45 Creative Business Ideas For Entrepreneurs Who Love To Write
Seeking to start a business with writing skills but not quite sure what to start?
The good news is, there are so many opportunities to become an entrepreneur and build a creative service in this line of work.
If you're looking to start your own business with writing skills, there are several low-capital options you can choose from.
We put a list together below of the most profitable business ideas for entrepreneurs who love to write, that you can start today!
Here they are:
1. Start a language learning app ($224K/year)
Alex Chernikov from Berlin, Germany started Gikken ago, a language learning app.
- Revenue: $18,635/ month
- Founders: 2
- Employees: 1
- Location: Berlin, Germany
Gikken’s foundation was laid in 2011 or so. I don’t remember the exact year but I was in high school. I was amidst my most active English learning years. I was trying to read as many articles, blogs, essays, etc in English as possible. At some point, an idea that it’d be great to double click on words to get them translated right there struck me. It was the early days of Google Chrome that wasn’t the most popular browser yet. And, I think it already could translate pages entirely, but it was totally useless for me because when I can understand 80% of the text, why would I translate it entirely? It’s also terrible for mastering a language. Guessing the meanings of words from the context works better for memorizing new vocabulary. The more effort your brain takes, the stronger neural connections are.
So, physiology aside, I wanted a fast way to translate single words I didn’t understand or double-check sentences. The previous flow involved copying it, switching to a new tab with Google Translate opened there, translating it, and then switching back. Terribly inefficient and annoying when you have to do it 10 times per article, 100 times per day.
By the time I was obsessed with this idea, I could already easily implement anything I wanted on the web. I started coding at 13, so I had already at least 2 or so years of experience with copycatting news portals, trying to build my social network (who didn’t!), and reinventing a few popular JavaScript libraries. It was the early days of not only Google Chrome but also Chrome Web Store—the extension store. I made an extension that I needed for my own needs, called Instant Translate, and uploaded it to the Chrome Web Store. Uncunningly, the timing was perfect for organic growth through the store as Instant Translate happened to be one of the first extensions there. The 15-year-old me knew something only about building apps but absolutely nothing about turning them into a business. Thus, I relied on "organic growth". In other words, routinely checking analytics and praying that it grew. I did nothing more than that for the first few years.
2. Start a resume writing business ($36K/year)
Mike McRitchie from El Dorado, California, USA started Critical Path Action almost 8 years ago, a resume writing business.
- Revenue: $3,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 0
- Location: El Dorado, California, USA
Over the years I’ve built quite a bit of business knowledge (was a Director of Operations and helped build a company from 5 employees to 100 and $2.5 million to $16 million in revenue; also was a five-year member of Vistage, a business mastermind group) and wanted to leverage that.
Get started with something inexpensive that interests you. Then keep going as you try things and learn.
I started a website through an online marketing/website building course and began blogging on business and career topics. But I found monetizing that to be difficult. I wanted to do business strategy consulting and paid $1,000 for a three-month insert in a coupon mailing that did nothing and found trying to get that type of consulting off the ground part time around my day job wasn’t working.
3. Start a film production company ($18M/year)
Hope Horner from Los Angeles, California, USA started Lemonlight almost 9 years ago, a film production company.
- Revenue: $1,500,000/ month
- Founders: 3
- Employees: 75
- Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
I grew up in Johnson City, TN - a small town in the northeast corner of the state. For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of moving to Los Angeles and starting my own business. When I was 18, I moved to LA to attend college and haven’t left yet.
I started my first business in 2008 when the startup culture was very limited in Los Angeles. Resources were scarce and it was difficult to learn how to start and run a company with no experience. Nonetheless, I trudged through the journey for a few years trying to figure it out. It was filled with some success and a lot of learning lessons, but ultimately, it didn’t end the way I had hoped. I spent a few more years working with startup companies and learning more about the landscape and how to hone my skills as a leader and entrepreneur.
In April of 2014, I started my second company, Lemonlight, out of a second bedroom with my two co-founders, Daniel Marlow, and Chad Rogers. Lemonlight’s mission was to offer small and medium-sized businesses access to high-quality, affordable video content that they could use to advertise their brand online.
4. Become an author ($240K/year)
Nick Thacker from Colorado, USA started Conundrum Publishing about 6 years ago, a author.
- Revenue: $20,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 2
- Location: Colorado, USA
I’ve always been a fanatic reader, specifically in the thriller genre. I discovered Dan Brown as a kid, then James Rollins, and I’ve always love action movies that combine adrenaline and history (think National Treasure, Indiana Jones, etc.).
I decided to write a book (my first was called The Golden Crystal, and it has been re-launched as The Atlantis Stone) when my grandfather passed away. He had always been a strong positive influence in my life, and he, my dad, and I often swapped paperbacks we liked. That first book was intended as a gift for my dad for Christmas, and it was going to be the only one I ever wrote -- just to see if I could do it.
I had no idea what I was doing (arguably, I still don’t…). I just thought it would be fun to combine technology with the discovery of Atlantis… in some way. When I got started, I was naive enough to think that books simply happen, but the book very quickly got the best of me. I took a six-month break and consumed as much as I could on the subject of the craft of writing fiction. I’d never really written anything before, so it was an eye-opening experience to learn about structure, plot tropes, character development, and everything else that goes into a good, cohesive story.
5. Start a consulting business ($300K/year)
Akhil Suresh Nair from Boston, MA, USA started Xena Intelligence over 2 years ago, a consulting business.
- Revenue: $25,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 3
- Location: Boston, MA, USA
I had a couple of years of experience working for a large corporation back in India. I genuinely felt that I was just a cog in the wheel and that whatever I did had little to no impact in the real world.
We were at a crossroads at that time – filled with constant self-doubt about the career path we wanted to take. We could have easily applied for corporate jobs in the US or in India, but we chose to follow our hearts by continuing to work in our consulting business.
I reached out to a few small businesses I had developed good relationships during my corporate career and started helping them out on developing marketing strategy to scale their businesses and also to instill robust operational efficiencies in their business processes. I realized that I was able to add considerable value to their businesses and that I felt a sense of satisfaction in being able to make their lives better. I soon started consulting for over 20 small businesses in India.
6. Start a freelance writing business ($1.5M/year)
David Tile from Toronto, Ontario, Canada started Article-Writing Co almost 12 years ago, a freelance writing business.
- Revenue: $125,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 25
- Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
In 2011, coming out of college, I miserably tried to start a penny auction website. I studied Political Science at University, which had absolutely no bearing on this idea. I knew I wanted to do something entrepreneurial and was consumed by this auction model. I had my own specific mechanics that I thought would make the game a lot more fair for the average consumer. But alas, 6-8 months later, after burning through thousands of dollars trying to get the technology right, I was absolutely nowhere.
I was resigned to not give up, but the mechanics of the auction are critical to the smooth operation of the website and if you can’t get it right you don’t have a business. So I decided to start taking on some freelance writing work, just to get some cash in.
One thing led to another and I started getting some bigger clients with bigger asks. Eventually, I snowballed hiring some writers and copy editors. Turning this thing into a full-time business operation.
7. Start a journal brand ($1.8M/year)
Ollie Aplin from London, UK started MindJournal about 7 years ago, a journal brand.
- Revenue: $150,000/ month
- Founders: 2
- Employees: 3
- Location: London, UK
I’ve personally kept a journal for 10 years now, ever since I first went into therapy to recover from PTSD. My mum took her own life 2 years prior to my breakdown, and I never really got to grips with my emotions or how to process everything that had ever happened.
When I started therapy I was still stuck in the mindset that talking about how I felt was not something I should do. So talking therapy was the most unnatural experience for me. So to help, my therapist recommended I tried journaling – as a way of privately thinking about how I felt and what was on my mind. It was a game-changer of a moment for me.
My mum took her own life 2 years prior to my breakdown, and I never really got to grips with my emotions or how to process everything that had ever happened.
8. Start a media company ($1.09M/year)
Pat Walls from New York, New York, USA started Starter Story over 5 years ago, a media company.
- Revenue: $91,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 6
- Location: New York, New York, USA
- Lean SEO: This is our framework for growing the site to 1.5M monthly readers
- Guide: How To Grow Your Audience With Interviews
- How I Published 142 Blog Posts in 12 Months (a bit outdated)
9. Become a proofreader ($24K/year)
Lenny Bron from New York, New York, USA started The Blog Proofreader almost 7 years ago, a proofreader.
- Revenue: $2,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 0
- Location: New York, New York, USA
This business idea was born in 2016, but the journey really began in 2014.
After working for a company for 8 years, I hadn’t really gotten far financially and felt stuck. I decided to find a job with better financial prospects and the possibility of advancement. After 6 months of searching, I was hired at a new employer and managed to double my salary in one fell swoop!
Just start! That little voice inside your head giving you doubts will always be there. Push through that voice and keep going until you reach a point where you’re lost.
10. Start a fashion columnist business
Examples of a successful fashion columnist business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a fashion columnist business:
- How To Get Into Fashion Journalism With Alexa Chung
- How To Become A Freelance Writer In 2020 (For Total Beginners)
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Fashion Business Manual: An Illustrated Guide to Building A Fashion Brand
- How To Start A Fashion Company: Cherie Bixler
Learn more about starting a fashion columnist business ➜
11. Start a screen writing business
Examples of a successful screen writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a screen writing business:
- The Business Of Screenwriting
- I Hated Outlining Screenplays Until I Joined A Screenwriting Group - Kenneth Castillo
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Home-Based Writing Business: Lucy V. Parker
- The Bare Bones Book of Screenwriting: The Definitive Beginner's Guide to Story, Format, and Business
Learn more about starting a screen writing business ➜
12. Build an online research software
Examples of a successful online research software:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a online research software:
- How To Do Market Research – Basic Online Market Research For Your Business
- How To Start An Online Business In 2020
For further info, check out these books and products:
- So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love
- Hbr Guide To Buying A Small Business (HBR Guide Series)
Learn more about starting an online research software ➜
Hi, I’m Prof. Jed Macosko, and I have the privilege of telling the story of how AcademicInfluence.com got started. I serve as president and academic director under the capable leadership of our CEO, Wayne Downs, and alongside an incredible team that includes Prof. Robert Marks, Drs. Winston Ewert, Brian Carlson, and James Barham, and Dave Tomar, Jenn Finley, and Dan Edelen. Our website helps parents and students find colleges that are a good fit. But more importantly, we strive to connect learners to leaders, which is why a large portion of our site is devoted to highlighting the works and lives of influential people.
We launched the current version of our website in August 2020, and as of the time of this writing in August 2021, our traffic, as measured by SEMrush, has grown to over 100,000 organic search visits per month. We monetize by generating leads for universities and college consultants and by licensing our proprietary ranking algorithm to other sites.
13. Start a speech writing business
Examples of a successful speech writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a speech writing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Lost Art of the Great Speech: How to Write One--How to Deliver It
- How To Start A Home-Based Writing Business: Lucy V. Parker
Learn more about starting a speech writing business ➜
14. Start a pr consulting business
Examples of a successful pr consulting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a pr consulting business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start And Run A Successful Consulting Business: Gregory F. Kishel
- Start Your Own Consulting Business, Third Edition (Startup Series)
Learn more about starting a pr consulting business ➜
15. Start an e-book writing business
Examples of a successful e-book writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a e-book writing business:
- How To Create And Sell An Ebook
- How To Write An Ebook And Make Money (How To Make Passive Income From Ebooks)
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting an e-book writing business ➜
I'm Vaibhav Kishnani, an engineer but a passionate writer by profession. I established Content-Whale in 2017 when I was in my third year of engineering. Going by the maxim that quality writing is everything, Content-Whale caters to 42 different content types that form the backstory of every company’s digital presence and marketing efforts.
I started this content agency with a mere sum of Rs. 2,500. Today, we have drawn a revenue turnover of Rs. 4 Crores! In my opinion, it is not individual progress. Instead, a start-up is about connecting with the right individuals at the right time, who keep the show running ahead with their strife for perfection.
16. Become a ghost blogger ($147K/year)
Examples of a successful ghost blogger:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a ghost blogger:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- HOW TO START A BLOG THAT PEOPLE WILL READ: How to create a website, write about a topic you love, develop a loyal readership, and make six figures doing it. (THE MAKE MONEY FROM HOME LIONS CLUB): Mike Omar
- How to Start a Blog Today: A Free Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide to Create a Blog in 20 minutes: Scott Chow
Learn more about starting a ghost blogger ➜
Hey, I’m Lacy and I’m a content strategist, author of the bestselling Kindle ebook Make a Killing With Content, and the Director of The Content Direction Agency. We specialize in done-for-you content strategy and writing retainers for the content between launches or promotions that helps businesses grow, nurture, and prime their audience to say “hell yes!” before they ever see the offer.
Over the past 9 years, we’ve helped hundreds of business owners create bespoke content strategies to consistently drive quality traffic to websites, increase monthly email leads by 300% or more, improve search engine rankings, enroll dozens of clients per month into membership programs, support multi-six figure launches, and drive millions of views of our articles.
17. Start an online newsletter writing business
Examples of a successful online newsletter writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a online newsletter writing business:
- What Is A Newsletter? 5 Tips For Writing The Best Email Newsletters
- 5 Tips How To Write A Newsletter That Your Subs Want To Read
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Every Nonprofit's Guide To Publishing: Creating Newsletters, Magazines & Websites People Will Read
- How to Start a Home-Based Writing Business (Home-Based Business Series)
Learn more about starting an online newsletter writing business ➜
I'm Vaibhav Kishnani, an engineer but a passionate writer by profession. I established Content-Whale in 2017 when I was in my third year of engineering. Going by the maxim that quality writing is everything, Content-Whale caters to 42 different content types that form the backstory of every company’s digital presence and marketing efforts.
I started this content agency with a mere sum of Rs. 2,500. Today, we have drawn a revenue turnover of Rs. 4 Crores! In my opinion, it is not individual progress. Instead, a start-up is about connecting with the right individuals at the right time, who keep the show running ahead with their strife for perfection.
18. Start a direct mail service consulting business ($480K/year)
Examples of a successful direct mail service consulting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a direct mail service consulting business:
- Internet Direct Marketing Creative & Consulting - Hennerberg.Com
- My "Secret" Way To Get Homeowner Data For Direct Mail
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Direct Mail In A Digital World: Mr. Patrick F Pendergast
- How To Start And Run A Successful Consulting Business: Gregory F. Kishel
Learn more about starting a direct mail service consulting business ➜
Hi, I’m Barb Ferrigno, and I started Concept Marketing Group – a full-service marketing company. I started in 1978 working solo out of my home, and I grew the company over the years to 6 employees and 8 subcontractors.
I downsized the company to 2 employees and 4 subcontractors as I’m looking to retire within 4 years. What do we offer? Direct Mail Lists, Email Marketing Lists, Specialty Directories, Consulting, Writing Services, Business Coaching for the Executive Staff, Sales Team Coaching, Social Media Services, PR Services. I have 8,000 clients both global and international with new clients coming on board every week. We average 25 to 50 new customers a month.
19. Start a content marketing business
Examples of a successful content marketing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a content marketing business:
- How To Start Your Content Business In 2021: Make Money Online
- How To Start A Digital Marketing Agency In 2022 (Step By Step)
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Valuable Content Marketing: How To Make Quality Content
- How to Start a Business: Startup Essentials-The Simple, Step-by-Step Guide to Successfully Start Your Own Business (Online Business, Small Business, Work ... (Business Startup for Newbies Book 2)
Learn more about starting a content marketing business ➜
My name is David Tile. I own and operate a Content Writing Service, under the banner Article-Writing.co.
We don’t consider ourselves a content marketing firm. But a firm dedicated to the business of writing. Project management offers most often attached to marketing agencies. We work against marketing briefs delivering content on time and under budget.
20. Start a business plan writing business
Examples of a successful business plan writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a business plan writing business:
- How To Write A Business Plan - Entrepreneurship 101
- How To Write A Business Plan To Start Your Own Business
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Business Plan: Quickstart Guide - The Simplified Beginner's Guide to Writing a Business Plan: ClydeBank Business
- The One Hour Business Plan For Starting A Small Business: The Solopreneur’s Guide on How to Write a Business Plan & Start a Business
Learn more about starting a business plan writing business ➜
I'm Vaibhav Kishnani, an engineer but a passionate writer by profession. I established Content-Whale in 2017 when I was in my third year of engineering. Going by the maxim that quality writing is everything, Content-Whale caters to 42 different content types that form the backstory of every company’s digital presence and marketing efforts.
I started this content agency with a mere sum of Rs. 2,500. Today, we have drawn a revenue turnover of Rs. 4 Crores! In my opinion, it is not individual progress. Instead, a start-up is about connecting with the right individuals at the right time, who keep the show running ahead with their strife for perfection.
21. Start a social influencing business
Examples of a successful social influencing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a social influencing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Social Media Marketing Mastery 2020:3 Books In 1-How To Build A Brand And Become An Expert Influencer Using Facebook, Twitter, Youtube & Instagram-top Digital Networking & Personal Branding Strategies
- 33 Million People In The Room: How To Create, Influence, And Run A Successful Business With Social Networking
Learn more about starting a social influencing business ➜
22. Start an online ad creation business
Examples of a successful online ad creation business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a online ad creation business:
- How To Start A Online Billboard Advertising Business - Be Your Own Boss Tips
- How To Start An Online Business In 2020
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How to Start an Online Business: A Step by Step to Make Money from Your Computer Even If Your Starting from Scratch! (How to start an Online Business, ... Startup, Online Business for Beginners): LR Smith
- How To Start An Online Business: Create A Business Around Your Lifestyle: Emilie Pelletier
Learn more about starting an online ad creation business ➜
Victoria founded Viewst, a no-code ad design, and automation tool. They earned +$56k in 2 months and are confident to reach $1M ARR in 2021.
23. Start a writing workshop teaching business ($360/year)
Examples of a successful writing workshop teaching business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a writing workshop teaching business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a writing workshop teaching business ➜
My name is Burak Kanber, and I'm a software engineer, entrepreneur, musician, and sometimes-educator and writer. Some consider me an expert on machine learning; enough so that I've been approached to write and publish two books on the topic. Secretly, though, I wish I were a fiction novelist. There's just something "capital-R Romantic" about that lifestyle. I picture myself like Hemingway, earning a living by writing 500 clever words a day while I lounge by the pool.
Once I came to terms with my poor discipline I decided to build an app that punishes me for my bad habits. So far, I've got a few dozen users writing regularly on the app, which is great seeing as it's only in public beta and I've done zero marketing!
24. Start a social media management business
Examples of a successful social media management business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a social media management business:
- How To Build A 6 Figure Social Media Management Agency
- How To Become A Social Media Manager In 2020 + Start Your Own Agency
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Social Media For Business: The Small Business Guide To Online Marketing
- Brilliant Social Media: How To Start, Refine & Improve Your Social Media Business Strategy: Adam Gray
Learn more about starting a social media management business ➜
I’m Amanda Shepherd, the owner and lead mentor at the Social Media Manager Society. Aside from social media consulting to businesses in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries, I created a program to teach other women how to run successful social media businesses so they can have the time and financial freedom they’ve always wanted!
I quit my 9-5 and in one year made almost $100,000 working an average of four hours per day - and still growing!
25. Start a grant writing business
Examples of a successful grant writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a grant writing business:
- How To Make Money At Home As A Grant Writer
- Grant Writing For Nonprofits 101. 10 Things You Should Know Before You Get Started!
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start Your Own Grant Writing Business: Your Step-By-Step Guide to Success (StartUp Series)
- How To Write A Grant Proposal: A Step-By-Step
Learn more about starting a grant writing business ➜
I’m Dave Thornton and I am the Founder of Thornton & Lowe. I started the company 10 years ago, at the age of 23.
- Sales over $130,000 per month
- Complete over 400 tenders each year with a win rate over 75%
- Train over 500 delegates
- One of the largest UK databases of Bid Professionals
- Highest customer satisfaction in the industry
26. Start a magazine publishing business on amazon kindle store
Examples of a successful magazine publishing business on amazon kindle store:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a magazine publishing business on amazon kindle store:
- How To Start A Self-Publishing Business On Amazon
- Is Kindle Publishing Finally Dead In 2020??? - Watch Before You Start
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start And Run A Small Book Publishing Company: A Small Business Guide To Self-Publishing And Independent Publishing: Peter I. Hupalo
- How To Start And Produce A Magazine Or Newsletter: Gordon Woolf
Learn more about starting a magazine publishing business on amazon kindle store ➜
27. Start a playwriting business
Examples of a successful playwriting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a playwriting business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start & Run a Copywriting Business (Start & Run Business Series): Steve Slaunwhite
- Start Your Own Self Publishing Business: Your Step-By-Step Guide To Success (StartUp Series)
Learn more about starting a playwriting business ➜
28. Start a copywriting business ($144K/year)
Examples of a successful copywriting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a copywriting business:
- How To Become A Freelance Copywriter & Get Your First Client
- The #1 Way To Start Your Copywriting Career
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start & Run a Copywriting Business (Start & Run Business Series): Steve Slaunwhite
- How To Launch A Freelance Copywriting Business: Creative Writing For A Living (Method Writing Book 1)
Learn more about starting a copywriting business ➜
My name is David Tile. I own and operate a Content Writing Service, under the banner Article-Writing.co.
We don’t consider ourselves a content marketing firm. But a firm dedicated to the business of writing. Project management offers most often attached to marketing agencies. We work against marketing briefs delivering content on time and under budget.
29. Start a novelist business
Examples of a successful novelist business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a novelist business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How to Start a Small Business in 2019: 10,000/month ultimate guide – From Business Idea and Plan to Marketing and Scaling. Including Funding ... and Administration Tips (Make Money Online)
- How to Start a Business: Startup Essentials-The Simple, Step-by-Step Guide to Successfully Start Your Own Business (Online Business, Small Business, Work ... (Business Startup for Newbies Book 2)
Learn more about starting a novelist business ➜
I’m Katja Kaine and I am the founder of The Novel Factory, a novel writing software that helps guide new writers through the novel-writing process.
When we first started we would sell just a few copies of our software every month, but now we get over 1000 free trial signs up every month and over 100 new subscriptions.
30. Start an online course creation business
Examples of a successful online course creation business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a online course creation business:
- The Simplest Online Business To Start Online Course Creation
- 3 Lessons About Course Creation - Start A Widely Successful Online Business
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start An Online Business: Create A Business Around Your Lifestyle: Emilie Pelletier
- How To Build Your Successful Online Teaching Business (Online Entrepreneurship Book 1): Vladimir Raykov
Learn more about starting an online course creation business ➜
Shaan Patel is the founder and CEO of Prep Expert, a test preparation platform that provides online SAT and ACT prep courses.
He founded the firm from his dorm room eight years ago with just $900 left over from his undergraduate scholarships.
His SAT and ACT prep classes, books, and licensed items have already brought more than $20 million in sales. In 2016, he pitched Prep Expert on ABC's "Shark Tank" and secured an investment from billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban.
He spent no money on marketing during the first five years of starting Prep Expert. Despite this, the company's sales doubled yearly based on word-of-mouth marketing.
The SAT prep classes offered by Prep Expert increased the students' SAT scores by hundreds of points. As a result, parents would refer it to other parents, enabling this company to grow quickly and for free.
When he first founded Prep Expert, Patel approached the local TV station about doing a piece on SAT preparation suggestions for parents and kids. He moved from having no clients to having several when the television interview aired.
Patel attributes his entrepreneurial success to self-control and never giving up.

31. Start a letter writing business
Examples of a successful letter writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a letter writing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- 300+ Successful Business Letters For All Occasions
- How to Write Better Business Letters (Barron's How to Write Better Business Letters)
Learn more about starting a letter writing business ➜
32. Start a zine publisher business
Examples of a successful zine publisher business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a zine publisher business:
- How To Start A Publishing Company
- I Self-Publish And Sell 200+ Zines Every Month! (How To Self-Pub W The Wiggle Bird Mailing Club)
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a zine publisher business ➜
My name is Janina Moza, and I’m the Chief marketing officer of Flipsnack. I’ve joined the team a year after launching Flipsnack and I’ve been part of this project for almost 10 years now.
We’ve been on the market for over 10 years now and over the past few years, we’ve increased our business revenue by over 50% year over year.
33. Start a short-story writing business
Examples of a successful short-story writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a short-story writing business:
- Young Entrepreneurs Success Story - Motivational Video
- Ricky Gervais Tells A Story About How He Learned To Write
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Home-Based Writing Business: Lucy V. Parker
- How to Start a Home-Based Writing Business (Home-Based Business Series)
Learn more about starting a short-story writing business ➜
I'm Vaibhav Kishnani, an engineer but a passionate writer by profession. I established Content-Whale in 2017 when I was in my third year of engineering. Going by the maxim that quality writing is everything, Content-Whale caters to 42 different content types that form the backstory of every company’s digital presence and marketing efforts.
I started this content agency with a mere sum of Rs. 2,500. Today, we have drawn a revenue turnover of Rs. 4 Crores! In my opinion, it is not individual progress. Instead, a start-up is about connecting with the right individuals at the right time, who keep the show running ahead with their strife for perfection.
34. Start a podcasting business ($690K/year)
Examples of a successful podcasting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a podcasting business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Podcast: Learn How To Stop Babbling & Start Podcasting Like A Pro: Mike Eiman
- Podcast Launch: How to Create & Launch Your Podcast: John Lee Dumas
Learn more about starting a podcasting business ➜
Hey! My name is Marti Sanchez and I am the CEO of Influence Podium. We help B2B CEOs get placed on podcasts their target audience listens to and repurposes those episodes into LinkedIn or Twitter content to grow their personal brand and drive inbound.
We just crossed $30k MRR and are looking to hit seven figures by the end of the year. We’re a young company in our 3rd year in business, and completely self-funded.
35. Start a gaming storyboard creation business
Examples of a successful gaming storyboard creation business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a gaming storyboard creation business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Ultimate Guide To Video Game Writing And Design: Dille
- Video Game Storytelling: What Every Developer
Learn more about starting a gaming storyboard creation business ➜
36. Start a market researching business
Examples of a successful market researching business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a market researching business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Entrepreneur's Guide To Market Research: Wenzel, Anne
- The Market Research Toolbox: A Concise Guide For Beginners
Learn more about starting a market researching business ➜
37. Start a comic writing business
Examples of a successful comic writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a comic writing business:
- How To Start A Comic Book Company
- Promoting And Publishing Comic Books - Advice For Independent Comic Writers And Artists
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Words For Pictures: The Art And Business Of Writing Comics And Graphic Novels
- Start & Run a Copywriting Business (Start & Run Business Series): Steve Slaunwhite
Learn more about starting a comic writing business ➜
We are Lisa and Ted Van Liew, owners of Superworld Comics, Inc., purveyors of vintage comic books, and original comic book art. Superworld is in its 34th year buying and selling comics from the 1930s to the 1970s. Our customers are nostalgia seekers who remember buying from the newsstands when they were kids, collectors who love comics and filling in their runs, and also investors looking to add some diversity and some fun to their portfolios. Prices of Silver Age (1955-1970) and Golden Age (1938-1955) comics have risen consistently since the 1970s.
Joe Fish (at a computer) and Adam Fish (with camera) and Ted during an episode of Treasure Chest Tuesdays
38. Start a marketing consulting business
Examples of a successful marketing consulting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a marketing consulting business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start And Run A Successful Consulting Business: Gregory F. Kishel
- Start Your Own Consulting Business, Third Edition (Startup Series)
Learn more about starting a marketing consulting business ➜
Hey there! I’m Jeremy Enns, the founder and Storyteller In Chief at Counterweight Creative, a podcast production and strategy agency.
I started the company 3 years ago, in 2016 with one client, making $15/hour and have grown into a team of 10 contractors producing more than 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10K/mo.
39. Start a SEM business
Examples of a successful SEM business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a SEM business:
- Search Engine Marketing (Sem): An Overview For Beginners
- Start A Search Engine Optimization Seo Search Engine Marketing Sem Business With No Experience
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How to Start an Online Business: A Step by Step to Make Money from Your Computer Even If Your Starting from Scratch! (How to start an Online Business, ... Startup, Online Business for Beginners): LR Smith
- How to Start a Business: Startup Essentials-The Simple, Step-by-Step Guide to Successfully Start Your Own Business (Online Business, Small Business, Work ... (Business Startup for Newbies Book 2)
Learn more about starting a SEM business ➜
40. Become a song writer
Examples of a successful song writer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a song writer:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Beating Songwriter's Block: Jump-Start Your Words And Music
- How To Get Started As A Singer-Songwriter: Building A Career From The Ground Up In 7 Months Or Less
Learn more about starting a song writer ➜
41. Start a website editing service ($72K/year)
Examples of a successful website editing service:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a website editing service:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Complete Website Planning Guide: A Step By Step Guide For Website Owners And Agencies On How To Create A Practical And Successful Scope Of Works For Your Next Web Design Project: Darryl King
- How To Create A Website - A Step By Step Guide: Brock Hamilton
Learn more about starting a website editing service ➜
Hello, my name is Ferenc Denes and I have 40+ websites with a total of roughly 8-10 million monthly visitors. I’m going to share the story of one of my sites that brings $6K per month as passive income.
I’m going to share the story of my online HTML editor at htmlg.com. This online text editor converts documents to HTML. It helps to process and clean the code. It runs in the web browser without installing any desktop program. It has a free demo that allows you to give it a try and learn how it works.
42. Start a product description writing business
Examples of a successful product description writing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a product description writing business:
- How To Start A Product Description Writing Business In 2019
- Writing Product Descriptions That Make Sales From Day 1!! Shopify Dropshipping 2020
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Breaking Into Product Management: A Product Manager HQ Guide: Clement Kao
- The Art Of Product Management: Lessons From A Silicon Valley Innovator: Rich Mironov
Learn more about starting a product description writing business ➜
Hi, my name is Sravani and I am the chief executive officer of Apna Writer. At Apna Writer, we offer various forms of content writing services to our clients with the utmost professionalism.
I always measure my success through the number of repeat clients I have, and I am happy to announce that I have been successful in retaining over 95% of the clients. All thanks to the wonderful team behind Apna Writer, who leave no stone unturned to deliver more than the client’s expectations every time we onboard someone.
43. Start a story blogging business
Examples of a successful story blogging business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a story blogging business:
- My Blogging Story: How I Got Started And Grew My Blog
- Our First Student To Achieve Six Figures Blogging!!! Natalie Bacon's Awesome Story
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start Your Own Blogging Business: Generate Income From Advertisers, Subscribers, Merchandising, And More (StartUp Series)
- How to Start a Home-based Blogging Business (Home-Based Business Series): Brett Snyder
Learn more about starting a story blogging business ➜
Hello! My name is Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, and I run Making Sense of Cents, a personal finance and lifestyle website that helps readers earn more, save more, and live more.
I earn around $100,000 a month from Making Sense of Cents and have made over $5,000,000 from it over the years. Much of it is profit, as my expenses are extremely low. I am the only full-time employee of my business, but I do outsource some work. I have a virtual assistant, an editor, and a technical manager.
44. Start a transcribing service business ($36K/year)
Examples of a successful transcribing service business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a transcribing service business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Jump-Start Your Work at Home General Transcription Career: The Fast and Easy Way to Get Started!
- How To Start A Service Business - A Step By Step Guide To Starting A New Small Service Company: Meir Liraz
Learn more about starting a transcribing service business ➜
Hi there. I am Gaynor Paynter and I run Typewrite Transcription and Typing Services CC, a business which I started in 2005. You can probably tell by the business name I do typing and transcription, but I also do proofreading, editing, and most other virtual services. Right now I am busy with a project that involves doing some research to help someone compile a letter she wants to send to funders for her business, so I’m pretty versatile.
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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