Struggling to come up with a good home-based business idea? Worry not! If you’re searching for a way to make some extra money – whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, student, or just looking for a side hustle – it’s your lucky day.
Having helped over 50,000 customers make more money, I’ve curated a list of the top 33 ideas for in-home businesses. These ideas are perfect for those seeking something low-cost and easy to start.
So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of home-based entrepreneurship with minimal investment, read on.
1. Become an Affiliate Marketer
Affiliate marketing has been around for a while and can be quite profitable if done right. It involves promoting a product or service and placing a unique affiliate link within your content. Once someone clicks through the link and makes a purchase you get a commission.
To be successful in affiliate marketing you’ll need to choose a niche that you’re interested in and knowledgeable about and have an audience–either on social media or your website.
2. Offer Freelance Writing Services
Have you always had a way with words? Put your writing skills to good use and become a freelance writer. It’s even better if you’re already an expert in a specific area like health and wellness or gaming. Businesses and brands are always hiring writers to write their blog articles, social media posts, newsletters, and more. You can find clients on platforms like Indeed, Fiverr, and Upwork.
Starting into freelancing might seem daunting at first, but “How to Freelance – Steps to Get Started” can serve as your roadmap, breaking down the journey into manageable stages. What’s also really important is setting the right prices for your services so “The Beginner’s Guide to Pricing Your Freelance Business (+ Word-For-Word Scripts Anyone Can Use)” offers valuable insights into establishing your rates confidently.
3. Launch a Dropshipping Business
This is one of the best home-based businesses you can start. The dropshipping model allows you to run an ecommerce store without the stress that comes with handling the products because they’re shipped directly from the supplier to your customer. You can operate your dropshipping business from anywhere in the world as long as you have a reliable internet connection.
4. Sell Thrifted Items Online
Selling thrifted items online is a cheap business to start from home that doesn’t require any fancy skills. The idea is simple: buy good thrift store items and sell them online (on your social media, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay) at a slightly higher price. The first step is to find a niche so you know what to look for when you go into thrift stores. Preferably, it should be something you’re at least acquainted with–it could be fashion, home decor, etc.
5. Get Into Social Management
You already spend a lot of time on social media and you’ve probably managed to accumulate a decent following, why not make a business out of it? It’s hard to come across a business or brand that doesn’t have a social media presence in this day and age. Find businesses that are looking for someone to manage their social media accounts. You’ll be responsible for posting relevant content and engaging with customers. You can take a free social media manager course online and use the knowledge to grow your own social media accounts for some credibility. You could even start by finding a small local business in your area and help them grow their social media presence.
6. Become a Private Tutor
Do you excel in a subject or have a skill worth sharing? Consider becoming a private tutor. It’s not just about making extra money; it’s about genuinely impacting someone’s learning experience. Whether you’re great at math, a language enthusiast, or a music virtuoso, there’s a student out there who could use your help.
You’ve got options: tutor online to connect with students globally from the comfort of your home, or find students in your neighborhood for that personal touch. It’s a chance to inspire, boost confidence, and witness your students’ growth firsthand.
7. Sell Your Handcrafted Items
- Most people learn how to make handcrafted items as a hobby. This could be jewelry, crocheted clothing, and different kinds of artwork.
- Consider creating a website to sell these items or find customers on online marketplaces like Facebook.
- If you don’t already make handcrafted items you can learn from YouTube.
8. Become a Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant provides administrative services remotely, all you need is a good internet connection. The roles of a virtual assistant are diverse and depend on the arrangement you have with your client. Common tasks include managing schedules and email accounts, answering calls, researching, invoicing, and writing.
9. Start a Pet Sitting Business
If you love animals and have some time on your hands, consider pet sitting. Take care of people’s pets when they’re traveling, working, or engaged in other things. The cost of starting a pet-sitting business isn’t high–you need leashes, treats, and a few more supplies. You can also create a simple website to help you get clients.
10. Offer House and Organizing Services
Do people constantly comment on how neat and organized your home is? Are you always coming up with ways to make your space functional and uncluttered? Turn that into a business!
Many people will pay to have someone organize their home or office space.
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11. Launch a Custom T-Shirt Printing Business
A custom t-shirt printing business can be quite profitable and done from the comfort of your home. With time, and thanks to the internet, you can expand to reach a global audience. Start by defining your niche and target market. Proper market research is important so you don’t end up creating something nobody wants.
12. Run a Daycare in Your Home
Home-based daycare businesses are quite common in the US and the demand for good childcare is high. If you live in a neighborhood with young families, finding clients won’t be hard.
Take everything into consideration before you start, especially on the safety and legal front.
13. Make and Sell Scented Candles
Candle-making is ideal for anyone looking for a home-based business that’s cheap and easy to start. The best thing about homemade candles is that you can sell them anywhere–online, to your friends and family, at local markets, etc. You can narrow down on a niche, like vegan candles or CBD candles, or start with a more general idea.
14. Offer Online Yoga Classes
The pandemic proved that a lot of services can be offered online, provided there’s a good internet connection, including yoga classes. You can record sessions and upload them on YouTube or offer live sessions on countless online platforms. Create a website and use social media to help you find clients.
15. Create a Professional Consulting Business
If you’re an expert in your field, monetize your knowledge by offering consulting services to individuals and organizations. Research the market you intend to target and try to find out what their needs or challenges are. You will need a professional website for clients to find you. Remember to showcase what makes you stand out.
16. Start a Landscaping Business
You will need good tools and equipment for this business so the cost of starting may not be very low. While it’s not exactly a business that you conduct from your home, it’s flexible and allows you to work whenever you want. Make a list of everything you will need and set your rates, then start looking for clients.
17. Try AirBnB Hosting
Airbnb hosting can be lucrative. If you don’t mind sharing your home you can rent out your spare bedroom. You don’t need a certain level of education or skills for this in-home business, as long as you’re hospitable. It’s also cheap to start as you only need to buy extra toiletries.
18. Offer Translation Services
Fluent in more than one language? Turn that skill into a business by offering translation services. Whether it’s general translation work or specialized niches like medical or legal documents, there’s a demand for your expertise.
Finding client is straightforward through online freelancing platforms. These sites connect you to people and businesses in need of your skills. And while getting certified can boost your credibility and appeal to more clients, it’s not a must-have to start.
19. Start and Monetize a YouTube Channel
YouTube offers a real shot at making money if you approach it with strategy. Choose your niche be it unboxing, gaming, lifestyle vlogging, or tutorials. What matters is picking a path that resonates with you and has an audience waiting.
Investing in quality equipment for better sound and video isn’t optional; it’s essential. It’s what separates the pros from the amateurs and helps your content stand out.
For a deeper dive into launching and growing your YouTube presence, check out these resources: “How to Create a Successful YouTube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide“, “8 Best Types of YouTube Channels to Start Making Money Online” and “How Much Money Do YouTubers Make? (Real Numbers + HOW It’s Done)“. These articles will equip you with the insights and strategies needed to make your channel both popular and profitable.
20. Become a Voiceover Artist
Turning your unique voice into a profitable career is more achievable than you might think. The demand for voiceover artists spans across commercials, audiobooks, narrations, and much more. Each project offers a new platform to showcase your vocal talent and versatility.
To kickstart your journey, focus on self-promotion and creating a portfolio of your work. Be proactive in seeking out gig opportunities and make your presence known in places where voiceover jobs are listed.
21. Dividend Stock Investing
This is a great way to make passive income without necessarily taking on extra work. Dividend stocks are less volatile, yet they offer regular returns. If you have some money sitting idly somewhere you should consider getting into dividend stocks, then sit back and enjoy returns.
Do your due diligence and research thoroughly before committing.
22. Peer-to-Peer Lending
Imagine becoming the bank yourself, lending money directly to individuals or businesses in need. That’s the essence of peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, a business model that bypasses traditional financial institutions. It’s a space where your money can work harder for you, often yielding higher interest rates compared to traditional savings accounts.
Yes, there’s an element of risk, as with any investment, but the potential rewards are enticing. To dive in, all you need to do is sign up on a P2P lending site. These platforms make it straightforward to connect with borrowers, manage transactions, and track the performance of your investments.
23. REIT
Real estate investment trust or REIT is a company that pools resources from a number of investors to invest in large scale real estate. With REIT, you can make money through commercial real estate without going out and doing the heavy lifting.
24. Start a Blog
Contrary to what you may have heard, blogging is not dead and it’s still a profitable home business idea. You can start a blog for free or at a very low cost and blog about anything. Once you have a decent audience you can then monetize it. Make sure your blog is appealing with a beautiful design, write valuable content, and ample promotion.
For those wanting to dip their toes in the blogging waters, I recommend exploring “How to Start a Blog” for foundational steps and “How to Make Money Blogging in 2024: A Quick Guide” for contemporary strategies to turn your blog into a profitable venture.
25. Start a Podcast
Define your niche- a topic you’re passionate about or good at–and your target audience.
Find a good name for your podcast. Keep it simple and if possible include a relevant keyword for SEO. Monetize your podcast through brand sponsorships, offering exclusive content only available to paying members, affiliate marketing, etc.
For those ready to start their own podcasts, or maybe looking to enhance their current efforts, check out “How to Create a Podcast: Your Step-by-Step Guide” for all the essentials on getting started. And if you’re curious about the financial potential – “How Much do Podcasters Make (+how mine makes me millions)” offers a transparent look into the earning capacity of podcasting.
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26. Create an App
Do you have a good app idea? Create it and make some money. While most apps are free, there are multiple ways through which you can monetize your app.
Include in-app purchases, run ads, using the freemium model, affiliate marketing, etc.
27. Design Websites
Having a website for businesses, brands, and professionals is not optional anymore. An online presence has become a necessity. This is something that most people would rather outsource than do themselves. Have a professional website yourself for credibility and to find customers.
You can also get clients from freelancing websites, Indeed, social media, and networking offline.
28. Offer Home Cleaning Services
People are busier than ever and many barely have time to thoroughly clean their homes. There is a high demand for home cleaning services and people are more than happy to pay someone to come clean for them a couple times a week. With time you can expand to have employees and service even more clients.
29. Start a Subscription Business
A subscription business may require some effort to start, but it will become a steady source of income once it’s running smoothly. Think of a unique product service that you can offer on an ongoing basis, and that people are willing to pay for. It could be a virtual service, software, skincare products, etc.
To understand the intricacies of a subscription business and set yourself up for success, delve into “What’s a Subscription Business Model? (+ Expert Tips for Success)“. This guide will equip you with the foundational knowledge and expert strategies needed to thrive. Additionally, for those searching for inspiration or validation of their ideas, “14 Profitable Subscription Business Ideas in 2024 (+ How to Start)” can spark your creativity and provide a practical roadmap to launching your own subscription venture.
30. Online Dating Coach
If you love love and everyone turns to you for dating advice then this might be a great business idea. Help people level up in their personal lives, gain confidence, create good online dating profiles, and just get out there to find good matches.
Create a website and market your services on your social media platforms. You need to be a good listener with exceptional communication skills as well as firm and able to hold people accountable.
31. Life Coach
Many people feel stuck or lost in life and they could use some guidance to find direction in life. If you believe you can help people navigate life and find their path, then a life coach business would be perfect. You may want to acquire certification- you can easily find programs online to build credibility
For an insider’s perspective, consider exploring “Is Life Coaching Worth It? Confessions from an Ex-Life Coach“. This piece offers a candid look into the life coaching industry from someone who’s been in the trenches. Additionally, “6 Steps to Earning Your First $100,000 with Coaching” provides practical advice and tools to kickstart your coaching business.
32. Publish eBooks
Publishing a book has never been easier, especially with self-publishing platforms like Kindle. Share your knowledge and creativity with the world and make money while at it. The best thing about this is that you can write about anything you are knowledgeable about or find exciting.
33. Create an Online Course
If you’re an expert in your field you can create an online course and sell it. There are many good platforms, such as Teachable, where you can create, host and sell your course. Once you’ve designed the necessary materials and recorded your lessons this can be a passive stream of income.
For a comprehensive guide on getting started, “How Do I Create and Sell Online Courses?” covers everything from conceptualizing your course to effectively marketing it. Additionally, understanding the key components that make an online course successful is vital. “7 Ingredients of a Successful Online Course” dives into the essential elements that can make or break your online educational offering.
Tips for Starting and Running a Successful Home Business
1. Carefully Choose the Right Business
From this long list of in-home business ideas, take some time to pick the one that would be best for you. Consider your skills, experience, environment, etc. You can also use them to come up with your own unique idea. Spend time researching your target customers, competitors, and anything you may need to get started.
2. Do Your Legal Research
Make sure you follow state and federal laws and acquire any necessary legal documents you may need for your business. This is especially important for certain home-based businesses like daycares.
In this case it might be best to consult a lawyer just to make sure you do everything the right way.
3. Set Up a Home Office
Creating a productive workspace doesn’t mean you need an entire room dedicated to work. Even a small, dedicated area within your home can transform into an effective home office. The key is to carve out a space that physically and mentally separates your business activities from your home life and everyday distractions.
It’s all about creating a boundary that keeps your business distinct from your personal life and minimizes distractions. A corner of a room, a quiet nook, or even a compact desk setup can transform into your productivity haven.
Focus on making this space truly yours, where you can dive into work mode without the blur between home and job. With the right setup, even the smallest area can become the command center for your success.
4. Have a Website
Create a website for your home-based business to make it easy for clients or customers to find you. It doesn’t have to be fancy at first and you can even get hosting for less than $5 a month. Make sure the website looks neat and professional and include your contact information and portfolio to showcase your work.
Wrapping Up
As we finish up our roundup of the “33 Best Ideas for In-Home Business,” we’ve journeyed through a whole bunch of low-cost yet profitable ideas that are perfect for all sorts of interests and skills. We’ve shone a light on everything from freelance writing and looking after pets, to making and selling your own crafts, diving into dropshipping, and being a virtual assistant. This guide really showcases all the opportunities that are just waiting for you to grab them. So, here’s your nudge to turn what you love into a home-based business where you can enjoy the best of both worlds: making money while having the freedom to manage your own time. Let these ideas kick-start your entrepreneurial spirit from the comfort of your living room.
FAQs
What Is the Cheapest Home Business to Start?
Most of the home business ideas discussed here are low-cost and won’t need to break the bank. Some of the cheapest ones include:
- Freelance writing: If you have a knack for writing, you can start creating content for businesses and individuals from the comfort of your home, requiring little more than a computer and internet access.
- Pet sitting: For animal lovers, pet sitting is a great way to earn money with minimal upfront costs. All you need is a passion for pets and some basic supplies.
- Selling handcrafted items: Utilize your crafting skills to make and sell items online through platforms like Etsy. This option requires a small investment in materials.
- Private tutoring: Use your expertise in a specific subject to tutor students. This can be done online or in-person with minimal setup costs.
- Becoming a virtual assistant: Offer your organizational skills as a virtual assistant to businesses, all you need is a reliable internet connection and a computer!
These ideas require minimal investment, primarily your time and talent, making them accessible for anyone looking to start their home business.
What At Home Business Makes the Most Money
- Dropshipping
- Offering consultation services
- Professional home and office organizing
Can I Run a Small Business From Home?
Yes, it is legal to run a small business from home as long as you adhere to the legal requirements in your state and local area.
Which Is the Easiest Business to Start From Home?
- Offering freelance services online
- Selling thrifted items
- Making and selling handmade items
- Dropshipping
The easiest businesses to start from home include:
- Freelance Services: Offer your skills online, like writing or design.
- Selling Thrifted Items: Flip items you find or own for a profit online.
- Handmade Items: Create and sell your crafts, like jewelry or decor.
- Dropshipping: Sell products online without managing inventory.
These options require minimal startup effort and can be quickly set up.
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