Business Ideas For Men [2024]
In 2024, the world of business is brimming with possibilities, especially for men who are ready to take the plunge. Whether you're looking to supplement your income or seeking a new full-time venture, there are countless opportunities tailored just for you. By focusing on your skills and passions, you could find a small business idea that fits like a glove.
From tech-savvy startups to hands-on service industries, the options are endless. Are you good with numbers or have a knack for design? You could turn those strengths into a thriving business with the right approach. This article will explore 48 of the best small business ideas, providing you with the insights needed to get started.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other men businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Creating a niche blog can be an excellent way for men to share their expertise on a specific topic while supplementing their income. Whether you're passionate about fashion, video games, film reviews, or cooking, a niche blog allows you to connect with like-minded individuals and build a loyal following. By producing unique and informative content, you can attract advertisers, gain affiliate deals, and even collaborate with brands that align with your interests, opening a myriad of opportunities to generate revenue.
To start, identify a profitable and underserved niche, then create content that resonates with your audience. By consistently engaging with your followers and investing time in your blog, you could turn your passion into a steady side income or even a full-time business.
Find more details on how to succeed with a niche blog here.
Why start a niche blog?
- It allows you to turn your passion into income by creating content about subjects you love and know well.
- You can build a personal brand and establish yourself as an expert in your chosen field.
- It's a flexible way to earn additional income, as you can work on your blog in your spare time from virtually anywhere.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
2. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business can be a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time endeavor for men who are entrepreneurial-minded. Subscription boxes cater to niche markets by offering a curated selection of products on a monthly basis, creating a sense of exclusivity and anticipation among customers. To succeed in this industry, you could focus on understanding your target audience, ensuring high-quality products, designing an appealing box, partnering with reliable fulfillment companies, and effectively marketing your service.
Why consider starting a subscription box business?
- High Demand: With growing interest in personalized and convenient shopping experiences, subscription boxes are increasingly popular.
- Repeat Revenue: Monthly subscriptions provide a steady income stream, making financial planning easier.
- Niche Market Opportunity: You will have the chance to cater to specific interests or hobbies, allowing for targeted, effective marketing strategies.
To learn more about the potential of subscription box businesses, check out these success stories.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
3. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
If you're looking for a focused online business that offers both creative freedom and potential revenue, consider building a niche website. This venture allows you to center on a specialized topic, serving a dedicated audience with targeted content and products. Monetization options are varied—whether through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products, your specialized content can generate income. For entrepreneurial-minded men, this is a perfect avenue to channel your interests and expertise into a rewarding online business.
Explore successful niche website stories to inspire your own project.
Why start a niche website?
- As a men, you could leverage your unique interests and hobbies to create highly engaging content.
- A niche website can generate passive income, freeing you to pursue other entrepreneurial activities.
- This business offers flexibility, allowing you to work on it alongside your full-time job if needed.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
4. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business is an excellent way for entrepreneurial-minded men to supplement their income or even build a full-fledged business. This model eliminates the need for significant upfront investment in inventory, allowing you to focus on choosing a niche, setting up a compelling online store, and driving sales through effective marketing. With platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce and reliable suppliers from AliExpress, the barriers to entry are low, making it a scalable and flexible business option.
Why starting a dropshipping business?
- Dropshipping requires minimal startup capital, allowing you to enter the market without heavy financial burdens.
- This model offers adaptability, enabling you to pivot and explore different niches based on market demand.
- You gain the freedom to focus on marketing and customer relations, which are crucial for scaling your business and ensuring long-term success.
Thinking about starting a dropshipping business? Explore some marketing ideas from successful dropshipping businesses to get inspired and start planning today.
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.
5. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business is a smart way for men to supplement their income or build a full-fledged business without the hefty overhead costs associated with production. This venture allows you to purchase goods or services for the purpose of resale, giving you the flexibility to pivot based on trending products and market demand. Plus, with platforms like social media or online marketplaces, you can kickstart your business even before investing in a dedicated website.
Why consider an ecommerce reselling business?
- You could start with minimal investment and scale your operations as revenue grows.
- This model offers flexibility, allowing you to manage your business around other commitments, making it an ideal side hustle.
- Leveraging ecommerce platforms provides a vast customer base, increasing your chances of higher sales.
For more information, you can check out some success stories on how to start an ecommerce reselling business here.
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.
6. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Venturing into mobile app development could be a viable way to supplement your income, make extra money, or even launch an entirely new business. As technology continues to integrate into everyday life, mobile apps offer limitless opportunities for innovative solutions spanning entertainment, productivity, and convenience. In 2024, the demand for mobile applications remains robust, and with the right idea, your app could attract a significant user base and generate substantial revenue.
The process involves taking a solid concept, planning the user experience, designing engaging interfaces, and ensuring your app runs smoothly through rigorous testing. While coding knowledge is beneficial, you could also hire skilled developers to bring your vision to life. Effective marketing strategies will be crucial to attract and retain users, making your app a success.
Why should you create a mobile app?
- Mobile apps are essential in daily life, providing vast potential for innovative solutions.
- An app solving a widespread problem or offering entertainment can attract substantial user traction.
- With dedication and a strong strategy, the revenue possibilities from app downloads and in-app purchases are considerable.
For more on mobile app business ideas and success stories, explore more detailed pages here.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
7. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Starting a health and wellness app could be an excellent venture for you if you're passionate about fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being. This app aims to offer personalized fitness routines, tailored nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking, effectively serving as a virtual coach in your pocket. By developing such an app, you'll not only have the potential to impact others' lives positively but also tap into a rapidly growing market. Learn more about startup costs here.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- Address a growing market by meeting the increasing demand for digital health solutions.
- Leverage your passion for fitness and tech to create a meaningful and profitable business.
- Build a platform that can continually generate revenue through subscriptions or in-app purchases.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
8. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business offers a great opportunity for men to supplement their income and flex their creative muscles. This venture allows you to turn your photography hobby into a profitable side hustle or full-time business, generating passive income from high-quality stock photos. You could build a robust portfolio and sell your photos to businesses for marketing purposes, all while showcasing your unique perspective through your lens.
Why consider starting a stock photography business?
- Flexible schedule: You could build your business around your existing commitments, making it ideal for a side hustle.
- Low startup cost: With some quality photography gear and basic photo editing software, you are ready to start.
- Passive income: Once your photos are uploaded, they could generate revenue for years with minimal ongoing effort.
For more insights on how to start a stock photography business, check out this stock photography business success story on Starter Story.
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.
9. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Considering an AI-based business solution could be a smart move, especially in today's tech-driven landscape. By leveraging artificial intelligence, you have the potential to streamline various business operations, from improving customer interactions to automating repetitive tasks seamlessly. Plus, you don't need an extensive tech background to get started—modern platforms make it more accessible than ever for someone with entrepreneurial ambitions.
The market demand for AI-driven solutions is skyrocketing as businesses increasingly seek ways to stay competitive and efficient. With a well-thought-out implementation plan, AI can offer you the chance to significantly boost business performance and tap into a growing industry. If you're looking to innovate and make a substantial impact, an AI-based business solution is a promising avenue to explore. See more about AI-based business solutions.
Why consider an AI-based business solution?
- AI can automate tedious tasks, freeing up your time to focus on strategic growth.
- You'll have access to advanced tools that provide insightful data analysis, helping you make informed decisions.
- The market for AI solutions is rapidly expanding, offering numerous opportunities for scaling your business.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
10. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be the ideal side hustle to supplement your income, especially if you have a knack for creating compelling video content. By sharing your expertise, passions, or hobbies, you not only build a platform for yourself but also open up revenue streams through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
The versatility of YouTube allows you to focus your channel on anything that interests you, from how-to guides and vlogs to educational content and entertainment—you dictate the narrative. While it does require a commitment to consistently produce high-quality content, the potential rewards can be significant.
Why consider starting a YouTube channel?
- You can monetize your passions. Turn hobbies and interests into revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
- You get to build a community. Engage with viewers who share your interests, creating a loyal fanbase.
- The flexibility is unbeatable. Set your own schedule, content, and pace, making it easier to balance with other commitments.
For more inspiration and practical tips, check out some success stories and marketing ideas on Starter Story.
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.
11. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business is a great way for men to supplement their income or even build a full-fledged business. It involves promoting other companies' products or services and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral. This model is flexible and allows you to work from anywhere, making it an excellent option for those with entrepreneurial ambitions.
To get started, you'll need to identify the right products and brands to partner with, which align with your interests and expertise. For instance, you could become an affiliate marketer for an eCommerce store or partner with a manufacturer to market their products. For more insights, consider visiting Starter Story's affiliate marketing business profitability section.
Why consider starting an affiliate marketing business?
- Minimal startup costs, requiring only a website or social media presence to begin.
- Potential for passive income as you earn commissions 24/7, even while you’re asleep.
- Flexibility to work from anywhere, allowing you to balance other commitments or jobs.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
12. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business is a practical way for men to supplement their income, make extra money, or even launch a full-fledged side business. With the freedom to design unique, trendy products and sell them without the need for upfront inventory, you have the flexibility to operate from anywhere. By leveraging platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you could easily reach a global audience and monetize your creativity.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- Low startup costs mean you can begin without significant financial risk.
- The dropshipping model allows you to focus on design while production and fulfillment are handled for you.
- Operate from the comfort of your home, giving you ample time for other commitments or passions.
For more inspiration and ideas, you could check out this detailed success stories about print-on-demand businesses.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
13. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast can be an excellent way for men to supplement their income or even establish a full-fledged business. Podcasting allows you to share your passions and expertise with a broad audience, creating a platform for both entertainment and educational content. By leveraging social media and online communities, you could grow your audience organically and attract potential sponsors or advertisers.
Why start a podcast?
- It’s cost-effective and easy to start—just basic recording equipment and a hosting platform are needed.
- It allows you to carve out a niche and build a loyal following around topics you are passionate about.
- There are multiple monetization avenues, from sponsorships to merchandise, that could turn your hobby into a sustainable income source.
For more detailed guidance on kickstarting your podcast, check out this comprehensive podcast startup guide.
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.
14. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Navigating the world of stock investing can be a lucrative venture if you’ve got a knack for financial markets. A stock investing business revolves around buying and selling stocks to generate profit. It’s all about analyzing market trends, making informed decisions, and executing trades with precision.
For those intrigued by finance and numbers, this business offers an exciting avenue to turn passion into profit. Educational resources and trading platforms can equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge. However, it requires dedication, continuous learning, and a keen eye on market movements. Explore successful stock investing stories here.
Why start a stock investing business?
- You could achieve financial independence by creating streams of passive income.
- With the right strategies, there’s potential for high returns and substantial growth.
- This field rewards analytical thinking and disciplined decision-making, traits that align well with entrepreneurial goals.
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.
15. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
Starting a real estate investment firm could be an excellent way for you to supplement your income or even build a full-time business. The core activities, such as scouting lucrative properties, negotiating deals, and managing rentals, align well with practical and entrepreneurial skill sets often honed by men. The real estate market offers substantial profit potential through property appreciation and steady income from rental properties.
Why consider starting a real estate investment firm?
- Real estate offers significant long-term value growth, turning your investments into profitable assets over time.
- Managing and negotiating property deals allows you to leverage and build upon your practical and strategic skills.
- Rental income provides a consistent revenue stream, helping to diversify your income sources.
For more insights on starting your own real estate investment business, check out these success stories from real entrepreneurs.
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.
16. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)
Starting a niche investment platform offers a compelling opportunity for men who are keen on supplementing their income or launching a full-fledged side business. With modern technology enabling transparent and secure trading ecosystems, there is unprecedented flexibility in portfolio combinations, catering to specialized investors. By building an exclusive user base, you could generate recurring revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions, providing an alternative to traditional investments like volatile stock markets.
For those passionate about alternative asset classes such as collectibles, cryptocurrencies, or even up-and-coming athletes, a niche exchange offers unique asset diversification. You have the chance to carve out a niche market that not only fills a gap but also leverages your specific interests and expertise. Platforms focusing on these specialized assets can attract a devoted community of like-minded investors.
Check out successful niche investment platform startups.
Why consider starting a niche investment platform?
- You can target specialized asset classes and attract devoted, expert clients.
- Recurring revenue from transaction fees and premium subscriptions create consistent income streams.
- It offers asset diversification options appealing to investors seeking alternatives to traditional markets.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
17. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
Starting an online survey tool can be an excellent way for entrepreneurial men to supplement their income, make extra money, or even establish a full-scale business. As a man with an interest in tech and business, you could benefit from the growing popularity and necessity of online surveys. Businesses increasingly rely on these tools to gather customer feedback, improve services, and develop new products, making this a lucrative opportunity.
Why create an online survey tool?
- High demand for data collection: Businesses need to gather customer feedback to make informed decisions, creating a steady market for your service.
- Scalability and flexibility: Online survey tools offer recurring revenue potential and can be easily scaled as your customer base grows.
- Leverage existing tech skills: You could utilize and enhance your technical and analytical skills, turning them into a profitable venture.
For more insights on starting an online survey tool business, visit Starter Story: Success Stories.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
18. Develop a data clean room software
Starting a business in data clean room software offers a unique opportunity for men looking to supplement their income or establish a side venture. In an era where data privacy is paramount, this innovative solution allows for secure, compliant data analysis across multiple industries, including marketing, finance, and healthcare. With the ability to anonymize and aggregate data without compromising sensitive information, the potential applications and demand are substantial.
Data clean rooms enable secure data collaboration, making them essential tools for improving ad targeting or advancing medical research while maintaining data integrity. If you have a passion for data security and a knack for developing robust software solutions, this could be a rewarding business opportunity. Crafting a platform that meets stringent security measures and forms strategic partnerships can ensure your venture stands out in a growing market Learn more about startup costs here.
Why develop a data clean room software?
- High-demand industry: As data privacy becomes increasingly critical, businesses are actively seeking secure ways to collaborate on data.
- Diverse applications: From marketing firms to healthcare organizations, this technology offers opportunities across multiple sectors.
- Empowering experience: Creating a solution that ensures data privacy could position you as a key player in the innovation landscape, combining technical skills with entrepreneurial spirit.
19. Start an email marketing tool ($235K/month)
Starting an email marketing tool could be a profitable business venture for entrepreneurial-minded men. As email marketing remains one of the most effective marketing channels, there are endless opportunities to provide value to businesses looking to grow their customer base. The email marketing industry is set to expand significantly, reaching an estimated $2.53 billion by 2028, making now the perfect time to dive in and offer unique tools that meet the demands of various businesses.
Why start an email marketing tool?
- Email marketing is a booming industry, with billions of dollars in potential revenue.
- Creating an email tool leverages your technical skills and business acumen, making it an intellectually stimulating venture.
- You could help countless businesses automate their email campaigns, improving their marketing efforts and driving their success.
To learn more about the ins and outs of starting an email marketing tool, check out this comprehensive guide here.
How much you can make: $120 — $2,083,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 170 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
20. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business could be an excellent opportunity to supplement your income or build a full-fledged business, especially if you’re tech-savvy and have a flair for marketing. By creating tools and services that manage multiple social media accounts, schedule posts, and analyze performance metrics, you help businesses and influencers elevate their online presence effortlessly.
Given the ever-growing need for consistent social media engagement, this business model holds significant potential for profitability. If you have the ability to stay updated on social media trends and develop relationships with clients, you could turn this into a highly rewarding venture. For more insights and success stories, you can explore further here: www.starterstory.com/ideas/social-media-automation-business/startup-costs.
Why start a social media automation business?
- You could capitalize on the increasing demand for efficient social media management tools.
- It's a scalable business model with the potential for a high return on investment.
- Utilizing your skills in technology and marketing, you could create valuable solutions that save clients time and enhance their digital presence.
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.
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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.
