes. Given the increasing complexities of today’s business environment, companies are eagerly seeking specialized growth services. If you possess a knack for strategic thinking and a passion for helping companies succeed, this venture could supplement your income or even become a primary business.

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

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

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

How I Launched A $5K/Month Platform To Connect With Growth Mentors

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.

Read by 46,029 founders

16. Start a productivity tool ($71.3K/month)

As a research specialist, starting a productivity tool could allow you to leverage your in-depth understanding of the research process and the unique challenges faced by professionals in your field. You could identify specific productivity hurdles, such as managing large volumes of data, tracking project timelines, or organizing literature reviews, and develop a user-friendly software solution that addresses these needs effectively.

This entrepreneurial venture could diversify your income streams while directly aligning with your expertise and daily work practices. By creating a tool that improves efficiency and streamlines tasks, you not only generate potential revenue but also enhance your own and your colleagues' productivity, making a meaningful impact on the research community.

Additionally, marketing your productivity tool with a focus on its practical benefits and offering a free trial could attract a broad range of users. This approach ensures that your software gains traction and credibility among research professionals looking for innovative solutions to optimize their workflow.

How much you can make: $30 — $500,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

I Built A Website Blocker That Generates $100K Per Year @ 95% Profit

Learn how a designer and developer from Indonesia created Session, an app that helps people stay focused by blocking distractions, which currently makes $5.8K per month in revenue through its freemium business model.

Read by 16,877 founders

17. Start an ecommerce marketing agency ($463K/month)

As a research specialist, starting an ecommerce marketing agency presents an exciting entrepreneurial opportunity where you could leverage your analytical skills to help online sellers achieve their business goals. Typically, online sellers need substantial support to stay current with ever-evolving ecommerce trends and implementing effective marketing strategies. Your expertise in conducting detailed research and analyzing market data could provide these businesses with actionable insights that enable them to make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge.

You could offer services ranging from market research and customer analysis to crafting data-driven marketing campaigns, allowing ecommerce brands to focus on production and creative aspects without being bogged down by technical challenges. By educating yourself continuously on the latest ecommerce trends and building strong digital marketing skills, you could develop a reputation for delivering highly tailored, effective solutions. This could help you carve out a profitable niche in the industry or offer comprehensive services that cater to your clients' varied needs.

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 (?)

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

Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.

Read by 15,833 founders

18. Start an online marketing business ($169K/month)

As a research specialist, your analytical skills and deep understanding of data could seamlessly translate into an online marketing business, making it a strategic choice for supplementing your income or starting a full-fledged venture. Your ability to dissect complex information would allow you to master SEO, content creation, and analytics, enabling you to craft highly effective online marketing strategies for businesses.

By leveraging your research expertise, you could help companies enhance their online presence, guiding them to the top of search results or engineering viral social media campaigns. Starting small with ambitious businesses eager to grow, you'll gradually build a compelling portfolio, demonstrating the tangible results of your work. This entrepreneurial path offers not only flexibility and scalability but also the gratification of driving client success and carving out a dynamic niche in the digital marketing world.

How much you can make: $100 — $1,783,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

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

How I Created A $5M/Year LinkedIn Marketing Automation Tool

Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.

Read by 8,921 founders

19. Become a content strategist ($64K/month)

Transitioning into a content strategist role could be a natural progression for a research specialist with an entrepreneurial mindset. In the fast-evolving digital landscape, your skills in market research, data analysis, and staying abreast of industry trends could be invaluable in identifying and understanding target audiences for various companies. By leveraging this expertise, you could offer tailored content strategies that effectively align with clients' business goals and objectives.

Moreover, your strong communication and collaboration skills would allow you to work seamlessly with marketing and sales teams, ensuring that content is not only engaging but also strategic and results-driven. Managing multiple projects and deadlines would benefit from your organizational capabilities, helping you build a reputable business that secures long-term contracts. Ultimately, becoming a content strategist offers a lucrative opportunity to diversify your career while utilizing your core competencies.

How much you can make: $500 — $550,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)

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

How I Started An $8K/Month Technical Content Marketing Agency

Draft founder, Karl, built a productized service for technical content, generating $10k in (mostly) recurring revenue in just three months of running the business, showing the success of skill-stacking and the impact of word of mouth and maintaining a strong network in a service business.

Read by 10,115 founders

20. Become a drone blogger

As a research specialist, you could leverage your analytical skills and attention to detail to start a drone blogging side business. Your proficiency in research could help you identify niche markets and trending topics within the drone community, enhancing the relevance and appeal of your content. This could attract a dedicated audience interested in detailed reviews, how-to guides, and in-depth analyses of drone technology and applications.

Additionally, your experience with data collection and presentation could be utilized to create engaging and informative videos and articles. Monetizing your blog through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or even creating your own drone-related products could provide a lucrative supplemental income. If your blog gains significant traction, it could potentially evolve into a full-fledged business, capitalizing on the growing interest in drone technology.

21. Start a beauty business ($154K/month)

As a research specialist, your analytical skills and attention to detail could be a significant asset in the beauty industry, which is experiencing rapid growth and is forecasted to surpass $716 billion by 2025. You could leverage your expertise to identify emerging trends, conduct market analysis, and develop data-driven strategies for a profitable beauty business.

Diving into the sectors of makeup, skincare, or hair products, you could use your research acumen to innovate and create high-quality, competitive products. Your background in meticulous study and analysis could also help you in understanding customer needs and improving product formulations, ensuring that your offerings stand out in a crowded market.

Moreover, your ability to interpret complex data and consumer behavior could aid in creating effective marketing campaigns and maximizing ROI, making your beauty business not just a side venture but a potentially lucrative enterprise. With the beauty industry growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 4.75%, the opportunities for research-driven entrepreneurship are vast and promising.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $658,333/month

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

How I Started A $650K/Month Hair Extensions And Products Business

Private Label Extensions is a hair distribution and technology company that builds hair brands from A to Z for entrepreneurs, achieving over $650,000 in monthly sales and ranked #278 of the fastest-growing companies by Inc Magazine for 2018.

Read by 37,849 founders

22. Start a host gold coin shows business

As a research specialist, you could leverage your analytical skills and attention to detail to excel in the host gold coin shows business. Your expertise in data analysis and market research would enable you to identify valuable and trend-worthy gold coins, ensuring you present a curated selection that attracts collectors and investors alike. By applying your research methodologies, you could stay ahead of market trends and offer insightful presentations that educate your audience about the historical and financial significance of different gold coins.

Moreover, your ability to communicate complex information clearly could be vital in establishing yourself as a trusted authority in the field. This would enhance your credibility and help you build a loyal customer base. Additionally, transitioning to a side business in hosting gold coin shows could diversify your income streams and provide a fulfilling avenue to apply your research expertise in a new and exciting industry.

23. Start a caulking and flashing service business

As a research specialist, you likely possess keen attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem-solving—both highly transferable skills for starting a caulking and flashing service business. Leveraging your analytical skills, you could meticulously assess building structures and identify areas that require sealing, ensuring top-notch quality and precision in your work.

This venture also involves understanding materials and their properties, which aligns closely with research methodologies you might already be familiar with. By applying your research skills to gather the best practices and latest technologies in caulking and flashing, you could provide a high-quality, reliable service that stands out in the market.

24. Start a health education company

As a research specialist, starting a health education company could be a highly rewarding and synergistic venture. Your expertise in data analysis, scientific methods, and critical thinking would allow you to develop evidence-based educational programs that can significantly improve community health literacy. You could offer workshops, online courses, and personalized coaching sessions that translate complex health data into actionable insights for the general public.

Your deep understanding of research methodologies would provide a solid foundation for producing reliable, high-quality content that sets your company apart from competitors. Additionally, your existing network of professionals and institutions could serve as a valuable resource for collaboration and credibility. This venture not only helps you supplement your income but also leverages your skillset in a meaningful way, making a tangible impact on public health.

25. Become a herbal and ayurvedic products distributor ($270K/month)

As a research specialist, you could leverage your analytical skills and knowledge base to enter the growing market for herbal and ayurvedic products. Experts anticipate this market to reach $21.6 billion in the next few years due to its focus on holistic health, which aligns with current wellness trends. This data-driven insight indicates a lucrative opportunity for a supplemental income stream.

You could start by listing these products on popular eCommerce platforms or engage in dropshipping services to minimize initial investment and overhead costs. Your expertise in research could help you identify high-quality, in-demand products, and effectively analyze market trends to maximize profitability and ensure business growth.

How much you can make: $39,999 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 178 days (?)

How I Started A Seven Figure Superfood Brand [From Nigeria]

Aspiring founders can learn from how Herbal Goodness grew from a single product to a six-figure superfood brand by leveraging organic ingredients like papaya leaves and seeds, utilizing strategic partnerships, and maintaining patience and persistence, achieving impressive revenue growth from $300 in their first year to over $30,000 in the second year.

Read by 6,036 founders

26. Start a towing service

Starting a towing service as a research specialist could be an intriguing entrepreneurial venture that leverages your analytical skills and project management expertise. You could apply your strategic thinking to effectively manage a fleet, optimize routes, and ensure efficient service delivery, all of which are critical to a successful towing business. Additionally, your ability to gather and interpret data could help you identify peak times and high-demand areas, allowing for maximized profitability.

For those looking to supplement their income, towing services offer flexibility. You could start part-time, operating evenings and weekends, while gradually scaling as demand increases. The initial investment is relatively low if you already possess a vehicle, and the need for towing services remains constant, ensuring a steady customer base.

By entering the towing industry, you could diversify your income streams and gain valuable business experience, which could be beneficial for future ventures. This side business could also provide a practical solution for the occasional research budget shortfall, effectively merging your professional discipline with entrepreneurial aspirations.

How much you can make: $415,000/month

How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)

I Quit My Full-Time Job & Launched A $5M/Year Towing & Auto Repair Business

Finish Line Towing & Auto Repair is Wisconsin's largest roadside assistance provider, bringing in $5 million in annual sales through its dedication to customer service, effective dispatching, and clean service, with a goal of expanding to other markets in Wisconsin and Illinois.

Read by 4,766 founders

27. Start a bibliography and citation app

As a research specialist, you could leverage your unique understanding of academic needs and data integrity to develop a bibliography and citation app. This tool could cater to teachers, students, and web content writers who frequently need accurate and organized references. Your app could stand out by integrating with curated online catalogues like Google Scholar, Springer, or MathSciNet, ensuring that users get the most accurate and relevant bibliographic data quickly and securely.

Given the increasing demands on scholars and researchers to maximize their productivity, the need for efficient bibliography and citation tools is only set to grow. By creating an app that prioritizes simplicity, privacy, and speed, you could fill a vital gap in the market while supplementing your income or even transitioning to a full-time entrepreneurial venture. This business idea allows you to capitalize on your existing expertise, while addressing a recurring pain point in the research community.

How much you can make: $500/month

How I Developed A $500/Month App To Create Citations And Bibliographies

Citationsy is an online referencing generator launched in 2017 that grew from nothing to over 200,000 users as of February 2020, all through word-of-mouth and SEO, and is making a profit every month without spending any money on marketing or Google ads with a customer acquisition cost that is essentially zero.

Read by 5,421 founders

28. Start a web design & online marketing business ($129K/month)

As a research specialist, you could leverage your analytical skills and attention to detail to excel in a web design and online marketing business. Your ability to gather and interpret data could give you a significant advantage in understanding market trends and consumer behavior, which is critical in creating effective marketing strategies.

The online marketing industry is massive and growing, with projections estimating it to reach $400 billion in the next four years. By starting a web design and online marketing business, you could tap into this lucrative market, offering services that range from developing user-friendly websites to crafting targeted digital marketing campaigns. This side business not only supplements your income but also gives you room to apply your research expertise in a new, entrepreneurial context.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $800,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $10K/Month Business Selling DIY Web Design And Marketing Courses

How Shannon Mattern built a DIY web design training business from scratch that now generates $10k/month in revenue through affiliate commissions and courses, without outside investment or debt.

Read by 21,223 founders

29. Start a nutrition supplements business ($248K/month)

As a research specialist, your expertise in data analysis and scientific methodology positions you uniquely to venture into the nutrition supplements industry. This multi-billion dollar market prioritizes improving health and well-being, making it ripe with opportunities. You could utilize your skills to conduct in-depth competition analysis, identify market gaps, and explore customer acquisition models more effectively.

You could also leverage your research background to develop evidence-based, high-quality supplements that stand out in a crowded market. Alternatively, working as a supply chain consultant for existing manufacturers could offer an additional revenue stream while utilizing your analytical skills. This side business or full-time venture would not only supplement your income but also allow you to make a meaningful impact on public health.

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

How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)

How I Created A $30K/Month Greens Superfood Powder Supplement

SuperGreen TONIK's founder developed a greens powder supplement with 38 superfood nutrients, adaptogenic herbs, vitamins, and minerals that achieved $250k in sales in its first year and is looking to hit 7-figures in its second year, thanks to transparency, repeat customers, and focusing on fewer, properly dosed ingredients.

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Pat Walls