22 Business Ideas For Early Birds [2024]

Updated: September 27th, 2024

Are you an early bird looking to start a business in 2024? Waking up before the sun has its advantages, and there are unique opportunities that fit perfectly into your early routine.

In this article, we'll explore business ideas that align with your early morning energy and discipline. From early fitness programs to breakfast catering services, you could find the perfect match for your entrepreneurial spirit.

Get ready to discover practical and achievable possibilities. Your early starts could be the key to unlocking these rewarding business ventures.

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

Here's the full list:

1. Start a niche website ($107K/month)

Are you an early riser with a passion for something specific? A niche website might be the perfect business idea for you. By focusing on a specialized topic you're passionate about and knowledgeable in, you could create compelling content that attracts a dedicated audience. As an early bird, you can take advantage of your quiet morning hours to research, create content, and optimize your site for search engines.

Monetize your niche website through affiliate marketing, ads, or by selling digital products. With consistent efforts and time, your niche site could become a reliable source of passive income, allowing you to supplement your income or even transition it into a full-time business. Ready to dive deep and turn your early mornings into a rewarding project? Check out success stories here: Starter Story.

Why consider starting a niche website?

  • Early mornings offer uninterrupted time, perfect for content creation and site optimization.
  • Specialty content attracts a dedicated audience, increasing engagement and monetization opportunities.
  • You can transform a personal passion into a profitable online business.

How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month

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

How I Leveraged My LinkedIn Network To Create A $1.8M/Year Procurement Conference

DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.

Read by 3,615 founders

2. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)

Starting a niche blog can be an excellent opportunity for early birds to utilize those quiet morning hours to build a thriving online business. By focusing on a specific and profitable topic, you could engage with a passionate community, share your expertise, and gradually grow a devoted audience. This endeavor is particularly suitable for early risers, as the uninterrupted early hours can be dedicated to creating high-quality content, networking with brands, and optimizing your blog for search engines. Learn more about niche blogging success stories.

Why starting a niche blog?

  • Early mornings offer the perfect quiet time to brainstorm, write, and schedule posts without distractions.
  • Focusing on a niche can allow you to become a thought leader in a specific area, attracting dedicated followers and brand collaborations.
  • Monetizing your blog through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and AdSense could provide a steady stream of passive income.

How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)

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

How I Turned A Crappy Idea Into A $3M/Year Business

Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.

Read by 78,102 founders

3. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)

Starting an online course sales business can be an excellent way for early birds to capitalize on their mornings. With the e-learning market projected to surpass $645 billion in the coming years, there is immense potential for growth. By creating and selling courses on topics you're passionate about, such as music, cooking, or coding, you could turn your mornings into a fruitful income stream.

Once you have chosen your target audience and created the course content, you can select an online learning platform to market and sell your courses. This approach not only provides the opportunity for passive income but also allows you to contribute to the educational growth of others globally. For more success stories and startup costs, check out Starter Story's online course sales business page.

Why consider starting an online course sales business?

  • Your initial effort results in long-term rewards. Once the course is created, it can generate passive income for years.
  • Early mornings are perfect for focused, high-value work like course creation, leveraging your peak productivity hours.
  • Sharing what you know and helping others learn a new skill can be incredibly satisfying, combining purpose with profit.

How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

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

I Make $120K/Year With My Print On Demand T-Shirt Side Hustle

A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.

Read by 12,027 founders

4. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)

Starting an affiliate marketing business could be a perfect fit for early birds who want to supplement their income or launch a profitable side hustle. Affiliate marketing allows you to earn passive income by promoting products or services from various companies and earning a commission on each sale you make. Because it can be managed at flexible hours, you could maximize your productivity by utilizing your early mornings to research and market the right products.

To get started, focus on finding products or brands that align with your interests; for example, affiliate marketing for an eCommerce store or partnering with a manufacturer. If you’re intrigued, check out how much people make in affiliate marketing on Starter Story. Below are some reasons why starting an affiliate marketing business is a smart move for early birds:

Why consider starting an affiliate marketing business?

  • It offers flexibility to work during your most productive early morning hours.
  • You could generate passive income and continue earning long after the initial work is done.
  • By leveraging your morning energy, you could efficiently research and promote lucrative affiliate products.

How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)

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

My Affiliate Marketing Business Earns $500K/Year Profit [No Employees]

This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Read by 24,621 founders

5. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)

Starting a real estate investment firm offers early birds a lucrative avenue to supplement their income or even build a fully-fledged business. By capitalizing on early morning hours, you could effectively scout lucrative properties, manage renovations, and negotiate deals before the market becomes crowded. The potential for substantial profit and steady income from rental properties makes this an enticing venture for anyone passionate about real estate.

Why starting a real estate investment firm?

  • You could leverage your early hours to get a jump on the competition and secure profitable deals.
  • Real estate investments can yield both short-term rental income and long-term property appreciation.
  • Starting your own firm enables you to be your own boss, offering flexibility and significant financial rewards.

To dive deeper into this opportunity, explore how real estate investment firms have found success here.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)

How We Started A $40M Real Estate Investment Fund

Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.

Read by 13,318 founders

6. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)

Starting an eCommerce reselling business as an early bird opens up a world of opportunities to supplement your income. By purchasing services or goods for resale, you bypass the need for production costs, allowing you to focus on generating revenue right from the start. You could begin with a social media-based reseller business and gradually transition to a dedicated website as your business gains traction.

eCommerce reselling is an accessible option that you can manage before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. You can find more in-depth pros and cons in this article.

Why start an eCommerce reselling business?

  • You can manage it during early hours, providing a head start before others begin their day.
  • No need for immediate website creation; leverage social media for sales initially.
  • It's a low-risk way to dip your toes into entrepreneurship without significant up-front costs.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)

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

My Side Hustle Makes $1.2M/Year Selling Car Accessories

Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.

Read by 7,378 founders

7. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)

Starting a YouTube channel could be a remarkable way to supplement your income, especially if you have a knack for creating compelling video content. As an early bird, you could leverage the quiet morning hours to plan, shoot, and edit your videos without interruptions, ensuring high-quality content. A successful YouTube channel can generate revenue from ads, sponsorships, and merchandise, making it a versatile and rewarding endeavor.

Building a channel requires consistency, creativity, and engagement with your audience. If you’re willing to dedicate the time and effort, the financial rewards and personal satisfaction can be significant. For more insights and inspiration, you could check this Starter Story article.

Why start a YouTube channel?

  • Being an early bird gives you the advantage of undisturbed time to create high-quality videos.
  • The potential earnings can be significant through varied monetization strategies like ads and sponsorships.
  • It allows you to share your unique voice and passion with a global audience, potentially turning a hobby into a sustainable income stream.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How A Young Entrepreneur From Nigeria Started A Profitable Blog

This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.

Read by 12,318 founders

8. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)

Starting a stock investing business could be a smart move for early birds in 2024. With financial markets opening early in the day, your proactive nature gives you a head start on analyzing trends and executing trades before others. By leveraging your ability to wake up early, you can monitor international markets and position yourself in the best way possible when the stock market opens. Resources and trading platforms are readily available to help you turn your passion for financial markets into profit.

Why start a stock investing business?

  • Early market analysis: Your early bird habits allow you to analyze pre-market data and global market trends ahead of others.
  • Flexible hours: Stock trading can often be managed alongside other commitments, allowing you to adapt it as a side business or a full-time venture.
  • Continuous learning: The stock market provides endless opportunities for education and growth, appealing to those interested in continuous self-improvement and financial acumen.

For more details, visit this page.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month

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

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

I Launched A $54K/Year Newsletter That Finds Trending Stocks

Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.

Read by 23,783 founders

9. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)

If you're an early bird looking to supplement your income or start a side business, a stock photography business could be an excellent choice. As a morning person, you'll have the advantage of capturing the best natural light for your photos, which is vital for high-quality stock imagery. Plus, the quiet early hours are perfect for editing and uploading your photos to various platforms, ensuring you have a consistent workflow.

By investing in good photography gear and building a robust online presence, you could secure profitable margins and passive income from your stock photos. Businesses and bloggers are always in need of fresh, high-quality images for their marketing efforts, providing a steady demand for your work. For further insights, check out this comprehensive guide on starting a stock photography business.

Why start a stock photography business?

  • Early mornings offer the best natural light, enhancing the quality of your photos.
  • Passive income potential from licensing your photos on multiple platforms.
  • Consistent demand from businesses, blogs, and websites needing high-quality visuals.

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 (?)

How I Started A Commercial Product Photography Business

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.

Read by 15,472 founders

10. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)

Starting a dropshipping business could be an ideal opportunity for early birds looking to supplement their income or even launch a full-time venture. As an early riser, you can take advantage of uninterrupted morning hours to research profitable niches, communicate with suppliers on different time zones, and manage your online store’s operations. With platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, setting up your store is straightforward, allowing you to focus on marketing and customer service to drive growth.

For more insights into starting your dropshipping business, check out some success stories and tips to get started.

Why consider a dropshipping business as an early bird?

  • Early mornings provide uninterrupted time for market research and planning.
  • Communicating with international suppliers is easier in different time zones.
  • Being an early bird helps you promptly handle customer service and order processing, improving customer satisfaction.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week

How I Started A $100K/Month Business Mentoring Dropshipping Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.

Read by 25,760 founders

11. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)

Starting a subscription box business is an excellent fit for early birds due to the structured, routine nature of the work involved. Primarily, mornings can be dedicated to tasks like planning curated box contents, managing inventory, and coordinating with suppliers—all essential for ensuring timely deliveries and maintaining customer satisfaction. The quiet morning hours also provide an uninterrupted time block for marketing efforts, customer service, and personalizing your customers' experience.

Subscription box businesses are booming as they tap into niche markets, offering exclusivity and value-added services that generate loyal, recurring revenue. If you're proactive and organized in the mornings, you could use this time to stay ahead of your competitors by fine-tuning your product offerings and enhancing customer service. For more insights into making this business profitable, you may want to check out this page on Starter Story.

Why start a subscription box business?

  • Morning hours can be effectively utilized for critical tasks like planning, inventory management, and supplier coordination.
  • Regular, structured routines fit perfectly with early risers' schedules, allowing for efficient daily operations.
  • Subscription boxes are in high demand, offering long-term, recurring revenue from loyal customers and niche markets.

How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)

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

How I Started A Gift Box Business For Non Traditional Brides

Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.

Read by 31,439 founders

12. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)

Starting a health and wellness app is a perfect business idea for early birds who want to supplement their income, make extra money, or launch an entirely new venture. By leveraging your natural inclination to start the day early, you could utilize these morning hours for market research, app development, and collaboration with health experts, setting the foundation for a successful digital tool that helps users achieve their health and wellness goals. Imagine offering a platform that guides users through personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises, giving them a virtual coach in their pocket available anytime they need it.

By embarking on this journey, you are not only tapping into a growing market but also making a meaningful impact on people's lives. With the increasing demand for health and wellness solutions, your app could become an invaluable resource for users eager to improve their physical and mental well-being. If you’re passionate about health and technology, building a health and wellness app could be your path to entrepreneurial success [link: /ideas/health-and-wellness-app/success-stories].

Why start a health and wellness app?

  • The early bird advantage allows you to dedicate uninterrupted morning hours to development and strategy.
  • The health and wellness industry is rapidly growing, providing ample market opportunities.
  • You could positively impact countless lives by offering users expert advice and personalized wellness plans.

How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month

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

I Created A $2.7M/Year Software That Extends People's Lives By Analyzing Their DNA

Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.

Read by 8,603 founders

13. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)

Starting an AI writing tool business as an early bird positions you to harness the benefits of both your punctuality and the rapidly advancing technologies. As you rise early, you can maximize your productive hours to develop and refine AI algorithms that generate error-free and engaging content. This tool could provide an essential service to businesses, bloggers, and students in need of consistent, high-quality content, establishing you as a pioneer in the digital writing sphere. For more concrete insights, explore these AI writing tool success stories from Starter Story.

Why develop an AI writing tool?

  • Seize the early hours to innovate, optimizing your AI algorithms for enhanced accuracy and engagement.
  • Meet the growing demand for automated, time-efficient content creation, positioning your tool as a critical asset in various industries.
  • Capitalize on the increasing reliance on digital tools, offering a futuristic writing solution that stands out in today's competitive market.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)

I Built A Simple AI Writing Tool That Makes $60K/Year

Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.

Read by 6,755 founders

14. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)

Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth. That’s the essence of a social media automation business. In simple terms, this involves creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms. Your clients—from small businesses to influencers—pay you to save them time and enhance their social media presence.

With the burgeoning need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there’s a significant demand for automation. The real work involves developing or integrating software solutions, staying updated on social media trends, and building relationships with clients to tailor services to their needs. For those with a knack for technology and marketing, starting a social media automation business can be both a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor.

Why start a social media automation business?

  • You could capitalize on the growing demand for automation tools in the fast-paced digital marketing space.
  • Early birds have the advantage of tackling tasks and client interactions during off-peak hours, ensuring efficient workflow.
  • A well-developed automation system allows you to generate recurring revenue with minimal hands-on involvement.

For more details on achieving success in this field, read some real success stories here: /ideas/social-media-automation-business/success-stories.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

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

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

Read by 15,241 founders

15. Start a cod farming business

Starting a cod farming business as an early bird entrepreneur offers you an exciting opportunity to tap into a growing market with significant demand. Cod is renowned as a low-fat, high-protein fish, making it a go-to choice for health-conscious consumers. With the recent shortage of wild-caught North-Atlantic cod, now could be the perfect time to venture into this business and fulfill a crucial market need.

Why start a cod farming business?

  • Take advantage of the rising demand for healthier, low-fat food options.
  • Address the shortage in wild-caught North-Atlantic cod by providing a sustainable alternative.
  • As an early bird, you could leverage your productive mornings to manage and monitor farm operations efficiently.

For more information, visit Starter Story's cod farming business category.

16. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)

If you're an early bird with a knack for innovation, developing a mobile app could be an ideal business venture for you. The early morning hours offer focus and tranquility, perfect for brainstorming, planning, and writing code. Your primary tasks will include conceptualizing the user experience, designing intuitive interfaces, and rigorously testing for bugs. With the right marketing strategy, your app could become a lucrative source of income, reaching users far and wide.

For more information and inspiring stories, check out successful mobile app startups on Starter Story.

Why create a mobile app?

  • Early morning hours provide uninterrupted time to focus on app development.
  • Mobile app usage continues to grow, offering a wide market for innovative solutions.
  • You could turn your brilliant idea into substantial revenue with effective marketing and user engagement strategies.

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

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

We Started A $6M/Year Bachelorette Party App

BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.

Read by 11,005 founders

17. Print on demand business ($411K/month)

Starting a print-on-demand business can be an ideal venture for early birds looking to supplement their income or launch a side hustle. This business model requires minimal startup costs, as products are only created when an order is placed, eliminating the need for upfront inventory. By leveraging platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you could design and sell custom apparel, home goods, and other merchandise to a global audience, all from the comfort of your home.

Why Start a Print-On-Demand Business?

  • Low Risk: With no need for upfront inventory, you could test designs with virtually no financial risk.
  • Flexible Hours: As an early bird, you could easily manage your business in the early hours, freeing up the remainder of your day.
  • Creative Freedom: Monetize your creativity by designing unique products that stand out in a crowded market.

For more details on the pros and cons of a print-on-demand business, check out this Starter Story article.

How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Started A $330K/Month Ecommerce Specialized In 3D Printing

Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.

Read by 29,963 founders

18. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)

Developing a lead generation tool could be a great move for early birds looking to make extra money or start a side business. The high demand for efficient lead generation helps businesses streamline their marketing efforts and grow their customer base. As an early bird, you could capitalize on your morning productivity to build, refine, and market this software application, ensuring it meets the needs of companies eager to discover valuable leads.

With the right integration features such as website scraping, social media connections, and email capture, your tool can automate client-finding processes. This business idea not only leverages your tech-savviness and marketing insight but also aligns perfectly with your early start, giving you an edge in reaching clients before others catch up.

Why develop a lead generation tool?

  • Capture morning productivity: Develop and refine your software, taking advantage of your early start to get ahead.
  • High demand: Businesses need efficient ways to capture potential customers, making lead generation tools valuable.
  • Automate processes: Help companies save time by automating client-finding tasks, allowing them to focus on conversions.

For more insights and success stories, check out this link.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)

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

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

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

Read by 8,916 founders

19. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)

For early birds looking to supplement their income or start a full-fledged business, developing an online survey tool is an excellent opportunity. Businesses increasingly rely on online surveys to gather customer feedback efficiently and cost-effectively. This demand creates a growing market for innovative survey tools that offer features like survey builders, data collection, and reporting systems.

Emulating the success of platforms such as Typeform, which saw its annual recurring revenue surpass $70 million in 2021, you could position yourself in a profitable niche. An online survey tool business aligns well for early risers who can leverage their mornings to focus on development, marketing, and customer support before the typical workday begins.

Why develop an online survey tool?

  • Early risers can use quiet morning hours to work uninterrupted on development and customer acquisition.
  • With the growing need for customer insights, your tool will have a ready market of businesses seeking reliable feedback solutions.
  • You could generate recurring revenue through subscription models, creating a steady income stream.

For more on this business idea, explore the success stories here.

How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month

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

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Read by 12,017 founders

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

Looking to streamline business operations with cutting-edge technology? Consider an AI-based business solution. This idea leverages artificial intelligence to optimize various aspects of business processes, from customer service and inventory management to data analysis and personalized marketing. AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, provide valuable customer insights, and predict market trends with impressive accuracy. You don’t need a background in tech to start—many platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support systems.

The demand for AI solutions is growing rapidly as businesses realize the competitive edge they could gain. With a solid implementation plan and a focus on high-impact areas, launching an AI-based business solution could be a strategic move to tap into this expanding market. It’s a path worth exploring for those looking to innovate and boost business performance.

Why consider starting an AI-based business solution?

  • You could capitalize on a growing market where the demand for AI solutions is increasing swiftly.
  • AI technology could help you automate and streamline processes, leading to significant cost reductions.
  • Many AI platforms offer robust support and user-friendly tools, meaning you don’t need a tech background to get started.

For more insights and success stories, you can visit Starter Story.

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

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

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

Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.

Read by 21,992 founders

21. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)

Starting a WordPress plugin business can be a great opportunity for early birds who want to supplement their income or even build an entire business. By developing and selling plugins that address specific needs, you could create a sustainable revenue stream. The flexibility it offers means you could work during the quiet morning hours when your mind is fresh and focused, developing unique solutions for WordPress users.

If you're considering entering this market, you might focus on offering plugins that solve particular issues for website owners. Plugins can be sold on online platforms such as CodeCanyon, your blog, or your own dedicated website, making it relatively easy to find an audience for your product. For more inspiration and tips on starting your own WordPress plugin business, you can check out Starter Story's insights.

Why starting a WordPress plugin business?

  • Early development hours mean you could focus on coding without interruptions.
  • WordPress’s vast user base provides ample market opportunities for new and innovative plugins.
  • Selling plugins can offer a recurring revenue system, providing long-term passive income.

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

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

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Coded A Website Plugin Making $600 Per Month

Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.

Read by 18,981 founders

22. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)

Starting a podcast can be an excellent side business or even a full-time venture for early birds who are motivated and disciplined. By getting a head start in the day, you could utilize those quiet, undisturbed hours to plan, record, and edit your episodes, ensuring high-quality content. Podcasts are incredibly popular for sharing information and entertainment, which means there's a vast potential audience for your unique voice and perspective. To dive deeper into the financial prospects, you can check out some success stories here.

Considering starting a podcast?

  • Early mornings offer quiet time to produce high-quality audio content without interruptions.
  • The popularity of podcasts provides broad audience reach, offering numerous income streams from ads, sponsorships, and listener support.
  • Starting a podcast on a budget is feasible with minimal equipment and free hosting platforms, making it a low-risk entrepreneurial venture.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.

Read by 19,196 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.