18 Business Ideas For Skeptics [2024]
Are you skeptical about jumping into the world of business in 2024? It’s understandable; countless ventures fail despite grand promises and hype. However, there are still viable opportunities worth considering, especially if you’re cautious by nature.
This article will explore business ideas that skeptics could realistically pursue. Whether you want to test the waters or fully commit, these possibilities offer practical paths forward. You'll find concepts grounded in reality and backed by market demand, making them worthy of your consideration.
By reading on, you could discover unique ventures that align with your careful approach. The aim is to provide you with straightforward options that reduce risk and increase the likelihood of success. Whether you are looking for side projects or full-time business ideas, there's something here that might change your perspective.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other skeptic 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 skeptics looking to supplement their income or even launch a full-time business. By identifying a profitable and underserved niche, you could share your expertise and unique perspectives with a passionate online community. With a solid strategy for creating engaging content and implementing monetization techniques like affiliate marketing, ad revenues, and brand collaborations, a niche blog could develop into a significant revenue stream. For added inspiration, you can explore various niche blog success stories on Starter Story.
Why start a niche blog?
- Low initial investment. Starting a blog requires minimal upfront costs compared to other business ventures.
- Leverage your interests. Focusing on a niche you’re passionate about makes content creation enjoyable and sustainable.
- Potential for diverse income streams. Monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, brand partnerships, and more.
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 podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be an ideal venture for a skeptic looking to supplement their income or turn a passion into a profitable side hustle. By focusing on topics you’re passionate about and adopting a critical, analytical approach, you could attract a dedicated audience eager for insightful and thought-provoking content. The initial investment is relatively low, requiring just basic recording equipment and access to affordable hosting platforms. Moreover, with consistent promotion and growing listener engagement, your podcast could attract sponsors or advertisers, turning your hobby into a viable revenue stream. Learn how much podcasts can make you.
Why start a podcast?
- You could turn a critical and thoughtful approach into a unique selling point, attracting a niche audience.
- The low barrier to entry means you start recording with minimal financial risk.
- Podcasting offers potential for passive income through sponsorships and advertisements.
In conclusion, launching a podcast might be a practical, low-risk way for skeptics to explore entrepreneurship while providing valuable content to an audience craving analytical and engaging discussions.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
3. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)
A niche investment platform focusing on alternative asset classes like collectibles, cryptocurrencies, real estate, or athletic prospects could present a compelling opportunity to supplement your income as a skeptic. By leveraging modern technology to create a transparent trading environment, you could attract a specialized user base looking for alternatives to volatile stock markets. Flexibility around portfolio combinations and diversification could lead to recurring revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions. For those interested, several successful stories and startup cost breakdowns are available on Starter Story.
Why consider a niche investment platform?
- Tailored trading ecosystems for specialized investors.
- Consistent revenue streams from transaction fees and subscriptions.
- Opportunity to provide asset diversification amid stock market volatility.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
4. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
If you have a knack for creating compelling video content, starting a YouTube channel might be your next big move. A YouTube channel offers you the opportunity to share your expertise, passions, or hobbies while potentially earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. Your channel can focus on anything from how-to guides and vlogs to educational content and entertainment. It's a versatile platform where creativity meets opportunity. Read more about starting a YouTube channel and its potential benefits.
Why consider starting a YouTube channel?
- You could leverage your skepticism to build a unique and engaging niche, attracting a loyal audience that values critical thinking and honest reviews.
- Initial startup costs are low—you can begin with just a smartphone camera and gradually invest as you grow.
- Monetization avenues are diverse, ranging from ad revenue and sponsorships to merchandising and affiliate marketing, offering multiple potential income streams.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
5. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
If you're looking to supplement your income, investing in a lead generation tool could be a practical venture, especially if you're a skeptic who values data and efficiency. Rather than manually hunting for new clients, you could automate the entire process, allowing your software to do the heavy lifting. Given the high demand for streamlined marketing solutions, a well-designed lead generation tool could attract businesses eager to grow their customer base.
Why develop a lead generation tool?
- High demand from businesses seeking efficient marketing solutions.
- Automates a laborious process, saving time and increasing potential for higher conversions.
- Allows you to leverage tech skills and marketing insights for consistent revenue generation.
For more details on starting a lead generation tool business, you can check out some resources on startup costs and marketing ideas to get started.
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 (?)
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.
6. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Starting an online course sales business could make sense for skeptics because it allows you to capitalize on your existing expertise with minimal upfront cost and low-risk. It leverages the booming e-learning market, projected to be worth over $645 billion, offering you the potential to earn passive income over time. All you need is a skill you can teach, a target audience, and an online platform to sell your course.
Why consider starting an online course sales business?
- Growing market: The e-learning industry is rapidly expanding and expected to be worth billions, providing a lucrative opportunity for new entrants.
- Low startup costs: You need minimal investment to create and market your courses online, making it a low-risk venture.
- Passive income potential: Once your course is created, it can generate continuous income as new students enroll over time.
For more information, you could check out these success stories on 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 (?)
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.
7. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Starting an AI-based business solution could be a prudent venture for skeptics considering the tangible benefits and minimal technical barriers. By incorporating AI into business operations, you could vastly improve efficiency, cut costs, and make more informed decisions. The growing demand for AI solutions and the availability of user-friendly platforms make this a compelling area for entrepreneurial exploration. For more insights on profitability and successful case studies, you may want to visit Starter Story AI Business Profitability.
Why start an AI-based business solution?
- AI can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up valuable time and resources.
- Businesses increasingly rely on AI for competitive advantages, indicating strong market demand.
- Many AI platforms offer robust support and easy-to-use interfaces, making it accessible even without a tech background.
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.
8. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Considering turning an innovative idea into a mobile app could be a practical venture for a skeptic. Developing a mobile app involves creating software that runs on smartphones and tablets, addressing diverse user needs like productivity or entertainment. You don’t need extensive coding skills yourself; hiring skilled developers is possible and planning, designing, and testing phases can be systematically approached.
Marketing plays a pivotal role in attracting users and driving downloads. A well-executed strategy could skyrocket your app's presence and revenue potential. For those with entrepreneurial ambitions, the ever-expanding app market presents immense opportunities. For further insights, visit this Starter Story page on mobile app marketing ideas.
Why consider creating a mobile app?
- Mobile apps are now essential in daily life, offering widespread opportunities for innovative solutions.
- An app that addresses a common problem or provides entertainment could gain significant traction and generate revenue.
- Partnering with experienced developers means you can focus on vision and strategy rather than technical details.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
9. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
Jumping into the business of AI writing tools might seem daunting, particularly if you're a skeptic, but the potential for supplementation of income and business opportunities is noteworthy. By creating a digital tool powered by AI to aid in content creation, you could offer a resource that generates accurate and engaging content for businesses, bloggers, and students. This venture aligns with the growing demand for constant, quality content and the shift towards automation in various industries.
Considering the rapid technological advancements, an AI writing tool could revolutionize the writing process, offering automation, error-free content, and time efficiency. Even for skeptics, the undeniable appeal of innovation and the substantive need in the market presents a unique opportunity to not only ease the workload of writers but also to transform a nascent concept into a thriving business.
Learn more about the profitability of AI writing tools.
Why consider an AI writing tool?
- The demand for high-quality, automated content is skyrocketing.
- AI writing tools reduce human error, ensuring polished, professional writing.
- It saves time, making it a valuable resource for busy professionals.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
10. Start a social media automation business ($148K/month)
Starting a social media automation business could be an ideal venture, especially for skeptics. Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth—that’s the essence of this business model. You develop tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data, catering to clients ranging from small businesses to influencers.
With the burgeoning need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there's a significant demand for automation. This role involves developing or integrating software solutions, staying updated on social media trends, and building relationships with clients to tailor services to their needs. For those with a knack for technology and marketing, starting a social media automation business could be both a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor. Read more about the profitability of social media automation businesses here.
Why start a social media automation business? - Automation saves time for busy entrepreneurs, increasing their productivity. - Consistent and strategic social media presence is in high demand, providing a steady stream of potential clients. - Integrating and leveraging software solutions taps into both technology and marketing, making it a multifaceted and engaging venture.
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.
11. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
If you're skeptical about traditional business avenues, building a niche website might be a compelling option for you. This venture allows you to focus on a specialized topic you're passionate about, serving a dedicated audience with targeted content. With time invested in research, SEO, and quality content creation, your website could draw loyal followers and multiple monetization opportunities.
Niche websites allow for creative freedom and can become reliable sources of passive income once established. If you're driven by specific interests, this type of business could offer both personal satisfaction and financial gain.
Explore real success stories to find more inspiration here.
Why start a niche website?
- You could tailor content to a specific audience, increasing engagement and loyalty.
- Diverse monetization options make it possible to generate income through ads, affiliate links, or digital products.
- Once established, a niche website could provide a reliable source of passive income.
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.
12. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Starting a health and wellness app could be an excellent opportunity for skeptics seeking a practical and meaningful business venture. Picture an app that guides users through personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises, all while tracking their progress. By creating this platform, you're tapping into a growing market and offering a valuable tool that genuinely helps people improve their lives.
Building the app will require market research, collaboration with health experts, and effective marketing strategies. But the potential to impact lives and create a thriving business is immense. For more insight into the startup costs and marketing strategies, you can explore successful stories in health and wellness apps.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- There's a growing demand for digital health solutions, making it a profitable market.
- You could make a meaningful contribution by helping users achieve their health goals.
- The business combines technology and wellness, appealing to both tech enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals.
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.
13. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
Starting a real estate investment firm offers a compelling opportunity for skeptics interested in generating wealth through property. By purchasing, managing, and selling real estate assets, you could create a steady income stream and possibly see significant asset appreciation over time. With diligent market research and strategic planning, your firm has the potential to yield impressive financial returns.
If you're a passionate entrepreneur with a keen eye for property values, this venture might be particularly rewarding. The combination of property appreciation and rental income creates a strong foundation for long-term financial success. For more insights, you can check out some real estate investment firm success stories on Starter Story.
Why consider starting a real estate investment firm?
- Real estate assets tend to appreciate significantly over time, increasing potential profits.
- Rental properties provide a steady, predictable income stream.
- Real estate investment can diversify your portfolio and increase financial stability.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
14. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Navigating the world of stock investing can be a lucrative venture if you have a knack for financial markets. A stock investing business revolves around buying and selling stocks to generate profit. It’s all about analyzing market trends, making informed decisions, and executing trades with precision.
For those intrigued by finance and numbers, this business offers an exciting avenue to turn passion into profit. While educational resources and trading platforms can equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge, success depends on strategy, analysis, and risk management. Explore more tips on starting a stock investing business.
Why start a stock investing business?
- You could leverage your analytical skills to capitalize on market trends and earn significant returns.
- A stock investing business offers flexibility, enabling you to work from virtually anywhere with internet access.
- Continued learning and market study could turn your skepticism into a well-informed strategy for long-term wealth generation.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
15. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Starting a cold email service business is an innovative way to generate supplemental income or even establish a full-fledged side business. Cold emailing, an old-school method with a modern twist, involves crafting and sending targeted email campaigns to prospective clients on behalf of businesses. If you have a knack for writing compelling emails, familiarity with email marketing tools, and a strategic mindset, this venture could be surprisingly rewarding and scalable.
The service provides consistent value for companies needing lead generation, allowing you to grow your clientele as your success stories accumulate. Begin with small businesses and scale up, leveraging your technical knowhow and marketing skills to create a service that remains in demand.
Why consider starting a cold email service business?
- It requires minimal upfront investment, mostly time spent crafting effective emails and learning essential software tools.
- The business model is scalable, offering opportunities to take on larger clients as your reputation grows.
- There’s a constant demand for lead generation, ensuring that your skills and services are always needed.
For more detailed insights, visit the success stories of cold email service businesses.
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 (?)
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.
16. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
Starting an online survey tool can be a practical business venture for skeptics, primarily due to its ability to provide consistent demand and recurring revenue. By offering a convenient and cost-effective solution for businesses to gather customer feedback, you could tap into a growing market that values data-driven decision-making. Typeform’s significant milestone of surpassing $70 million in annual recurring revenue illustrates the potential profitability of this business model.
Why consider developing an online survey tool?
- Growing demand for customer feedback tools means a consistent market.
- Low overhead costs make it an accessible startup option.
- Potential for recurring revenue with subscription-based services.
For more insights, you can explore some of these success stories.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
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.
17. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Affiliate marketing is a perfect fit for those looking to supplement their income with minimal upfront investment. As a skeptic, you might appreciate the straightforward nature of affiliate marketing—earning commissions by promoting products or services from reputable companies you believe in limits your financial risk. By focusing on finding the right products and partners, you could turn this side hustle into a steady source of passive income, eventually expanding it into a full-fledged business. For more insights, check out some successful affiliate marketing business stories here.
Why consider affiliate marketing?
- Low startup cost: Limited initial investment minimizes financial risk.
- Flexibility: Work on your own terms, promoting products you trust.
- Passive income potential: Earn commissions even when you aren't actively working.
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.
18. Start an email marketing tool ($235K/month)
Starting an email marketing tool could be a lucrative venture, especially if you're a skeptic looking for a high-potential business opportunity with relatively low initial costs. This type of business offers the possibility to tap into a booming market, projected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028. By focusing on creating a tool that addresses the real needs of entrepreneurs, startups, and niche markets, you could establish a sustainable income stream.
Why consider an email marketing tool?
- Email marketing remains one of the most effective marketing channels for generating leads and boosting sales.
- Lower startup costs since you only need a domain, hosting account, and coding skills to begin.
- High demand for reliable email marketing tools, meaning you could capture a share of a rapidly growing market.
For more detailed insights and success stories, you may want to explore this page on Starter Story.
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.
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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.
