15 Business Ideas For Metal Detectorists [2024]
Discovering hidden treasures with your metal detector is thrilling, but have you ever considered turning your hobby into a business? In 2024, there are more opportunities than ever for metal detectorists to monetize their skills. Whether you're interested in selling relics, providing search services, or creating educational content, the possibilities are vast.
You could offer your services to help people find lost items, like jewelry or keys. There's also potential in selling your finds, such as antique coins or historical artifacts, to collectors. Additionally, you might explore creating online content or courses to teach others about metal detecting techniques and best practices.
Another idea is to organize treasure hunts or guided metal detecting tours in historically rich areas. These tours can attract enthusiasts and beginners alike, offering them a chance to experience the excitement firsthand. By turning your passion into a business, you could not only enjoy the thrill of the hunt but also make a profitable venture out of it.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other metal detectorist 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 rewarding way for metal detectorists to share their passion, knowledge, and discoveries with a broader audience while generating additional income. By focusing on content like tips for beginners, product reviews, and treasure-hunting tales, you could attract a dedicated following that shares your enthusiasm for metal detecting.
To monetize your blog, consider incorporating affiliate links to metal detecting gear, offering sponsored content, or even collaborating with niche brands. Engaging regularly with your readers and creating high-quality, informative posts will not only enhance your credibility but also turn your hobby into a profitable venture. For more insights on the earning potential of niche blogging, visit Starter Story here.
Why starting a niche blog?
- You could build a loyal community of fellow enthusiasts by sharing your expertise and experiences.
- You could monetize your blog through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and collaborations with brands.
- You could turn your passion for metal detecting into a sustainable income stream while doing what you love.
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)
Looking for a focused online business that offers both creative freedom and potential revenue? Consider building a niche website. A niche website centers around a specialized topic, such as metal detecting, serving a dedicated audience with targeted content and products. Starting this venture involves selecting a niche you're passionate about and knowledgeable in, creating compelling content, and driving traffic to your site.
Monetization options are varied—whether through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products, your specialized content can generate income. A niche website can become a reliable source of passive income once established. If you've got a specific interest and the drive to dive deep, building a niche website could be your next rewarding project. Learn more about successful niche websites here.
Why start a niche website?
- You could turn your hobby into a money-making venture, reaching a global audience.
- Customizing your site for metal detecting ensures you attract like-minded visitors, driving engagement and sales.
- Once set up, a well-maintained niche website can generate passive income, providing a stable financial supplement.
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 YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be an ideal way to share your metal-detecting adventures with a wider audience while supplementing your income. By creating content that focuses on your finds, techniques, and equipment reviews, you could attract viewers who are interested in metal detecting and generate revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. Your channel may also serve as a platform to build a community of fellow metal detectorists and other hobbyists.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could monetize your passion with ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise.
- Sharing your adventures and expertise could help you build a dedicated audience.
- You could transform your metal-detecting hobby into a profitable side business. See how starting a successful YouTube channel pays off.
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.
4. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a metal detectorist, you likely have specialized knowledge and skills that can be valuable to others who are interested in the same hobby. Starting an online course sales business enables you to share your expertise while creating a new revenue stream. Given that the e-learning market is projected to be worth over $645 Billion in the coming years, there is substantial opportunity to tap into this growing market. You could create courses on topics like metal detecting techniques, identifying valuable finds, cleaning and preserving artifacts, or even the history of metal detecting.
Why start an online course sales business?
- You could monetize your passion. By sharing your expertise, you can generate passive income from your hobbies.
- You’ll reach a wider audience. Online courses allow you to connect with metal detecting enthusiasts from around the world.
- You could establish yourself as an authority. Creating and selling courses boosts your credibility and opens up additional opportunities for speaking engagements and collaborations.
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 an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
As a metal detectorist, you could easily supplement your income or even start a side business with affiliate marketing. By promoting products and services relevant to your audience—such as metal detectors, accessories, and educational guides—you could earn commissions on sales generated through your referrals. Given your niche expertise, you'll find it easier to build trust and credibility, encouraging your followers to make purchases based on your recommendations.
For more information, you can explore success stories and profitability insights on Starter Story here.
Why consider starting an affiliate marketing business?
- You could turn your passion for metal detecting into a passive income stream.
- The startup cost is minimal, allowing you to begin with little upfront investment.
- Your existing knowledge and audience provide a solid foundation for promoting niche products effectively.
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.
6. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business would make sense as a metal detectorist because your unique finds and scenic hunting locations provide excellent subjects for high-quality photographs. You could document your treasure hunts, capturing the beauty of discovered artifacts and picturesque landscapes, and sell these captivating images online for marketing and advertising purposes. A well-curated portfolio of such images could not only attract a niche audience but also provide a passive income stream when uploaded to stock photo websites.
Learn more about starting a stock photography business.
Why starting a stock photography business?
- Your treasure hunts yield unique and intriguing subjects that could make your photos stand out in the market.
- You could easily integrate photography into your existing metal detecting hobby, enhancing both your passion and income.
- Capturing and selling these images provides a passive income opportunity, letting your work generate revenue even when you're not actively hunting.
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.
7. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business is an excellent opportunity for metal detectorists to turn their passion into a supplemental income stream. By curating specialized items such as rare coins, unique metal finds, and essential metal detecting accessories, you could create a valuable and engaging experience for subscribers who share your enthusiasm for treasure hunting. Leveraging your expertise in the niche, you could offer subscribers exclusive products and tips, establishing a loyal customer base.
Why start a subscription box business?
- Reach a targeted audience by delivering niche products that resonate with other metal detectorists.
- Build a recurring revenue model with monthly subscriptions, ensuring consistent income.
- Share your passion and discoveries, creating a community around your subscription box while increasing customer loyalty.
For more detailed insights and examples of successful subscription box businesses, visit Starter Story.
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. Become a food photographer
Starting a food photography business could be an exciting and lucrative venture for a metal detectorist looking to diversify their sources of income. The growing demand for high-quality food images in the hospitality industry and on social media platforms offers ample opportunities for freelance work. If you combine your keen eye for detail from metal detecting with the creative skills needed for food photography, you could capture stunning images that local restaurants, cafes, and food bloggers would be delighted to use.
Why consider becoming a food photographer?
- The demand is high. As more businesses utilize social media and online marketing, there is a continual need for professional food photography.
- It allows for creative freedom. You can explore and express your artistic talents in new and exciting ways.
- Flexible work schedule. Just like metal detecting, food photography gives you the flexibility to set your own hours and work at your own pace.
Explore more about starting a food photography business here.
How much you can make: $11,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of Sean Audet, who built an award-winning commercial photography studio specializing in food and product photography, growing it from a part-time experiment to a full-time career that brings in around $11,000 a month, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and embracing new opportunities for aspiring founders in building and growing their own business.
9. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business can be a lucrative endeavor for metal detectorists looking to supplement their income or even launch a side business. As someone who uncovers unique and vintage items, you could capitalize on these finds by selling them online without the overhead costs associated with production. This approach allows you to focus on the thrill of detecting while creating an additional revenue stream by leveraging social media platforms or an eventual dedicated website for reselling purposes.
By beginning with a social media-based reseller business, you can swiftly tap into a market eager for the distinctive items you unearth. Over time, as your business and clientele grow, you might consider creating a website to further professionalize and expand your operations. For a deeper dive into the process and potential benefits, you can check out this resource on the startup costs of an ecommerce reselling business.
Why consider starting an ecommerce reselling business?
- You could monetize unique finds and rare items that you discover while metal detecting.
- It's a flexible business model that allows you to start with minimal initial investment and scale up as you grow.
- You could reach a global audience online, increasing the demand and value for your unique inventory.
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.
10. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business as a metal detectorist provides a unique opportunity to capitalize on your passion and creativity. You could design and sell custom-themed merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases that reflect the metal detecting community and its adventures. By leveraging online platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you could reach a global audience with minimal startup costs, running operations right from home. For more insights, you can explore print-on-demand business success stories here.
Why consider a print-on-demand business?
- You could create and sell products without the need for upfront inventory costs.
- You have the flexibility to work from anywhere, giving you time to explore new detecting sites.
- You could reach a niche market of fellow enthusiasts, tapping into a growing community.
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.
11. Start an email marketing tool ($235K/month)
As a metal detectorist, you could supplement your income, make extra money, and start a side business by developing an email marketing tool. This tool could serve fellow hobby enthusiasts, local history buffs, or even broader niches by helping them to easily create, manage, and automate their email campaigns. Given the growing importance of digital marketing, creating an email marketing tool could cater to a robust market expected to be worth billions by 2028, and allow you to leverage your expertise and community connections in a profitable way. For more insights and tips, check out this resource on email marketing tool tips.
Why starting an email marketing tool?
- Capitalize on a booming industry forecasted to reach $2.53B in 2028.
- Help fellow enthusiasts and local businesses improve their marketing efforts.
- Create a diverse income stream that complements your metal detecting passion.
How much you can make: $120 — $2,083,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 170 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
12. Start a social media automation business ($148K/month)
A social media automation business could significantly boost your income as a metal detectorist. By managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly, you save time and focus on your treasure hunts while generating an additional revenue stream. From small businesses to influencers, your clients pay you to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data, making their social media efforts more effective and efficient.
Why start a social media automation business?
- You could diversify your income sources while pursuing metal detecting.
- Automation tools mean you don’t need to be glued to a screen, allowing more time for metal detecting.
- Increased demand for social media management offers steady business opportunities.
For more detailed insights, check out these success stories from social media automation businesses.
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.
13. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Maximize your potential as a metal detectorist by exploring the lucrative field of AI-based business solutions. Leveraging AI technology can help you automate tedious tasks, gain insightful data, and even predict trends in the metal detecting market. With user-friendly platforms available, even those without a tech background can develop effective AI solutions to optimize various business processes.
The growing demand for AI solutions offers a competitive edge, making it a strategic option for those looking to innovate. By integrating AI, you could enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and make data-driven decisions—all of which are crucial for scaling your side business or even creating a full-fledged enterprise. For more information on starting an AI-based business, check out these success stories.
Why consider an AI-based business solution?
- AI can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up your time for more critical activities like metal detecting and client engagement.
- It provides valuable customer insights and predicts market trends, allowing you to make informed decisions.
- User-friendly platforms eliminate the need for a tech background, making it accessible for anyone to start and manage.
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.
14. Become a real estate agent ($501K/month)
Starting a side business or supplementing your income as a real estate agent can be a great fit for metal detectorists looking to diversify their financial streams. Real estate agents assist clients in marketing, selling, and purchasing properties, providing ample opportunities to earn commissions while setting your own working hours. The skills you already have from metal detecting—such as patience, attention to detail, and a knack for finding hidden treasures—can translate well into real estate, where spotting great deals and hidden property potential is key.
Explore tips for starting a real estate agent business here.
Why consider a career in real estate?
- Flexible working hours mean you could schedule your metal detecting adventures around your client consultations.
- Financially rewarding with the potential to earn commissions on property sales and purchases.
- Uses skills you already have: attention to detail and finding hidden gems can give you an edge in the real estate market.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Residential real estate company, Vesta Preferred, celebrates their 10th year of operation with 80% referral-based business and focus on relationship building, recently achieving their goal of 1000 new leases and $120M in real estate sales in 2019.
15. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Starting a health and wellness app could be a lucrative venture for metal detectorists who have a passion for health and technology. With an eye for detail and perseverance honed from hours spent in the field, you could create an app that offers personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking. Not only would you be tapping into a booming market, but you'd also be able to positively impact lives by providing users with a virtual coach right in their pocket.
Building this app would involve market research, collaborating with health experts, app development, and effective marketing strategies. The experience of combing various terrains for treasures could translate well into pinpointing market trends and user needs. If you're ready to branch out from metal detecting and explore the tech industry, this could be your opportunity to create something meaningful and rewarding.
Why starting a health and wellness app?
- You could leverage your attention to detail to create an app that meets specific user needs.
- The growing market for health and wellness technology offers significant earning potential.
- You'll make a positive impact by helping people achieve their health and wellness goals.
For more insights on starting a health and wellness app, check out success stories, startup costs, and marketing ideas on Starter Story.
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.
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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.
