easy business ideas to start from home

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The Best-Rated Cable Providers for Your Home & Business

There are many cable providers out there, but which one is right for you? There are many home internet providers out there. There are also great providers of business internet service to help you with your business needs. With so many cable companies that offer internet service, you have many options. Whether you are looking for home internet or business internet, this list has something for you. 

AT&T offers both internet and cable through DirectTV which they now own. DirectTV uses a satellite for cable and most homes and apartments are equipped to have it installed near them. AT&T also offers phone plans and bundling up could save you money. If you are a business, consider one of their business bundles for even more savings not offered by any other company. AT&T is an established ISP and can offer great service.

Mostly known for their blazing fast cell phone plans, Verizon is making its way into the internet providers game by offering internet and cable packages in select areas. They offer bundling if you are an existing customer, or if you want to switch your cell phone over and get the savings. Their business plans also offer bundles and Verizon has great service for both business and personal use. Be sure to check them out.

Time Warner

Time Warner Cable is a cable and internet provider located in several major cities across the United States. They offer great cable speeds and internet packages and many places may already be equipmed for them, making installation easy. However, they are a bit pricey in terms of other providers but you might not have a choice depending on where you live. If you live somewhere without options, Time Warner Cable is still a good option.

Dish Network

Dish network is mostly known for offering great satellite cable packages. They also offer satellite internet for those who live too far away from other internet providers. While satellite internet isn’t as fast, slower internet is better than no internet when you live outside the city. Dish does offer a business plan, but Dish is mostly known for being for households. After all, businesses need good internet connections.

Xfinity is one of the most well known providers in the United States. Due to certain restrictions, they aren’t available in cities where TIme Warner is available. However, Xfinity has over half of the country covered in terms of both cable, internet service, and phone service. They also offer blazing fast business plans and many buildings may already be equipped with the cable lines to activate service quickly and easily.

Google Fiber

Google Fiber is an up and coming provider even though Google is an established company. There are not many cities that currently offer Google Fiber, but if your city does you should consider them for being your internet provider. The price is generally affordable and they offer great plans in terms of speed and reliability. Be sure to see if they are in your city and if they are, you may have found your next ISP!

Choosing a Provider

After looking at what each provider has to offer, you may be wondering which one is right for you. The first thing to do is check and see which ones are available in your area. Some might not be available where you are located and that can narrow down the search. Then, after you narrow your search, see which ones offer the best pricing plans and choose the right provider for your home or business!

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How to Start an Online Business and Make Money from Home

In today’s digital age, starting an online business has become more accessible than ever before. With the rise of e-commerce platforms and social media, entrepreneurs can reach a global audience from the comfort of their own homes. One of the most popular searches related to this topic is “online paise kaise kamaye” which translates to “how to make money online” in Hindi. In this article, we will explore some effective ways to start an online business and make money from home.

Identify your niche

The first step in starting an online business is identifying your niche. This means finding a specific area of expertise or interest that you can build a business around. Whether it’s selling handmade products or offering consulting services, choosing a niche will help you stand out in a crowded market.

Build your website

Once you have identified your niche, the next step is building your website. Your website will be the face of your business and should accurately represent your brand and offerings. It should also be user-friendly and optimized for search engines so that potential customers can easily find you.

Create valuable content

Content marketing is a powerful tool for driving traffic to your website and establishing yourself as an authority in your niche. By creating valuable content such as blog posts, videos, and infographics, you can attract potential customers and build trust with them before they even make a purchase.

Monetize your website

There are several ways to monetize your website once you have established a following. One common method is affiliate marketing, where you promote other companies’ products on your site and earn a commission on each sale made through your unique affiliate link. Another option is selling digital products such as e-books or courses that teach others about your area of expertise.

In conclusion, starting an online business is an excellent way to make money from home while doing something you love. By identifying your niche, building a website, creating valuable content, and monetizing your site, you can turn your passion into a profitable venture. So if you’re searching for “online paise kaise kamaye,” follow these steps and start building your online business today.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

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70 Small Business Ideas for Anyone Who Wants to Run Their Own Business

Published: July 31, 2023

A good business idea may seem hard to come by, but with some planning and preparation, you can easily launch a small business to supplement your income — or become your own full-time boss.

Maybe you already have an idea of the business you’d like to start. But while you might feel ready for a new venture and passionate about your idea, you might be looking for some direction.

To help get you started, here's a list of small business ideas separated into a few sections:

Best Small Business Ideas

Best businesses to start with little money, home business ideas, easy businesses to start, how to start a small business at home.

The first step to becoming a successful entrepreneur is finding a business idea that works for you. In this article, you’ll find dozens of small business ideas you can start from home and scale up as your clientele grows. Let’s get started.

Free Business Startup kit

9 templates to help you brainstorm a business name, develop your business plan, and pitch your idea to investors.

• Business Name Brainstorming Workbook
• Business Plan Template
• Business Startup Cost Calculator

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Free Business Startup Kit

Fill out this form to build your business plan today., what makes a good small business idea.

Not all small business ideas are made equal: Some require more effort and funding than others, while some can be launched with few resources — or resources you already have. As a potential small business owner, you’ll want to save as much money as possible on training, rent, supplies, and other necessities.

Let’s go over what makes a good business idea:

• Requires little to no training . A good small business idea will ideally leverage your existing field of expertise and require little to no training. That will not only shorten your time-to-launch, but also lessen your expenses, since training courses can cost a significant amount of money. Plus, you’ll be more confident offering services that you feel prepared to deliver.
• Requires low setup costs. Your business should be cheap to start. Maybe you only need to purchase a website domain or buy a desk for your garage.
• Requires little hands-on inventory or supply management . A great business idea needs few supplies and little inventory management. If you want to sell physical goods, you can either try drop-shipping and manually make goods in small batches.
• Is based online . The best small business ideas are based online and can be carried out from your personal computer. This will automatically lower your commuting costs and give you greater flexibility over your personal and work life.
• Can sustainably be managed by few people . As a small business owner, you won’t have the funds to hire other people to help you run your business — at least not at first. A good business idea should give you the ability to run your business on your own.

Airbnb Co-founder, Brian Chesky, said, "If we tried to think of a good idea, we wouldn’t have been able to think of a good idea. You just have to find the solution for a problem in your own life."

If you’re like Brian and you’ve already thought about a solution for a problem you encounter in your life — or you’re on the path to doing so — then starting a small business may be in your future. It may also be for you if you dream of clocking out of your nine-to-five job for the last time and becoming your own boss.

Below, we include the absolute best ideas for you to start your small business — with resources and examples to help you get started.

1. Handyman

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Are you always fixing things around the house? Often on-call when friends need small projects completed? Create a website , conduct a competitive analysis to determine what your time and expertise are worth, and turn to the friends you’ve helped before for referrals.

A handyman business is a good idea if you’ve already built a robust set of skills to help others fix up their homes. Consider specializing in what you feel well-prepared to do — for instance, if you know your way underneath a sink and water system, then you might provide sink fixing services to start, then expand your offerings once you earn more skills.

No certifications are needed to become a handyman, and there are no special education requirements. You might need, however, a license if you’re planning to undertake jobs worth more than a certain dollar amount. Some states might not require this license.

To start your handyman business, we recommend the following resources:

• Handyman License Requirements by State
• The Most Requested Handyman Services
• Association of Certified Handyman Professionals

2. Woodworker

Similarly, if you have a passion for crafting beautiful furniture or other home goods out of wood, that could be a small business niche for you. Get started by listing a few of your pieces on sites like Etsy . Once you build a following, consider starting a website, accepting custom orders, or expanding to refinishing work and upholstery.

A woodworker small business is ideal if you already have a passion for woodworking, as well as the tools to begin fulfilling orders as they begin to come in. Since delivering a well-made product is key to keeping your customers happy, you don’t want to be “training” as you create a custom shelf or a custom storage box. It’s recommended to have at least one year of experience as a woodworking apprentice.

To start a woodworking business, there are no special education requirements, but there are a wide range of woodworking training certifications online, so we suggest starting with a certification. The Woodwork Institute , YesTomorrow , and The School of Fine Woodworking are potential places to start.

3. Online Dating Consultant

Dating consultants usually charge for their time. They help people create successful online dating profiles, source possible matches from outside the typical online channels, and offer a level of personalization that a site like Tinder can’t. Think you’ve got a knack for the match? This might be the business for you.

Online dating consultants need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as heightened levels of empathy. The good news is that there are no special education or licensure requirements, though we recommend getting a certification such as IAP College’s relationship coach certification or Hart Academy’s online dating coach certificate .

To start an online dating consultant business, you’ll need a website that shares all about you and offers free dating resources your customers might benefit from. Once they download a resource, you can loop them in for a free consultation.

4. Sewing and Alteration Specialist

People will always need clothing hemmed and buttons mended — and you could be the person to do it. If you love sewing and have a sewing machine at home, start by offering simple services like those mentioned above and expand your repertoire to dressmaking and design as you build a customer base and demand.

You don’t need a special license or degree to begin a sewing and alterations business, but it’s essential to build your skills so you can take on more complicated projects. High-value clients will want to customize complicated items of clothing such as suits, pants, gowns, and dresses. That’s where you’ll see the highest potential for profits.

Altering these items require special skills, however. A few courses you might consider include:

• International Open Academy's Tailoring Course for Beginners
• Jackson Sewing Academy’s Basic Alterations Course
• American Bespoke Tailoring Academy’s Programs

You’ll also need to shop for sewing supplies of all colors to accommodate your clients.

5. Freelance Developer

From building websites for other small businesses to providing technical support for certain projects, quality web development is in high demand right now. As a web developer, you'll naturally have a technical skill set. Distill your knowledge and expertise so customers who don't have your experience are able to understand what it is you'll be helping them achieve.

To help with this, test your messaging on friends and family who don’t have a firm understanding of the work you do. If they’re able to summarize what you do, your messaging is likely effective among people outside of your industry. You can start finding your first freelance contracts by visiting different freelance websites .

Unlike a few other options in this list, a freelance developer does need some training to launch a successful business and start taking on projects, but if you’re a beginner, don’t worry. There are plenty of boot camps to get you up to speed with either full-stack or front-end web development. Some of these boot camps are even offered through accredited tech schools.

Some boot camps you might consider include:

• Coding Dojo
• Fullstack Academy
• Georgia Institute of Technology Coding Boot Camp

These vary in price, so be sure to do extensive research to find one that fits you and your budget.

6. Personal Trainer

Offer in-home consultations, personalized nutrition and exercise regimens, and community boot camps to get the word out. Don’t forget to populate an Instagram feed with inspirational quotes, free exercise videos, and yummy snack ideas as well — it’s a common way for fitness gurus to build their brands in our digital world.

If you choose to go this route, it’s OK to start small at first, then scale up. For instance, MOURfit is a personal training business in Indianapolis that started in a shared gym, then grew to a private gym that offers group fitness, personal training, and nutrition services.

To start a personal training business, you’ll need a certification. If you already earned a degree in an unrelated discipline, we recommend starting with the NASM-CPT certification , which is nationally accredited and only requires a high school diploma or GED. You can also get a Bachelor’s degree in physical and exercise science — here’s one example from Emory & Henry College .

7. Freelance Graphic Designer

Set your own hours, choose your projects, and build a portfolio and business you’re proud of. From website design to blog graphics and more, many companies seek out experienced graphic designers for support on a variety of projects.

The good news? There are no special education requirements for becoming a freelance graphic designer, though we recommend seeking a credential (like SAIC’s graphic design certificate or RISD’s graphic design certificate ) or an Associate’s degree in design so you can confidently present your portfolio and complete your first few projects.

If you’re just starting out with graphic design, try these tips and tricks that are ideal for beginners. If you’re more experienced but need to build your portfolio to attract clients, these prompts will get your creativity flowing in no time. We also recommend reviewing other people’s work on portfolio websites to get a feel for what is “trendy” and receive feedback as you grow your small business.

8. Life/ Career Coach

If you have experience navigating career, personal, and social transitions successfully, put it to good use as a life or career coach. Many of us are looking for guidance in our careers — and finding someone with the time to mentor us can be tough.

Life/career coaches don’t come cheap, but they are able to offer clients the intense and hands-on training and advice they need to make serious moves in their personal and professional lives. After all, everyone needs some uplifting advice from time to time.

To start your life/career coaching business with confidence, you can look for a certification program (like the Life Coach School’s or Diane Hudson’s ), then apply your skills as you acquire new clients.

A resume writing business is economical, has few overhead costs, and has few educational requirements. We still recommend having an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree and a few resume samples on hand. If you still feel that you need to brush up on your resume writing skills, you can take a course like Coursera’s or LinkedIn Learning’s .

Once you’ve gotten resume writing down, you can expand your business to include cover letter writing, and even offer career coaching services in conjunction with these services.

10. Freelance Writer

If you have writing skills , there’s someone out there willing to pay you for them. Write blog posts, magazine articles, and website copy galore — just make sure you have a body of work built up to share with potential clients. Even if you create a few sample pieces to have on hand, they’ll help exhibit your work and attract new business.

To become a freelance writer, it’s essential to choose a specialty. For instance, you might choose to only write for publications in the healthcare industry (maybe because you were previously a healthcare worker), or focus on lifestyle publications. Whatever the case, specializing will help you find your niche market and gain confidence as a new freelancer writer.

There are no educational requirements to freelance writing, but you do need strong writing skills. It also helps to enjoy writing. While a certification may beneficial, getting practice and writing every day is more important. Try these writing prompts to start.

11. Landscaper

Mowing, tree-trimming, and seasonal decor are all neighborhood needs. If you have or can acquire the equipment, a landscaping business can be a lucrative affair. It’s also a great choice if you enjoy doing it for your own home and have a good eye for landscape design.

The good news is that you can start small. For instance, you could offer your neighbors seasonal planting services and start with a few perennial plants, or simply offer mulching services.

To grow your landscaping business, you should consider taking some formal training. The following organizations offer courses:

• New York Botanical Gardens

After completing a course and getting enough experience, you can apply for a certificate from a landscaping organization. While a certificate isn’t necessary to work in the field, it can build your credentials and help you make industry connections to take your landscaping business to the next level. The Association of Professional Landscape Designers offers one potential certificate you could pursue.

Some states require licensure, especially if you’ll be using pesticides and fertilizers. Be sure to review the requirements for your state.

Learn some of the basics now with this video on landscape design from Lowe’s:

12. Videographer

Video production requires you to have invested in the equipment up front, which can be quite expensive. But that’s also what makes your services so valuable. Make sure you have a reel of your work to share or create a website with several selections of your work available for interested viewers.

There are no educational or licensure requirements for starting a video production business. As with writing and other creative arts, though, it pays to specialize. Real estate videos differ radically from wedding videos, and wedding videos differ radically from in-studio interviews and testimonials. By specializing, you target a highly specific customer who’ll benefit the most from your services, and you can also skill-up more effectively in one shooting style.

While you can find general classes on videography, you should consider taking a class in the type of videography you’d like to do. For instance, you could take The Complete Wedding Videography Course , if that’s the route you’d like to take.

Hot tip: If you’re interested in specializing in video marketing, check out The Ultimate Guide to Video Marketing and download our starter pack below.

13. Photographer

Start by conducting photo shoots for your family and friends. As you build a body of work, ask for referrals and reviews. Photography businesses often grow by word of mouth, so create a Facebook page where you can tag recent clients. Photos where you tag those clients will show up in their friends’ newsfeeds, where they can view your work. You can also ask them to leave reviews on your Facebook business page.

Like with a video production small business, you’ll want to specialize. Will you do product shoots or portraits? How about wedding or fashion photo shoots? Once you specialize, you’ll be able to create a body of work that most accurately represents your strengths.

There are no educational or licensure requirements for starting a small photography business, but we recommend investing in a few photography courses, especially if you haven’t used your camera in a while. Some courses you might start with include:

• Cornell’s Digital Photography Certificate Program
• New York Institute of Photography’s Course

From there, seek courses that help you build skills in your chosen specialty.

If you’re not sure where to start with freelance photography, take a look at Erica Clayton’s journey into the business below. Her advice? Give yourself a firm deadline to turn a profit.

14. Bed and Breakfast Owner

This is another business venture that will require you to research the correct licensure from your state, but it will be well worth it to see your dreams come true. Consider what guests will be traveling to your area and create special packages and themed stays that coincide with their interests in your locale.

To start a bed and breakfast business, you’ll need a physical business location and a small staff for maintenance, customer service, and upkeep. For that reason, we recommend it if you have startup funds to start your business. (Don’t have any? Here’s how to start crowdfunding to launch your new business .)

A successful bed and breakfast business will also need an SEO-optimized website with a hotel booking system. If you create your website on the WordPress platform, you can easily create a B&B website using a hotel booking plugin — so there’s no need to code the booking form from scratch.

With Airbnb and hotels stealing market share, the competition is tough in the bed and breakfast space, so we recommend providing a unique angle to the stay. As mentioned, the stays can be themed — maybe your B&B is a vintage home with all original furniture, or maybe you offer traditional fare from your homeland.

15. Clothing Boutique Owner

If you dream of building your own fashion empire, why not start with a local boutique? Build buzz with impressive clothing styles, inspiring social media accounts, and heavy community involvement. While you can open a physical store, you can easily start online — and if that proves profitable, you can open up a local shop.

There are a few ways you can start a clothing boutique. First, you can make the clothes yourself if you already have experience in fashion design or know how to sew, knit, and curate colors and patterns.

Alternatively, you can design certain aspects of the clothing — such as a graphic or a logo — then send it to be printed on-demand at a local print shop when orders come in.

Lastly, you can dropship the items from a warehouse you’ve partnered with. This method is less reliable because there’s less quality assurance for each item, especially if you never visit the warehouses yourself. Regardless of the method you choose, starting a clothing boutique is highly doable, and you don’t need to have a fashion degree (though it certainly helps).

Take some inspiration from Sleep Ova , a luxury loungewear boutique based in Los Angeles, CA.

16. Specialty Food Store Owner

Gourmet foods, cheeses, sake, wine — you name a food, there’s a specialty food store out there for it. Put your passion for exotic olive oils to good use and open a store like American Provisions where you offer the kind of expertise and selection your audience couldn’t dream of getting from their local grocer.

To start your specialty food store, you’ll want to curate and source the items from makers that you love and trust. Ask around your community to find local makers of the food you want to sell, and the makers will likely be open to a partnership, especially if they get a cut of the profits.

When it’s time to sell, you’ll want to find a physical location, but if that investment is too high, you can start by setting up stalls at food festivals and local markets. Or you can go the ecommerce route and sell the products through your website, taking care to carefully pack perishable items.

17. Food Truck Owner

Always dreamt of owning a restaurant but not quite ready to take the plunge? Test out your concepts with a food truck. It’s a great way to become familiar with food and restaurant licensing in your state, see what people like and don’t like, and build a ravenous following before ever opening or investing in a brick-and-mortar location.

Food trucks will require a larger investment, but thankfully, you can rent the truck itself — the Food Truck Group and Roaming Hunger are two potential leasers you could look at. The cost will be high, so we recommend renting one in preparation for an event such as a food festival or concert. There, you’ll get to test out the popularity of your cuisine and see if the food truck business is right for you.

Taco Nganas , a taco truck in Memphis, TN, started with one food truck and expanded to three, building a loyal customer base along the way.

18. Car-detailing Specialist

The devil is in the details, and you can be too. Car-detailing services that travel to the client are convenient for busy people who can’t find the time to run through the car wash. With this business, your clients only have to pay and the service will be done for them before they know it. Just make sure you have the flexibility, transportation, and equipment to take your business on the road.

There are no educational requirements for car detailing, but you should still take a course such as Auto Finesse’s detailing training to learn core concepts and brush up on your skills.

To get your car detailing business off the ground, you’ll need an SEO-optimized website and a way for customers to book online with you. Before you take that step, however, consider listing your services on websites like Angi , Thumbtack , and even Nextdoor.com so you can get your first local clients.

Don’t have a lot of money to start your business? Check out the ideas below.

1. Translator

Speak a foreign language? Start a translation service. Consider specializing in a specific genre of translation, like medical or financial translation, as you might be able to fill a niche need in your community.

To become a translator, you should have a rock-solid grasp of two languages — ideally, you’ll be near native level for both. You don’t need special credentials to become a translator, but a certification (such as from the American Translators Association ) will legitimize your business and help you get clients.

Prior to gaining a certification, you can also pursue an online certificate, which will teach you the basics of translation. Some providers include:

• University of Massachusetts Amherst
• The University of Arizona
• University of Georgia

2. Garden Designer

Many people have the willingness to do the dirty work in their backyards, but few have the know-how to complete the first part of this process — designing and planning the backyard space. Draw up the designs for your clients’ outdoor spaces and let them do the actual digging.

But you can also offer installation services, or hire your own contractors to fulfill the design.

To become a garden designer, you should seek at least one credential so you’re well-versed in the basics and prevent damage to a client’s landscape. The American Academy of Garden Design offers courses and certificates that start at $450. A cheaper option is New Skills Academy’s Garden Design Certification ($120).

Remember, the goal is to start a business for cheap, and a certification can have a high ROI after you book your first few clients for garden design.

3. Travel Planner

The time of the travel agent might be passing, but people are still looking for those with a knack for more nontraditional travel coordination. If you always plan the perfect vacations complete with beautiful hotels, the ideal location, and a bevy of delicious restaurants lined up for every evening, consider advertising your services as a more modern approach to travel planning.

You don’t have to only plan trips for individuals, either. If you’re experienced enough, you can even start a group travel company, like Art N Soul Escapes .

You can become a travel planner by first volunteering to plan a few trips for your family and friends. Try it and see if you like it. Once you feel like you’ve gotten a good taste, attend a travel planner program and get certified. Some options include:

• The Travel Institute Training & Certification Program
• Penn Foster Travel and Tourism Specialist Diploma

You can also seek employment at a travel agency first, then strike out on your own once you’ve learned the basics.

4. Home Inspector

A home inspector examines a house’s drywall, electrical wiring, energy efficiency, and structural integrity to find potential issues on behalf of a home buyer. Home inspectors work in the field. They visit homes in person and provide a written inspection report. Alternatively, some home inspectors offer virtual inspections, which may be a good fit if you’d prefer to work from home.

Working as a home inspector requires certification and a great deal of expertise, but it can offer a flexible work schedule and stable income. Confirm the licensing requirements in your state before getting started with this type of small business. You’ll want to make sure you’re providing the best service to your clients by having all of your credentials in order.

To become a home inspector, you should invest in a certification program, such as:

• International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
• ATI Home Inspector Academy

Be sure to check local authorities and universities for a course.

5. Personal Chef

We all love to eat, but few of us have the time or energy to cook healthy, delicious meals. Advertise your services to local families and businesses alike. To save on start-up costs, consider scheduling certain groups of clients together — say, vegetarians — so you can cook larger quantities of the same dish.

You can also begin by selling food in batches at local farmer’s markets or via a food truck. Once you’ve generated some awareness, you can begin taking on clients. Alternatively, you can start a delivery meal prep service by cooking 5-7 days’ worth of meals for clients.

Chef Paul’s mouth-watering dishes are available to clients across the country. His clientele niche consists of athletes, corporate businesses, and local gyms.

6. Property Manager

Many people maintain properties they don’t live in — often based in different cities or states. As a property manager, you can help a property owner ensure their home is well taken care of, handle small fixes as they arise, and serve as a liaison to renters. It’s helpful if you have a background in real estate.

This option is a great fit if you have stupendous organizational, administrative, and customer service skills. As a property manager, you’ll be handling everything from screening potential tenants to collecting rent.

To become a property manager, you must first complete coursework in your desired state. We recommend working at an existing property management company to get your foot in the door. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can then start your own property management business.

7. Massage Therapist

Soothe aching muscles and promote peace for your clients as a massage therapist. As a massage therapist, you’ll offer targeted, personalized care that’s an edge above in-shop or mall massage services. To start this small business, you should invest in customer service courses, as well as a massage therapy certification.

Be sure to look into training and certification courses in your city and state, and to invest in a portable bed to take on client visits.

8. Interior Designer

Similar to landscape design — there are many people who have the ability to buy the furniture and home decor they need to fill their rooms, but few who know where to start. It might take some time to build a portfolio, but documenting your projects and sharing them online can build a fanbase beyond your wildest dreams.

To start an interior design business, we first recommend trying your hand at decorating your friends’ homes and working with their vision and specifications. One big aspect of interior design is providing fantastic customer service and knowing how to fulfill a client’s design vision while employing your interior design expertise.

You can then take an interior design course to round out your knowledge, such as the one offered by The New York Institute of Art and Design .

Need inspiration? Check out Sandra Cavallo’s interior design Instagram account.

9. Nonprofit Owner

If you dream of devoting your life to a cause you believe in, it might be time to start a nonprofit. You’ll need to incorporate your business and file for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status — and then you’ll be required to meet ongoing standards of compliance, but the payoff is making a meaningful impact on a cause you believe in.

The best thing is that you can begin a nonprofit easily from your home, even before filing for 501(c)(3) status. First, create a non-profit website (ideally with a .org top-level-domain). Define your mission and goals, and figure out how you’ll execute your non-profit activities. For instance, if you’re raising money to buy books for local schools, who will deliver them? Which retailer will you use? Start small, then expand.

Thereafter, apply for exempt status so that you’re not taxed like a regular business. The profit margins may be smaller, but the job is endlessly rewarding.

Whether you’re a math whiz, piano master, or Shakespeare aficionado, there’s someone out there who needs a little help in your area of expertise and is willing to pay for it. Advertise your services through local schools, community colleges, community centers, and even social media to get the word out and build a customer base.

To start a tutoring business, you should first gain experience educating others by either volunteering or even teaching friends and family. But you can begin straight away by listing your services locally and online and launching a tutoring website.

Be sure to define your niche. Will you be tutoring students in their homes? Or opening a local tutoring location? Which subject will you teach? Create handouts, use textbooks, and know which online resources will be best for your tutee’s learning style.

11. Consultant

If you have significant experience in or knowledge of a specific subject, consider becoming a consultant. Perhaps you’re an expert at hiring practices, have a knack for SEO , or have led multiple sales teams to six-figure success. Identify your expertise and market yourself as a consultant and charge the going rate.

Some consulting industries are more competitive than others, so be sure to complete your research prior to starting a small consulting business. One way to find out how competitive a consulting niche is by doing keyword search . If your target niche is highly searched or already is dominated by big companies, you may have a harder time breaking in. You can use keyword research tools to uncover keyword volume and local demand.

12. Event Planner

An event planning business is an excellent choice if you have great organizational and interpersonal skills, and it’s relatively cheap to start. You might choose to specialize in a specific type of event — like weddings or company meetings — or set yourself up as an event planner of all trades.

The good news is that event planners are always in demand. It’s not a job that can be easily automated, so this small business idea is set to thrive regardless of the digital landscape. To start, you’ll want to look for a platform that will easily allow you to advertise your availability, such as event planner directories like Eventective and WeddingWire .

If you’re highly organized, are detail-oriented, and have experience planning large events, it might be time for others to benefit from your skills.

13. Personal Assistant

Personal assistants help business owners and executives take care of administrative tasks. To launch a freelance personal assistant business, you should leverage networking opportunities on LinkedIn and attend small business events at local chambers of commerce. Most local business owners might not even know they need a personal assistant until you market your services to them.

If you’re an organized, highly-detailed person, the life of a personal assistant might be for you. Don’t want to be tied to one office or person all day, every day? Consider becoming a virtual assistant, which allows you a more flexible work environment.

To become an assistant, choose a niche — will you be helping women business owners specifically? Do you have a specific field of expertise, like bookkeeping? A website can also go a long way, and be sure to print business cards for you to hand out during networking events.

14. Consignment Shop Owner

If you have an eye for style but don’t want to invest in the inventory of a brand-new boutique, consider starting a consignment shop. It will allow you to curate a collection of clothing that matches your goals and aesthetic, without the overhead of a boutique selling entirely new garments.

The beauty of a small consignment business is that you can now start one online. You can sign up on a platform such as Poshmark , Depop , and even Etsy , then easily start selling your own used fashion from home.

Once you’ve defined your niche — such as vintage clothing, unique locally made art, or colorful shoes — you can begin sourcing new products from your local stores and thrift shops.

15. Caterer

If the personal chef gig is too restrictive for your schedule, consider catering instead. Pick your projects, work on fewer but larger events, and hone in on your time management skills.

Becoming a caterer is a natural step for those who are used to cooking for large events — for instance, you may have already catered your friend’s wedding, or brought a 20-person meal to a potluck (that counts, too!).

It’s essential that you have enough temperature-regulated storage for the meals prior to each event, and that you arrange for reliable, temperature-controlled transportation to and from your home kitchen. Alternatively, you can lower your costs by inviting customers to pick up their order at your home.

16. Gym Owner

Kickboxing gyms, yoga studios, CrossFit, oh my! Turn your passion for fitness into a community for others by creating your own gym — start one from the ground up, become an affiliate, or open a franchise location.

Available franchise opportunities include Anytime Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, Pure Barre, Planet Fitness, Crunch Fitness, and more. Be prepared to take out a loan to finance your franchise — most agreements start with fees upward of $20,000. But the payoff can be tremendous due to brand recognition. You’ll have no trouble recruiting new members as long as you use local marketing strategies .

Alternatively, you can create a local studio, but ideally, it should be for a specific activity instead of general fitness. Yoga, pilates, bootcamp-style gyms, and martial arts perform well as independent fitness studios.

17. Boutique Agency Owner

What’s your specialty? Whether it’s marketing, social media, or PR, it might be time to start your own agency. Many other small businesses need this type of help but don’t have the resources or volume to necessitate a full-time position.

To start an agency, you would ideally have worked in your specialty for a number of years. You should also be prepared to interface directly with clients, fulfill their requirements, and temper their expectations (if they want results in an unreasonably short amount of time).

Consider building a small team and learn from other entrepreneurs who’ve successfully started their own agencies, like Duane Brown of Take Some Risk .

18. Coffee Shop Owner

Turn your caffeine addiction into something a little more lucrative. Opening a franchise or buying an existing shop are lower-risk entry points to the coffee game, but they usually require a little more cash upfront. Starting a shop from scratch requires more planning and work — but it also maximizes your earning potential in the future.

A coffee shop is an excellent fit if you already have a full-time remote job and wish to supplement your income with a small business. You can manage the coffee shop as you work at one of the tables, but be sure to have the budget to hire an experienced barista who can pick up the slack.

If you would like to open a coffee shop and run it full-time on your own, you’ll need to undertake barista training, understand worldwide coffee sources, and have excellent customer service skills.

19. Moving Company

A truck, moving equipment, manpower, and the correct permits and insurance are the building blocks of starting your own moving company . Before you buy your first fleet of trucks, however, start small with a moving van and keep your costs low.

Still sound like too much of an initial investment? Consider offering packing services only, which have a much lower financial barrier to entry. You can partner with moving companies and offer to do their packing, or have them refer clients to you.

You could even take a niche approach to the industry as Astro International has by offering international moving services.

20. Home Staging

If you have a flair for interior design, a staging service might serve as your creative outlet and professional calling. You can build a portfolio with little initial investment by staging homes using the owner’s existing furnishings and decor. Most stagers eventually build up an inventory of furniture as they become more established and network with area realtors.

To get your first home staging clients, you should first rely exclusively on networking. Find your local realtors’ association and attend their events with business cards handy. Once you’ve gotten your first clients and built your portfolio, you can begin posting your designs on your home staging website.

If you don’t yet have enough experience, be sure to pursue an interior design course before opening this small business.

These home business ideas give you a few more business options that are either based at home or online.

Frontend, backend, and every type of code in between, this skill requires no in-person interaction with your clients. But one skill you’ll want to carry over from the in-person world for this type of business is active listening. It can be easy to zone out while building a product, but developing a connection with the client is just as important as developing the code for their website.

If you keep the client top of mind when you can’t be around physically, you can ensure that you’re meeting their development needs with your coding work.

2. Vending Machine Owner

Since 2015, the growth rate for vending machine businesses has increased 1.4%. Even as social distancing restrictions are still in place, this business can still be lucrative if you choose the right locations. High-traffic is key — places like hospitals, schools, and community centers are smart places to start placing your machines to generate enough revenue to cover cost and turn a profit.

3. Social Media Manager

Do you have a knack for social media? As a social media manager, you can use your skills to manage the social media accounts for companies and even individual people. Influencer marketing has become more common and many influencers rely on marketing agencies or employees to help them run their social channels.

4. Data Entry Clerk

Many businesses seek data entry clerks to help them enter information into their computer systems and spreadsheets. If you have strong computer and typing skills, this might be the business for you.

5. Audio or Video Editor

As of March 2021, there are 1.75 million podcasts available to listeners. For this reason, brands are turning to audio and visual content to connect with consumers. The catch is that many don't have the time to invest in the production of this content, or they don't have the skills to do it. Audio and video editors are in demand when it comes to producing quality content for hungry audiences.

6. Voiceover Artist

Speaking of podcasts and videos, many content creators recognize the value and level of professionalism that great voice talent can bring to a project. There are gigs out there for podcast intros/outros, narration for explainer videos, or even voice work for audiobooks. Learn how to get started with no experience from Kat Theo below:

7. Dog Walker, Groomer, or Trainer

Licensing and insurance will be the two most important factors in opening a dog walking, grooming, or training business, but your canine colleagues will surely make up for the initial red tape. To test the waters before jumping in, consider walking dogs through companies like Rover. Ready to run your own show? Consider a franchise like Dogtopia .

8. Candy Seller

If you grew up in a close-knit, southern neighborhood, you're probably familiar with the " Candy Lady ". This home business can be started by anyone who's trustworthy in the community. Aside from selling the most popular snacks, a candy seller can provide the neighborhood with fresh fruit and produce that may be harder to find if you live in a food desert.

Online Business Ideas

If you want a business idea that you can run entirely online, check out the ones below. These ideas are ideal for those looking for a passive income stream. In other words, you shouldn’t need to do too much manual work to launch these businesses from your home or preferred business location.

1. Become an online reseller.

To become an online reseller, all you need is some business savvy and some funds to invest in product stock from manufacturers — or, of course,the willingness to sell your own used items. Generally, this is a low-touch but high-performance way of creating a passive income online business.

Online resellers usually use a platform, such as Facebook Marketplace or Amazon Sellers, to sell either their own or manufacturers’ stock. The benefit of using Facebook Marketplace is that you can begin today with your own Facebook account, and simply list items that you already own.

Interested buyers typically drive directly to your home for pick-up — but if you’re not interested in human interaction, you can leave it outside and have the buyer pay via an online platform.

Amazon Sellers requires a little more up-front investment, but the yield is usually higher and you can turn your Amazon reselling business into a more passive income stream. Amazon allows you to buy stock from various manufacturers, which they then keep in their warehouses. When an Amazon user buys from you, Amazon will fulfill that order and then give you a substantial cut.

2. Try affiliate marketing.

An affiliate marketing business is a great fit if you already own a website or a blog you wish to monetize. We’ve already shared how blogging is a great business to start — if you’ve already bought a domain name and begun writing content, then using it to start your affiliate marketing business is a great option.

Affiliate marketers create blog posts and content that contain affiliate links. When a user clicks on that link, a cookie is added to their browser that tracks their activity for a specified period of time. If they make a purchase at the affiliate website, then you get a commission — usually recurring, if you’re selling subscription products.

There are countless affiliate marketing programs for you to start your online business. These programs come with many benefits, such as pre-made advertisements and lazy copy for you to use.

To create a viable affiliate marketing online business, you should choose the right blog niche , such as technology, household decor and organization, or fitness, and then find affiliate marketing programs that offer products your readership would be genuinely interested in.

3. Become a content creator or influencer.

Instagrammers, YouTubers, podcasters, and TikTokkers with more than ten thousand followers can eventually turn their accounts into a small online business that generates passive income.

As a content creator or influencer on social media, you can not only earn money from sponsored partnerships, but you can monetize your audience in other ways, such as creating Subscriptions on Instagram , allowing companies to advertise on your YouTube channel, or creating a paid-only newsletter.

Becoming an influencer or content creator takes hard work, but it can be a fun way to create a small online business, assuming you’re posting content that you enjoy creating. First, you should choose a niche, such as thrifted fashion, work-from-home hacks, or even industry tips. Then, you should learn how to become a social media influencer and digital creator , then create a social media content calendar .

Most importantly, have fun with this online business idea as you give it a try. The good news is that it has little overhead — all you need is a willingness to spend time on social media content creation.

4. Open a dropshipping store.

We’ve mentioned dropshipping a few times already, but this is such a great online business idea that it’s absolutely worth mentioning again. Dropshipping businesses don’t manufacture what they sell, or even buy stock from manufacturers in advance. Instead, wholesalers fulfill the order directly after a buyer places an order through your website.

Opening an ecommerce store can be forbidding for those who don’t want to deal with inventory management or supply chain logistics . Dropshipping is the best alternative.

The only thing you need is the willingness to invest in an ecommerce website builder and the ability to manage relationships with local or international manufacturers. From there, you need to only publish your site and advertise your brand via ecommerce marketing .

Learn how to start a dropshipping business here , with examples.

5. Sell print-on-demand products.

Print-on-demand (POD) is another way to start a dropshipping business, except it’s a little more frictionless because most POD services allow you to create a storefront right on their website, instead of you needing to look for a separate ecommerce site builder.

With a POD online business, you design unique artwork. The print-on-demand provider will allow you to place that design on t-shirts, hats, tote bags, phone cases, and more. You do not keep any inventory; instead, the POD provider will print it only after a buyer makes an order, then ships it directly to them.

The only thing you need to start this small online business is a penchant for design and the budget to pay for a print-on-demand subscription (although most providers are free, and they simply take a cut of the sale). Get acquainted with design principles and color theory , and you can get started with this business in no time.

6. Become an independent author.

Think becoming an author is only for those who are extremely lucky? Think again. Whether you write historical epics or self-help guides, chances are that there’s a market to read your work, and you can now easily publish it online .

We recommend editing and proofreading your book, or hiring someone to do it, before self-publishing it. Then, it’s as simple as signing up on a self-publishing platform such as Kindle Direct Publishing or Barnes & Noble Press , uploading your file and cover, and pushing it live. You’ll enjoy benefits such as large royalties (up to 70%) and the ability to unpublish the book at any time, in case you find a typo or another change you’d like to make.

To get this online business idea off to a strong start, invest in an author website , spend some time doing social media marketing , and learn the basics of book marketing .

7. Sell downloadable digital products.

Downloadable journals, templates, art prints, designs… Some people would simply prefer to print these at home, instead of paying for the full price of the paper and the design. Downloadable digital products can be a profitable small business idea for those who are already design-savvy or who are willing to learn how to use an online design tool .

But if you’re not too crafty, you don’t need to create full-on journals or beautiful art prints, either; you can create templates for marketplaces such as Canva’s . There, people are able to customize a base design to their specifications, so you don’t have to worry too much about creating something specially beautiful — it’s more about functionality and customizability.

If you plan to create digital products that buyers can print at home, think about printing specifications, such as recommended paper size, paper weight, PPI (pixels per inch; a higher PPI results in better print quality), and so on. It’s essential to create a positive customer experience, even if users are ultimately responsible for what the final result looks like.

8. Publish a subscription-based newsletter.

We’ve already discussed becoming an independent author, but if long-form writing, such as novels, seems out of reach, you can always go for something much shorter and simpler: Newsletters. And the best part about paid newsletters is that you typically don’t need to have a separate website and blog; instead, you can sign up on a platform and begin publishing right away.

A website can, of course, benefit you, but the core of your revenue will come from the newsletter itself.

With newsletter monetization platforms such as Substack or even Patreon , you can publish shorter content that features your opinion, experience, and expertise. We recommend pairing this small business idea with a robust social media marketing strategy , where your followers can learn more about you and be swayed to subscribe to a gated newsletter.

Choose a niche you’re passionate about, and this online business idea can feel less like work and more like a profitable hobby.

9. Create an online course.

If you want to monetize your expertise a little further for your online business, then creating an online course is the best choice.

To create a course, you’ll need to sign up on an online course platform such as WordPress or Teachable , sketch out a curriculum, film your lectures, and create worksheets and guides. You can be as hands-on or as hands-off as you’d like, but to make this online business as passive as possible, you’d ideally record all your lectures at once and allow users to access them by paying a premium fee.

If you’d like to try your hand at it first, you can try publishing a course on a platform such as Udemy and see if it feels viable to you. To become an online course teacher, you don’t need a specific level of education, but you should have a strong grasp on the material you’re teaching and a strong set of customer service skills to handle inquiries or course refunds.

10. Transcript videos, shows, and podcasts.

A freelance transcription business is an excellent idea for those who speak only one language and are passionate about improving communication. Transcribers listen to speech, write it out — usually verbatim — and deliver it to the original publisher in an organized document.

This small online business is a good fit for those who are looking for a part-time side business. You should be able to type quickly and have a good listening ear. Indeed has listed the top transcription companies where you can get your foot in the door.

Once you understand how the industry works, you can consider opening your own small transcription business and offering services on freelancer marketplaces such as Fiverr or Upwork .

Whether you’re looking to start your venture today or you simply don’t want to jump through the normal hoops of launching a small business, the below ideas are extremely easy to start — so easy, all you’ll need to do is sign up on a website or tell your friends about your services.

1. Vacation Host

Have you ever used a home-sharing service instead of a hotel? You could make a living by hosting visitors in your own home or renting out a room. Consider becoming a host with companies like Airbnb .

To become a vacation host, you don’t need any special skills except friendliness, courteousness, and agility (in case of guest emergencies or language barriers). A customer service course will prepare you to welcome guests and give them a pleasant stay.

You’ll need to invest in supplies and toiletries, such as new bedding and one-time soaps and toothbrushes, but the overhead is relatively small, and you can stop at any time.

2. Pet Sitter

Do you have a passion for pets? Consider becoming a pet sitter. While the pet's owners are away on vacation, either host their pet at your home or make visits to their home. Join a pet sitting service like Wag to get started.

If you start a pet sitting business, be sure to have some experience with dogs, cats, and other household pets. You should also choose a niche based on timing. For instance, do you prefer long-term arrangements? You can market yourself as an excellent vacation pet sitter. Do you only do single afternoons, or only on weekends? You can pull in clients by telling them you’ll take care of their pets during their dates or weekend trips.

3. Daycare Owner

Childcare continues to be in high demand. While nannies and nanny shares are popular right now, a good daycare is hard to find. Fill a need in your neighborhood by opening your own. And, as always, make sure you’re complying with your city and state’s zoning, licensure, insurance, and inspection requirements.

Home daycares are especially a good fit if you’re an experienced parent and have all supplies ready at home. But be warned that you’ll also need to buy more supplies to accommodate the additional children you’ll need to take care of.

We recommend getting a soft start with this business by advertising it first to your friends, families, and close neighbors. That way, you can better gauge whether it’s a good fit for you and whether you want to make the full investment.

If there’s a topic you have a heavy interest in, then there’s an audience out there with a heavy interest in it too. A blog can be used to build an online community whose engagement can be monetized. Affiliate marketing , sponsored content , and co-marketing are some ways to make money once your blog develops a following.

Blogging is one of the most accessible small businesses to start, and there are countless niches to choose from. That said, because there are many blogs online, you’ll need to learn blog SEO and keyword research to ensure your audience finds you. That way, you actually make money out of your blogging efforts.

The great news is that a small blogging business has a ridiculously low overhead. All you need is a custom domain and your time for writing blog posts.

5. Home-Baked Goods Seller

Warehouse-made, store-bought chocolate chip cookies will never compare to a batch made with love in someone’s home. Simple desserts can be easily baked and packaged to sell at local events or around your neighborhood. Use custom labels and watch the word spread about your goods!

You can begin a baked goods business easily by opening a Facebook and Instagram profile. Facebook and Instagram are both excellent platforms to market your goods, show pictures of your previous baked products, and even showcase happy clients.

Build a loyal following slowly, and save on costs by asking clients to drive to your home to pick up their order. Choosing a niche can be helpful here, or baking in a specific style that can’t be found at grocery store bakeries. The overhead can be especially low if you already have most essential baking supplies.

6. Ecommerce Store Owner

Do you create, collect, or curate anything special? Consider starting an ecommerce store and turning your hobby into a full-time job. Whether you need somewhere to sell all that pottery you’ve been making, or an excuse to search for the sports memorabilia you love tracking down, an ecommerce store can make it financially viable for you to pursue your passion.

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Starting an ecommerce store is simple and easy. You can set up a shop using an ecommerce website builder , all of which start at a minimal monthly subscription (some even start at free). Be sure to take good photos of your products and write descriptive product pages .

If you don’t have inventory, you can always own an ecommerce store by using dropshipping . Instead of creating and shipping your products yourself, you’ll instead partner with a dropshipping website and have them mail out the orders directly to your client.

7. House Cleaner

With a low barrier to entry, house cleaning can be a great way to start doing what you love — soon. Consider advertising to homes in your neighborhood and get more bang for your buck by earning a few small businesses as clients as well. They’ll usually bring in a higher paycheck for a similar amount of work.

To become a house cleaner, you should be prepared to invest in cleaning supplies and accessories, or be willing to use your own. If you plan to serve small businesses, you should buy industrial janitorial supplies so you can get work done more effectively.

Need some inspiration? This small business cleaning service grew virtually overnight on Instagram after their content went viral during the pandemic.

8. Packing Services Facilitator

Moving is always a pain, and many people hire the entire packing process out. As a packing services facilitator, you’ll be going to people’s homes and packing up their smaller items into organized boxes. To start this business, you must be comfortable with face-to-face contact and with manual labor.

You can begin this business by advertising in your own neighborhood. Once you’re ready to expand, consider partnering with a local moving service that will refer new clients to you. That way, you’ll have a steady stream of clients, and you won’t have to invest in a moving truck (the moving service will take care of that for you).

Business Ideas for Students

1. etsy shop owner.

Creating novelties by hand is a fun and unique way to start a small business, and you can easily sell them via Etsy . Whether you make jewelry, knitted comfort items, or even custom wigs , there’s probably a market for your products and an Etsy buyer who’s ready to purchase.

This idea is excellent if you’re already an expert in the craft you aim to sell. That way, you don’t need to pursue additional education or certification courses. Once you set up your Etsy store, which is free, tap into your audience with creative marketing on social media and optimize your website using keywords that describe the products you make.

2. Tour Guide

Love the local history of your city or state? Consider becoming a tour guide. Sure, you’ll need to conduct plenty of research to be able to do the job well, but that’s half the fun. Set yourself apart by offering tours that speak to a specific niche of your community’s history.

You can start a tour guide business easily. First, decide what your specialty will be. Some tour guides, like the ones at Freedom Trail in Boston , offer historical walking tours of their town’s most haunted spots while others curate guided foodie tours for guests to get a true taste of the city.

Maybe you love the outdoors and are an experienced backpacker — you can then offer hiking tours. To begin, use a platform such as TripAdvisor or Airbnb, where you can sign up as a tour guide provider. Remember to launch a website, and to file for sole proprietorship status .

3. Online Class Instructor

Tutoring is often done in person and with one client at a time. Remotely teaching an online class offers more flexibility because you can teach multiple students from home. English is a common subject for online classes because of how many people want to learn it. But anything that you have a mastery over could be translated to a virtual class.

4. Small-Batch Goods Seller

Using organic, all-natural ingredients is more expensive, but worth it. There are many products you can learn how to make at home without any preservatives, chemicals, or toxins. Candles, soaps, shampoos, and moisturizers are some examples of goods you can create and tailor with custom scents. Try starting out making soap with this complete beginner’s guide to soapmaking:

5. Makeup Artist

Many people prefer to have a professional do their makeup because they may lack the proper products or just the skills. It may be for a special occasion, photoshoot, or video shoot, or another event. Being able to do a variety of different looks will make your business more attractive to more customers.

To run a successful makeup artist business, you’ll need to be social media savvy . Instagram in particular is an excellent platform to advertise your services and get new clients.

You should also consider honing in on a specific niche. For instance, you might do wedding makeup exclusively.

6. Professional Organizer

A lot of people struggle with clutter or disorganization in their homes and offices. It can be a large undertaking to create organized systems and habits. Grab a lot of storage bins and a label maker and get started!

To become an organizer, you’ll first need to have the chops: Is your own home organized? Do you enjoy making order out of chaos? Then, launch a website to market your services locally. Be sure to create local listings to ensure people find your business, including listings on Angi, Houzz, and Thumbtack.

Meg Golightly, founder at Gosimplified , has made this small business idea into a successful career.

Is your head buzzing with small business ideas yet? After all that brainstorming, you’ll need a practical plan to get started with your new small business.

• Identify your small business idea.
• Start as a side business or hobby.
• Decide on your software.
• Create a business plan.
• Decide whether you'll be an LLC or sole proprietorship.
• Create a business bank account.
• Determine if your business idea works well from home.
• Set up an office.
• Get to work!

1. Identify your small business idea.

Whether you choose an option from the list above or have another idea up your sleeve, it’s important to have the experience, training, or skills necessary to be successful. Want to run a daycare but have never even visited a successful daycare center? Spend time conducting research to learn whether this is really the right fit for your experience, interests, and target audience.

2. Start as a side business or hobby.

Can you get your business off the ground as something you do in the evenings or on the weekends (a.k.a. a side job)? This allows you to make some mistakes, test the market, and understand whether your idea has legs before you quit your nine-to-five job and lose your primary income.

3. Decide on your software.

You’ve got a lot of things on your plate when first starting up. But one step that’s critical (and often forgotten by first-time entrepreneurs) is deciding on the software that can help you be more efficient as your business grows.

Every business is different — but almost all companies can use software to help with analytics, project management , accounting, bookkeeping, email marketing, and other basic day-to-day tasks.

One of the most important software tools every small business should utilize is a free all-in-one CRM platform to keep track of important customer information in one central database. It will help align your team and make sure you stay organized as your business grows.

4. Create a business plan.

No business plan? No business. Particularly if your small business idea requires investors, you'll need to draft up a business plan to provide an overview of your market positioning, your financial projections, and your unique competitive advantages. You can download HubSpot's free business plan templates for free to get started.

Download Free Business Plan Templates

Your business plan should include the following elements:

• Executive summary — A high-level overview of your company and market placement.
• Business model — Outline what your business does, who your business serves, and how your business is structured. You should include a description of what products and services you offer, and how they meet the needs of your customers.
• Market condition — A summary of pertinent competitor information. Determine the strengths and weaknesses of your closest competitors.
• Products and services — Use this section to describe your products and services in detail, and outline what differentiates your product from others in the market.
• Operations and management — Outline your business’ organizational structure, key roles, and responsibilities.
• Marketing and sales strategy — This section should describe how you will market and sell your product. Include information on your ideal customer, how you plan to position your offering, and your sales strategy.
• Financial plan — Create a detailed outline of your business financials. Include your start-up costs, your initial financial productions, and how you anticipate generating funding.
• Appendix — Once the above pieces are complete, end the document with an appendix summarizing your business plan.

Every business is different — but almost all companies can use software to help with analytics, project management, accounting, bookkeeping, email marketing, and other basic day-to-day tasks.

5. Decide whether you’ll be an LLC or sole proprietorship.

Two common legal structures for small businesses are limited liability corporations (LLCs) and sole proprietorships.

An LLC is a more complex business structure than a sole proprietorship and can include individuals, corporations, and other LLCs as members. Additionally, LLCs are not subject to a separate level of tax and offer the business owner liability protection and tax advantages. LLCs are formed on a state-by-state basis.

Sole proprietorships are businesses owned and operated by one person and are not identified as a separate entity from the owner by the government. While a sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure, sole proprietors are personally liable for their business.

Besides an LLC or sole proprietorship, there are a few other options for you to consider.

Sean Flannigan, Sendle's Content Manager, says, "While many small businesses might be best served by choosing an LLC or sole proprietorship, there are a few other options."

"Partnerships are great for businesses operated by several individuals. It hews most closely to a sole proprietorship in that the individuals take on the business liability and pay taxes on a personal level."

He adds, "To completely avoid personal liability, small businesses might choose to incorporate as a corporation, S corporation, or B Corp. S corporations avoid corporate taxation whereas B Corps must meet a threshold for public benefit and accountability."

Additionally, Flannigan says, "There are tons of great reasons to become a B Corp beyond just doing good business. All that said, many small businesses that aren't aimed at super-fast growth choose to go with an LLC to keep things simple while shielding owners from too much liability."

Learn more about choosing the right structure for your business from the Small Business Administration.

6. Create a business bank account.

Once you have a legally formed business and have been issued an Employer Identification Number (EIN), open a bank account specifically for your business. Having a business bank account is essential for keeping your personal and business finances separate which can help you gain an accurate picture of your business’s cash flow and financial health.

Additionally, keeping your personal and business finances separate makes bookkeeping and tax preparation easier.

Many banks offer business checking and savings accounts. Business checking accounts typically do not have a limit on the number of transactions that can take place, and issue a debit card that can be used for making business purchases. However, these checking accounts do not accrue interest.

Business savings accounts typically earn interest over time but have a limited number of transactions that can occur each month. When you’re just starting out, look for a business bank account that does not have a minimum balance requirement so you are not penalized for having low funds as you work to build your business.

7. Determine if your business idea works well from home.

Ask yourself whether your business idea will work well from home. Some businesses simply aren’t suited to be based from home. If you want to run a dog boarding center but live in an apartment without a backyard, you might want to consider a dog walking business instead.

8. Set up an office.

If your business idea is well-suited for being run from home, it’s still important you have a designated workspace. While a home office might not be possible, consider setting aside a corner in your living room or putting a desk in your bedroom for a space that inspires you and creates the conditions for success.

Need a more professional space? If you conduct client-facing work requiring you to be on video calls, no one wants to see your rumpled sheets in the background. Check out local coworking spaces for memberships that earn you access to conference rooms, desk space, and more.

9. Get to work!

You’ve put in the hard work and I’ve got good news — it’s only going to get harder. But most entrepreneurs will agree that the payoff of being your own boss, making your own hours, and working on projects that you’re passionate about will pay dividends for the rest of your life.

Starting a Small Business: FAQ

What are the types of small businesses.

The types of small business structures are sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations.

Which business type is best?

The best business type is a limited liability company (LLC). Operating as an LLC means that your personal assets are separate from your business assets. If your business goes bankrupt, your personal holdings won’t be affected. That said, it’s also one of the costlier types, requiring a fee paid to the state.

The easiest business type to start is a sole proprietorship. The main downside is that there’s no differentiation between you and your business.

How do I create a business idea?

To create a business idea, determine your skill set, work preferences, startup budget, and available resources. It’s important to strike the right balance between what you can feasibly offer and what you can feasibly afford in the short and long term.

We recommend starting with your skill set so that you can easily determine the niche in which you can effectively compete. For instance, if you have ample experience as a writer, you might consider starting a freelance writing business. But if you know you’d prefer to work with clients face-to-face, you might choose to start a ghostwriting business instead. That’s why it’s so important to take your work preferences into account, as well.

After that, take a look at your budget and determine the type of business you can start based on the resources at your disposal. For instance, you might not be able to afford a physical office or location, so a location-based business will likely not be a good fit. In that case, starting an online business is your best option.

What are some of the most successful small businesses?

Every small business has the potential to be successful and profitable, provided it’s backed by a strong product-market fit and a robust business plan . These two elements are essential. Maybe post-natal services are one of the most successful small businesses to launch, but if you live in an area with declining population or a large elderly population, then that small business idea won’t yield a high return on investment.

Think carefully about the market where you’re launching your business, and you’ll be more than likely to see lasting success.

What are the top growing small businesses?

The top growing industries are healthcare support, technology, personal care, food preparation, and community and social service. As such, launching a small business in any of these fields is bound to yield a high return on investment, but remember to take your target market into account.

Here are some small business ideas for each of those industries:

Healthcare Support

• In-home care assistant
• In-home elderly care provider
• Psychological care provider
• Pre-natal and post-natal support specialist
• Freelance programmer or web developer
• Freelance IT support specialist
• Freelance cybersecurity expert

Personal Care

• Hair stylist
• Nail technician

Food Preparation

• Personal chef
• Food truck owner
• Food delivery

Community and Social Services

• Non-profit owner
• Education specialist

Brainstorm Your Next Small Business Venture

Selecting a small business idea to work on is a personal decision. Money is important, but you’ll need more motivation than that to keep going. Bounce ideas off your friends and family until you reach the perfect idea that works for your schedule, fulfills your life’s passion, and makes financial sense. Don’t be afraid to ask for help throughout this process — and remember to have a little fun while you’re putting in the work.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in August 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

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• 35 Profitable (and Fun) Home Business Ideas You Can Start Today

Looking for home business ideas that you can start today? Get inspired to launch your new business venture and be your own boss with one of these 35 profitable small business ideas.

Business opportunities are all around — whether you’re looking for a full-time or part-time job, to earn extra cash with a side hustle , or to become a fully-fledged entrepreneur. All you need is a great business idea, a business plan and a dash of entrepreneurship!

30 of the best home business ideas

If you’re ready to consider some ideas to help you become a business owner, you now have a choice! You can either read the list top to bottom or skip to the industry area that best suits you and your personality.

Jump to the ideas that will best suit if:

I want to help people

If you love to help others, especially by improving their mental, physical or emotional wellbeing. Caring home business ideas.

I like organising behind-the-scenes

If you enjoy being a part of the background operations in a business. Admin home business ideas.

I want to do something creative

If you’re looking for a career as well as a creative outlet, and you have an eye for designing, creating, and taking an idea through to production. Home business ideas for creatives.

I'm a big people-person

Best for you if you’re persuasive, and thrive in jobs involving lots of interacting with people. People-person home business ideas.

I like advising, teaching and sharing knowledge

Best for you if you enjoy reading and writing, you can teach, inform or offer your professional knowledge to others. Informative small business ideas.

I like working with technology

These online business ideas if you’re skilled in the use, design and administration of digital technology. Home business ideas in tech.

Home business ideas that help people (or animals)

Caring-orientated home business ideas suit people who ultimately want to help others . These businesses can provide that feeling of fulfilment when you know our work has helped someone else.

These ideas are people-focused. Hence, personal contact with clients and customers will be central to doing good business. Some businesses will do this through online video call programs, while others call for home visits.

Pet grooming (or pet sitting and dog walking)

While pet sitting and dog walking involves much lower startup costs, the earning potential is also lower for pet sitters. On the other hand, you can make good cash as a groomer. Invite pet owners to drop off their furry friends to you or offer home visits. Remember that all grooming equipment will need to be supplied by your business. Get started with an animal care course.

Family daycare provider

Offer parents the opportunity to place their kids in a safe, homely environment while tackling other life responsibilities. Please note that your home must meet the Australian government’s Family Daycare Requirements and Regulations to operate as a legal daycare provider, and you’ll need a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Naturopathy service

Provide clients with the guidance, education and services required to achieve overall wellbeing. A home-run naturopath business will most likely need a mix of online and in-person contact. You may need to offer home visits to perform alternative therapies, coupled with virtual check-ins and education sessions. Find naturopath training.

Massage therapy

De-stress, de-knot and help the wellbeing of your clients. You can either set up an at-home studio or run a mobile service and perform home-visits. Find a massage course.

Online counselling service

This business idea relies heavily on good computer skills to conduct most of your work over the phone or video chat programs. Offer the same supportive experience as an in-person counsellor, while allowing your clients to stay in the comfort of their own home. Get trained in counselling.

After the Pandemic, Your Small Business Idea is Still Worth it — Here’s Why

While it may feel as if starting a business in the wake of COVID-19 is risky, it could actually be an ideal time to launch your new venture. Research from  Roy Morgan  indicates that 52% of Australians prefer Australian-made products post-pandemic, and 90% say they are more likely to buy products made at home.

Admin home business ideas

If your motto is ‘the devil is in the detail’, these ideas will be a great fit. These home business ideas involve ensuring the background operations run flawlessly.

Many of these ideas require you to register as a ‘sole trader’ (or freelancer) and allow you to offer your services remotely to other companies. The perk is that they can be incredibly low-cost to run.

Virtual Assistant (VA) service

Complete administrative tasks for other businesses or professional individuals, such as emails, scheduling meetings, and digital filing. This business requires you to be tech-confident!

Bookkeeping service

Offer bookkeeping or accounting services to businesses or individuals from the comfort of your own home. Once again, confidence in the relevant software required for these professions is necessary. Luckily, there are plenty of flexible online bookkeeping courses.

Create, design, package and deliver stunning blooms to your clients from your at-home florist. This business idea requires you to have a supporting website or social media presence to connect with customers.

Travel agency

Help your clients design, book and organise their dream holidays by offering an online service. This business requires you to be tech-savvy in your customer communication and researching skills. Check out travel & tourism courses.

Website management or administration

Update and maintain the back and front end of business websites from your home computer! All you need is backend access to the relevant platforms to help others keep their online presence in tip-top shape. To get your first experience, you can always volunteer your time to a nonprofit or community organisation.

Airbnb hosting

Are you lucky enough to have a spare room in your home and live somewhere close to popular travel destinations? Airbnb hosting can be a relatively easy way to generate income. Once you’ve decorated the room attractively, you’ll just need to keep up with communications and house cleaning. Some hosts contract a house cleaning service to make life easier.

Dropshipping

Sell goods online, like t-shirts or home decor, without a storefront or inventory by working with a supplier who will dispatch individual items to order. You can even use print on-demand services to add custom prints or logos before they ship. Using Amazon or eBay is common, and digital marketing skills will benefit you.

Make Money with Drop Servicing: How To Get Started

While dropshipping businesses (a business model in which the retailer does not have any goods in stock but transfers orders to a manufacturer or wholesaler) are all the rage at the moment, drop servicing is slowly starting to emerge as one of the best ways to make money online. So what’s all the fuss about?

Creative home business ideas

If you’re looking for an opportunity to let your creative flair shine while making an income, a home-based creative business is just the thing for you. Creative home businesses usually involve setting up an eCommerce shop (online store) to sell your products; or creating an excellent portfolio of your work to impress potential clients. Most often, you will work as a sole trader.

Sell your crafts on Etsy, Shopify or social media

Design, create, sell, package, and send handmade goods — like ceramics, jewellery, soaps or candles — all from your living room. You choose the design, the price, and how much you sell. Etsy and eBay have long been mainstays for crafty sellers. However, you may actually have more luck reaching people on Instagram, and you can now sell directly from your page. For some crafting inspiration, check out Maker's Market.

Multimedia design service

Design and create workable products within your speciality for other businesses. Multimedia designers work with videography, animation, social media and illustration. Explore courses in digital media.

Photography business

Start your home photography studio and attract your type of client as a freelance photographer! To make this work, you’ll need a high level of skill behind the camera and some business savvy. Remember to create an eye-catching portfolio to show potential clients. Read more about professional photography careers here.

Freelance writing

Make an enjoyable living as a creative copywriter and content writer. You’ll work on writing projects with in-house marketers and other small businesses, crafting impactful writing that conveys a specific message.

Freelance graphic design

Freelance graphic designers often work on multiple jobs simultaneously. You will need an eye-catching portfolio to attract potential clients and a computer with all the relevant programs required to get the job done. If you’re a beginner, might want to get started with small jobs on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. Find the right design course to get started.

Social media manager

Help small businesses thrive by steering their social media so they can connect with the right audience. You could spend your time develop influencer campaigns, create content and report on performance. Compare your study options for social media marketing courses.

6 Things Small Business Owners Wish They’d Known

Thinking about starting a business, but worried about making serious missteps? Learning from those who came before you is a great way to prepare for what’s to come. Find out what seasoned small business owners wish they’d known before starting, and make your own startup phase smoother.

People-person home business ideas

If you thrive in people-facing roles and have a knack for connecting with others, these business ideas are for you. Many businesses under this category are sales-oriented and require significant interpersonal interaction with clients and customers. These businesses need a good knowledge of virtual communication methods.

Boutique real estate agency

As a licensed real estate agent, you can register your home-run boutique real estate agency as a sole proprietorship. Complete all the administrative duties from the comfort of your home office, while travelling to meet clients at locations as you see fit. Find a real estate course.

Recruitment consultation service

Help companies find suitable candidates for their vacancies as a short-term contracted recruitment consultant. Just follow the company’s brief and get researching!

Online personal training

Give your clients the power of fitness anytime, anywhere as an online personal trainer. Provide video call consultations, video exercise sessions, and programs all from your computer or phone. Read more about setting up an online personal training business.

Freelance online sales representative (IT enterprise software)

Work for several businesses as a freelancing sales representative. Answer customer questions online and via the phone to better help everyone understand the provided product or service.

Best knowledge-based small business ideas

These ideas will be a great fit if you enjoy analysing, researching, educating or guiding others in specialist areas. These businesses aim to help others via more practical skill-based means. They can offer both virtual and in-person contact, depending on what you enjoy.

Online teaching or tutoring

Support people through their education journey from kids through to adults. Choose your speciality and get teaching. Find education courses.

Affiliate marketing

Help businesses raise awareness to boost product sales by generating more web traffic. This one’s a great one to start small (you could even use a credit card for the low upfront costs) and scale up by reinvesting the profit. Digital marketing skills are essential for this type of business. Read more about affiliate marketing.

Content marketing management

Content marketing is in high demand, yet many businesses find it hard to pull off. Help drive business’ content marketing efforts, which usually include running a blog, but may also encompass social media or email. You can work solo or bring on multiple freelance writers to head specific content creation that you oversee for your clients Explore marketing short courses.

Translation agency

Have a knack for languages? Become a translator for companies and individuals who need help deciphering important documents or communicating with important clients in languages other than English.

Business consultancy

Provide your expert advice in your areas of expertise to businesses small and large. Contracts can be short and long term.

Transcription agency

Aid companies (usually in the legal or medical field) clearly and accurately transcribe important videos, recordings and live events for their records and future use.

Host a podcast

Share your thoughts online, interview interesting people in your space, and add to the conversation on a topic you care about. Earn money through fan support on Patreon.

Create online courses

In almost every field, from professional-level skills to hobbies, people want to learn online from an expert — could that be you? If you’ve got the know-how, it’s easier than ever to turn it into an online course. Many platforms and companies are designed to help you do just that, like Skillshare or Podia.

Tech home business ideas

These online business ideas are for those already skilled or looking to become skilled in anything computers or technical. Often, technology businesses aim to provide tech support and services to other companies. Get your start in this lucrative business by becoming a freelance service provider, often providing service to multiple clients simultaneously.

Computer programming business

Write and test code for your clients to ensure their applications and software run optimally. Knowledge of numerous coding languages is imperative. Get started with a programming course.

Website design service

Combine web and graphic design to create an on-brand, user-friendly product for your client. Functionality and aesthetics are central to a successful job as a web designer. Some web designers find success working with specific WordPress templates. Find a web design course.

SEO specialty agency

Take the hard work out of showing up in search engines for businesses of all sizes. Increase your clients’ web ranking, functionality and traffic by improving their SEO tactics.

Data entry specialist (sole trader)

Organise, clear and shift companies’ paper data to a usable digital source. Knowledge of numbers and digital tools are imperative for starting this service. Read more about affiliate marketing here.

UI/UX design service

Work with companies and businesses to perfect the user interface of their digital presence, whether that be in app development, websites, or software. Customer interactivity and user- satisfaction are essential for modern companies to stay ahead of the curve, and your service helps them do this.

Why is a home-based business a good move?

Running your own business from home is cheap, and the startup is easy. For most home-run companies, the most important considerations are a good Wifi connection and self-discipline. They can also be fantastic for stay-at-home parents who need more flexibility than a part-time job can provide.

Most of these ideas are online businesses , so some tech knowledge is highly recommended. Here are some significant pros to starting the next chapter of your professional life from home:

Be your own boss

You set your hours, business structure, and workload so work-life balance can be a priority again.

Minimal to no travel expenses or time wasted commuting to and from an office, and potentially less need for expensive childcare.

Do it your way

You can be as creative as you’d like in your approach to your work. You will attract customers that suit your methods.

Lower overheads

Startup costs are often much lower, allowing you to build a profitable business sooner without having to recoup a lot of money. You won’t need a storefront — just somewhere quiet to work in your own house.

Affordable marketing

Marketing doesn’t have to be expensive, either. Your primary marketing channels will be word-of-mouth and referrals, and intelligent use of online platforms.

How do I start a home business?

Starting your own business is more achievable than ever. From choosing a business model to creating get word-of-mouth marketing and referrals, here’s how to take an idea you’re passionate about and turn it into a successful business.

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BUSINESS STRATEGIES

72 home based business ideas you can start today

• Rebecca Tomasis
• 28 min read

Starting a business from home is becoming increasingly popular for new and experienced business owners. With the rise of the gig economy and digital technology, including online retail, there are now more opportunities than ever to launch a business that operates out of your home.

Whether you’re looking to supplement your income (see our guide on how to make money from home ) or start an entirely new career, home-based business ideas provide an excellent opportunity to participate in both the passion economy and the sharing economy.

Whether you have a home-based business, travel to your clients, or cram in a few hours at a cafe, the possibilities of avoiding the 9-5 office life are plentiful. In fact, in the U.S. alone, the most recent census (2017) found that 8 million people worked from home .

Starting a business from home is a quick and resource saving way to get a great business idea off the ground. Yankee Candles started off as a small business in the kitchen of Michael Kittredge's family home. Start small, think big.

It takes a self-motivated, highly disciplined person to make a home business successful. Of course you should choose a good business idea that suits you best. Fortunately, there are options available for all skill levels and areas of expertise (including business ideas for stay-at-home moms ). From the lowest overhead costs to the most elaborate ventures, and from freelancers to full-fledged business owners, here are the top 70 home-based business ideas for you to choose from and get started on today:

Pro tip: After coming up with business idea and before you get started putting this into action, take some time to read through the following guides. Begin by reading up on how to start your business , which includes everything from how to create a business website to promote your work. You might also want to check out some business website design inspiration .

Why start a business idea from home

There are many reasons why starting a business from home is a popular choice. Here we go over a few of the key reasons why:

Low startup costs. Starting a business from home can cost from just a few hundred dollars up, depending on which type of business idea you decide to run with. This makes the initial risk of starting a business much more minimal.

Flexibility. Business ideas that work from home allow for more freedom in terms of where you work from. They're often a good self-employment fit for parents with children at home, or for people who live in remote areas.

Profitability. Small businesses started from home can grow and with less overhead costs, they can have great potential for profitability.

Easiest business ideas to start from home

Survey taker

Uber driver

Professional organizer

Personal shopper

House cleaner

Data entry specialist

Gift basket arranger

Freelance illustrator

01. Pet sitter

What animal-lover wouldn’t dream of this job? If your friends call you the ‘cat whisperer’ or you light up every time a cute dog passes you by on the street, you’d be crazy not to jump on this business idea . If you’re responsible, caring and organized, it’s worth reaching out to your social circle and online communities to offer your services. This is also an excellent option if you want to earn extra money on the side, or are looking for a job where you can multitask between other projects.

Median annual salary: $30,077

Read more: How to start a dog walking business

02. Survey taker

Did you know that you can get paid for expressing your opinion? As a survey taker you’ll fill out forms with your general sense of the public’s opinions. To get started, create a custom email address specifically for this because you’ll have a cluster of emails coming your way. Then, reach out to a minimum of five trusted companies initially, as invitations from each can be few and far between and each one pays differently. Overall, don’t expect to make tons of money from this, rather consider it as a side hustle .

Median annual salary: $16,000

03. Uber driver

An excellent fit for social people who want to have control over their hours. Uber drivers responsibilities entail picking up passengers and safely delivering them to their destinations, as well as keeping their vehicles clean and inviting at all times. Based on a rating scale, you can become a crowd favorite and earn social respect fast if you do a good job. And with Uber, above other ride-sharing services, you’ll be working with the biggest network of active riders. Alternatively, if you don’t want to deal with passengers, you can work with Uber Eats and deliver food instead.

Median annual salary: $34,231

04. Professional organizer

If Marie Kondo, the Japanese organizing consultant, is your role model, then getting paid to tidy up others people’s mess could be your calling. Take this a step further and offer your clients tips to improve their organizational methods in the future. Whether it’s apartments or office spaces, the possibilities here are endless. The necessary criteria are communication, motivation and (of course) impressive organizational skills.

Median annual salary: $53,000

05. Personal shopper

Your dream of getting paid to shop has just come true. If you have advanced knowledge of consumer goods and current trends, you can consult or physically shop for others. From wardrobes to groceries to household interiors and more, take your fashion sense to the market and start making money by helping others.

Median annual salary: $32,808

06. House cleaner

You may not be working from your own home, but you will have a flexible schedule as a house cleaner. Whether you decide to work with one to two houses or set up an entire cleaning service (the choice is yours), the only requirements aside from the basics are that you should be a thorough cleaner and have strong communication with your customers.

Median annual salary: $27,339

Read more: How to start a cleaning business

07. Data entry specialist

You’d be surprised that a lot of documentation today is still done manually, rather than online. If you want to be a part of converting the stragglers to the digital world, it’s possible to earn an income by entering information from paper files to online computer files. Not to mention, you’ll be helping the environment by saving some trees along the way. The main requirement here is to be highly detail-oriented in order to make sure that no piece of data is left out from your transfer efforts.

Median annual salary: $34,355

08. Gift basket arranger

Gift baskets have become a popular present option for many reasons. They usually include at least one item everyone will enjoy, they can be highly personalized and you can get pretty creative with the items. Based on your customers’ needs, you’ll be able to craft boxes with different assortments. Start small by working with close family and friends, then you’ll be able to use your baskets as samples to get more clients. Take this a step further and create an eCommerce website to sell your gift baskets around the world.

Median hourly salary: $16

09. Freelance illustrator

Take your creative talents and fly solo. Working as a freelancer in the illustration industry allows you to have more control over your work by spending time on projects that you choose, which ultimately will ensue more motivation. You'll have to create a mesmerizing illustration portfolio website that showcases past projects and experience in the field in order to be able to obtain new clients too. Illustrations can also be sold as digital products for extra income.

Median annual salary: $49,380

Business ideas from home with low startup costs

10. bicycle mechanic, 11. pet groomer, 12. music teacher, 13. college planning consultant, 14. babysitter, 15. elder care provider, 16. private tutor, 17. translator, 19. party entertainer, 21. publicist.

Do you have a knack for fixing things? As most people don’t, your skills are bound to come in handy. This is especially the case with bicycles, where 47.5 million Americans cycle regularly , and the number is continuously rising. You’ll be surprised how many people come your way when you market yourself as the ‘handy-man’ in town. Prior experience required is being able to fix bikes from multiple brands, weights and sizes. And if you can work on electric bikes, that’s an added bonus.

Median annual salary: $21,000

From cutting fur to nail trimming, shampooing and brushing, you can be in charge of helping man’s best friend to look fresh, clean and ready to strut their stuff when they walk through their neighborhood. This job is meant for individuals who consider themselves animal lovers, have a lot of patience and know how to care for pets properly.

Median annual salary: $38,033

If you’re gifted at making beautiful, rhythmic sounds come out of an instrument or your vocal cords, this is a way to channel your strengths and spread them to others. From piano to vocals, solfeggio and more, you could become a music teacher. Note that teaching is a skill of its own, so it will require patience, care, communication and fundamental knowledge of your craft in order to start a career or a side gig in this area.

Median annual salary: $46,744

One of the most stressful responsibilities for a high school student is figure out all the answers to their burning questions about college and their future. ‘Will they be able to afford it?’ ‘How will they get into their dream school?’ ‘What will they study?’ If you consider yourself organized, motivating and connected in these areas, your ability to help students navigate their futures can earn you a sufficient income.

Median annual salary: $41,735

If you’re good with kids, toddlers, or newborns, taking on this job is a great way to make a meaningful living. Whether you decide to work as a full time nanny or spend a few hours after school watching your neighbors’ kids, there is always a never-ending demand for work in this field. On top of having the skills and diplomas to work with kids, if you also take a first-aid and CPR course, you’ll be able to differentiate yourself from the market by being a more trustworthy care provider.

Many day care centers often start from a home environment, before expanding and moving into specialized facilities. We love examples like this one . Make sure to do your research before starting a business as either a babysitter or daycare provider—always take legal advice and be sure to comply with local, State and Federal laws and regulations involving the care of children within a private home.

Median annual salary: $33,722

Read more: How to start a babysitting business

If you’re looking to step into a growing field, the senior care industry is it. Approximately 24% of the total U.S. popular will be 65 years or older by 2060 . And just like working with kids, this job involves being responsible, being trustworthy and having a knack for helping others. Here, you will need to provide hands on assistance with large responsibilities, such as meal prep, giving out daily pills, bathing, trips to the doctors and more.

Median annual salary: $23,874

Read more: How to start a home care business

Here’s an opportunity to provide assistance in a field you consider yourself gifted in, as well as able to communicate the process. From mathematics to grammar, languages and more, tutors are always needed at all levels of education, from grade school through post graduate studies.

You can choose to run online tutoring completely from home, and hold all of your lessons online. This also allows you to tap into a global demand for online tutors. Teaching English online for example, or music lessons, are always in high demand.

Median annual salary: $23,345

Read more: How to start a tutoring business

As more business and communication is going global, language barriers are one of the major obstacles in correspondence. If you’re fluent in multiple languages, this skill will serve you wonders in the job industry. Your assistance has most likely been requested before, whether on the job or through family and friends. Yet, now it’s time for you to start earning from it by taking on tasks from companies and individuals that demand these services to function.

Median annual salary: $47,190

This is a job that’s always in demand for individuals looking to mend their precious clothing, from fixing holes and loose threads to hemming skirts and pants—and so much more. It takes skill to work with different fabrics and lines of stitches, as well as sometimes redesigning or creating items from scratch. So, if you’re a needle and thread guru, this could be a great ‘fit’ for you.

Median annual salary: $32,560

The popularity of the entertainment industry is on the rise because having fun is a serious matter. Considering this, if your comic level or vibrant personality make you the life of the party, you might consider becoming a party entertainer. Whether you’re a clown, magician, balloon artist, cartoonist, comedian or something else, your talents will be requested in all areas of fun - just like this versatile performer, Shelley Siller .

Median annual salary: $23,290

If you’re unfamiliar with this term, you might recognize it under other names like ‘birth companion,’ ‘birth coach’ or someone that provides both emotional and physical assistance throughout and after pregnancies and birth. From breathing techniques to birthing plans, and communicating all of the procedures and processes involved, you can be a vital aid in helping women get through this incredibly exciting and stressful life-changing experience. Aside from the necessary training and skills, being a supportive, patient and responsive caregiver is crucial.

Median annual salary: $42,000

This job entails getting media coverage and managing the publicity of businesses, brands or public figures. If you enjoy working with the media, crafting promotions and consider yourself an excellent networker, you can make a living out of it from home (versus being employed at a big PR firm). Some of the duties and responsibilities you can expect with this job include helping each of your clients create a press kit, pitching stories to publications and following up consistently.

Median annual salary: $51,385

Unique home based business ideas

22. personal chef or caterer, 23. party planner, 25. video editor, 26. freelance photographer, 27. freelance graphic designer, 28. interior designer, 29. home staging professional, 30. florist, 31. voice over artist, 32. jewelry designer.

Are you a cooking or baking enthusiast? If so, your work can stretch further than delivering your neighbors fresh baked cookies or impressing dinner guests to a plentiful spread. You can start a business straight out of your kitchen by providing meals and goodies to individuals, households and events. Cooking skills, some basic business skills and a food-related website are required to kickstart your career here.

You can also take this to the next level by extending your home based cooking into the realms of Youtube and TikTok. Take inspiration from Chef Joshua Weissman whose cooking videos and cheap eat recipes have earned him a large social media following.

Go once step further again and combine cooking from home with a food delivery service, to make sure you really offer next level service to your customers.

Median annual salary: $45,929

Read more: How to start a food business

If you thrive on planning events, set your goals on turning it into your own business. From weddings to birthday parties, corporate outings and more. Most people don’t have time in their own lives to deal with all of the operational details required in order to make their events as extravagant as they wish for them to be. This is where you come in, with basic planning skills, organization, communication and more. You could be organizing caterers, hunting down event spaces, creating wedding websites and more.

Median annual salary: $33,092

Read more: How to start a party planning business

24. DJ (disc jockey)

Do you have an eye for crowd-pleasing music? If you know how to mix songs and beats into flowing sessions that can keep a room full of people entertained for hours, this could be a great fit for you. And if you don’t have the skills but love the idea, you can take classes and practice with different DJ softwares to get started and feel it out. This is your chance to turn your hobby into a realistically paying job, just like this DJ did.

Median annual salary: $56,779

Read more: How to start a DJ business

The power of video today is inevitably strong. Brands have come to realize that consumers are eyeing this content more than any other form. So, working as a video creator is certainly worthwhile. And if you’re passionate about production and know how to create engaging clips, you’re almost all set. Once you create a video website and market your talents, brands will start to build trust with you and your work.

Median annual salary: $50,584

Here’s another hobby turned into a career. Photographers are needed across all realms, from weddings to businesses, magazines and so much more. Bring your talents to whatever field you specialize in, be it nature landscapes, family portraits, newborns, etc. Of course, you’ll need to be tech-savvy with the camera, but business and personable skills will truly keep your business afloat. For starters, you can create a photography website and add your portfolio so that every time you reach out to clients, you’ll be able to market yourself. Here are more tips to help you earn money as a photographer and some places to find freelance photography jobs online .

Check out this photographer’s site for more inspiration on how to get started with freelance photography from home.

Median annual salary: $35,726

Read more: How to start a photography business

Working in this field is one of the utmost creative feats. You’ll turn images, text, shapes and colors into company assets, like logos, business cards, posters, websites and other promotional items. If you’ve studied graphic design and are looking to pursue a career of independence where you can pick and choose your projects and clients, then consider flying solo. This freelance graphic design checklist will help you get started.

Median annual salary: $50,028

Are you constantly imagining ways to improve the spaces you enter, from offices to apartments and homes? Taking on the job of an interior designer will allow you to scale your visions into reality. You’ll be in charge of creating and finding elements that artistically fit together within a space. Oftentimes a level of schooling is required to get started, be it a bachelor's degree or a course. Ultimately, it’s about showing your clients how experienced you are and providing them with a vision and proof of your work.

Median annual salary: $51,775

Read more: How to start an interior design business

This job entails preparing homes and buildings for sale by “staging” the look of them via furniture, paint and accessories. Essentially its interior design, but for mock properties. Therefore, having an eye for visually pleasing design elements and colors is necessary for this job.

Median annual salary: $41,812

In Japanese, the act of arranging flowers is expressed through the term ‘Ikebana,’ or ‘making flowers alive.’ Such a vibrantly fulfilling job is great for creatives with a knack for arranging different types of flowers into uniquely packaged styles for events or sentiments. In order to work in this industry, a high knowledge of these plant species, the ability to arrange them in beautiful ways and work appropriately with clients, budgets and timeframes is required.

Median annual salary: $27,200

Read more: How to start a flower business

This job entails working in the entertainment industry providing voice-overs for commercials, video games, cartoon movies, movie trailers and more. If you have a very clear voice and fit the tone, you just might get a job. This market is very specific though, and having the right connections sometimes helps more than specific work experience. It’s recommended to take theater or acting classes to sharpen up your vocals.

Median hourly salary: $47.31

Whether you already create jewelry or are considered a crafty person, this fun hobby can become a business for you. It’s possible to sell your goods online , in stores, at festivals and other locations. To do so, you might want to take some jewelry making classes for specific materials you want to work with, from precious metals to wire, beads, stones and more.

Median annual salary: $57,485

Read more: How to start a jewelery business

Writer focused business ideas to try from home

34. resume writer, 35. blogger, 36. journalist, 37. freelance business writer, 39. copywriter, 40. grant writer.

If you feel strongly about your writing skills and have ideas for novels, it’s possible to take on writing your very own books as a profession. A job like this certainly requires strong grammar, organization and creativity, but also a lot of motivation to get past the rotating stages of writer’s block. If you set your mind to it, like almost anything else, it’s definitely possible.

Median annual salary: $62,170

Writing a resume is vital if you want to land a job in most fields today. Yet, many people claim to have trouble crafting their own. If you consider yourself an expert in spewing out marketable paperwork to attract employers, then this online business idea will prove itself beneficial to many eager job seekers.

Median annual salary: $35,000

There are many facts and stats that will tell you why starting a blog with a free blog maker is the way of the future. These reasons include generating more engagement and sales for businesses. It’s also become the norm for researching and consuming information online today (look at what you’re doing right now). And what’s in it for you? 45% of marketers outsource content creation , which is a justifiable reason to sit at your favorite café or on your sofa in your PJs and crank out excellent content for the Web. If you have the research and writing skills, along with prior experience, you can get started.

Not sure what to blog about? We recommend starting with something you love, start writing and go from there. We love how this blogger combines her love of wine and her dogs into one really interesting blog.

Affiliate Marketing is often used by bloggers to earn commissions from promoting other people’s products or services. It involves creating content around a product or service, and including an affiliate link in that content. When a customer clicks on the link and purchases the item, you earn a commission, making it a popular choice with bloggers and other content creators.

You can also consider turning your content into ebooks, that can be sold online or used to generate leads to a product or service. Self publishing is a great way to create and promote your own content online.

Median annual salary: $42,170

Read more: How to start a blog

Journalists have one of the most important jobs today, as they educate the public about matters happening around the world. The angle that they choose to take on a story can completely sway public opinion one way or another. That being said, a job in this field is certainly possible. Your responsibilities include thoroughly researching your subject matter and conducting interviews, then conveying all of this through strong writing skills. In this field, it’s about standing your ground and choosing projects that you feel passionate about and believe in. It’s an exciting and independent journey you will venture into. If photography is more your thing, you can also consider photojournalism which also works from home.

Median annual salary: $45,845

If you’re an experienced researcher and know how to craft your knowledge into beautifully written text, this job is a match for you. From writing blog posts to user experience text, marketing emails and more content-related material, there are many directions you can go with this. Writers either branch off from full-time content positions, or take this up on their own, but either way connections in the industry and previous writing experience to back up your claims is important to land yourself gigs. If you want to impress the businesses you work with and create a funnel for them to request your skills, create a freelance website.

Median annual salary: $42,120

A level up from writing content is being able to edit it for both grammar and style. So if you love the field, you might just enjoy making adjustments and improvements to others’ work. A job such as this one requires a high level of grammar and specific knowledge on editing styles. Oftentimes that’s learned on the job, but an editing course will give you a leg up among competitors. You can do this with articles, novels and various other mediums of written content.

Median annual salary: $59,480

Essentially the purpose of this job is to craft the written content for a company for various mediums, from blog posts to ads, newsletters and more. Unlike a business writer, your job is more concentrated on promotional marketing rather than entertaining. It’s a great fit if you love to write and are able to adapt to different companies needs and styles. Most companies need someone to create great content, so you will definitely be able to find work. Digital journalism has been on the rise for a long time and so plenty of opportunities exist.

This job is not the most creative, but it’s always in demand. Your duties would entail writing proposals for a nonprofit organization or institute of education to apply for financial assistance from the government, companies and others. Requirements include knowing the ins and outs of the organization you’re working for, and being able to write, submit and manage proficient grant proposals. Some jobs require degrees, and others are just looking for writing experience.

Median annual salary: $53,806

Beauty and wellness home business ideas

41. hairstylist, 42. fashion stylist, 43. beautician, 44. health coach, 45. wellness instructor, 46. massage therapist, 47. virtual therapist, 48. personal trainer, 49. fitness instructor.

Coloring, highlighting, cutting and styling hair is something you can totally manage from your very own home salon. If you’re passionate about the beauty industry and follow your state’s requirements for opening up shop (licensing, beauty school and certificate, etc.), there’s no doubt you can pamper guests and make them feel more glamorous from the moment they walk into your home.

Median annual salary: $24,850

Does your love for fashion shine through from your clothing choices to recommendations for friends and family? If so, it’s possible to sell your services and start helping others feel more confident about their looks and attire. You can sway this different ways, from high-end fashion to budget-friendly fashion and more. Some go to school for this, which is recommended, yet it’s possible to start a career without proper schooling by finding experience and educating yourself on trends and body types.

Median annual salary: $34,429

Like being a hairstylist, this is also a way to offer your services out of your very own home. This can include manicures, pedicures, waxing and more. If you are able to do one or many of these, clients will come your way. This is because home salons are typically less expensive than other options, and are naturally much more cozy. To make sure that you attract enough business and maintain a professional aura, create a beauty salon website.

Read more: How to start a beauty business

This emerging market has grown to reach revenues over $6 billion in services . So, for those that love to study the most up-to-date nutrition trends and offer their companions advice for living the healthiest lifestyles, it’s possible to make a career out of it. Your job will entail working one-on-one in regular meetings with your clients, where you can help them define health goals and stick to them in order to maintain overall physical and mental wellness. In order to work in this field, you’ll need to take a course or study a nutrition-related degree.

Median annual salary: $48,239

Read more: How to start a coaching business

Meditation is the fastest growing health trend in America, and yoga isn’t too far behind. These and other tools of wellness are starting to spark the interest of more and more individuals as they’ve been proven to help reduce stress, improve concentration and aid in many other health-related issues. Entering this field is a competitive feat, but if you find your niche, you’ll be able to gain a following. In order to work as a wellness instructor, you’ll need to get a certification in the course of your choosing. You can then begin on your own, teach at a gym or studio, or work on a freelance basis with corporations. As you can see, there are many paths to take.

Median annual salary: $37,900

Read more: How to start a fitness business

If giving your time or gifts to others was always something that made you feel warm inside, providing these therapeutic treatments will be right up your alley. On top of just giving massages, you can also work with other doctors, from psychologists to chiropractors, physicians and more to be able to help your patients in multiple ways. In order to work in this field, you will need to obtain your license after taking a course.

Median annual salary: $41,420

If you’re already a working therapist but looking for more flexibility in your life, exploring this option is worthwhile. There are several ways were you can offer online therapy, such as through an application, video chat, voice calls, or messages (audio or text). Of course, you would need to be a licensed therapist to provide this kind of assistance, which means that you will need to obtain your degrees first.

Median annual salary: $79,010

If you enjoy working out as well as motivating others, becoming a personal trainer is a great job for you. A course is required to gain certification but after that you’ll be able to work on your own. Or you could apply to work in a gym, health center, or any other place of fitness.

Median annual salary: $33,120

Teaching classes can be even more fun than participating in them if you’re passionate about a sport. By taking a course in a specific sport/genre that you love, you’ll be able to learn the ins and outs, you’ll be able to gain the deepest understanding of that sport, then spread your knowledge to your students in the style that you want. It will also feel amazing to motivate others by doing what you love.

Median annual salary: $39,820

Successful at home business ideas

50. online store owner, 51. bed and breakfast owner, 52. online micro jobs, 53. bookkeeper, 54. tax preparer, 55. gardening business, 56. landscaping business.

Consumerism is increasingly on the rise. If you live in the U.S., or plan on selling goods there, you’ll be pleased to know that this specific market in the largest in the world. In 2016, it was valued at approximately $292 billion . The types of eCommerce business ideas are endless here, from the resale of consignment and vintage items, to selling handmade jewelry, clothes, wood work and more. With some knowledge of budgeting, marketing and sales, all that’s left to do is open your own online store .

Median monthly salary: Ranges from hundreds to ten thousands of revenue per month.

Read more: How to start an online store

If you love hosting guests, take it a step further and turn your home into your very own boutique hotel. This is an excellent option especially if you live in a popular tourist destination, from New York to San Francisco and more. To get started, you’ll need to have strong business and marketing skills, as well as make sure that you register your home business appropriately with the government. And lastly, create a hotel website for guests to be able to book a stay.

Dealing with guests not your thing? You can still consider managing vacation rentals or flipping property as other property related home business ideas.

Median annual salary: $30,959

This vague description can apply to many small freelance jobs, such as transferring website data, creating logos, building dynamic pages and more. Many experts from various backgrounds can find mini jobs here, such as social media, programming, app development, graphic design, photo editing and so many more gigs. You’ll discover these opportunities across various platforms, from Fiverr to Gigwalk and Mechanical Turk.

Median annual salary: Varies according to tasks.

If you’re a trained and employed accountant but would like to step out of the corporate environment and take on your own clients, this is a great option for you. Bookkeepers are always needed, especially for small businesses who can’t afford one in-house. By picking up a few clients, you’ll be able to turn this into a full-time job. And if you’re not experienced in the field, you can gain background knowledge by taking several bookkeeping courses from an online college or one in your area.

Median annual salary: $39,240

Read more: How to start a bookkeeping business

Filing taxes is a burdensome task to many that’s often delegated to tax preparers. It’s also a job industry that’s not going anywhere, as taxes will always need to be paid. If you have a tax accounting background and you are registered with the IRS as a tax preparer, you can start taking on clients and forming your own business out of this handy skill.

Median annual salary: $38,730

If you love to garden, this is another way to turn a hobby into a business. Profit potentials are high, especially if you specialize in a specific area, like organic farming or native plants. Many people struggle to grow their own plants, which means that they would definitely pay for the help. So whether you’re only setting up a garden for them, or consistently maintaining it, your services will be desired.

Median hourly salary: $25,290

Read more: How to start a lawn care business

Landscaping businesses are very common among suburbs and urban areas. They add an artistic touch to buildings that makes them more inviting. Skill requirements include various tasks, from cutting lawns to planting flowers and trees, and arranging stone sidewalks and other pathways. To get started, you’ll also need to invest in pricey equipment, yet the profits are completely worth it.

Median hourly salary: $27,670

Read more: How to start a landscaping business

Innovative home business ideas

57. web designer, 58. youtube personality, 59. social media influencer, 60. video game tester, 61. podcaster, 62. travel agent, 63. virtual assistant, 64. web developer, 65. app designer, 66. digital marketing consultant, 67. call center representative, 68. webinar instructor, 69. research assistant.

70. Virtual media scribe

If you have a knack for design and are considered tech-savvy, web design for business websites could potentially be something you can get paid for. Website builders like Wix will considerably ease the process for you with drag and drop features and hundreds of website templates which are ready to personalize. And if you’re already experienced in the field, you can hone in on more creative options with Velo . But how will you find business? You can apply to become a partner website designer and from there, obtain access to a community of clients in need of your website building expertise.

Median annual salary: $57,470

If you know how to use a camera and have an eccentric personality, making a name for yourself on YouTube might just be your calling. From tutorials and how-tos to comedies, mini-episodes and more, the options are endless. Use your imagination and hobbies, and see where you can shine. Producing this content isn’t directly what earns you money though, that’s a supplemental process obtained through ads and brand endorsement. In order to gain traction, first read up on this guide to starting a successful YouTube channel .

Hand in hand with being a YouTube personality comes video live streaming and gaming. Video streamers recording themselves playing games online, is how entrepreneurs such as Mr. Beast got their start, and it remains a highly trending business to start from home.

Median annual salary: Highly dependent on your success. Money is generated from the streaming platform, as well as from sponsorships, donations and brand collaborations.

Social media influencers are taking over the Web and replacing the power celebrities once had. This is because they are known for being authentic, which means that consumers can relate to them more. In order to become one, you have to consistently work extra hard at building a community based around your goal, whether it’s to promote fashion, sports, or any of your hobbies. You’ll then be able to start making money in several ways, from promoting products to becoming an affiliate, selling your own products (t-shirts, photos, other merchandise) and more.

Median annual salary: Highly dependent on your success.

If your eyes just lit up when you heard this option, keep reading. It’s no joke, you can make money by playing video games all day. It’s possible to work with video game creators to test out the logic of their games and to look for any bugs in the program. There’s no experience required, except the ability to continuously play video games for hours on end. Yet, knowledge of programming or computer science will give you the upper hand at understanding the game’s functions.

Median annual salary: $22,360

Learn more: How to start a gaming business

The podcast world isn’t that old as the first one was released in 2004. However, since then it’s become a worldwide phenomenon. From commuting to work to cleaning their house and more, many people love to absorb information strictly through an audio medium because it allows them to multitask. So, if you have the right equipment and an interesting topic or theme to discuss, consider learning f reelance and making your own.

Do you love to explore the world and work with people? Travel agents can do all of this virtually from their computers. In this role, you’ll be in charge of booking trips and activities for people. From hotels to flights, restaurants, tours, top attractions and more, you’re in charge of making sure that your clients have a good time and nothing to worry about while they explore. So, if you love planning trips (even when they aren’t your own), give this a try. Although no degree is required, if you decide to major in travel and tourism in college, it will help you earn credibility and have a better chance of finding employment in the industry.

Median annual salary: $36,990

Just like being an office assistance, this job requires answering calls and emails, planning meetings, making travel arrangements and more. Your tasks will vary depending on who you work for, yet the perk of this versus going into the office is being able to work out of your very own home. Although no degree or training is required, employers are looking for candidates that can manage their time well and have good communication and organizational skills. Other opportunities within this field include medical billing and auditing from home.

Median annual salary: $22,000

Learn more: How to start a virtual assistant business

Just like a web designer, one of your roles will be to design websites, however this position goes much further. On top of that, you’ll need to know more about coding and modifying content, from fixing bugs to adding applications and extensions and more. Agile knowledge of different platforms and coding languages ranging from Velo to Python is necessary as you’ll dive deep into the technical side of websites. Typically, web developers go to school for computer science engineering or programming in order to obtain this knowledge.

Also if you have the necessary qualifications and experience you might want to consider ethical hacking. This is where companies pay ethical hackers to hack their systems in order to identify potential weaknesses for less than ethical hackers to attack and exploit.

Median annual salary: $75,487

There were over two million smartphone applications available in 2018 alone. It’s a rising market as consumers are expecting almost all businesses to offer some kind of application. And lucky for you, many of those businesses are outsourcing this job, especially startups that can’t afford to hire someone full time. This is where you come in, if you have a background in app design and programming, which you’d typically obtain through a college degree in a related field.

Median annual salary: $56,737

From social media to email, SEO and more, digital marketing consultants help companies grow and become noticed by their consumers. It’s possible to offer this in house, for an agency, or start your own individualized work. If you have experience in the marketing field and can send your clients marketing plans and meet your quota, then you might consider going freelance and taking on several clients of your own, while working from home on your own schedule.

Median annual salary: $60,714

Learn more: How to start a marketing business

Customer service is an industry in constant demand with most of the employees working online. It’s possible to find a company that will allow you to work remotely. Your job would entail answering customers questions and fulfilling their requests, from solving issues to connecting them to the appropriate departments and more. This requires staying organized, having patience and working at a timely pace. Previous customer experience, problem solving and people skills are among the requirements necessary to work in this position.

Median annual salary: $32,890

Many people are interested in taking courses online to further their knowledge in particular subjects, from software training to language learning, coding classes, online marketing and and endless amounts of other topics. If you have the knowledge and teaching skills, you can offer this opportunity to people for a price by conducting virtual classes by creating a webinar or an online course.

Median annual salary: $58,758

Oftentimes institutions and businesses pay individuals to conduct extensive research for them. Depending on what you’ve studied and what the job requires, your responsibilities can vary. However, motivation, attention to detail, technical and analytical skills are among the most common requirements.

Median annual salary: $29,098

70. Virtual Medical Scribe

This job involves charting physician to patient interactions, especially during medical exams. Oftentimes, medical scribes are hired as it saves physicians the hassle of filling out paperwork and other pertinent tasks. Here, you’ll be in charge of tracking all of the client-related information, managing documents and data, booking appointments and other administrative medical tasks. This is a great position too if you’re in university, working toward a degree in the health field.

Median annual salary: $24,857

eCommerce business ideas from home

71 Dropshipping

72. Print on demand

71. dropshipping.

Dropshipping can be easily started from home. It's an e-Commerce business model where you sell products online without ever actually having to manage inventory or ship the goods yourself. When a customer purchases an item from your store, it's then shipped directly from one of your assigned suppliers. This allows you to start selling products with minimal upfront investment and no risk of inventory or shipping costs. Dropshipping is an inexpensive way to get started with eCommerce.

Median annual salary: $45,500

Learn more: How to start a dropshipping business

Print on demand is an innovative and unique business idea that can be started from home. With print on demand, entrepreneurs can set up a store online for customers to purchase items with their desired design printed on them. The company who you partner with will then take care of the inventory and shipping so that your business can focus on marketing and promotion.

Median annual salary: $55,637

Learn more: How to start a print on demand business

How to start a business from home

Starting a home business is an excellent way to make money and be your own boss. It can be a profitable venture, as long as you have the right plan in place. To become profitable with your business it is important to have a well-defined strategy that includes your planned marketing efforts, effective financial management and a quality product or service offering. With the right planning and idea, you can turn your home-based business into a successful venture. Don't forget your business name , business plan and registering your business . You'll also want. to consider your business financing, and what type of business to start.

How to promote a business from home

There are many ways to help your promote a home based business. Many of these involve tapping into the potential of online sharing and social platforms. Etsy for example is an online marketplace allowing you to connect with millions of potential customers. And then of course there's Amazon too. Instagram and Facebook are also invaluable platforms for home based business owners to market and sell products. Or if you're looking to connect with those looking for freelancers or consultants, Upwork and Fiverr are great places to start.

Your home business and online security

Many home based business ideas are completely dependent on the internet for their execution, management and promotion. This means any online business owner must be aware of the importance of protecting their website and computer from cyber attacks. Malware, phishing and DDOS attacks are common potentially destructive online attacks that can put businesses of all sizes at risk of identity and data theft, as well as interruptions to business continuity and operations. If you're considering a home based business idea, make sure your website builder prioritizes the security of your site and business.

Home business ideas FAQ

What are the 5 most popular home based business ideas.

In the US, 5 of the most popular at home business ideas include - starting an eCommerce store in response to skyrocketing demand for online shopping over the past few years; online education and tutoring, as demand for remote learning has also soared; freelance writing and content creation as many companies push their content marketing efforts; pet care such as pet sitting and walking; home based food businesses, including homemade food and cake creation.

What is the most profitable business to start from home?

How profitable a business becomes is dependent on more than just the idea you choose. The industry within which you work, and how well the business is managed and promoted, will all influence profitability. However home based business ideas that can be profitable include starting an eCommerce store, dropshipping, affiliate marketing and consulting services.

What kind of business can I start from home?

There are many different types of businesses that you can start from home. Here are a few ideas:

Sell homemade products: If you are crafty or creative, you can start a business selling homemade products, such as jewelry, baked goods, or handmade crafts.

Offer online services: If you have a skill or talent that you can offer to others, you can start an online business offering your services. This could include things like web design, graphic design, or writing.

Start a subscription box business: Subscription box businesses are becoming increasingly popular. You can start a subscription box business by filling boxes with products that are related to a particular theme, such as beauty, fashion, or food.

Sell NFTs: NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are a new type of digital asset that has exploded in popularity in recent years. If you have digital art or collectibles that you think people would be interested in, you can sell them as NFTs.

Grow an audience to monetize: If you have a large following on social media or a blog, you can start monetizing your audience by selling advertising, affiliate products, or your own products or services.

Start a dropshipping store: Dropshipping is a business model where you don't have to carry any inventory. When a customer places an order, you simply purchase the product from a third-party supplier and have it shipped directly to the customer. This can be a great way to start a business with little money, as you don't need to invest in inventory or warehouse space.

Start a print-on-demand business: Print-on-demand is a business model where you create and sell custom products, such as t-shirts, mugs, or posters. When a customer places an order, you simply print the product on demand and have it shipped directly to the customer. This can be a great way to start a business with little money, as you don't need to invest in inventory or warehouse space.

Become a freelance writer: If you are a good writer, you can start a freelance writing business. You can find clients by searching online or by networking with other businesses.

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Small Business Trends

45 amazing home based business ideas to consider in 2023.

Home-based businesses are becoming increasingly popular. There are a wide array of business types that can be run mostly, if not entirely, from home offices. If you’re looking for a home-based business idea to start your new venture, here are some to consider.

The Home-Based Business Market in 2023

The online business world has become exponentially more popular over the last few years. Many existing businesses were forced to pivot their existing operations to remote models during the pandemic. And this increased acceptance of remote work also opened up opportunities for home business ideas in other industries. There are also many technology opportunities to support those pivoting to remote models.

• READ MORE: Small Business Ideas for Beginners

Why Should You Consider Starting Your Own Business From Home

The allure of working from the comfort of one’s own home has become increasingly popular over the years. With advancements in technology and a shifting work culture, starting a home-based business is now more feasible than ever. If you’re thinking of starting a business in 2023, here are some top reasons to consider running it from your own home:

1. Lower Overhead Costs:

• No Rent: Without the need for a physical storefront or office space, you can save a significant amount on rent and utilities.
• Tax Deductions: Portions of your home’s expenses, like mortgage interest, utilities, and home improvements, can often be deducted as business expenses.
• Reduced Commute Costs: Say goodbye to daily commuting expenses. No more money spent on gas, public transportation, or wear and tear on your vehicle.

2. Flexibility:

• Set Your Schedule: One of the most appealing aspects of a home-based business is the ability to set your own hours. This flexibility can lead to a better work-life balance.
• Custom Work Environment: Design your workspace to your taste and comfort. Whether it’s a quiet corner or a dedicated home office, you’re in control.

3. Enhanced Productivity:

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• Fewer Distractions: Without the regular interruptions of a traditional office environment, you might find it easier to concentrate and complete tasks efficiently.
• Personal Comfort: Working in comfortable attire (yes, even pajamas) and setting up your space with personal comforts can make for a more relaxed and productive workday.

4. Opportunity for Growth:

• Scalability: Starting small doesn’t mean you have to stay small. With the internet at your fingertips, the potential for growth, even internationally, is vast.
• Diverse Opportunities: From e-commerce and blogging to consulting and freelancing, the types of businesses you can run from home are varied and plentiful.

5. Work-Life Balance:

• More Time with Loved Ones: Working from home means you’re always close to your family. This proximity allows for more quality time, especially if you manage your schedule well.
• No Commute Stress: Avoiding daily commutes not only saves money but also spares you from the stress and unpredictability of traffic.

6. Reduced Risk:

• Lower Initial Investment: Without the need for physical premises or a lot of equipment, the initial capital required is often much less than traditional businesses.
• Flexibility to Pivot: Operating from home might offer more flexibility to change your business model or strategy without the constraints of a lease or large overheads.

7. Personal Growth and Learning:

• Diverse Skill Acquisition: Running a home-based business often means wearing many hats. This can lead to learning various skills, from marketing and accounting to customer service.
• Sense of Achievement: Building a business from scratch and seeing it thrive is a significant accomplishment. The challenges and successes of a home-based business can be incredibly rewarding.

8. Environmental Benefits:

• Reduced Carbon Footprint: No daily commute and the lack of need for a separate commercial space can lead to a smaller carbon footprint.
• Digital Operations: Operating primarily online or with digital solutions can reduce the need for paper, leading to more sustainable business practices.

Success for Your Home Business

Starting a home-based business offers numerous benefits, from financial advantages to personal well-being. While it comes with its own set of challenges, the rewards can far outweigh the drawbacks for many entrepreneurs. As the world continues to evolve, the appeal and feasibility of home-based businesses are likely to grow, making now an excellent time to consider this entrepreneurial route. Whether you’re looking for more flexibility, reduced costs, or the chance to pursue a passion, a home-based business might be the perfect opportunity.

Top Home Business Ideas

There are home business opportunities in nearly every industry. Finding the best one for you may require some introspection or trial and error. But here are some of the best home business ideas to provide early inspiration for your search.

1. Dog Grooming Business

Set up a grooming space in your home or purchase a mobile grooming vehicle and travel to clients throughout your neighborhood. Then you can run the business operations from your home as well. Create a website or social media presence to showcase your services and attract potential clients in your local area.

2. Subscription Box Business

Subscription box businesses involve selling groups of products each month or quarter on an ongoing basis. To run this business from home, you’ll need enough space to store inventory and sort it into boxes each month. Focus on selecting unique and trending products that cater to a specific niche or target audience to differentiate your subscription box from others in the market.

3. Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants businesses run entirely online. You can help business clients with everything from scheduling to managing their social media accounts and communicate with them via email or Zoom. Showcase your organizational and communication skills on your website or online profiles, and consider offering specialized services in areas where you excel, such as email marketing or data entry.

4. Social Media Manager

Or you can start a dedicated social media business where to manage posts and strategies for various businesses. Create a portfolio of successful social media campaigns and use it to attract clients from different industries. Offer packages that include content creation, scheduling, and performance analytics to provide comprehensive social media management services.

5. Dropshipping Business

A dropshipping business is an online store where the inventory management and logistics are managed off site. So you’d essentially pay an outside service to help you with these extra elements. Research popular dropshipping suppliers and focus on marketing and customer service to build a successful dropshipping business. Use e-commerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce to set up your online store.

6. Marketing Service

Entrepreneurs with marketing experience can offer specialized services to businesses and communicate entirely online. Identify your target market and create a professional website that highlights your expertise and services. Offer a variety of marketing services, such as content marketing, social media management, and SEO optimization, to cater to different business needs.

7. Car Detailing Business

Start a car detailing service where you travel to clients. You can run all the administrative tasks from home and just drive to jobs as they come up. Invest in high-quality car detailing equipment and market your services to local car owners through social media, community bulletin boards, and word-of-mouth referrals.

8. Affiliate Marketer

Affiliate marketers earn a commission off each sale they send to a partner business. You can post affiliate links to your website, social media presence, or online newsletter. Select affiliate programs that align with your niche or target audience to ensure a higher conversion rate. Regularly track and analyze the performance of your affiliate links to optimize your earnings.

9. Online Tutoring Business

If you have experience in a specific educational subject, offer online tutoring sessions on platforms like Zoom. Develop engaging tutoring materials and offer personalized lesson plans to cater to individual learning needs. Market your tutoring services through social media, educational forums, and local communities.

10. Catering Service

With a catering business, you can run the business tasks and make the food from home and just travel to special events. You may need a special permit for a home kitchen, depending on your location. Create a diverse and appealing menu that caters to various events and occasions. Use social media and online platforms to showcase your culinary creations and attract potential clients.

11. Pet Sitter

Pet sitting businesses can watch animals at people’s homes while they travel. Or you may bring them to your home if clients prefer. Set up a professional pet sitting website that showcases your love for animals and highlights the services you offer. Build trust with pet owners through positive reviews, personalized care plans, and regular updates during their pets’ stay.

12. Property Manager

Property managers handle a variety of tasks like rent collection and maintenance for residential and commercial properties. Create a portfolio of properties you manage and demonstrate your organizational and communication skills to attract property owners seeking reliable management services. Utilize property management software to streamline administrative tasks.

13. Personal Trainer

As a personal trainer, you may work with clients at a home gym or even online. Develop personalized fitness plans and offer virtual training sessions to clients seeking to achieve their health and fitness goals from the comfort of their homes. Market your services through social media, fitness forums, and community events.

14. Landscaping Business

If you want to work outside, offer landscaping services like tree trimming and lawn maintenance. Then run the administrative tasks from a home office. Showcase before-and-after photos of your landscaping projects on your website to demonstrate your skills and expertise. Create seasonal promotions and offer maintenance packages to attract recurring clients.

15. Online Course Creator

Online courses can teach anything from digital marketing skills to personal styling. Create high-quality and valuable online courses that cater to your expertise and target audience. Utilize e-learning platforms like Teachable or Udemy to host and promote your courses. Offer limited-time discounts and engage with students through Q&A sessions and course updates.

• READ MORE: 16 Side Business Ideas

More Great Home Based Business Idea Examples

If you’re still searching for a home business idea that suits your needs, here are several more to consider.

16. Print on Demand Business

Print-on-demand businesses use online services to design their own t-shirts and similar printed products. These sites manage most of the logistics like printing and shipping. Design eye-catching and trendy merchandise that appeals to a specific niche or target audience. Use social media and influencer partnerships to promote your products and drive sales.

17. Dog Walking Business

If you like walking outside, offer your services to local pet owners. Create a professional dog-walking website and promote your services through social media and community bulletin boards. Offer flexible scheduling options and personalized care plans to attract busy pet owners.

18. Freelance Writing

As a freelance writing business, you can contract with online publications or businesses and charge a set fee per piece. Develop a diverse portfolio of writing samples that showcase your versatility and expertise in different industries. Network with editors, bloggers, and businesses to secure writing opportunities.

19. Web Designer

Those with design skills can offer web design services for businesses on a contractual basis. Create an online portfolio of your past web design projects to demonstrate your skills and style. Collaborate with businesses to create visually appealing and user-friendly websites that align with their branding and objectives.

20. Home Daycare Business

If you are good with kids, consider starting a home daycare. You may need additional permits depending on your location. Create a safe and stimulating environment for children and adhere to all local regulations and safety standards. Market your daycare services to local parents through social media, local directories, and word-of-mouth referrals.

21. Music Lessons

If you’re musically inclined, offer lessons to others in your area. You may welcome them in person or offer lessons virtually. Create structured and engaging music lesson plans that cater to different skill levels and musical interests. Utilize online platforms and social media to reach a wider audience and offer virtual music lessons.

22. House Cleaning Service

As a house cleaning service, you just need some basic cleaning supplies and business sense to connect with local homeowners. Develop a pricing structure based on the size of the house and specific cleaning services required. Offer regular cleaning packages and one-time deep cleaning options.

23. Event Planning Business

Help individuals and businesses in your area throw successful events using your organizational and communication skills. Create a portfolio of past events you’ve planned and highlight your attention to detail and creativity. Network with local vendors and venues to offer comprehensive event planning services.

24. Jewelry Designer

Create your own jewelry and sell it online or at local craft fairs and shops. Design unique and trendy jewelry pieces that appeal to your target audience. Use social media and online marketplaces to showcase and sell your jewelry creations.

25. YouTube Channel

Film your own videos and share your content on YouTube, earning money from the platform’s ad sharing option. Choose a niche that aligns with your interests and expertise. Create high-quality and engaging video content that keeps viewers coming back for more.

26. Podcaster

You can also record your own podcasts in a home studio and charge businesses for ads. Select a podcast niche that aligns with your expertise and target audience. Offer valuable content, invite guest speakers, and promote your podcast through social media and podcast directories.

Write in a home office and either find a publisher or self-publish online. Develop a writing routine and set specific writing goals to ensure a steady stream of content. Use social media and author websites to promote your books and engage with your readers.

28. Interior Design Business

Offer your interior design skills to local homeowners, either working with them in-person or online. Create an online portfolio that showcases your interior design projects and style. Collaborate with clients to create functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces.

29. Photographer

Photographers can capture images and then sell prints online. Showcase your photography portfolio on your website and social media platforms. Offer personalized photo sessions and creative packages to cater to various photography needs.

30. Woodworker

If you have woodworking skills, set up a small shop in your home or garage. Design and create unique woodwork pieces that cater to specific customer preferences. Promote your woodworking business through social media and craft fairs.

• READ MORE: 30 Business Ideas for Stay-at-Home Moms

Other Ideas for a Successful Home Based Business

All it takes is one great business idea to succeed working from home. If you’re still looking, here are several more ideas to help you earn money at your own house.

31. Blogger

Start your own blog and then earn income from affiliate links, ads, or brand partnerships. Utilize your passion for writing and expertise in a niche to attract a dedicated audience and monetize your content effectively.

32. Furniture Upcycling

Buy vintage furniture from local thrift shops and turn it into something that others may be interested in purchasing. Showcase your creativity and craftsmanship to create unique and personalized pieces that appeal to eco-conscious and budget-conscious consumers.

33. SEO Service

Help businesses with search engine optimization, working with them entirely online. Utilize your knowledge of SEO techniques and tools to improve clients’ online visibility, driving organic traffic to their websites and enhancing their online presence.

34. Mobile App Designer

Use your coding and design skills to create your own mobile apps to sell, or work with clients. Develop innovative and user-friendly mobile applications that cater to specific needs or interests, offering your expertise to individuals or businesses seeking to enter the mobile app market.

35. Life Coach

Communicate with clients online to help them with various life goals. As a life coach, provide guidance, support, and motivation to clients seeking personal development, career advancement, or improved overall well-being.

36. Business Consultant

Or you may specialize just in business subjects, charging clients on an hourly or per-project basis. Offer your expertise to businesses in need of strategic planning, marketing advice, operational improvements, or other specialized consulting services.

37. Handmade Business Owner

If you like making crafts, sell your creations on an online marketplace like Etsy. Turn your passion for crafting into a profitable venture by creating and selling handmade products, leveraging the reach of online platforms to connect with a broader customer base.

38. Farmers Market Vendor

You may also grow your own food or flowers and then sell them at local farmer’s markets. Embrace the farm-to-table movement by selling locally grown and fresh produce or flowers at farmers’ markets, promoting sustainable and community-oriented practices.

39. Massage Therapist

Set up a massage area in your home to offer professional services. Some locations may require additional permitting. Utilize your massage therapy skills to offer relaxation and wellness services, providing clients with a rejuvenating and calming experience in the comfort of your home.

40. Home Hair Stylist

Hairstylists can also work with established clients in their homes. Offer personalized hair styling services to clients in the comfort of their homes, building strong client relationships and providing convenient and high-quality hair care.

41. Social Media Influencer

Start your own social media presence and then work with brands to create content that promotes their offerings. Leverage your social media following and engaging content creation skills to collaborate with brands, becoming an influencer and promoting products or services to a wide audience.

42. Proofreading Service

Work with authors and businesses to proofread their content for a small fee. Utilize your attention to detail and language proficiency to offer proofreading services, ensuring error-free and polished content for authors, businesses, or individuals.

43. Alterations Service

Sew clothes and home items for local clients. Offer alterations and sewing services, catering to clients seeking custom-tailored clothing or home decor, providing unique and personalized solutions.

44. Handyman Service

Offer your services to homeowners to fix small issues with their homes. Utilize your handyman skills to assist homeowners with various household repairs, maintenance tasks, and improvements, providing reliable and convenient services.

45. Remote Travel Planner

Work with clients online to help them plan trips. This can be especially useful for large groups. Use your travel expertise and organizational skills to plan and coordinate trips for clients, ensuring seamless and memorable travel experiences for individuals or groups.

• READ MORE: 21 Successful Mom Entrepreneurs to Inspire You

Useful Tips for Starting a Successful Business at Home

Even if you’re starting at home, small businesses need a plan to be successful. Here are some general tips to help your new home-based business succeed:

• Create a productive workspace: There can be lots of distractions while working from home. So choose a room or area where you can actually get work done. If possible, it should be behind a door or divider to limit access to the rest of the home.
• Set dedicated work time: Even if you love the flexibility of a home business, set dedicated hours to ensure you accomplish necessary tasks. Either outline hours with yourself and your family, or set timers for focused work and let everyone know when you aren’t available.
• Separate business and personal expenses: Home office expenses, inventory, and any business services can be written off as business expenses. Additionally, keeping your business finances separate can help you with bookkeeping and compliance.
• Create a growth plan: Some businesses just start at home and eventually grow to other locations. If this is your goal, create financial projections and price out commercial real estate space in your area to see if and when this may be feasible.
• READ MORE: What is a Mompreneur?

What Home-Based Business Is Most Profitable?

Profitability varies widely by location, industry, and individual business. However, the home-based businesses that tend to be most profitable are those that offer a skilled service. For example, a bookkeeping business, marketing consultant, or research service can all offer the basis for a profitable business.

What Is the Best Business to Start From Home?

If you’re looking to start a new business venture in your home, the best idea is one that you may enjoy but that also offers opportunities for profit. The list above offers tons of ideas. Some of the most popular include an online store, pet sitting business, catering business, social media consultant, or house cleaning service.

Image: Envato Elements

Hello Annie Pilon, I think you forgot to mention Digital marketing. we can run a home digital marketing agency. please add this for users.

Another great idea is a parking lot litter cleanup service. It’s almost as easy as going for a walk! You contract with property management companies to maintain their commercial properties litter free. This “green” service is done on-foot with simple hand tools. Fortunes are being made by people willing to clean up after others. I started doing this in 1981 as a side gig and grew it into a six-figure business of 40+ years.

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Top 25 Profitable Home-based Business Ideas to Try [2023]

Ohiozoje Okugbe

Last updated on September 21, 2023 12 mins read

Tips for Starting a Home-based Business

Setting up a brick-and-mortar store can be capital intensive and time-consuming. But what if you could save yourself the stress and still build a profitable business? Thankfully, with the influence of technology and the internet, you can run a profitable business from home with little or no capital investment.

There are several home-based business ideas available today. In this guide, we review 25 of them. A few may require you to put some physical arrangements in place, while others are entirely online.

Let’s jump right in!

25 Profitable Home-based Business Ideas

There are several home-based business opportunities you can try out. However, the ones on this list are some of the most profitable home-based business ideas you can efficiently run from home with a computer and an internet connection.

1. Start a Dropshipping Business

Dropshipping is one of the several businesses you can start from home without inventory or storage space. Dropshipping is a very profitable home business idea you can consider if you are interested in selling products online.

With dropshipping, you don’t have to worry about the production, storage, and shipping of the products you choose to sell. All you have to do is manage tasks like sales, marketing, and customer service while your supplier handles the rest.

You profit by selling the product for a higher price than the product’s cost price and other costs you have to factor in.

To get started with dropshipping, you will need to decide which eCommerce platform to use: Shopify and WooCommere are popular options.

2. Flip Websites

This business idea is one of the most exciting small business ideas you can implement from home. All you have to do to flip websites is buy a website that is already running, improve the content and design and then resell it for a profit.

Flippa is a good place to look for websites to flip. In order to ensure your website’s content stays protected try to choose a standard SSL encryption.

You can further improve a website through SEO, content marketing, and several other tactics. This added value makes the websites worth more, and you can sell them for a higher price and profit.

3. Sell Homemade/Handmade Products

If you love making crafts, art, or other things that can be used within the home, you can easily monetize your skills by selling the products you make. You can create these products in your home, a studio, a workshop, or a commercial kitchen; store, and even sell them from your home.

For instance, you could choose to:

• Create paintings
• Make wooden sculptures
• Create jewelry
• Crotchet items
• Sew clothes

By making the products yourself, you can control most of the production process. This means you can employ different means to make the process more cost-effective, improve the quality and even tailor them to individual requests from customers if you wish.

Not sure where you can sell them? Try Etsy. The competition is fierce, but the market is large.

4. Start a Print-on-Demand Business

Just like the dropshipping business model, a print-on-demand business does not require you to hold inventory or ship any of your products.

This business idea involves selling customized products with your designs on them. You can customize items like basic tees, hoodies, cool tank tops, sneakers towels among other things. All you have to do is get a trusted supplier you can work with.

Teespring is a good place to start.

5. USPP website

This business idea is a no-hassle, no-stock business that you can start from home. USPP is a global leader in promotional solutions and also offers the ability to develop unique customized products. They can help you get up and running in less time and at a lower cost.

Unlike other businesses, you can own the website they build for you to operate. They offer great sales capabilities and professional customer service by shipping on your behalf so you don’t have to worry about production and shipping. All you need to do is promote it and then get a commission when a customer places an order.

And from your first sale, they will provide you with unparalleled solutions that will enable you to increase your sales more quickly. This is a great platform for home business ideas.

6. Develop Apps

With the world becoming a global village and more companies springing up every day, the need for apps has never been higher. This large market is what makes it very profitable as a home-based business. Interestingly, the cost of learning and starting this business has reduced significantly because of affordable developers and easy-to-use tools.

You can use different tax software for a small business such as Sketch, CoreAnimator, and OmniGraffle wireframes and mockups, after which you can proceed to publish the app. You can even choose to hire a mobile app development company to work with and still make a significant profit.

7. Become an Online Tutor

If you have a passion for teaching, you can become an online tutor. There are many people who are willing to learn the skills you have. Skills like music, advanced marketing, sewing, DIYs, or even a second language can get people to register for your course.

You can decide on how large you want your class to be. They could be one-on-one classes or small groups. You can also decide how long you will take each class. Whether you prefer to hold two hours of classes every week or even an all-day teaching session, you can pace the course as you like. You will also have to create a syllabus and a teaching plan for whatever skill you have to teach.

Thankfully, with platforms like Udemy, you don’t have to bother too much about how to sell your courses.

8. Sell Pre-owned Items

With rising concerns about the environment, many consumers are adjusting their lifestyles to promote and enhance sustainability. This gives you an opportunity for you to build a profitable business from the comfort of your home by selling pre-owned items out of your garage – like a yard sale.

By making the products yourself, you can control most of the production process. This means you can employ different means to make the process more cost-effective, improve the quality and even tailor them to individual requests from customers if you wish. Just make sure to NOT create it with paints or other materials that are toxic so you can avoid product liability lawsuits .

You can even go ahead to help your friends, family, neighbors, and anyone else sell their unwanted items and make a profit. Things you can sell range from clothing items, accessories, home decor, furniture, and any other item you can get a customer for. If you are getting started, you can use the Teachable platform; they offer a 50% discount code for all new users.

9. Start a Dog Grooming Business

If you have enough space in your home, you can set up a dog grooming business. Most pet owners are so busy that they don’t have time to care for their pets. So, if you are good with pets, they won’t mind paying you a decent fee to help them with that task.

You can just start by leveraging connections from friends and family.

You can choose from two options when going into the dog grooming business. The first is to go the retail route. This would mean selling pet grooming items online or from your home. You could also choose to go the service route by offering grooming services to people’s dogs for a fee. If you like, you can even combine both.

10. Become a Content Writer

Several companies need help creating content for their blogs, product pages, and other web pages. So, becoming a content writer can be a worthwhile home business idea for you.

You can use different platforms like Upwork, LinkedIn, and Facebook to get customers and create more exposure for your business. To make the most of it, you can learn more skills like Search Engine Optimization to add value to your customers and charge higher.

11. Become a Virtual Event Planner

Are you skilled at organizing events and programs? Do you love creating schedules? Can you network with people, negotiate with them, and bring them together? Then event planning is a great business idea you may want to develop. With the pandemic, most companies now hold virtual events instead of in-person events, and this has created a market for virtual event planners.

As a virtual event planner, you can start without any significant running expenses. All you need is a laptop, a smartphone, and access to the internet. Over time, you can grow your skills within a particular niche to increase your income.

12. Launch a Photography Business

If you have the skill and ability to capture perfect moments, you should consider becoming a stock photographer and launching your photography business. You can choose to open a Shopify store to sell your pictures or sell them on websites like Shutterstock, iStock, and Adobe Stock.

Many companies and individuals are always searching for spectacular stock images. However, running a photography business is more than just taking amazing photos. You will need to learn how to market yourself, build and grow your brand and select a photography niche.

13. Become a Virtual Assistant

Virtually everyone, both individual entrepreneurs and large enterprises, need someone to help with the day-to-day running of their businesses. If you have excellent organizational skills, starting up a virtual assistant business is another home-based business idea you can try. Typically, you will have to handle basic tasks like scheduling meetings, answering emails, and other basic administrative tasks.

You will be paid for the effort and time to perform these tasks. You can find companies and businesses that need to hire a virtual assistant through platforms like Virtual Assistant Jobs, FreeUp, or PeoplePerHour. This work from home business idea is quite viable because of its unending demand.

14. Become an Affiliate Marketer

If you have digital marketing skills and can build traffic to a website, affiliate marketing is another small business idea you can try. As an affiliate marketer, you can earn a commission on certain products if you can convert your audience into customers.

You will have to determine what affiliate strategy to use. This is where your creativity may get tested. What’s more, you can leverage various platforms and skills to creatively sell the products to your customers and earn a profit.

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15. Become a Social Media Manager

With the popularity of social media platforms, the job of a social media manager is in high demand. Interestingly, you do not need to be employed by any agency to get started as a social media manager.

With access to a laptop, the internet, a social media presence, and social media tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or Sprout Social, you can easily set up your own social media management business. Leverage your network to land your first customers and market yourself and your services to land more clients.

16. Blogging or YouTubing

If you love creating content, you can build an audience around a specific niche and grow that following to a significant size. You can do this by growing a readership for a blog, growing a following for an Instagram account or building an audience for a YouTube channel.

Once your audience becomes large enough, you can start implementing monetizing strategies. To monetize your audience, you can market products for a brand for a fee in the form of brand sponsorships, or a commission in the form of affiliate marketing. You can also choose to sell physical or digital products to your audience.

17. Start Your Instagram Consulting Business

Instagram consulting is a viable home-based business idea you can try if you have the skills to get more followers on Instagram and boost engagement.

You can offer services like writing engaging captions, creating attractive bios, responding to comments, and more. Your clients will gladly pay you for these services.

You can charge by the hour, with a subscription model, or any other payment structure that you opt for. The best part is you can easily do this from the comfort of your home.

18. Podcasting

Podcasting has grown from being a platform for thought-sharing to a high-income business stream. Especially if you’re an entrepreneur or experienced in a niche field.

As with YouTubing, you can create and record niched content distributed across your social media channels. Known for your expert insights on specific subject matters? Convert your data-backed opinions into conversations hosted on your podcast channel.

The more content you create, distribute, and repurpose, the higher your chances for growth. Podcasting may not be a short-term money-making scheme, but if done well, can grow to fetch you much more than you think possible. Take a look at this list of the world’s richest podcasters for inspiration.

19. Design Websites

Almost every business in this age needs a website to increase its visibility, but most business owners are not willing to put in the time required to learn it. Some just don’t have the time to spare. You can help them with this if you have the skills.

The cool part is that with WordPress, you don’t need to code anything to build a website.

You can use platforms like Dribble, Upwork, and Fiverr to land your first customers and showcase your skills when you are just starting. Over time, you should gain traction, making it easier to build an income stream.

20. Sell Products on Marketplaces

With several viable online platforms like eBay listing tool, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, Amazon, Bonanza, and Etsy, you can make a decent profit from selling products. And you can sell just about anything. Also, it would be good to present the products you are selling through digital catalogs for more engagement with your customers.

21. Convert Your Expertise or Services into Products

If you run a service-based business, your growth may be limited by some factors. You can only earn based on the amount of time and effort you put in. However, there is a way out of this. You can choose to turn your service or expertise into physical or digital products.

This is an excellent home-based business idea that can significantly increase your revenue. You can do this by creating courses, digital templates, videos, ebooks, or downloadable reports. You do not need an inventory for these products, and you can sell these products to customers on platforms like Selar.

23. Purchase Products in Bulk and Resell Them Online

Several small business runs on the basic concept of buying products in bulk and wholesaling or retailing them. If you think you have a market for a particular product, you can choose to buy it in bulk and sell them individually to make a profit.

You can also choose to resell in larger quantities to retailers for a profit. By buying in bulk, you can get the products at a lower cost.

23. Become a Personal Shopper

Do you have a good taste for fashion? Do your friends and family come to you for fashion and shopping advice? You can build on these skills by becoming a personal shopper. As a personal shopper, you can help your customers shop for clothing items that suit their style.

Your primary duties will be to evaluate your customers’ wardrobe and shop for items for them. You can even shop online to get these items for your customers. Thankfully, there are several online stores to choose from.

24. Home-Based Catering Business

If you’ve got great cooking skills, you can monetize them by setting up a home-based catering business. You can choose to start small or big depending on how much initial capital you are willing to put into setting it up.

If you’re completely new to this, consider starting small, experimenting with your local food markets, and catering for small events. You can also start a food delivery business.

25. Email Marketing

Do you know how to write excellent emails? Do you have a knack for crafting attention-grabbing subject lines? If so, you can monetize these skills by launching an email marketing business.

You can use different platforms to find companies looking for help with their email marketing. You can even show off your skills directly by sending them cold emails. Besides email copywriting, you might need to learn how to use email marketing tools such as Klaviyo and MailChimp.

26. Set up a Virtual Dance Studio

Virtual dance studios are like regular dance studios but virtual. This means you can easily set up a virtual dance studio without having to rent a space. It offers more convenience with recording, publishing, and sharing your choreography.

You can even choose to record your dance classes for your students from the comfort of your home such as in apartments for rent in Tacoma. It also means that you do not have any limitations as to the number of students that you can enroll in your dance academy at once, unlike physical dance studios where you’re limited by its size.

If you’re opting for a virtual dance studio, ensure you have access to high-speed internet and video conferencing software like Zoom.

Bonus Point: TikTok Marketing

Since its 2020 popularity, literally every business wants to be on TikTok. This means you can make a killing with TikTok if you are good at making goofy, yet entertaining videos.

The best part is that you don’t need expensive equipment to start; your mobile phone will do.

We hope you’ll explore one or more of these 25 profitable home-based business ideas. To increase your chances of success, pick one that aligns with your personal goals and interests and focus on it.

These ideas are ideal for students, stay-at-home moms and dads, and anyone looking to supplement his/her income.

If you choose to sell products on Shopify, installing the Adoric Shopify app on your website would supercharge your sales performance. With Adoric , you can convert visitors into customers and subscribers.

The best part is that you can start for free and scale up as your business grows.

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