The Top 52 Home-Based Business Ideas To Start This Year
Home-Based Business Ideas - Starting a home based business can be rewarding and fun. It can also be a great way to stay social during times when staying isolated may be important. There are many home business ideas to get you started.
People often ask, what is the best home business to start? The answer is: the best home business is the one that meets the most requirements on your list.
There are many factors to consider when starting your own business. Consider what is important to you, such as a good income, a flexible schedule, independence, work-life balance, or low startup costs. Is there something within your skill level and experience that you would be interested in pursuing? Are you passionate about the work you will be doing?
Home Based Business Ideas
So you want to start a business but don't know what to do? Or maybe you've been working for someone else all these years and are ready to strike out on your own? Well, you're in luck. This list provides 52 home-based business ideas that you can start this year.
1. Web Designer
If you're thinking about starting your own web design business, you're in luck! It's a very lucrative industry with low startup costs. You'll need to have some design expertise and be able to work with clients to give their websites a professional look.
You can use website builder tools such as WordPress or Wix, or code from scratch using graphic design tools. With a little hard work, you can make a good living from your web design business.
2. Facebook Page Designer
You can use your design expertise to work with clients to improve their Facebook pages. This is an opportunity for a graphic designer to be a part of a growth industry. It is also a way to make money while working from home.
3. Home Daycare Business
Do you like working with kids? If so, start a daycare business in your own home. Make sure your home is safe for children first – this is a big responsibility.
communication with parents is key to running a successful daycare service, so be sure to establish good lines of communication. And depending on your location, you may need credentials to meet any licensing requirements.
4. Vintage Clothing Reseller
Vintage clothing is a popular item. Because platforms like eBay and Etsy make it easy to start a business, many people are getting into the vintage clothing market.
What’s the best way to get inventory for this kind of business? Simple. Shop online where people sell used items, such as on Craigslist. Or look for thrift store deals and attend estate sales. You can even sell clothes you already own. Research prices and buy low to sell high.
5. Music Teacher
Anyone with musical talent can start a home based business as a music teacher. You can open your home up to clients who want to learn an instrument or take voice lessons.
If you don’t want people coming to your home, you can use video conferencing technology to hold online teaching sessions from home to students anywhere. Sessions don’t have to be in-person.
6. Party Planner
People often need help planning events, from birthdays to graduations. If you enjoy making plans and working with people, party planner may be an ideal job for you.
Even though you may have to meet with clients at event locations occasionally, this is a great home based business idea for anyone who is detail oriented. As a party planner, you make sure that the events are memorable.
7. Party Clown
If you want a really fun job, consider being a clown for kids’ birthday parties. This business idea requires you to leave home for events, but you can do the booking and prep work from home.
8. Dance Instructor
If you’re someone with a background in dance and access to clients, you can offer dance classes from home. You can either set up a studio in your home or rent space. Alternatively, you can offer dance instruction virtually through video courses. Do the administrative work in your home.
9. House Cleaning
Are you someone who enjoys cleaning? Or maybe you’re just good at it. A house cleaning service can be a great way to make money and eventually become financially independent. This business requires little except for some basic cleaning supplies and a helpful attitude.
10. YouTube Personality
There’s no surefire way to make it big on YouTube. But starting a channel from your home is still a great way to have your own business. Produce a variety of videos and run ads on them to generate revenue.
11. Jewelry Maker
Custom jewelry is popular because it allows people to express their individuality. There are many ways to make handmade jewelry, including with precious metals, gems, beads and stones. You can sell jewelry online, at craft shows or to retailers. Setting up an online store allows you to reach more customers.
12. Personal Trainer
Starting your own personal training business is a great way to get into the fitness industry. You can offer training sessions to clients out of your home gym or workout room, or travel to their homes.
Some enterprising personal trainers even offer their services online, through video conferencing apps like Skype. If you can get a few happy clients, your home business will grow through word-of-mouth referrals.
13. Copywriter
Marketing companies are always on the lookout for freelance copywriters to help with creative projects. If you have a computer and some marketing skills, you can start your own freelance writing business from home. With clients all over the world, this can be a truly global business.
14. Clothing Designer
As far as home business ideas go, there are a lot of opportunities for designers to create and sell their own clothing. You could sew intricate gowns, create hand-painted scarves or design t-shirts- the opportunities for earning from home are almost endless.
People are often willing to pay for unique wearable art. If you have a passion for fashion, and need to earn some cash, this could be a great business venture for you.
15. Ebook Writer
Freelance writing can be turned into a business by writing ebooks. Amazon is a great place to sell ebooks, but there are other platforms as well. Writing ebooks is an easy way to get your work out there.
16. Hot Air Balloon Operator
Offering balloon rides can be a fun and profitable business. However, it is important to research local regulations and safety measures beforehand.
17. Massage Therapist
Setting up a studio in your own home is a great idea for licensed massage therapists who want to offer their services to clients. This way, they can meet with clients in a comfortable setting and provide the high-quality service they are known for.
18. Hair Stylist
Hair stylists can set up a room in their homes to offer appointments to clients. However, it’s important to research state and local licensing requirements first to make sure you are compliant.
You can also take your business online by displaying your styling abilities on YouTube or Instagram. As a virtual stylist, you can profit from online classes teaching others how to arrange the latest hairstyles, or by recommending sponsored products or becoming a brand ambassador.
19. Interior Designer
Interior designer is a great business idea for anyone with a knack for style and design. You can offer decorating services to businesses and homeowners from home. You don’t need a physical location to offer this service. Brainstorming and administrative work can be done from home, and you can visit clients on site.
20. Home Staging Business
There is a service called home staging where you help clients arrange furniture and other decorative elements to make their homes more appealing to buyers or renters. This service can be useful for real estate professionals who want to close sales quickly. It doesn't require a lot of money or a business office, just some expertise.
21. Seller of Collectibles
If you’re interested in antiques or collectibles, consider becoming a seller on eBay, Etsy, or niche communities. With a home-based business around collectibles you love, you can capitalize on your knowledge and make some money. You probably already have some items lying around that you could sell – so start there. And don’t forget to price items competitively; you want to get the most for your collectibles!
22. Social Media Consultant
Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest are popular not just for businesses, but also for individuals who enjoy using them. So if you’re looking for a side business, becoming a social media consultant is a great option. You can help businesses shape and carry out their social media strategies.
23. Dog Groomer
Love dogs? The most efficient way to start a dog grooming business is to first get basic supplies such as clippers and set up shop in your home. You will work with plenty of canine companions this way. Get a van and outfit the vehicle to offer a mobile dog groomer service.
Dog owners often need other services, such as pet sitting and dog walking, so you may be able to increase your income from existing clients by offering these services as well.
24. Pet Sitter
Starting a pet sitting or dog walking service doesn’t require much equipment, and is a great way to indulge your passion for dogs and other pets. You can get started for free — or the cost of pet treats and dog leashes. In order to start this small business, you need to visit clients’ homes.
The positives of this business are a flexible schedule and a home office. To make your job easier, use technology such as scheduling apps to manage your administrative work.
25. Drone Trainer
There is a growing demand for drone trainer services. Around the country, people are eager to learn how to use drones for things like real estate photography. If you're handy with a drone, consider starting a drone training service from your home. Just be sure to meet all FAA and local requirements.
26. Personal Stylist
Start your own personal stylist business. Help clients build their wardrobes and put together outfits. This type of business has low startup costs, so it’s a great option if you’re looking to start your own venture.
27. Photographer
You can build a successful photography business from your home by focusing on portrait, wedding or nature photography. Other photographers choose to teach others how to become proficient in photography skills.
28. Gift Basket Arranger
People buy gift baskets for all sorts of reasons- for their home or as a business gift. When it comes to gift baskets, the sky’s the limit when it comes to creativity! If you have a knack for arranging and designing beautiful baskets with food, personal care products or other related items, a gift basket business could be a fun option to consider.
29. Furniture Upcycler
There are many places to sell furniture and home products. You can find old pieces at flea markets or second-hand stores, and then add your own upgrades to resell the furniture for a profit.
30. Bicycle Repair Expert
If you're looking for a home business that's both good and profitable, consider using resources you already have. If you love bikes and enjoy fixing things, you could convert your garage into a workshop and offer bike repair services. You can either have your neighbors drop their bicycles off or you can offer a pick-up delivery service. All you need at first is some basic equipment.
31. Baker
Baking is a fun and rewarding activity for many people. Those interested in starting a baking business can buy some equipment and set up a commercial kitchen at home. They can then sell their baked goods to local shops or businesses. Or they could set up a storefront to sell products online. Before starting out, it's important to read up on the regulations to ensure that the business is compliant!
32. Jam Seller
Jam seller is a great option for people who love to cook and want to start their own business. If making jam or canned goods is your specialty, you can start by creating your own line of products to sell.
33. Caterer
Starting a catering service can be a great way to make money from your passion for cooking. You’ll need to have a commercial kitchen or space where you can cook the food, and you’ll need to transport the food to events or client locations.
34. Florist
Anyone can create beautiful flower arrangements—all you need is an eye for design. If you want to turn this into a career, start selling flower arrangements that you create from home. You’ll have fun and make some extra money, too!
35. Fundraiser
Some home businesses make you feel great. Fundraising is one of them. Charities use events as a primary way to fundraise. If you enjoy organizing events and helping causes, then fundraising may be a good idea for your home based business.
36. App Designer
There are many opportunities in the field of mobile app design. If you have the technical know-how, you can create apps from home or offer your services to small businesses.
37. Landscape Designer
There are a number of work-from-home career options, one of which is landscape design. This is a good choice for people who are design oriented and enjoy outdoor work.
38. Tie-dye Shirt Designer
Tie-dying clothes can be a fun way to get creative and produce unique products. You can sell these products online or at craft shows. The shirts may be niche products, but they do have a market. The market is not just for Baby Boomers.
39. Life Coach
Some people work with coaches to develop plans for their career and relationships. Coaches can help you balance life and work, whether you meet with them in person, online or over the phone. Life coaching can be a full-time or part-time service.
40. Wedding Coordinator
Planning a wedding requires a lot of effort and organizational skills. A lot of couples hire wedding coordinators to manage all the details of the event. If you're someone who enjoys organizing events, you can do a lot of that work from home. With hard work, you'll eventually build a network and get word-of-mouth referrals for a successful business.
41. Henna Designer
Henna is a plant that has been used for cosmetic purposes for centuries. If you’re familiar with the Henna tradition, you can create designs and sell them. Or apply designs at events.
42. Blogger
Freelance writing can be a great way to make money from home. You can start a blog as a professional blogger, and make it look attractive with great photography and graphics. You can then earn money from blogging by writing for corporate clients, or through ads or affiliate marketing.
43. Glass Blower
Glass blowing can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also be turned into a business. Before making a large investment, try glass blowing as a hobby to see if you enjoy it. You will need some equipment, including a furnace, and you’ll need to be skilled in handling hot glass. If you decide to turn it into a business, there are many ways to sell your products.
44. Publicist
There are plenty of opportunities for those looking to start a publicist business from home. With strong communication skills and a knowledge of public relations, you can help business clients announce new products and services to the media or promote marketing campaigns. This type of business is ideal if you need to work from home because of family commitments. You can do your work via email, phone, and social media.
45. Vacation Rental Owner
Do you have an extra room, apartment or space in your home that isn’t being used? Turn it into a vacation rental and list it on sites like Airbnb or VRBO.com. You could make some extra cash by doing this!
46. Mystery Shopper
If you love to shop, consider becoming a mystery shopper. This involves visiting stores and evaluating their customer service and needs. Although you do the work from home, you do need to visit the stores.
47. Yoga Instructor
Yoga is hugely popular, and there is a lot of interest in learning more about it. If you’re well versed in the practice, set up a yoga studio in your home or backyard and provide yoga training services. Share your expertise with others and help them learn about the benefits of yoga.
48. Travel Planner
You can easily plan vacations online with the help of various tools. But businesses and large groups still need help organizing travel. If you’re good at arranging trips, consider starting a business to offer your services.
49. Bed and Breakfast Operator
If you have a large space and regularly have guests, consider starting a bed and breakfast. This will welcome travelers into your home and give them a comfortable place to stay.
50. Christmas Tree Farmer
As home business ideas go, a Christmas tree farm may not be the best option if you don't have a lot of outdoor space. But if you enjoy nature, being outside and welcoming people to your property around the holidays, then this could be a fun home based business idea for you.
51. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistant services can help entrepreneurs and business owners with a variety of tasks, including appointment setting, administrative work, and graphic design. A computer and a good internet connection are all you need to start working as a virtual assistant.
52. Online Store
Selling products online is a great way to make some extra money. You can either sell your own products or find suppliers to provide products for you. There are many platforms to choose from, such as Amazon, eBay, and Shopify. With a little bit of effort, you can start making some cash from your online store.
Conclusion
Some of the best home-based business ideas are ones that you can start this year. Whether you're interested in becoming a consultant, starting an online store, or starting a blog, there are a number of great business ideas that you can begin right from your home. If you're looking for something new to start this year, be sure to check out our top 52 home-based business ideas.