Introduction

You’ve got the drone.

You’ve got the license.

Maybe you’ve even set up a website.

But then the doubts kick in…

“The market’s saturated.”
“Everyone’s offering drone services for peanuts.”
“How could I ever stand out?”

It’s a fair concern. From the outside, it really does look like a race to the bottom. Scroll through Facebook or Instagram and you’ll see people throwing up aerial photos for £50, undercutting each other and fighting for scraps.

But here’s the reality… Most of those people aren’t running real businesses. They’ve got no plan, no niche, and no idea how to explain the value of what they do. That’s why they end up stuck competing on price, because price is the only thing they know how to talk about.

And this is exactly where your opportunity lies.

If you can follow a simple roadmap… Pick one clear service, build proof of what you can do, and pitch yourself as a solution to real problems, you’ll stand out instantly. You won’t be just another pilot with a drone. You’ll be a business owner who gets paid what you’re worth.

And the best part? You don’t need years of experience to make this happen. In fact, by following the five steps in this article, you can land your very first paying client in just 30 days.

Let’s get started.

 

Table of Contents

1. Why Turning Your Drone Hobby Into a Business is Easier Than You Think
2. Step 1: Pick One Service and Know Exactly Who You’re Helping
3. Step 2: Build a Mini Portfolio That Shows Off Your Skills
4. Step 3: Create a Simple Pitch That Sells the Outcome, Not the Drone
5. Step 4: Get Your First Leads Through Direct Outreach
6. Step 5: Seal the Deal With an Introductory Offer
7. Your First Drone Client is Just 30 Days Away
8. FAQs

 

Why Turning Your Drone Hobby Into a Business is Easier Than You Think

If you’ve spent any time on Facebook groups or forums, you’ve probably heard the same two complaints over and over:

“The drone market is saturated.”

“It’s just a race to the bottom on price.”

And to be fair, it can look that way from the outside. You’ll see people offering aerial photos for £50, undercutting each other, and fighting for scraps. It’s enough to make any beginner think, “Why bother? I’ll never make money doing this.”

But here’s the reality… Most of those people aren’t running real businesses.

They bought a drone, put up a Facebook page, and hoped clients would magically show up. They have no clear service, no target customer, and no idea how to explain the value of what they do. That’s why they end up stuck competing on price… Because price is the only thing they know how to talk about, and it’s their only way to stand out from everyone else.

And this is where your opportunity lies.

The drone industry isn’t short of people with drones.

It’s short of people who can:

• Identify a real problem a business has.
• Show how aerial footage or data solves that problem.
• Package it in a way that makes sense to the client.

When you can do that, you stop being just “another pilot with a drone.”

You stop being a commodity.

You become a solution provider… And businesses will happily pay more for SOLUTIONS than for “just some drone photos”.

Think about it this way: if an estate agent is struggling to sell a property, a drone pilot offering “10 aerial shots for £50” is competing on price.

But the pilot who says, “I’ll help you sell homes faster by creating aerial images and video that showcase your listings from a unique angle” is solving a problem.

That’s the pilot who gets the booking, even at a higher price.

So yes, there are a lot of ‘drone pilots’ out there.

The market IS saturated… But it’s saturated with hobbyists who will never take the steps required to turn their flying into a business.

If you’re willing to follow a plan and learn how to position yourself, there’s still huge room for you to succeed.

Over the next few sections of this post, I’ll show you the five simple steps that can get you your very first paying client within 30 days.

No racing to the bottom.

No trying to undercut everyone else.

Just a clear, beginner-friendly roadmap to help you stand out, deliver real value, and start building your dream drone business!

 

Step 1: Pick One Service and Know Exactly Who You’re Helping

This is the step most beginners skip… And it’s the number one reason they struggle to get paid work.

They try to offer everything to everyone.

“Drone photography, videography, roof inspections, mapping, weddings, events, land surveys, solar panels, commercials…”

Sound familiar?

Here’s the problem… When you try to be everything, you end up standing for nothing.

Potential customers look at your website or social media and think:
“Looks cool… But do they actually know MY industry? Do they understand MY problems?”

And when people aren’t sure… They don’t buy.

The fix is simple: Pick ONE clear service, and ONE clear type of customer, for example...

👉 Real estate photography for estate agents.
👉 Roof inspections for local roofing companies.
👉 Promotional videos for small businesses in your town.

Just one.

For now.

This doesn’t mean you’re locked into that niche forever. But when you start out, clarity is your best friend.

It makes your message sharper.

It makes your marketing easier.

And most importantly, it makes it easy for potential customers to say: “Yes! That’s exactly what I need.”

Think about it like this… Imagine you’re an estate agent, scrolling through Facebook.

Which post would grab your attention more?

“Drone Services Available: Photos, Video, Inspections, Mapping & More.”

or

“Helping estate agents sell homes faster with stunning aerial photos and video.”

The second one wins every single time.

Why?

Because it speaks directly to a problem the customer cares about.

So, before you do anything else… Decide what service you’ll lead with, and who it’s for. Write it down. Make it clear. Then stick to it for the next 30 days while you follow the rest of this plan.

This one decision will instantly separate you from 90% of “drone guys” in your area, and it’s the first step to moving from hobbyist… To Drone Business Owner.

 

Step 2: Build a Mini Portfolio That Shows Off Your Skills

Once you’ve chosen the service you’ll deliver, and the customer you’ll sell it to, we need to answer the question that every client will naturally have:

“Can YOU actually deliver this?”

And here’s the kicker… Without proof, people won’t pay you.

It doesn’t matter that you’ve got the license.

It doesn’t matter that you’ve spent thousands on your drone.

It doesn’t even matter that you know you can do the job.

Clients need to SEE it.

That’s why you need a mini portfolio.

Now, don’t panic… You don’t need dozens of case studies or Hollywood-level productions. You just need 3–5 strong examples that show what you can deliver.

• If you’re targeting estate agents: film a couple of houses for free, (or shoot your own home from the air if you can’t find anyone who’ll let you film theirs).
• If you’re going after roof inspections: ask friends, family members, or even a local business if you can take the required data of their roof.
• If you’re offering promo videos for local businesses, go film a local café, gym, or shop you already know.

Keep it simple.

Keep it relevant.

And above all, make it look as professional as you can.

Even if you did it for free, never label it as “free work.” Package it up like a real project:

• Pick the best photos or video clips.
• Edit them neatly.
• Add your logo or website at the end.

 

Then, showcase your mini portfolio in two places:

1. On your website (even a single page is enough).
2. As a PDF or link you can quickly send to potential clients.

 

This one step will instantly boost your credibility. You’ll stop looking like “someone with a drone” and start looking like a business.

 

And here’s the magic: the moment you have even a small portfolio, you’ll feel more confident reaching out to people. Because now, instead of saying “I fly drones”... You can say:

“Here’s an example of the work I do for [your chosen niche].”

That’s the difference between being ignored… And being taken seriously.

 

Step 3: Create a Simple Pitch That Sells the Outcome, Not the Drone

Here’s another huge mistake beginners make…

They talk about the DRONE.

“I shoot in 4K.”

“My drone has 40 minutes of flight time.”

“I can fly up to 120 metres high.”

Guess what?

Clients don’t care.

They don’t care about your drone, your camera, or your qualifications.

What they care about is what your service will DO for them.

This is where your pitch comes in.

Your pitch isn’t about you, it’s about the outcome you deliver.

Here’s the super-simple formula:

👉 I help [TYPE OF CUSTOMER] [ACHIEVE DESIRED RESULT] by [WHAT YOU DO].

Simple. Clear. No jargon.

Examples:

1. “I help estate agents sell homes faster with stunning aerial photos and video.”
2. “I help roofing companies spot problems early by capturing detailed aerial roof images.”
3. “I help local cafés and gyms attract more customers with engaging aerial promo videos.”

 

See how different that feels?

It’s not about “flying drones.”

It’s about solving problems.

Here’s a quick test for your pitch:

• If your customer can read it and instantly think, “Yes, that’s me, and that’s what I need”, you’re on the right track.
• Write it down. Practice saying it out loud until it rolls off your tongue.
• Use it on your website, in your emails, and when you meet people face to face.

Because when you stop selling the drone…

And start selling the outcome…

You stop competing on price.

You position yourself as the solution to their problem.

And THAT is what gets you hired!

 

Step 4: Get Your First Leads Through Direct Outreach

By this point, you’ve chosen your service, created a small portfolio, and developed a clear pitch. Now comes the most important part… Actually finding people who will pay you.

This is where many beginners get stuck. They think that if they post on social media or wait for someone to stumble across their website, customers will magically appear. The truth is, that almost never happens. When you’re just starting out, you need to go directly to the people who are most likely to hire you.

The fastest way to do this is through direct outreach.

But a word of warning; it’s also the toughest and often, most disheartening phase of building a business… You need to be bold, stay strong, and ‘power through’ this phase!

Start by making a list of 20 to 30 potential customers in your chosen niche. If you decided on real estate photography, write down the names of local estate agents in your area. If you chose roof inspections, list the roofing companies nearby. If you’re offering promo videos, think of cafés, gyms, or small businesses that could benefit from more exposure.

Once you have your list, reach out to them. You can do this by phone, email, or even by walking into their office. The key is to keep your approach short and simple. Introduce yourself, explain how you can help, and share a link to your mini portfolio.

For example:

“Hi, my name is [Your Name]. I’m a local drone pilot and I help estate agents sell homes faster with aerial photos and video. Here’s a quick example of my work [link]. Do you have a property coming up that could use this kind of showcase?”

This type of outreach works because it’s clear, it’s relevant, and it gives them proof right away. You’re not asking for a favour; you’re offering a solution to a problem they already have.

If you can commit to speaking with just five new potential customers each week, you will build momentum quickly. Prepare yourself to hear plenty of ‘no’s’, but remember; the few who say yes could become your very first paying clients.

And here’s the thing to remind yourself; you don’t need lots of people to say yes to get started… You just need ONE!

Direct outreach is the step that turns all the preparation into real results.

It can feel uncomfortable at first, but the more you do it, the easier it becomes. And once you’ve landed that first client, you’ll have the confidence to keep going and grow from there.

 

Step 5: Seal the Deal With an Introductory Offer

So you’ve made the calls.

You’ve sent the emails.

And finally… someone says:

“Okay, this looks interesting. What does it cost?”

This is the make-or-break moment for beginners.

Most new drone pilots panic here. They either:

• Overcomplicate things with confusing packages.
• Freeze and say they’ll “get back with a quote.”
• Or worse, throw out a random number and hope it sticks.

 

Here’s the truth: your first customer doesn’t want complicated. They want easy.

The way to win them over is by offering a simple, low-risk “starter package.” Something that makes it easy for them to say YES without overthinking.

For example:

👉 “£199 for 10 professional aerial property photos and a 60-second highlight reel.”

👉 “£149 for a full set of aerial roof images, delivered within 48 hours.”

👉 “£250 for a 1-minute promotional video of your business, shot and edited.”

See how clean that is? One clear price. One clear outcome.

You’re not locking yourself into that price forever. This is just your foot in the door. Once you’ve proven yourself, delivered quality, and built trust, you’ll raise your rates.

But right now, your goal is momentum… Not maximum profit. Your first client isn’t about the money; it’s about getting your business moving.

And don’t forget, once the job is complete, ask for two things that are worth even more than the fee:

1. A testimonial (a short review you can use on your website and socials).
2. A referral (ask them if they know anyone else who could use your service).

That one introductory job can quickly lead to two or three more… And suddenly, you’re not just a hobbyist anymore. You’re running a drone business.

So keep it simple. Package your offer. Price it clearly. Deliver it well.

That’s how you seal the deal and turn your very first “yes” into the start of your new career.

 

Your First Drone Client is Just 30 Days Away!

You’ve seen the roadmap.

Five clear, simple steps that anyone, even a total beginner, can follow.

• Pick one service.
• Build a mini portfolio.
• Create a clear pitch.
• Reach out directly.
• Seal the deal with a starter offer.

That’s it!

It’s not about luck.

It’s not about having the fanciest drone.

And it’s definitely not about joining a race to the bottom on price.

It’s about doing the basics well, building trust, and showing that you can solve real problems for real people.

And the truth is this: your first drone client is closer than you think.

Imagine 30 days from now…

Instead of waiting for work to fall into your lap, you’ve got an actual paying customer. You’ve sent your first invoice. You’ve proven to yourself, and to everyone else, that this isn’t just a hobby anymore.

That’s the moment everything changes.

Because once you’ve landed your first client, the second one is easier. And the third. And before you know it, you’re not “Dave with his drone from down the road” anymore…

You’re a Drone Business Owner, building something real.

So take the first step today. Choose your service. Create your portfolio. Start reaching out.

Your dream drone business isn’t years away.

It’s just one client away!

 

If you found this useful, and you’d like to get more simple tips, tricks and strategies for building your drone business, click HERE and join our newsletter ‘The Briefing’.

Until next time, fly safe & blue skies,

 

Matt Williams, Founder,

Drone Business Network

 

FAQs

 

Do I need expensive drone equipment to start a drone business?

No. Most beginners think they need to spend thousands on the latest drone, but the truth is, clients don’t care what model you fly. They care about the results you deliver. If your drone meets legal requirements and can capture good-quality photos or video, that’s enough to get started.

 

What if there are already too many drone pilots in my area?

It might look like the market is saturated, but most of those people aren’t running real businesses. They don’t know how to pick a niche, package their services, or pitch to clients. If you follow the five steps in this guide, you’ll instantly stand out, because you’re offering solutions, not just “drone photos.”

 

Should I work for free to build my portfolio?

You don’t have to, but offering a few free or discounted jobs in the beginning can help you build a small portfolio quickly. The key is to package it like real work. Never call it “free”; simply present it as an example project and use it to prove your skills. A clever sales trick is to replace the word ‘free’ with ‘complimentary’. This implies that the solution still delivers value, although that value exchange isn’t your solution for money… This time! ;)

 

How do I know what to charge for my first job?
Keep it simple. Create a low-risk starter package with one clear price and one clear outcome. For example: “£199 for 10 aerial photos and a 60-second video.” This removes confusion and makes it easy for the client to say yes. Once you’ve delivered great results, you can raise your prices. We’ve got entire video training and future blog articles coming on how to PROPERLY price your work… So make sure you subscribe to our newsletter ‘The Briefing’ HERE to be notified when these drop!

 

How long will it take to get my first paying client?

If you take action right away; choose a service, create your mini portfolio, write your pitch, and start direct outreach, you can land your first client in as little as 30 days. It’s not about waiting for work to find you; it’s about getting out there and making it happen. If you want to improve your chances of success, don’t overthink things, take things one step at a time… And DO MORE OUTREACH!