How to Start a Drone Business

The drone industry is booming and you want to be a part of it. With market growth expected to reach over $42 billion by 2025, there is ample opportunity for drone pilots to become successful business owners in the next few years. We’ve talked about many aspects of owning and operating a drone business, but this post really details the steps you should consider when starting your own drone business. If you think you’re ready to take the next step to starting a drone business, keep reading for our tips!

Get Licensed
Whether you are working with a franchise or starting your own business, as a drone operator, you will need to be licensed. In order to obtain your Remote Pilot Certification, you will need to take the FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test. After passing, obtain your certificate by completing FAA Form 8710-13 and registering your drone with the FAA.

Develop a Business Model
 Arguably the most important step in starting a drone business is to create a robust business model. This is where all of your time spent researching the drone industry and potential services you can provide, from aerial mapping to construction or photography, will pay off. Your business model can be a long, formal document, or something short and to the point. You can create a business model to do the following:

• Clearly define what types of services your business will offer
• Outline a pricing strategy for your services based on market research
• Create a branding strategy that focuses on how you want your business to be perceived by your target market

Invest in Marketing
In order to find and bring in customers, you will want to consider investing in marketing beyond word of mouth and a website. Digital marketing strategies can help you find more customers and generate more revenue. Some marketing initiatives can be done in-house, but hiring a marketing firm to handle more complex strategies is a good investment. Marketing firms can help with website design, SEO, SEM, social media management, paid ads, and an overall strategy. 

Consider Liabilities and Insurance
As a business owner and drone pilot, there are a variety of rules and regulations to adhere to depending on where you operate from. Consider the following:

• Drone liability insurance - covers personal injury or property damage
• Type of organization - sole proprietorship, limited partnership, limited liability, etc.
• Privacy laws - local laws can vary from state to state, or even cities within the same state, when it comes to flying over private property

Drone Franchise?
Many individuals looking into starting a drone business should also consider opening a drone franchise. As we have mentioned on this blog before, one of the best ways to make money as a drone pilot is to open a drone franchise. Starting your own business as a franchise owner has built in benefits that you cannot get when you start from scratch. 

This is, of course, a simplified look at creating a drone business model, and your success will depend on more than just having a plan. You can use this guide as a starting point, and we are always here to answer any questions you may have about operating your own drone business.​