23 Business Ideas For Middle Classes [2024]

Updated: September 28th, 2024

In 2024, opportunities for middle-class entrepreneurs are more accessible than ever. If you have the drive and creativity, you could turn simple ideas into profitable ventures. This year offers a range of business possibilities that cater to various interests and skill sets.

You might consider starting an online service, like freelance consulting or digital marketing. Alternatively, e-commerce continues to grow, and you could sell niche products from the comfort of your home. With minimal investment, these ventures could provide substantial returns.

For those inclined toward community engagement, local service businesses such as tutoring or handyman services could also be lucrative. These ideas not only serve your neighborhood but also allow you to leverage skills you already possess. In 2024, the path to entrepreneurship is clearer and more attainable for the middle class.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other middle class 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 could be an excellent opportunity for middle-class individuals to supplement their income or even establish a full-time business. By focusing on a specific topic you're passionate about—whether it’s fashion, video games, or cooking—you could engage a dedicated online audience. Creating unique and informative content will not only help you connect with like-minded people but also open doors to monetization through affiliate links, brand partnerships, and even speaking engagements.

Why start a niche blog? - Low startup costs: You could begin with minimal investment while leveraging free or inexpensive blogging platforms. - Flexibility: Blogging allows you to work around your existing schedule, making it perfect for side hustles. - Scalability: With consistent effort, your blog could grow substantially, creating opportunities for passive income and full-time earnings.

For more insights on how much you could potentially make from a niche blog, visit Starter Story's blog profitability guide.

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.

Read by 78,186 founders

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

Starting a niche investment platform could make excellent sense as a middle class entrepreneur, given the advancement of technology and the need for alternative asset classes. By catering to specialized investors who are passionate about collectibles, cryptocurrencies, or real estate, you could create a transparent trading ecosystem. This allows for flexible portfolio combinations and recurring revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions.

For those seeking diversifications amid volatile stock markets, a niche platform serves as an oasis of alternative investments. Many successful entrepreneurs have tapped into these specific markets and have built steadfast business models around them. For further insights, consider checking out some success stories on niche investment platforms.

Why consider a niche investment platform?

  • You could tap into the growing market of specialized investors looking for alternative assets.
  • A well-constructed platform can offer recurring revenue streams through transaction fees and premium services.
  • By focusing on a niche, you could build a dedicated, loyal user base that values specialized knowledge and transparency.

For detailed startup costs and tips, visit Starter Story's niche investment platform startup costs.

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 13,318 founders

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

Starting an online course sales business makes excellent sense for middle-class individuals looking to supplement their income or even make a career change. As someone with specialized knowledge or a unique skill, you could tap into the growing e-learning market, which is expected to exceed $645 billion in the coming years. All you need is to identify a target audience, create a compelling course, and choose an online learning platform to sell your content.

Why consider an online course sales business?

  • You could generate passive income for years. After the initial effort of creating your course, it can keep attracting new students.
  • It leverages skills you already have. You just need to package your expertise into a structured format.
  • It's a low-cost venture. The primary investment is your time, as platforms and tools to create online courses are affordable.

For more details on starting an online course sales business, check out Starter Story.

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 12,036 founders

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

Starting an ecommerce reselling business is a practical option for middle-class individuals looking to supplement their income or even launch a full-fledged business. You don't have to dive into product manufacturing—simply purchase services or goods for resale. Even better, you can begin on social media platforms, thus avoiding the immediate costs of setting up your own website. If you're looking for more detailed advice on how to get started, check out the startup costs involved and some success stories.

Why consider an ecommerce reselling business?

  • Minimal startup costs make it accessible to most middle-class individuals.
  • You can grow the business gradually, starting on social media and expanding later.
  • Flexible work hours allow you to manage it alongside a full-time job.

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 7,380 founders

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

Starting a dropshipping business can be an excellent way for middle class individuals to supplement their income or even build a full-fledged business. With minimal upfront investment, dropshipping allows you to sell products to customers without holding inventory. This model removes the risk and hassle of managing stock, enabling you to focus on marketing and customer service.

Why starting a dropshipping business?

  • Low startup costs make it accessible. You don't need to invest in inventory or warehouse space, keeping your initial expenses manageable.
  • Flexibility to work from anywhere. Whether you're working from home or on the go, a dropshipping business can be run from your laptop.
  • Opportunity to tap into a global market. Using platforms like AliExpress and Shopify, you could reach customers worldwide without the limitations of a physical store.

For more on dropshipping, read about its profitability and discover success stories.

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 25,760 founders

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

Starting a subscription box business could be an excellent way for middle-class individuals to supplement their income and even venture into entrepreneurship. Subscription boxes cater to niche markets by offering curated products that customers receive on a monthly basis, making it an attractive option for those who can provide exclusive or high-quality items. With the rising demand for personalized and unique deliveries, a well-executed subscription box service can be profitable and scalable.

Why start a subscription box business?

  • It offers high-profit margins. By sourcing products in bulk and charging a subscription fee, you could potentially achieve lucrative returns.
  • Builds customer loyalty. Monthly deliveries create recurring revenue and foster a loyal customer base.
  • Low initial investment. You could start small with a specific niche, reducing the need for significant upfront capital.

For more success stories and insights, check out how other entrepreneurs have thrived in the subscription box industry here.

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 31,449 founders

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

Starting an affiliate marketing business is a practical way for middle-class individuals to supplement their income or build a side business. By promoting other companies' products and services online, you could earn commissions for each sale, creating a steady stream of passive income. It's an accessible venture that requires minimal upfront investment and can be managed alongside your primary employment or other commitments.

Why consider starting an affiliate marketing business?

  • You could generate passive income while keeping your current job, adding financial stability without a complete career shift.
  • The startup costs are low; you just need a computer and an internet connection to get started.
  • With the right strategy and niche selection, there is potential for significant long-term income growth, allowing you to scale up the business gradually.

If you're interested, you might want to check out tips for starting an affiliate marketing business on Starter Story for more details and guidance.

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.

Read by 24,629 founders

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

Starting a YouTube channel can be a fantastic way for middle-class individuals to supplement their income or even launch a full-fledged side business. By sharing your expertise, passions, or hobbies through engaging video content, you could potentially earn revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. What's more, the versatility of YouTube allows you to focus on a wide range of topics, from how-to guides and vlogs to educational and entertainment content.

Building a successful channel requires consistency and quality, along with a good understanding of SEO for videos and social media marketing to gain traction. Although it demands considerable effort, the potential for financial reward and the opportunity to express your unique voice make it worth the investment. Learn more about how to start a YouTube channel.

Why start a YouTube channel?

  • It offers a versatile platform for sharing your passions or expertise while potentially earning revenue.
  • The financial reward and the flexibility of running your channel from home make it a practical choice for supplementary income.
  • Engaging with an audience provides personal satisfaction and the possibility to build a loyal community around your content.

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 12,319 founders

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

Starting a stock photography business could be a delightful and profitable venture for middle-class individuals who have a knack for photography. By investing in quality photography gear and learning the ins and outs of creating stock photos, you could build an impressive portfolio that generates passive income. Businesses often seek unique and high-quality images for marketing purposes, which means your creative work could find a steady market.

Why start a stock photography business?

  • It's a great way to monetize your hobby. If you love photography, you could transform your passion into a source of extra income.
  • Low operational costs. With just some good gear and an online presence, you could start earning without hefty upfront investments.
  • Passive income potential. Once your photos are uploaded and sold, they could continue to generate revenue over time, providing financial stability and rewarding creativity.

For more insights on starting a stock photography business, you can check out some success stories on Starter Story.

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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 15,475 founders

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

Starting a real estate investment firm offers a compelling opportunity for those keen on building wealth through property. The core activities include scouting lucrative properties, negotiating deals, handling renovations, and managing rentals or sales, allowing you to generate substantial profits. As a middle-class entrepreneur, real estate investment presents a pathway to diversify your income streams and build substantial wealth over time.

The real estate market has proven to be robust, with properties appreciating in value and generating steady rental incomes. For those passionate about real estate with a knack for identifying valuable properties, this venture could be both rewarding and profitable. Success, however, requires diligent market research, strategic planning, and an aptitude for handling both the financial and operational aspects of property management.

Why consider starting a real estate investment firm?

  • The potential for substantial profits makes it appealing, with properties often appreciating significantly over time.
  • Rental properties provide a consistent income stream, helping you diversify your revenue sources.
  • Real estate investment can be a stepping stone to building long-term wealth and financial security.

For more insights, you can explore the pros and cons here.

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 13,318 founders

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

Considering an AI-based business solution could be a smart move for middle-class individuals looking to supplement their income or start a side business. Leveraging artificial intelligence allows for optimizing various aspects of business processes, such as customer service, inventory management, and data analysis, making it easier to streamline operations while reducing costs. You don't need a tech background to get started since many platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support systems.

The demand for AI solutions is rapidly growing as businesses seek a competitive edge, presenting a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs. For a detailed look into the profitability and viability of such ventures, you could explore these insights. Learn more about AI-based business solutions and marketing ideas.

Why consider an AI-based business solution?

  • You could automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for other essential activities.
  • AI tools provide valuable customer insights, leading to better market predictions and data-driven decisions.
  • The increasing demand for AI solutions offers a significant market opportunity, making it a potentially high-return investment.

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.

Read by 21,994 founders

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

Starting an SEO & lead generation service is an excellent way for middle-class individuals to supplement their income or even establish a fully-fledged business. By helping businesses attract prospects and convert them into customers, you could provide indispensable value in the digital age where online visibility is crucial. Moreover, mastering SEO and lead generation skills could open doors to numerous opportunities within digital marketing, giving you a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Why consider starting an SEO & lead generation service?

  • High demand and profitability: Businesses are continuously looking for ways to enhance their online presence, making SEO & lead generation experts highly sought after.
  • Low startup costs: With access to the internet and a few digital tools, you could start this business with minimal investment, making it suitable for middle-class entrepreneurs.
  • Flexible and scalable: You could start as a side hustle and gradually scale it to a full-time business, allowing you to manage your financial risk pragmatically.

For more insights, check out some successful SEO & lead generation service 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 14,477 founders

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

Starting a stock investing business can be an excellent way to supplement your income or build a full-fledged entrepreneurial venture. By buying and selling stocks, you could potentially generate substantial profits while harnessing your talent for analyzing market trends. Though it requires dedication and a continuous learning curve, the rewards of investing wisely can be substantial.

For middle-class individuals, a stock investing business offers an exciting avenue to turn a passion for finance into profit. With various educational resources and online trading platforms at your disposal, you could equip yourself with the requisite tools and knowledge. If you're prepared to dedicate time to understanding market trends and fine-tuning your investment strategies, stock investing could become a lucrative side business.

Why consider starting a stock investing business?

  • Stock investing offers the potential for high returns over time, making it an attractive option for financial growth.
  • Numerous educational resources are available, allowing you to learn and improve your investment strategies continuously.
  • With the right approach, this business can provide flexible working hours and the opportunity to work from anywhere.

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 23,794 founders

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

Developing a lead generation tool as a middle-class entrepreneur could greatly supplement your income and potentially evolve into a full-time business. This venture involves creating a software application or platform that helps businesses identify and capture potential customer leads. By leveraging your tech-savvy skills and marketing acumen, you could automate the laborious process of finding new clients, allowing companies to concentrate on converting leads into customers. Here are some marketing ideas for lead generation tools to get you started.

Why is developing a lead generation tool a good idea?

  • The market demand is high since businesses of all sizes require efficient lead generation to grow their customer base.
  • It allows you to utilize both your technical and marketing skills, making it both a profitable and intellectually rewarding endeavor.
  • This scalable business model offers the potential for recurring revenue through subscription services, providing financial stability and growth opportunities.

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 8,921 founders

15. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)

Starting an email marketing tool as a middle-class entrepreneur could be a smart, scalable, and cost-effective business venture. As email marketing remains one of the most effective marketing channels, a well-developed tool could help various businesses generate leads, increase sales, and manage subscriber lists more efficiently. With the email marketing industry expected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028, there's significant opportunity for new entrants.

Why start an email marketing tool?

  • Low Startup Costs: You could begin with just a domain and hosting account, making it financially accessible for many middle-class individuals.
  • High Demand: Businesses of all sizes need email marketing tools to reach their customers, offering a broad and eager market.
  • Passive Income Potential: Once developed, the tool could generate ongoing revenue through subscriptions and recurring fees.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out some success stories of entrepreneurs who have launched profitable email marketing tools.

How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

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

I Built A SEO Tool That's Completely Free For Users [From Lebanon]

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.

Read by 14,139 founders

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

Developing a mobile app can be a highly lucrative venture for middle-class entrepreneurs. With smartphones and tablets being ubiquitous, there's a continuous demand for new applications that cater to various user needs, from productivity tools to gaming. With a compelling idea and the right strategy, middle-class individuals could supplement their income or even create a sustainable business.

Starting a mobile app business involves having a clear vision and either understanding basic coding concepts or hiring a skilled developer. Potential entrepreneurs will focus on designing an intuitive user interface, ensuring functionality through rigorous testing, and implementing effective marketing strategies to attract users and achieve downloads. Explore successful mobile app business examples here.

Why consider developing a mobile app?

  • Mobile apps are an integral part of modern life, offering vast opportunities for innovative solutions.
  • With dedication and the right approach, your app could gain significant traction and generate substantial revenue.
  • If you have an idea that solves a problem or entertains, the technological infrastructure to support your vision is readily available and increasingly accessible.

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 11,009 founders

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

Starting a health and wellness app is a fantastic way for middle-class individuals to supplement their income or dive into an entrepreneurial venture. By creating a platform that offers personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises, you could tap into a growing market that values holistic health solutions. Think of it as offering a virtual coach in your pocket, guiding users through their wellness journey with tailored advice and support.

Building this app involves market research, collaboration with health experts, app development, and effective marketing strategies. However, the potential to positively impact lives and capitalize on the booming wellness industry makes this a compelling opportunity. For more insights on starting a health and wellness app, visit Starter Story.

Why starting a health and wellness app?

  • There is a booming market for holistic health solutions, giving you a vast potential customer base.
  • You could make a meaningful impact on users' lives by helping them achieve their health goals.
  • It's a flexible business that can be managed alongside other commitments, perfect for a middle-class lifestyle.

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 8,613 founders

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

Starting a podcast could be a lucrative and enjoyable side business for middle-class individuals looking to supplement their income or even pivot into a new career. By choosing a topic you’re passionate about and investing in basic recording equipment, you could create engaging content that attracts a dedicated audience. Once you build a following, you have opportunities to monetize your podcast through sponsorships and advertisements, making it a profitable venture without requiring a significant initial investment.

Why start a podcast?

  • Low startup costs: Basic recording equipment and affordable hosting platforms make it budget-friendly.
  • Monetization opportunities: Sponsorships and ads can turn your podcast into a steady income stream.
  • Passion-driven: Focus on topics you love, making it a fulfilling endeavor that doesn’t feel like work.

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.

Read by 19,198 founders

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

Starting a niche website is an excellent business idea for middle-class individuals looking to supplement their income or create a full-fledged side business. With a niche website, you can focus on topics you’re passionate about and knowledgeable in, offering targeted content and products to a dedicated audience. This venture provides creative freedom and various monetization opportunities, such as affiliate marketing, ads, and selling digital products.

Building a niche website involves selecting a niche, creating compelling content, and driving traffic through SEO and other strategies. A well-established niche website can become a consistent passive income stream, making it a worthwhile endeavor for those willing to invest the effort initially. For a deeper dive into successful niche website stories, you could explore niche website success stories on Starter Story.

Why start a niche website?

  • Low initial investment: Starting a niche website requires minimal upfront cost, making it accessible for middle-class entrepreneurs.
  • Passive income potential: Once established, your site can generate income through ads, affiliate marketing, and digital product sales with little ongoing effort.
  • Flexibility and creative freedom: You can work on your website at your own pace and be as creative as you want, catering to a specific audience that shares your interests.

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 3,619 founders

20. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)

Starting a social media automation business could be a savvy move for middle-class entrepreneurs looking to supplement their income or create a new revenue stream. By providing tools and services that help businesses schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data, you could save clients time and significantly boost their social media engagement. With the growing demand for consistent and strategic social media presence, this business offers both profitability and scalability.

For those with technical and marketing skills, diving into social media automation could be especially rewarding. You could develop or integrate software solutions and keep up-to-date with the latest social media trends to stay competitive. Explore more about the potential of this business here.

Why start a social media automation business?

  • There’s high demand for services that save time and improve social media engagement.
  • You could work with a wide range of clients, from small businesses to influencers.
  • The business model is scalable and can grow alongside the burgeoning social media landscape.

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 15,240 founders

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

Starting a cold email service business could be an ideal venture for middle-class individuals looking to supplement their income or dive into entrepreneurship. This business involves crafting and sending targeted email campaigns on behalf of other companies to help them reach new clients. If you have a knack for writing and are familiar with email marketing tools, this could be a rewarding endeavor. Plus, the potential for scaling is significant, from small businesses to larger corporations as you build a track record of success.

Why consider a cold email service business?

  • Low initial investment. You can start with minimal upfront costs, leveraging your writing skills and basic tools.
  • High demand. Businesses constantly seek effective ways to generate leads and will value your expertise.
  • Flexible and scalable. You can manage your workload, starting part-time and scaling up as your client base grows.

For further insights on this, explore more at Starter Story's cold email service business success stories.

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 13,708 founders

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

Creating an online survey tool is an excellent business opportunity for middle-class entrepreneurs looking to supplement their income or start a side business. With the growing demand for customer feedback and data collection, businesses increasingly rely on online survey tools to gather insights. This market expansion offers a lucrative path for generating steady revenue with relatively low startup costs.

Why develop an online survey tool?

  • The demand for data collection is high, as businesses need detailed customer insights to make better decisions.
  • Operating costs are relatively low, making it accessible for middle-class entrepreneurs with limited initial investment.
  • There's high profit potential; for example, Typeform achieved over $70 million in annual recurring revenue by tapping into this market.

To learn more, check out the success stories of online survey tools.

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

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

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

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 12,017 founders

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

Starting a print-on-demand business is an excellent way to supplement your income and potentially build a scalable enterprise from the comfort of your home. This business model involves selling customized products, such as apparel, home goods, and accessories, without the need for upfront inventory costs. By utilizing online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you could focus on designing trendy, unique items that cater to a global audience, empowering you to monetize your creativity.

Why start a print-on-demand business?

  • Minimal startup costs and no inventory risks make it accessible for the middle class.
  • You could run the business from home, offering flexibility and additional income.
  • Leveraging online marketplaces enables you to tap into a global customer base effortlessly, growing your brand with minimal marketing efforts.

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.

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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.