How To Start And Run A Successful Drone Business

Having the required piloting skills opens up several paths for any drone pilot with the drive to take advantage of them.

Before you can earn money in return for flying your drone you need to obtain the license or certificate for commercial flight in the country in which you intend to operate.

A thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations combined with a strong sense of situational awareness will ensure your drone flying is not only legal and safe but also more enjoyable and more profitable.

Choosing one or specializations is the key to securing contracts.  Research your market and your clients to find gaps in the area in which you intend to operate.

Some drone pilots prefer to gain experience working as freelance contractors or employees of other companies before launching their own businesses.

It's essential that you compile at least a basic business plan.  You'll need a more detailed plan if you are thinking of sharing it with potential investors or lenders.

With your business plan as accurate as you can be you can set your prices to ensure that your costs are covered and you have a profit margin added.

Choose a name that reflects the services you offer and set up a basic brochure site.

It's vital to optimise your website but it's also very important to optimise your YouTube videos for searches. 

This is the most important lesson in this series.  Clients are the lifeblood of your business and they have to be acquired as often as possible.

There's a lot you can do to promote yourself and your business for free.  Here are some ideas.

In this section I discuss the pros and cons of PPC marketing on Google, Facebook etc.

In order to understand your marketing efforts you need to analyse the results and adjust accordingly.

As a business collecting customer data you have a responsibility to store it securely.

If you're filming in public places you need to be prepared to deal with curious onlookers, some of whom may be suspicious.

Once you're a competent and confident drone pilot there are several ways in which you can monetize your skills.

A well-arranged website that showcases your drone photography and which includes case studies can become an asset that can be monetized in ways that supplement your income.

If you get into the habit of spending a minimum of 45 minutes per day on marketing then you'll reap the rewards.

Well done!  You've reached the end.  Now, put into practice everything you've learned on this course.