40 Home-Based Businesses You Can Start Today

Home-Based Businesses You Can Start:- Today, many people today are looking to leave the daily grind for something that feeds their passion. People do not want to retire at the age of 60 (or older) to look back on life and feel they have wasted it.

Luckily, it is now increasingly easy to start a business from scratch without spending a fortune. Below, I’ve highlighted 40 varied business ideas you can start cheaply from the comfort of your own home.

Some of the business ideas listed require nothing more than an internet connection, while others demand a level of licensing or a specific set of vocational skills…the choice is yours!

40 Home-Based Businesses You Can Start Today

1.Marketing Services

Marketing does involve a certain level of background knowledge. That said, if you are not experienced, investing in an online course is not only cheap but will equip you with the adequate tools to start a solo digital marketing agency you could expand in the future. Related: How to Start a Business in a Competitive Industry

There are lots of new marketing fields opening up such as influencer marketing.

Companies are always looking for freelancers able to provide marketing copy that is SEO-friendly and can transform website visitors into leads and, eventually, customers.

In addition to offering optimized copy, you could offer to upload the content to their websites and improve their SEO further with:

• Meta descriptions
• The right titles
• The correct keyword density
• Tags and categories
• Relevant images with SEO captions and alt tags

2. Social Media Consultant

Who doesn’t love Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram? Fancy yourself to be a bit of whiz, but don’t have any formal training?

Twitter and Google, among other platforms, offer complete professional courses with recognized certifications that require little to no money.

Social media is also a business that has unlimited potential with a client base that can span across the world.

This trend is unlikely to die soon, if ever, and new platforms are being released every year, making the possibilities for expansion limitless. Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

You can use social media management tools to make your job easy.

3. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is extremely easy to get into and involves earning a commission by promoting other companies’ products and services. Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

Basically, you choose a product you like, promote it, and make a profit on each sale that stems from your marketing efforts. An affiliate marketing business is especially easy to start if:

• You have a blog or website of your own
• You can prove your success through visitor statistics
• You have already successfully undertaken affiliate marketing and can show this to your potential clients

Tester or Reviewer

Individuals or startups often look for people to review their products to encourage others to buy them.

You can either get started with a profile on freelancing websites or approach companies directly, offering them a review in exchange for a monetary reward by becoming an influencer.

Even better, if you have your own website or blog, you could write entire posts about their products, thus allowing you to charge more money in the long run and build a portfolio with tangible results to show future clients.Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

4. Secretarial Services

Similar to virtual assisting, remote secretarial services require little to no experience. All you need is:

• Strong organizational skills
• Good communication skills
• Good time management
• A high level of autonomy

Your day-to-day tasks as a freelancing secretary will typically include:

• Booking meetings
• Organizing calendars
• Replying to emails
• Putting together presentations
• Answering phone calls

5. Online Dating Consultant

Have you got a way with words? Or have you found your Mr. or Mrs. Right and want to share how you got there? You can become someone’s wingman or woman and help them find love by becoming an online dating consultant.

This type of consulting comes with a large level of responsibility, as you will be guiding someone’s love life. Daily tasks include:

• Acting as an account manager on dating sites
• Writing profiles
• Offering telephone updates on their matchmaking status

6. Ebay Assistant or Seller

An Ebay assistant or seller is similar to being a marketing affiliate. The key difference is that instead of marketing the product, you are selling it directly to the customer.

When selling for others on eBay or any other platform, you will sell the product and keep a commission as compensation.

Unfortunately, this type of job comes with risks. Commonly, scam artists attract eBay sellers and use fake shipping papers to convince them to send payments.

Unfortunately, even if you are scammed, you will be held responsible for your customers not receiving their items. Always remember to:

• Get to know the distributor
• Keep all payments in your e-wallet until the customer confirms having received the parcel
• Report any suspicious activity
• Do not share any of your banking details

7. Application Developer

New applications are launched on a daily basis and if you believe you have the skills to create your own and a unique enough idea, you should do it! Aside from the fact that you will have to invest little to no money to get started, it is far less time consuming than the average 9 to 5.

Once you have created your application, couple it with the right marketing strategy and you’ll be making money in your sleep. The best part about developing applications is that you can do it from anywhere in the world.

Related: How to find the perfect business name

8.Website Developer

We live in a digital world where every business needs a website to drive their traffic in order to make sales. If you have the skills, you could enter an industry that will never die.

You can also start small by creating websites on platforms such as WordPress. Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

If you want to take your web-building skills to the next level, you can learn the language of website creation through Codecademy.com, where you will be able to learn how to incorporate personalized:

• Shopping carts
• Product pages
• Galleries
• Blogs
• Services pages
• Feedback forms

9.Internet Security Consultant

Hacking, scamming, and viruses are just some of the security threats on the web today.

If you know your stuff, you could make very good money consulting businesses, especially those who handle sensitive customer information and want to keep it as safe as possible.Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

10.Graphic Designer

Companies are always in search of branding that tells people about what they do.

If you can follow company guidelines and customer needs, all you will need to get started is a computer and applications such as Photoshop or Illustrator. Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

Types of media you will be responsible for creating include:

• Logos
• Fliers
• Newsletters
• Magazines
• Information sheets
• Letters
• Advertisements

11. Desktop Publisher

Desktop publishers typically use publishing software to create:

• Magazines
• Books
• Marketing newsletters
• Other marketing materials

In order to offer a full service, you could also write the content or hire a content writer and create your own small team.

Related: Make Sustainability Part of Your Business Model

12. Designing Business Plans

Having a eureka moment is great, but it can be hard to put that idea down on paper in a way that will speak to a potential investor.

If you have owned your own business in the past or earned a business degree, why not help those with a eureka moment start something they love? Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

Plan your fee around the various packages you are prepared to offer your clients. You can either:

• Create an electronic copy that your client can customize
• Keep a copy on file and continue customizing it according to their needs
• Create various templates that you can show your customers and how you can customize the templates for             them accordingly

13. Tax Consultant

Companies big and small pay good money to have their taxes prepared for them. It gives them a chance to focus on the everyday operations of their business.

If you have the appropriate experience, you could set yourself up as a freelancer; however, by starting with a tax preparation franchise, you will receive courses, seminars, and training.

14. Blogger or Vlogger

Are you an expert in a specific field? From travel, fashion, cooking, DIY, and removal services, if you know how to do something particularly well, why not tell the world through a blog or vlog?

All you will need is a computer and a good quality camera. You can make money by offering advertising space and reviews of products on your platform.

Related:: What Is The Difference Between A Startup and a Small Business?

15. Informational Product Creator

Similar to blogging or vlogging, creating informational products is your chance to put your expertise in an e-book or some form of the digital format and selling it to the online world.

Find a niche that’s not been overdone and start writing. You can sell your information piece on platforms such as Amazon Books.

16. Resume Writer

No matter the experience, there are very few people that enjoy or are good at writing their own resume. Individuals pay very good money to have their personal statements put on paper for them.

It will cost you nothing to get set up and once you get the hang of it, you should be able to average a good hourly or daily pay rate.

Related: Top 10 Business Ideas for College Students] 

17. Domain Name Buyer

As the name suggests, all you need to do is buy domain names you believe people will want and sell them for a profit. You will need to be able to:

• Identify profitable domain names
• Identify domain names that are memorable
• Learn about SEO and keyword optimization

18. Flipping Websites

Flipping a website is the art of buying an already existing website, improving it, and selling it. With the right web development skills, it is a very easy and cheap trade to explore.

That said, you need to be able to identify websites that have the potential for improvement.

19. Translator

Translating is one of the easiest and most profitable industries to delve into if you are proficient in more than one language.

Sought out on a global scale, translators do not need any capital to get started and can earn a salary of $40,000 a year (minimum) depending on the size of the company you are hired by and the length of the contract they offer.

Related: 10 Steps to Start a Small Business

20. Financial Advisor

Although the number of people wanting to start their own business has grown, many still do not know how to organize themselves financially.

Start by getting your Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certificate to show clients you are credible.

On the other hand, if you already have the experience, you can start by advising individuals and then grow your empire to consult for larger organizations.

21. Editorial Services

An editorial services business is easy to start, requires no initial monetary investment, and has a huge potential for expansion.

From small and large businesses to authors and students, your client base could be endless. You can offer a variety of services, some of which include:

• Copywriting
• Ghostwriting
• Magazine article writing
• Newspaper article writing
• Web content writing
• Proofreading
• Editing
• Indexing
• Book writing

22. Online Photo Selling

If you are a professional photographer or just have a deep-rooted passion for it, you can make money from your pictures on photo selling websites.

All you need to get started is a camera, preferably a digital SLR with a minimum of 8 megapixels, and a computer. Once you have established yourself on websites such as GettyImages and Flickr.com, you can set up your own website with a list of your watermarked images and their price per unit. Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

23. Meal Planning

There are loads of people who love food but don’t have the first clue about what to buy. They are either not very confident in the kitchen, don’t know the first thing about a balanced diet, or struggle with maintaining a budget. As a meal planner, you would:

• Create a list of ingredients
• Create step-by-step recipes for your customers to follow
• Explain the nutritional value of the meals to educate your customers
• Explain to them how they are saving money by sticking to your meal plans

Related: Top 10 Business Ideas for College Students]

24. Patient Advocacy Services

Patient advocacy services are extremely important to communities across the world. On a daily basis, you would be:

• Helping people track down hospitals for paperwork
• Gather bills for insurance companies
• Argue cases with insurance companies

People in need of these services are most likely ill or grieving, leaving them fragile and often unable to defend themselves. It is important they have the right support during this time in their lives. Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

25. Ecommerce Store

If you have a great product, but no money to invest in a physical storefront, staff, and bills, why not set yourself up online? Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

Aside from the lack of huge monetary investment and time commitment, marketing opportunities online are endless.

Also, although a storefront is great for branding purposes, it does limit the size and scope of your audience. By setting yourself up with an e-commerce store, you can:

• Sell to anyone in the world
• Have a store that is open 24/7 (meaning you literally make money in your sleep)
• Run promotions easily, whenever you want
• Cross-sell between your marketing and social media platforms and your website
• Run marketing campaigns through Google and other platforms

26. Survey Taking

Although you won’t get rich doing surveys online, you may make a steady income if you sign up for multiple sites.

These surveys take barely any time at all to complete and can normally net you around $150+. Some of the most popular survey-taking platforms include:

• MySurveys
• InboxDollars
• Global Test Market
• EarningStation
• Harris Poll

27. Video Production

There are a number of ways you can use videography to create your own home-based business.

There are so many people wanting to become YouTube celebrities who don’t have the skills to upload high-quality, well-edited videos. Other services you could offer include:

• Vlog editing
• Creating music videos
• Voice-overs
• Adverts

Related: What Is The Difference Between A Startup and a Small Business?

28. Sustainability Consultant

Businesses of all sizes are trying to find new ways to do their part for the environment by implementing greener practices.

Unfortunately, many of the more eco-friendly options available today are also significantly more expensive, so business owners need someone like you who can advise them on how they can change their process without sacrificing their bottom line.Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

29. Call Center Representative

More companies are looking to hire call center representatives who are willing to work from home on customer care issues. All you need to get started is a computer and a phone line.

Aside from the fact that you could earn a good base salary, you will not have any commuting expenses and can save money by cooking your meals at home. Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

30. Direct Sales Representative

The term “door-to-door sales” often puts off people, because all the picture is getting doors slammed in their faces on a daily basis.

That said, by working for companies such as Avon, Mary Kay, and Tupperware in the right areas, you could host very civilized parties in your home, allowing you to make money while meeting new people.

31. Travel Planning

With all the booking platforms available online today, anyone can book a holiday from the comforts of their home. But with so many different factors to compare, it can be overwhelming. Some of these include:

• Flights
• Car rentals
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Tours
• Activities

If you have strong organizational skills and the knack for finding a good bargain, you could offer these services to others who have less time on their hands. Find the deals for your customers and add your surcharge for your services. Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

Related: 15 Great Home-Based Business Ideas]

32. Online Custom Tailoring 

People are increasingly conscientious about the way they look, and with that comes the need for tailored clothing. One size does not fit all, and businessmen and women, in particular, want to look the part when they go into the office every day. Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

The custom clothing industry is still relatively untapped, so starting a business now will offer you a significant potential for growth in the future. In addition to having their pieces delivered directly to their homes, you can offer customization of:

• Fabric
• Patterns
• Size
• Fitting
• Stitching
• Lining

33. Currency Trading

Online currency trading is easier than ever thanks to the number of tutorial videos, online courses, and applications that offer step-by-step guides to becoming a currency trader. All you need is:

• Technical skills
• Fundamental analytical skills
• A small amount of cash flow
• A phone, tablet, or computer

34. Telemarketing Services

More and more companies are outsourcing their marketing efforts, and telemarketing is one of them. As a freelance telemarketer working from home, you will be setting appointments with customers and creating warm leads for companies.

The amount you charge will depend on the size of the company you are working for, and the project they want to allocate you. Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

Related: What Is The Difference Between A Startup and a Small Business?]

35. Referral Services

Are you the person who all your friends and family call when they’re trying to find a good restaurant, lawyer, plumber or gardener?

If that’s the case and you love referring them to all the lovely businesses you know of in your neighborhood, you could start a business doing just that.Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

You’ll be able to work with individuals and businesses, helping customers find what they want, and businesses gain more clients. To get started, you will need to:

• Gather a list of businesses you want on your referral lists
• Sell them the benefits of being on your list
• Place ads online and in the Yellow Pages to gain customers

36. Event and Project Planning

Event and project planning can be done remotely, but having a hands-on approach and offering your services in your local area will be more beneficial to you from both quality control and monetary point of view.

You can start this business from the comforts of your home and meet with clients in restaurants, cafes or at their office or home.Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

Related: Make Sustainability Part of Your Business Model

37. Professional Photography

Whether it is a wedding, family event, or a business’ marketing materials, people pay good money for professional photography.

Unless you feel the need to sign up for an online course, the only monetary investment you will have to make is for a camera. Establish your daily fee and remember to keep into account your travel expenses.

38. Tutoring

Have you worked as a teacher before? Are you proficient in a second language? Have you studied math, science, or any other subject?

If so, you could tutor adults and children, provided you have the right paperwork for child protection reasons. It will cost you very little to get set up, and you can offer your services at people’s homes. Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

39. Computer Trainer

There are a number of seniors wanting to learn how to use computers and the internet, meaning that if you are proficient in both Mac and PC, you could offer your services in your neighborhood.

Be warned, most will not be as passionate about computers as you, so they will only want to learn basics, such as emailing and using an internet browser. Best Home-Based Businesses Idea You Can Start Today.

40.Grocery Delivery Services

Big supermarkets do offer this service, but delivery prices are often very high or the food is warm or bruised when it arrives at the customer’s home.

If you own a large car, you could become a people’s personal shopper. Some people do not have time to run errands after a long day at work and others may not have the physical capacity to do so, so why not do it for them?

You could also couple this service with others, such as:

• Being a concierge
• Offering cleaning services
• Daily or weekly dog grooming, walking, and training services
• Being a caregiver

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