Table of Contents
Starting a small business is a great way to earn passive income. Also, if you plan well and work hard, there is always a chance that it will turn into a very profitable job. With the right tools and determination, even the smallest business can grow into a multi-million dollar empire. Of course, choosing the right small business idea is the first stepping stone to success. Discover below the 32 small business ideas that we propose.
Table of Contents
- 32 Online Small Business Ideas
- 1. Launch an eCommerce store
- 2. Start a dropshipping business
- 3. Create an affiliate marketing website
- 4. Become a blogger
- 5. Write and publish your own books
- 6. Develop and sell mobile applications
- 7. Become an online advertising specialist
- 8. Launch a web development business
- 9. Start a freelance graphic design career
- 10. Offer online coaching services
- 11. Become a dating consultant
- 12. Work as a translator
- 13. Give private lessons online
- 14. Offer SEO services
- 15. Start a YouTube channel
- 16. Become a micro-influencer
- 17. Launch a video editing business
- 18. Work as a virtual assistant
- 19. Manage Small Business Social Media
- 20. Write Grant Proposals
- 21. Resell domain names
- 22. Create a podcast
- 23. Ghostwriting
- 24. Become an online accountant
- 25. Do voice over work
- 26. Offer freelance editing services
- 27. Work as a remote data analyst
- 28. Design and sell custom fonts
- 29. Offer Professional Resume Writing Services
- 30. Transcribe audio files
- 31. Become an independent sales agent
- 32. Start a website testing business
- Tips for successfully launching a small business
- Which of these small business ideas will you choose?
32 Online Small Business Ideas
From small investments to long-term strategies, we’ve put together a list of the most profitable small business ideas.
1. Launch an eCommerce store
Creating an online store is one of the safest profitable business options. Digital shopping has become mainstream, leading to an increase in e-commerce sales around the world.
The best thing about an online store is that it does not have the difficulties of a physical store. The initial expenses are not so high, since there is no rent to pay.
All you need is an inventory and an online store platform< to get started. Among the wide variety of options to choose from, WooCommerce is one of the most popular, as it is used with the favorite CMS par excellence, WordPress.
A great alternative for small business beginners is to use a website builder. It is a comprehensive platform that includes everything from hosting and domain name to eCommerce solutions for new businesses.
How profitable the business will be will depend on several factors, such as the type of products and services offered and the size of the target market.
If you want to make money fast, try to sell products that have low production costs and high profit margins. Some popular examples are jewelry, video games, and phone accessories. Digital products are also a good option, as there is no need to store them.
To be successful as an eCommerce business owner, you need to be efficient in many different areas. You may have to dabble in product design, customer service, digital marketing, and many other functions. Although it may seem challenging, it can also be rewarding for those willing to learn on the job.
2. Start a dropshipping business
Do you want to sell online without having to manufacture your own products? Dropshipping can be one of the best small business ideas for you.
This eCommerce business model requires you to work with wholesale suppliers. After establishing a partnership, you can request that your items carry your brand, which is known as white labeling.
When someone places an order, you’ll notify suppliers to ship the product to the customer.
In short, you only have to worry about getting customers, while the supplier takes care of production, inventory and shipping. This is why dropshipping requires a minimum start-up cost, ranging from $150 to $350.
If you are interested in starting a dropshipping business, you will need to join wholesale provider sites like Spocket or AliDropship. They will provide you with the products to feature on your website.
There are also options like Printify, which is an on-demand dropshipping service for t-shirts, jackets, mugs, and more. You can create custom designs and the company will handle the printing and shipping.
When deciding what types of items to sell, make sure you focus on a niche. This will help you establish your brand and make you stand out from the competition.
For inspiration, check out Notebook Therapy. This dropshipping store specifically offers lovely stationery products.
3. Create an affiliate marketing website
Affiliate marketing is one of the best small business ideas for beginners on a low budget.
You promote someone else’s product or service and, depending on company policy, receive a commission each time someone clicks on a link or purchases the product.
Affiliate marketing is one of the main ways to make money for those who are dedicated to creating content. But starting a small business from scratch with affiliate marketing is definitely possible.
Many people do this by creating a review site that contains links to products they recommend, such as This is Why I’m Broke.
The key to being successful in affiliate marketing is to choose a niche that you are knowledgeable about, as this will help you establish authority. You have to create a loyal audience that trusts your opinion and buys the products you recommend.
To get started, join an affiliate program like, Web Hosting Affiliates, or Amazon.com Associates. There are also marketplaces like ClickBank, where you will find various products to promote.
The amount you earn will depend on the product, the size of the commission, and your website traffic. According to Affise, once you build an audience, you can expect to earn between $ 300 and $ 10,000 a day.
4. Become a blogger
If you enjoy writing and sharing your passions, blogging can be one of the best small business ideas to start with. You can work from home, create content and earn money in the process.
Many personalities, like Molly Yeh, began their careers by blogging. Today, she has two cookbooks and hosts a show on the Food Network called Girl Meets Farm.
Having high website traffic is crucial to creating a bankable blog. Many companies see this as a great conversion potential, which will make them more likely to associate with you.
With 100,000 page views per month, you can earn between $1,000 and $10,000.
To ensure this, choose a blog idea that you are familiar with and that also has a large audience. This will help you build a large readership from the start.
Then, make sure you blog on a regular basis to keep visitors engaged. Learn about SEO and content marketing to increase your website’s visibility in search engines.
Once you have a sizeable audience, you can earn money through ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Some bloggers also guest post on business blogs, make products, and create online courses.
5. Write and publish your own books
Gone are the days when you had to submit a manuscript to become an author. Self-publishing platforms are now at your fingertips so you can start a writing career at any time.
Your main task will be to turn a story into a book. Any genre will do, but to create a bestseller, choosing something popular with readers of self-published books will help you on your way. Some examples are romance, mystery, fantasy, and science fiction.
Once the book is finished, put it up for sale through sites like Amazon KDP or Barnes and Noble Press. Both programs have a huge user base and marketing tools to help you reach the right readers.
In fact, Amazon reported that thousands of its self-published writers make over $50,000 in sales.
That said, you may not earn much at first, especially if you’re a new author. Therefore, it is essential to check what policies these platforms have on payment to know how much money you can earn.
Another option is to sell the book on your own website for an additional source of income. Doing so gives you more control over monetization. Additionally, you can create a landing page like Let’s Go to NYC to promote your book through online ads.
6. Develop and sell mobile applications
If you have an idea that can solve people’s problems, consider turning it into a mobile app.
Aim for something innovative, like NeuralCam Live. This camera app can hide background and adjust video settings during a call.
Building an app requires development experience. If you are a complete beginner, platforms like Udemy or Codecademy offer many mobile app courses. Even if it takes you more time and money to learn, you can create a more complex app this way.
Or, use software like AppyPie. It already has everything ready for you, so you don’t need any technical knowledge to start developing your mobile app. However, having some user interface knowledge and experience can ensure that the app is easy to navigate.
You can then put the app up for sale or allow it to be downloaded for free.
With the latter option, it is possible to earn money by providing ad space and offering in-app purchases. In this way, you will be able to reach as many people as possible, while still offering them the option to make purchases.
7. Become an online advertising specialist
With digital signage becoming common practice, many small business owners need an expert on the subject. You can take this opportunity to start a freelance career as an online ad specialist, also known as a PPC specialist.
This small business idea is perfect for those with experience in online marketing. If you don’t have one, there are plenty of online resources to get you started, like Google’s Digital Garage.
The job is to help people achieve their advertising goals on various platforms, such as Google, Facebook or Pinterest. You will create strategies based on your business and products so that the ads reach the right audience.
Therefore, you have to offer more than just PPC auction skills. You have to know about project management, data analysis, the KPI system and more.
When you’re ready to launch your career, join platforms like Hubstaff Talent or Upwork to find clients. Consider creating a web page with your resume and putting it on Google paid search to demonstrate your experience.
There are several ways to charge for doing advertising services. The most common method is to charge by percentage of ad spend, between 10% and 20% . In this way, they will pay you regardless of the result of the campaign.
8. Launch a web development business
Web development is another service in high demand. Now that most businesses are going digital, having an amazing website that stands out has become more of a norm than a recommendation.
If you want to start a small programming business, mastering the main coding languages used for website programming is essential. These include HTML, JavaScript, PHP, and more. If you’re a beginner, check out sites like BitDegree to get started.
Also, being familiar with mobile development and UX design can make your website more attractive to potential customers. With mobile users accounting for more than half of internet traffic, a responsive website is now a must.
To get started, create an attractive portfolio and showcase your best projects. You can build websites from scratch or adapt existing ones.
9. Start a freelance graphic design career
If you have a knack for graphic design, it’s a good idea to turn your talent into a small full-time business.
You’ll create visual elements for your clients’ projects, such as logos, mockups, social media content, and more. Some graphic designers also sell prints and items.
Using the right tools is critical to your success. At a minimum, you need a powerful enough computer, a graphics tablet, and a digital pen. Spending thousands of dollars on a MacBook Pro is not the most profitable way to start. There are plenty of Windows machines out there for a much lower price; the only thing missing is the Retina display.
Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with popular programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
In addition, it is crucial to have good communication skills in order to turn your clients’ vision into reality.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for graphic designers is increasingly competitive.
With this in mind, creating a visually appealing portfolio is key to setting yourself apart. See how designer Alex Coven does it on his website.
10. Offer online coaching services
Life coaching is an affordable small business idea to get started. All you need is a website, Internet access, and a passion for helping people.
The task of a life coach is to help people achieve their personal and professional goals. That’s why counseling or social work experience can give you an edge.
It’s also a good idea to obtain a license through programs like iPEC. Having a certification can justify your prices and services, giving you more reputation in the eyes of potential clients.
Being an online business, you will not be limited by location to find customers. You can build a website to attract visitors from all over the world and offer coaching through one-on-one calls or video shows.
Don’t forget to promote your services through digital ads and social media. You can also create a blog or a podcast to attract more traffic and share your experience, like Christine Chen does.
11. Become a dating consultant
Dating consulting is one of the best small business ideas for those who love helping people find matches.
You will work to help clients improve themselves so that they can have a better love life. The work will focus primarily on developing interpersonal skills, building trust, and preparing for the world of online dating.
How you direct and sell your services depends on your preferences. If you want, you can put together a whole show on your website, like Cora Boyd. Ella Magnetics Love School course includes coaching sessions, workshops, a members-only resource portal and much more.
You can also follow their steps to attract new customers. In addition to using social media, she likes to guest post on dating topics on Tinder’s blog, Swipe Life.
Like life coaching, you need some counseling skills and training. Acquiring a coaching certification can also boost your credibility.
12. Work as a translator
For multilingual speakers and writers, offering translation services is a great business idea. Using the skills you already have, you can translate different types of content, including subtitles, text for the web, books, and more.
You don’t have professional experience? Sign up for online translation classes and do your own test projects. Once you are confident, start this job as a side business. Platforms like ProZ and Translated are very popular among freelance translators.
When you’re ready to go full-on, consider choosing a specialization to narrow your focus. It will make your task easier, since you will be working with a niche that you are familiar with. Also, it can establish you as an expert in the field, which can increase your income.
What you charge for a project depends on the complexity, length, and language mix, among other things. If you get certified by an official translators’ association like the ATA, the fee may justifiably increase.
13. Give private lessons online
Online tutoring is an easy business to start at home and can be done part time.
Tutors typically help students from elementary to college level in their chosen subjects, such as math or history. In this case, it is not necessary to have a degree, but some relevant teaching experience is.
Other tutors offer language or entrance exam preparation services. For this, it is essential to have an accredited certification that demonstrates your competence.
If you want to get started, join sites like Chegg or Skooli. Both platforms already have their own user base, so finding students will be faster. You can teach through texts, video calls, live whiteboards and much more.
Or, create a website to teach your classes. This way, you will have more control over your schedules and monetization. In addition, you will be able to be more creative with teaching methods.
14. Offer SEO services
All website owners know that the results on the first page of Google are the most valuable. Unfortunately, only a small part of the companies know how to apply SEO to their sites, and they barely touch the potential of optimizing sites for search engines.
Get started as an SEO expert to analyze websites, identify any ranking issues, and create a plan to increase organic traffic and SERP rankings.
Typically, a specialist should have a thorough understanding of on-page, off-page, and technical SEO. So the skill set can range from HTML to keyword mapping to backlink building.
With this in mind, consider taking courses to increase your knowledge before starting a business. Keeping up with changing trends and using the right SEO tools will also help a lot.
Prices for freelance SEO specialists vary by region and experience. According to Ahrefs, the median rate is about $68 an hour.
15. Start a YouTube channel
Do you have a magnetic personality? Turn it into money with YouTube. This video giant has made it possible for many to launch profitable businesses just by being on camera.
To start a YouTube channel, choose a niche that fits your interests. If you want to do a home business with your channel, genres like cooking, gaming, and tech reviews are great options.
The niche should also have a large audience so you can build your fan base quickly. Once you’ve reached 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of viewing, you’ll be eligible to participate in the YouTube Partner Program .
From there, you will be able to earn money through AdSense. You’ll also find it easier to partner with businesses, as they prefer channels with a significant audience. Other ways to make money are merchandising and crowdfunding through Patreon.
To ensure an enjoyable viewing experience, invest in good video equipment. Using professional editing programs like Adobe Premiere Pro will also increase your chances, as the bar is set very high.
For your business to become a full-time job, a good start would be to have more than 50,000 visits per day. According to Influencer Marketing Hub, you can start earning $3,500 a month just from those views. Anything above that can make your life comfortable enough to look for other ideas for a side business.
16. Become a micro-influencer
If you have between a thousand and a hundred thousand followers on social media, one of the best small business ideas is to become a micro-influencer.
As an influencer, you will work with companies to promote their products or services to your audience. They can send you articles to review or propose a collaboration campaign. You can also join affiliate networks to find products to promote.
The reason brands like to work with micro-influencers is that they have a higher level of interaction with the public than macro or mega content creators. In other words, they are more likely to influence their followers’ purchasing decisions.
To start, you need to have an attractive personal brand. That is, your profile must show your personality and your interests as well as a close relationship with the audience.
Posts need to show relevance to your niche and some fan engagement. Adapt your profile to make it more attractive to companies.
Once you’ve become associated with a brand, it’s essential to incorporate their product naturally. The power of an influencer is his ability to relate and trust. Making it seem like you’re selling can make your followers leave quickly.
17. Launch a video editing business
Becoming a YouTuber is not the only viable career option for those who like to make videos. If you prefer to do some work behind the scenes, you can offer your video editing services.
Many new businesses need videos for promotions and advertisements.
Look at Lief Ramsaran. In addition to being a filmmaker, he also works with YouTuber WithWendy to produce and edit his videos.
Since the main tools are a computer and video editing software, you can turn this into a home business. You may also need external storage to save your raw footage and Photoshop to make interesting graphics or thumbnails.
In addition, an editor must have knowledge of storytelling so that the raw sequences make sense and have a good flow. A good video storytelling should be easy to follow and should grab your audience’s attention from start to finish.
To advertise your business, create a video portfolio with all your previous projects. Then present your services on creative job portals like If You Could or Creativepool.
18. Work as a virtual assistant
If you have impeccable organizational and time management skills, this could be the best business idea on this list.
As a virtual assistant, you will provide administrative support to entrepreneurs and online businesses remotely. Tasks typically include answering emails, scheduling appointments, making personal purchases, etc.
However, you can also perform special tasks like managing a website, social media accounts, customer relations, etc. Some virtual assistants like Sandee specialize in design services.
Since the job description can vary, being able to learn and adapt quickly is essential.
To find virtual assistant work, websites like People Per Hour have many jobs available. You can also make a personal resume site to impress future clients and introduce yourself through online ads.
19. Manage Small Business Social Media
Many small businesses work in small teams and need to hire freelancers to handle certain tasks – including social media marketing.
This is where you come in as a social media manager. You will create content strategies to promote your products, drive traffic and convert visitors into customers.
To do your job properly, it is important to have good communication skills. You have to be able to understand the client’s marketing goals and use their brand voice. Managing customer inquiries via social media can also be part of your daily tasks.
In addition, it is necessary to have knowledge of writing and photo editing. These are essential for creating visually appealing posts that can spark conversations and drive sales. Use tools like Hemingway Editor and Canva to help you.
Last but not least, you need to know about social media analytics. The data collected on social networks is very useful for developing a business plan. Consider using third-party tools like SproutSocial to get a more granular perspective.
To find clients, create your own profile on social networks and show what you can do. Having a portfolio website of your previous campaigns can also boost your reputation. As your business grows, you can offer marketing courses and resources, like Natasha from Sol Studio.
20. Write Grant Proposals
If you enjoy researching and writing documents, consider starting a grant writing business.
Your day to day will revolve around creating grant proposals for non-profits and startups. They will use these documents to get funding from donors, such as large companies and government agencies.
A good grant proposal works similar to a business plan. It should reflect the company’s vision and mission, as well as show why it is important to obtain funding.
As a grant writer, you need to be able to communicate these elements in a way that wins the hearts of donors. In addition to writing skills, get in the habit of making graphs and charts to support clients’ arguments.
Since you will be working with different organizations, it is good to have a broad knowledge base. This way, you won’t be limiting the types of clients and jobs you can accept.
For people with no experience, online grant writing classes are available on Udemy and Coursera. You can also join the Grant Professionals’ Association to get more training and network with others
21. Resell domain names
This practice consists of buying and reselling domain names at a much higher price. It is one of the best small business ideas on the list if you want to start a low-cost online business with almost unlimited profit potential.
Domain resellers often target names that contain business potential and commonly used keywords.
For example, Hotels.com sold for $11 million at the time. The buyer acquired it to create an online accommodation reservation site, as its name indicates.
However, these short names are getting harder and harder to come by. Because of this, many resellers now buy domains with a local keyword, such as bostonusedcars.com .
You also have to be attentive to new terms that arise in the media. They may catch on and some people may do business with them.
To find and buy cheap names, all you have to do is use a domain checker. There are also auction sites like JustDropped.com to find sold out names. You can create a landing page for the domain and then put it up for sale on the same marketplace.
The amount of initial money you will need will depend on the domains available. You can get started with as little as $10 , but you’ll want to spend a couple of hundred dollars to buy multiple names. Doing this will increase your chances of making a sale.
22. Create a podcast
Podcasts have become a very popular form of entertainment around the world. Due to the growing number of listeners and monetization opportunities, more and more people are making podcasts as a part-time business.
It is not necessary to have technical knowledge to become a podcaster. If you have excellent interpersonal skills and an engaging voice, you’re on the right track.
Since the podcast market is getting saturated, try to create a unique show. Try to choose a niche that has less competition or come up with a concept that hasn’t been done before.
Also, be sure to invest in premium audio equipment and editing software to ensure a crystal-clear listening experience.
Host your podcasts on your website to make them public. Then distribute them on Spotify, Apple and Google.
Most podcasters typically generate income through affiliate marketing, live streaming events, and crowdfunding platforms like Patreon. Once you have a large audience, consider joining ad networks like AdvertiseCast.
23. Ghostwriting
Ghostwriting is a great business idea for people who like to write but don’t want to spend time coming up with their own ideas.
You will create content using someone else’s name and develop their idea into a full article. Most ghostwriters tend to do book writing, but some also do short-form material, like blog articles.
In many cases, you will be interviewing someone and researching the topic at hand. In this way, you will be able to capture their voice and their story in writing. If this sounds like a tall order, take this online ghostwriting course from Roz Morris to prepare.
To market your services, it is essential to have an excellent online portfolio of your previous projects.
Send it to potential clients and link it to writing job boards like Reedsy. On average, ghostwriters on the platform can earn about 0.35 cents per word. However, the figure depends on the length and quality of the project.
24. Become an online accountant
If you are good with numbers, offering your bookkeeping services remotely may be one of the best small business ideas for you.
Today, many business owners need help managing their finances. As an accountant, you will be responsible for their financial statements, incoming and outgoing payments, tax collection, etc.
Since these documents are sensitive, you will need to convey confidence and professionalism to potential clients. Take a certification exam in your area or join an accounting association to increase your credibility.
Additionally, problem solving skills are also crucial in case your client has budget or tax problems.
In addition to a computer and spreadsheet application, accounting software like FreshBooks will help a lot. It can simplify your work pace, making your performance more efficient.
For freelance accounting jobs, a platform like Upwork can help.
25. Do voice over work
Do you have a unique voice? Gather your talents to do commercial audio work. You can offer voiceover services for advertising, audiobooks, television programs, etc.
Just like an actor, you have to be able to adapt your voice to different roles. The greater the variety, the more jobs you can apply for. Take voice acting and dialect training classes to improve your repertoire.
Also, you have to get some home recording equipment to do your work.
Once you are ready, make an online portfolio. Features a demo reel to show the kind of voices you can do. Consider taking some free jobs to gain experience.
To find work, Voices.com has thousands of opportunities for voice actors. Freelance portals like Fiverr are also a good place to start.
26. Offer freelance editing services
Those who have long careers as writers and editors might want to start a freelance publishing business. This way you will have more control when choosing the projects, the rates and the terms with which you can work.
There are several types of editing services that you can offer. You can do specialized editing and focus on the general outline of a text. The main task in this phase is to examine your overall structure and style.
There is also text correction, which consists of correcting the most technical elements, such as the grammar and the style used. It is about delving deeper and choosing what is most convenient based on the original vision of each work on which you are working.
You can specialize in the genres in which you have experience.
To promote your services, collect your best works and present them in your online portfolio. You can also offer samples of before and after editing, as Kirsten Janene-Nelson does on her website.
27. Work as a remote data analyst
Within profitable businesses, there is a high demand for data analysts. As businesses become more data-driven, many people are turning to these professionals to crunch the numbers and make better-informed decisions.
However, becoming a data analyst has a steep learning curve. First of all, you need to learn a data processing language, such as Python or SQL. Familiarity with data visualization tools like Tableau is also essential to get your work done.
On top of that, good communication skills are important in translating data into actionable business ideas for your clients.
If you don’t have prior experience, Datacamp has a wide variety of data science classes to take.
Start by taking on a couple of projects to build your online resume. Get inspired by this website from data analyst Claudia Ten Hoope.
When you are ready, start looking for work on remote employment portals. After increasing the number of clients, you can join Toptal, a freelance job portal exclusively for digital professionals.
28. Design and sell custom fonts
If you like letter design or typography, consider selling fonts as a side business. This can generate passive income and open up more job opportunities in the graphic design field.
To get started, you need a creative tablet and a digital pen. You can then create custom fonts using Adobe Illustrator or a font creation app like RoboFont.
To make your font packs more valuable, create multiple styles and weights using the same typeface. Try to include decorative icons as well to add additional features.
Plus, it goes further and shows how users can use the font in their projects. In this way, they will be able to visualize the usefulness and benefits of your sources. Some ways to do this is by creating logos, product mockups, or social media post templates.
You can sell the fonts on sites like Fontspring and Creative Market.
Another option is to create a landing page to sell your font, like Odibee Sans. This allows for more space and control to present the typeface from the best angles.
The price of a font depends on where and how many times the customer will use it. In general, license rules for personal or commercial use may apply.
29. Offer Professional Resume Writing Services
Resume writing is a great small business idea for people with recruiting experience.
Required by professionals, you’ll ensure that clients’ job applications are attractive and legible to employers. To do this, you must be excellent at copywriting and marketing.
For the rest, you should familiarize yourself with the ATS recruiting system. Most companies use it to filter and rank resumes based on relevance to the job description. That is why it is important to include the right keywords so that the client’s file is optimized for the ATS.
Typically, you’ll start by reviewing the person’s existing resume to see if there are any areas to improve. From there, you can decide whether to do a full makeover or make some adjustments.
There are many resume writing jobs available on freelance job markets. You can also join PARWCC to get certified, network with others in the industry, and find more work.
30. Transcribe audio files
Do you have good listening skills? Transcribing audio files could be one of the best small business ideas for you. As stated, the job is to convert voice recordings into written documents.
Typically, the audio files that need to be transcribed are for record keeping, such as business meetings or legal proceedings. In this case, you may need some training to familiarize yourself with industry-specific terminology.
You can also take care of more general video files that need subtitles for SEO.
In addition to having an excellent ear, transcriptionists must be fast typists. This is so you can write while listening to the file, without having to play it over and over again.
Also, you need to know proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation to write accurate transcriptions.
To get started, all you need is a laptop, a high-quality headset, and basic word processing software. Once you have gained more experience, you can invest in a pedal.
TranscribeMe is a good site to search for transcription work. They have entry-level to intermediate-level jobs, so you’re sure to find something that suits your skills.
31. Become an independent sales agent
Today, many small businesses prefer to hire independent salespeople to avoid hiring an in-house team. For this reason, many agents today prefer to be independent to have more flexibility regarding clients and schedules.
The task of a self-employed sales agent is to market a company’s products or services to potential customers. Just like affiliate marketing, you will get paid every time someone makes a purchase.
If you work remotely, the sales methods you will use are online and telephone demonstrations. Therefore, it is important to have a reliable Internet connection and a mobile or VOIP plan.
Most companies hire independent sales agents from platforms like CommissionCrowd. They typically include features to help you get the job done, like CRM tools, a sales pipeline, training courses, and more.
32. Start a website testing business
Lastly, consider starting a website testing side job. Many online businesses and developers pay people to test their sites for ease of use. Thus, they will use the feedback provided to make improvements.
Typically, companies are looking for regular customers to browse their websites. This way they can get answers from real people who can potentially buy their products.
The way to carry out the tests depends on the client. Normally, they give you instructions and ask you some questions. As you test the website, you will need to record yourself and express your opinions based on what the company asks of you.
To get started, you can search for jobs on sites like UserTesting. Take this opportunity to network with customers and gain more knowledge.
Afterwards, you can open your own website testing business. This will allow you to have more freedom in setting your rates.
Tips for successfully launching a small business
The real challenge with any of the great small business ideas on the list is making them happen. If you need help, here are some tips on how to start a small business:
Start with a solid business plan
When you’re about to own a small business, it’s important to know the steps to take before starting a business. One wrong move could mean losing customers and, in turn, your money.
This is why having a well thought out business plan is important. Being the project of your company, it should cover everything you need to launch and grow. It should include information about the business model, products or services, target audience, marketing, finances, and much more.
When writing a business plan, make sure you set SMART goals. This will allow you to set realistic expectations about what your business can accomplish in the early years.
Focus on customers
The secret to successful profitable business is having satisfied customers. If we offer buyers what they need, they are more likely to keep buying.
Making customers happy is much more than offering a good product or service. It is also about creating an enjoyable experience for the audience. Here are some ways to do it:
- Define a profile of the buyer or buyer person. This is a profile template that represents your current customers. Use it and make business decisions focused on the people you are targeting.
- Make your website user friendly. Your website will be the first point of contact between you and your customers. To make a website easy to use, identify its weak points and eliminate them.
- Respond quickly to inquiries. Most customers agree that getting a quick response from a business is important to them. If you don’t reply to their messages within an hour, they may find another seller.
Develop a solid online marketing strategy
How you market your business can determine whether you can reach and resonate with your target market. Therefore, it is crucial to create strategies based on what your audience likes and needs.
The following tips can help you:
- Create a blog. It is one of the best ways to optimize your website for search engines and get organic traffic. If you do create one, make sure the articles are high quality, fit the keywords, and are useful to your customers.
- Use social media ads. They are much more effective in making your brand visible. Additionally, platforms like Facebook and Instagram can provide in-depth information about your audience through their Insights tool.
- Try referral marketing. It is the practice of giving customers an incentive to promote your business to their friends and family. Some common rewards include store credit, giveaways, gift cards, and more.
Use tools to manage your small business
Running a small business online doesn’t have to be difficult for entrepreneurs. With the right tools, you can take care of your daily work while growing your business.
These are some of the recommended tools to start managing small businesses:
- G Suite. This Google Product Kit contains everything you need to write documents, create spreadsheets, call clients, store files, manage email, and more.
- Trello. This popular project management software allows you to organize tasks and collaborate with your team members.
- Quickbooks. A comprehensive accounting app to create invoices, track expenses, manage taxes, and view financial reports.
Which of these small business ideas will you choose?
There you have it: the 32 best small business ideas. Whether you want to create an eCommerce website or be a micro-influencer, make sure you choose an idea that suits your experience, interests, and budget.
That said, these are the first steps for what is to come. To turn your small business ideas into a dream, you need a solid plan, a great user experience, a powerful marketing strategy, and some great tools to manage your work.
Tell us which small business idea you finally choose.