How To Make Quick Money With A Drone: Best Drone Business Ideas (2024)
In the last few years, it's become evident that drones have and will continue to become apart of our everyday lives.
The potential business opportunities and innovation with drones are extensive.
Before starting a drone business, be sure to check local regulations and requirements for your specific use-case.
We've listed the various different opportunities below and provide you with the resources to get you started.
1. Start a drone repair business
The drone industry is expected to grow by a CAGR of 28.58% over the next few years, reaching $47.38 billion. As drone usage is poised to go mainstream in many sectors, starting a drone repair business can be rewarding.
However, the drone repair business is capital intensive, so you will need huge capital to run a successful business. To start a successful drone repair business, research the market and decide the best niche to focus on.
2. Start a film production company
A film production company is responsible for producing video content for social media, corporate promotions, television programs, commercials,s or other media-related fields. Ideally, the responsibilities of a video production company include scripting, location scouting, and also logistics to ensure a successful film.
Starting a film production company can be a daunting task. However, you can set up your business for success with proper guidance. Here are important steps for creating a video production company:
- Determine the company niche
- Choose a suitable company name
- Draft a solid business plan
- Hire an advocate to lead all legal matters of starting a company
- Fund your business
- Acquire video production equipment and skills
- Create a website and market your film production company
If you are starting a video production company from scratch, consider creating some proof-of-concept projects so you can market the business. Alternatively, you may buy a franchise or an existing business.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
Lemonlight CEO, Hope Horner, co-founded an on-demand video production company that has produced over 7,000 videos for more than 3,000 brands, generating over $6 million in sales and growing to a 45-person team, all without taking any outside capital and being recognized in Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 360 for three years in a row.
3. Start a drone photography business
Drone video, a.k.a, aerial cinematography, is the best way to achieve affordable bird's view footage of an event or commercial.
Until recently, when organizations wanted an aerial video of their business, they had to hire a helicopter, or a photographer had to climb the highest roof to cover the business. Nowadays, drones are the best approach when it comes to aerial photography.
The technological evolution has created an opportunity for aerial cinematography. To start a drone photography business, get your drone flying license, buy a basic drone and camera, and create your aerial cinematography profile.
How much you can make: $10,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $850 (?)
How long does it take to build: 44 days (?)
A group of friends started a video production company called CFF Media that now generates $10k per month in revenue, where they primarily make promotional and testimonial videos for other companies in Atlanta.
4. Start a drone mapping and industrial business
A drone mapping and industrial business involve using drones to gather data and create maps for various industrial purposes. This can include surveying construction sites, inspecting pipelines, mapping the land for development, and more.
To run a successful business in this field, it is essential to understand the latest drone technology and software thoroughly. Being well-versed in the relevant regulations and laws related to drone usage in your area is also crucial.
Additionally, it is important to build a strong network of clients and partners in the industrial sector. This could include construction companies, oil and gas firms, and government agencies. Marketing your services and building a strong online presence can also help attract new clients.
Finally, it is essential to prioritize safety and professionalism in all of your operations. This includes having proper insurance and ensuring that your drones are well-maintained and operated by trained professionals.
Overall, drone mapping and industrial business can be lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs using cutting-edge technology to solve real-world problems. With a focus on staying up-to-date with the latest technology, building strong relationships with clients, and prioritizing safety and professionalism, this can be a rewarding and successful business to pursue.
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 59 days (?)
5. Create an online course
An online course business involves creating and selling digital classes teaching specialized skills or knowledge to subscribed students.
As an entrepreneurial course creator, you identify educational gaps around topics you have expertise in and develop engaging video lessons and supplementary materials.
With flexibility around self-paced or cohort-based structures, building a student base provides passive income potential.
For founders who enjoy information-sharing, launching an online course platform presents a lucrative way to monetize your instructional talents with small startup costs by serving eager lifelong learners seeking convenient access to emerging subjects.
How much you can make: $350 — $3,735,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,850 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
6. Start a drone advertising business
As the use of drones becomes more and more popular, the potential for using them as a marketing tool. Our business uses drones to display advertisements in the sky, reaching a wider audience in a unique and eye-catching way.
To start this business, you will need a few key things. First, you will need a fleet of drones that can carry the advertisements and fly for long periods. You will also need to obtain the necessary permits and licenses to operate the drones in your area legally. Additionally, you will need a team of trained pilots to operate the drones safely and efficiently.
To run this business successfully, it is important to have a clear marketing strategy and a strong understanding of your target audience. You will also need to stay up-to-date on the latest drone technology and regulations to ensure that your business is compliant and efficient.
With creativity and the right resources, Drone Advertising can be a lucrative and unique way to advertise your business. We hope you consider joining this exciting industry and bringing your marketing to new heights!
7. Start a home inspections business
Starting a home inspection business can be a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs with a background in construction or engineering.
The business involves conducting thorough inspections of homes, typically before they are put on the market or before a potential buyer makes a purchase.
To start a home inspection business, you’ll need to become certified by a professional organization such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). This typically involves completing a course and passing an exam. In addition, you’ll need to obtain liability insurance to protect your business from potential claims.
To conduct inspections, you’ll need to thoroughly understand a home’s various systems and components, including electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, roofing, and foundation.
You’ll also need to be able to identify potential issues and provide recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
Running a successful home inspection business requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. You’ll need to be able to provide clear and concise reports to clients, including photographs and detailed descriptions of any issues or concerns.
To market your business, you can reach out to local real estate agents and offer your services to them. You can also create a website and social media presence to showcase your services and attract potential clients.
With hard work and dedication, starting a home inspection business can be a rewarding opportunity for those passionate about construction and helping people make informed decisions about their home purchases.
8. Start a construction company
Running a construction company can be very rewarding and require hard work, attention to detail, and a hustle mentality.
Construction companies are responsible for building/designing a variety of apartments, buildings, properties, housing, infrastructure, facilities & developments, motorways, roads, paths, pavement, and more.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $10,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Mountain Fire Woodworks founder Cameron Vilcsak shares how he used YouTube to promote his log cabins, chainsaw carvings, and passion for woodworking, culminating in one of his videos that has gone viral with over 25 million views and counting.
9. Start a stock photography business
Stock photography is typically sold on an exclusive basis to one buyer for a single usage fee. Stock photos are often available in different sizes, resolutions, and file formats. Businesses most commonly use stock photos for marketing purposes.
Stock photography is the supply of photographs often licensed for specific uses. Stock photos are the perfect marketing and advertising resource for website owners and bloggers.
You can build an impressive portfolio and earn a passive income by uploading high-quality stock photos.
To start a stock photography business , invest in some good photography gear and learn how to take stock photos. An excellent online presence can help you sell your stock photos faster and at profitable margins.
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.
10. Start a roof inspection business
A roof inspection business involves evaluating the condition and integrity of a roof on a residential or commercial property. This business can be started by someone with knowledge and experience in roofing or by partnering with a licensed roofing contractor.
During a roof inspection, the business owner will examine the roof for any signs of damage, such as missing or broken shingles, leaks, or structural issues. They will also check for proper ventilation and drainage to ensure the roof is functioning properly. Once the inspection is complete, the business owner will provide a report to the property owner outlining any necessary repairs or replacements.
To run a successful roof inspection business, it is essential to thoroughly understand different types of roofing materials and their associated lifespan. It is also essential to have strong communication skills, as communicating the findings of an inspection and providing recommendations to clients is a crucial aspect of the business.
To stay competitive in the market, one must continuously educate oneself on industry standards and advancements in roofing technology. It is also helpful to offer additional services, such as repair or maintenance, to provide clients with a full range of options. Marketing efforts, such as developing a website and utilizing social media, can also help to attract new clients.
11. Become a real estate photographer
A real estate Photographer is responsible for taking photos of properties. These photos are used by buyers, sellers, and real estate agents to market and sell properties.
As a real estate photographer, you'll need to have an eye for detail and be able to take quality photos. You'll also need to be familiar with the latest editing software so that you can make your photos look their best.
The average salary for a real estate photographer is $53,633. Salaries can vary based on experience and location to as much at 60K with the high end earners making over 150k per year!
This real estate business trend is a great way to make money if you're creative and have a good eye for composition. With the different abilities, there is a need for quality photos of properties. If you have the skills and experience, starting your own photography business can be a great way to make money in the real estate industry.
You can use your photography skills to generate income through advertising and affiliate marketing. Or, you could use them to build a client base and eventually start your own real estate photography business.
How much you can make: $220,000/month
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
Case Study: PhotoUp is a real estate photo editing company that has gone from a team of 10 to over 200 employees in the Philippines, with over 60 contractors around the world and expects to close in on $3,000,000 in revenue this year.
12. Start a drone surveillance business
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 59 days (?)
13. Start a power line inspection business
14. Start a drone delivery service
Drones support the logistics industry in different ways. For instance, delivery drones have the potential to bypass ground-based traffic congestion by lifting a share of ground transportation into the airspace. Besides, drones have made delivery possible in otherwise difficult-to-reach areas like ports, terminals, areas with floods, etc.
Delivery drones are applicable in many areas. Examples include:
- Courier delivery
- Medicine delivery
- Hyperlocal delivery
- Food delivery
- On-demand local shipping
But before you invest in the drone courier delivery business, take time to learn the laws governing the industry and research out how other players are operating. Then launch and market your drone delivery business.
15. Become a wedding photographer
Wedding photography is a highly sought-after service that involves capturing the special moments and memories of a couple’s big day. As a wedding photographer, you will be responsible for capturing the emotions and beauty of the wedding ceremony and reception through your camera's lens.
To start a successful wedding photography business, you must have a strong eye for detail, excellent customer service skills, and a passion for photography. You will also need to invest in high-quality camera equipment and editing software to produce professional-grade images.
In addition to having technical skills, it is important to have a strong marketing strategy to reach potential clients. This can include creating a professional website, utilizing social media, and networking with wedding coordinators and venues.
According to a recent survey, the average cost of a wedding photographer in the United States is $2,500. With the wedding industry expected to generate over $72 billion in revenue in 2021, there is a significant demand for wedding photographers.
To succeed in this business, having a strong portfolio and continuously improving your skills through education and training is essential. By offering top-notch service and beautiful images, you can establish a successful wedding photography business that captures the special moments of couples’ big day.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $14,000/month
How long does it take to build: 440 days (?)
This case study is about a wedding photographer in Australia who earns over six figures annually by keeping things simple, offering transparent pricing, and focusing on online advertising with an effective website and SEO strategy.
16. Become a festival photographer
17. Become a drone blogger
18. Become a youtube personality
YouTube personalities produce videos on YouTube and post them on their channels. YouTube personalities make money through the following:
- Advertising revenue - Ads revenue from the display, overlay, and video ads
- Channel Memberships – members earn recurring revenue in exchange for special perks they offer
- Merch Shelf – When channel fans browse and purchase official branded merchandise, you showcase it on watch pages.
- Super Chat & Super Stickers – Fans pay to get their messages highlighted in chat streams
- YouTube Premium Revenue – Get part of a premium subscriber’s subscription fee when fans watch your content.
You can start earning money through either or all of the above options, so long as you meet their YouTube-defined criteria and they are available in your location.
If you want to make money on YouTube, you must apply and be approved for the YouTube Partner Program, which gives creators greater access to YouTube resources and features.
How much you can make: $3,055 — $4,500,000/month
This case study explores Thomas Frank's successful business teaching people how to use Notion and selling templates, with sales reaching $2.1 million in two years and template sales currently at $120k/mo, showcasing his journey from blogging and YouTube to e-commerce and SaaS.
19. Become a social media influencer
Social media has become integral to people's lives and daily routines. Given the importance of social media, brands are flocking to different social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok in the hope of connecting with their target audience.
A popular approach taken by these brands is engaging social media influencers. A social media influencer has established credibility in a specific industry and has access to a vast audience they can persuade to act based on recommendations.
Anyone can become a social influencer so long as they have the right strategy. Choose a popular niche based on your interests and start creating relevant content.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $601 (?)
How long does it take to build: 155 days (?)
How one mother built a profitable frugal motherhood, life, and travel blog from scratch, using Instagram, Pinterest, and paid sponsorships to grow from 0 to 18.5K followers and generate $1,500-$3,000 per month in less than two years.
20. Sell drones
21. Start a drone leasing business
Drone leasing is one of the most profitable and potential small business ideas you can start today. According statistics, the drone market is growing at a CAGR of 14.7%, and experts expect the market will reach over 16 billion in the next few years.
Therefore, starting a drone leasing business is a profitable venture with huge growth potential.
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
