25 Business Ideas For Metalworkers [2024]

Updated: September 26th, 2024

If you're a metalworker looking to branch out or find new opportunities in 2024, you're in the right place. With your skills, you could explore a variety of business ideas tailored to your expertise. Whether you're dreaming of starting your own shop or offering specialized services, there are numerous paths you could take.

From custom metal fabrication to welding repair services, your hands-on experience could lead to profitable ventures. You might also consider creating bespoke metal art or functional pieces like furniture and fixtures. The demand for skilled metalwork isn't slowing down, offering you ample opportunities to carve out your niche.

Moreover, metalworking classes and workshops could present another revenue stream. Sharing your knowledge with aspiring metalworkers could not only be fulfilling but also generate additional income. So, let's dive into some concrete business ideas that could make 2024 your breakout year.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other metalworker 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 as a metalworker can be a lucrative side business or even a primary source of income. By sharing your skills, techniques, and experiences, you could engage an enthusiastic online community that looks for specialized content on metalworking. From how-to guides to tool reviews and video tutorials, creating unique and informative content can increase your visibility and monetization opportunities.

Why start a niche blog?

  • Share your expertise and build a community around your passion for metalworking.
  • Monetize your content through affiliate links, brand collaborations, and sponsored posts.
  • Enjoy the creative process of writing, filming, and interacting with your followers, potentially turning your hobby into a profitable venture.

To get started, check out more tips and ideas on creating a niche blog here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Starting an online course sales business could be incredibly lucrative for a metalworker with a wealth of skill and expertise to share. By creating detailed instructional videos and comprehensive guides, you could turn your hands-on experience into a steady stream of passive income. The global e-learning market is expanding rapidly, making this a prime opportunity to capitalize on your unique abilities while helping others develop their metalworking skills.

Why start an online course sales business?

  • Low startup costs. You only need a computer and some basic recording equipment to get started.
  • Unlimited reach. Your courses can be accessed by people all over the world, increasing your market potential.
  • Passive income potential. Once created, your courses can continually generate revenue with minimal ongoing effort.

For more insights and potential steps, check out online course sales business pros and cons.

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

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

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

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

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

Read by 12,020 founders

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

Starting a subscription box business could be a great way for metalworkers to diversify their income, offering curated collections of unique metalwork pieces, tools, and related products on a monthly basis. Subscription boxes are in high demand as they provide customers with exclusive and high-quality items, enhancing their overall experience and loyalty. As a metalworker, you have the added advantage of offering specialized knowledge and products that will appeal to a dedicated niche market, enabling you to build a steady stream of revenue.

To make your subscription box a success, you’ll need to focus on understanding your customer base, delivering quality and distinctive items, and perfecting your packaging and fulfillment process. With the right approach, your metalwork subscription box could not only supplement your income but also become a thriving business on its own. For more inspiration, check out these subscription box business success stories.

Why explore a subscription box business?

  • Expand your market reach by offering exclusive, curated metalwork items to a dedicated audience.
  • Generate consistent revenue with a monthly subscription model, creating stable income flow.
  • Leverage your metalworking skills to create unique and high-quality products that stand out in the marketplace.

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

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

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

How I Started A Gift Box Business For Non Traditional Brides

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

Read by 31,425 founders

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

Bringing your metalworking expertise into the world of stock investing could be a savvy move to diversify your income and leverage analytical skills. A stock investing business is all about buying and selling stocks to generate profit, and with your attention to detail and precision in metalworking, you may find success in analyzing market trends and making informed investment decisions.

For those with a knack for numbers and financial markets, this venture not only offers potential high returns but also lets you turn passion into a side business or even a new primary income stream. Educational resources and trading platforms can equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge to dive into market intricacies. If you’re ready for a commitment to continuous learning and strategic planning, this could be a rewarding entrepreneurial journey. For more tips on starting a stock investing business, check out some success stories.

Why start a stock investing business?

  • You could leverage your analytical skills from metalworking to analyze stock market trends and make informed decisions.
  • It offers the potential for high returns, providing an additional or primary income stream.
  • Diversifying your skills and income sources can increase financial stability and growth opportunities.

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

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

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

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

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

Read by 23,750 founders

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

Developing an online survey tool could be an intriguing business venture for a metalworker looking to supplement their income or start a side business. With the steady rise in demand for data collection services, businesses across various industries need precise customer feedback to refine their products, services, and marketing strategies. Metalworkers can leverage their problem-solving skills and technical expertise to create an efficient, user-friendly survey tool that meets these needs.

Typeform, a popular online survey platform, exemplifies the growing demand in this sector, boasting $70 million annual recurring revenue in 2021. Embarking on creating a survey tool offers a chance to tap into a lucrative market while using existing technical skills to build something valuable for other businesses. For more insights on this idea, you can explore the success stories on Starter Story.

Why developing an online survey tool?

  • Leverage existing technical skills to enter a growing market.
  • Provide a cost-effective, essential service for businesses seeking customer feedback.
  • Create a scalable business model with recurring revenue potential.

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

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

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

Read by 12,015 founders

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

Starting a niche website can be an excellent way for metalworkers to supplement their income or even build a full-fledged business. By focusing on a specific aspect of metalworking, such as blacksmithing techniques, custom metal art, or metalworking tools reviews, you could attract a dedicated audience interested in that specialized content. This venture provides the freedom to create meaningful content while leveraging your metalworking expertise to generate various income streams.

Monetization options like affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling e-books and tutorials could turn your knowledge and passion into a reliable source of passive income. With dedication to content creation and SEO, your niche website could grow into a rewarding project. For more inspiration, check out these success stories on starting a niche website.

Why start a niche website?

  • Leverage your specialized metalworking knowledge to create targeted, valuable content.
  • Generate passive income through multiple monetization channels.
  • Enjoy creative freedom while reaching and helping a community passionate about metalworking.

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

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

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

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

Read by 3,608 founders

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

Starting an ecommerce reselling business can be an excellent opportunity for metalworkers looking to supplement their income or even build a completely new business. By purchasing metal goods for resale, you could leverage your industry expertise to source high-quality items that appeal to a niche market. The low initial investment and flexibility to begin on social media make it an accessible venture, allowing you to scale as demand grows.

You could start with platforms like Instagram or Facebook to reach potential buyers and gradually evolve into having your own website for a more professional online presence. This approach saves on initial costs and provides a test ground to understand your market's needs.

Why consider an ecommerce reselling business?

  • Leverage your industry know-how to effectively source and sell high-quality metal goods.
  • Minimal initial investment and overhead costs mean you could start small and scale up.
  • A flexible online platform allows you to reach a broader audience without a physical storefront.

For more insights into launching an ecommerce reselling business, check out the success stories on Starter Story.

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

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

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

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

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

Read by 7,369 founders

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

As a metalworker, starting a stock photography business is a practical way to supplement your income while showcasing your intricate craftsmanship. By capturing high-quality images of your metalwork, you can transform your detailed creations into appealing visual assets for businesses that need unique, high-resolution stock photos. All you need is good photography gear and a knack for recognizing which aspects of your work will stand out in the crowded market. For more inspiration, check out some success stories on Starter Story.

Why consider a stock photography business?

  • You already create visually striking pieces; capturing them on camera can open a new revenue stream.
  • High-quality photos of your metalwork can serve multiple purposes, from marketing to being sold as exclusive images.
  • Passive income is possible by uploading and licensing your photos repeatedly without ongoing effort.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month

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

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

How I Started A Commercial Product Photography Business

Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.

Read by 15,444 founders

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

Starting a print-on-demand business could be an excellent avenue for metalworkers looking to supplement their income or venture into a new entrepreneurial path. By creating unique designs inspired by your metalwork, you could sell custom apparel, home goods, and other merchandise without worrying about inventory costs. Platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay make it easy to reach a global audience, allowing you to monetize your creativity from the comfort of your home.

Read more about the intricacies of starting a print-on-demand business.

Why start a print-on-demand business?

  • Leverage your existing creativity and design skills to create unique products.
  • Minimal startup costs make it a low-risk venture.
  • Flexibility to run the business from anywhere, offering scalability at your own pace.

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

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

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

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

Read by 29,948 founders

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

As a metalworker, starting an affiliate marketing business is a practical way to supplement your income and potentially turn it into a profitable side business. By promoting products and services related to your craft, such as metalworking tools, materials, or even specialized courses, you could leverage your expertise to earn a commission on every sale made through your referrals. This approach not only provides a steady stream of passive income but also allows you to capitalize on your existing knowledge and network in the metalworking community.

To get started, it's essential to find the right products and brands to partner with. For more information on profitability, you can check out this resource on Starter Story.

Why starting an affiliate marketing business?

  • Leverage your expertise: Your background as a metalworker gives you credibility and a unique perspective to effectively promote related products.
  • Generate passive income: Once set up, affiliate marketing can provide a steady stream of income with minimal ongoing effort.
  • Expand your network: Collaborating with brands and businesses can open up new opportunities and partnerships within your industry.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Starting a real estate investment firm offers metalworkers a unique avenue to supplement their income and build wealth through property. By leveraging your skills in assessing materials and executing precise work, you could apply the same attention to detail in scouting lucrative properties, negotiating deals, and managing renovations. The real estate market provides a substantial profit potential, whether through the appreciation of homes and commercial buildings or generating a steady income stream from rental properties.

If you're passionate about real estate and have an eye for valuable opportunities, starting an investment firm might be the perfect entrepreneurial venture for you. This endeavor requires diligent market research, strategic planning, and an aptitude for handling both financial and operational aspects of property management. For more insights and detailed steps, you might find it helpful to explore real estate investment firm success stories.

Why consider starting a real estate investment firm as a metalworker?

  • You can leverage your detailed-oriented skills in property inspections and renovations.
  • The lucrative real estate market offers significant long-term profit potential.
  • Diversifying into real estate can provide a steady income stream and asset appreciation.

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

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

How We Started A $40M Real Estate Investment Fund

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

Read by 13,299 founders

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

Starting a podcast as a metalworker could be an excellent side business or additional income stream. By creating and producing audio content, you could share your expertise, discuss industry trends, and even interview other professionals in the field. Podcasts are a popular means of entertainment and information-sharing, and they offer a low-cost entry into the world of content creation.

Why start a podcast?

  • You could build an engaged community of like-minded individuals who share your passion and interests.
  • You have the opportunity to establish yourself as an expert in the metalworking field, broadening your professional network.
  • With the right promotion, your podcast could attract sponsors or advertisers, providing an additional revenue stream. For more insights on the podcast industry, visit our success stories.

In no time, your unique voice and insight as a metalworker could resonate with a wide audience, opening up previously unimagined avenues for growth.

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

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

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

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

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13. Start an email marketing tool ($235K/month)

As a metalworker, starting an email marketing tool could be a lucrative side business or a way to supplement your income. Email marketing is a booming industry, expected to reach $2.53B by 2028, and creating an email marketing tool involves manageable start-up steps such as purchasing a domain and hosting account. Entrepreneurs, startups, and even real estate agents continuously seek efficient ways to manage their email campaigns, providing endless possibilities for you to create valuable tools for this audience.

Why consider starting an email marketing tool?

  • Metalworkers have a keen eye for precision: The attention to detail required in metalworking translates well into designing and managing an email marketing tool.
  • Stable income potential: The growing market ensures a steady demand, offering a reliable income stream.
  • Diverse usage applications: Your tool could benefit a variety of businesses, expanding your market reach and enhancing revenue possibilities.

For more insights, visit starterstory.com/ideas/email-marketing-tool/tips.

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 (?)

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

While metalworking might seem a world apart from digital products, starting a WordPress plugin business could be a lucrative side venture or even a main revenue stream for entrepreneurial metalworkers. If you have experience managing your website, you've likely encountered issues that could be resolved by specific plugins. Creating these plugins can not only solve your own problems but also meet the needs of many other website owners, providing you with an additional income source.

Moreover, the market for WordPress plugins is vast, and you have the opportunity to sell your products on numerous platforms like CodeCanyon or even your own blog. By leveraging your problem-solving skills and understanding of practical needs, you could carve out a niche in this digital marketplace that complements your metalworking business.

Why start a WordPress plugin business?

  • You could diversify your income streams, making your finances more robust.
  • You have the technical aptitude to identify practical web solutions, converting them into profitable plugins.
  • The WordPress market is continually growing, offering ongoing opportunities for innovation and revenue.

Learn more about starting a WordPress plugin business.

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

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

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Coded A Website Plugin Making $600 Per Month

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

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

Starting a dropshipping business can be a smart way for metalworkers to supplement their income without the need to maintain extensive inventory. By leveraging their existing knowledge of metal goods and related products, metalworkers could create an online store that caters to niche markets, selling items such as custom tools, metal decor, or hardware. The dropshipping model allows metalworkers to focus on marketing and customer service, rather than managing stock and shipping logistics. If you're considering this path, here's a more detailed look: /ideas/dropshipping-business/profitability

Why start a dropshipping business?

  • You could minimize overhead costs by not holding inventory and only purchasing products when you have a confirmed sale.
  • You could quickly scale your offerings by listing products from multiple suppliers without the hassle of manufacturing or warehousing.
  • You could leverage your expertise in metalwork to create a unique and specialized online store that differentiates you from general sellers.

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

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

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week

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

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

Read by 25,728 founders

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

If you're a metalworker looking to diversify your income, starting a mobile app could be an innovative and lucrative venture. By creating a mobile app tailored to the metalworking community, such as a tool for project management, materials sourcing, or online tutorials, you could address specific needs within the industry. This approach not only allows you to share your expertise with a larger audience but also opens up new revenue streams beyond traditional metalworking services. For more inspiration, explore mobile app success stories.

Why create a mobile app?

  • Mobile apps reach a broad audience and can generate significant passive income.
  • Leveraging your metalworking expertise in a digital format can set you apart from competitors.
  • A well-designed app can enhance efficiency and project management for metalworkers, making it an indispensable tool.

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

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

We Started A $6M/Year Bachelorette Party App

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

Read by 10,996 founders

17. Start a social media automation business ($148K/month)

Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth. That’s the essence of a social media automation business. For a metalworker, diving into social media automation provides a unique opportunity to harness their attention to detail and technical expertise, creating a supplementary income stream that leverages their skill set in a different arena. By developing or integrating automation tools, you could offer valuable services that save clients—from small businesses to influencers—precious time while enhancing their social media presence.

Why consider a social media automation business?

  • You could tap into a high-demand market with the burgeoning need for consistent social media engagement.
  • Your technical skills as a metalworker translate well into developing and managing automation tools.
  • Supplementing your income with a tech-driven service allows you to diversify your revenue streams while still focusing on your craft.

For more details on starting a social media automation business, check out this guide on tips and success stories from entrepreneurs who've made it work.

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

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

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

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

Read by 15,231 founders

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

For metalworkers looking to diversify their income, developing an AI writing tool could be a unique opportunity. This business idea harnesses the power of Artificial Intelligence to create an automated, error-free, and time-efficient content generation tool. Given the constant need for quality content in today’s digital age, an AI writing tool addresses a significant market demand and provides a novel way for metalworkers to leverage technology for additional revenue.

Integrating AI into content creation offers significant advantages over traditional methods, not just for businesses but also for bloggers and students. As a metalworker, you could build a tool that aids others in their writing endeavors while simultaneously expanding your business portfolio. Learn more about the possibilities here.

Why start an AI writing tool?

  • Expands your skill set by incorporating advanced technology into your repertoire.
  • Meets a growing market demand for efficient, high-quality content creation.
  • Provides a steady additional income stream with widespread usage potential.

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

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

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

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

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19. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)

Starting a cold email service business can be an excellent way for metalworkers to supplement their income and diversify their skill set. By leveraging email marketing tools and strategic communication, you could help other businesses reach prospective clients directly, enhancing their lead generation efforts. This side business combines the technical precision familiar to metalwork with an opportunity to develop valuable marketing skills. See real-life success stories for inspiration.

Why consider starting a cold email service business?

  • You could tap into the ever-growing demand for lead generation, helping businesses connect with new clients.
  • Transitioning to a cold email service allows you to capitalize on your existing strategic thinking and technical abilities.
  • This venture has a low startup cost, making it a flexible and scalable side business option.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)

How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)

How I Launched A $200K/Month Gmail Mail Merge Tool

GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.

Read by 13,645 founders

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

As a metalworker, starting an AI-based business solution could significantly supplement your income by integrating advanced technology into your operations. AI can automate repetitive tasks, enhance your customer service, and streamline inventory management, allowing you more time to focus on the creative and skilled aspects of your craft. With AI's ability to analyze data and predict market trends, you could improve productivity and profitability without needing a technical background, thanks to user-friendly platforms and robust support systems available on the market.

The demand for AI solutions is skyrocketing as businesses seek to gain a competitive edge through improved efficiency and data-driven decision-making. By using AI tools in your metalworking business, you can reduce operational costs and achieve higher accuracy in production planning. This entrepreneurial move could position you at the forefront of innovation in your industry. Learn more about AI-based business solutions here.

Why should you consider starting an AI-based business solution?

  • AI can handle repetitive tasks, freeing you to focus on high-value activities.
  • Enhanced customer insights through AI tools enable better marketing and sales strategies.
  • User-friendly AI platforms require no technical expertise, making implementation straightforward.

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

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

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

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

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

As a metalworker, starting a lead generation tool could be a savvy way to supplement your income while leveraging your technical skills and understanding of the market. A lead generation tool involves creating software or a platform that identifies and captures potential customer leads for businesses, automating the traditionally labor-intensive process of finding new clients. Such a tool could integrate with websites, social media channels, and other digital touchpoints to collect valuable data, like email addresses and phone numbers, allowing businesses to focus more on converting these leads into customers. Given the high demand for efficient lead generation, this venture could turn into a profitable side business or even a full-time endeavor if executed well.

Why develop a lead generation tool?

  • You would fill a high-demand market need, as businesses are always looking for ways to streamline their marketing efforts.
  • Utilizing your tech-savvy skills, you could create a tool that not only generates income but also positions you as a problem-solver in the business community.
  • The business offers scalability, allowing you to start small and expand as you see fit, customizing features based on client feedback.

Interested in learning more? Explore the startup costs and essentials for launching a lead generation tool on Starter Story.

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

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

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

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

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

Read by 8,907 founders

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

As a metalworker, venturing into the health and wellness app space could provide a unique opportunity to diversify your income and tap into a growing market. Building a health and wellness app means creating a digital tool that offers personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking. By leveraging your problem-solving skills and precision, which are key strengths in metalworking, you could develop a user-friendly and efficient app to help people achieve their health goals.

Explore this potential side business and consider collaborating with health experts and app developers to bring your vision to life. This venture not only allows you to make extra money but also gives you the chance to make a meaningful impact on people's lives while broadening your entrepreneurial endeavors. For more insights, check out these start-up stories of successful health and wellness apps.

Why starting a health and wellness app?

  • You could use your problem-solving skills to create a user-friendly app.
  • The health and wellness market is expanding, offering lucrative opportunities.
  • Diversifying into tech allows you to leverage your expertise in precision and design.

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

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

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

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

Read by 8,586 founders

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

Starting a YouTube channel could be a natural extension of your metalworking business, providing a platform to showcase your skills, projects, and creative techniques to a global audience. You might find that people are fascinated by the process of metalworking and eager to learn tips and tricks from a professional like yourself. Additionally, you could generate revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise, further supplementing your income.

Why start a YouTube channel?

  • You could educate and inspire a global audience, establishing yourself as an authority in metalworking.
  • The income potential is significant, with opportunities for ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
  • You could use the platform to market your existing metalworking business, attracting new customers and building brand loyalty.

Ready to explore this idea further? Check out our guide on starting and monetizing a YouTube channel here.

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

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

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

How A Young Entrepreneur From Nigeria Started A Profitable Blog

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

Read by 12,309 founders

24. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)

Creating a niche investment platform can be a profitable side business or even a main venture for an entrepreneurial metalworker. Leveraging your keen eye for detail and craftsmanship, you could build a specialized online exchange dealing in alternative asset classes such as collectibles, cryptocurrencies, real estate, or even industrial and machinery tools. This platform can draw in a dedicated user base seeking niche investments, generating consistent revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions.

Starting a niche investment platform gives you an opportunity to provide a diversified revenue stream while utilizing modern technology to build transparent and flexible trading ecosystems. If you're intrigued by the potential of alternative investments, check out niche investment platform success stories for inspiration.

Why consider starting a niche investment platform?

  • You could diversify your income, reducing reliance on physical labor and market volatility.
  • As a metalworker, you have credibility in specialized markets such as industrial tools, attracting like-minded investors.
  • Building a platform allows you to leverage modern technology and automation, creating consistent passive income sources.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month

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

How We Started A $40M Real Estate Investment Fund

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

Read by 13,299 founders

25. Start a SEO & lead generation service ($60K/month)

Starting a SEO & lead generation service could be a great entrepreneurial venture for a metalworker looking to supplement their income. As a lead generation expert, you would help businesses attract prospects and turn them into customers, a skill set that’s in high demand. Given your industry knowledge, you could specialize in generating leads for other metalworking businesses, thus leveraging your existing experience and contacts.

To become proficient, you would need to learn the fundamentals of digital marketing and gain experience in various areas like content creation, social media marketing, and SEO. This allows you to create a diversified income stream while expanding your business acumen.

Why start a SEO & lead generation service?

  • You’re already familiar with the industry and can leverage that expertise to attract metalworking clients.
  • It offers a flexible income stream that can be scaled alongside your metalworking business.
  • Lead generation is a high-demand skill, providing plenty of opportunities in multiple industries.

For more information on starting a successful SEO & lead generation service, check out these success stories.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)

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

How I Started A $35K/Month Agency Specialized On Link Building

A link building company co-founded by Justas Markus has grown to make an average of $35k per month in recurring revenue with a focus on delivering high-quality services through manual processes and focusing on fewer markets.

Read by 14,450 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls

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