27 Business Ideas For Marketing Managers [2024]

Updated: September 23rd, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a marketing manager in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a marketing manager could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Marketing managers?

We put together 27 of some of the best marketing manager business ideas you can start in today.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other marketing manager businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a content marketing business ($91.3K/month)

As a Marketing Manager, leveraging your expertise by starting a content marketing business could be a lucrative and fulfilling venture. Given that businesses with a content marketing strategy generate 67% more leads than those without, you could tap into an ever-growing demand for these specialized services.

Your deep understanding of SEO and social media will give you a head start in identifying and executing effective content strategies. You could initially focus on offering consultancy services and gradually scale by hiring skilled content creators to help craft engaging, relevant content tailored to your clients’ needs.

This side business could not only supplement your income but eventually evolve into a full-fledged enterprise, providing you the freedom and flexibility to shape your career trajectory.

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

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

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

How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.

Read by 24,805 founders

2. Start a marketing consulting business ($122K/month)

Starting a marketing consulting business could be a natural extension of your career as a Marketing Manager. You are already equipped with a strong understanding of marketing principles, market research, and data analysis, all of which are critical skills for a marketing consultant. By leveraging your existing expertise in developing marketing plans and reaching target audiences, you could offer valuable insights and strategies to businesses seeking to elevate their marketing efforts.

One possibility is to start this venture as a side business, allowing you to supplement your income while gradually building a client base. Your ability to assess clients' marketing needs, develop comprehensive marketing materials, and communicate actionable recommendations could position you as a trusted advisor for businesses in need of marketing guidance.

With experience in managing marketing campaigns and understanding market dynamics, you could seamlessly transition into consulting while capitalizing on your professional network. This entrepreneurial path not only offers financial rewards but also provides professional growth and the satisfaction of helping other businesses succeed through effective marketing strategies.

How much you can make: $100 — $1,250,000/month

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

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

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 19,190 founders

3. Start a startup growth marketing agency ($15.1K/month)

Starting a startup growth marketing agency could be a lucrative opportunity for you as a Marketing Manager to supplement your income or even transition into full-time entrepreneurship. Your deep understanding of marketing strategies and industry insights would allow you to develop and execute tailor-made campaigns that help startups scale successfully. You could offer services such as social media marketing, content creation, SEO, and paid advertising campaigns, focusing on optimizing resources for the highest return on investment.

By leveraging your existing skills and experience, you could build a team with diverse marketing expertise, equip yourself with the best analytics and automation tools, and create compelling client case studies to attract more business. The potential rewards include building long-term client relationships, significant revenue streams, and the satisfaction of helping startups transform into industry leaders. If you have a passion for marketing and innovation, launching a startup growth marketing agency could be your pathway to entrepreneurial success.

How much you can make: $1,300 — $60,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 1170 days (?)

On Starting A $3K/Month PPC And WordPress Development Business

This case study follows the journey of Paul Franklin who runs SideGains, offering PPC campaign management and WordPress development; despite COVID-19's impact, his blog generates 10% of income and he plans to shift this to 50-50 in a year's time.

Read by 6,890 founders

4. Start a social media management tool ($31.6K/month)

As a Marketing Manager, developing a social media management tool could allow you to leverage your expertise in digital strategy and brand engagement. This tool could simplify the process of handling multiple social media platforms by offering features such as scheduled posts, performance analytics, and follower engagement all in one dashboard. This would not only address a common problem businesses face but also cater to the increasing demand for streamlined social media operations.

Imagine the potential to influence and guide content trends while providing a one-stop solution for businesses to enhance their social media presence. By creating this tool, you could help companies save time, optimize their social media strategies, and drive more meaningful interactions with their audience. Given your acute understanding of marketing dynamics and the growing reliance on social media, this side business could become a lucrative endeavor, providing a valuable service in a continuously expanding market.

How much you can make: $100 — $125,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

How I Left My Job To Start A $50K/Month Digital Advertising Agency Specialized In Facebook Ads

This case study is about how the founder of AdvertiseMint, a Facebook advertising agency, started the company with just one employee and has since grown it to 25 employees, managing close to $100 million in digital media buys for clients such as Coca-Cola and Viacom.

Read by 11,965 founders

5. Start a marketing software business ($180K/month)

Starting a marketing software business could be a lucrative and exciting endeavor for you as a Marketing Manager. By developing tools that help companies manage, automate, and analyze their marketing efforts, you could leverage your expertise to create valuable solutions that meet current market demands. These platforms might range from email marketing systems to social media management tools, helping brands streamline their marketing strategies and enhance their overall effectiveness.

With the increasing demand for efficient marketing solutions, you could tap into a steady stream of income through subscription fees, benefiting from a recurring revenue model. While challenges such as software development, ongoing updates, and customer support exist, your problem-solving skills and insight into marketing trends could turn these into manageable and rewarding aspects of the business. This move not only supplements your income but positions you at the cutting edge of marketing technology.

How much you can make: $350 — $1,250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,550 (?)

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

How I Started A $700K/Month Marketing Agency

Marketing agency TribalVision grew from a one-man shop to one of the top marketing agencies in Rhode Island and the Boston market, serving over 80 clients and employing 75 full-time marketing specialists, by aligning with clients' needs and focusing on lead generation with online marketing tactics.

Read by 10,361 founders

6. Start a marketing and sales business ($81.1K/month)

As a Marketing Manager, you could leverage your expertise to start a marketing and sales business that empowers other companies to sharpen their outreach and boost their bottom line. Your experience in creating tailored marketing strategies, utilizing digital tools, and driving sales could translate into a consultancy that helps businesses connect with their target customers, generate leads, and increase conversions.

The ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing means there’s always a high demand for specialists who can apply proven methods to deliver tangible results. By starting your own consultancy, you could offer immense value through strategic communication, consumer behavior analysis, and effective sales techniques. This venture allows you to supplement your income while tapping into the growing need for knowledgeable marketing professionals.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

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 8,908 founders

7. Start a shopify ecommerce agency ($105K/month)

As a Marketing Manager, leveraging your expertise to start a Shopify eCommerce agency could be a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture. You could utilize your extensive knowledge in marketing to help retailers effectively list their products and target potential customers, thereby driving the growth of their online sales. Your experience positions you perfectly to offer essential services like SEO, web development, and eCommerce marketing.

To get started, you could focus on sharpening your skills in specific areas such as web design or SEO, perhaps by joining an existing agency to gain practical experience. Once you feel confident, identifying a niche and building a focused clientele could be your next steps. By providing these specialized services, you could not only supplement your income but also establish a thriving business helping other retailers achieve their eCommerce goals.

How much you can make: $20,000 — $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 95 days (?)

How I Started A $100K/Month Shopify Ecommerce Agency

Velstar, a UK-based Shopify Plus partner agency, has seen impressive year-on-year revenue growth of at least 100% every year, due to their focus on building engaging and conversion-focused eCommerce websites, and highly effective growth marketing for direct-to-consumer brands on Shopify, with big ambitions for 2020 including launching a local Shopify Plus meetup, an eCommerce podcast, investing in content marketing and hiring their first business development personnel.

Read by 9,126 founders

8. Start a social media marketing agency ($116K/month)

As a Marketing Manager, starting a social media marketing agency could be a lucrative way to supplement your income or even evolve into a full-time business. Given your expertise, you could efficiently develop social media marketing strategies and use automation tools to manage client accounts without a significant time commitment.

To get started, you could create a compelling agency portfolio that showcases your skills and experience to attract clients. This venture could help you cover utility bills, finance a college education, or save for a vacation, making the most of your professional background to generate extra income.

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

How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 30 hours/week

How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.

Read by 24,805 founders

9. Start a picture frame making business

As a Marketing Manager, starting a picture frame making business could be an excellent opportunity to supplement your income and exercise your creative skills. Given the robust market size estimated at $2.0 billion and its projected growth, this business idea holds significant potential for profitability. You could use your marketing expertise to identify and target the right customer segments, using sophisticated strategies to distinguish your frames from competitors.

Additionally, leveraging your existing network, you could partner with local photographers and artists, offering them custom frames that enhance and protect their work. Your marketing background gives you a distinct edge in promoting these partnerships, utilizing innovative campaigns and customer engagement tactics to accelerate business growth. This venture not only diversifies your income streams but also allows you to employ your professional skills in a new, rewarding context.

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

Finding Financial Freedom Through Starting A Matboard Business

Matboard and More is a picture framing company that allows for unlimited choices and customization when it comes to framing supplies for any type of art, and is self-funded with an initial investment of $50,000 that led to a successful AdWords campaign and a massive focus on quality, service, and the customer experience.

Read by 5,087 founders

10. Start a tech blog ($91.6K/month)

Starting a tech blog as a marketing manager could be a highly lucrative and rewarding side business. With your expertise in market analysis and consumer behavior, you could create insightful and engaging content that resonates with technology enthusiasts and industry professionals. Your understanding of trending topics and product launches positions you perfectly to stay ahead of the latest developments and attract a loyal readership.

By leveraging your strong writing skills and in-depth knowledge of the technology sector, you could establish a blog that highlights new products, startups, and industry news. The long-term potential for handsome profits is substantial, with tech bloggers making an average of $37,073 per year. Moreover, your marketing acumen could help in optimizing your blog for search engines, effectively promoting your content, and driving significant traffic, thereby boosting your income.

How much you can make: $150 — $700,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $275 (?)

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

How I Launched A $1K/Month Newsletter Covering European Tech

Seedtable is an authentic weekly newsletter on European tech, business, and politics, with 10,000+ subscribers and 50,000+ monthly visitors to its startup rankings, providing an insight into the European tech industry for investors, founders, and employees of leading Euorpean tech companies and funds.

Read by 9,246 founders

11. Start a social media management business ($128K/month)

As a Marketing Manager, you could leverage your expertise to start a social media management business as a profitable side hustle or even a full-fledged enterprise. Utilizing your skills in developing marketing strategies, analyzing market trends, and creating effective content, you could help clients achieve their social media goals and expand their online presence. Your existing knowledge could make it easier to drive client success through personalized strategies for increasing their social media following and engagement.

In this role, you could offer a range of services, from setting up social media accounts to posting and interacting on behalf of your clients. The flexibility of defining your work schedule and choosing specific niches to focus on would allow you to balance this venture with your current job. This could be a seamless transition given your background, enabling you to earn extra income while staying within your area of expertise.

How much you can make: $100 — $550,000/month

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

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

How I Left My Job To Start A $50K/Month Digital Advertising Agency Specialized In Facebook Ads

This case study is about how the founder of AdvertiseMint, a Facebook advertising agency, started the company with just one employee and has since grown it to 25 employees, managing close to $100 million in digital media buys for clients such as Coca-Cola and Viacom.

Read by 11,965 founders

12. Start a dog treat business course

As a Marketing Manager, you could leverage your expertise in branding, customer outreach, and market analysis to excel in a dog treat business course. The course covers essential aspects such as canine nutrition, unique recipes, and business logistics—knowledge that pairs perfectly with your marketing skills to create, promote, and scale a compelling pet product line.

You could use your skills to identify target demographics, develop a strong brand identity, and craft engaging campaigns that highlight the nutritional benefits and quality of your treats. This venture offers a unique opportunity to blend your professional marketing acumen with a booming industry, providing both supplementary income and the satisfaction of contributing to pet wellness.

How much you can make: $33,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

How I Created A $11K/Month Online Course About How To Start and Grow A Dog Treat Business

Kristin Larsen's Diva Dog Bakery program teaches students how to start their own successful dog treat bakery business that has consistently brought in five figures a month since launching in November 2020.

Read by 7,811 founders

13. Start a career guidance app business ($34.7K/month)

As a Marketing Manager, you could leverage your expertise in market analysis, consumer behavior, and branding to develop a successful career guidance app. Your experience in identifying target audiences and crafting effective marketing strategies will be invaluable in positioning the app to reach its intended users. This venture allows you to combine your marketing skills with a passion for career development, helping others navigate their professional journeys with personalized advice and resources.

From offering resume tips to utilizing job matching algorithms, your app could cater to the unique needs of each user, providing tailored guidance based on their skills, interests, and goals. This not only opens up a new revenue stream but also allows you to make a meaningful impact by empowering individuals to make informed career decisions. If you're tech-savvy and entrepreneurial-minded, starting a career guidance app could be an exciting and fulfilling next step in your career.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $86,992/month

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

How long does it take to build: 74 days (?)

How I Validated My Idea On Reddit And Built A $180K/Year Job Search Automation Platform

Loopcv is a job search automation platform experiencing 15% monthly growth, offering solutions for bootcamps, universities, career coaches, developers, recruitment companies, job boards, affiliates, and companies looking to perform internal restructuring.

Read by 11,996 founders

14. Start a SEO website ($101K/month)

As a marketing manager, you could leverage your existing expertise to start an SEO website, supplementing your income and exploring entrepreneurial opportunities. By optimizing content to rank higher in search results, you could drive organic traffic and boost revenue with minimal upfront costs. Master skills like keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building to create a valuable online resource or e-commerce store.

The beauty of this venture lies in its scalability and sustainability. Begin with a niche blog or store, using tools like Google Analytics and Ahrefs to refine your strategy. This cost-effective approach to marketing ensures a long-term online presence, ideally positioning you for both professional growth and financial gain.

How much you can make: $3,500 — $390,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $480 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

I Got Tired Of Being Underpaid And Left To Start A $4M/Year PPC & SEO Growth Agency

Digital Position, a digital marketing agency, was founded by Roger Parent, who was unhappy being underpaid at his job; the company is now generating over $330k/month in revenue, and aims to generate $5m in 2022, with a long-term goal of hitting $30m before Parent is 40.

Read by 9,351 founders

15. Start a specialty travel business ($27K/month)

As a marketing manager, starting a specialty travel business could be a lucrative way to leverage your strategic planning and consumer insights skills. By identifying and targeting a niche travel market, such as adventure tours or eco-tourism, you could create uniquely tailored travel experiences that stand out in a crowded market. Your expertise in market research and customer segmentation would be invaluable in understanding your target audience and efficiently directing your marketing efforts.

Furthermore, your proficiency in digital marketing and social media would enable you to attract a dedicated clientele through engaging content and strategic online campaigns. Offering niche travel experiences with deep knowledge and personalized service could help you differentiate your business from larger, more generalized travel agencies. This venture could start as a side business to supplement your income and gradually grow, potentially becoming a successful full-time enterprise.

How much you can make: $50 — $54,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

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

On Building A Travel Recommendations Platform

PlanIt is a travel recommendation and planning platform that has seen compelling growth in database coverage and user growth, covering every country in the world with several thousand users and a large SEO focus as well as a growing interest from travel and lifestyle businesses to list their details.

Read by 4,666 founders

16. Start an online coworking platform ($85.6K/month)

As a Marketing manager, starting an online coworking platform could be a strategic way to supplement your income and make the most of your expertise in community building and digital marketing. You could design a virtual workspace that connects remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, leveraging your skills to attract users and create a vibrant, collaborative environment. With your marketing experience, you could effectively promote initial free trials or low-cost memberships to build a strong user base.

To get started affordably, you could use budget-friendly website-building platforms or hire freelancers for the development phase. Your knack for understanding user behavior and engagement could help you introduce premium features or paid memberships as the platform grows, creating new revenue streams. Additionally, your ability to forge partnerships with businesses could further enhance the platform's value and profitability.

By focusing on community and providing valuable tools for communication and project management, your online coworking platform could become a go-to resource for professionals seeking a flexible and collaborative work environment. This venture not only supplements your income but capitalizes on your existing strengths in marketing and community-building.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,200 (?)

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

How I Started A $3K/Month Online Coworking For Freelance And Entrepreneurs

SinOficina is an online coworking space for Spanish-speaking freelancers and entrepreneurs that generates $3,000 per month in revenue, which founder Bosco Soler built by sharing his journey with his audience, delegating tasks, collaborating with formidable people and using WordPress, Slack, Mailchimp, Airtable, Crowdcast, Zapier and Notion.

Read by 8,963 founders

17. Start a business growth service ($151K/month)

As a Marketing Manager, you could leverage your strategic acumen and market insights to start a business growth service. This venture would involve helping companies scale efficiently by analyzing their performance, developing tailored growth strategies, and implementing marketing, sales, and operational improvements. With your expertise, you could guide businesses through transformative changes, enhancing their market presence and boosting revenue.

Given the increasing complexities of today’s business environment, firms are eager to invest in specialized growth services. You could capitalize on this demand by focusing on areas such as enhancing digital marketing efforts, optimizing customer acquisition, and refining business models. If you have a passion for strategic thinking and a desire to see companies succeed, this side business or full-time venture could be both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

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

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

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

How I Launched A $5K/Month Platform To Connect With Growth Mentors

GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.

Read by 46,015 founders

18. Start a planet fitness franchise business

As a marketing manager, starting a Planet Fitness franchise business could be an excellent way to leverage your existing skills in brand management and customer engagement while supplementing your income. With Planet Fitness's strong brand recognition and loyal customer base, you could apply your marketing expertise to further establish the franchise in your local community. Your ability to create compelling marketing campaigns would be invaluable, especially considering the comprehensive support from Planet Fitness, which guides you through site selection, marketing strategies, and customer retention.

Additionally, a Planet Fitness franchise is designed to be approachable with affordable memberships and a non-intimidating workout environment, making it easier to attract and retain diverse clientele. By focusing on community engagement and operational excellence—such as maintaining equipment and training a friendly staff—you could transform the gym into a vibrant community hub. For an entrepreneurial marketing manager, this franchise offers a well-supported entry into the fitness industry with lower startup costs and significant growth potential.

19. Start an online newsletter writing business ($596K/month)

Starting an online newsletter writing business could be a lucrative opportunity for marketing managers who are skilled in crafting engaging content and understand their audience’s needs. As a marketing professional, you already possess the expertise to leverage market trends, analyze consumer behavior, and create compelling narratives that can captivate readers and build a loyal subscriber base. By creating timely, relevant, and insightful newsletters, you could offer invaluable information that keeps your audience informed and engaged, positioning yourself as an authority in your chosen niche.

To get started, you could select an appropriate email newsletter tool and clearly define the goal of your newsletter. Choose a template that aligns with your brand’s aesthetics and personalize it to meet your readers' expectations. Establishing a regular publishing schedule, whether it’s weekly or monthly, could help build anticipation and reliability, ultimately contributing to the success of your newsletter business.

How much you can make: $500 — $4,100,000/month

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

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

How I Launched A $1.5K/Month Science Box For Kids During COVID-19 Quarantine

College student, Whitney Bowen, launched Fem 'n STEM during the COVID-19 lockdown selling STEM boxes for kids between the ages of 8-12 and has earned $1.5k in monthly revenue within the first month of launch using social media to advertise and using WIX to create an online store.

Read by 7,734 founders

20. Start a content marketing agency ($83K/month)

Starting a content marketing agency could be a strategic move for you as a Marketing manager. You already have a deep understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and brand strategy—skills that are directly transferable to a content-focused business. With projections indicating the content marketing industry will grow to $137B by 2026, the potential for scalable success is substantial.

As businesses increasingly need high-quality writers and content marketers, your expertise could position you as a valuable partner in helping them navigate the digital landscape. Moreover, with the demand for content marketers expected to grow by 27% in the coming years, starting your agency could not only supplement your income but also offer a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture in the near future. Seize this opportunity to leverage your marketing acumen and ride the wave of an expanding industry.

How much you can make: $500 — $650,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.

Read by 24,805 founders

21. Start a video content creation business ($125K/month)

As a Marketing Manager, starting a video content creation business could be a strategic extension of your existing skill set. You already understand the importance of engaging visuals and storytelling in promoting brands and products, which aligns perfectly with producing promotional videos, social media content, or tutorials for clients.

With the increasing demand for video content across various platforms, you could tap into a broad market, assisting small businesses looking to enhance their online presence or influencers needing polished, professional content. Your knowledge in audience engagement and brand messaging would be invaluable assets in delivering high-quality, impactful videos.

By leveraging your expertise in marketing strategies alongside video production skills, you could build a successful side business or even transition into this full-time entrepreneurial venture, offering fresh and innovative video solutions.

How much you can make: $7,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

How We Started A $30K/Month Ecommerce Video Marketing Business

Silksocial produces rockstar video ads for eCommerce brands, with a turnover of around $30K/month and a focus on differentiation through a deep understanding of e-commerce video ad production techniques that optimize investment returns.

Read by 7,159 founders

22. Start a crowdfunding platform ($235K/month)

As a marketing manager, leveraging your expertise to launch a crowdfunding platform could be a strategic move to supplement your income or even pivot to a new business venture. In the burgeoning crowdfunding industry, expected to increase by $240B from 2021 to 2026, your skills in branding, market positioning, and strategic communication will be invaluable. You could harness your marketing acumen to attract a diverse pool of investors and effectively promote various projects seeking funding.

By starting a crowdfunding platform, you could tap into a rapidly growing market and make a significant impact. Crowdfunding offers a swift route to obtaining capital and simultaneously strengthening your professional brand. With your marketing expertise, you could rise above the competition and create a highly successful platform that not only drives funding but also supports and nurtures innovative ideas.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 272 days (?)

How I Started A $3M/Year Remote Worker Recruitment Agency

DistantJob is a unique recruitment agency that specializes in finding full-time remote employees, and with $3 million in annual revenue, they offer small to medium-sized tech companies an edge over big competitors who are not willing to hire remotely.

Read by 12,069 founders

23. Sell antique sideboards

As a marketing manager, you could leverage your knowledge of consumer behavior and your strategic planning skills to start a side business selling antique sideboards. Your expertise in market analysis might help you identify profitable niches and target the right audience through tailored marketing campaigns. Using your skills in branding and digital marketing, you could create a strong online presence, showcasing the unique appeal and craftsmanship of these antique pieces.

Additionally, your experience in negotiating deals and managing vendor relationships could be invaluable when sourcing quality antiques at competitive prices. By applying data-driven insights to optimize your advertising efforts, you could maximize your return on investment and create a sustainable supplementary income stream. This venture would not only allow you to capitalize on your existing skill set but also offer the satisfaction of merging your professional and entrepreneurial interests.

24. Become a travel photographer ($394K/month)

If you’re a marketing manager with a creative flair and a passion for travel, becoming a travel photographer could be an excellent way to supplement your income. With your expertise in marketing, you could effectively leverage social media and other digital platforms to showcase your photography, attract clients, and sell your work.

As a travel photographer, you could document stunning places, animals, and sceneries and monetize these images by selling them to various clients or offering them as prints at local galleries. Imagine seeing your photos featured in publications like National Geographic or adorning the walls of museums—this not only elevates your brand but also creates additional revenue streams while indulging your wanderlust.

How much you can make: $2,300 — $2,100,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $1.8K/Month Travel Business While Traveling Around The World

Wandering Aunt founder Robin Finney shares her journey of starting a sustainable travel business, including her decision to leave her corporate marketing job of 11 years, using a simple website and free tools like Mailchimp to grow her email list and attract customers, and the importance of investing in a coaching program for support.

Read by 7,623 founders

25. Become a music producer ($60K/month)

As a Marketing Manager, your skills in branding, audience engagement, and strategic planning could seamlessly translate into a successful side business as a music producer. You could leverage your expertise to help artists craft their unique sound and market their music effectively, ensuring it reaches the right audience. The analytical and creative aspects of both professions align well, providing a solid foundation for this entrepreneurial endeavor.

You could start by enrolling in music lessons and immersing yourself in various music styles, helping you understand the artistic nuances needed to guide musicians. By learning an instrument and familiarizing yourself with music production software, you could set up a professional recording space, ready to bring an artist's vision to life. This venture not only diversifies your income but also allows you to apply your marketing prowess in a creative and fulfilling industry.

How much you can make: $100 — $175,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 48 days (?)

On Starting A Website About Rock Music

Snake Oil Music News is a website that promotes new and emerging indie rock bands and artists, with a focus on reviews and live events, and has expanded to include merchandise sales and video content creation, looking for volunteers to help keep up with demand.

Read by 5,220 founders

26. Start an online advertising agency ($177K/month)

As a marketing manager, you could leverage your existing expertise to start an online advertising agency, augmenting your income or even creating a full-fledged business. Your in-depth knowledge of consumer behavior, data analysis, and strategic planning uniquely positions you to effectively promote products or services on the internet.

You could begin by familiarizing yourself with the latest trends and tools in digital marketing through free online resources, which allows you to start on a budget. Next, create a professional website and maintain active social media profiles to showcase your skills and attract potential clients. Building a portfolio with mock campaigns or offering discounted services to friends and family can help you establish credibility. With dedication, you could see your agency grow and become a significant income stream.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

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

How I Started A $120K/Month Online Course For Social Media Marketing Agencies

Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.

Read by 15,815 founders

27. Start a protein bar company ($826K/month)

Considering the exponential growth in the protein bar market, projected to reach $7.03 billion by 2027, starting a protein bar company could be a lucrative side business for a marketing manager. With your expertise in market analysis, consumer behavior, and brand development, you could effectively identify market gaps and craft compelling value propositions to attract health-conscious consumers.

Moreover, your skills in campaign management and digital marketing would allow you to devise targeted online promotions and social media strategies, maximizing your reach and engagement with potential customers. The growing demand for protein supplements presents a promising opportunity to supplement your income or even transition into a thriving entrepreneurial venture.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $3,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 195 days (?)

I Started A $1.08M/Year Snacks Ecommerce At 17 [With Only $300]

How a 17-year-old founded a successful snacks eCommerce, with over 400% YoY growth for the past four years, reinventing the traditional 'pick and mix' for health-conscious consumers and offering an unrivaled choice of quality brands at the best prices when mixing and matching.

Read by 7,842 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.