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As businesses increasingly go online, starting a business from home is becoming more and more accessible. Whether you want to start a business as a side hustle or to replace your full-time job, there are thousands of ways to start a profitable home-based business. So we've found the nineteen best home business ideas to give you the inspiration you need to find a great idea for you and your skills, interests and budget.
Here are 19 home business ideas to get you started:
1. Virtual Assistant Business
A Virtual Assistant (VA) helps other business owners and executives to complete some tasks required in day-to-day operations. A virtual assistant company offers certain services to these executives for an hourly or package fee. Services may include blog writing, social media management, travel arrangements and appointment scheduling. To be an effective VA, you must be organized and have the skills to adequately meet the needs of your clients.
There are no startup costs to start a VA business. All you need is your computer and an internet connection. Many VAs get their first clients by joining popular small business groups on social media and offering their services, or through freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr.
2. Recruitment agency
A recruitment or staffing agency is responsible for finding excellent candidates for vacancies at other companies. Because recruitment and HR can be a time-consuming and therefore expensive process, many companies are willing to pay recruiters who can find the perfect candidate for their open positions. For this service, recruiters typically earn a commission of between 10 and 20 percent of the candidate's salary.
For example, a recruiter who successfully places a candidate in a position that pays $70,000 earns a commission of $7,000 if his rate is 10 percent. Alternatively, recruiters may be paid by the hour, being paid for each hour a placed candidate works (typically the case with short-term contract positions).
While recruitment and staffing agencies have traditionally been brick-and-mortar businesses, many agencies are now entirely remote, meaning it's entirely possible to start from the comfort of your own home. To get started, you need to understand the ins and outs of recruiting and be willing to spend a lot of time cold calling and setting up email campaigns to recruit companies as clients and job seekers as applicants.
3. Day care for dogs
If you love animals and have a house with lots of space, opening a dog daycare could be a good business idea for you. On average, dog daycares charge between $20 and $45 per day per dog. For example, if you have ample space at home and love dogs, you could make $100 a day by caring for just four dogs for only $25 a day.
In addition to daily kennel fees, many kennel companies earn revenue by providing additional services such as training, bathing, or grooming. Depending on what you want to do, it may be worth exploring relevant certifications and courses to help you get the credentials customers are looking for. Even though it's a low-cost home business idea, you should also consider potential costs like fencing and home maintenance.
Like almost any private business, you also want a website so that potential clients and clients can find your business online. Learn more about how easyBuild a website for a small businessNo web design experience.
4. Asset Monitoring Service
If you live in an area where there are a number of vacation homes or second homes and you are knowledgeable about home services, you should consider starting a property surveillance business. Services vary by provider; However, many property monitoring companies manage unoccupied properties, e.g. B. Summer houses in winter or during the absence of the owners.
While it's not strictly home, as you have to check homes to make sure they don't have any problems (e.g. frozen or leaking pipes, a security issue, etc.), it's a business that those with a La Housekeeping - and administrative skills can largely be done from home. Because when a problem is found, it's all about delegating the job to the right people (e.g. plumber, electrician), making appointments and making sure all problems are resolved.
5. Airbnb Management Service
Like a property monitoring service, an Airbnb management service offers Airbnb owners a fully managed service, handling everything from inquiries and reservations to check-in/out, condo cleaning, and reviews. Vacation rental management is becoming increasingly popular as it allows others to own and rent vacation rentals without having to worry about the day-to-day running of the vacation rental.
Airbnb management services can generate revenue in a variety of ways, but the most common revenue model is a commission on the total booking cost or a fixed monthly management fee. It's not entirely home, but it doesn't require commercial space, and much of the work can be done from home, especially if the properties offer self-check-in and you outsource the cleaning to a professional service.
6. Print on Demand Business
A print-on-demand business typically includes t-shirts, hats, other clothing items, and household items. As a business owner, you don't need to keep inventory as items are printed when the item is purchased. They are made to order, saving you the hassle and expense of buying and stocking items for sale.
The most successful print-on-demand companies have a niche that they serve with logos and designs that speak to that niche. For example, if you are an avid cyclist, you can design clothing for the cycling community. With no inventory, your upfront costs are creating designs when you can't do it yourself and a website for people to buy your products from.
For more information, see this step-by-step guide atHow to start a print-on-demand t-shirt business.
7. Sell classes online
If you are an expert in a field, you can create and teach an online course. This can be a marketing class or a yoga class. The possibilities of the course are endless. Those starting an online course should be experts in the field with years of experience in what they are teaching. However, you do not need any special credentials to teach an online course.
There are several ways to market the course. You can join online course communities like Udemy or LinkedIn. This allows you to receive advertising and marketing from the platform but share the revenue generated. Or you set up a website just for your courses. Of course, this costs you something, but then you get 100% of the income generated.
8. Sell homemade products
Maybe you love creating unique soaps or have a recipe for great barbecue sauce. This could be your next business idea. Many business owners successfully turn a hobby into a business.
Remember that there are costs associated with your business because you want to manufacture products and have inventory that you can sell to consumers. The investment amount depends on the cost of your products and the amount of inventory you want to hold. You may also want to create a website to market and sell your products.
One of the most popular platforms for those selling homemade products is Etsy. There you can easily list your products for sale and connect with millions of online buyers. learn more abouthow to open an etsy shop.
9. Buy in bulk and sell online
Perhaps you have traveled to an exotic place and become a fan of the spices used in local dishes. Or find a niche that sells small instruments (ukulele) popular in some regions of the world. These are great ideas for buying and selling items online at wholesale prices.
Keep in mind that when buying in bulk, you'll need space to store inventory, and you'll also be spending a significant amount of money to buy the products in the first place. So make sure you do market research to make sure consumers want what you're selling. Build an eCommerce website that makes selling easier.
10. Start a dropshipping shop
The best thing about dropshipping is that you can sell almost anything without having to buy any inventory. With a dropshipping model, you find a wholesaler who packs the product and ships it to your consumers once the sale is confirmed. The product comes directly from the retailer; They act solely as a marketer and service agent in these transactions.
Because there is no inventory, dropshipping companies are generally considered a low-cost business to start with. In order to start a dropshipping business, you need to find a dropshipper that offers the products you want to sell at a price you can beat up and make a profit, as well as a website to list your products on, e.g . B.Shopify.
The major dropshippers offer integrations so that when someone places an order on your website, they automatically fulfill their order and ship the purchased product to your customer. For more information, seeHow do I start a dropshipping business?.
11. Web Design Agency
If you are creative and experienced in building websites, you might want to start a web design or graphic design agency. Every day businesses are looking for web designers and graphic designers to help them create marketing collateral and build a professional online presence. It is a home based business idea that can be started with little money. All you need is an optimized website and online presence (e.g. via Google My Business, Upwork or Fiverr).
12. Online-Dating-Coach
Many singles are fed up with the online dating game. You can help these people find love by becoming an online dating consultant paid by the hour or a flat rate. Their services can include fine-tuning dating profiles, getting the right pictures to attract attention, and even matchmaking services outside of online dating.
To be an online dating consultant you must be a good communicator who loves people and is interested in making connections. While you don't need a certification, getting one could help your marketing efforts. Consider Hart Coaching Academy's online dating coach certification as a possible qualification.
13. Professional Consulting Services
Those who are experts in their field may want to consider a professional consulting firm. There are all kinds of professional consulting services covering a wide range of topics from restaurant consulting to legal consulting, not just business consulting which is the most famous area of consulting. Regardless of your background, if you have in-depth knowledge, it may be possible to start a work from home business by helping others who are new to your field to get a head start and in their career or business to advance.
14. Start a subscription service
Everything from groceries to razors has become an opportunity for someone to market a subscription service. You can get into this growing industry. Choose a subscription box niche and collect some samples to get and market photos.
Depending on the type of subscription you're selling, you may need to have a few items on hand as inventory. However, if you build something like a food subscription service, you can buy ingredients when subscriptions come in to reduce your overhead. Make sure you have enough space to organize and stack the boxes and prepare them for shipping.
15. Online Tutoring Business
If you're a subject matter expert and have a knack for explaining things to others, consider a career as a tutor. You can make over $80 an hour helping high school and college students with their classes. There are websites you can sign up to, like BuffTutor, that will help you market your services, or you can set up a website and get your own clients.
Either way, the startup costs are low, although you might want to invest in some textbooks to help you with explanations and problems to give to your students, as well as one of theThe best software systems for video conferencingFacilitate online tutoring. You may also want to invest in online teaching software like Canvas or Blackboard to make it easier for you to work with students remotely.
16. Professional Photography
If you have an eye for composition and the ability to take the best pictures of people, you might consider a photography business. You can be a niche photographer focusing on weddings or special events, corporate face shots, real estate or family photos. It is up to you and your skills what types of images you take.
Becoming a photographer requires investing time learning professional photography, honing your skills and creating a portfolio to showcase your work. In addition, you need a quality camera with the right lenses, lights and filters. You'll also need good digital editing software that allows you to adjust the images after they've been taken. You might also want to have a website that showcases your portfolio and helps you attract new clients.
For more information, see our article onHow to start a photography business..
17. College Counselor
For some, getting into the right university is the first step to professional success. Many parents will spend a lot of money to help their children get into the best schools. As a college counselor, you will help assess a student's options, help prepare for tests, advise on school essays, and help with financial aid.
Certification is not required to become a college counselor, although you must be proficient in navigating financial aid and student grants. Some certifications will help you market yourself better, such as: B. The Heartland Institute College Consultant certification.
18. Professional Translation Services
More and more companies need to translate content into other languages to access specific customer demographics. If you speak multiple languages and are fluent in conversational and professional tones, you could start a business as a translator.
You don't need any certification or educational experience to become a translator. Instead, you need to be able to translate a variety of content topics.
19. Cyber Security Advisor
Cyber security is important for any business because getting hacked is expensive and can ruin a small business. A cybersecurity consultant analyzes a company's risk profile and helps find solutions to prevent intrusion by hackers. The consultant tests programs, secures software, and sets up firewalls and encryption services so companies can be confident they are prepared for potential attacks.
They should have a technology degree and specific certifications required for the training, as well as the credentials customers want. Many colleges and universities have certificate programs specializing in cybersecurity protocols.
bottom line
When you're readyStart a home business, this list will help you find some easy business ideas to get you started. Most do not require a degree or special training. Find something you love to do and turn it into a profitable business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I have to register a home business?
If you intend to incorporate your company or incorporate a limited liability company (LLC), you must register the company with the Secretary of State. This is where new companies get permission to do business in the state. learn howset up a GmbH.
How much does it cost to start a home based business?
The costs of starting a home-based business range from nothing to several thousand dollars. It depends on what you offer as a product or service. For example, a freelance writer only needs a computer, while someone who sells candles needs to have an inventory.
Do I need money to start a home based business?
Many home-based businesses do not require startup costs. You can use your existing computer to work and market your services. Some examples are virtual assistants, writers, accountants and tutors.
What is the most profitable type of business?
There is no single answer to this question as the most profitable type of business depends on a number of factors such as industry, location, target market and business model. However, some businesses tend to be more profitable than others, such as B. Luxury goods, high-end services, business-to-business companies and subscription-based companies. If you are unsure about what type of business to start, consider your strengths and interests as well as the needs of your target market to help you choose a profitable business idea.