In this post, you will find:
- Small business ideas where you can start making money without much effort.
- Online business ideas you can start from home in your spare time.
- Traditional business ideas that work.
- And MUCH more!
What Are The Best Small Business Ideas?
1. Start a Blog
Although starting a blog can’t sound like a business idea, many people make millions with blogs.
There are several ways to monetize a blog. It can be through affiliate marketing, ads, product placements, etc. But it will only generate revenue if it gets traffic.
A good aspect of blogging is that you can write about anything. From business to home decor, the sky is the limit regarding blogging ideas.
Starting a blog can provide a reliable source of income.
2. Start a YouTube Channel
If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to make money online, starting a YouTube channel can be a great idea.
With over 2 billion active users, YouTube is one of the largest social media platforms in the world, and it offers endless opportunities for content creators to earn money.
You can monetize your YouTube channel by creating engaging videos that attract viewers through advertising revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. You can also sell your own products or services, such as courses, eBooks, or merchandise, to your loyal fans.
The best part? Starting a YouTube channel doesn’t require a huge investment or a lot of technical know-how. With a smartphone camera and some basic editing skills, you can produce high-quality videos that attract a following and generate income.
3. Business Consulting
Starting a business consulting service can be a great small business idea if you have expertise in a particular field.
As a consultant, you can provide valuable insights and advice to small business owners and entrepreneurs, helping them to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Business consulting can be a lucrative field, and it offers a lot of flexibility and autonomy. You can work from home, set your own hours, and choose the clients and projects that interest you most.
To succeed in consulting business, you must be a good communicator, a problem solver, and a strategic thinker. You’ll also need to market yourself effectively and build a strong reputation for delivering results.
4. Bookkeeping and Accounting
Although bookkeeping is a traditional business idea, it is a lucrative business.
Bookkeeping is a vital function for any business. Many entrepreneurs are willing to pay for professional bookkeeping services to ensure their financial records are accurate and up-to-date.
You can also work for people and manage their personal and business finances as an accountant.
The biggest obstacle to starting a bookkeeping business is that it’s usually required to have a degree in Accounting.
5. Digital Marketing Services
Digital marketing services are one of the most popular small business ideas.
As a digital marketing agency, you can help businesses with all aspects of their online marketing campaigns. Many companies don’t have enough time or resources to manage their social media accounts, so hiring a social media manager is often the best option.
You can also help small businesses with their website design and development, SEO, email marketing, video marketing, PPC advertising, and more. As more and more companies turn to the internet for their marketing needs, there will be an increase in demand for quality digital marketing professionals.
6. Cleaning Service
If you enjoy cleaning, there are several ways to turn it into a money-making opportunity.
You can join a professional cleaning service company as a contractor or offer your services to people you already know. Consider offering various services, such as deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, or specialized cleaning for specific items, like carpets or upholstery.
Working as an independent cleaner allows you to build direct relationships with your clients, which can lead to repeat business and referrals.
7. Event Planning
Are you an organized and creative individual with a passion for planning and bringing people together? Then starting an event planning business might be the perfect opportunity for you!
Event planners are in high demand as people continue to celebrate milestones and events.
As an event planner, you’ll work with clients to design, plan, and execute events, from weddings to corporate events. You’ll manage budgets, coordinate vendors, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
You can start your new business and work alone without hiring staff at first. Then you can create relationships with freelancers and hire them on demand.
Another important element is building a reliable network of vendors and suppliers. They are an essential piece when it comes to successful events.
8. Business Planning
Helping other businesses is among the great business ideas to start.
As a business planner, you’ll help entrepreneurs and small business owners develop comprehensive plans to launch or grow their businesses. You’ll offer guidance on market research, financial projections, marketing strategies, and more.
Networking and relationships dictate the game. Stay in contact with professionals in your industry and consider obtaining relevant certifications or degrees. It will enhance your credibility a lot!
9. Real Estate Realtor
Being a real estate realtor can be one of the most profitable business ideas.
As a real estate realtor, you’ll help clients buy, sell, and rent properties, working closely with them to understand their needs and find the perfect fit. You’ll also have the opportunity to build a network of contacts in the industry, from mortgage brokers to home inspectors, and develop a reputation for excellence in your community.
To get started:
- You need to obtain a real estate license in your state.
- Consider working with a brokerage to gain experience and support.
- Build your online presence and social media following to attract more clients.
10. Professional Organizing
If you have a talent for organizing, you can turn it into a profitable side hustle or even a full-time business.
Start by offering your services to friends and family or posting on social media to build a client base. You can charge by hour or project, depending on what works best for you. As you gain more experience and positive reviews, you can increase your rates and expand your services.
Consider offering virtual organizing sessions or creating digital organizing products to sell online.
With some hard work and dedication, you can turn your passion for organizing into a lucrative source of income.
11. Pet Grooming Business
Animals + Entrepreneurship = great small business idea! The pet market is enormous and will continue growing for the next decade.
Pet owners spend reasonable amounts when it comes to their pets. I can talk for myself.
From bathing to haircuts to nail trimming, you’ll have the opportunity to work with many furry clients, providing personalized care and attention to each pet.
You’ll need relevant training, an operating license, and grooming equipment to start your business.
12. Event Catering
It’s another great small business idea if you are a culinary enthusiast.
If you own a catering business, creating delicious and memorable dishes is what you do best.
From weddings and corporate events to private parties, you’ll work closely with clients to design menus and execute events that leave a lasting impression on their guests.
Events planners and local vendors are a great source of events for you. It’s crucial to be around and partner with them.
Ultimately, invest in high-quality kitchen equipment and staff training, and be sure to comply with all health and safety regulations.
13. Online Reselling
As an online reseller, you’ll purchase products at wholesale prices from manufacturers, liquidators, or other retailers and resell them online for a profit.
You can focus on a specific product niche, such as fashion or electronics, or offer a range of products to appeal to a broader audience.
To get started, you can:
- List your products on Facebook Marketplace.
- Create your e-commerce using Shopify.
- Sell your products on social media apps like Instagram and TikTok.
One of the benefits of starting an online reselling business is that you can operate from anywhere, allowing you to work from home.
However, as with any business, there are risks and challenges to consider, such as competition, supplier reliability, and keeping up with market trends.
14. Owning A Food Truck
Owning a food truck can be a fantastic business idea if you want to be a small business owner but don’t like having a traditional brick-and-mortar business.
As a food truck owner, you can share your culinary creations with people in various locations, such as street festivals, concerts, and private events. You can also choose your own hours to adapt to changing demands.
One downside of owning a food truck business is the initial investment to buy and adapt the vehicle to your needs.
15. Graphic Designing
With the explosion of social media and businesses moving online, having a graphic design business is a guaranteed win.
Now, the best way to start is by creating a solid portfolio of your work to showcase your skills. And you can easily do that by redesigning existing logos, websites, and apps and sharing them on Dribbble to attract clients.
Here are some of the most used tools you can start with:
Besides that, you won’t have overhead costs (at least initially) once you can start with no employees. Also, as your work will be online, you can work from home or in a shared workspace.
16. Resume Writing
It’s one of the most straightforward online business ideas.
Every single person once needed a professional resume. So the demand is always there. You can start by offering your services to your family, friends, and LinkedIn connections.
You don’t need to invest anything upfront. However, it’s a good idea to subscribe to a writing assistant like Grammarly to help you write perfectly. That’s it.
Another source is freelancing. Sites like Fiverr and Upwork allow you to promote this kind of service. So you don’t need to rely only on people you already know.
17. Woodworking or Furniture Building
Every home has some piece of wood furniture, period. That’s enough demand to start this small business.
Woodworking is an art and has a strong visual appeal. They draw more attention when people are scrolling through their timelines. Therefore, it’s a perfect product you can share on social media. You won’t have problems with your target market.
To get started, you will need essential tools and supplies like a hammer, saw, nails, screws, and wood. It only requires a little room to accommodate everything. Thus, it’s a great way to create your own business.
18. Personal Trainer or Fitness Instructor
It’s the person who will make you hate the word “burpee” more than anything else. Just kidding!
As a personal trainer, building strong relationships with your clients and helping them achieve their fitness goals is vital. You’ll need to create personalized workout plans and track their progress over time.
To become a personal trainer, you need certification from a reputable organization like:
- American Council on Exercise (ACE).
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).
These programs typically require you to complete coursework and pass a certification exam.
Once you have your certification, one of the best ways to get started is by building a solid online presence through social media and a website. You can also offer your services at local gyms, community centers, and parks.
19. Freelance Copywriting and Content Creation
With low startup costs and the ability to work from your own home, it’s a business idea worth considering.
As a copywriter, you will create engaging and persuasive content for various mediums such as websites, blogs, social media, advertising, and more. It involves using language that resonates with the target audience and inspires them to take action.
You only need a computer, an internet connection, and essential software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. You can also create a website and social media presence to showcase your work and attract clients. Don’t worry; you can do that for free or at a minimal cost.
However, the easiest way to find projects is through online platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.
20. Start an Online Store
Starting an online store allows you to reach a global audience, work from anywhere, and set your schedule.
With the rise of e-commerce platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and Shopify, it has become easier to start selling products online. Plus, you can scale your business as you grow, earning more money with each sale.
You can sell various products, including handmade, digital, and vintage items. A perfect place to market your products is your social media account.
Investing in packaging, product quality, and marketing will help you outstand when selling products online.
21. Build Websites
It’s one of the most profitable small business ideas. With the increasing importance of digital presence, businesses and individuals need professional-looking websites to promote their products and services.
However, to start a business like that, you need to be tech-savvy and creative.
You don’t necessarily need a degree or formal training to become a web developer. With online courses and tutorials, you can learn the necessary skills. And with plenty of free tools and resources available, you can start building websites without investing a lot of money.
An alternative and fast way to build websites is using site builders. Tools like Webflow and WordPress allow you to create a website from scratch without no code.
22. App Development
Side-by-side with building websites, developing apps is another terrific small business idea.
Again, here is vital to have a tech background or at least understand how apps work.
There are plenty of online courses you can learn how to develop apps. Udemy is a great platform to find this type of course.
There are also “no-code” tools for app development. Glide is an example of a tool you can use to create your first app.
If you are willing to study and put in work and effort, I highly recommend this small business idea.
23. T-shirt Printing Business
Being creative and enjoying creating designs should sound like music to your ears if you want to start a T-shirt printing business.
T-shirt printing is a low-cost business to start. You can begin printing T-shirts from your home with the right equipment and supplies.
Alternatively, you can use print-on-demand services. They allow you to create designs and upload them to a third-party site like Printify that handles the printing and shipping for you.
With low start-up costs and endless possibilities for customization, there’s never been a better time to launch your own fashion brand.
24. Social Media Management
Social media is everywhere, and social media managers are getting busy (for good)!
Suppose you run a social media management business. In that case, you are responsible for creating and managing social media content and campaigns for companies and organizations. You typically create content calendars, monitor analytics, and engage with followers.
To start your social media management business, you must have excellent communication skills and knowledge of marketing and social media platforms.
Ultimately, it can be a flexible and rewarding career path for those who want to work remotely and help businesses grow their online presence.
25. Handyperson Services
Ask yourself, “How many times did you need someone to fix anything in your home?”. It’s when a handyperson comes to the scene.
You don’t need specific knowledge to offer this kind of service. If you like to do minor repairs in your home already, you are a good candidate to start your business.
You can promote it on your social media profile or sites like TaskRabbit. It’s a marketplace that connects people and professionals.
After you get started and make some connections, you can recruit more people to help. Then, you can grow your business by diversifying your services like furniture assembly, helping to move, and landscaping.
26. Daycare Provider
Do you have experience caring for kids and providing a safe and nurturing environment?
Here are some reasons why you should consider starting a daycare business:
- Daycare businesses have a high demand as more and more parents enter the workforce.
- It’s a flexible business. You can provide full-time or part-time care, depending on your availability and preferences.
- Build long-lasting relationships with families and children.
- Make a positive impact on children’s lives.
27. Senior Care Provider
It’s another excellent idea among small business ideas if you want to impact people’s lives positively.
With more and more baby boomers reaching retirement age, there is a growing need for high-quality senior care services. By providing compassionate and personalized care, you can help seniors maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.
Like a daycare business, it likewise allows you to work full-time or part-time. Thus, it’s a great option to start your own business if you want time flexibility.
28. Self-Storage Business
Are you looking for a business that can provide a stable and consistent income? A self-storage business is one of the small business ideas for that!
With more people living in smaller spaces and accumulating more possessions, the demand for self-storage facilities is rising.
Low overhead cost
Once you have purchased or leased the land and built the storage units, your operating costs are minimal. You don’t need to pay for inventory or deal with product obsolescence. Additionally, self-storage facilities require little to no maintenance, and a small staff can manage them.
Reliable and consistent income stream
Unlike other businesses that are subject to seasonal fluctuations or economic downturns, people always need a safe and secure place to store their belongings. It means that you can count on a steady stream of income year-round.
Long-term growth and expansion
You can start small and gradually add more units as demand increases. You can also expand your business to other locations or offer additional services, such as climate-controlled units or vehicle storage.
29. DJ-ing
Who doesn’t like music?
I know how to DJ, and it’s fun. It’s the perfect match when you enjoy something and can start your own business with it.
You can DJ at parties, dance clubs, festivals, weddings, professional events, etc. It’s a huge market with tons of opportunities.
Again, social media is your best friend here. Sharing moments when you are playing is a win.
Word of mouth is natural in this gig. If someone attends an event where you are playing and enjoys the vibe, they will likely recommend you to their friends.
You can start by renting the equipment on demand, but the good profits are when you have your own equipment.
30. Bed and Breakfast
If you have another home or even a room in your home, it’s a great business idea to make money by renting it out on Airbnb or Vrbo.
Once you have the space ready, create a listing for that. Ensure it is detailed and accurate, and provide high-quality photos to showcase your spot. Keep your guests happy by providing excellent customer service and ensuring a clean and comfortable space.
You can increase your rates and attract more bookings as you gain positive reviews.
Airbnb also offers additional services, such as experiences and tours, which you can provide to guests for an additional fee.
31. Ice Cream Shop
Are you looking for a business idea that can bring smiles to people’s faces? Then opening an ice cream shop may be the perfect option for you!
This business can be fun and profitable, especially during the hot summer months. Here are a few reasons why an ice cream shop is a great idea:
Firstly, ice cream is a beloved treat that all generations enjoy. People of all ages and backgrounds love indulging in a sweet, creamy scoop. Secondly, an ice cream shop can provide a fun and welcoming atmosphere for customers to enjoy their treats.
You can decorate your shop with bright colors and playful decor to make it an Instagram-worthy destination. Lastly, you can get creative with your flavors and toppings to stand out. Experiment with unique flavors and toppings to keep customers coming back for more.
Overall, opening an ice cream shop is a great way to bring joy to your community while making a profit. Let’s scoop up this opportunity!
32. Massage therapist
Becoming a massage therapist may be the perfect fit if you are interested in a business idea that focuses on helping people relax and unwind.
As a massage therapist, you can provide clients with various services to help them relieve stress, alleviate pain, and improve their overall well-being.
One of the best things about being a massage therapist is that you can work in a variety of settings, such as spas, wellness centers, or even as a mobile practitioner. You can also specialize in different types of massage, such as Swedish, deep tissue, or hot stone.
Another benefit of being a massage therapist is that it is a growing field with an increasing demand for skilled professionals.
33. Nutritionist
As a nutritionist, you will help people achieve their health goals.
The main activities of a nutritionist are:
- Create customized meal plans.
- Provide education on healthy eating habits.
- Offer support throughout the patient’s journey.
You can work in private practice, hospitals, or even as a corporate consultant. From sports nutrition to weight loss to disease management, you have many areas you can specialize in.
The demand for qualified nutrition professionals is growing due to the rise of chronic diseases and the importance of preventive care. As a result, there is a need for individuals who can provide evidence-based nutrition advice and support.
34. SEO Consultant
As more businesses move online, the demand for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) experts continues to grow.
As an SEO consultant, you’ll work with clients to improve their website’s visibility on search engines like Google. You’ll analyze their websites, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies to drive more traffic to their sites.
Tools like Ahrefs, SemRush, and Surfer SEO live in the SEO expert toolbelt. At the time I’m writing this post, I’m using Ahrefs and Surfer SEO. They are powerful tools and facilitate the implementation of the strategies.
Social media and freelance marketplaces like Fiverr are the best places to offer your services and find new clients.
35. Dropshipping
This business model allows you to sell products without holding inventory or handling shipping logistics. Here’s how it works:
- First, you choose a niche and find suppliers willing to dropship their products.
- Then, you set up an online store and list the products from your suppliers.
- When a customer places an order on your site, you forward the order to your supplier, who then ships the product directly to the customer.
- You profit from the difference between the price you charged the customer and the price you paid your supplier.
One of the most significant advantages of dropshipping is that you don’t have to invest much money upfront. You only need to pay for your website and marketing costs, such as advertising and social media promotion. You also can change your product offerings quickly and easily without worrying about excess inventory.
36. Laundromat Business
Here are a few reasons why a Laundromat is a great small business idea:
- Laundromats are essential for people who don’t have access to laundry facilities at home. It means that there is always a demand for this service.
- It offers a convenient and time-saving option for busy individuals who don’t have the time to do laundry at home. You can provide additional services such as wash-and-fold or dry-cleaning to attract customers.
- A laundromat business can be profitable with relatively low overhead costs. You can operate with minimal staff and equipment, making it an excellent option for those looking for a low-risk business opportunity.
37. Create Courses
Teaching online can be a lucrative business idea. You can leverage your skills and expertise to create engaging and informative courses that people are willing to pay for.
Thanks to platforms like Udemy, creating and selling online courses has never been easier. You can create courses on anything from cooking to marketing to personal development and earn money every time someone enrolls.
Creating online courses is a great way to make money and allows you to share your knowledge with a broader audience. You’ll be helping people improve their skills and achieve their goals, all while building a profitable business.
Let’s put your expertise to work and start creating online courses today!
38. Landscaping
If you love to work outdoors and are passionate about creating beautiful landscapes, this is for you!
Homeowners, businesses, and municipalities all require maintenance and design services for their outdoor spaces. It means there is always a demand for landscaping.
With landscaping, you can offer a range of services, including lawn care, garden design, and hardscaping, to keep your work exciting and varied. You can start with basic equipment and gradually expand as your business grows.
It’s also a creative outlet for those who enjoy working with plants, flowers, and landscaping materials.
So why not turn your green thumb into a successful small business?
39. Snowplowing
Are you looking for a winter business idea to help you make extra cash? Look no further than a snowplowing business! With the right equipment and a reliable work ethic, you can turn snow removal into a profitable small business.
To get started, you must invest in a snowplow and other necessary tools like shovels and ice melt. Create a marketing plan to reach potential customers, such as advertising in local newspapers or online classifieds. You can also network with property managers and homeowners associations to secure regular contracts.
Once the snow starts falling, be ready to work long hours to keep up with demand. But the hard work will pay off as you build a loyal customer base and generate steady income during the winter months.
40. Gutter Cleaning
Gutter cleaning is a simple business model with low startup costs.
Regular gutter cleaning is crucial to prevent building damage and ensure proper drainage, making it a valuable service for businesses and homeowners.
Like the snowplowing business, you need to invest in necessary equipment such as safety gear, ladders, and cleaning tools. With the proper equipment, you can start offering your services to friends and neighbors.
Word of mouth is your friend here and will help you to expand your business. You can include power washing or window cleaning in your services.
Additionally, networking with property managers and home improvement stores can secure regular contracts to keep up with your successful business.
41. Vending Machines Business
Vending machines are a convenient way for people to purchase snacks and drinks on the go, making them a lucrative business opportunity.
You’ll need to purchase vending machines, stock them with products, and maintain them regularly. You can sell a mix of snacks and drinks or focus on healthier options.
Then, the first step is researching your target market and finding high-traffic locations to place your machines.
Once you’ve secured locations for your machines, sit back and watch the profits roll in. While this business requires minimal effort once you set the machines up, staying on top of inventory and maintenance is crucial to ensure customer satisfaction.
The best part of starting a vending machine business is its scalability. You can start with just a few machines and expand as your profits grow.
42. Buy and Sell Domain Names
Domain names are valuable assets businesses need to establish their online presence, making them a lucrative market.
The key for this business is to find desirable domain names. You can do that by researching popular keywords and trends. Then you can purchase them through domain auctions or directly from owners who may be willing to sell.
I, for example, own mymetaversespace.com. Are you interested? 😉
Once you’ve acquired some valuable domains, list them for sale on platforms like Sedo or Flippa. Market your domain names using social media and search engine optimization techniques to attract potential buyers.
It is a business where you can work from anywhere with an internet connection. However, experts doubt the long-term viability of this business. Hence, it is better not to go full-time with this idea.
43. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services through your website, social media, or other channels.
You earn a commission on any sales made through your unique affiliate link. To get started, identify products or services that align with your values and interests, and sign up for affiliate programs offered by the companies that sell them.
It’s vital to build a solid online presence and create content that resonates with your audience to be successful in affiliate marketing. It could include reviews, tutorials, or other types of educational content.
While affiliate marketing requires some upfront work in building your online presence, it can be a successful business for people passionate about specific products or industries.
44. Property Management
A property manager oversees the day-to-day operations of rental properties, acting as a bridge between landlords and tenants.
Are you a natural problem solver with great communication skills? Consider starting a property management business!
You’ll need to establish relationships with landlords and homeowners associations, create contracts and leases, and set up financial systems to collect rent and handle expenses.
When managing the properties, you will handle maintenance requests, enforce lease terms, and ensure timely rent collection. Good communication skills are crucial in this field since you’ll be mediating conflicts between tenants.
A potential next step for a property management business is expanding the services to other areas in real estate, like investing and development.
45. Personal Chef
Transform your passion for cooking into a profitable business by becoming a personal chef!
Personal chefs provide tailored meal prep and cooking services to clients who don’t have the time, skills, or energy to cook.
The saying says: “People eat with their eyes!” so it’s crucial to build an impressive portfolio of dishes you’ve prepared. Then use social media and local networking opportunities to find potential clients.
Personal chefs can choose whether they’d like freelance or contractual work allowing flexibility in their schedule. The best part is developing long-lasting customer relationships while crafting meals that meet their preferences.
46. Writing eBooks
Calling all storytellers and writers! eBooks are an increasingly popular form of digital content, making them the perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity while generating passive income.
You’ll need to write high-quality eBooks with engaging plots and informative content. You can use online platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Barnes & Noble Press to publish them.
You can speed up your workflow and write more compelling content thanks to writing assistants tools like Grammarly and Jasper.
47. Car Washing and Detailing
Starting a car washing and detailing business is one of the best small business ideas if you are looking for a relatively low-cost business model.
The car care industry is booming with no signs of slowing down. With a car washing and detailing business, you can provide this necessary service to individuals and companies.
However, you’ll need to invest in the proper equipment, such as pressure washers, brushes, and drying towels, as well as the necessary supplies, such as soaps, waxes, and polishes.
With its flexibility, you can have your own place to wash the cars or provide a mobile service where you bring your equipment to the client’s place.
Small Business Ideas – FAQ
How do I start a small business from home?
The first thing here is to find something you like doing. It’s easier to start and keep doing something when you like it.
Second, how much are you willing to invest? Small business ideas like Copywriting, Resume Writing, and Business Planning require low to no investment.
Now, Starting a YouTube Channel and Creating Courses require you to have at least a good smartphone or camera.
What business is the easiest to start?
The easiest small business ideas to start are:
- Copywriting
- Resume Writing
- Writing eBooks
- T-shirt Printing Business
- Freelancing
Final Thoughts
Starting your own business can be an alternative for making money, replacing your 9-5, or just complementing your income.
From working online to having a brick-and-mortar store, this list of small business ideas is just the beginning. Be creative, research, and find what better fits your lifestyle.
You can also find alternative ways to make money online here.
Bookmark this page and revisit it whenever you need some inspiration to start your gig. Good luck, my friend!
