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Find Your Next Business Idea

At Starter Story, we've interviewed thousands of successful founders and collected a ton of data on their businesses.

We took this data and put together a database of 7,319 potential business ideas, with loads of data, like revenue, startup costs, size of market, and much more.

To narrow down what you're looking for, you can use the filters, search, or sorting below. Enjoy!

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#1 in Business Ideas

Did you know that in the past five years there has been more than a 50% increase in the number of people who read newsletters?

Email newsletters are a great way to connect with customers and potential customers. It's a newsletter's job to inform, persuade, and sell to your audience.

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  • The average monthly revenue for a newsletter is $665,000 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $62 to $39,287 to start a newsletter
  • A newsletter would typically see a gross margin of 40%
  • The main growth channel for a newsletter is SEO
  • A newsletter usually works with a Software business model
  • The most popular tools used by newsletter founders are LiquidWeb, Cloudflare, Stripe
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#2 in Business Ideas

Growing a niche blog can be an incredible way to build an income on the Internet. Starting a blog in any niche is easy. You simply need a domain, hosting, and WordPress to start blogging. The hard part comes when you try to monetize your website traffic. Making income from your blog, and making a blog that actually pays you the money takes time, work, and effort.

There are more than 500 million blogs out of 1.7 billion websites. Over 409 million people view more than 20 billion pages each month. Users produce around 70 million new posts and 77 million new comments each month. Content marketing is predicted to be an industry worth $412.88B by 2021.

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  • The average monthly revenue for a niche blog is $10,604 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $62 to $38,161 to start a niche blog
  • A niche blog would typically see a gross margin of 80%
  • The main growth channel for a niche blog is SEO
  • A niche blog usually works with a Advertising business model
  • The most popular tools used by niche blog founders are Google Drive, Google Analytics, Paypal
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#3 in Business Ideas

There's a reason we often talk about trends in hip-hop and pop culture when we talk about hairstyles — they often have a lot to do with advancements in the hair product industry. The industry is expected to grow to 102 billion dollars by 2024.

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  • The average monthly revenue for a hair product line is $550,610 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $62 to $41,323 to start a hair product line
  • A hair product line would typically see a gross margin of 70%
  • The main growth channel for a hair product line is Advertising on social media
  • A hair product line usually works with a E-Commerce business model
  • The most popular tools used by hair product line founders are Instagram, Hubspot, Moz
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#4 in Business Ideas

The iPhone is the most popular mobile device in the world. It has changed the way we interact with information, entertainment, and communication.

The iPhone has also changed the way we interact with each other. Since its release in 2007, it has become a staple in most people's lives. It is more than just a phone; it is a tool for staying connected to our friends and family and for creating new connections.

The iPhone app market is an ever-changing landscape of innovation: it's not just about making something that works well; it's about creating something that stands out from the crowd.

In order to succeed in this market, you need to have something that appeals to your audience. This can be as simple as making sure your app has a catchy name or as complex as developing an entire brand identity around your app's functionality.

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  • The average monthly revenue for an iPhone app is $3,140 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $62 to $58,260 to start an iPhone app
  • An iphone app would typically see a gross margin of 22%
  • The main growth channel for an iPhone app is Partnerships
  • An iphone app usually works with a Advertising business model
  • The most popular tools used by iPhone app founders are Trello, MailChimp, Jira
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#5 in Business Ideas

Dropshipping allows you to start your online e-commerce store without stock-keeping. Therefore, you do not need huge capital, and the risk is minimal because the manufacturer is responsible for the inventory and ships it directly to the customer. Therefore, your responsibility remains marketing and offering customer service. To succeed, you need a mastery of online marketing and a focus on improving customer experience.

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  • The average monthly revenue for a dropshipping business is $12,000 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $12 to $27,309 to start a dropshipping business
  • A dropshipping business would typically see a gross margin of 35%
  • The main growth channel for a dropshipping business is Email marketing
  • A dropshipping business usually works with a E-Commerce business model
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Best Tools To Start A Dropshipping Business
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#6 in Business Ideas

Do you have knowledge and passion that you'd love to share with other people? Or perhaps you are a content creator and looking for ways to expand your revenue streams? If you match any of these criteria, then becoming a podcast host could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Podcasts are the new radio. Podcasting is one of the fastest-growing mediums for online audio, and it's not expected to slow down any time soon. But unlike traditional radio, podcasts are driven by content creators who have a passion for sharing stories with their listeners.

One of the main benefits that come with starting a podcast is the minimal investment needed to get started. All you need is a computer or phone with a microphone and a way to host it online. You can even create one on your own website if you want.

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  • The average monthly revenue for a podcast is $36,569 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $62 to $40,911 to start a podcast
  • A podcast would typically see a gross margin of 72%
  • The main growth channel for a podcast is SEO
  • A podcast usually works with a Subscriptions business model
  • The most popular tools used by podcast founders are Google Suite, Shopify, Slack
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#7 in Business Ideas
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  • The average monthly revenue for a mens grooming product is $144,600 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $62 to $70,547 to start a mens grooming product
  • A mens grooming product would typically see a gross margin of 70%
  • The main growth channel for a mens grooming product is Brand Authenticity
  • The most popular tools used by mens grooming product founders are Shopify, Google Suite, Pinterest
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Explore 4 Mens Grooming Product Case Studies
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#8 in Business Ideas

A digital agency's task is to make a business reach its advertising, marketing, or technology-related goals. Anyone with enough passion and determination can start and run a profitable digital marketing agency. With the right skill set, the right tools, and the right mindset you can start a successful digital agency.

The global digital agency market reached a value of nearly $305B in 2020. The future growth prospects of the digital agency market are projected to be high due to the rising population of people consuming and creating content through digital channels.

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  • The average monthly revenue for a digital agency is $180,285 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $62 to $45,711 to start a digital agency
  • A digital agency would typically see a gross margin of 20%
  • The main growth channel for a digital agency is Word of mouth
  • A digital agency usually works with a Consulting business model
  • The most popular tools used by digital agency founders are Semrush, Instagram, Zoho
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#9 in Business Ideas

Online course businesses are one of the fastest-growing online business models. Creating an online course is an awesome way to generate extra income because it allows you to monetize the knowledge you already have. More people are taking online courses every day, and the COVID pandemic has accelerated that, with some online learning platforms having seen 15-folds growth in the number of users.

Another advantage is that these new platforms are so easy to use for instructors that you don't have to worry at all about the tech side of the business. You just need to focus on creating exciting content that is informational & engaging at the same time.

Starting an online course {{ in_location }} allows you to eliminate some of the huge costs associated with setting up a physical training facility, and it's a great way to reach as many people.

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  • The average monthly revenue for an online course is $117,165 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $12 to $14,959 to start an online course
  • An online course would typically see a gross margin of 75%
  • The main growth channel for an online course is Email marketing
  • An online course usually works with a E-Commerce business model
  • The most popular tools used by online course founders are Canva, WordPress, Instagram
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Best Tools To Start An Online Course
  • Platforms: Teachable, Thinkific, Podia
  • Equipment: Laptop, Microphone, Camera, Lighting Equipment
  • Tools: Canva, Vimeo, Zoom, MailChimp, Hubspot
#10 in Business Ideas
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  • The average monthly revenue for a phone case business is $122,500 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $12 to $27,309 to start a phone case business
  • A phone case business would typically see a gross margin of 40%
  • The main growth channel for a phone case business is Organic social media
  • A phone case business usually works with a E-Commerce business model
  • The most popular tools used by phone case business founders are Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
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Explore 2 Phone Case Business Case Studies
Revenue
monthly
Case Study
Learn how they built it
1 $120K How I Started And Grew A $50K/mo Phone Case Business
2 $125K Selling One Million Phone Accessories
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#11 in Business Ideas

A drinkware brand sells home and houseware products like cups, koozies, mugs and other drinking accessories.

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  • The average monthly revenue for a drinkware brand is $725,000 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $62 to $38,161 to start a drinkware brand
  • A drinkware brand would typically see a gross margin of 45%
  • The main growth channel for a drinkware brand is Advertising on social media
  • A drinkware brand usually works with a E-Commerce business model
  • The most popular tools used by drinkware brand founders are Instagram, Shopify, Google Drive
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Explore 3 Drinkware Brand Case Studies
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#12 in Business Ideas

The supplements industry is currently valued at $140.3B, and is growing at 8.6% per year.

It's getting easier and easier to start your own supplements brand, and you may not even need to manufacture the product yourself.

More Details
  • The average monthly revenue for a supplements company is $468,550 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $12 to $27,309 to start a supplements company
  • A supplements company would typically see a gross margin of 25%
  • The main growth channel for a supplements company is Advertising on social media
  • A supplements company usually works with a E-Commerce business model
  • The most popular tools used by supplements company founders are Instagram, Google Drive, Facebook
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#13 in Business Ideas

A finance blog is a feature appearing as part of an online publication relating to finance, and consisting of articles or personal commentary. A finance blog earns income through sponsored content or simple marketing programs. To succeed in business, a finance blogger should:

  • Have a good writing background
  • Understand the industry from concept or fundamental standpoint
  • Be passionate about the topics
  • Be well organized and maximize the work schedule.

Starting a finance blog involves a low financial investment, while there is a huge possibility for success. There are minimal to no overhead costs, which saves you time and money. Therefore, starting a finance blog is an incredible business opportunity.

More Details
  • The average monthly revenue for a finance blog is $29,846 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $62 to $58,161 to start a finance blog
  • A finance blog would typically see a gross margin of 80%
  • The main growth channel for a finance blog is SEO
  • A finance blog usually works with a Subscriptions business model
  • The most popular tools used by finance blog founders are Twitter, WordPress, Instagram
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#14 in Business Ideas

Marketing agencies can be a great option for businesses looking to advertise in different ways. For businesses, hiring a marketing company can help them achieve success as they don't have to spend money on employees or needed equipment. Marketing agencies are not inexpensive and there are many different variables that come into play when deciding which one is the best fit for your business.

You want to start a marketing agency, but don't know where to begin. You're not alone, there are thousands of entrepreneurs across the globe that have the same ambition. Luckily for you, compiled a list of how other agencies were able to grow their agency and scale effectively.

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  • The average monthly revenue for a marketing agency is $586,665 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $62 to $38,161 to start a marketing agency
  • A marketing agency would typically see a gross margin of 23%
  • The main growth channel for a marketing agency is Word of mouth
  • A marketing agency usually works with a Consulting business model
  • The most popular tools used by marketing agency founders are Instagram, YouTube, Twitter
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#15 in Business Ideas

An SEO agency is a company that provides search engine optimization services to businesses. The function of an SEO agency is to help businesses rank higher in the search engines through organic or paid means.

SEO is a rapidly growing industry, with experts across all aspects of the field already making six-figure incomes and expecting to see these types of earnings grow dramatically over the next few years.  Getting into SEO today, before it gets too saturated, will allow you to establish a strong base in a new career, with a great chance for success.

It's easier than ever to start your own SEO agency{{ in_location }}. The tools are there and the competition isn't as stiff as it used to be. If you're considering starting an SEO or digital marketing agency it might be a good idea to learn how other digital agencies succeed.

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  • The average monthly revenue for a SEO agency is $1,190,911 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $62 to $58,161 to start a SEO agency
  • A seo agency would typically see a gross margin of 15%
  • The main growth channel for a SEO agency is SEO
  • A seo agency usually works with a Consulting business model
  • The most popular tools used by SEO agency founders are Ahrefs, Semrush, Slack
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#16 in Business Ideas

Life coaching has become an increasingly popular career choice. A life coach helps people in various areas of their lives using a combination of emotional intelligence, professional knowledge, and experience.

Life coaching is a global industry worth over $2.85 billion, and the number of life coaches has gone up 33% between 2015-2019.

This is a very profitable business and can be started at virtually no cost. You'll need a computer, a high-speed Internet connection, and a LinkedIn account to get started. You can begin coaching part time in your spare time until you build up your clientele.

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  • The average monthly revenue for a life coaching business is $25,500 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $62 to $38,161 to start a life coaching business
  • A life coaching business would typically see a gross margin of 32%
  • The main growth channel for a life coaching business is Word of mouth
  • A life coaching business usually works with a Software business model
  • The most popular tools used by life coaching business founders are ClickFunnels, Canva, YouTube
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#17 in Business Ideas

The children's clothing business has grown rapidly over the last few years, and in 2022 was valued at $263.30 billion.

Starting a children's clothing business gives you the opportunity to be your own boss while working in a field you enjoy. While you have to be prepared to work long hours and put in lots of hard effort, it can be extremely rewarding if successful.

More Details
  • The average monthly revenue for a children's clothing business is $140,083 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $12 to $27,309 to start a children's clothing business
  • A children's clothing business would typically see a gross margin of 47%
  • The main growth channel for a children's clothing business is Email marketing
  • A children's clothing business usually works with a E-Commerce business model
  • The most popular tools used by children's clothing business founders are Shopify, Google Drive, Instagram
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#18 in Business Ideas

Stationery business generally involves designing and printing paper-based products like greetings cards and invitations for events. Over the years, the range of stationery products has widely increased to non-paper based items such as pen, pencil, art materials which supplement the writing, decorative items, folders, computer consumables etc.

Here are the common types of stationery businesses:

  • Retail store (selling to customers)
  • Wholesale supplies (to B2B, retail stores)
  • Online store (direct to customers per order placed)
  • Home-based/part-time (mainly selling items on personal contact )

Starting a stationery business will also require you to register your business with state government business and tax offices to obtain a trade name registration and obtain a business permit from your local town or county clerk. A stationery business can also be started from home or through an e-store. This business can be easily be promoted on social media platforms.

Another way to attract customers is to provide additional services like home delivery, rewards, and deals. Using these promotion techniques can retain existing customers as well as attract new customers.

More Details
  • The average monthly revenue for a stationery business is $15,571 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $62 to $44,161 to start a stationery business
  • A stationery business would typically see a gross margin of 35%
  • The main growth channel for a stationery business is Word of mouth
  • A stationery business usually works with a E-Commerce business model
  • The most popular tools used by stationery business founders are Google Suite, Google Analytics, Etsy
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#19 in Business Ideas

The furniture industry involves the design, manufacture, and sale of various types of furniture for household and commercial purposes. With the increase in flexible workspaces and the growth of the real estate industry, the demand of the furniture business has also boosted in recent times.

According to a consumer survey, millennials are now the largest furniture buying demographic. In fact, young consumers are willing to buy picture-perfect unique furniture items where they are willing to pay extra for the perfect design but not only they expect free delivery but they also want quick delivery.

The furniture business is easy to start and does not require high investments. However, it is first important to know your niche for example office, domestic or home furniture or luxury items.

The business owner should set up a manufacturing unit, purchase the tools and machinery, and hire skilled staff to design and create the final product. The owner will also require the business license and registration depending on the number of employees hired at the manufacturing unit and the size of the business.

There are several factors that need to be considered before starting a furniture business, for example:

  1. The raw materials: Furniture can be created using variety of materials like metal, plastic, rattan, wood, and even silver. The most preferred is the wood furniture. Wood is strong, durable and usually, one lengthy plank of wood can create one piece of furniture.
  2. Gathering local clients: It is important the a small business should first go local in order to understand the expenses. In order to avoid huge transportation and delivery expenses, the local clients will be more profitable.
  3. Social media following: Business owners can use social media marketing to promote their business and also become more aware of their target audience.
  4. Logo and branding: Creating a unique brand and logo helps you connect with customers emotionally and promote recognition.
  5. Shipping rates and inventory management

The furniture business needs a lot of preparation and prior knowledge. It is advisable to take business classes, learn about your local market, and make a solid business plan. In general, if your products are unique and one of a kind, consumers will be willing to pay a higher, including the shipping cost.

However, if your products are similar to other retail sellers, the competition will be higher, this is when the business owners should set up the discounts and low shipping rates in order to attract more customers.

More Details
  • The average monthly revenue for a furniture business is $124,080 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $62 to $54,361 to start a furniture business
  • A furniture business would typically see a gross margin of 45%
  • The main growth channel for a furniture business is Word of mouth
  • A furniture business usually works with a E-Commerce business model
  • The most popular tools used by furniture business founders are Twitter, Instagram, Shopify
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#20 in Business Ideas

A meal preparation business is a service that delivers prepared meals to its clients in the comfort of their own homes. The meal preparation business is a fast-emerging niche that offers a real opportunity to earn good money. To succeed, the starter must be efficient in the meal preparation and ensure proper communication skills. Besides, the entrepreneur must keep time when it comes to delivery, to avoid customer disappointments.

A global survey shows that demand for food delivery service is on the rise. This is as people get busier with their careers and other more important tasks, leaving limited time to prepare meals and bond with friends.

Therefore, starting a meal preparation business can be a great way to earn extra monies.

More Details
  • The average monthly revenue for a meal prep business is $202,857 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $12 to $27,309 to start a meal prep business
  • A meal prep business would typically see a gross margin of 35%
  • The main growth channel for a meal prep business is Advertising on social media
  • A meal prep business usually works with a E-Commerce business model
  • The most popular tools used by meal prep business founders are Stripe, Quickbooks, WordPress
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#21 in Business Ideas
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  • The average monthly revenue for a watch brand is $110,928 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $62 to $79,161 to start a watch brand
  • A watch brand would typically see a gross margin of 45%
  • The main growth channel for a watch brand is Word of mouth
  • A watch brand usually works with a E-Commerce business model
  • The most popular tools used by watch brand founders are Zoho, Google Drive, Google Analytics
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#22 in Business Ideas

The global jewelry market size was valued at $278B in 2018 and is expected to reach $292B by 2025.

The industry comprises manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and jewelry designers. Unlike many other industries that have gone through leaps in technology, the jewelry industry has remained untouched for over 40 years.

If you know how to make jewelry{{ in_location }}, then this might be a great way to make some extra money.

More Details
  • The average monthly revenue for a jewelry making business is $360,922 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $12 to $21,840 to start a jewelry making business
  • A jewelry making business would typically see a gross margin of 43%
  • The main growth channel for a jewelry making business is Word of mouth
  • A jewelry making business usually works with a E-Commerce business model
  • The most popular tools used by jewelry making business founders are Instagram, Etsy, Shopify
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#23 in Business Ideas
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  • The average monthly revenue for a men's clothing line is $51,735 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $12 to $27,309 to start a men's clothing line
  • A men's clothing line would typically see a gross margin of 51%
  • The main growth channel for a men's clothing line is Email marketing
  • A men's clothing line usually works with a E-Commerce business model
  • The most popular tools used by men's clothing line founders are Shopify, Instagram, Facebook
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#24 in Business Ideas

The skincare business is a multi-billion dollar one, and it shows no sign of slowing down. New anti-aging products are entering the market at a nearly exponential rate, and the competition for consumers' money is growing more and more.

The industry was valued at 130 billion USD in 2021 and will expand at an annual growth rate of 4.6% up to 2030. This is surely a type of business that you should not miss. You'll need to build your creativity on your products and make sure that it is all safe and useful in improving the skin of your customers.

More Details
  • The average monthly revenue for a skin care product line is $106,504 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $12 to $27,309 to start a skin care product line
  • A skin care product line would typically see a gross margin of 70%
  • The main growth channel for a skin care product line is Word of mouth
  • A skin care product line usually works with a E-Commerce business model
  • The most popular tools used by skin care product line founders are Instagram, Paypal, Google Analytics
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#25 in Business Ideas

Freelance writing is the career of a professional writer who offers writing services to different clients. Freelance writers work across a variety of niches, writing about various topics assigned by the client.

To earn good money as a freelance writer, you need the following personal qualities:

  • Strong writing skills
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Stay on the cutting edge
  • Be a self-starter
  • Proper communication skills

According to content marketing, most B2B marketers use content marketing to achieve top-of-the-funnel goals like brand awareness and audience education. Besides, 84% of companies outsource their content writing.

The above stats and trends show the freelance writing business is a great business idea.

More Details
  • The average monthly revenue for a freelance writing business is $33,217 (based on our case studies)
  • We estimate it will cost between $62 to $39,211 to start a freelance writing business
  • A freelance writing business would typically see a gross margin of 25%
  • The main growth channel for a freelance writing business is Word of mouth
  • A freelance writing business usually works with a Consulting business model
  • The most popular tools used by freelance writing business founders are Google Drive, Slack, Twitter
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