how to start a business online
Brian Chesky, co-founder of Airbnb, said, "If we had tried to think of a good idea, we wouldn't have been able to think of a good idea. You just have to find a solution to a problem in your life." "
If you're like Brian and you've already thought of a solution to a problem in your life—or you're well on your way to doing so—starting a small business may be in your future. It could happen to you too if you dream of getting out of your nine-to-five job and becoming your own boss for the last time.
But while you can feel ready for a new venture and passionate about your idea, you may be looking for some direction.
To help you get started, here is a list of small business ideas divided into three major sections:
Best Small Business Ideas
home business ideas
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 will walk through dozens of small business ideas that you can start from home and grow as your clients grow.
Best Small Business Ideas
1. Handyman
Do you always fix things around the house? Often on-call when friends need to complete small projects? Build a website, do a competitive analysis to determine what your time and expertise are worth, and turn to friends you've previously helped for referrals.
2. Woodworker
Similarly, if you have a passion for making beautiful furniture or other home items out of wood, this might be a small business for you. Start by listing some of your pieces on sites like Etsy. Once you've built a following, consider starting a website, accepting custom orders, or expanding to refining work and furnishings.
3. Online Dating Consultant
Dating consultants usually charge a fee for their time. They help people build successful online dating profiles, source potential matches from outside normal online channels, and offer a level of personalization that a site like Tinder cannot. Think you have a knack for matching? This could be the business for you.
4. 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 will naturally have a technical skill set. Distill your knowledge and expertise so that customers who do not have your experience understand what you are helping them achieve.
To help with this, test your messaging on friends and family who don't really understand what you're doing. If they are able to summarize what you do, your message is likely to be effective among people outside your industry.
5. Personal Trainer
Offer in-house counseling, personalized nutrition and exercise regimens, and community boot camps to get the word out. Don't forget to populate the Instagram feed with inspirational quotes, free exercise videos and delicious snack ideas - 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 okay to start small first, then scale up. For example, MorFit is a personal training business in Indianapolis that began in a shared gym, then evolved into a private gym that provides group fitness, personal training, and nutrition services.
6. Freelance Graphic Designer
Set your own hours, choose your projects, and build a portfolio and business you can be proud of. From website design to blog graphics and more, many companies look for experienced graphic designers to support on a variety of projects.
If you're just getting started with graphic design, try these eight tips and tricks that are ideal for beginners. If you're more experienced but need to build your portfolio to attract clients, these signs will get your creativity flowing in no time.
7. Resume Writer
Creating a resume, cover letter, and -- when necessary -- portfolio for a new job can be daunting and time-consuming. That's why many people seek help. Help clients with customized resumes, beautifully edited cover letters, and carefully crafted portfolios that make it impossible for employers to ignore.
8. Freelance Writer
If you have writing skills, there is someone out there who is willing to pay you for them. Write blog posts, magazine articles, and website copy galore – just make sure you have a body of work to share with potential clients. Even if you create a few sample pieces to keep on hand, they will help showcase your work and attract new business.
9. Translator
speak a foreign language? Start translation service. Consider specializing in a specific style of translation, such as medical or financial translation, as you may be able to meet a specific need in your community.
10. Garden Designer
Many people aspire to do the dirty work in their backyard, but few know how to complete the first part of the process – designing and planning the backyard space. Create designs for your customers' outdoor spaces and let them do the real digging.
11. Ecommerce Store Owner
Do you create, assemble 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 the pottery you make, or an excuse to find sporting memorabilia you love to track down, an ecommerce store can make it economically viable to pursue your passion. can make.
12. Landscaper
Mowing, cutting trees, and seasonal decorations are all neighborhood needs. If you have or can get the equipment, a landscaping business can be a lucrative affair.
13. Videographer
Video production requires you to already invest in equipment which can be quite expensive. But that is what makes your services so valuable. Make sure you have a reel of your work to share or a website with multiple selections of your work available for interested audiences.
To learn more about the art of videography, check out The Ultimate Guide to Video Marketing.
14. photographer
Start by doing photo shoots for your family and friends. Ask for referrals and reviews as you build a body of work. Photography businesses often grow verbally, so create a Facebook page where you can tag recent clients. Videos in which you tag those clients will appear in their friends' newsfeeds, where they can see your work. You can also ask them to leave a review on your Facebook business page.
