20 Business Ideas For History Buffs [2024]
Are you fascinated by the past and considering harnessing that passion into a business? If history is your calling, there are numerous opportunities that could transform your passion into a profitable venture. From creating educational tours to curating historical artifacts, your knowledge of history could become the foundation of a successful business.
Imagine guiding others through local landmarks on an educational tour, sharing stories that bring the past to life. You could also venture into selling vintage items or replicas, offering history enthusiasts unique pieces that echo different eras. Another avenue might be developing a blog or podcast, where you delve into historical events and figures, potentially monetizing your content through ads and subscriptions.
For those with a knack for research, offering services as a historical consultant for authors, filmmakers, or museums could be a fulfilling pursuit. Alternatively, you could launch a YouTube channel dedicated to exploring lesser-known historical facts, engaging a global audience. The possibilities are plentiful, and with some strategic planning, your love for history could evolve into a thriving business.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other history buff businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog is an excellent way for history buffs to share their passion and in-depth knowledge with others while supplementing their income. By identifying a specific historical niche and creating unique, informative content, you can attract a dedicated audience of fellow history enthusiasts. This platform allows you to monetize your passion by leveraging affiliate links, growing a YouTube channel, collaborating with relevant brands, and even speaking at events.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could turn your extensive knowledge of history into engaging content that attracts like-minded individuals.
- With a clear and specific niche, you can stand out in a crowded market and build a loyal following.
- Monetization opportunities are vast, from affiliate links to brand collaborations, allowing you to earn money doing what you love.
For more tips on how to make your niche blog profitable, visit this Starter Story page.
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. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Starting a niche website centered around a specific historical theme allows history buffs to connect with a dedicated audience, share their passion, and potentially generate significant income. These websites focus on a specialized topic, providing rich, in-depth content that caters to those with a keen interest in history. Whether through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products such as eBooks or exclusive research materials, the opportunities for monetization are varied and plentiful. Visit Starter Story for more insight on successful niche website ventures.
Why consider starting a niche website?
- You could turn your historical knowledge into a reliable source of passive income.
- You might establish yourself as an expert in your chosen historical niche.
- You have the chance to create a highly engaging community of like-minded enthusiasts.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
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.
3. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be an excellent way for history buffs to share their passion, knowledge, and unique perspectives with a wider audience. Not only does podcasting allow you to delve into fascinating historical topics, but it also provides opportunities to engage listeners, build a community, and potentially monetize through sponsorships and advertisements.
Why start a podcast?
- You could build a loyal audience who shares your passion for history, providing a platform for meaningful discussions and deep dives into historical events.
- Podcasting is a relatively low-cost venture, requiring just basic recording equipment and a hosting platform, making it accessible even on a budget.
- As your audience grows, you could attract sponsorships and advertising partnerships, turning your historical insights into a profitable endeavor.
For further details on starting a podcast, including tips on creating engaging content and maximizing profitability, check out this Starter Story guide.
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
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.
4. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Starting an online course sales business can be an excellent opportunity for history buffs to combine their passion with entrepreneurship. As a history enthusiast, you could create online courses that dive deep into specific eras, events, or historical figures, making the past come alive for your audience. With the e-learning market expected to be worth over $645 billion in the coming years, there's a significant demand for quality educational content, and your expertise could fulfill that niche. For more details on starting your own online course sales business, you can explore relevant success stories and marketing ideas on Starter Story.
Why start an online course sales business?
- You could generate passive income while sharing your passion for history and educating others.
- You already possess the knowledge and enthusiasm to create engaging and informative courses on historical topics.
- It's a scalable business model, allowing you to reach a global audience interested in learning about history.
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 (?)
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.
5. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
If you have a knack for creating compelling video content, starting a YouTube channel might be your next big move. As a history buff, you could share your expert insights, explore historical events, and deepen understanding by creating engaging videos. This platform not only allows you to indulge in your passion but also offers the potential to generate income through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. The consistent production of quality content and audience engagement could turn your love of history into a profitable side business or even a full-time venture.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could share and monetize your historical knowledge, making your passion a source of income.
- You could connect with a global community of fellow history enthusiasts, expanding your network.
- You could use versatile content formats—from documentaries to educational series—capturing the interest of diverse viewers.
To learn more about profitability, the marketing ideas, and startup costs, visit Starter Story's comprehensive guide on starting a YouTube channel.
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 (?)
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.
6. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
As a history buff with a passion for the past, starting an affiliate marketing business can be an exciting way to supplement your income while sharing your love for history. By promoting products related to historical books, documentaries, or memorabilia, you could earn commissions on every sale. This venture allows you to combine your historical knowledge with the lucrative potential of online marketing, reaching a wide audience of fellow enthusiasts.
Consider exploring affiliate programs from historical societies, bookstores, or merchants specializing in historical artifacts. This approach not only enables you to generate passive income but also helps you form partnerships with brands aligned with your interests.
Why start an affiliate marketing business?
- You could earn passive income by promoting products you love, allowing you to focus on other historical passions.
- Your historical expertise makes you a trusted voice, increasing the likelihood of successful sales and higher commissions.
- It opens doors to partnerships with organizations and companies that share your enthusiasm for history.
For more guidance on starting your affiliate marketing business, you can explore Starter Story’s success stories.
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 (?)
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.
7. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business could be an exciting venture for a history buff looking to turn their passion into a profitable side business or full-time career. By curating themed boxes filled with historical memorabilia, literature, and artisanal items related to specific eras or events, you could offer a unique and engaging experience to your subscribers. This business model leverages your extensive knowledge of history to create captivating content that keeps your audience eagerly awaiting each monthly delivery. Learn more about the profitability of subscription box businesses.
Why start a subscription box business?
- It allows you to share your passion for history with like-minded individuals while generating income.
- The recurring revenue model of subscription boxes provides a steady stream of income.
- There’s immense potential for creativity in curating unique, themed boxes that engage and educate your audience.
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 (?)
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.
8. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
If you're a history buff, creating a mobile app can be a rewarding way to turn your passion into profit. By leveraging your extensive knowledge of historical events, figures, and trivia, you could develop an engaging and educational app that caters to users of all ages. With mobile apps being a vital part of contemporary life, your app could reach a global audience, teaching history in a fun and innovative way while generating a steady income.
Why create a mobile app?
- You could combine your love for history with modern technology, making learning more accessible and engaging.
- A well-designed app can reach a broad audience, generating recurring revenue from downloads, subscriptions, or in-app purchases.
- Developing a mobile app allows you to continuously update and add new content, keeping users engaged and coming back for more.
If interested, check out these inspiring success stories about mobile app development for more on how to get started.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
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.
9. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
If you're a history buff looking to supplement your income or start a side business, consider an AI-based business solution. By leveraging artificial intelligence, you could optimize various business processes such as customer service, inventory management, and personalized marketing. This approach doesn't require a tech background—many platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces and support, making it accessible for anyone willing to dive in.
The demand for AI solutions is growing rapidly as businesses recognize the competitive edge they offer. With a solid strategy and a focus on impactful areas, launching an AI-based business could be a strategic move in today's market. It's a compelling option for history enthusiasts looking to branch out into innovative fields.
Why start an AI-based business solution?
- You could streamline and optimize business operations, saving time and reducing costs.
- AI tools provide valuable customer insights and predict market trends, helping businesses make data-driven decisions.
- Many platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support, making it accessible even without a tech background.
For more information on the profitability and marketing ideas for AI-based business solutions, visit Starter Story.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
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.
10. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
For history buffs passionate about content creation, developing an AI writing tool could be a lucrative side business or full-time venture. Leveraging your extensive knowledge of historical events, periods, and figures, you could design a tool that generates factually accurate and engaging content. This innovation can significantly simplify writing tasks for students, researchers, and professionals by automating error-free and time-efficient content creation, making historical data readily accessible and well-presented.
By embedding artificial intelligence into the core of your content tool, you could revolutionize how history is penned digitally. Not only does this venture meet the growing demand for high-quality content, but it also opens doors to a futuristic and innovative space in the digital world. Ready to take the plunge? Explore the profitability of an AI writing tool on Starter Story here.
Why create an AI writing tool?
- You could make historical writing more accessible and accurate by automating content generation.
- You could significantly reduce the workload of writers and researchers, enhancing their productivity.
- By entering this cutting-edge field, you could establish yourself as a pioneer in digital content solutions for the history community.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
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.
11. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)
Starting a niche investment platform is an intriguing business idea for history buffs looking to leverage their passion for specialized knowledge. By creating a custom-tailored online exchange for alternative asset classes such as collectibles, real estate, and cryptocurrencies, you could provide a unique space for like-minded investors. This venture not only offers the potential for recurring revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions but also serves as a refuge for those seeking diversification amid volatile stock markets.
Explore Startup Costs associated with a niche investment platform and learn how to get started.
Why consider a niche investment platform?
- You could capitalize on your deep knowledge of collectibles or historical assets, making your platform a go-to for enthusiasts.
- You could build an exclusive user base through transparent and specialized trading ecosystems.
- This business offers the potential for ongoing revenue streams with transaction fees and premium subscriptions.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
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.
12. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
If you're a history buff with a passion for photography, starting a stock photography business offers a unique way to monetize your love for the past. By capturing high-quality images of historical sites, artifacts, and reenactments, you could build a niche portfolio that appeals to educational publishers, museums, and marketing firms seeking authentic historical visuals. This specialized focus allows you not only to supplement your income but also to share your passion for history with a broader audience, thereby turning your hobby into a profitable business.
Why start a stock photography business?
- You could create a niche market. Specializing in historical imagery sets you apart and attracts clients in educational and cultural sectors.
- You could build a diversified portfolio. High-quality stock photos are always in demand for marketing, publishing, and online content.
- You could enjoy passive income. Once your photos are online, they can generate regular revenue with each download.
For more insights, check this page on stock photography business profitability.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
13. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business could be an exciting venture for a history buff. You could curate collections of historical artifacts, replica items, and even rare books to sell online. This dive into historical treasures not only supplements your income but allows you to connect with other history enthusiasts and share your passion for the past.
Why start an ecommerce reselling business?
- You could monetize your knowledge of history by selling carefully selected items that appeal to fellow history buffs.
- You can start without the overhead of creating a website immediately—using social media platforms to build an audience and drive sales.
- You could turn your hobby into a profitable business, combining your love for history with entrepreneurial pursuits.
For more insights, check out some success stories here.
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 (?)
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.
14. Start a payment app ($716K/month)
As a history buff with a keen interest in the evolving landscape of technology, starting a payment app offers an exciting way to blend historical insight with modern innovation. Not only could you supplement your income by tapping into the ever-growing digital payments industry, but you could also create a unique niche by tailoring your app to historical tours, museums, and reenactment events. The passive income potential is significant, given that payment apps require minimal ongoing effort once developed.
For more information, you can explore a comprehensive guide on payment app startup costs.
Why start a payment app?
- Monetize historical events: You could facilitate transactions for historical tours, museums, and reenactment events, enhancing visitor experience.
- Passive income opportunity: The initial setup effort can yield ongoing revenue with minimal maintenance.
- Leverage growing trends: Capture a piece of the booming digital payments market with a targeted, history-focused app.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.
15. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
As a history buff, creating a health and wellness app offers a unique opportunity to combine your love of research and storytelling with modern technology and wellness trends. By understanding historical practices in health and fitness, you could develop an app that not only offers today’s best wellness advice but also educates users about the evolution of health practices over time. This dual focus could differentiate your app in a competitive market, combining historical context with practical, personalized wellness plans.
Building this app would involve collaboration with health experts, app developers, and effective marketing strategies, making it both a challenging and rewarding venture. Moreover, the potential to positively impact lives while exploring your passion for history positions this as a fulfilling business opportunity. For more information on how to get started, check out our success stories.
Why create a health and wellness app?
- Leverage historical knowledge: Use your understanding of historical wellness practices to create a unique selling point for your app.
- Address growing market demand: Tap into the expanding market for health and wellness apps by offering something distinct.
- Impact lives positively: Create a meaningful tool that helps users achieve their health goals while educating them about the history of wellness practices.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
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.
16. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
As a history buff, starting a WordPress plugin business could be a captivating way to combine your passion for historical topics with a lucrative entrepreneurial opportunity. By identifying common issues history enthusiasts face online, such as organizing detailed timelines or presenting interactive maps, you could develop plugins that fill these gaps. Selling these plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon or through your own blog ensures a steady stream of income while helping others better appreciate and present history.
Whether it's highlighting historical data in unique ways or creating tools that assist in educational content delivery, the possibilities are vast. With your extensive knowledge, you could target niche markets within the history community and develop specialized solutions that stand out from generic offerings. Explore more on how to start a WordPress plugin business here.
Why start a WordPress plugin business?
- You could create innovative solutions for history enthusiasts, enhancing how they present or consume historical content.
- Your plugins could become essential tools for educators, researchers, and hobbyists, providing a steady stream of income.
- Leveraging your historical expertise, you could carve out a unique niche in the WordPress plugin market, setting yourself apart from general developers.
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
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.
17. 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. As a history buff, you could leverage your passion for historical content to create engaging, automated social media strategies for clients who thrive in historically-themed niches or who want to incorporate historical content in their marketing. Your deep understanding of historical events and trends could add a unique and compelling dimension to your clients' social media presence, making history come alive in the digital age.
Starting a social media automation business requires creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms. Your clients—from small businesses to influencers—would pay you to save them time and enhance their social media presence. As more people seek consistent and strategic social media engagement, there’s a burgeoning demand for automation, making this a potentially lucrative venture. For more insights, check out our success stories.
Why begin a social media automation business?
- You could transform your love for history into engaging social media content that captivates and educates audiences.
- Your expertise could provide a unique angle to social media marketing, setting your services apart from competitors.
- Automation tools save time, allowing you to scale your business and manage numerous clients simultaneously without sacrificing quality.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
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.
18. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Starting a stock investing business makes sense for history buffs due to the parallels between understanding historical events and analyzing market trends. Just as history enthusiasts research and decode complex historical patterns, stock investors rely on historical data and past trends to predict future market movements. By leveraging their analytical skills and attention to detail, history buffs can find success in stock investing.
For those intrigued by the shifting tides of finance and adept at critical analysis, the stock market offers an outlet to transform that passion into profit. There are extensive educational resources and platforms available to guide you through the necessary tools and knowledge needed for success. However, this business demands continuous learning, strategic thinking, and precise market observation.
Why starting a stock investing business?
- You already possess analytical skills necessary for decoding trends—akin to interpreting historical events.
- Historical insights can give you a unique edge in understanding market cycles and predicting future movements.
- It's an opportunity to turn your love for research and pattern analysis into a financially rewarding endeavor.
For more insights, explore success stories here.
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 (?)
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.
19. Start a laser cut jewelry business
As a history buff, starting a laser cut jewelry business could allow you to merge your passion for the past with the modern appeal of customized and unique jewelry. By incorporating historical designs, motifs, and symbols into your creations, you could satisfy the growing consumer demand for unique, meaningful pieces. This blend of history and innovation could set your jewelry apart, creating a niche market that appreciates both quality craftsmanship and historical significance.
Why start a laser cut jewelry business?
- Historical designs and motifs could attract a niche consumer base who appreciate unique and meaningful jewelry.
- Laser cutting technology could allow for precise and intricate designs that reflect specific historical eras or events.
- The growing jewelry market, projected to expand at a rate of 8.5% annually, offers ample opportunity for profit. source
20. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
Starting a real estate investment firm offers an excellent avenue for history buffs to merge their passion for the past with financial growth. Real estate markets often reflect the socio-economic history of a region, providing ample opportunities to invest in historically significant properties. By leveraging their historical knowledge, enthusiasts could spot valuable, underappreciated properties with historical significance, adding a unique dimension to their investment strategy.
Furthermore, being a history buff could help in understanding real estate market trends rooted in historical economic patterns. For those passionate about history and property, the dual advantage of financial returns and preserving historical sites makes this an enticing business venture. To delve deeper, check out these pros and cons of starting a real estate investment firm.
Why starting a real estate investment firm?
- Historical knowledge aids in identifying undervalued yet significant properties.
- Understanding historical market trends can guide smarter investment strategies.
- Investing in historical properties can offer both financial returns and community impact.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)
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.
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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.
