19 Business Ideas For Genealogists [2024]
Are you passionate about genealogy and looking for ways to turn your skills into a business? This article explores various business ideas tailored specifically for genealogists in 2024. By leveraging your expertise, you could transform your hobby into a profitable venture.
From personalized research services to creating educational content, there are numerous opportunities to explore. You could offer your skills in various ways, helping others uncover their family history or teaching them how to do it themselves. Discover how you could capitalize on your passion and make a meaningful impact while earning an income.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other genealogist businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
As a genealogist, starting a niche blog could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even kickstart a side business. By sharing unique insights, how-to guides, and stories from your own research, you could build an engaging online community passionate about family history and heritage. Monetization opportunities such as affiliate links, collaborations with genealogy-related brands, and even speaking engagements can further enhance your revenue streams.
Why start a niche blog?
- Build authority and credibility in your field by sharing your expertise.
- Create multiple income streams through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and speaking engagements.
- Engage and grow a passionate community interested in genealogy and family history.
For more information on starting a profitable niche blog, check out this guide from Starter Story.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
2. Create an online course ($91.9K/month)
As a genealogist, starting an online course is a great way to supplement your income by monetizing your expertise. You could create engaging video lessons and provide supplementary materials to help enthusiasts learn about genealogy research, historical records, and family history documentation. With the flexibility of self-paced or cohort-based courses, you could build a student base and generate passive income while sharing your instructional talents with eager lifelong learners.
Check out some tips for starting an online course by visiting Starter Story.
Why start an online course?
- Monetize your existing knowledge. Turn your years of genealogical experience into a steady income stream.
- Reach a broader audience. Teach people from around the world without geographical limitations.
- Build a community. Engage with like-minded individuals passionate about genealogy and grow your network.
How much you can make: $350 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 88 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.
3. Start a newsletter ($213K/month)
Starting a newsletter is a compelling way for genealogists to supplement their income, make extra money, or even create a full-fledged business. By tapping into the growing demand for newsletters, which has increased by over 50% in the past five years, you could position yourself as a trusted expert and highly sought-after resource. A well-crafted newsletter allows you to educate your subscribers, build meaningful connections, and transform your expertise into a revenue stream.
Email newsletters are an effective medium to connect with your audience, keep them engaged, and potentially drive sales for additional services. You could teach subscribers about genealogical research techniques, share stories of interesting genealogical findings, or offer exclusive content and special promotions to keep them coming back for more. Leveraging a platform like Starter Story can provide you with valuable insights and tools to successfully launch your newsletter business (Starter Story Newsletter Profitability).
Why start a genealogy newsletter?
- You could position yourself as an authority in the genealogy field by providing valuable insights and content.
- You could create a consistent income stream by marketing additional services or products through your newsletter.
- You could foster a loyal community of genealogy enthusiasts who are eager to stay informed and engaged with your expertise.
How much you can make: $160 — $4,100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Financial media company MarketBeat, founded by Matt Paulson, provides objective financial information and real-time market data to empower individual stock investors to make better trading decisions, generating approximately $8 million in revenue in 2019 and ending the year with over 1.3 million unique email subscribers due to a freemium model with 75% of revenue from advertising and 25% from subscriptions.
4. Start a blog ($44.9K/month)
Starting a blog as a genealogist is a fantastic way to share your expertise and passion with a broader audience. Blogging offers a platform where you can create engaging content about genealogy, such as tips on tracing ancestry, reviewing new research tools, or sharing fascinating stories from your own discoveries. Not only does it help you connect with fellow genealogy enthusiasts, but you could also monetize your blog through ads, sponsored content, or affiliate links, creating an additional source of income.
Blogging is increasingly lucrative and accessible with minimal startup costs. If you're interested in starting a successful genealogy blog, consider checking out some business plans and profitability tips on Starter Story.
Why start a genealogy blog?
- You'll reach a global audience of genealogy enthusiasts looking for advice, tools, and inspiration.
- Monetize your passion by generating income through various methods like sponsored posts or affiliate marketing.
- Create a personal brand, establishing yourself as an expert in the field, which could lead to speaking engagements, book deals, and other opportunities.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
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.
5. Start an online community ($22.7K/month)
Starting an online community can be a lucrative venture for genealogists looking to supplement their income or create a full-time business. By gathering enthusiasts and experts in a dedicated online space, you can leverage your expertise to offer valuable resources, advice, and support. This community not only serves as a hub for sharing knowledge but also opens up multiple revenue streams, such as selling memberships, running ads, or promoting affiliate products related to genealogy.
You could take advantage of this growing interest by developing an exclusive online platform where members pay for access to premium content, tutorials, and webinars. With the right approach, you could build a thriving community that not only brings in extra income but also enriches your professional experience as a genealogist. For more insights on the profitability and marketing strategies for online communities, check out these success stories.
Why starting an online community?
- You could monetize your expertise by charging for exclusive access, premium content, or specialized services.
- Building a niche online community allows you to create a loyal audience that values your insights and offerings.
- There are numerous ways to generate revenue, from affiliate marketing and ads to sponsored content and online courses.
How much you can make: $100 — $162,620/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 4 hours/week
VC-turned-entrepreneur Phil Strazzulla, who previously built a successful b2b SaaS business, shares how he bootstrapped an online review site for HR software into a viable business with over $1k monthly revenues in just 3 months through organic search traffic growth and selling high intent leads.
6. Become a solopreneur ($285K/month)
Starting a solopreneur business as a genealogist allows you to leverage your passion and expertise while enjoying the benefits of being your own boss. This business path means you'll handle every aspect of your operations, from research to client interactions, but the autonomy and potential for personal and professional growth can be incredibly rewarding. Utilizing technology and outsourcing when necessary, you could efficiently manage the workload and focus on providing top-notch genealogical services.
If the idea of complete control over your business resonates with you, a solopreneur journey might be your perfect fit. By initially focusing on a specific niche within genealogy, you can cater to targeted client needs and gradually expand your services as your reputation grows.
Why consider becoming a solopreneur?
- You gain direct control over your business decisions, ensuring that your vision guides every aspect of your operations.
- You have the flexibility to manage your schedule and work on projects that align with your interests and expertise.
- The potential for personalized service can lead to higher client satisfaction and referrals, boosting your reputation and business growth.
For more information, explore solopreneur success stories to see how others have thrived on this entrepreneurial path.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $25,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Innerglow Art is a successful custom abstract painting business that incorporates scripture and personable connection with buyers to produce beautiful and unique artwork.
7. Start a website consulting business ($102K/month)
Starting a website consulting business could be an excellent opportunity for genealogists looking to diversify their income streams. As a genealogist, you likely already possess strong research skills and a keen eye for detail, which are crucial for optimizing website design, user experience, and SEO. Moreover, this business could allow you to tap into the growing demand for enhanced online presence across various industries, providing valuable services to clients who need well-designed, functional websites.
Why start a website consulting business?
- Your analytical and research skills as a genealogist are directly applicable to identifying and resolving website issues.
- The demand for website consulting services is increasing, providing ample opportunities to grow your income.
- You can leverage your expertise to help businesses improve their online performance, making a significant impact on their success.
For more inspiration and success stories, you can visit Starter Story here.
How much you can make: $1,300 — $541,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
How a self-taught engineer built a software development studio, Materialize, into a 18-person team with a revenue of $125k per month, by leveraging his technical expertise and establishing well-defined processes to build products efficiently and cost-effectively.
8. Start a consulting business ($104K/month)
Starting a consulting business as a genealogist can be a lucrative and fulfilling side gig or a full-fledged enterprise. Given the genealogical field's widespread appeal and increasing interest in ancestry, your specialized skills and knowledge can provide invaluable insights to clients seeking to uncover their family histories. Consulting offers a flexible work schedule, allowing you to work on your terms while leveraging your expertise to help others.
With the global consulting industry valued at approximately $250B, there is significant potential for growth and profitability in this arena. To get started, you can explore success stories and practical advice from other consulting business entrepreneurs on platforms like Starter Story.
Why start a consulting business?
- The demand for genealogical expertise is growing as more people become interested in their ancestry.
- You can set your own hours and work from anywhere, providing flexibility and work-life balance.
- Charging for your specialized knowledge can turn your passion for genealogy into a sustainable income stream.
How much you can make: $100 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Cybersecurity consulting firm Eden Data, launched in March 2020, scaled to four team members and generated over $45k MRR without large startup costs through their unique Virtual CISO offering, which outsources cybersecurity and compliance needs for a flat monthly price, rather than charging by the hour or for long-term commitments.
9. Become a content strategist ($66.8K/month)
Starting a business as a content strategist could be a practical and profitable extension for genealogists. Genealogists possess a keen eye for research and storytelling, skills that can be seamlessly transferred to creating and implementing content strategies. This involves identifying target audiences, crafting engaging narratives, and managing content projects, all of which are familiar tasks to those experienced in piecing together family histories.
For more details on how to start a content strategist business, check out the Content Strategist Success Stories.
Why become a content strategist?
- You could utilize your research skills to understand and engage target audiences effectively.
- It allows you to apply your storytelling abilities to various content formats, enriching the audience’s experience.
- Managing content projects can add a new dimension to your existing organizational and project management skills.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $550,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Draft founder, Karl, built a productized service for technical content, generating $10k in (mostly) recurring revenue in just three months of running the business, showing the success of skill-stacking and the impact of word of mouth and maintaining a strong network in a service business.
10. Start a content writing company ($50.4K/month)
Starting a content writing company could be an excellent fit for genealogists looking to supplement their income or build a side business. Drawing on your expertise in researching and compiling detailed family histories, you could offer a variety of specialized content such as blog posts, eBooks, or informative articles that tap into your niche knowledge. This venture allows you to work on a flexible schedule and develop skills that are highly in demand in the digital age.
Why consider starting a content writing company?
- You could leverage your research skills to produce high-quality, informative content, making you a standout candidate in a competitive market.
- Content writing is highly flexible, allowing you to balance it with your genealogical work or other commitments.
- The demand for engaging and well-researched content is always growing, providing a steady stream of potential clients and income opportunities.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $550,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Scribly.io, a subscription-based copywriting service providing high quality content that helps businesses scale at roughly 50% of the cost of hiring in-house, created by Dani, a first-time entrepreneur who started with just a few hundred dollars worth of projects and with the help of three other writers; as of last month, Scribly.io topped $14K monthly revenue.
11. Start a writing & editing business ($213K/month)
Starting a writing and editing business can be a highly practical and profitable venture for genealogists. With your unique skills in research and documentation, you could offer specialized services that cater directly to individuals or businesses seeking genealogical writing and editing. Whether creating family histories, editing ancestral documents, or contributing articles to genealogical publications, your expertise could set you apart in the market.
Why consider a writing & editing business?
- You could monetize your genealogical research skills by creating engaging and accurate family histories.
- Editing and proofreading ancestral documents can offer additional income streams while utilizing your attention to detail.
- Writing articles for genealogical publications or blogs can help establish you as a thought leader in the field.
For more information on starting a writing and editing business, visit starterstory.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. -1 hours/week
A founder shares how he built AudioPen.ai, a tool that transcribes voice notes, generating $15,000 monthly with minimal costs and no paid marketing, highlighting the importance of focusing on the product, word of mouth, and personal communication with users for sustainable growth.
12. Start a freelance writing business ($65.5K/month)
Starting a freelance writing business can be an excellent way to supplement your income, especially if you have a passion for genealogy. As a genealogist, you possess valuable research and storytelling skills that can translate seamlessly into writing detailed family histories, informative articles, or even specialized content for genealogy websites and publications. This flexibility allows you to work from home, set your own schedule, and pursue a variety of writing projects that align with your interests and expertise.
You could explore opportunities to write for genealogy blogs, contribute to ancestry newsletters, or create custom family tree narratives for clients. Many people seek out well-researched and engaging content about their heritage, making your expertise highly valuable. Consider tapping into platforms like Starter Story to learn more about the freelance writing landscape and how to get started.
Why consider freelance writing?
- You will have the flexibility to choose projects that interest you and fit your schedule.
- Your existing research skills in genealogy can help you create high-quality, engaging content.
- It's an excellent opportunity to diversify your income and apply your expertise in a new way.
How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 56 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
13. Start a jewelry product ($167K/month)
Starting a jewelry product aligned with your skills as a genealogist can be a fascinating venture. You could create custom pieces that incorporate elements of family history such as birthstones, family crests, or initials, making them deeply personal and sentimental. This business not only allows you to express your creativity but also helps you tap into a market that values unique, meaningful jewelry.
Platforms like Etsy and your own ecommerce website provide great avenues to reach customers who appreciate handcrafted jewelry. You could market your products through social media to attract a dedicated customer base interested in bespoke designs. By integrating your genealogical expertise into your jewelry, you offer a niche product that appeals to those looking for a deeper connection to their heritage.
Why consider a jewelry product?
- You could merge your knowledge in genealogy with artistic endeavors to create unique, personalized items.
- The online market for handcrafted jewelry is lucrative, offering ample opportunities for sales without the need for a physical store.
- Social media marketing can help you build a loyal customer base by showcasing the uniqueness and craftsmanship of each piece.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $415,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Taylor & Hart CEO Nikolay Piriankov tells the story of the company's journey from a diamond trading business to an award-winning, disruptive e-tailer of custom-designed, ethical engagement rings and fine jewelry, offering a bespoke design service through specifically developed technology online and instore, and growing to £4-6M in annual revenue.
14. Create a play to earn game
Leveraging the growing trend of play-to-earn games could be a unique and lucrative venture for genealogists. These blockchain-based games offer rewards in the form of digital assets, providing an engaging way to connect users with their ancestry while earning income. By creating genealogical-themed play-to-earn games, you could not only make genealogy fun and interactive but also open up new revenue streams. For more insights on the business potential, you can explore the pros and cons of starting a play-to-earn game.
Why consider developing a play-to-earn game?
- It aligns with the increasing demand for engaging, blockchain-based digital experiences.
- You could attract a diverse audience by combining genealogy with game elements, making ancestry research more appealing.
- The opportunity to earn digital rewards adds an extra incentive for users to engage deeply with their family history.
15. Become a travel photographer ($394K/month)
If you're a genealogist with a love for photography and travel, starting a business as a travel photographer could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even create a new revenue stream. Travel photographers focus on capturing images of places, animals, and landscapes, which are then sold to various clients or showcased in photojournalistic formats. By combining your expertise in genealogy with stunning photography, you could create unique visual narratives that enrich the stories of family histories, making them more engaging and relatable.
Why consider becoming a travel photographer?
- You could diversify your income streams, balancing the seasonal nature of genealogical work.
- The skills of detailed research and storytelling in genealogy translate well into capturing compelling travel images and narratives.
- Your travel photographs could enhance your genealogical projects, adding a personal touch that deeply resonates with clients.
For more ideas, you can check out how other travel photographers have successfully launched their businesses here.
How much you can make: $2,300 — $2,100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Wandering Aunt founder Robin Finney shares her journey of starting a sustainable travel business, including her decision to leave her corporate marketing job of 11 years, using a simple website and free tools like Mailchimp to grow her email list and attract customers, and the importance of investing in a coaching program for support.
16. Start an aromatherapy training school business
Starting an aromatherapy training school business can be a unique and rewarding way to supplement your income as a genealogist. By leveraging your existing skills in research and historical analysis, you could help students understand the historical context and cultural significance of various aromatherapy practices, adding depth to your courses. This business also offers an opportunity to diversify your portfolio, blending historical research with holistic health education.
Why start an aromatherapy training school business?
- Aromatherapy is a growing field with increasing demand for qualified trainers and practitioners.
- You could create a niche by combining historical genealogy with the ancestral use of essential oils.
- Teaching can provide a steady income stream, complementing seasonal or project-based work in genealogy.
For more detailed insights and startup costs, check out how to get started with an aromatherapy training school business here.
17. Become a fan page administrator
Starting a fan page administration business can be a lucrative and engaging way for genealogists to supplement their income. As a genealogist, you already possess meticulous research skills, an eye for detail, and a knack for storytelling—all essential traits for running a successful fan page. Managing a fan page allows you to create and curate content that connects with people on a personal level, just like genealogy connects people to their ancestral roots.
Why consider becoming a fan page administrator?
- You could leverage your research abilities to dive deep into niche fan content, creating a space that is rich in information and engagement.
- Your storytelling skills can help you craft compelling narratives, making your fan page a go-to source for enthusiasts.
- This venture aligns perfectly with your ability to create community and connection, extending your genealogical expertise into a dynamic online platform.
For more insights on starting a fan page administrator business, visit this resource.
18. Become a recording artist
Starting a side business or entirely new venture as a recording artist could be an excellent way for genealogists to supplement their income and explore creative talents. Those with a deep appreciation for history and storytelling can merge these passions into creating music that resonates with their personal journey, heritage, and unique experiences. Imagine the possibility of not only documenting history but also creating art that can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Why becoming a recording artist?
- Music tells a story. As a genealogist, you could use your skills to craft songs that weave personal and historical narratives.
- Diverse income streams. By producing music, you could gain revenue from streaming, performances, and music licensing.
- Build a personal brand. Enrich your genealogical services by establishing a creative platform that showcases your artistic side.
For more insights into starting this venture, you might find Recording Artist Startup Costs helpful.
19. Start a life coaching business ($19.7K/month)
Starting a life coaching business makes sense for genealogists because you already possess unique skills in research, empathy, and understanding personal histories. Helping people navigate their personal challenges and achieve their goals can be an extension of your natural ability to dig deep and find meaningful insights in their heritage. Moreover, this business is profitable and has low startup costs, making it a viable side hustle or even a full-time venture.
You can start with just a computer, a high-speed internet connection, and a LinkedIn account, coaching part-time until you develop a solid client base. Given that the life coaching industry is worth over $2.85 billion and continues to grow, there is significant potential for financial success. To see how profitable coaching businesses can be, check out this link: Coaching Business Profitability.
Why consider starting a life coaching business?
- You could leverage your genealogical expertise in understanding family dynamics to offer personalized coaching.
- Your research skills would allow you to craft strategies tailored to each client’s unique background.
- The initial costs are minimal, making it easy to start alongside your primary work.
How much you can make: $100 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
