Small business ideas you can start up from home
A few ideas for small businesses that can be run from home:
If you’re a wordsmith
1. Blogger
Create a blog and turn it into a business. If your site gets a lot of traffic, you can earn money via direct advertising, or through affiliate marketing, where you’d promote someone else’s product or service and earn commissions based on sales.
For example, if you’re into tech and gadgets, you can start a blog to review popular products; if you’re into health and fitness, you can discuss the best home gym equipment or health supplements.
Investment: Starting a blog is inexpensive and can be done while still working fulltime. The costs include registering a domain name, website design and web hosting.
Potential challenges: You’ll likely need a ton of traffic and followers to earn anything significant, and building up your fanbase will likely take some time.
2. Resume writer
A resume writer helps clients craft the best first impression by showcasing their skills and experience in a way that stands out from the crowd. While no formal experience or training is necessary, you’ll need to be a talented, creative writer with strong interviewing skills. An editing or journalism background and strong communication skills are helpful, as is a sound marketing strategy to reach potential customers.
Investment: The business carries low startup costs, and can be launched — while you still work a fulltime job — from your own home.
Potential challenge: If you’ve never performed resumewriting services before, it may take you some time to build credibility with clients and gain steady work.
If you love animals
3. Pet sitting or walking
You can care for pets in your own home or care for your clients’ pets in their homes. You’ll need to be reliable and have a flexible schedule to meet the needs of your clients.
Investment: It doesn’t take much money to get started: Outside of basic pet supplies, you’ll need a solid marketing campaign to get the word out.
Potential challenges: Depending on your location, you may need to get licensed. You may also face heavy competition from other local sitters and companies such as Rover, which connects dog owners to sitters and walkers. You’re also responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the furry ones.
4. Gourmet dog treats
If you love dogs and baking, a gourmet dog treat business could hit the spot. You’ll need to see if any local or state permits are required, and you must follow the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s guidelines on pet food products. You’ll need a good recipe and a selling point that will make your tasty treats stand out from competitors.
Investment: You can run the business at home, with low startup costs — ingredients and cookware. You aren’t limited to selling to your local market; try selling online, but factor in packaging and shipping costs.
Potential challenges: Getting proper insurance is recommended, given the risks of a foodbased business. 5. Mobile pet grooming
A mobile pet grooming business offers a convenient service to customers — and you can charge more for this convenience. You’ll need experience grooming pets or be willing to train. Experience working with animals is recommended. Licenses and permits may also be required, depending on your location. As with other pet businesses, getting the proper insurance is recommended.
Investment: The business can be operated out of a large vehicle, such as a van or trailer. This should be cheaper than a storefront, as you won’t have to pay rent or property taxes.
Potential challenges: Expect heavy competition from other pet groomers, as well as the potential for accidents or injuries to animals.