12 Business Ideas For Manga Readers [2024]
Are you a manga reader with entrepreneurial ambitions? If so, you might be surprised to learn that your passion for manga could translate into exciting business opportunities in 2024. From niche markets to creative collaborations, there are a variety of avenues for you to explore.
Imagine leveraging your deep understanding of manga culture to start a themed merchandise store. You could curate unique items that resonate with fellow fans, creating a loyal customer base. Alternatively, think about launching a manga café, combining your love for reading with a cozy space for enthusiasts to gather and enjoy.
Perhaps you've considered sharing your insights by starting a manga review blog or YouTube channel. By offering in-depth reviews and recommendations, you could build a strong online presence and attract a dedicated following. The possibilities are vast and varied, limited only by your creativity and dedication to your manga passion.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other manga reader 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 can be a highly rewarding venture for manga readers looking to turn their passion into a profitable side hustle or full-time business. By sharing your unique insights, reviews, and recommendations about manga, you can engage with a dedicated audience who shares your enthusiasm. This dedicated following could be monetized through affiliate marketing, brand collaborations, and ad revenue, allowing you to earn money while discussing something you genuinely love.
Why starting a niche blog?
- You could build a dedicated community by sharing your expertise and passion for manga.
- Monetizing through various streams like affiliate links and brand collaborations can supplement or replace your income.
- Regularly engaging with fellow manga enthusiasts could help you stay updated and connected in a growing industry.
For more details on the potential and profitability of niche blogging, visit Starter Story's niche blog profitability 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 subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business can be an exciting endeavor for a manga reader. With a deep understanding of the genre and passion for manga, you could create a curated box filled with exclusive manga, merchandise, and related products that fellow enthusiasts would love. This venture not only allows you to share your passion but can also lead to a profitable side hustle or even a full-time business.
Why consider a subscription box business?
- Utilize your insider knowledge to curate boxes that resonate with other manga fans.
- Benefit from the growing demand for unique and exclusive products delivered right to customer's doorsteps.
- Earn extra income by turning your hobby into a sustainable stream of revenue.
For more insight into starting your own subscription box business, explore resources like this guide on Instagram bios for subscription box businesses to get started.
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.
3. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
If you have a brilliant idea that you believe can cater to the needs of fellow manga readers or even a broader audience, developing a mobile app might be the perfect business venture. As a manga reader, you know the community well and can create an app that offers something unique, whether it's a manga reader app, a recommendation engine, or a community forum. To start, you need a clear vision, basic coding knowledge, or a partnership with a skilled developer. Check out these startup and marketing ideas: Starter Story Tips.
Why develop a mobile app?
- You can provide a unique solution tailored to manga readers' needs, from personalized recommendations to interactive communities.
- Mobile apps have a massive potential audience, offering substantial revenue opportunities if marketed effectively.
- As a manga enthusiast, you can leverage your passion and understanding of the community to create something that truly resonates.
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.
4. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be an exciting business venture for manga readers. Imagine sharing your unique insights, reviews, or how-to guides on drawing manga, and building a community of like-minded enthusiasts. It's a platform where you can monetize through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise while expressing your passion for manga and reaching a global audience. If you’re committed to creating quality content consistently, this avenue could turn your hobby into a supplemental or even full-time income.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could engage and connect with a community of manga aficionados.
- You could turn your passion for manga into a source of income through ads and sponsorships.
- You could leverage your unique voice and creativity to build a personal brand in the manga niche.
For more practical information on starting a YouTube channel, check out Starter Story’s guide to profitability.
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.
5. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business makes perfect sense for manga readers who are artistic and entrepreneurial. By leveraging this business model, you could design custom apparel, phone cases, and other merchandise featuring your favorite manga themes and characters. Selling these products via online platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy allows you to reach worldwide manga fans, turning your passion into a scalable and flexible side hustle or even a full-fledged business. For more on how to start a profitable print-on-demand business, explore our success stories.
Why start a print-on-demand business? - You could transform your love for manga into custom products that appeal to a niche market of fellow fans. - Minimal startup costs and no need for inventory make it a low-risk business venture. - Operating from home offers flexibility, allowing you to balance it with your love for reading manga.
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
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.
6. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
If you're a manga reader with an entrepreneurial spirit, consider starting a niche website to supplement your income or transform it into a full-fledged business. By focusing on a specific aspect of manga, such as genre reviews, character analyses, or manga news, you could attract a dedicated audience who shares your passion. With consistent content creation and effective SEO strategies, your site could generate revenue through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or even selling manga-related digital products.
A niche website offers you the chance to delve deep into topics you genuinely love while building a community of like-minded enthusiasts. For more inspiration on niche website success stories, check out examples on Starter Story.
Why consider a niche website?
- You can turn your love for manga into a reliable income stream by targeting a specific audience.
- Through affiliate marketing or ads, your specialized content provides various monetization opportunities.
- Building a niche site allows you to engage creatively while sharing your passion with a broader community.
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.
7. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business could be an excellent way for manga readers to supplement their income or even build a full-time venture. As a manga reader, you're probably already familiar with popular series, character merchandise, and niche collectibles that fellow enthusiasts crave. You could start reselling these items on platforms like eBay or through social media channels, with minimal initial investment.
One of the best aspects is that you won't need a website immediately; you can scale up your operations gradually. This allows you to focus on understanding customer preferences and fine-tuning your product offerings before committing to a full-fledged online store. For more details on starting an ecommerce reselling business, check out these success stories.
Why start an ecommerce reselling business?
- You already know what manga fans want, giving you an edge in selecting inventory.
- The startup costs are minimal, allowing you to test the waters before making large investments.
- You can grow it into a full-time business with a scalable model that expands as your customer base grows.
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.
8. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a manga reader with a rich understanding of storytelling and artistic techniques, you could turn your passion into a profitable side hustle by creating and selling online courses. Imagine teaching others how to perfect their manga drawing skills, or sharing your insights about character development and plot structuring. The e-learning market is booming, and by targeting a niche audience, such as aspiring manga artists or enthusiasts, you could establish a steady passive income stream. For more insights, check out success stories from others who have ventured into the online course world.
Why start an online course sales business?
- You can monetize your passion. Turn your deep knowledge of manga into valuable lessons that others are willing to pay for.
- The e-learning market is thriving. A growing market means numerous opportunities to reach your target audience and scale your business.
- Low initial investment. Virtual classes require minimal upfront costs, making it an accessible option for those looking to start a side business.
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.
9. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast is an ideal way to channel your passion for manga into a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture. As a manga reader, you could create content that delves deep into manga reviews, chapter analyses, and interviews with fellow manga enthusiasts, industry professionals, or even authors. This could allow you to build a dedicated community while monetizing your content through sponsorships, merchandise, and listener donations.
To learn more about launching a podcast and ensuring its profitability, check out our guides on podcast startup costs and marketing ideas.
Why starting a podcast?
- You could establish your authority and become a trusted voice in the manga community.
- This could create opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and build a loyal audience.
- Monetization options such as sponsorships and listener support could turn your passion into income.
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.
10. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business aligns well with a manga reader's passion and can serve as a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time endeavor. As an affiliate marketer, you could earn passive income by promoting manga-related products like books, merchandise, or even subscription services. By finding the right product or brand to partner with, you could receive a commission for every sale generated through your unique affiliate link.
Why starting an affiliate marketing business?
- You could monetize your love for manga by promoting products you’re genuinely passionate about.
- You could earn commissions while connecting with other manga fans through your marketing efforts.
- It's a flexible business model that can be managed alongside other commitments, making it ideal for working professionals or students.
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.
11. 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. For manga readers with a keen interest in technology and marketing, this could be an exciting and profitable venture. By creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms, you could help clients—from small businesses to influencers—enhance their social media presence and save them valuable time.
Why start a social media automation business?
- The consistent need for strategic social media engagement ensures a high demand for automation services.
- Combining your manga-related insights with technical skills could give you a unique edge in creating tailored, engaging content.
- This business can be both lucrative and fulfilling, offering the opportunity to work with various clients and industries.
For more comprehensive insights on how to get started, check out some 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 (?)
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.
12. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Starting an AI-based business solution is a fantastic opportunity for manga readers who are entrepreneurial-minded. Leveraging artificial intelligence, this business can optimize various aspects of business processes, from customer service and inventory management to data analysis and personalized marketing. Especially as AI tools can automate repetitive tasks and provide valuable customer insights, you don’t need a background in tech; many platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support systems.
The demand for AI solutions is rapidly growing, providing you with a chance to tap into this ever-expanding market. By focusing on high-impact areas and developing a solid implementation plan, you could enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and help businesses make data-driven decisions. This is a strategic way to innovate and boost business performance, especially for those who enjoy staying on the cutting edge of technology.
Why start an AI-based business solution?
- The growing demand for AI solutions creates a profitable market.
- You could automate repetitive tasks and provide valuable customer insights.
- Enhancing efficiency and making data-driven decisions help businesses gain a competitive edge.
Want to know more about AI-based business solutions? Check out these marketing ideas.
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.
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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.
