How to make money with drones? This is a question that we get asked all the time.
Making money with drones isn’t as hard as you might think. As you understand how the drone business works.
Below you’ll find some valuable information that can help you decide on what type of flying activity to pursue and how to make money with it.
Even if you already fly drones, this guide will help clarify any doubts you might have about making money with your company.
Learn how to shoot drone photos.
1. Real Estate Photos & Video
Aerial photography and video are now the best way to take high‐resolution photos and videos.
Real estate is one of the fastest-growing industries that offer high potential profits for drone pilots. It offers unique aerial perspectives, and the ability to show a property from outside to inside.
Many real estate agents are looking for a great aerial photographer. They want to advertise and show houses using drones because it allows for a whole new perspective.
Real estate photographers can take detailed photographs from the air to create high-quality marketing materials.
If you are a drone pilot, this is going to be one of the easiest ways for you to make money with drones.
2. Stock Photography/Video
The most popular and lucrative industry for aerial images is commercial photography and videography.
Stock Photography and Video give people an idea of what the drone can be used for. The idea is to show them everything that your drone can do.
Plus, showing how easy it is to use your drone will give potential customers a good vibe about your products.
Once you learn how to shoot drone photos, you create a repository of high-quality images and footage to sell to businesses, media outlets, real estate agents, farms/agribusinesses, small businesses, public relations firms, and nonprofits.
Your market options are limitless.
3. Aerial surveying services
One of the best ways of making money with drones is to offer services in aerial surveying.
Aerial surveying companies use drones to gather data about the ground they are covering.
Specialize in this service, and you won’t have to be concerned with the cost. This niche will always be needed, both inside and outside of companies.
You can make money by providing this service for a variety of purposes. Such as monitoring construction projects, mapping, and managing timberlands, etc.
If you’re an employee whose employer uses drone services, then being familiar with your company’s make and model of drones can lead to potential career development that is within the firm that employs you.
4. Sell drones
To earn extra cash with drones, you’ll need to be able to sell drones. You can also sell your old drones. To sell drones, you need to understand the market for drones.
The best way to understand this market is by getting in touch with hobbyist drone pilots throughout your local area. Also, see what they’re using for their aerial photography or inspection services.
There is a very big market for selling drones. You can earn a good income by buying cheap drones on eBay and Amazon. Then resell them for a higher rate with your own promotional materials.
The good thing also about reselling drones is that it is not time-restricted.
5. Drone lessons
Drones are the new hot technology and many people want to learn how to fly them. Teaching drone lessons is a great way to make money in the drone business.
These courses teach people how to use drones for the first time. Also, to inform them of the legalities of commercial drone flying.
They also give students a taste of what it’s like to be a pilot by taking photos or filming real estate portfolios.
A lot of beginners want to learn how to use drones so they can capture videos, take aerial photos, and do many more things. You can also teach about safety measures and regulations of using drones.
6. Work with movie producers
Film producers need aerial footage for their projects.
Airspace rules are loosening up bit by bit, which is why movie producers and local news stations are beginning to use drones.
This is a great opportunity for pilots with the right equipment to make money as drone pilots. The production companies and news outlets will reach out to you.
Working with movie companies is a profitable drone business. But, you have to take proper courses and know how much it should cost. You can only do this if you have experience and fly in the right conditions.
7. Surveillance and security
If you’re looking to make money with drones, consider a career in aerial security or surveillance.
This seems to be the use that generates the most revenue for drone operators.
By law, commercial drone operators are allowed to fly up to 400 feet. This gives the pilot a clear view of large properties.
Many drones carry cameras, and some have thermal sensors too. Businesses can use them to keep a close eye on their property.
There is a growing field of professionals who use drones to capture footage that is used for security purposes at airports and government facilities.
If you are comfortable with heights, work in remote locations, and have a high level of vigilance, then this might be your best option for a drone profession.
8. Precision agriculture
Drones are now taking over parts of agriculture as well. An example of its application in agriculture is precision agriculture.
Precision agriculture is the science of monitoring and controlling farming practices.
This is done to ensure that every drop of water, seed, fertilizer, or pesticide is delivered exactly when and where it is needed.
Agricultural businesses also use drones to watch over large fields and send images back to headquarters. Besides, it is used to estimate the yield of crops by measuring the height of the plants.
With drones, that can fly over large areas in a short amount of time, precision agriculture can now be used to identify problems across large portions of land on time. That’s where you come in.
9. Get your drone license: FAA Part 107
If you fly within the USA with your drone and make money flying it you need to be registered with the FAA as a commercial drone operator.
To register as a drone operator you need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
This certificate requires knowledge of flight rules as well as experience flying aircraft.
10. Market yourself
Drones are on the rise, and opportunities for business are abundant. There is a vast range of things you can do with UAVs.
You will always have competition from other companies, so presenting yourself in the proper manner is important. Market yourself.
If you advertise aerial security services online, the experience should be satisfactory for clients as well as safe and legal for you.
When it comes to drone photography, it’s all about the experience and reputation you have in the field.
Post examples of your work on social media. This is a great way to make money because it is a relatively new niche market.
Since only a handful of people know how to use this equipment, there is going to be a huge demand for professionals very soon.
Final thoughts
Making money with drones can be a daunting task. But, it does not have to be.
Invest some time into learning the basics and it will pay off, literally. The world of drones is as wide as it is deep. There are endless possibilities for making money out there.
The article above gives you some tips on how to make money with drones. Thanks for reading.
