How To Start A Drone Business

Once seen as toys for the affluent or fancy tools for the professional photographer or cinematographer, over the last 20 years drones have become more affordable and easily available to anyone with an interest in their surroundings from a great height. Start a Drone Business today and we´ll help you soar! 

 

1: Pros and Cons
2: Training and Certification
4. Choose your business structure and registering your business
5: How much can I earn? And startup costs
6: Create your business plan
7: Research
8. Marketing and Branding
9. Red tape
10. Conclusion

 

Nowadays, drones have become integrated into all areas of business, from the wedding photographer to a building inspector on a construction site.  

According to Statista, the global market size of consumer drones is forecast to grow between 2020 and 2026. In 2022, the consumer drone market size was around £3.13 billion and by 2026, this value is expected to reach roughly £6.87 billion.

 

The UK commercial drone market, (filming and photography, inspection and maintenance, mapping and surveying, precision agriculture, surveillance and monitoring etc) was valued at around £1.2 billion in 2021. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 25% until 2026.

Growth will continue as commercial drones become even more affordable. Advances in technology, such as longer battery life, improved camera quality and obstacle avoidance are making starting a drone business more viable for anyone wanting to dive skywards into an expanding range of businesses. 

 

• Potential Annual Revenue: £30-59,000
• Startup Cost: £1,500-£3,000
• Time To Revenue: 4-6+ months 
• Annual Market Growth Rate:  %
• Best for: Creative, safety conscious, hard working, calm entrepreneurs.
  

 

Before you start mapping out your flight path, here are some pros and cons to keep in mind:

 6 Great Reasons to Start a Drone Business

• Versatile Applications: Drones have a wide range of applications across various industries including estate agency, agriculture, construction, aerial photography, surveying, environmental monitoring and more. This versatility allows you to tailor your services to different market needs and diversify your income streams.
• Low Barrier to Entry: Compared to many other businesses, starting a drone business has a relatively low barrier to entry. With the availability of affordable drone equipment and online resources for training and education, aspiring entrepreneurs can enter the industry with minimal upfront investment.
• Growing Market Demand: The demand for drone services is steadily increasing as businesses and industries recognise the value of aerial data collection and analysis. Whether it’s capturing stunning aerial footage for marketing purposes or conducting precision agriculture surveys, there is a growing need for skilled drone operators.
• Scalability: A drone business can be easily scalable, allowing you to expand your operations as your client base grows. Whether you choose to hire additional drone pilots, invest in more advanced equipment or offer new services, you have the flexibility to scale your business according to market demand and opportunities.
• Environmental Benefits: Drones have the potential to provide environmental benefits by reducing the need for traditional methods of data collection that may involve heavy machinery or human labour. With their ability to access remote or hazardous areas safely and efficiently, drones can help minimize environmental impact while maximizing productivity.
• Community Impact: A drone business can have a positive impact on your community by offering valuable services such as search and rescue support, disaster response, wildlife monitoring and more. By leveraging drone technology for social good, you can contribute to public safety, conservation efforts and community resilience.

5 Common Challenges when Starting a Drone Business

• Regulations: Navigating the complex landscape of regulations governing drone operations can be challenging. Different countries in the UK have varying rules regarding drone registration, pilot certification, flight restrictions and privacy concerns. Check before you start work in another area.
• Insurance Costs: Securing adequate insurance coverage for your drone business can be expensive, particularly liability insurance to protect against potential accidents or property damage.
• Technical Skills and Training: Operating drones requires technical expertise in piloting, maintenance and data processing. Acquiring the necessary skills and certifications from aviation authorities can be time-consuming and require financial investment in training programs and equipment.
• Equipment Costs: Balancing the need for advanced technology with budget constraints while ensuring reliability and performance can be a challenge for entrepreneurs. The rapid pace of technological advancements in the drone industry means that staying updated with the latest trends and innovations is essential to remain competitive
• Market Competition: The drone industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with many players offering similar services across various sectors. Standing out in a crowded market and differentiating your business from competitors can be challenging, especially for newcomers without an established reputation or client base.

From registering your company, establishing your brand to marketing your services, we’ll cover everything you need to know to help you turn your creative, entrepreneurial skills into a successful and busy mobile business.

 

 

Where to Start and Qualifications 

Becoming a professional drone pilot is a legitimately viable career option and can be a well paying profession if you have the relevant skills to offer some of the more advanced techniques now used. 

It is assumed that you have some knowledge of drone flying and would like to make it more than just an amazing pastime, but if not, the first thing you will have to do, if you haven’t flown a drone before, is make sure you register yourself. 

Registration is made with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).  This is a registration of you as the operator rather than the drone itself. You must also pass a free online theory test to get your flyer ID. This must be renewed every 5 years 

You will also need an Operator ID. The operator is the person responsible for managing a drone. You are responsible for things like maintaining it and making sure that anyone who flies it has a flyer ID. You need to renew this registration every year.

There are many courses are available throughout the UK at varying levels and it is advised you have at least 25 hours of flying experience before you start your course. Do your research as prices can vary dramatically for the same course.

Have you thought of a company name yet? Use our FREE Company Name Checker Tool and find your memorable name. You’ll be searching through a database of over 5 million registered company names and more than 11 million UK domain names.

 

 

 

Other areas that may be of interest if you are already a qualified, experienced drone pilot:

• Drone repair services are in demand as the use of drones increases sharply. 
• Drone course providers train other budding drone pilots.
• Drone content editing and marketing 
• Drone rental is not the cheapest of businesses to start up but there’s opportunity here. If you´ve the finances, renting out a drone can be lucrative. High-grade drones are very expensive to buy and could be rented out to other trained drone pilots if required. 

 

How to successfully market a drone flying business. 

Here are some tips to help you market your business effectively.

This is a business that I would definitely want to fast-track from the beginning for growth. You want to get busy as quickly as possible and there is only one real way to achieve this.

Most potential clients are going to find a professional drone pilot using a Google search. Sure some will use an app, some might ask for a recommendation on social media but many will look on Google.

Google knows that when someone is looking for a creative aerial photographer or film maker, they will see results close to where they are located. 

This usually means that Google will show a maps listing at the top of the search results like the image below.

 

If your business shows up here then you are right at the top of the search results, under the nose of people who want to find a professional.

For any type of business/search term where Google shows a Maps listing like this, I describe these businesses as having “high local marketability”.

High local marketability means if you know what you are doing and tick the right boxes with Google, you can get a lot of business enquiries very easily.

 

So if potential customers can’t find you on Google, they won’t be calling you. And guess what? That means someone else is covering the local skies and you’re missing out!

 

 

So how do you dominate Google search results for this business?

You have to optimise for the Google maps listing.
How do you do that?

10 great steps to marketing your business:

• Get a website. Make sure it complies with Google’s best practice guidelines.
• Get your new website in Google so clients find YOU.

• Provide LOCAL PROOF. Use a local phone number to tell clients and Google you are definitely a local business. Plus a mobile number.

• Provide SOCIAL PROOF. Show reviews from real clients on your site. 

• Use LANDING PAGES. A landing page is optimised for a specific search term making it rank higher than your competitors. Landing pages are for people who want to book a call NOW! They show the client what they want to see.

• Provide great CTA’s (CTA =call to action). Make it super easy on your website for clients to get in touch with you by including features such as a messaging/chat app and CTA’s that show clients exactly how to contact you.

• Share FEEDBACK. Go the extra mile to provide an outstanding service and you are sure to collect plenty of positive feedback from your clients. Ensure you harness this by collecting reviews from every new customer.

• AUTOMATE – You won’t have time to be manually updating your website. Make sure you automatically show the new reviews on your website, driving more clients to your business.

• PROMOTE – Regular updates to your website and using Google tools will give your website an extra edge.

• MAINTAIN – From time to time websites need technical maintenance to the software they run on to keep peak performance.

 

Most businesses in this sector DO NOT invest enough time and money to execute this simple marketing  strategy providing you with the opportunity to step in and DOMINATE in the local search engine results.

 

The Live Chat Function

This is great as it gives your potential pupils a “one click method” to message you straight from your website – you get the messages on your usual Messenger account, this is probably something that your competitors won’t have and we’ve had clients getting great success using this tactic. Make it easy for your potential clients to get in touch with you. 

 

Here are 8 more great tips to help you market your business effectively:

Promoting your business is crucial to attract new clients and grow your business. Here are some tips to get your business marketing underway: 

• Do your research

This industry is competitive, so it’s important to research your competitors in your local area and identify what you can offer that others don’t. This will help you differentiate your business and attract more customers.

Can you solve a problem? Do it cheaper? Do it better?

Ask around, surveys, word of mouth, check competitors reviews for complaints.

• Create a great company and domain name for your website 

Choose a name that is related to you and your service and is memorable for your potential clients. 
Remember to steer well clear of similar sounding names so confusion does not occur with other pilots. You can do easily this by using our Company Name Search Tool.

 

 

Protecting your brand name (IP or intellectual property) requires a company name, domain and trade mark registration. 

We can quickly and easily help you get the ball rolling with this, registering your company and domain name and even providing you with fully featured business email boxes making your business look more professional, adding credibility when you are approaching new customers. So, instead of emailing from an @yahoo or @hotmail address you can be emailing from @mycompanyname. Doesn´t that look better? 

 

You will then have to register a domain name for your website. We all know websites are crucial nowadays so make sure you get yours registered as soon as you have chosen your trade name. Take a look at our Domain Name FAQs  which will explain why a domain name is so important to getting your business up and running. 

Then try our easy to use Domain Checker and let´s get you onto the world wide web!! 

 

 

Not thought of a name yet? Take a look at our inspirational tips and ideas

 

 

• Create an attractive, eye-catching website

We all know a fast, inspiring, easy to use website is essential for any business today!

But can you design and run one? Can you create the content that actually guides a customer through your site and encourages them to pick up the phone and find out more about your done business? 

We can create a personal website for you to get you off to the best start. 

 

Give lots more information about your new business and any unique services you offer plus accurate contact details. Introduce yourself and give your work experience and qualifications. A little information about yourself can make the business more personal and boost customer confidence. Don´t be camera shy! Add a photo. Many clients will want to see who you are before contacting or meeting you. 

Photos and videos are obviously essential! This is where you showcase your skills and range of services you can offer. From stunning wedding videos to safety film of fire damaged buildings, you have to find your niche. 

Write blogs about the topics that you are passionate about, imparting your knowledge to your potential clients. Make suggestions and give alternative ways for them to use your services. 

We have already mentioned this (a lot!) but it is vitally important.

Always ask for References and Reviews on your website. 

Potential clients WILL look for what previous clients have said about your business. 

Google reviews, testimonials and recommendations are essential. Potential customers WILL check for reviews when they are searching for a service, product or trade. 

This is difficult when you first start out and asking can be uncomfortable but a happy pupil who has passed their driving test will want to help you up the ladder every time. 

 

• Word of mouth

is probably the most powerful and effective marketing tool and should never be underestimated!

The foundation of successful word of mouth marketing is providing exceptional service. When your clients have positive, visible experiences, they are more likely to share them with others.

Establishing a personal connection with your clients is incredibly important. Your social skills really must be top notch. This can lead to a deeper level of trust and a higher likelihood that they will recommend your services to others. 

If you specialise in weddings or social events, always make sure you ask your clients to recommend you to their friends and family…..in fact anyone they know! A satisfied, happy customer is the golden ticket to your success. 🙂

 

• Design an eye-catching logo

Your logo is often the first visual element that potential clients encounter. A super eye-catching logo creates a positive and memorable first impression, setting the tone for the overall perception of your hairdressing business.

The logo should represent you and your business and can be used on magnetic car signs, car stickers, business cards, your workwear, leaflets etc.

If you become a member of an association or organisation, make sure this is shown on all your marketing materials as well as your website. 

Go back to basics! 

Print flyers and distribute them around your local area. You would be amazed how many businesses, big and small, use drone photography and filming nowadays. Distribute them in schools, colleges, supermarkets, bars, libraries, cafes…… Maybe add in an offer for early wedding bookings, if that´s your area. Or a block booking for annual filming of agricultural land or coastal erosion.

• Use social media

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram and TikTok can be incredibly powerful marketing tools for your growing business. See how other drone companies have used social media and do the same… but better!!! 

As the new kid in the sky, you´ll need to shout out loud what makes you and your business unique! Whatever if it is, make sure you are getting the word out there. Make it loud. Funny. Make it beautiful but DO use social media. Show your specialism off in as many areas you can. 

Join local business Facebook groups or similar platforms to promote your business and connect with potential clients. 

Social media is time consuming and can easily be neglected. Stay on top of your accounts and website, be relevant and keep your drone work visible. Let your clients know what´s new in your business and how it can improve THEIR business. 

You can also build relationships with unrelated local businesses who may refer customers to you. Speak to local wedding businesses, photography studios, hotels, private large estates etc, they can provide excellent opportunities for cross-promotion.

What about attending drone industry trade shows?  Check out the competition from around the UK. Shows such as DroneX cover a range of services including military and defence, commercial etc. Mingle with like minded fliers! 

 

• Use apps

There are many apps available that can help you manage your business more efficiently. They can be used for booking appointments, saving customer details and their treatments and receiving payment.  

Project management software will be vital especially as your business starts to grow. Companies such as Asana, Clickup, Monday.com and Zoho all offer good packages that will help you take control of your business and keep those projects running smoothly. 

We can easily help you decide what is relevant to you and your business

 

• SEO (Search engine optimization)

is the art of getting your business website to the top of the search results on Google and the other search engines so that you have the best chance of getting their business. 

If you’re new to running a website it’s easy to get caught out with a low cost SEO service that just doesn’t work.

We can help put together an affordable SEO package and we’ll always tell you what we are going to do and what results you might expect to achieve.

 

 

Joining associations and organisations is high recommended so your interests are properly represented if required. ARPAS-UK, the Association of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System is the only industry trade association and professional body focused on the UK drone, UAV, RPAS, UAS community. 

Also join registers such as Drone Safe Register. Here you can advertise yourself and your services. They do require you to be fully licensed, trained and insured.

 

 

There are other formalities that you will need to complete before you can start trading.

Let’s talk about the boring stuff! 

Open a bank account

Keeping your personal and business finances separate is crucial for several reasons. It simplifies accounting and bookkeeping, making it easier to track business expenses, income and tax obligations. It also helps demonstrate financial transparency, which can be important for legal and tax purposes.
How about a contactless card payment machine? There are plenty on the market now and easy for you and your customers to use. Perfect for when you are on the move.

You will need Insurance

Accidents do happen. Fact. Therefore, one of the start up costs that you can’t avoid is insurance.

Commercial drone pilots are required to have minimum levels of third-party insurance which includes public liability, protecting you against claims made by members of the public for damage or injury caused by your drone, plus the accompanying legal costs.

Also aviation liability insurance which will cover you against: acts of war, terrorism, hijacking, acts of sabotage and unlawful seizure of aircraft and civil commotion.

You need to be fully compliant with EC785/2004 regulations. These are the rules laid down by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Other insurance

• Equipment cover – for both in-flight and out-of-flight equipment
• Hired-in equipment cover – protects equipment not owned by you that you’ve hired in.
• Replacement drone hire.
• Transit cover – while your drone is being moved.
• Night flying.
• Legal expenses.
• Professional indemnity insurance – allows you to recover losses from compensation claims made against you in certain circumstances.

 

There are lots of companies offering individual personal services to suit your requirements, so have a good look around and take their advice.

By implementing these marketing strategies, you can attract more customers, improve your personal brand identity and grow your business.

 

 

Conclusion

You may be an amazing drone pilot, but you will need more than just these practical talents to run a successful business.

From researching and educating yourself about drones and regulations to defining your niche, creating a business plan and obtaining the necessary licences and insurance, there are many important steps to take before launching your drone business. Additionally, building a strong portfolio, marketing your services and networking with potential clients is crucial to growing your business.

Once your drone business is up and running, it’s important to continue learning and staying updated on industry trends, technological advancements and changes in regulations. Become the drone expert in your area and it will be hard for any visitors to beat the quality of the local-knowledge based service you can provide. But never rest on your laurels and take that for granted, reinvention is unavoidable over a lifetime. Staying informed and adapt to changes.

Understanding your clients needs, managing communication effectively and providing exceptional service are critical for maintaining client satisfaction and building long-term relationships. Clients will pay extra for someone they believe will do a good job with little fuss.

 

To soar rather than just fly, learn more by contacting us today. Let’s get this business started!