Are you looking for ways to start your own business? If yes, then you should definitely check out these 50+ small business ideas for everyone.
The number of businesses has increased over the years. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of self-employed workers rose from 8.1 million in 2014 to 9.3 million in 2018. This means that there are now more opportunities to start your own business.
There are many reasons why people want to start their own business. Some of them include earning extra income, having more control over their schedule, or even starting a new career path. Whatever reason you choose to start your own business, you’ll need to consider several things before you get started.
Here is the list of 50+ small business ideas. These are some great suggestions if you are thinking about starting your own business. You will find all sorts of different ideas here ranging from home based business ideas to online business ideas and everything in between. So, let’s take a look at this list together:
1. Make Your Own Jewelry
Jewelry making can be an easy way to earn money without much investment. All it takes is patience, passion, and skill. A jewelry maker can create custom designs with precious metals like gold, silver, copper, and bronze.
2. Become a Virtual Assistant
If you are good at typing fast, have excellent communication skills, and enjoy customer service work, becoming a virtual assistant may be perfect for you. A virtual assistant provides administrative support for multiple clients by performing tasks such as email correspondence, bookkeeping, data entry, taking messages, scheduling appointments, etc.
3. Be a Freelance Consultant
Freelancing allows you to make money doing what you love. Whether you’re passionate about writing, drawing, designing, photography, videography, or any other creative field, freelancing gives you ownership over how you produce your work. And because you don’t have to follow anyone but yourself, you can set your rates however high or low you’d like.
4. Sell Crafts Online
Selling crafts on Etsy is one of the best small business ideas ever because selling stuff you no longer use makes space in your home. Plus, you can do most crafty projects around the house instead of buying supplies. Plus, you can sell items made by others or buy wholesale products.
5. Design Websites
Website design is another great side hustle because it offers a unique opportunity to work from anywhere. There’s no need for a local office and you can manage your time as you see fit. Many website designers charge per project rather than hourly, so keep that in mind as well.
6. Create Digital Artwork
Digital artwork includes illustrations, graphics, photos, animations, typographies, logos, icon sets, infographics, icons, icon packs, and pretty much anything else designed digitally. They can be used for websites, apps, books, presentations, social media posts, etc. The sky is the limit when it comes to creating digital art.
7. Write Articles & Blog Posts
Writing articles and blog posts requires little to no experience. You just need a computer, internet access, and plenty of spare time to put into writing. Once you’ve got your first client, the rest will come naturally.
8. Start a Photography Business
Photography has become widely popular recently, which means there’s tons of potential customers out there who would love professional photographs taken by a real photographer. To give yourself an advantage, invest in some decent equipment, and learn the basics of light and composition.
9. Set Up Shop as an Independent Graphic Designer
Graphic design is everywhere right now and there are always new businesses looking for talented graphic designers to help them get their message across. So if you know Adobe Photoshop, can meet deadlines, and love to collaborate with people, this is a great side business idea for you.
10. Do Transcription Work
Need someone to turn your audio recordings into written text? If you were previously an English teacher, then transcription might be something you already do as a part-time job. It’s not as easy as it sounds; however, with a lot of patience, you can build up a nice monthly income through transcription work.
11. Become a Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants perform a wide range of services for companies including answering emails, booking travel arrangements, managing payroll, editing documents, researching information, and more. This can be a very competitive line of work, but if you’re willing to learn how to do these things yourself then you could start making money immediately.
12. Sell Your Photos Online
If you have a good eye for picking out the perfect shot, why not let other people benefit from your talent? Consider setting up a stock photo site like Shutterstock where you can offer high resolution versions of your pictures for licensing purposes.
13. Get Paid to Take Surveys
Surveys aren’t a huge source of side cash, but many sites pay surveystakers via PayPal every month. Some even pay better than $3! Sign up at several survey sites and take surveys on topics relevant to your interests.
14. Become an AirBNB Host
AirBNB is a popular accommodation sharing service that lets homeowners or tenants list properties they want to rent out. As a host, you’ll need to sign up, choose properties that suit your needs, fill them out, and share any amenities that set your place apart from others. One of the best parts is that hosts earn passive income by charging guests a certain amount each night.
15. Rent Out Items Through Amazon FBA
Amazon’s facility known as “Fulfillment By Amazon” (FBA) allows anyone to sell products directly to Amazon without having to go through a wholesaler. For those who don’t know what FBA is, here’s a quick explanation:
16. Create and Sell Homemade Products
You can open an online store in minutes using platforms such as Etsy.com. However, starting off small won’t make much money unless you have high sales volumes — so it’s important to find ways to market your handmade items beyond selling them one at a time.
17. Start a Blog
Blogging is another great way to create a business around your passions while also earning extra money. The key to blogging success is building an engaged audience, so consider focusing on creating content that will keep readers interested enough to subscribe to your blog and return often.
18. Make Money as a Freelance Writer
Freelancing writing offers flexibility and the chance to make money based on your skills. You can freelance write for websites, businesses, brands, and more. Plus, freelancing writing has low barriers to entry since most freelancing jobs are done remotely. Use Upwork.com to search for clients, charge reasonable rates, and get started today.
19. Freelance Developer
Are you skilled with technology? Do you enjoy working with software development tools like HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and jQuery? If so, you might want to explore becoming a freelance developer. There are plenty of companies looking for developers, and generalist positions are available. To get started, check out Toptal and Codeable.
20. Online Dating Consultant
If you’re skilled at helping people improve their dating lives, then this may be a good side hustle idea for you. Many single people are willing to pay good money for help finding love, so if you’ve got a unique perspective on relationships, this could easily become a lucrative career path.
21. Retail Arbitrage
Retail arbitraging involves buying goods at a low price in one location and then re-selling them for profit in another location. This scenario requires discipline, patience, and skill, but it can lead to big profits when combined with proper planning, knowledge of product trends, and excellent negotiation skills.
22. Ride Sharing
Ride sharing services such as Uber and Lyft offer a convenient option for getting around town — especially in metropolitan areas where public transportation can be limited. Although these services start out as peer-to-peer programs, they soon grow into full-service car services with professional drivers and cars. The downside of ride sharing is that earnings can be relatively low depending on the city, vehicle costs, and how long it takes you to accumulate a sufficient fare base.
23. Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking isn’t just about putting together pretty pages. It’s a crafty hobby that combines creativity, artistry, and organization. Some scrapbookers even sell their work by direct mail or via galleries. Others turn their passion into a part-time job, running their own shops or workshops. To learn more about starting a scrapbooking business, click here.
24. Search Engine Evaluator
Search engine evaluators (or SEO testers) analyze online searches from users to determine what results are best for advertisers. These tests are typically used to find new keywords or phrases that will drive traffic to websites. Evaluators read through paid ads and compare them against organic search results, determining which ones bring in better clicks.
25. Social Media Management
Social media management is a service offered by some small businesses who have grown tired of managing social networks themselves. Companies hire social media managers because they don’t have time to do it all. By outsourcing this task, businesses can focus on other aspects of their company instead.
26. Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing is an effective way to promote your brand, products, and services to targeted audiences through social networking sites. For example, you can set up a page dedicated to receiving feedback on your business’ products and share links to your website and ecommerce store. By building an engaged following on social media, you reach customers where they spend most of their time: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
27. Personal Trainer
Personal trainers make great side hustles because they can work independently with no need for equipment. You can take clients outdoors, at home, or even to local gyms. As long as you have access to a gym, a personal trainer can help you get fit no matter what type of fitness level you have. Plus, there’s always demand for personal trainers since many people prefer having someone show them exercises rather than doing it themselves.
28. Pet Sitter
If you enjoy spending time with animals, becoming a pet sitter may be right up your alley. Pet sitting involves taking care of pets during owners’ times away. This is a flexible schedule that allows you to choose when to work and how much money you want to charge per hour. Pet sitters must first become certified before they can begin working.
29. Photographer
Photography has become one of the fastest growing professions in recent years due to its ability to capture life experiences and create unique memories. Many photographers also use photography as a means to express themselves artistically. If you’re artistic, love being creative, and have a good eye, then selling your photos as prints might be something worth exploring.
30. Proofreader
Proofreading is another occupation that can be done remotely, meaning you can do it anywhere you have an internet connection. While proofreaders correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, they also ensure everything else in the document is accurate. They review webpages, books, articles, emails, proposals, contracts, reports, and more.
31. Public Relations/Communications Specialist
Public relations specialists work behind-the-scenes to increase the exposure of brands and companies. They manage press releases, respond to media inquiries, and provide information about upcoming events. PR professionals often work closely with marketing departments and advertising agencies to develop strategic plans.
32. Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents are hired by sellers to represent them in real estate transactions. They negotiate the sale price between buyers and sellers, find properties for potential buyers, and perform other related tasks.
33. Life / Career Coach
Life coaches help individuals improve their lives by providing guidance, support, and motivation. These coaches usually meet with clients once every week or two over several months. A career coach focuses solely on helping job seekers land new positions.
34. Resume Writer
Resumes play a big role in getting a foot in the door at interviews. Whether you’re looking for a part-time gig or would like to start a career from home, resume writing could be just the thing you need. Writing resumes requires research skills, so stay sharp by reading job listings frequently.
35. Running Club Leader
Are you passionate about running? Do you enjoy interacting with others who share this passion? Then why not consider starting your own running club? There are plenty of clubs out there looking for leaders who are willing to volunteer their time and energy. The best part is that you don’t even have to leave your house!
36. School Psychologist
School psychologists specialize in diagnosing issues affecting children and teenagers. Some school psychologists focus only on students while others work with teachers and parents as well. Either way, school psychology jobs typically include conducting psychological tests and exams, counseling students and staff members, and consulting with administrators and educators.
37. Ecommerce Store Owner
If you have a knack for creating beautiful products, but lack the technical know-how to actually run an ecommerce store, perhaps opening your own business could be perfect for you. You’ll need to set up the website, choose a shopping cart service, build inventory, and fulfill orders before you can ship anything off. But if you end up enjoying yourself, earning money online may end up becoming a full-time job itself.
38. Tutor
Tutors teach people how to learn a subject through one-on-one lessons. As a tutor, you will likely teach high school or college students how to read, write, speak, or do math. Many tutoring services are offered via Skype or telephone.
39. Travel Planner
Travel planners organize travel itineraries for weddings, funerals, and vacations. This means researching hotels, restaurants, attractions, and transportation options. If you love planning trips, then working as a travel planner might be right up your alley.
40. Home Inspector
Home inspectors check homes for structural integrity and overall safety. Inspections can range from checking electrical systems to plumbing and HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning). In addition, they may look for signs of termites, mold, and pests.
41. House Cleaner
House cleaners make sure homes are spic and span. They clean bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and more. Most cleaning companies require employees to complete background checks and drug screens prior to being hired.
42. Photo Editor
Photo editors use software programs such as Photoshop and Lightroom to edit photos. Editing involves cropping, adjusting colors, adding special effects, and other image-editing techniques. Before applying for a photo editing position, find out what type of experience and qualifications employers are seeking.
43. Personal Chef
Personal chefs prepare meals for clients at home. Clients usually order groceries ahead of time; personal chefs cook the food according to instructions given by clients. Depending on the size of the order, some personal chefs charge hourly rates.
44. Interior Designer
Interior designers create custom designs for residential spaces like apartments, offices, and houses. These professionals often sketch ideas using 2D design tools and 3D modeling software. Interior designer jobs vary depending on whether the individual works independently or within larger firms.
45. Tour Guide
Tour guides lead groups around cities and towns. Tour guides may give their guests historical facts about local landmarks or share stories about interesting places in the area.
46. Clothing Boutique Owner
Clothing boutique owners sell clothing items like dresses, suits, coats, jewelry, handbags, shoes, and accessories. Some retail stores also offer beauty products and household goods.
47. Event Planner
Event planners plan parties and social events like birthday celebrations, weddings, and corporate functions. To become an event planner, start with word-of-mouth recommendations and then search for clientele and venues.
48. Food Truck Owner
Food truck owners serve fast foods that are prepared on-site daily. Customers can choose from a variety of menu items including tacos, burritos, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and beverages.
49. Caterer
Caterers provide food services for private parties, business meetings, conferences, and weddings. Catering services generally include buffet style and plated menus. Many catering businesses hire people full-time while others cater only part-time.
50. Gym Owner
Gym owners own gyms where members pay monthly fees to workout. Gyms may have equipment like treadmills, weight machines, free weights, exercise bikes, elliptical trainers, rowing machines, and more.
51. Massage Therapist
Massage therapists apply pressure to muscles and joints through Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, prenatal massage, and remedial/relaxation massage.
52. Daycare Owner
Daycare owners care for small children between the ages of 0 and 5 years old. The owner is typically responsible for setting up the daycare space, making sure all safety precautions are followed, and supervising activities.
53. Boutique Agency Business Owner
Boutique agency business owners work with fashion brands to market their clothing lines. They may help companies develop new products, manage advertising campaigns, and promote brand awareness.
54. Makeup Artist
Makeup artists use makeup to enhance the appearance of models, actors, singers, dancers, and other individuals appearing in public. Makeup artists must be skilled in applying foundation, powder, blush, lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow, and lip gloss.
55. Voiceover Artist
Voiceover artists record voiceovers for advertisements, eBooks, audio books, video games, phone apps, websites, and more. Most voiceover artists need a high school diploma or its equivalent. A few colleges offer degrees in voice acting.
Conclusion
Running your own business is exciting because you get to decide what kind of life you want to live. You’re in control of how much money you make and how hard you work. If you’d like to learn more about starting your own business, check out our guide: How to Start Your Own Business.
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