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40 Home Business Ideas for 2024 (+ How To Get Started)

From wholesaling to pet sitting, discover 40 proven home business ideas. Learn how to get started.

Did you know that half of businesses are started from home? You can own and operate all kinds of businesses remotely, from an online store that you manage by yourself to large scale ventures with physical locations and teams of employees.

Ahead, discover 40 home business ideas to kick-start your entrepreneurship journey, along with guidance on how to make them work for you.

40 best home business ideas

• Buy products in bulk and sell them online
• Sell homemade products
• Start a dropshipping store
• Start a print-on-demand business
• Offer online services
• Teach online classes
• Monetize your expertise
• Grow an audience you can monetize
• Buy an existing small business
• Start a subscription-box business
• Turn your pet into an influencer
• Sell used items
• Play video games professionally
• Sell your art
• Become a virtual event planner
• Launch a photography business
• Start a beauty business
• Start an affiliate marketing business
• Start a day care
• Sell on marketplaces
• Become a social media manager
• Become a virtual personal trainer
• Offer bookkeeping services
• Design websites
• Start a dog-grooming business
• Become a pet sitter
• Become a freelance writer
• Manage properties
• Start a landscaping business
• Start a house cleaning business
• Become a personal chef
• Start a home staging business
• Run a mobile spa
• Offer therapy
• Run meditation sessions
• Teach journaling methods
• Be a professional organizer
• Edit podcasts
• Create a herbal product line
• Create a candle brand

1. Buy products in bulk and sell them online

When you’re starting your first home business, don’t reinvent the wheel. Instead, try an existing, reliable small business model , such as importing popular products in bulk and selling them individually for a profit.

Find products that consumers already want to buy, then purchase them by negotiating a deal with the wholesaler . After that, create an online store to promote your catalog and sell to customers. 

The key to a successful home retail business is savvy product selection. Can you identify the next Stanley Quencher or fashionable beverage ? Tips for sourcing profitable products include:

• Analyzing social media for trending products
• Importing products that are popular in foreign markets
• Serving the needs of a niche market

If your customers would benefit from in-person browsing, you can even use your home as a showroom. That’s how home retail business Artemis Design Co. got its start.

“I was living in the south end of Boston, and I had my living room just full of these products,” says owner and founder Milicent Armstrong. “I would have people come over if they wanted to look at something or try something on, and that’s how I made my first sale .”

2. Sell homemade products

If you’re a maker (or know someone who is), consider turning that hobby into a business by selling your own creations. From homemade soaps and candles to handcrafted jewelry and artwork, the possibilities are endless.

Items crafted in your studio, workshop, or kitchen can become well-known products, with the right branding and marketing. Selling independent goods can also be cost-effective, as you won’t need to buy from wholesalers and can control nearly every aspect of production and pricing.

Craft brand Peg and Awl began as a way for husband and wife Walter and Margaux Kent to sell items they’d made using reclaimed materials in their home workshop. Today, their online store offers a wide range of products, from bags and journals to home décor items.

3. Start a dropshipping store

The first two tips in this list require you to buy or create inventory. But what if you want to start an online business without spending money on large amounts of stock?

Dropshipping is the go-to business model for home business owners who don’t want to deal with inventory. In a dropshipping business, retailers promote and sell products that are produced and shipped by a third party. In other words, a dropshipping supplier will give you a commission for making a sale, while they take care of storing and shipping the product to customers.

Many home dropshipping businesses find success by targeting a niche, such as "cute and kawaii merchandise" retailer Subtle Asian Treats . Curate products from different suppliers to create a collection of related items on your website.

Shopify dropshipping apps connect you with suppliers, so can source and import product listings into your online store.

Dropshipping to $1M: Kamil Sattar’s marketing success

Kamil Sattar, AKA The Ecom King, transformed his floundering dropshipping venture into a $1 million business. He now imparts insights on YouTube and underscores TikTok’s organic marketing potential for budding dropshippers.

4. Start a print-on-demand business

Print on demand is another home business idea that doesn’t require you to buy or hold inventory.

Print-on-demand services let business owners apply their branding and original designs to white label products. When you make a sale, the print-on-demand company will print and ship the item to the customer on your behalf.

There are many print-on-demand products you can sell: books, hats, backpacks, blankets, pillows, mugs, shoes, hoodies, phone cases, and more.

Many print-on-demand businesses focus on serving a specific niche or, better yet, a shared identity. Rebecca Lee Funk launched The Outrage , a women’s rights apparel brand that sells print-on-demand t-shirts. The business donates a portion of proceeds to non-profit organizations that work toward social causes.

5. Offer online services

If you don’t want to sell products online , how about selling a service? Service platforms may be even simpler to set up than retail businesses, because there’s no inventory to create or manage.

One way to develop a home service business is to leverage your existing talents. If your employment contract permits you to offer your skills independently, you could set up a website to sell your time and experience.

Monetize your DIY, technical, language, or musical skills with a website that offers assistance or lessons. Popular service-based home business ideas include:

• Freelance writing
• Virtual assistance
• Translation
• SEO consulting
• Web design and development
• Graphic design

Another benefit of service-based businesses is that you don’t necessarily need a large number of customers to make a profit. Depending on the service you’re providing, a handful of high-quality clients can be sufficient to support yourself full time while working from home.

6. Teach online classes

If you have a teachable skill, why not monetize and share that knowledge via an online course ? Online audiences exist for almost any desirable skill, whether it’s English as a second language, advanced marketing, or everyday home maintenance hacks.

For example, If I Made is an online home business that sells video classes to creative professionals, such as “How to take wedding photos” or “Taxes for creatives.”

Cosmetics brand Yegi Beauty , on the other hand, combines online courses with a product catalog, to create a full shopping and learning experience.

When you deliver classes through a website, you can choose to offer live or pre-recorded content. You might provide live courses at a premium rate, while customers can purchase recorded sessions at a discounted price. If you prefer teaching small groups, consider mentorship, masterclasses, or an online tutoring business.

Alternatively, create a fully downloadable online course for purchase, be it a video walkthrough, templates, articles, or how-tos. Use a screen-recording tool to capture your voice while you walk students through the material.

Looking for a home business that you can set and forget? Try these passive income ideas .

7. Monetize your expertise

One of the biggest downsides of some service- or teaching-based businesses is that they take lots of time. If you need to be physically or virtually present to carry out your service, your ability to scale your business is limited to your daily schedule.

“Productizing” helps you take your service business to the next level, by creating physical or digital products that package your expertise and can be sold many times over. You can cater packages to your current customer base or find new target markets in adjacent spaces.

Gabriella and Andrew Morrison started their home-based business by packaging their expertise around tiny-home living. They sell courses and plans on StrawBale —operating everything from the comfort of their (very cozy) home.

Here are some ways to add service-based products to your business:

• Licensable assets (stock footage, photos, music, etc.)
• Downloadable reports
• Digital templates
• Merchandise

8. Grow an audience you can monetize

If you’ve always dreamt of starting a blog, YouTube channel, Instagram account, or podcast , you could turn that idea into a home business by growing and monetizing a following .

Jordan Ferney, founder of Oh Happy Day Shop! , built an audience via blogging and later turned it into a fully fledged business from home. She designed her online business with the aim of spending more time with her family, and now sells products on her ecommerce site.

Similarly, Andrew Finn co-founded blog-turned-business Wait But Why . After amassing more than 300,000 subscribers and millions of visits, he added an online store to his website, selling products tailored for his already loyal audience.

Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark used Facebook groups to develop and nurture a community around their podcast, My Favorite Murder . After amassing more than 200,000 members, they added a paid membership tier for fans seeking additional perks.

Building a loyal audience requires patience, consistency, and focus. This isn’t the easiest way to start a home-based business (especially in the short term), but if you’re able to grow a following around something you love, it can be one of the most fulfilling.

How a Vegan Chef Built a Business on YouTube

Wil Yeung dabbled in everything from dropshipping violins to developing his own consumer goods. The serial entrepreneur and self-taught chef built his latest business with a YouTube content strategy. He now sells his recipes as books, ebooks, and online courses.

Read Wil’s story

9. Buy an existing small business

Some home business entrepreneurs don’t take part in sales at all. Instead, they buy and manage an existing business .

The cost of acquiring a business varies based on its state of health. Some businesses are sold while generating revenue, allowing you to simply take over.

Others no longer generate substantial revenue and may need rebuilding. However, they may also contain valuable assets like an email list, social following, online content, or brand reputation.

Physical retail stores may have inventory or equipment that comes with the sale.

10. Start a subscription box business

The online subscription box industry is forecasted to grow at an annual rate of 14% between 2024 and 2032. That growth has led to the emergence of direct-to-consumer subscription brands, as well as the adoption of subscription sales models by major brands like Sephora and Walmart. 

If you’re able to curate desirable product selections, you can start a subscription business from home. For example, Ashley Reynolds bundled surplus products into subscription boxes to sell on her ecommerce site, Cloth & Paper . If you already run an ecommerce business, you could do the same to make use of otherwise dead stock. 

Subscription boxes don’t have to necessarily be about selling. Haverdash is a subscription box company that rents clothes. When customers are finished using the items, they send them back—and Haverdash rents them out to another customer to generate more revenue. 

Increase recurring revenue with the Shopify Subscriptions app

The free Shopify Subscriptions app lets you offer subscription services and integrates seamlessly with your Shopify admin. Install it today to increase repeat purchases and customer lifetime value.

11. Turn your pet into an influencer

Pet influencers are all over social media, inspiring thousands of likes with cute videos (and promoting subscription brands like BarkBox ).

If you share your life with a pet, try turning them into a social media personality. You could grow their following, then connect with relevant brands to sign promotion deals.

Bodhi the Menswear Dog , a.k.a. the most stylish dog in the world, has made a name for himself on Instagram. Browse his feed, and you’ll see collaborations with big brands like Booking.com, Spotify, and Poly & Bark.

How an Internet-Famous Corgi Led to a Viral Dog Backpack Biz

Bryan Reisberg’s adorable corgi, Maxine, won over hundreds of thousands of dog lovers on Instagram. His efforts to keep her safe while traveling through Manhattan led to a massively successful backpack company powered by Shopify.

Learn about Little Chonk

12. Sell used items

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, sustainable shopping options are growing in popularity. For example, the global secondhand market is expected to nearly double by 2027, reaching $350 billion .

COAL N TERRY is one home-based business that found success by selling vintage finds . After beginning in a college dorm, the brand now boasts a loyal following and celebrity fans.

You can start small with your own home-based resale business. Marketplaces like Poshmark and Mercari are great platforms for thrifting your unwanted clothing. You can also try Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace.

13. Play video games professionally

Did you know that video gaming can make you money? Esports and video game streaming platforms like Twitch have opened the door for gamers to monetize their skills.

The esports industry alone is worth more than a billion dollars , while leaked data from a few years ago showed that the best Twitch streamers earn millions per year. 

Aside from becoming a sponsored pro gamer, you could create a gaming-based home business by becoming a Let’s Play streamer. Game developers will pay you to play their games and stream your reactions to your audience. You can also sell merch on Twitch to make further cash.

Twitch isn’t limited to gaming streams: Maxx Burman and Banks Boutté used the platform to launch an online festival where they celebrated video game art directors. They then repurposed this content for other channels like Instagram and YouTube.

After building a loyal audience, the two launched KitBash3D , where they sell 3D assets for video games and movies. 

14. Sell your art

If you’re an artist, your creativity can become your livelihood. Whether you’re into painting, digital art, sculpture, photography, or music, there’s a market out there for your work.

Helen Levi , for example, is a Queens-based potter who turned her art into a business by selling ceramics from her online store.

Selling art from home involves more than just creating. You’ll need to dedicate time to promoting your work, building a brand, and connecting with your audience. Social media, art fairs, and online marketplaces such as Saatchi Art can be effective ways to get your work in front of potential buyers.

15. Become a virtual event planner

The virtual events market is expected to grow 18.8% each year until 2030. All those new events need coordinating and promoting, which is an opportunity for remote businesses.

If you have events management skills or experience, you might be able to build a home business as a virtual events planner. Perhaps you’re good with organization and love creating schedules? You may have a natural ability to network, negotiate, and bring people together. If so, these skills are invaluable when you’re trying to market yourself to customers.

Find a niche, either in terms of the types of events you organize (conferences, meetings, webinars, etc.) or the events’ purpose (personal parties, professional workshops, industry specific shows, etc.).

Getting familiar with event platforms like Hopin and Whova will arm you with the knowledge needed to win your first customers. As your reputation grows, repackaging your services and selling them as a toolkit for others can add an extra revenue stream to your business.

16. Launch a photography business

There are several options for selling photos online , all of which can be highly competitive. One strategy is to sell stock photography, either by opening your own storefront or by submitting pictures to well-known marketplaces like Adobe Stock or Shutterstock . 

If you’re interested in developing your own brand, and picking a photography niche, you could also start a career as a wedding, pet, fashion, or product photographer .

17. Start a beauty business

A popular niche for at-home businesses is health and beauty. You can work with a manufacturer to create your own cosmetics, or apply your branding to white label products .

It can pay to look beyond the current most popular cosmetics products to identify the next big beauty trends. With new tools and gadgets constantly hitting the market, there are countless dropshipping opportunities in this niche, from massage guns and smart mirrors to spa day reservations. 

Consumer trend research shows customers are keen to buy from businesses that offer convenience in the form of multiple purchasing and delivery options. This holds true for beauty businesses, where customers are often looking to reorder products that they like.

This Skin Care Founder Blended Her Personal Story with Her Brand

In this guide to brand storytelling, founder Charlotte Cho explains how her personal story and that of her culture were critical to building two skin care brands. As a popular beauty blogger first, she was able to build credibility when she eventually launched.

18. Start an affiliate marketing business

Affiliate marketing is a popular home business model where you promote a brand’s products or services. When a customer buys a product through your affiliate link, you get a commission on the sale.

Deciding on the best affiliate program  is where you’ll need to get creative. For example, some businesses choose to promote partner brands and products through Instagram Stories, while others create websites with relevant content. 

19. Start a day care

A reliable day care is a perennial home business idea. If you’re good with children, see how many day cares exist in your area, and if you think there’s demand, consider opening one for your local community.

The daycare market is currently valued at more than $60 billion and is only expected to grow in the coming years.

Minimal startup costs are required to make the necessary alterations to your home and acquire the right licenses to open a day care. You’ll need to research child care licensing requirements , undergo mandatory background checks, and get the required health and safety training.

20. Sell on marketplaces

Amazon , eBay , and Facebook Marketplace are all popular, viable platforms for selling stuff from home.

Flipping items on online marketplaces is one of the easiest businesses to start: once you open an account, upload your listings, and set your prices , you’ll be on your way to selling your first item.

While selling an item on a marketplace may be relatively easy, building a reliable income stream from marketplace sales can be more difficult. Options for promoting products are limited, and with traffic largely determined by retail costs, you may be forced into price wars with other sellers.

To avoid the pitfalls of marketplace selling, open an independent online store alongside your Amazon or Etsy accounts. With Shopify, you can easily sync your storefronts to stay on top of sales.

21. Become a social media manager

With some self-taught know-how, you could start a social media consulting business from your laptop. Demonstrate your social media skills with your own accounts and invest in subscriptions to a few social media management tools.

Take it from Rachel Pedersen , who leveraged her one million TikTok followers to quit her job as a hairdresser and run her social media business from home.

The hardest part of setting up a service-based business is landing your first customer. Increase your odds of finding a client by leveraging your existing network to let them know you now offer social media services. Use popular social platforms like YouTube and Instagram to show off your expertise with paid ads.

22. Become a virtual personal trainer

Personal training is estimated to be a $14 billion industry , with social media being a primary marketing channel for fitness professionals.

With the relevant certification to back up your services, it’s a matter of marketing your personal training packages to an audience interested in getting fit from home. Learn from how “fitfluencers” like Loisa Kurang and Triumph With Vin market themselves on Instagram.

Then, check out these low-cost alternatives to running paid ads to draw up a marketing strategy and promote your virtual services. 

23. Offer bookkeeping services

If you’re good with numbers, an at-home bookkeeping business might be the way to go. The average bookkeeper’s salary is around $45,000 in the US , but as a freelance bookkeeper, you stand to earn more as you increase your rates and build your customer base. To do this, you first need to file paperwork to establish a limited liability company .

Again, social media is often the go-to place to promote your services. See how Zeal Bookkeeping uses Instagram Reels to offer accounting tips and information.

24. Design websites

While it’s never been easier to build a website , many people lack the design skills needed to create a satisfying browsing experience.

If you possess those skills, you could set up a website development agency from home. Platforms like Upwork and Dribbble are solid starting points for finding your first customers. As you finish jobs and collect testimonials and samples, it should become easier to land clients without the help of a marketplace.

25. Start a dog-grooming business

If you have space in your home, you could try offering dog-grooming services. It’s an in-demand service with a market size of $5 billion .

Pet grooming businesses can also be scaled, by establishing a brand and selling complementary products. Check out luxury pet spa Paw La La for examples.

The beauty of a dog grooming business is that you don’t have to start big. Leverage your network of local dog owners to find your first customers, and consider offering lower prices in exchange for testimonials .

26. Become a pet sitter

When pet owners go to work or leave for vacation, they need reliable and responsible sitters. If that sounds like you, then a sitting service is another potential pet business idea . There are low startup costs and very little overhead.

Apps like Rover and Wag allow sitters to find clients in their area. You can decide your own hours, and even whether clients will travel to your home. Depending on where you live, pet sitters can make up to $40,000 per year .

You may need certifications and insurance if you want to turn pet sitting into a fully fledged business.

27. Become a freelance writer

Businesses are always looking for persuasive writers. Log in to LinkedIn and look through the writing job postings. You’ll see companies are looking for everything from copywriters to journalists and bloggers.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a freelance writer is $48,000 a year —with digital marketing writers, ecommerce writers, and blog writers most in demand.

If you’re hoping to make money from home from creative writing, take inspiration from entrepreneurs like Sadaf Siddique and Gauri Manglik , who began as children’s book authors and later founded the online bookshop KitaabWorld .

Using their experiences as readers and mothers, they made children’s books to tell diverse stories. Now, KitaabWorld is a place to both find and publish literature about different cultures and backgrounds.

The opportunities to make money from home through your writing are as limitless as your imagination. You could turn your pen to ebooks, a weekly subscription newsletter , or even sponsored social media posts.

If you want to learn how to make writing a home business, check out these resources:

• How to Make Money Blogging: The Ultimate Guide
• How to Start a Blogging Business (Beginner’s Guide)

28. Manage properties

About 100 million people visit Airbnb.com each month, looking for somewhere to stay for work or a vacation. Tap into the tourism industry by turning your home into accommodation.

Alternatively, offer your services to other hosts as a rental property manager. Management companies coordinate bookings, schedule cleanings, and act as a point of contact for guests. You don’t need many funds to start, and there’s no certification necessary.

Renting property is one of the most popular sources of passive income . If you’re a beginner, you can learn from the experiences of other Airbnb hosts .

29. Start a landscaping business

Another task for which people often seek assistance and expertise is gardening.

The lawn and garden market generates more than $130 billion each year in the US. To see this pastime’s popularity, just take a look at garden designer Monty Don ’s Instagram profile. Users flock to his page for tips on how to get the most from their green spaces. 

A landscaping business can mean several things, from simple grass cutting to creating dream backyards with ponds and imported trees. Ensure you understand your client’s needs and check out the competition in your area.

30. Start a house cleaning service

While other people commute to an office, you could create a home business by cleaning their houses. The global market for home cleaning services is projected to reach $10 billion by 2026 , with a variety of cleaning services in demand.

Don’t forget to acquire business insurance and perform the necessary checks on the employees who’ll represent your business.

31. Become a personal chef

Love cooking? Got some tried and tested family recipes? Transform your culinary passion into a business by becoming a personal chef. You can cook up a storm for clients right in their own homes, tailoring your services to their dietary needs and preferences.

As you grow, expand your menu of services with branded products, meal kits, or cooking lessons. You could even open a food truck or a website to sell food online . While it’s not exactly a home business, personal cooks get to spend time in their community instead of an office.

Cooking platform Truffle Shuffle scaled its business by providing a way for chefs across the world to connect with aspiring home cooks.

32. Start a home staging business

As a home stager, you’ll work with realtors and homeowners to make homes more appealing on the real estate market. A talented stager can transform a basic living room into a desirable space that gets potential buyers interested.

If you regularly get compliments on your home décor, try turning that ability into a business. No specific certifications are required, though a background in interior design or real estate could boost your credibility.

Check out staging companies like Fliphaus for inspiration.

33. Run a mobile spa

Bring the luxury of a spa into clients’ homes with a mobile spa business. Offering services like massages, manicures, and pedicures, you can create a relaxing spa experience with the added convenience of being near or in people’s homes.

Factor in that you will need to be certified to perform services like massages, facials, and other treatments.

34. Offer therapy

If becoming a licensed therapist interests you, there’s a wide range of popular paramedical treatments that you could offer from home. Therapies such as massage, acupuncture, or physiotherapy are all potential home business ideas.

Just like spa treatments, if you don’t have the space to host clients, you can also visit them. Platforms like Zeel connect users with licensed massage therapists who provide in-home services.

Again, you’ll need to comply with all local regulations and professional guidelines, and ensure you’re up to date with the latest techniques and trends in your field.

35. Run meditation sessions

As a meditation instructor, you can offer live sessions, pre-recorded meditation guides, or even a personalizable meditation app. No specific certification is required to teach meditation, but having a deep understanding of your practice and techniques will be crucial to success.

Also, you’ll need to create a calm, welcoming space for conducting sessions—whether it’s physical or virtual.

As you grow your business, consider offering specialized meditation sessions for different groups (like children or seniors) or focusing on specific areas such as stress reduction or sleep improvement. Notice how meditation business Mindspo offers a range of services to meet customer needs. They also market themselves via a meditation podcast.

36. Teach journaling methods

If you regularly journal or keep a diary, and have a method for staying committed, you could teach it to other people for a fee.

Ryder Carroll created his own journaling method that morphed into a home-based business idea. Now, he sells journal products and journaling advice on his website. 

37. Be a professional organizer

If you love to create functional, clutter-free spaces, consider starting a home business as a professional organizer. You can help clients declutter their homes or offices, creating order and calm wherever you go. 

Neat is a home-organization empire started by Molly Graves and Ashley Murphy. After realizing they shared a passion for organization, they created and branded a unique method for decluttering homes—which is now a franchised training program offered by professional organizers across the country.

38. Edit podcasts

Podcasting has become a mainstream pastime (or career option) in recent years.

For each podcast episode that’s recorded, an editor needs to cut together the various sections, strip out coughs and stutters, and refine the audio quality. If you have the skills and software to perform those tasks, you could make a living from home as a podcast editor.

Photo and video editing services can also be profitable home business ideas.

39. Create a herbal product line

If your family has passed a herbal remedy down the generations, or if you simply have an interest in natural treatments, you could make and sell herbal products from home.

For instance, Wooden Spoon Herbs was started by Lauren Haynes in her kitchen. She creates plant-based products using American-grown herbs and traditional methods. Her online store now sells a range of herbal teas, tinctures, and wellness products.

The brand’s website even has a quiz that customers can take to find the perfect herbal treatment for them.

40. Create a candle brand

Candle making is perhaps the classic home business idea. While often maligned, many entrepreneurs continue to find success by making, branding, and selling their own candles and fragrances.

The key to success in this industry is strong branding. Your brand should not only reflect the quality and uniqueness of your candles but also resonate with your target audience.

Take Brooklyn Candle Studio , for example. After buying a candle-making kit in 2013 and discovering a talent for the craft, founder Tamara Mayne began her business from her studio apartment, selling her candles at local markets. A year later, she quit her job to work full time on Brooklyn Candle Studio.

If you also possess the talent to mix and match scents, you could channel your inner Jan from The Office and create a candle company. As your brand grows and evolves, there may be opportunities to extend your product line to include related items, such as scented diffusers, room sprays, or bath oils.

Serious about candle making? Here’s how to start a candle business .

How to start a home business

Once you have an idea that fits your skills and experience, it’s time to get to work on building your new home business.

While you’ll no doubt encounter challenges, the process of starting a business doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Here are the five basic steps you’ll need to follow. (Working with a small business lawyer and accountant can also be helpful.)

• Come up with your own business idea
• Create a business plan
• Start the legal process
• Open a business bank account
• Start providing your products or services

1. Come up with your own business idea

The first step in launching a home business is coming up with a unique idea that gives you a competitive edge.

Whether you choose one of the tried and tested businesses above, or develop an original concept, try to think critically about your idea.

Ask trusted friends and industry experts to debate your business and poke holes in your plan, to make your idea as robust as possible.

2. Create a business plan

A business plan puts your idea into a recognizable and actionable structure. To make a plan, put together information including:

• A company overview
• Your product or service offerings
• Your target audience
• A competitor analysis

Easily create your own business plan using a template like the one below:

3. Start the legal process

Choose your business type , apply for your business license, set up your legal entity, and make sure you have all the proper paperwork.

You may consider hiring the help of a small business lawyer to ensure you’re correctly setting up your business’s legal entity. There are four main types of business entities:

• Sole proprietorship
• Limited liability partnership
• Corporation

Speaking to an attorney can help you decide which type of business is best for your needs, as well as making filing the paperwork easier.

4. Open a business bank account

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal finances will make taxes less stressful. There are a number of institutions you can turn to for opening your business account, so don’t be afraid to shop around for the best fit for your needs.

At minimum, you’ll want to open the following: 

• A business checking account for revenue
• A savings account to hold money
• A business credit card for expenses

Again, speaking to a professional can be a big help. Consider searching for a local accountant who can help you make informed decisions when it comes to opening your business accounts.

5. Start providing your products or services

Finally, it’s time to start selling! If you’re creating an ecommerce business where you sell products online, Shopify makes it easy to build and run your store .

What are the pros and cons of starting a home business?

Home businesses can be started and operated from your personal residence. They might be full-time pursuits or side hustles , and often involve the use of an ecommerce platform to sell products online.

Most home business models are designed to be light on infrastructure, so you don’t need to hold lots of inventory, hire employees, or rent a physical location.

Like every business model, however, there are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether a home-based business is right for you:

Pros of running a home business

• Home businesses often have few overhead costs, including office rent or warehousing fees.
• You may be able to claim tax deductions as a home business owner.
• With ecommerce , you can choose to target a local or international market.
• Working from home may improve your work-life balance —great for parents or retirees seeking additional income.
• You can create a family business where your relations or spouse can help out.

Cons of running a home business

• You’ll likely need dedicated office space to work, store equipment, or hold inventory .
• It’s up to you to meet regulations for your industry, such as food hygiene standards or holding relevant permits.
• You may be competing with large, established businesses that can access extra capital .
• Working from home offers freedom, but it can also be lonely .

When you use an ecommerce platform like Shopify , you have the tools needed to build almost any home business.

Find the perfect home business ideas for you

The best home business idea for you won’t be the same as for others.

Succeeding as a small business entrepreneur requires knowing where your strengths lie—and which business models fit with your skills and schedule. Could you turn your experiences as a parent into a successful business , or does your industry knowledge make you an in-demand consultant?

Technology has made almost any business remote-friendly, enabling you to interact with suppliers, employees, and customers from your home.

Once you have an idea, start small, and always make your customers’ needs your top priority.

Home business ideas FAQ

How do i start a small business at home.

• Identify a business idea: Find a niche that suits your skills and passion.
• Create a business plan: Outline your goals, target market, competition analysis, marketing strategy, and financial projections.
• Develop your product or service: Ensure it meets market standards and customer needs.
• Secure funding: If necessary, explore funding options such as personal savings, loans, or Shopify Capital.
• Choose a business structure: Determine whether a sole proprietorship, partnership, or LLC best fits your needs.
• Apply for licenses and permits: Check local regulations to ensure legal compliance.
• Open a business bank account: Keep your personal and business finances separate.
• Get business insurance: Protect your business from potential risks.
• Implement a marketing strategy: Utilize SEO, content marketing, and social media to reach your target audience.

What are some low-cost home business ideas?

• Blogging: If you have a passion for a specific topic, you can start a blog and monetize it through advertising, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing.
• Virtual assistant: Offer administrative services to businesses remotely.
• Freelance writing or design: If you have a knack for writing or design, offer your services to businesses.
• Home tutoring: If you excel in a particular subject, consider offering tutoring services.

Which home business is most profitable?

What kind of business can i start from home.

• Selling homemade crafts or products
• Providing specialized online services
• Launching a subscription box service
• Building and monetizing a dedicated audience
• Establishing a dropshipping store
• Initiating a print-on-demand business
• Starting a freelance writing career

Which business in the easiest to start from home?

• Dropshipping
• Print-on-demand services
• Selling pre-owned items
• Creating and selling homemade products
• Offering specialized services

How can I market my home business?

What legal considerations should i keep in mind when starting a home business, how can i balance my home and work life, how can i scale my home-based business.

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15 Profitable Home Business Ideas To Make Money From (2024)

Home-based businesses are making waves for their flexibility and low costs. Did you know that half of all businesses start from home? From online tutoring to podcast editing to selling handmade crafts, there are plenty of home business ideas that you can explore.

Ahead, discover 15 ideas to start your home business, along with tips on how to make them successful on your entrepreneurship journey.

Best small business ideas to start from home

• Start a dropshipping business
• Launch a print-on-demand company
• Teach online classes
• Provide online services
• Build an audience you can monetize
• Start a subscription box business
• Play video games
• Launch a beauty brand
• Start an affiliate marketing business
• Become a virtual event planner
• Sell on marketplaces
• Offer b ookkeeping services
• Offer therapy
• Become a social media manager
• Edit podcasts

1. Start a dropshipping business

If you like the idea of running an online store, but you’re not sure what to sell, consider starting a dropshipping business from home. This is a home business idea with low startup costs.

Dropshipping is a type of ecommerce in which sellers don’t need to purchase or store the products they sell. Instead, sellers partner with dropshipping suppliers who  manage the inventory and ship products directly to customers on the seller’s behalf.

The best part is that starting a dropshipping business from home is easy. With dropshipping apps like DSers, you can get started quickly. Just sign up for  Shopify , install the  DSers app , and search for products to add to your store.

2. Launch a print-on-demand company

Print on demand is a home business idea that doesn’t need you to buy or hold inventory.

You can put your branding and designs on white label products. When you make a sale, the print-on-demand company prints and ships the item to the customer.

You can sell many print-on-demand products : books, hats, backpacks, blankets, pillows, mugs, shoes, hoodies, phone cases, and more.

When it comes to niche selection, think about your target audience. From pet lovers to vegans to gamers, there are many niches you can create products for.

3. Teach online classes

If you have a teachable skill, why not make money sharing it? You can do this in person or through an online course. There are online audiences for almost any skill, whether it’s learning English, advanced marketing, or home maintenance tips.

For example, SkillShare offers video classes on various topics, like “How to Bake Artisan Bread” and “Basic Photography Skills.”

You can teach through a platform where you offer live or pre-recorded content. This route gives you the option to price live classes higher, while recorded sessions can be sold at a lower rate. You can also consider mentorship, master classes, or online tutoring if you enjoy teaching small groups.

Another option is to create a fully downloadable course, including video tutorials, templates, articles, or guides. Use a screen-recording tool to capture your lessons and start your online tutoring business.

4. Provide online services

If you don’t want to sell products online, consider selling a service. Service platforms might be simpler to set up than retail businesses, since you don’t need to manage inventory.

Leverage your talents to start a home service business. If your job contract allows, set up a website to sell your time and skills.

Monetize your DIY, technical, language, or musical abilities by offering assistance or lessons online. Popular service-based home business ideas include:

• Freelance writing
• Virtual assistance
• Translation
• SEO consulting
• Web design and development
• Graphic design

Service-based businesses also don’t require many clients to be profitable. A few high-quality clients can support you full-time while working from home.

5. Build an audience you can monetize

If you’ve always wanted to start a blog , YouTube channel, Instagram account, or podcast, you can turn that idea into a home business by growing and monetizing a following.

Start with sharing your passion online, whether it’s through writing, videos, or social media posts. You can also create a community around your content using platforms like Facebook groups, and eventually offer paid memberships or exclusive content.

Building a loyal audience takes patience, consistency, and focus. It’s not the easiest way to start a home business, especially short term, but if you grow a following around something you love, it can be incredibly fulfilling.

6. Start a subscription box business

Starting a subscription box can be a great business idea if you enjoy curating unique product selections. The online subscription box industry is expected to grow at an annual rate of 14% between 2024 and 2032. This growth means there’s a lot of potential for new subscription-based businesses .

You don’t just have to sell products; you can rent them too. Some companies rent items like clothes, allowing customers to use and return them. The items are then rented out to another customer, generating more revenue.

Consider bundling surplus products into subscription boxes to sell on your ecommerce site. This can help you make use of otherwise dead stock and generate consistent revenue.

7. Play video games

Did you know that video gaming can make you money? Platforms like Twitch let gamers turn their skills into cash through streaming and esports.

The esports industry alone is worth more than a billion dollars , and top Twitch streamers earn millions each year.

Get started by setting up a Twitch account and streaming your gameplay. Build your audience by engaging with viewers and providing entertaining content. Once you have a following, reach out to game developers for sponsorships.

Another way to make money is to become a Let’s Play streamer. Game developers will pay you to play their games and stream your reactions to your audience. You can also sell merch on Twitch to boost your income.

8. Launch a beauty brand

One of the most popular small business ideas is starting a health and beauty brand. You can work with a manufacturer to create your own cosmetics or brand white label products.

Look beyond current trends to find the next big thing in beauty. There are many dropshipping opportunities in this niche, like massage tools, smart mirrors, and spa day reservations.

You’ll also want to offer various purchasing and delivery options to meet customer expectations. Research shows customers value these conveniences and are likely to prefer brands that offer them.

9. Start an affiliate marketing business

Affiliate marketing is a home business model that involves promoting a brand’s products or services. You set up a website or social media profile to share links to the brand. Each time someone uses your link to buy something, you earn a commission.

Finding the best affiliate programs takes some research. You might choose to promote through Facebook posts, blogs, or YouTube channels, depending on your audience and content style.

10. Become a virtual event planner

The event planning business is no longer one where you need a physical office to meet clients and organize details. Now, you can plan, organize, and execute events virtually, from the comfort of your home.

The virtual events market is expected to grow 18.8% each year until 2030. That means there’ll be plenty of opportunities to offer your skills and expertise.

Think about the types of events you want to organize, like conferences, meetings, or webinars, and about their purpose, such as personal parties, professional workshops, or industry-specific shows.

Getting familiar with event platforms will help you manage and promote events more effectively. Use tools like Hopin and Whova to streamline your planning process and impress clients with seamless virtual experiences.

11. Sell on marketplaces

Facebook Marketplace , Amazon , and eBay are popular platforms for selling stuff from home.

Flipping items on these sites is one of the easiest businesses to start. Open an account, upload your listings, and set your prices. You’re ready to sell your first item.

While selling an item is easy, building a steady income can be tough. Promotion options are limited, and prices often lead to competition. Price wars with other sellers can cut into your profits.

12. Offer bookkeeping services

If you’re good with numbers, try starting an at-home bookkeeping business.

You can sell your services to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Consider working as a freelance bookkeeper for more flexibility and control over your rates.

Social media is a great way to promote your services. You can use platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels to share accounting tips and information.

Pro tip: Set up a limited liability company to offer a professional service. Having an incorporated business will help build trust and protect your personal assets.

13. Offer therapy

If you want to be a licensed therapist, you can offer many popular treatments from home. You could do massage, acupuncture, or physiotherapy as a small business.

If you don’t have space for clients, you can visit them. Platforms like TaskRabbit connect users with service providers who come to their homes.

You’ll need to follow local regulations and professional guidelines. Stay updated with the latest techniques and trends to run a successful business.

14. Become a social media manager

Do you know TikTok inside and out? Are you a pro on YouTube? Consider starting a consulting business where you manage social media for companies.

Getting the first customer is often the hardest part of creating a service-based venture. You can increase your chances by letting your network know you offer social media services. Use forums, LinkedIn, and Instagram to showcase your skills.

You can also consider investing in subscriptions to some social media management tools. These make it easy to schedule posts and track campaign performance.

15. Edit podcasts

Many people and companies create podcasts to share ideas or promote their work. But they often lack the time or skill to edit their recordings.

If you can use basic editing tools, you can fill this need and work from home.

As a podcast editor, you’ll cut sections, remove coughs, and improve audio quality. With more experience, you can also offer photo and video editing services.

How to start a home business

Once you have an idea that fits your skills and experience, it’s time to build your new home business.

Starting a business can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are five basic steps to follow:

• Brainstorm your own business idea
• Write a business plan
• Incorporate your business
• Open a business bank account
• Start offering your products or services

1. Brainstorm your own business idea

Brainstorming a unique business idea that gives you a competitive advantage is the first step to launching a home business.

Think critically about how you will position your business, whether you plan to pursue a new concept or choose a proven one.

Validate your business idea by presenting it to industry experts and friends. If they find it promising, you’re onto something great.

2. Write a business plan

A business plan gives structure and clarity to your idea. To create one, include details like:

• A business overview
• Your product or service offerings
• Information about your target audience
• An analysis of your competitors

Bonus: Use these templates to easily create your own business plan.

3. Incorporate your business

Select a business structure, apply for a business license, establish your legal entity, and make sure you have the right paperwork.

To ensure you’re setting up your home business’s entity correctly, you may consider talking to a small business attorney.

There are four main entities under which you can operate:

• Sole proprietorship
• Limited liability partnership
• Corporation

Consulting with a lawyer can help you choose the best type and make filing paperwork easier.

4. Open a business bank account

Keeping your personal and business finances separate makes managing taxes simpler. There are many banks you can choose from, so shop around until you find the best fit.

At minimum, you should open the following:

• A business checking account for revenue
• A savings account to hold money
• A business credit card for expenses

Talking to a professional can help. Find a local accountant to guide you in setting up your business accounts.

5. Start offering your products or services

Okay, now you can officially start your business. If you’re creating an ecommerce store, use a platform like Shopify to streamline the process.

Pros and cons of starting a home business

You can start and operate a home business from your personal residence. It can be a full-time job or a side hustle. Often, home businesses use online platforms to sell products and services .

Most home business models don’t need much infrastructure, so you won’t need to rent a space or hire employees. However, there are a few pros and cons to consider to see if this type of business is right for you.

Pros of running a home business

• You can improve your work-life balance, which is great for parents or retirees wanting extra income.
• Home businesses often have low costs, like no office rent or warehouse fees.
• You might get tax breaks as a home business owner.
• You can target local or international markets with ecommerce.
• You can make it a family business, with your spouse or relatives helping out.

Cons of running a home business

• You’ll need a dedicated space for work, storing equipment, or keeping inventory.
• You must meet industry regulations, like food hygiene standards or getting permits.
• Competing with large, established companies with access to more resources can be challenging.
• Despite the freedom, working from home can be lonely.

Choosing the best home business idea for you

Everyone has different abilities and interests. So, choosing the best home business comes down to understanding your strengths and passions.

Can you turn your love for cooking into a business? Does your design expertise make you a sought-after freelancer? Use these insights to find the best business idea for you.

With technology making almost any business remote-friendly, you can find suppliers, hire employees, and promote your offerings to customers from home.

Home business ideas FAQ

What are some low-cost home business ideas.

Starting a home business doesn’t have to cost much. Here are a few inexpensive online business ideas:

• Social media manager: Help businesses manage their social media accounts
• Freelance photography: Offer photography services to clients, focusing on products or portraits.
• YouTube channel: Share videos on a topic you love and make money through ads and sponsorships.
• Online tutoring: Teach a language you are fluent in to students online.

How can I balance my home and work life?

The nature of a home-based business can make it difficult to balance home and work life. But you can set work hours, create a separate workspace, take regular breaks, and set boundaries with family to help manage it.

Can I run a profitable business part time from home?

Yes, many profitable business ideas can be run part time. Examples include selling handmade crafts online, providing pet-sitting services, or offering freelance graphic design.

How can I scale my home-based business?

To scale your home business, you may need to take several steps:

• Hire freelancers or employees.
• Expand your product or service offerings.
• Consider new markets.
• Invest in better tools. 

Make sure to plan your growth strategy carefully to ensure your business thrives in the long run.

Want to learn more?

• How to Use Shopify: A Quick and Easy Shopify Tutorial for Beginners
• What is Dropshipping: Things You Need To Know Before Getting Started
• Shopify Pricing Plans: Which Shopify Plan is Best For Me?
• Do You Have an Entrepreneurial Spirit? Find Out Here (With Quotes)

BUSINESS STRATEGIES

72 home business ideas you can start today

• Rebecca Tomasis
• 32 min read

Starting a business from home is becoming increasingly popular for both new and experienced business owners. With the rise of the gig economy and digital technology, including online retail, there are now more opportunities than ever to launch a business that operates out of your home.

Whether you’re looking to supplement your income (see our guide on how to make money from home ) or start an entirely new career, home-based business ideas provide an excellent opportunity to participate in both the passion economy and the sharing economy.

Whether you have a home-based business, travel to your clients, or cram in a few hours at a cafe, the possibilities of avoiding the 9-5 office life are plentiful. In fact, in the U.S. alone, the most recent census (2017) found that 8 million people worked from home .

Starting a business from home is a quick and resource saving way to get a great business idea off the ground. Yankee Candles started off as a small business in the kitchen of Michael Kittredge's family home. Start small, think big.

It takes a self-motivated, highly disciplined person to make a home business successful. Of course you should choose a good business idea that suits you best. Fortunately, there are options available for all skill levels and areas of expertise (including business ideas for stay-at-home moms ). From the lowest overhead costs to the most elaborate ventures, and from freelancers to full-fledged business owners, here are the top 70 home-based business ideas for you to choose from and get started on today:

Pro tip: After coming up with business idea and before you get started putting this into action, take some time to read through the following guides. Begin by reading up on how to start your business , which includes everything from how to create a business website to promote your work. You might also want to check out some business website design inspiration .

What defines a good home business idea

There are many reasons why starting a business from home is a popular choice. Here we go over a few of the key reasons why:

Low startup costs

Starting a business from home can cost from just a few hundred dollars up, depending on which type of business idea you decide to run with. This makes the initial risk of starting a business much more minimal.

Flexibility

Business ideas that work from home allow for more freedom in terms of where you work from. They're often a good self-employment fit for parents with children at home, or for people who live in remote areas.

Learn more about how to sell online .

Profitability

Small businesses started from home can grow and with less overhead costs, which means larger profit potential.

Your business idea, whether a product or service aligns with current trends or fulfills a growing niche. This makes it more marketable and increases chances of profitability.

Easiest business ideas to start from home

Survey taker

Uber driver

Professional organizer

Personal shopper

House cleaner

Data entry specialist

Gift basket arranger

Freelance illustrator

01. Pet sitter

What animal-lover wouldn’t dream of this job? If your friends call you the ‘cat whisperer’ or you light up every time a cute dog passes you by on the street, you’d be crazy not to jump on this business idea . If you’re responsible, caring and organized, it’s worth reaching out to your social circle and online communities to offer your services. This is also an excellent option if you want to earn extra money on the side, or are looking for a job where you can multitask between other projects.

Median annual salary: $30,077

Read more: How to start a dog walking business , Business ideas for kids , Weekend side hustles

02. Survey taker

Did you know that you can get paid for expressing your opinion? As a survey taker you’ll fill out forms with your general sense of the public’s opinions. To get started, create a custom email address specifically for this because you’ll have a cluster of emails coming your way. Then, reach out to a minimum of five trusted companies initially, as invitations from each can be few and far between and each one pays differently. Overall, don’t expect to make tons of money from this, rather consider it as a side hustle .

Median annual salary: $16,000

Learn more: Automated business ideas

03. Uber driver

An excellent fit for social people who want to have control over their hours. Uber drivers responsibilities entail picking up passengers and safely delivering them to their destinations, as well as keeping their vehicles clean and inviting at all times. Based on a rating scale, you can become a crowd favorite and earn social respect fast if you do a good job. And with Uber, above other ride-sharing services, you’ll be working with the biggest network of active riders. Alternatively, if you don’t want to deal with passengers, you can work with Uber Eats and deliver food instead.

Median annual salary: $34,231

04. Professional organizer

If Marie Kondo, the Japanese organizing consultant, is your role model, then getting paid to tidy up others people’s mess could be your calling. Take this a step further and offer your clients tips to improve their organizational methods in the future. Whether it’s apartments or office spaces, the possibilities here are endless. The necessary criteria are communication, motivation and (of course) impressive organizational skills. You can also learn how to make money as a consultant .

Median annual salary: $53,000

05. Personal shopper

Your dream of getting paid to shop has just come true. If you have advanced knowledge of consumer goods and current trending products , you can consult or physically shop for others. From wardrobes to groceries to household interiors and more, take your fashion sense to the market and start making money by helping others.

Median annual salary: $32,808

06. House cleaner

You may not be working from your own home, but you will have a flexible schedule as a house cleaner. Whether you decide to work with one to two houses or set up an entire cleaning service (the choice is yours), the only requirements aside from the basics are that you should be a thorough cleaner and have strong communication with your customers. This can also be a great family business idea as it can be easily arranged around a busy schedule or a popular business idea for students , looking for part time and flexible work.

Median annual salary: $27,339

Read more: How to start a cleaning business

07. Data entry specialist

You’d be surprised that a lot of documentation today is still done manually, rather than online. If you want to be a part of converting the stragglers to the digital world, it’s possible to earn an income by entering information from paper files to online computer files. Not to mention, you’ll be helping the environment by saving some trees along the way. The main requirement here is to be highly detail-oriented in order to make sure that no piece of data is left out from your transfer efforts.

Median annual salary: $34,355

08. Gift basket arranger

Gift baskets have become a popular present option for many reasons. They usually include at least one item everyone will enjoy, they can be highly personalized and you can get pretty creative with the items. Based on your customers’ needs, you’ll be able to craft boxes with different assortments. Start small by working with close family and friends, then you’ll be able to use your baskets as samples to get more clients. Take this a step further sell subscriptions to curated gift boxes on a recurring basis. Be sure to create an eCommerce website to sell your gift baskets around the world.

Median hourly salary: $16

09. Freelance illustrator

Take your creative talents and fly solo. Working as a freelancer in the illustration industry allows you to have more control over your work by spending time on projects that you choose, which ultimately will ensue more motivation. You'll have to create a mesmerizing illustration portfolio website that showcases past projects and experience in the field in order to be able to obtain new clients too. Illustrations can also be sold as digital products for extra income.

Median annual salary: $49,380

Business ideas from home with low startup costs

10. bicycle mechanic, 11. pet groomer, 12. music teacher, 13. college planning consultant, 14. babysitter, 15. elder care provider, 16. private tutor, 17. translator, 19. party entertainer, 21. publicist.

Do you have a knack for fixing things? As most people don’t, your skills are bound to come in handy. This is especially the case with bicycles, where 47.5 million Americans cycle regularly , and the number is continuously rising. You’ll be surprised how many people come your way when you market yourself as the ‘handy-man’ in town. Prior experience required is being able to fix bikes from multiple brands, weights and sizes. And if you can work on electric bikes, that’s an added bonus.

Median annual salary: $21,000

From cutting fur to nail trimming, shampooing and brushing, you can be in charge of helping man’s best friend to look fresh, clean and ready to strut their stuff when they walk through their neighborhood. This job is meant for individuals who consider themselves animal lovers, have a lot of patience and know how to care for pets properly.

Median annual salary: $38,033

If you’re gifted at making beautiful, rhythmic sounds come out of an instrument or your vocal cords, this is a way to channel your strengths and spread them to others. From piano to vocals, solfeggio and more, you could become a music teacher. Note that teaching is a skill of its own, so it will require patience, care, communication and fundamental knowledge of your craft in order to start a career or a side gig in this area.

Median annual salary: $46,744

One of the most stressful responsibilities for a high school student is figure out all the answers to their burning questions about college and their future. ‘Will they be able to afford it?’ ‘How will they get into their dream school?’ ‘What will they study?’ If you consider yourself organized, motivating and connected in these areas, your ability to help students navigate their futures can earn you a sufficient income.

Median annual salary: $41,735

If you’re good with kids, toddlers, or newborns, taking on this job is a great way to make a meaningful living. Whether you decide to work as a full time nanny or spend a few hours after school watching your neighbors’ kids, there is always a never-ending demand for work in this field. On top of having the skills and diplomas to work with kids, if you also take a first-aid and CPR course, you’ll be able to differentiate yourself from the market by being a more trustworthy care provider.

Many day care centers often start from a home environment, before expanding and moving into specialized facilities. We love examples like this one . Make sure to do your research before starting a business as either a babysitter or daycare provider—always take legal advice and be sure to comply with local, State and Federal laws and regulations involving the care of children within a private home.

Median annual salary: $33,722

Read more: How to start a babysitting business

If you’re looking to step into a growing field, the senior care industry is it. Approximately 24% of the total U.S. popular will be 65 years or older by 2060 . And just like working with kids, this job involves being responsible, being trustworthy and having a knack for helping others. Here, you will need to provide hands on assistance with large responsibilities, such as meal prep, giving out daily pills, bathing, trips to the doctors and more.

Median annual salary: $23,874

Read more: How to start a home care business

Here’s an opportunity to provide assistance in a field you consider yourself gifted in, as well as able to communicate the process. From mathematics to grammar, languages and more, tutors are always needed at all levels of education, from grade school through post graduate studies.

You can choose to run online tutoring completely from home, and hold all of your lessons online. This also allows you to tap into a global demand for online tutors. Teaching English online for example, or music lessons, are always in high demand.

Median annual salary: $23,345

Read more: How to start a tutoring business

As more business and communication is going global, language barriers are one of the major obstacles in correspondence. If you’re fluent in multiple languages, this skill will serve you wonders in the job industry. Your assistance has most likely been requested before, whether on the job or through family and friends. Yet, now it’s time for you to start earning from it by taking on tasks from companies and individuals that demand these services to function.

Median annual salary: $47,190

This is a job that’s always in demand for individuals looking to mend their precious clothing, from fixing holes and loose threads to hemming skirts and pants—and so much more. It takes skill to work with different fabrics and lines of stitches, as well as sometimes redesigning or creating items from scratch. So, if you’re a needle and thread guru, this could be a great ‘fit’ for you.

Median annual salary: $32,560

The popularity of the entertainment industry is on the rise because having fun is a serious matter. Considering this, if your comic level or vibrant personality make you the life of the party, you might consider becoming a party entertainer. Whether you’re a clown, magician, balloon artist, cartoonist, comedian or something else, your talents will be requested in all areas of fun - just like this versatile performer, Shelley Siller .

Median annual salary: $23,290

If you’re unfamiliar with this term, you might recognize it under other names like ‘birth companion,’ ‘birth coach’ or someone that provides both emotional and physical assistance throughout and after pregnancies and birth. From breathing techniques to birthing plans, and communicating all of the procedures and processes involved, you can be a vital aid in helping women get through this incredibly exciting and stressful life-changing experience. Aside from the necessary training and skills, being a supportive, patient and responsive caregiver is crucial.

Median annual salary: $42,000

This job entails getting media coverage and managing the publicity of businesses, brands or public figures. If you enjoy working with the media, crafting promotions and consider yourself an excellent networker, you can make a living out of it from home (versus being employed at a big PR firm). Some of the duties and responsibilities you can expect with this job include helping each of your clients create a press kit, pitching stories to publications and following up consistently.

Median annual salary: $51,385

Unique home based business ideas

22. personal chef or caterer, 23. party planner, 25. video editor, 26. freelance photographer, 27. freelance graphic designer, 28. interior designer, 29. home staging professional, 30. florist, 31. voice over artist, 32. jewelry designer.

Are you a cooking or baking enthusiast? If so, your work can stretch further than delivering your neighbors fresh baked cookies or impressing dinner guests to a plentiful spread. You can start a business straight out of your kitchen by providing meals and goodies to individuals, households and events. Cooking skills, some basic business skills and a food-related website are required to kickstart your career here.

You can also take this to the next level by extending your home based cooking into the realms of Youtube and TikTok. Take inspiration from Chef Joshua Weissman whose cooking videos and cheap eat recipes have earned him a large social media following.

Go one step further again and combine cooking from home with a food delivery service, to make sure you really offer next level service to your customers.

Median annual salary: $45,929

How to start a food business

Food business ideas

If you thrive on planning events, set your goals on turning it into your own business. From weddings to birthday parties, corporate outings and more. Most people don’t have time in their own lives to deal with all of the operational details required in order to make their events as extravagant as they wish for them to be. This is where you come in, with basic planning skills, organization, communication and more. You could be organizing caterers, hunting down event spaces, creating wedding websites and more.

Median annual salary: $33,092

Read more: How to start a party planning business

24. DJ (disc jockey)

Do you have an eye for crowd-pleasing music? If you know how to mix songs and beats into flowing sessions that can keep a room full of people entertained for hours, this could be a great fit for you. And if you don’t have the skills but love the idea, you can take classes and practice with different DJ softwares to get started and feel it out. This is your chance to turn your hobby into a realistically paying job, just like this DJ did.

Median annual salary: $56,779

Read more: How to start a DJ business

The power of video today is inevitably strong. Brands have come to realize that consumers are eyeing this content more than any other form. So, working as a video creator is certainly worthwhile. And if you’re passionate about production and know how to create engaging clips, you’re almost all set. Once you create a video website and market your talents, brands will start to build trust with you and your work.

Median annual salary: $50,584

Here’s another hobby turned into a career. Photographers are needed across all realms, from weddings to businesses, magazines and so much more. Bring your talents to whatever field you specialize in, be it nature landscapes, family portraits, newborns, etc. Of course, you’ll need to be tech-savvy with the camera, but business and personable skills will truly keep your business afloat. For starters, you can create a photography website and add your portfolio so that every time you reach out to clients, you’ll be able to market yourself. Here are more tips to help you earn money as a photographer and some places to find freelance photography jobs online .

Check out this photographer’s site for more inspiration on how to get started with freelance photography from home.

Median annual salary: $35,726

Read more: How to start a photography business

Working in this field is one of the utmost creative feats. You’ll turn images, text, shapes and colors into company assets, like logos, business cards, posters, websites and other promotional items. If you’ve studied graphic design and are looking to pursue a career of independence where you can pick and choose your projects and clients, then consider flying solo. This freelance graphic design checklist will help you get started.

Median annual salary: $50,028

Are you constantly imagining ways to improve the spaces you enter, from offices to apartments and homes? Taking on the job of an interior designer will allow you to scale your visions into reality. You’ll be in charge of creating and finding elements that artistically fit together within a space. Oftentimes a level of schooling is required to get started, be it a bachelor's degree or a course. Ultimately, it’s about showing your clients how experienced you are and providing them with a vision and proof of your work.

Median annual salary: $51,775

Read more: How to start an interior design business

This job entails preparing homes and buildings for sale by “staging” the look of them via furniture, paint and accessories. Essentially its interior design, but for mock properties. Therefore, having an eye for visually pleasing design elements and colors is necessary for this job.

Median annual salary: $41,812

In Japanese, the act of arranging flowers is expressed through the term ‘Ikebana,’ or ‘making flowers alive.’ Such a vibrantly fulfilling job is great for creatives with a knack for arranging different types of flowers into uniquely packaged styles for events or sentiments. In order to work in this industry, a high knowledge of these plant species, the ability to arrange them in beautiful ways and work appropriately with clients, budgets and timeframes is required.

Median annual salary: $27,200

Read more: How to start a flower business

This job entails working in the entertainment industry providing voice-overs for commercials, video games, cartoon movies, movie trailers and more. If you have a very clear voice and fit the tone, you just might get a job. This market is very specific though, and having the right connections sometimes helps more than specific work experience. It’s recommended to take theater or acting classes to sharpen up your vocals.

Median hourly salary: $47.31

Whether you already create jewelry or are considered a crafty person, this fun hobby can become a business for you. It’s possible to sell your goods online , in stores, at festivals and other locations. To do so, you might want to take some jewelry making classes for specific materials you want to work with, from precious metals to wire, beads, stones and more. You can look into selling crafts online if you want a more general idea of how to get started.

Median annual salary: $57,485

Read more: How to start a jewelery business

Writer focused business ideas to try from home

34. resume writer, 35. blogger, 36. journalist, 37. freelance business writer, 39. copywriter, 40. grant writer.

If you feel strongly about your writing skills and have ideas for novels, it’s possible to take on writing your very own books as a profession. A job like this certainly requires strong grammar, organization and creativity, but also a lot of motivation to get past the rotating stages of writer’s block. If you set your mind to it, like almost anything else, it’s definitely possible.

Median annual salary: $62,170

Writing a resume is vital if you want to land a job in most fields today. Yet, many people claim to have trouble crafting their own. If you consider yourself an expert in spewing out marketable paperwork to attract employers, then this online business idea will prove itself beneficial to many eager job seekers.

Median annual salary: $35,000

There are many facts and stats that will tell you why starting a blog with a free blog maker is the way of the future. These reasons include generating more engagement and sales for businesses. It’s also become the norm for researching and consuming information online today (look at what you’re doing right now). And what’s in it for you? 45% of marketers outsource content creation , which is a justifiable reason to sit at your favorite café or on your sofa in your PJs and crank out excellent content for the Web. If you have the research and writing skills, along with prior experience, you can get started.

Not sure what to blog about? We recommend starting with something you love, start writing and go from there. We love how this blogger combines her love of wine and her dogs into one really interesting blog.

Affiliate Marketing is often used by bloggers to earn commissions from promoting other people’s products or services. It involves creating content around a product or service, and including an affiliate link in that content. When a customer clicks on the link and purchases the item, you earn a commission, making it a popular choice with bloggers and other content creators.

You can also consider turning your content into ebooks, that can be sold online or used to generate leads to a product or service. Self publishing is a great way to create and promote your own content online.

Median annual salary: $42,170

Read more: How to start a blog

Journalists have one of the most important jobs today, as they educate the public about matters happening around the world. The angle that they choose to take on a story can completely sway public opinion one way or another. That being said, a job in this field is certainly possible. Your responsibilities include thoroughly researching your subject matter and conducting interviews, then conveying all of this through strong writing skills. In this field, it’s about standing your ground and choosing projects that you feel passionate about and believe in. It’s an exciting and independent journey you will venture into. If photography is more your thing, you can also consider photojournalism which also works from home.

Median annual salary: $45,845

If you’re an experienced researcher and know how to craft your knowledge into beautifully written text, this job is a match for you. From writing blog posts to user experience text, marketing emails and more content-related material, there are many directions you can go with this. Writers either branch off from full-time content positions, or take this up on their own, but either way connections in the industry and previous writing experience to back up your claims is important to land yourself gigs. If you want to impress the businesses you work with and create a funnel for them to request your skills, create a freelance website.

Median annual salary: $42,120

A level up from writing content is being able to edit it for both grammar and style. So if you love the field, you might just enjoy making adjustments and improvements to others’ work. A job such as this one requires a high level of grammar and specific knowledge on editing styles. Oftentimes that’s learned on the job, but an editing course will give you a leg up among competitors. You can do this with articles, novels and various other mediums of written content.

Median annual salary: $59,480

Essentially the purpose of this job is to craft the written content for a company for various mediums, from blog posts to ads, newsletters and more. Unlike a business writer, your job is more concentrated on promotional marketing rather than entertaining. It’s a great fit if you love to write and are able to adapt to different companies needs and styles. Most companies need someone to create great content, so you will definitely be able to find work. Digital journalism has been on the rise for a long time and so plenty of opportunities exist.

This job is not the most creative, but it’s always in demand. Your duties would entail writing proposals for a nonprofit organization or institute of education to apply for financial assistance from the government, companies and others. Requirements include knowing the ins and outs of the organization you’re working for, and being able to write, submit and manage proficient grant proposals. Some jobs require degrees, and others are just looking for writing experience.

Median annual salary: $53,806

Beauty and wellness home business ideas

41. hairstylist, 42. fashion stylist, 43. beautician, 44. health coach, 45. wellness instructor, 46. massage therapist, 47. virtual therapist, 48. personal trainer, 49. fitness instructor.

Coloring, highlighting, cutting and styling hair is something you can totally manage from your very own home salon. If you’re passionate about the beauty industry and follow your state’s requirements for opening up shop (licensing, beauty school and certificate, etc.), there’s no doubt you can pamper guests and make them feel more glamorous from the moment they walk into your home.

Median annual salary: $24,850

Does your love for fashion shine through from your clothing choices to recommendations for friends and family? If so, it’s possible to sell your services and start helping others feel more confident about their looks and attire. You can sway this different ways, from high-end fashion to budget-friendly fashion and more. Some go to school for this, which is recommended, yet it’s possible to start a career without proper schooling by finding experience and educating yourself on trends and body types.

Median annual salary: $34,429

Like being a hairstylist, this is also a way to offer your services out of your very own home. This can include manicures, pedicures, waxing and more. If you are able to do one or many of these, clients will come your way. This is because home salons are typically less expensive than other options, and are naturally much more cozy. To make sure that you attract enough business and maintain a professional aura, create a beauty salon website.

Read more: How to start a beauty business , Beauty business ideas

This emerging market has grown to reach revenues over $6 billion in services . So, for those that love to study the most up-to-date nutrition trends and offer their companions advice for living the healthiest lifestyles, it’s possible to make a career out of it. Your job will entail working one-on-one in regular meetings with your clients, where you can help them define health goals and stick to them in order to maintain overall physical and mental wellness. In order to work in this field, you’ll need to take a course or study a nutrition-related degree.

Median annual salary: $48,239

Read more: How to start a coaching business

Meditation is the fastest growing health trend in America, and yoga isn’t too far behind. These and other tools of wellness are starting to spark the interest of more and more individuals as they’ve been proven to help reduce stress, improve concentration and aid in many other health-related issues. Entering this field is a competitive feat, but if you find your niche, you’ll be able to gain a following. In order to work as a wellness instructor, you’ll need to get a certification in the course of your choosing. You can then begin on your own, teach at a gym or studio, or work on a freelance basis with corporations. As you can see, there are many paths to take.

Median annual salary: $37,900

Read more: How to start a fitness business

If giving your time or gifts to others was always something that made you feel warm inside, providing these therapeutic treatments will be right up your alley. On top of just giving massages, you can also work with other doctors, from psychologists to chiropractors, physicians and more to be able to help your patients in multiple ways. In order to work in this field, you will need to obtain your license after taking a course.

Median annual salary: $41,420

If you’re already a working therapist but looking for more flexibility in your life, exploring this option is worthwhile. There are several ways were you can offer online therapy, such as through an application, video chat, voice calls, or messages (audio or text). Of course, you would need to be a licensed therapist to provide this kind of assistance, which means that you will need to obtain your degrees first.

Median annual salary: $79,010

If you enjoy working out as well as motivating others, becoming a personal trainer is a great job for you. A course is required to gain certification but after that you’ll be able to work on your own. Or you could apply to work in a gym, health center, or any other place of fitness.

Median annual salary: $33,120

Teaching classes can be even more fun than participating in them if you’re passionate about a sport. By taking a course in a specific sport/genre that you love, you’ll be able to learn the ins and outs, you’ll be able to gain the deepest understanding of that sport, then spread your knowledge to your students in the style that you want. It will also feel amazing to motivate others by doing what you love.

Median annual salary: $39,820

Successful at home business ideas

50. online store owner, 51. bed and breakfast owner, 52. online micro jobs, 53. bookkeeper, 54. tax preparer, 55. gardening business, 56. landscaping business.

Consumerism is increasingly on the rise. If you live in the U.S., or plan on selling goods there, you’ll be pleased to know that this specific market in the largest in the world. In 2016, it was valued at approximately $292 billion . The types of eCommerce business ideas are endless here, from the resale of consignment and vintage items, to selling handmade jewelry, clothes, wood work and more. With some knowledge of budgeting, marketing and sales, all that’s left to do is open your own online store .

Median monthly salary: Ranges from hundreds to ten thousands of revenue per month.

Read more: How to start an online store , things to make and sell

If you love hosting guests, take it a step further and turn your home into your very own boutique hotel. This is an excellent option especially if you live in a popular tourist destination, from New York to San Francisco and more. To get started, you’ll need to have strong business and marketing skills, as well as make sure that you register your home business appropriately with the government. And lastly, create a hotel website for guests to be able to book a stay.

Dealing with guests not your thing? You can still consider managing vacation rentals or flipping property as other property related home business ideas.

Median annual salary: $30,959

This vague description can apply to many small freelance jobs, such as transferring website data, creating logos, building dynamic pages and more. Many experts from various backgrounds can find mini jobs here, such as social media, programming, app development, graphic design, photo editing and so many more gigs. You’ll discover these opportunities across various platforms, from Fiverr to Gigwalk and Mechanical Turk.

Median annual salary: Varies according to tasks.

If you’re a trained and employed accountant but would like to step out of the corporate environment and take on your own clients, this is a great option for you. Bookkeepers are always needed, especially for small businesses who can’t afford one in-house. By picking up a few clients, you’ll be able to turn this into a full-time job. And if you’re not experienced in the field, you can gain background knowledge by taking several bookkeeping courses from an online college or one in your area.

Median annual salary: $39,240

Read more: How to start a bookkeeping business

Filing taxes is a burdensome task to many that’s often delegated to tax preparers. It’s also a job industry that’s not going anywhere, as taxes will always need to be paid. If you have a tax accounting background and you are registered with the IRS as a tax preparer, you can start taking on clients and forming your own business out of this handy skill.

Median annual salary: $38,730

If you love to garden, this is another way to turn a hobby into a business. Profit potentials are high, especially if you specialize in a specific area, like organic farming or native plants. Many people struggle to grow their own plants, which means that they would definitely pay for the help. So whether you’re only setting up a garden for them, or consistently maintaining it, your services will be desired.

Median hourly salary: $25,290

Read more: How to start a lawn care business

Landscaping businesses are very common among suburbs and urban areas. They add an artistic touch to buildings that makes them more inviting. Skill requirements include various tasks, from cutting lawns to planting flowers and trees, and arranging stone sidewalks and other pathways. To get started, you’ll also need to invest in pricey equipment, yet the profits are completely worth it.

Median hourly salary: $27,670

Read more: How to start a landscaping business

Innovative home business ideas

57. web designer, 58. youtube personality, 59. social media influencer, 60. video game tester, 61. podcaster, 62. travel agent, 63. virtual assistant, 64. web developer, 65. app designer, 66. digital marketing consultant, 67. call center representative, 68. webinar instructor, 69. research assistant.

70. Virtual media scribe

If you have a knack for design and are considered tech-savvy, web design for business websites could potentially be something you can get paid for. Website builders like Wix will considerably ease the process for you with drag and drop features and hundreds of website templates which are ready to personalize. And if you’re already experienced in the field, you can hone in on more creative options with Velo . But how will you find business? You can apply to become a partner website designer and from there, obtain access to a community of clients in need of your website building expertise.

Median annual salary: $57,470

If you know how to use a camera and have an eccentric personality, making a name for yourself on YouTube might just be your calling. From tutorials and how-tos to comedies, mini-episodes and more, the options are endless. Use your imagination and hobbies, and see where you can shine. Producing this content isn’t directly what earns you money though, that’s a supplemental process obtained through ads and brand endorsement. In order to gain traction, first read up on this guide to starting a successful YouTube channel .

Hand in hand with being a YouTube personality comes video live streaming and gaming. Video streamers recording themselves playing games online, is how entrepreneurs such as Mr. Beast got their start, and it remains a highly trending business to start from home.

Median annual salary: Highly dependent on your success. Money is generated from the streaming platform, as well as from sponsorships, donations and brand collaborations.

Social media influencers are taking over the Web and replacing the power celebrities once had. This is because they are known for being authentic, which means that consumers can relate to them more. In order to become one, you have to consistently work extra hard at building a community based around your goal, whether it’s to promote fashion, sports, or any of your hobbies. You’ll then be able to start making money in several ways, from promoting products to becoming an affiliate, selling your own products (t-shirts, photos, other merchandise) and more.

Median annual salary: Highly dependent on your success.

If your eyes just lit up when you heard this option, keep reading. It’s no joke, you can make money by playing video games all day. It’s possible to work with video game creators to test out the logic of their games and to look for any bugs in the program. There’s no experience required, except the ability to continuously play video games for hours on end. Yet, knowledge of programming or computer science will give you the upper hand at understanding the game’s functions.

Median annual salary: $22,360

Learn more: How to start a gaming business

The podcast world isn’t that old as the first one was released in 2004. However, since then it’s become a worldwide phenomenon. From commuting to work to cleaning their house and more, many people love to absorb information strictly through an audio medium because it allows them to multitask. So, if you have the right equipment and an interesting topic or theme to discuss, consider learning f reelance and making your own.

Do you love to explore the world and work with people? Travel agents can do all of this virtually from their computers. In this role, you’ll be in charge of booking trips and activities for people. From hotels to flights, restaurants, tours, top attractions and more, you’re in charge of making sure that your clients have a good time and nothing to worry about while they explore. So, if you love planning trips (even when they aren’t your own), give this a try. Although no degree is required, if you decide to major in travel and tourism in college, it will help you earn credibility and have a better chance of finding employment in the industry.

Median annual salary: $36,990

Just like being an office assistance, this job requires answering calls and emails, planning meetings, making travel arrangements and more. Your tasks will vary depending on who you work for, yet the perk of this versus going into the office is being able to work out of your very own home. Although no degree or training is required, employers are looking for candidates that can manage their time well and have good communication and organizational skills. Other opportunities within this field include medical billing and auditing from home.

Median annual salary: $22,000

Learn more: How to start a virtual assistant business

Just like a web designer, one of your roles will be to design websites, however this position goes much further. On top of that, you’ll need to know more about coding and modifying content, from fixing bugs to adding applications and extensions and more. Agile knowledge of different platforms and coding languages ranging from Velo to Python is necessary as you’ll dive deep into the technical side of websites. Typically, web developers go to school for computer science engineering or programming in order to obtain this knowledge.

Also if you have the necessary qualifications and experience you might want to consider ethical hacking. This is where companies pay ethical hackers to hack their systems in order to identify potential weaknesses for less than ethical hackers to attack and exploit.

Median annual salary: $75,487

There were over two million smartphone applications available in 2018 alone. It’s a rising market as consumers are expecting almost all businesses to offer some kind of application. And lucky for you, many of those businesses are outsourcing this job, especially startups that can’t afford to hire someone full time. This is where you come in, if you have a background in app design and programming, which you’d typically obtain through a college degree in a related field.

Median annual salary: $56,737

From social media to email, SEO and more, digital marketing consultants help companies grow and become noticed by their consumers. It’s possible to offer this in house, for an agency, or start your own individualized work. If you have experience in the marketing field and can send your clients marketing plans and meet your quota, then you might consider going freelance and taking on several clients of your own, while working from home on your own schedule.

Median annual salary: $60,714

Learn more: How to start a marketing business

Customer service is an industry in constant demand with most of the employees working online. It’s possible to find a company that will allow you to work remotely. Your job would entail answering customers questions and fulfilling their requests, from solving issues to connecting them to the appropriate departments and more. This requires staying organized, having patience and working at a timely pace. Previous customer experience, problem solving and people skills are among the requirements necessary to work in this position.

Median annual salary: $32,890

Many people are interested in taking courses online to further their knowledge in particular subjects, from software training to language learning, coding classes, online marketing and and endless amounts of other topics. If you have the knowledge and teaching skills, you can offer this opportunity to people for a price by conducting virtual classes by creating a webinar or an online course.

Median annual salary: $58,758

Oftentimes institutions and businesses pay individuals to conduct extensive research for them. Depending on what you’ve studied and what the job requires, your responsibilities can vary. However, motivation, attention to detail, technical and analytical skills are among the most common requirements.

Median annual salary: $29,098

70. Virtual medical scribe

This job involves charting physician to patient interactions, especially during medical exams. Oftentimes, medical scribes are hired as it saves physicians the hassle of filling out paperwork and other pertinent tasks. Here, you’ll be in charge of tracking all of the client-related information, managing documents and data, booking appointments and other administrative medical tasks. This is a great position too if you’re in university, working toward a degree in the health field.

Median annual salary: $24,857

eCommerce business ideas from home

71 Dropshipping

72. Print on demand

71. dropshipping.

Dropshipping can be easily started from home. It's an e-Commerce business model where you sell products online without ever actually having to manage inventory or ship the goods yourself. When a customer purchases an item from your store, it's then shipped directly from one of your assigned suppliers. This allows you to start selling products with minimal upfront investment and no risk of inventory or shipping costs. Dropshipping is an inexpensive way to get started with eCommerce.

Median annual salary: $45,500

Learn more: How to start a dropshipping business

Print on demand is an innovative and unique business idea that can be started from home. With print on demand, entrepreneurs can set up a store online for customers to purchase items with their desired design printed on them. The company who you partner with will then take care of the inventory and shipping so that your business can focus on marketing and promotion.

Median annual salary: $55,637

Learn more: How to start a print on demand business

How to start a business from home

Starting a home business is an excellent way to make money and be your own boss. It can be a profitable venture, as long as you have the right business plan in place. Don't forget your business name , business plan and registering your business . You'll also want. to consider your business financing and what type of business to start.

How to promote a business from home

There are many ways to help your promote a home based business. Many of these involve tapping into the potential of online marketplaces. Etsy, for example, is an online marketplace allowing you to connect with millions of potential customers and sell handmade goods or crafts.

When it comes to using social media to sell, Instagram and Facebook are also invaluable platforms for home based business owners to market and sell products.

Potential cons of home based businesses

While home-based businesses offer working flexibility and the ability to start a business with limited costs, they also come with potential downsides:

Challenging work-life balance: Blurred lines between work and personal life can lead to burnout and difficulty separating roles especially when you work out of your home. You'll need to set specific working hours, when you switch off to focus on family or personal commitments.

Isolation: Working alone solely from home can lead to loneliness and lack of social interaction, impacting mental well-being. This might not be relevant if you have employees helping you our or if you're in a client facing industry.

Business legality and regulations: Complying with zoning laws and business licenses can be complex and vary depending on location, including specific state and business type.

Home based business ideas FAQ

What are the 5 most popular home based business ideas.

In the US, 5 of the most popular at home business ideas include - starting an eCommerce store in response to skyrocketing demand for online shopping over the past few years; online education and tutoring, as demand for remote learning has also soared; freelance writing and content creation as many companies push their content marketing efforts; pet care such as pet sitting and walking; home based food businesses, including homemade food and cake creation.

What is the most profitable business to start from home?

What kind of business can i start from home, how can i make sure my home business is secure, what are some really unique home business ideas, explore more business ideas.

Part-time business ideas

Craft business ideas

Reselling business ideas

DIY business ideas

Clothing business ideas

Small-town business ideas

Dropshipping business ideas

Business ideas for couples

Rental business ideas

B2B business ideas

Scalable business ideas

Business ideas for teachers

Recession-proof business ideas

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Home Business Ideas: 40 Remote Jobs to Explore in 2022

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Working remotely and starting businesses from home have grown in popularity over the past decade. Currently, in the United States, millions of self-employed individuals have acted upon home business ideas and work regularly from their home.

There are plenty of compelling reasons to want the flexibility that working from home can offer. If a change in lifestyle is what you’re after, then you’ll want to take a close look at your skills and interests to figure out which of the many work-from-home jobs suits you. To help you in your exploration, we’ve gathered this list of 40 of the best home business ideas.

Home business ideas

Any office worker can probably tell you that they've had a daydream about quitting their job and starting their own business. Luckily, in this technological age, this dream can more easily become a reality. If you have a computer and internet connection, there are home business ideas aplenty, including those with low startup costs (if any) and flexibility for stay-at-home parents.

Here are 40 of the best home business ideas to consider:

1. Freelance writer

If you’re a great writer, then you could make a great freelance writer. And best of all, freelance writers work from all over the world. Whether you want to sit in your neighborhood cafe all day or country-hop all year, this job could apply to you.

Of course, successful writers need to have a firm grasp on grammar and tone, superb editing chops and the ability to do their own research and synthesize content that they might be unfamiliar with. It could help if you become an expert in a few different fields, like technology or small-business finance, and it’s always important for all freelancers to know how to market themselves and network with potential customers.

You might be asked to write anything from a blog post series to an industry white paper, website copy or email newsletters. The more you’re familiar with, the better off you are.

And finally, don’t forego the possibility of writing your own e-books to sell on Amazon and similar websites. With basically zero publishing costs and low design costs, this is another way your writing can benefit your bank account directly. (You could even write an e-book about freelance writing — the possibilities are endless.)

2. Virtual assistant

If all of your friends know you as “the really, really organized one,” then being a virtual assistant might be the home business idea for you.

When busy executives reach a point in their careers where they can't manage all the calls, emails, appointments and smaller responsibilities on their plates, that’s where you come in. As a virtual assistant, you would use your phone, email, computer skills and any number of online tools and applications to handle their online calendars, schedule appointments and meetings, make reservations, purchase tickets, set up reminders, organize events, file documents and more.

If this kind of work isn’t your thing, then it might sound a bit unglamorous. But if you’re the type of person who color-codes their planners and sends out Google calendar invitations for coffee dates, then being a virtual assistant could be a fun and fulfilling job — that you can do from home.

How much do you need?

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We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

3. Researcher and fact-checker

From perusing old academic essays or case files to analyzing bibliographies or carrying out some market research, you can establish yourself as a professional researcher and fact-checker. Various types of businesses within several different industries need researchers and fact-checkers. Establishing a niche may help you better market your services.

You need to be organized, meticulous and skilled at communication. If that sounds like you, then add this to your personal list of home business ideas.

4. Social media manager

Today, every business, brand and public figure needs social media to engage with their audience, stay relevant and boost brand awareness.

And as it turns out, many companies pay pretty highly for people to manage their social media accounts well. If you can stay on brand, share content appropriately and reply to customers intelligently — while getting those precious likes, hearts, retweets and upvotes en masse — then you could be a killer social media manager.

5. Blogger and affiliate marketer

While managing a blog in and of itself won’t net you any money — in fact, it’ll cost you to purchase a domain, upgrade the appearance and run marketing campaigns — there are a few ways for you to monetize your blog. You could offer up advertising space, which is a useful but typically minor revenue stream, but a lot more money is often found in sponsorships and affiliate marketing.

Affiliate marketing, a sort of product placement, will let you receive payment from companies in return for advocating for their goods and services. Although this might sound a bit iffy, if you truly do recommend that your readers try out these products, then it doesn’t need to come across as sales-y or insincere. Readers will understand that you need to make money somehow, and many will appreciate your recommendations if they’re accurate.

6. Freelance designer

If you’re more of a visual person, then the freelance lifestyle can still work wonders. Try your hand at designing posters, flyers, or online advertisements for companies that don’t have the time or talent to do this work themselves.

As a freelance designer, you’ll build an online reputation and eventually have control over the projects and timelines you manage. Try out Behance and other freelance design sites to check out your options.

7. Freelance coder

Becoming a freelance coder is an especially great home-based business idea since it’s already a very commonplace gig. Whether you want the flexibility of being your own boss, enjoy taking on a wide diversity of projects rather than working with a single company, or prefer to travel instead of staying in one place, you've got many reasons to pursue freelance software development — even though technology companies and startups offer their own perks as well.

8. Online thrifter

Have a unique eye and the salesman’s pitch down to a science?

If so, you might want to consider running your own online thrift shop. Whether you focus on fashion specifically, another category of product, or prefer to amass collections of interesting items from all over the internet (but especially eBay), there’s always a strong demand for items with a story .

Give your store a compelling, memorable identity, and it will be seen as much more than a simple consignment store.

9. Data entry guru

It might not be the most lucrative or stimulating job in the universe, but data entry can certainly give you the funds you need to work from home or abroad. Plus, data entry jobs rarely require a lot of time or attention, unlike many on this list of home business ideas. You can listen to your favorite podcasts or audiobooks as you work your own hours.

Moreover, since all you need for data entry is a computer, this is certainly a home business idea with low startup costs — if you already own a laptop and have a reliable WiFi connection, you're pretty much all set.

10. College consultant

If you’re a top-notch editor with a deep understanding of how college admissions works — including standardized test preparation, personal statement requirements, supplemental essay requirements, applicant statistics and even financial aid — then you might be able to snag a rather well-paying job as a college consultant. Some families are willing and able to pay, and pay well, to make sure their kids submit the best possible applications to their dream schools.

This is by no means an easy job, as it requires a lot of knowledge and skillsets, but it can bring in a lot of cash for a home-based business.

11. Online tutor

Whether you’re an expert in a certain subject matter, like calculus or biology, or you’ve secured top scores on standardized tests, like the SATs or MCATs, you may be able to share that knowledge with current students looking to get an edge.

So if you have a passion for teaching, are up to date on the formats and policies of the tests you plan to instruct students on, and feel comfortable handling the content, then it might be time to start an online tutoring business.

And just like with the rest of these online home business ideas, you can easily service customers over the phone or, in this case, a video conferencing program like Skype or Zoom.

12. Translator

If you know multiple languages, then this is the home-based business idea for you. As a translator, you can service businesses and clients in a number of different ways. You can translate articles, press releases, e-books or other written work. You might also translate videos, podcasts or contribute to international closed captions for a variety of visual products. Moreover, you might connect with international businesses to serve as a translator for meetings or phone calls.

With experience in more than one language and access to the internet, you'll be surprised about how far-reaching your home translating business can extend.

13. Cybersecurity consultant

With even the biggest businesses around the world being subject to data breaches, cybersecurity is more important than ever. If you have experience with software and IT, a remote job as a cybersecurity consultant might be one of the best home business ideas for you.

From the comfort of your home, you can work with different companies to test their programs, software, backups, firewalls, encryption and generally assess potential threats to their network and advise them on the best cybersecurity practices. Although this may be one of the home-based business ideas on our list that requires the most training and education, it can be a highly lucrative position if you already have the knowledge, or are willing to work to obtain it.

14. Transcriptionist

Can you type extremely quickly while listening to someone talk? If the answer is yes, you might consider transcription services. Like data entry, this might not be the most exciting of our home business ideas but is certainly low-cost, flexible and you can get started very easily. There are all kinds of companies out there who hire freelance transcriptionists, as well as specific services that employ individuals to transcribe audio for various clients.

15. Travel planner

If you frequent websites like TripAdvisor and Yelp and are well-traveled yourself, you might extend your travel expertise to others as a home-based travel planner. You can use your experience to plan and book trips for your clients — manage hotel reservations, flights, excursions, create itineraries and offer tailored recommendations.

For families looking to go on a two-week vacation or couples planning their honeymoon, hiring someone to handle the details, big and small, of their trip, can be invaluable. Plus, in working with different hotels, resorts and vacation attractions, you'll start to build relationships with the staff — and possibly, receive discounts or perks that will make traveling on your own even easier (you might even start a travel blog while you're at it).

16. Fundraiser

If you have any prior experience managing campaigns and events, or simply have an electric personality, you might consider starting a freelance fundraising business. As a fundraising consultant, you'll have the opportunity to market for a business or cause and talk to prospective donors about how and why they should contribute to your campaign.

This home business idea is great for individuals with a background in nonprofit or government work, as well as former marketers or salespeople. If you have excellent people skills and a drive for meeting goals and getting results, this can easily be the right business for you.

17. Medical billing and coding

Although this job may require some form of medical background or schooling, it can be easily profitable and sustainable. Medical billing and coding connect health care providers, patients and insurance companies. As a medical biller and coder, therefore, you would work with patient records to determine the correct codes that are then verified by doctors and sent to insurance providers.

This career is a great business idea for nurses looking for a change; they can easily utilize their prior experience and relationships to succeed in this kind of self-employed role.

18. Video producing

With the prevalence of video in social media and marketing, the need for video producers and experts has only grown in recent years. Even if you don't have prior experience cutting and editing video, this is an online-based home business idea that you can easily learn and teach yourself with classes, tutorials and general guidance from the online video community.

Moreover, video production can transcend a number of different industries, styles and goals. As a video producer, you'll not only have the flexibility of working from home on a variety of projects, but you'll also have the ability to utilize your creativity on a daily basis.

19. Publicist

Looking for a way to combine your public speaking, communication and writing skills? You might consider serving as a freelance publicist or public relations consultant. You can greatly appeal to smaller businesses or individuals who can't invest in full PR teams or staff, but still need this kind of assistance for their organization.

As a freelance publicist, you may handle press releases, emails, social media — essentially, assisting with all facets of your clients' public-facing presence.

20. Customer service representative

Many companies now outsource their customer service to home-based representatives, so you should have no shortage of potential clients in this field. After all, any service- or product-based organization is more than likely going to have some kind of customer support need.

As a customer service representative, you'll be able to work with individuals online or over the phone and talk them through any issues they're having. If you have a communicative and approachable personality, this could be a great option for you.

21. Pet sitter or dog walker

As a pet sitter or a dog walker, you'll get to spend time with other people’s animals while they’re at work or on a trip. Simply follow your client's instructions, as well as your own experience and expertise, to provide care and comfort to these pets. It’s an easy way to get paid, especially if you’re an organized and trustworthy individual with a reputation for or history of animal care.

22. Arts and crafts master

Consider putting your knack for arts, crafts and design to use as the manager of an online store. So long as you believe your creations can find a market and sell at a profitable price, there’s very little stopping you from signing up as a seller on a site like Etsy and carving out your niche. While it might be a tough business, there’s plenty of wisdom out there to learn from.

23. Accountant

If you’re currently an accountant, transitioning to remote work might be as simple as letting your clients know that you work remotely now for reasons of convenience or perhaps hanging your own shingle out to start your own firm. On the other hand, if you’re looking to enter the industry (virtually or not), you should be aware of the training and certifications necessary.

24. T-shirt designer

The U.S. apparel industry is a $225 billion dollar market, and as it turns out, the T-shirt business is relatively quick, easy and painless to get into.

So if you’re interested in entering the eclectic and diverse T-shirt business with an idea or brand of your own, rejoice: This is certainly one of the best business ideas for setting your own hours and calling your own shots.

25. Cleaning service

If you love — or just don’t mind — cleaning up after others, then starting a cleaning business could give you the flexibility you want without forcing you to sit at a computer all day long.

However, this is an endeavor that could certainly grow into a much larger company if you’re successful, meaning that, eventually, you’d probably have to get an office and hire staff.

26. Massage therapist and wellness expert

Over the past decade, the massage therapy industry has grown nearly 20% with no indication of stopping. If this statistic interests you, then you might want to consider entering this burgeoning field.

After getting your massage therapy certification, along with the business license and massage equipment needed to work from home, you can turn your house into a local massage parlor for clients to come to, relax and improve their health and wellness. Plus, you could combine your massage therapy with a more holistic wellness practice or a nutritionist practice — but make sure to check your state’s licensing laws before offering dietary advice or supplements to customers.

27. Personal trainer

As a personal trainer, you could make house calls, visit a gym or let clients come to you (if you have the necessary equipment). You need to be very knowledgeable about everything from proper exercises for different body types to how to motivate people who want to get healthy. You should feel comfortable getting close to your clients in order to learn what works best for them.

Although a certification may not absolutely be necessary, it’s not a bad idea to find out if you can get one in your state before starting up, just in case.

28. Interior decorator

If you have an eye for composition, organization and feng shui, think about starting an interior design business . Partner with local furniture stores and design businesses (with your clients’ knowledge) to get good deals, help decorate public spaces and business interiors as well as houses and apartments, and let everyone in and outside your network know that your services are available.

29. Event planner

Everyone plans events — but not everyone lives and breathes it. Do you love coordinating food and drinks, invitations, scheduling conflicts, music, gifts, goody bags and every other aspect of the parties or events you’ve set up?

From birthdays to weddings, corporate get-togethers and local conventions, the world is your oyster when it comes to events to plan. If you’re passionate about logistics, then this could be the home business idea for you.

30. Caterer

If nobody you know can stop talking about your cooking, then maybe it’s time to charge for your services and talent and start a catering business .

While you won’t necessarily be able to do all of your catering work from home — you may need to use a commercial kitchen and will likely have to hire some part-time employees to help during events — much of the organization, planning, marketing and actual business work can be done wherever you like.

31. Bed-and-breakfast manager

This idea is for the folks who live in popular tourist locations, or would like to move to one. With some preparation, planning, tidying, cooking and a dash of advertising (made easier by services like Airbnb), you can convert your home into a bed-and-breakfast for weary travelers to rest in.

Keep in mind that you need spare bedrooms or a guest house for your customers, and you might want to invest in your cooking and decorating skills to leave a lasting positive impression. Good reviews go a long way in booking out your house for the future.

32. Florist

With a green thumb and a knack for crafts, you might consider opening a floral business to sell flowers and floral arrangements. Depending on your location, you could grow your own flowers, sell and arrange them at home; or, you can outsource the flowers, but still manage the whole of your operations from your own house.

33. Day care manager

Provided you have space, you can start a day care business by supervising a few children during the day — and expanding with staff to accommodate more kids as your business expands.

A day care can be an important business in a local community, especially if your town doesn't already have one. Plus, if you have any experience with teaching or kids, getting into this business will be quick, easy and rewarding.

34. Rideshare driver

Although not home-based per se, becoming a rideshare driver, with Uber or Lyft can offer the same flexibility and freedom as a business that's physically based in your home. As a rideshare driver, your business will more or less be based in your car, and you'll be able to choose your own hours and be your own boss. With the popularity of ridesharing apps continuing to grow, there's no shortage of clients looking for rides, especially if you live in a tourist area or near a big city.

35. Photographer

By starting your own home photography business, you can manage the operational side of your endeavor right from home and travel as needed to meet clients. If your home is particularly picturesque, you might even consider bringing clients there to take photographs or set up a home studio for portraits.

If you want to venture into event photography, you can market your services and look for clients who need professional photography for weddings, graduations, engagements or other events.

36. Landlord

If you have an extra room or guest house on your property, you might consider renting the space — or even investing in a separate property that you can market to renters. As a landlord, you'll be responsible for the upkeep of the property and dealing with any issues that arise with your renters, but you'll generally have flexibility in your business and be home-based.

37. Hair stylist or makeup artist

Are you the person that your friends come to for help with hair and makeup? If so, you might decide to start a home-based salon or makeup artistry business. You can set up a small place in your home with good lighting and the tools you'll need to service your clients, as well as create an on-the-go kit to offer hair and makeup in your clients' homes.

You may find that your hair or makeup business is particularly busy during prom and wedding season, which will be the perfect time to continue to market to new customers. If you have downtime during seasons, you might consider starting a hair or makeup blog or YouTube tutorial channel as well.

38. Eldercare

If you're passionate about helping people and have any experience in personal care, you might consider starting an eldercare business. Nursing homes can be expensive and people are often hesitant to put their family members in full-time care facilities. Therefore, you might decide to offer freelance care, traveling to your clients' homes and caring for them as needed. Keep in mind, you'll want to make sure you have any certifications and the proper training you need.

With the growing popularity of craft and local beers, you might consider brewing beer in your own home. Although this home business will require research, training and equipment, it can be sustainable if your properly market and sell your product.

Or, if you're particularly attracted to the brewing process but don't want to get involved in all of the other areas involved in selling beer, you might look into contract brewing, where you help beer companies make and package their beer. Either way, this can be a great hands-on business, especially if you like experimenting and figuring out how the best beer is made.

Even with all of the different brands and clothing stores out there, people are still going to have those moments where they need a piece of clothing fitted or repaired. If you have any skill with a needle or sewing machine, you might want to open up your own home tailor shop. As a tailor, you can perform fittings and alternations for dresses and suits, as well as repair damaged clothes.

Moreover, you might find there's a market for sewing personalization that you could capitalize on as well, especially for sports teams uniforms, wedding gifts, company swag and more.

LLC Formation

Tips for starting a home-based business

Owning a home-based business is a dream that many people have. The good news is, the process is much more straightforward than you might think. If you're already working from home, contracting or freelancing, you may be able to turn your marketable skills into your own home business. Consider the following steps:

1. Craft a business plan

All businesses are born from a solid plan. Your home-based business is no different. Decide your company's purpose, figure out what service or products you will offer and set measurable targets and goals. You should also determine business financing options if you need initial capital to get started. Your business plan may adapt as your company evolves, but it's the foundation your company will grow upon.

2. Carve out a dedicated workspace

If you're new to working from home, you may think the kitchen table or couch makes for a perfect workspace. Unfortunately, when you're running your own home-based business, you may need a designated space to manage your business. This space does not have to be large and can always grow with time, but it should be separate from daily distractions in your home. If you don't have a second room to utilize, consider setting up your workspace in a spare bedroom or another less-trafficked room. You'll appreciate the privacy when you're taking work calls.

3. Choose a business entity

When planning home business ideas, you need to decide what type of business you want to form. Each business type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure you do thorough research before deciding on one.

You don't have to form your own business to work from home, but doing so can be beneficial when filing your taxes and separating personal and business expenses.

The bottom line

If you're exploring small-business ideas from home to find the one that will be cost-effective, fit your skills and inspire you—we hope you found the right idea on our list; or, if not, you at least came up with a brilliant home business idea of your own.

The market for working from home (and home-based businesses) continues to grow, especially in small communities and niche markets. If you're intent on shifting to a home-based career, then, the opportunity is out there to start, sustain and even grow your own business.

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Small Business Trends

55 amazing home based business ideas to consider.

Home-based businesses are becoming increasingly popular. There is a wide array of business types that can be run mostly, if not entirely, from home offices. If you’re looking for a home-based business idea to start your new venture, here are some to consider.

Top Home Business Ideas

There are home business opportunities in nearly every industry. Finding the best one for you may require some introspection or trial and error. But here are some of the best home business ideas to provide early inspiration for your search.

1. Dog Grooming Business

Set up a grooming space in your home or purchase a mobile grooming vehicle and travel to clients throughout your neighborhood. Then you can run the business operations from your home as well. Create a website or social media presence to showcase your services and attract potential clients in your local area.

2. Subscription Box Business

Subscription box businesses involve selling groups of products each month or quarter on an ongoing basis. To run this business from home, you’ll need enough space to store inventory and sort it into boxes each month. Focus on selecting unique and trending products that cater to a specific niche or target audience to differentiate your subscription box from others in the market.

3. Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants businesses run entirely online. You can help business clients with everything from scheduling to managing their social media accounts and communicate with them via email or Zoom. Showcase your organizational and communication skills on your website or online profiles, and consider offering specialized services in areas where you excel, such as email marketing or data entry.

4. Social Media Manager

Or you can start a dedicated social media business where to manage posts and strategies for various businesses. Create a portfolio of successful social media campaigns and use it to attract clients from different industries. Offer packages that include content creation, scheduling, and performance analytics to provide comprehensive social media management services.

5. Dropshipping Business

A dropshipping business is an online store where the inventory management and logistics are managed off site. So you’d essentially pay an outside service to help you with these extra elements. Research popular dropshipping suppliers and focus on marketing and customer service to build a successful dropshipping business. Use e-commerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce to set up your online store.

6. Marketing Service

Entrepreneurs with marketing experience can offer specialized services to businesses and communicate entirely online. Identify your target market and create a professional website that highlights your expertise and services. Offer a variety of marketing services, such as content marketing, social media management, and SEO optimization, to cater to different business needs.

7. Car Detailing Business

Start a car detailing service where you travel to clients. You can run all the administrative tasks from home and just drive to jobs as they come up. Invest in high-quality car detailing equipment and market your services to local car owners through social media, community bulletin boards, and word-of-mouth referrals.

8. Affiliate Marketer

Affiliate marketers earn a commission off each sale they send to a partner business. You can post affiliate links to your website, social media presence, or online newsletter. Select affiliate programs that align with your niche or target audience to ensure a higher conversion rate. Regularly track and analyze the performance of your affiliate links to optimize your earnings.

9. Online Tutoring Business

If you have experience in a specific educational subject, offer online tutoring sessions on platforms like Zoom. Develop engaging tutoring materials and offer personalized lesson plans to cater to individual learning needs. Market your tutoring services through social media, educational forums, and local communities.

10. Catering Service

With a catering business, you can run the business tasks and make the food from home and just travel to special events. You may need a special permit for a home kitchen, depending on your location. Create a diverse and appealing menu that caters to various events and occasions. Use social media and online platforms to showcase your culinary creations and attract potential clients.

11. Pet Sitter

Pet sitting businesses can watch animals at people’s homes while they travel. Or you may bring them to your home if clients prefer. Set up a professional pet sitting website that showcases your love for animals and highlights the services you offer. Build trust with pet owners through positive reviews, personalized care plans, and regular updates during their pets’ stay.

12. Property Manager

Property managers handle a variety of tasks like rent collection and maintenance for residential and commercial properties. Create a portfolio of properties you manage and demonstrate your organizational and communication skills to attract property owners seeking reliable management services. Utilize property management software to streamline administrative tasks.

13. Personal Trainer

As a personal trainer, you may work with clients at a home gym or even online. Develop personalized fitness plans and offer virtual training sessions to clients seeking to achieve their health and fitness goals from the comfort of their homes. Market your services through social media, fitness forums, and community events.

14. Landscaping Business

If you want to work outside, offer landscaping services like tree trimming and lawn maintenance. Then run the administrative tasks from a home office. Showcase before-and-after photos of your landscaping projects on your website to demonstrate your skills and expertise. Create seasonal promotions and offer maintenance packages to attract recurring clients.

15. Online Course Creator

Online courses can teach anything from digital marketing skills to personal styling. Create high-quality and valuable online courses that cater to your expertise and target audience. Utilize e-learning platforms like Teachable or Udemy to host and promote your courses. Offer limited-time discounts and engage with students through Q&A sessions and course updates.

• READ MORE: 16 Side Business Ideas

More Great Home Based Business Idea Examples

If you’re still searching for a home business idea that suits your needs, here are several more to consider.

16. Print on Demand Business

Print-on-demand businesses use online services to design their own t-shirts and similar printed products. These sites manage most of the logistics like printing and shipping. Design eye-catching and trendy merchandise that appeals to a specific niche or target audience. Use social media and influencer partnerships to promote your products and drive sales.

17. Dog Walking Business

If you like walking outside, offer your services to local pet owners. Create a professional dog-walking website and promote your services through social media and community bulletin boards. Offer flexible scheduling options and personalized care plans to attract busy pet owners.

18. Freelance Writing

As a freelance writing business, you can contract with online publications or businesses and charge a set fee per piece. Develop a diverse portfolio of writing samples that showcase your versatility and expertise in different industries. Network with editors, bloggers, and businesses to secure writing opportunities.

19. Web Designer

Those with design skills can offer web design services for businesses on a contractual basis. Create an online portfolio of your past web design projects to demonstrate your skills and style. Collaborate with businesses to create visually appealing and user-friendly websites that align with their branding and objectives.

20. Home Daycare Business

If you are good with kids, consider starting a home daycare. You may need additional permits depending on your location. Create a safe and stimulating environment for children and adhere to all local regulations and safety standards. Market your daycare services to local parents through social media, local directories, and word-of-mouth referrals.

21. Music Lessons

If you’re musically inclined, offer lessons to others in your area. You may welcome them in person or offer lessons virtually. Create structured and engaging music lesson plans that cater to different skill levels and musical interests. Utilize online platforms and social media to reach a wider audience and offer virtual music lessons.

22. House Cleaning Service

As a house cleaning service, you just need some basic cleaning supplies and business sense to connect with local homeowners. Develop a pricing structure based on the size of the house and specific cleaning services required. Offer regular cleaning packages and one-time deep cleaning options.

23. Event Planning Business

Help individuals and businesses in your area throw successful events using your organizational and communication skills. Create a portfolio of past events you’ve planned and highlight your attention to detail and creativity. Network with local vendors and venues to offer comprehensive event planning services.

24. Jewelry Designer

Create your own jewelry and sell it online or at local craft fairs and shops. Design unique and trendy jewelry pieces that appeal to your target audience. Use social media and online marketplaces to showcase and sell your jewelry creations.

25. YouTube Channel

Film your own videos and share your content on YouTube, earning money from the platform’s ad sharing option. Choose a niche that aligns with your interests and expertise. Create high-quality and engaging video content that keeps viewers coming back for more.

26. Podcaster

You can also record your own podcasts in a home studio and charge businesses for ads. Select a podcast niche that aligns with your expertise and target audience. Offer valuable content, invite guest speakers, and promote your podcast through social media and podcast directories.

Write in a home office and either find a publisher or self-publish online. Develop a writing routine and set specific writing goals to ensure a steady stream of content. Use social media and author websites to promote your books and engage with your readers.

28. Interior Design Business

Offer your interior design skills to local homeowners, either working with them in-person or online. Create an online portfolio that showcases your interior design projects and style. Collaborate with clients to create functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces.

29. Photographer

Photographers can capture images and then sell prints online. Showcase your photography portfolio on your website and social media platforms. Offer personalized photo sessions and creative packages to cater to various photography needs.

30. Woodworker

If you have woodworking skills, set up a small shop in your home or garage. Design and create unique woodwork pieces that cater to specific customer preferences. Promote your woodworking business through social media and craft fairs.

• READ MORE: 30 Business Ideas for Stay-at-Home Moms

Other Ideas for a Successful Home Based Business

All it takes is one great business idea to succeed working from home. If you’re still looking, here are several more ideas to help you earn money at your own house.

31. Blogger

Start your own blog and then earn income from affiliate links, ads, or brand partnerships. Utilize your passion for writing and expertise in a niche to attract a dedicated audience and monetize your content effectively.

32. Furniture Upcycling

Buy vintage furniture from local thrift shops and turn it into something that others may be interested in purchasing. Showcase your creativity and craftsmanship to create unique and personalized pieces that appeal to eco-conscious and budget-conscious consumers.

33. SEO Service

Help businesses with search engine optimization, working with them entirely online. Utilize your knowledge of SEO techniques and tools to improve clients’ online visibility, driving organic traffic to their websites and enhancing their online presence.

34. Mobile App Designer

Use your coding and design skills to create your own mobile apps to sell, or work with clients. Develop innovative and user-friendly mobile applications that cater to specific needs or interests, offering your expertise to individuals or businesses seeking to enter the mobile app market.

35. Life Coach

Communicate with clients online to help them with various life goals. As a life coach, provide guidance, support, and motivation to clients seeking personal development, career advancement, or improved overall well-being.

36. Business Consultant

Or you may specialize just in business subjects, charging clients on an hourly or per-project basis. Offer your expertise to businesses in need of strategic planning, marketing advice, operational improvements, or other specialized consulting services.

37. Handmade Business Owner

If you like making crafts, sell your creations on an online marketplace like Etsy. Turn your passion for crafting into a profitable venture by creating and selling handmade products, leveraging the reach of online platforms to connect with a broader customer base.

38. Farmers Market Vendor

You may also grow your own food or flowers and then sell them at local farmer’s markets. Embrace the farm-to-table movement by selling locally grown and fresh produce or flowers at farmers’ markets, promoting sustainable and community-oriented practices.

39. Massage Therapist

Set up a massage area in your home to offer professional services. Some locations may require additional permitting. Utilize your massage therapy skills to offer relaxation and wellness services, providing clients with a rejuvenating and calming experience in the comfort of your home.

40. Home Hair Stylist

Hairstylists can also work with established clients in their homes. Offer personalized hair styling services to clients in the comfort of their homes, building strong client relationships and providing convenient and high-quality hair care.

41. Social Media Influencer

Start your own social media presence and then work with brands to create content that promotes their offerings. Leverage your social media following and engaging content creation skills to collaborate with brands, becoming an influencer and promoting products or services to a wide audience.

42. Proofreading Service

Work with authors and businesses to proofread their content for a small fee. Utilize your attention to detail and language proficiency to offer proofreading services, ensuring error-free and polished content for authors, businesses, or individuals.

43. Alterations Service

Sew clothes and home items for local clients. Offer alterations and sewing services, catering to clients seeking custom-tailored clothing or home decor, providing unique and personalized solutions.

44. Handyman Service

Offer your services to homeowners to fix small issues with their homes. Utilize your handyman skills to assist homeowners with various household repairs, maintenance tasks, and improvements, providing reliable and convenient services.

45. Remote Travel Planner

Work with clients online to help them plan trips. This can be especially useful for large groups. Use your travel expertise and organizational skills to plan and coordinate trips for clients, ensuring seamless and memorable travel experiences for individuals or groups.

46. Digital Marketing Consultant

Start a digital marketing consultancy from your home, offering services like SEO, PPC campaigns, and social media strategies. Develop a strong online presence, showcase your expertise through case studies and blogs, and network online to attract small and medium-sized businesses in need of digital marketing expertise.

47. Personal Chef

Transform your culinary skills into a business by becoming a personal chef for clients. Create customized meal plans, prepare meals in clients’ homes or deliver them. Use social media to showcase your culinary creations and attract clients looking for healthy, personalized eating options.

48. Yoga Instructor

Conduct yoga classes from your home or in local parks. Get certified and offer group sessions, one-on-one coaching, or even online classes. Market your services through social media and wellness blogs, focusing on different yoga styles or specialized classes like prenatal yoga.

49. E-commerce Store Owner

Start an online store selling products you’re passionate about. You could dropship products, sell handmade items, or curate a collection of goods. Utilize platforms like Shopify or Etsy, and invest in digital marketing to drive traffic to your store.

50. Home-Based Bakery

Turn your baking hobby into a business by starting a home-based bakery. Specialize in bread, pastries, cakes, or specific dietary needs like gluten-free or vegan baking. Sell your goods online, at local markets, or through partnerships with cafes.

51. Language Tutor

Offer language tutoring services from your home or online. Utilize video conferencing tools to teach students globally. Create engaging lesson plans and utilize digital resources to enhance the learning experience.

52. Graphic Design Service

Start a graphic design service, creating logos, marketing materials, websites, and more. Build a portfolio website to showcase your work, and use social media and freelance platforms to find clients.

53. Home Renovation Consultant

If you have experience in home renovations, offer consultancy services. Assist clients with design choices, sourcing materials, and planning renovation projects. Use a combination of on-site visits and virtual consultations.

54. Sustainable Gardening Advisor

Offer advice and planning services for eco-friendly and sustainable gardens. Help clients with composting, native plant selection, and organic gardening techniques. Market your services to local homeowners and community groups.

55. Virtual Event Planner

Organize and manage virtual events such as webinars, online workshops, and virtual conferences. Offer end-to-end services, including technology setup, content planning, and guest coordination. Use your network and social media to attract corporate and individual clients.

Our Methodology to Choose the Top Home Based Business Ideas

In identifying and evaluating home-based business ideas, our methodology focuses on a range of key factors crucial for individuals looking to start a successful venture from home.

We use a 1 to 10 rating scale for each aspect, where higher scores indicate greater potential for profitability, ease of start-up, and alignment with home-based work environments. This scale helps aspiring entrepreneurs in making informed decisions when choosing a business idea that suits their skills, interests, and lifestyle.

Market Demand and Profitability Potential (Rating: 9/10)

We assess the current market demand and potential profitability of each business idea. High-scoring ideas are those with a proven market need and a clear path to financial success.

Startup Costs and Investment Requirements (Rating: 8/10)

The initial investment and ongoing expenses are crucial considerations. We rate business ideas higher if they require minimal startup costs, making them accessible for a wider range of entrepreneurs.

Skill and Expertise Requirements (Rating: 7/10)

We evaluate the level of skills and expertise required to start and run each business. Ideas that leverage common skills or have low barriers to entry in terms of expertise are rated favorably.

Flexibility and Work-Life Balance (Rating: 9/10)

The flexibility of the business idea, in terms of work hours and the ability to balance personal life, is assessed. Ideas offering more flexibility, especially important for home-based businesses, score higher.

Scalability and Growth Potential (Rating: 8/10)

We consider the potential for scaling the business in the future. Business ideas with the scope for growth and expansion receive higher ratings.

Ease of Marketing and Customer Reach (Rating: 7/10)

The ease with which the business can reach and attract customers, especially through online channels, is evaluated. Ideas that can effectively leverage digital marketing and social media are rated higher.

Compliance and Legal Considerations (Rating: 8/10)

We analyze the legal and compliance aspects related to each business idea, rating those higher which have fewer regulatory hurdles and are easier to set up legally from a home environment.

Innovation and Uniqueness (Rating: 7/10)

The level of innovation and uniqueness of the business idea is considered. Unique ideas that stand out in the market and offer something different are viewed more favorably.

The Home-Based Business Market

The online business world has become exponentially more popular over the last few years. Many existing businesses were forced to pivot their existing operations to remote models during the pandemic.

And this increased acceptance of remote work also opened up opportunities for home business ideas in other industries. There are also many technology opportunities to support those pivoting to remote models.

• READ MORE: Small Business Ideas for Beginners

• READ MORE: 21 Successful Mom Entrepreneurs to Inspire You

Why Should You Consider Starting Your Own Business From Home

The allure of working from the comfort of one’s own home has become increasingly popular over the years. With advancements in technology and a shifting work culture, starting a home-based business is now more feasible than ever. If you’re thinking of starting a business, here are some top reasons to consider running it from your own home:

1. Lower Overhead Costs:

• No Rent: Without the need for a physical storefront or office space, you can save a significant amount on rent and utilities.
• Tax Deductions: Portions of your home’s expenses, like mortgage interest, utilities, and home improvements, can often be deducted as business expenses.
• Reduced Commute Costs: Say goodbye to daily commuting expenses. No more money spent on gas, public transportation, or wear and tear on your vehicle.

2. Flexibility:

• Set Your Schedule: One of the most appealing aspects of a home-based business is the ability to set your own hours. This flexibility can lead to a better work-life balance.
• Custom Work Environment: Design your workspace to your taste and comfort. Whether it’s a quiet corner or a dedicated home office, you’re in control.

3. Enhanced Productivity:

• Fewer Distractions: Without the regular interruptions of a traditional office environment, you might find it easier to concentrate and complete tasks efficiently.
• Personal Comfort: Working in comfortable attire (yes, even pajamas) and setting up your space with personal comforts can make for a more relaxed and productive workday.

4. Opportunity for Growth:

• Scalability: Starting small doesn’t mean you have to stay small. With the internet at your fingertips, the potential for growth, even internationally, is vast.
• Diverse Opportunities: From e-commerce and blogging to consulting and freelancing, the types of businesses you can run from home are varied and plentiful.

5. Work-Life Balance:

• More Time with Loved Ones: Working from home means you’re always close to your family. This proximity allows for more quality time, especially if you manage your schedule well.
• No Commute Stress: Avoiding daily commutes not only saves money but also spares you from the stress and unpredictability of traffic.

6. Reduced Risk:

• Lower Initial Investment: Without the need for physical premises or a lot of equipment, the initial capital required is often much less than traditional businesses.
• Flexibility to Pivot: Operating from home might offer more flexibility to change your business model or strategy without the constraints of a lease or large overheads.

7. Personal Growth and Learning:

• Diverse Skill Acquisition: Running a home-based business often means wearing many hats. This can lead to learning various skills, from marketing and accounting to customer service.
• Sense of Achievement: Building a business from scratch and seeing it thrive is a significant accomplishment. The challenges and successes of a home-based business can be incredibly rewarding.

8. Environmental Benefits:

• Reduced Carbon Footprint: No daily commute and the lack of need for a separate commercial space can lead to a smaller carbon footprint.
• Digital Operations: Operating primarily online or with digital solutions can reduce the need for paper, leading to more sustainable business practices.

Success for Your Home Business

Starting a home-based business offers numerous benefits, from financial advantages to personal well-being. While it comes with its own set of challenges, the rewards can far outweigh the drawbacks for many entrepreneurs.

As the world continues to evolve, the appeal and feasibility of home-based businesses are likely to grow, making now an excellent time to consider this entrepreneurial route. Whether you’re looking for more flexibility, reduced costs, or the chance to pursue a passion, a home-based business might be the perfect opportunity.

Useful Tips for Starting a Successful Business at Home

Even if you’re starting at home, small businesses need a plan to be successful. Here are some general tips to help your new home-based business succeed:

• Create a productive workspace: There can be lots of distractions while working from home. So choose a room or area where you can actually get work done. If possible, it should be behind a door or divider to limit access to the rest of the home.
• Set dedicated work time: Even if you love the flexibility of a home business, set dedicated hours to ensure you accomplish necessary tasks. Either outline hours with yourself and your family, or set timers for focused work and let everyone know when you aren’t available.
• Separate business and personal expenses: Home office expenses, inventory, and any business services can be written off as business expenses. Additionally, keeping your business finances separate can help you with bookkeeping and compliance.
• Create a growth plan: Some businesses just start at home and eventually grow to other locations. If this is your goal, create financial projections and price out commercial real estate space in your area to see if and when this may be feasible.
• READ MORE: What is a Mompreneur?

What Home-Based Business Is Most Profitable?

Profitability varies widely by location, industry, and individual business. However, the home-based businesses that tend to be most profitable are those that offer a skilled service. For example, a bookkeeping business, marketing consultant, or research service can all offer the basis for a profitable business.

What Is the Best Business to Start From Home?

If you’re looking to start a new business venture in your home, the best idea is one that you may enjoy but that also offers opportunities for profit. The list above offers tons of ideas. Some of the most popular include an online store, pet sitting business, catering business, social media consultant, or house cleaning service.

Image: Envato Elements

© Copyright 2003 - 2024, Small Business Trends LLC. All rights reserved. "Small Business Trends" is a registered trademark.

How to Start a Home Business (in 9 Steps)

Are you interested in starting a home business? Today, working remotely has become increasingly popular, which provides an abundance of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Starting a successful home-based business can be overwhelming for many people just beginning their journeys. Our guide will help simplify the process with the essential steps and advice from small business owners who have already launched their business ventures from their residences.

We focus on helping you by discussing the following topics. Just click on a link to jump right to the home business information that interests you.

What are some advantages of a home-based business?

What are some disadvantages of a home business, factors to consider when starting a business at home, decide on a home business idea, write a home-based business plan, name your home-based business, get an llc for your at-home business, get business licenses for your home business, get a home business bank account, set up your home office, market your home-based business, serve your customers, what business can i start in my home, how do i start a small home-based business, can a tenant run a business from a rental property, what are the three general rules for qualifying your home office as a business expense, what percentage of utilities can i deduct for home business, what insurance do i need to run a business from home, home business faqs, balancing work and life at home.

• Expanding and scaling your home business

Ready to start your own business?

Get ready to start a small business at home.

Short summary

• Start a successful home-based business by carefully considering the type of business, creating a comprehensive plan, obtaining necessary permits and licenses, setting up an ergonomic workspace, marketing your venture effectively, and delivering quality products or services.
• Identify and focus on specialized market segments to help ensure success in any home-based venture. We show you how.
• Learn from inspiring success stories of individuals who have turned their ideas into thriving home businesses with hard work and the right strategies.

What is a home-based business?

Home-based businesses can be any size as long as the primary office is in the small business owner’s home. Small business owners have lots of options to choose from, including:

• Local service businesses
• Online and dropshipping businesses
• Freelance business ventures

Cristobal Mondragon started Bumble Bee Cleaning Services (formerly Queen Bee) as a home-based cleaning business. Now it makes over $1.5 million annually.

Check out Chris Mondragon’s FREE training to kickstart your own cleaning business. You can learn more about his inspiring journey by watching the interview below.

Read on for all the info you need to decide on a profitable home business idea that will work for you based on your skills and interests in combination with the resources available to you.

A home enterprise has several advantages over other small business ideas. Some of the best benefits of a home business include:

• Flexible schedule
• Lower startup costs
• Lower overhead costs
• Increased productivity
• More opportunities
• Less risk than renting a space
• More room for personal growth
• Tax deductions
• Great creative outlet
• Reduced personal expenses

When starting a small business from home, many business owners struggle with aspects like:

• Self-discipline required
• Paying attention to daily tasks
• Lack of privacy
• Separating work and home life
• Lack of space
• Not taken as seriously
• Lack of coworkers to collaborate with and learn from
• Feelings of isolation
• Procrastinating or overworking

Many small business owners will attend networking groups that help them overcome these common challenges. Start practicing good habits early to give your home-based business idea the best chance of success.

Starting a home business can be a huge advantage or disadvantage to a business venture. Ask yourself the following questions before starting your own business from home:

• What type of business suits your skills, interests, and resources?
• Do you have the space for your new business?
• Does your neighborhood have rules against certain small businesses?
• Will your family be supportive if you start a small business at home?

UpFlip Cautionary Tale

Many local business owners will find that their neighborhood has rules about running small businesses from home. I have lived in neighborhoods that don’t allow local service trucks, ones that won’t allow any small businesses, and ones that will only allow online businesses.

Make sure you understand the rules for your area before you start a service-based business from home.

How to start a home business

Successful home business ideas will normally follow a nine-step process for the best odds of success.

• G et an LLC for your at-home business

Keep reading to find some of the best home business ideas.

The first step in starting a home-based company is choosing a business idea. The best small business ideas from home normally fall into the following categories:

• Online Business Ideas
• Service Business Ideas
• Professional Services

We’ll provide you with some home business ideas for each of the three categories next.

Online business ideas

Many successful business owners choose to start an online small business. These make a great new business from home because they don’t require a lot of space and can be started with just the internet and a computer. Consider options like a:

Dropshipping business

This business idea requires creating an online store, finding dropshipping suppliers, and marketing their products. Learn more about dropshipping .

Affiliate marketing business

Small business owners can make a great living through affiliate marketing. You’ll need a marketing and sales plan because you’ll be paid on commission for selling other companies’ products.

Social media business

A social media manager uses digital marketing skills to help other businesses with marketing on social media. Make sure you don’t forget to build your own social media presence, too. Check out our interview with a successful social media manager.

Online store

Whether you have a subscription box business or a dropshipping business, you’ll need an online store. You could even buy an existing eCommerce business.

Check out more online business ideas .

Service business ideas

Check out some of the most popular service businesses that many small business owners run from home.

Car detailing business

Start a small business at home in the car detailing industry. You’ll be washing cars all day. This profitable business can make a ton of money.

Find out how Alan Tursunbaev turned an idea for a summer into a small business that brings in $50K per month.

House cleaning service

You can make a great living when you start a small business that’s a house cleaning service. Just ask Chris Mondragon, who started Bumble Bee Cleaning Services (formerly Queen Bee), which makes nearly $2 million per year.

Dog grooming business

There are lots of businesses involving animals. You could start a pet-sitting business, a dog-walking business , or even a mobile grooming business.

Professional services

You can start a professional services small business at home. Consider one of the businesses below.

Renting commercial real estate

Real estate agents can make a great living and work from their own homes. Check out how Thach Nguyen has built a $100M real estate empire.

Consulting business

Whether someone needs a freelance writer, help with social media, inventory management, or financial projections, consulting is a great business.

Learn more about consulting businesses .

Perform market research

Once you have identified the best home business idea, it’s time to research how to make your small business idea work in more detail. This could involve conducting:

• Target market research
• Competitive analysis
• Research on barriers to entry
• Opportunities research

Once you’ve selected a small business idea, you should write a business plan.

Did you know a well-written business plan can help a company grow 30% faster than one with no business plan?

A detailed business plan is essential to any home-based venture’s success. It functions as a roadmap. Plus, the business plan details your goals, strategies, and financial outlook.

Check out our blog about business plans to download a business plan template and learn how to write your business plan.

Next, you’ll want to name your home-based business. Your business name is the foundation of your brand identity and will inspire your logo, marketing, and customer service.

Your unique business name should be easy enough to remember yet reflective of the values held by you and the company. Try our business name generator . You can find a small business name you love and check the availability on Name Cheap .

Setting up a limited liability company (LLC) for your home-based business is an essential step in safeguarding yourself and preserving your individual assets.

An LLC provides its owners with restricted liabilities, meaning you won’t be personally liable for any debts or duties of your organization. They’re easy to create and manage and offer tax benefits for successful businesses.

Establishing an LLC for your at-home business requires registering with the Secretary of State.

By forming this type of legal entity, you protect both your small business and your personal assets. You might also consider a different legal structure like a sole proprietorship or a corporation.

When starting a home-based business, it’s vital to acquire the essential licenses and permits. Depending on where you’re located and what kind of business you’re running, there will be various requirements for

• licenses such as general enterprise approvals
• sales tax documentation
• professional credentials
• any local requirements

Check local and state laws for any rules that might apply to your business. You may receive harsh penalties if you do not follow them. Make sure to keep track of your records and renewal periods, too.

All this needs to be done so that your company remains legit during its operations. Complying with legal requirements helps you avoid issues. Just ask Cristobal Mondragon:

For any home-based business, it is essential to open a bank account to separate business finances and personal ones. This simplifies tracking profits and expenses for bookkeeping purposes like tax filing.

To establish such an account, you’ll need your legal paperwork like your LLC registration, Tax ID, business licenses, and EIN (Employer Identification Number).

A dedicated credit card may be beneficial so that you can cover costs while your business builds credit history. All these play into managing your business finances. The better you manage the finances, the easier it will be to identify opportunities for improvement.

A dedicated home office is essential for managing your work and keeping up efficiency. Designate an area that provides privacy and limits disturbances so you can focus on running the business from your house. Comfort should be of utmost importance. Get an ergonomic chair and make sure the lighting facilitates whatever type of work you’ll be doing.

You’ll also want reliable, high-speed internet and software that will help you manage your business. The software you need will vary depending on the type of company you’re starting. Check out our HR blog for human resource provider reviews. Other software we suggest is:

• Google Workspace: Get a free 14-day Google Workspace trial .
• Quickbooks: Get 50% off Quickbooks and manage all your business expenses.
• Customer Relationship Management Software: There are a ton of options. Research the ones best for your industry. Two of the best are Monday.com and Asana .

You need an effective marketing strategy to launch and grow a home-based business. It’s essential to have insight into your target audience and research the competitive landscape. Reach potential customers on social media platforms, websites, or by partnering with related service providers.

Track and measure your promotional efforts using key performance indicators (KPIs) like web traffic or customer inquiries to decide where to allocate advertising dollars. Google Analytics is the tool most small businesses use to monitor their success at getting people to their websites.

Most importantly, marketing is a long-term game plan that requires consistency and dedication. Be patient and you’ll stand out from other home-based business owners.

Successful home-based businesses rely on providing their customers with stellar service. Depending on the type of business you start, this could be anything from offering personalized attention to delivering high-quality products. Practice operating on the old adage “Under-promise and over-deliver.”

Every happy customer will help build strong relationships that lead to loyalty and often positive word-of-mouth referrals. These can help you grow your at-home venture even faster.

Most businesses can be started from home as long as there are no homeowner association rules or local government prohibitions. You probably won’t be able to start home-based manufacturing or energy companies, for example.

Beginning a small, home-based business can be achieved by following the essential steps we’ve outlined. First, consider potential ideas and determine if they are suitable for working from your residence.

Consider profitability by creating an organized blueprint of how to move forward. Pick out the right company configuration, give it an apt name, register it with your state authority, and attain an applicable tax ID number and licenses to pave the way for a successful at-home venture.

You may be able to start a home business if you rent. You’ll need to:

• Check your CC&Rs or lease.
• Talk with your apartment complex manager, HOA, or landlord.
• Research zoning laws.
• Check for other laws prohibiting home businesses.
• Get a landlord permission letter for home business activity.

You may need a signed letter of authorization (see our sample) giving permission to use the property for business purposes.

According to the Internal Revenue Service , you have to meet three main criteria to claim a home office as a business expense:

• Exclusive and regular use : Your home office must be used exclusively for business purposes on a regular basis. It should not be used for personal activities.
• Principal place of business : Your home office should be the primary location where you conduct substantial administrative or management activities for your business.
• Meeting clients or customers : You must use your home office to meet your clients, customers, or patients, or the office space must be a separate area used exclusively for business purposes.

As long as your home office is exclusively used for work and is where you consistently do admin work, you will normally qualify to deduct 100% of direct business costs and a percentage of indirect but relevant household costs.

According to the Internal Revenue Service , you can deduct utilities using two methods:

• Simplified Method : Up to 300 square feet at $5 per square foot for a total of $1,500.
• Actual Expenses : This method allows you to use the same percentage of the home you actually use for business. Keep reading to find out how to calculate it.

Using actual expenses, you can either use the percentage based on square feet that are used exclusively for your business, or, if the rooms in your home are approximately equal in size, you can use the percentage of rooms used.

For instance, my office is approximately 15×15 feet or 225 feet out of 1,600 square feet in my home, which equals 14%. I can’t use the rooms method because they are not approximately equal. That calculation would suggest my office space is 33% of the home, which is not a fair representation.

My utilities are around $12,000 per year, which means I can claim 14% of that or $1,687.50 of my utilities. Given my mortgage is $1,700 monthly, 14% of my annual mortgage is $2,856, making my total home office claim $4,543.50—a far better deduction than the Simplified Method’s $1,500.

A home business will normally want a business owner policy (BOP) that bundles together three important coverage types:

• General liability insurance
• Commercial property insurance
• Business interruption insurance

It’s typically cheaper to buy a BOP compared to buying each policy separately and you can add additional coverage types as needed. Simply Business is a great place to get your business insurance because it compares rates from 16 major insurers.

While running a home-based business provides advantages, work-life balance may be compromised. You’ll want to create good rules for yourself to balance your personal time and work time. Here are some rules people suggest (and I wish I followed):

• Create a schedule for yourself with regular breaks and start-stop times. This helps keep your work from infringing upon personal time. My wife wishes I’d listen to this one.
• Maintain a separate space for your work so you can avoid being in it during personal time. This one is the easiest to follow.
• Schedule personal activities including exercise, hobbies, and dates. I try to do this one, but only exercise works flawlessly. My dog and I go for a mile walk every morning.
• Send your kids to boarding school if they start plying in your home office (jk).

Expanding and scaling your successful business

Once you start a small business at home, you’ll operate the business. As you build success, your business entity will likely need to hire more people, automate systems, or diversify income streams. Careful planning and research are essential for a successful business idea to grow. Some of the best ways to scale a business include:

• Introduce new services and products .
• Add another market segment .
• Explore partnerships .
• Upgrade technology .
• Add staff members. (This might mean you need to change the legal structure or move the business out of your own home.)
• Add new locations .
• Create a franchise .
• Increase the budget for your marketing and sales plans .

Now you know how to choose a business idea, create a business entity and legal structure, and some of the unique features of a home business. It’s up to you to take the time to create a solid business plan, build your business model, and market your business.

What business will you start from home?

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More From Forbes

The ultimate small business work from home guide.

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According to a 2019 survey , 81% of onsite workers thought that the ability to work remotely would make them happier. Happiness aside, however, small businesses now must figure out how to make these work-from-home dreams a reality—and on a severely condensed timeline—in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

With 45 states to date issuing stay-at-home orders in response to the COVID-19 crisis, more of America’s workforce is working remotely than ever before. But what do you do if remote work capabilities weren't part of your company’s DNA before the current public health emergency?

While you work through the financial impact that the current economic uncertainty has on your business and the small business relief programs that are available, you’ll still need to keep your virtual doors open and your team productive even when your physical doors may be closed.

These tips can help your small business quickly establish work-from-home protocols, especially if your company has never operated remotely. You'll find communication best practices, tools for staying connected and tech to help keep your business moving through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.

Rethink ‘Communication’

In an office or storefront, everything is more visible and accessible. You can stop by a colleague’s office for a quick clarification or rally your team for an impromptu meeting in the breakroom. Even body language informs your typical in-office day-to-day communications. 

As phone calls, chats and videoconferencing replace in-person interactions, the ability to “read the room” becomes more complicated for both leaders and their teams. Communication can slow. Intention and interpretation of messages can become muddled. The shift to remote work demands small-business leaders rethink both how and how much they communicate.

When making the shift to remote work, err on the side of overcommunication to help ensure your team feels informed, validated and empowered. These tips can help you rethink the ways and the frequency with which you communicate:

• Set boundaries. Establishing a schedule for the workday helps the entire team show up for work when their living room becomes their office. Consider ditching text messaging in favor of email or a work-specific chat app, so that employees feel they can protect their personal devices and time after the workday is done.
• Set clear expectations. From priority projects, to normal work hours and delivery timelines, don't leave anything to chance. Clearly stating expectations can help your entire team orient themselves toward a common goal.
• Trade in-person discussions for phone calls. Every time you’d typically go see a colleague to resolve an issue, abandon the tech and go old school with a phone call. With a real-time conversation, you can quickly find a resolution while avoiding miscommunications that often can arise with chats and emails.
• Rethink urgency. Since remote work removes the comfort of physical proximity, it’s more important than ever to promptly return your team members’ calls and emails and participate on that chat thread about a pressing project. Prompt replies will help alleviate some of the anxiety that comes from not being able to see your colleagues when a concern arises. Promptness also lets employees know you’re tuned in to their dedication to the company’s objectives.
• Invest in virtual connection. Maybe it’s a video huddle every morning to replace the typical break room chatter or a weekly happy hour to collectively wind down; however you accomplish your virtual “connections” with your team, know that these routines are important during times where your team lacks a daily physical workspace to gather. Work-from-home orders can’t erase the comfort that comes with seeing the people who show up every day to make your company run.
• Double-down on the grace. Working from home, especially in the times of COVID-19, means more distractions. Kids home from school, pets excited about a favorite toy, the inevitable leaf blowers and other intrusions are going to invade your conference calls with situations you never encounter at the office. Take a deep breath and remind yourself (and everyone on your team) that people are doing the best they can within their given environments. A bit of grace in the face of unexpected disruptions will bring some much-needed humanity to these unprecedented times.

Now that you’re equipped with practical leadership tools to help you rethink your work-from-home communication protocols, you can tend to the daily business of making your business run remotely. 

Stay Connected

As you establish priorities and craft a plan for your business to continue operations, you’ll need to keep your team connected to keep goals on track. The good news is that several low- to no-cost tools can help you immediately ramp up your virtual communications.

Chat apps, videoconferencing platforms and conference call lines can help keep the communications flowing and offer a wide range of formality to mimic the different ways you typically communicate in the workplace.

Instant messaging and chat apps can help your team stay connected and get quick answers to simple questions that crop up throughout the business day. As you consider which chat or messaging app to adopt, consider your business’s security demands. You’ll want to weigh the security features of each platform with the need for privacy and then establish protocols with your team for topics that should not be discussed via a digital messaging platform.

The messaging apps below are no-cost and among the most widely used among small businesses:

• WhatsApp . This secure messaging app is owned by Facebook and lets you quickly create group chats and empower your team to connect via a desktop or mobile app. WhatsApp boasts a range of message encryption features, along with videoconferencing, document sharing and more. For questions where a reply is more involved than a single sentence but not worthy of a phone call, voice memos let you record a reply and hit “send” to resolve issues with deft speed. 
• Slack . Accessible through both desktop and mobile apps, Slack offers a free version that could be a powerful solution if your business has multiple projects with specific team members engaged with each. Slack lets users create "channels" so that they're only involved in messages specific to that channel. The free version also allows for 1:1 videoconferencing and file sharing within your channels.
• Signal . If the nature of your business demands a more secure messaging app, you can turn to the choice that journalists use to communicate with anonymous sources. Signal has privacy baked into its DNA, and there's no need to opt in to its robust encryption. The platform offers options for group chats, video calls, file sharing and voice memos. The only drawback for Signal is it’s only a mobile app and offers no desktop version.

Videoconferencing

When your team needs some face time, videoconferencing can help you bridge the gap between working in the office and from home. While many chat apps come with videoconferencing features, you may prefer to use a platform where videoconferencing is the primary function for your virtual face-to-face needs. The features are typically a bit more robust than messaging apps and also incorporate chat features into your calls.

• Zoom . By and large the most talked about videoconferencing service in recent weeks, Zoom offers small businesses a free version to keep your teams connected. While the free version limits group calls to a maximum duration of 40 minutes, you can have unlimited 1:1 meetings. You'll also enjoy features like call recording and screen sharing. Before using, be sure to review Zoom’s guidelines for hosting a secure videoconference to avoid having unwelcome attendees join your meetings (called “zoombombing”). Zoom is accessible via desktop or mobile app.
• Skype . The most well-known videoconferencing platform, Skype has everything you need to get your team visually connected. With call recording, file sharing, screen sharing and built-in chat functions, your team can easily connect via group calls with no time limits. A bonus? If your home office isn’t in tip-top shape, Skype has a built-in background blur function to keep the focus on you, not your pile of laundry. Skype is accessible via desktop or mobile app.
• Google Hangouts . Like Zoom and Skype, Google Hangouts offers robust videoconferencing capabilities. At no cost, your team can be up and on video in a matter of minutes, and all it takes is a Google account (you already have one if you have a Gmail email address). To stay in touch throughout the workday, your team can install the Hangouts app from the Chrome Extension Store (Note: You must use the Google Chrome browser) to get alerts for new conversations and meetings. Google Hangouts is accessible via desktop and mobile app.

Once you find your perfect videoconferencing match, this article from ZDNet offers myriad tips to help you look like a pro on any platform. 

Conference Calls

If videoconferencing puts a strain on your at-home internet service, you might discover your colleagues look more pixelated than professional on-screen. If that’s the case, a no-video conference call may be a better solution. These services also can save your productivity bacon if there’s a service outage with your internet provider.

• UberConference . The free version of UberConference is offering expanded call times and up to 50 participants to help small businesses stay connected in the times of COVID-19. With no tedious PINs or software downloads, small businesses can use either the web-based platform for video or voice-only calls, or a standard dedicated phone number for dial-in meeting access. Even if you don’t use the video capabilities, the web interface allows call recording and screen sharing.
• Free Conference Call . The long-time favorite for small businesses for no-cost conference calling solutions, Free Conference Call offers dial-up voice-only calls from your phone, and voice and video calling via its online platform. They offer call recording, breakout rooms and screen sharing, plus a mobile app for those looking for a more full-service option from their phones.

Keep Your Business Moving

Now that you have the tools to keep your remote team in touch, you’ll need tools to track productivity and keep everyone at home on task. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers some simple tips for keeping remote teams productive , like daily check-ins and a recommended dress code.

One of their leading tips for small businesses, however, is to leverage the range of productivity tools designed for small businesses. With built-in tasks, reminders and accountability features, these tools can help empower employees to adapt to remote work and remain productive in their new environments.

• Trello . Designed to be a simple project management tool, Trello can help small teams track projects (on Boards) and tasks (on Cards). Trello makes it easy to track assignments and keep track of progress in a highly visual, easy-to-read interface. If your business has never used project management software before COVID-19, Trello can quickly get you organized and keep business flowing.
• Basecamp Business . For small businesses with multiple moving parts and clients, Basecamp Business offers a 30-day free trial to help you get up to full speed during your work-from-home stint. With the power to create multiple individual projects for several clients or business segments, Basecamp is designed to help a single business track productivity across multiple projects from a single dashboard.
• Box , Dropbox Business and Google Drive . Remote businesses need collaboration tools, which is where file-sharing comes into play. Box, Dropbox and Google Drive all offer ways to share files with multiple team members without jamming up someone's email inbox with overly large files. Google Drive offers free storage for up to 15 MB of documents. Box offers 100 MB of storage and a 14-day free trial, and Dropbox offers up to 5 TB of storage and a 30-day free trial before you have to choose a paid plan.
• DocuSign and HelloSign . Need customer signatures but stay-at-home orders have your hands tied? Online signature services can get documents out to your customers fast. Both DocuSign and HelloSign offer free 30-day trials before you have to commit to a paid plan.  
• Notarize.com . If your business needs official documents notarized during stay-at-home orders, an online notary service can help you keep things moving. Notarize.com will connect you with one of their many notaries via video chat to verify your identity documents and then email you a copy of your fully notarized documents. At $25 per document, the price may be a bit higher than a visit to your bank, but you'll also be able to cook your lunch or take another call while you wait for your notary to get online.

You’re now equipped to stay connected and keep previous projects moving. You may, however, want to take a minute to go the extra mile for one of your most valuable company assets: your employees. 

Boost Employee Morale

Tips, tricks and tools aside, don’t forget to spend some time during this work-from-home time to nurture your team—even from afar. While you’ll be skipping the cake and candles to celebrate happy occasions, you can take some steps to make sure your team feels connected throughout the week. 

Here are three fun ideas to inspire connection while your business adapts to its new work-from-home normal:

• Virtual happy hours. Whether on a random evening or at the end of the day on a Friday, try using your new videoconferencing solution of choice to host a virtual happy hour for your team. You can share cocktail recipes, create themes (costumes, custom videoconference backgrounds ) and, most importantly, have some time to decompress as a team and connect on a more personal level.
• Bring your pet to work days. While pets may be at your new home office daily these days, why not take a moment to celebrate the creatures keeping your team sane? You can designate time at the beginning of one conference call a week to feature team member pets. A little fur family can lighten the mood and break up the long days inside the same four walls.
• Viewing parties. If you find your team talking about the same TV shows or movies, try hosting a viewing party for your so-inclined office friends. These apps make online viewing parties a breeze and can keep the camaraderie levels on high with Hollywood’s nonstop action.

While there’s no time line for how long your business might be working remotely, the tools above—both intellectual and practical—will help you ease your team’s transition and maximize productivity. 

If (or when) you find your chosen techniques and tools aren’t working as well as you’d hoped, go back to communication. Ask questions, collaborate with your team and, together, you’ll chart a path forward that keeps you physically apart for as long as necessary but working together in the best ways possible.

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Home / Doable home business ideas

8 Doable home business ideas (with low risk & no investment)

Best home business ideas that are investment-free, profitable, and low risk. REAL work-from-home business ideas you can start right now.

These days, there’s no shortage of work-from-home business ideas on the internet. But, most of these are a complete waste of time, and some are full-fledged scams.

What you’re looking for are profitable home business ideas you can do part-time or full-time to make an income that can sustain you . Just as important, these should be home business ideas without monetary investment and accessible to a non-specialist to set up and develop in as short a time as possible. Did I get that right?

It’s challenging to sort through and weigh the thousands of options on the internet. I know cause I did it for you.

If you’re looking for creative home business ideas that are open to anyone , I have some solid contenders for you. These small home business ideas can earn you 6 to 7 figures with no risk and no investment . But it will r equire an investment in time and hard work to see profit, so make sure you have those to spare. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Take any of the following ideas and plug in your area of interest and expertise. Our ideas will help you save time on logistical setups and money on upfront costs. Even so, your home business is not gonna build itself, you’ll have to actively refine your offering, build your brand , and market it .

Our top 8 profitable home business ideas

• Design print-on-demand clothing catalog .
• Start a dropshipping business from home
• Offer personal coaching online
• Sell your homemade and handcrafted items
• Develop a high-traffic SEO blog
• Become a work from home freelancer
• Start a reseller services
• Start an event planning business

Pros and Con’s of working from home

Pro’s

• The work-from-home business allows you to set a realistic schedule with flexible working hours.
• As a home business, you have the option to sell products/services globally or locally.
• Low investment businesses have fewer overhead costs as storage/warehouse fees and may receive tax return benefits.
• Part-time business without investment

Con’s

• Work-life balance may be blurred.
• Business owners still need to follow regulations such as withholding a license/permit.
• You may need to turn your home into an office.
• Full responsibility to file for taxes 

1) Run a print-on-demand business without inventory

Print-on-demand is a business model that lets you design unique apparel and items without being responsible for inventory. You also do not have the waste of traditional merchandise. This home business idea is as simple as design, post to your website, and wait.

On the other end, the printer is waiting for someone to buy something off your website. Once a customer purchases, the printer makes the product and ships it to your customer. You only need to provide customer service for this home business idea.

How do you market print-on-demand?

You have several options to market a print-on-demand work from home business. You need a website to run the business, which means you can have organic SEO working for you. You can also employ social media profiles on the platforms your target audience hangs out on.

Another component you can use to turn a print-on-demand idea into a profitable home business is influencer marketing . Hiring influencers lets you leverage their audiences for your work from home product ideas. The influencer makes a post with your product, and you see sales gains.

You do need to be aware of trademark and copyright while running a print-on-demand business. Infringing on someone else’s intellectual property may result in you being sued with devastating consequences and can end your work-from-home business opportunities.

What websites to use ?

• Price: Free
• Premium: $24.99 per month

Printify is a print-on-demand network that integrates into the popular eCommerce website builders. Printify lets you design over 300 base products so that you can turn your small home business ideas into reality. You sell the products on your site, and Printify fulfills the orders.

The free plan means Printify takes its cut in the product price. For example, if you sell a shirt for $30 on your website, you pay Printify $12 for the shirt, and you make $18 in profit. The free plan supports up to five stores, so you have options to grow your home business ideas.

• Free trial for 14 days
• Lite: $9 per month
• Basic: $29 per month

Shopify is a versatile platform designed to build eCommerce websites.

The Lite option is viable if you already have a website or make one on a platform. It brings the Shopify listings and point of sale to another platform. This option is perfect for merchandising an existing website.

The Basic option gets you one of Shopify’s easy-to-set-up websites and the complete integration for selling print-on-demand items. Shopify then integrates with a supplier like Printify, and your work-from-home business store is live.

2) Manage a dropshipping store with no storage space

Dropshipping is a business where people can run a store without having to hold inventory. It works very much like the print-on-demand business model. Once a customer has purchased the supplier you work with will ship out the package from their warehouse to the customer’s doorstep. You won’t need to worry about packaging, shipping, or storing products.

How do you market dropshipping?

Similar marketing techniques apply to the print-on-demand marketing model. There are a lot of marketing options for dropshipping work-from-home businesses. You would need to have a website which means you can build an SEO-based page. You can also promote your website on your social channels such as platforms where you know your target audience will be there!

Another component you can use to turn a dropshipping business idea into a profitable home business is influencer marketing. Hiring influencers lets you leverage their audiences for your work from home product ideas. The influencer makes a post with your product.

What websites to use?

• Price: $19.00 per month
• offers a free trial

Spocket is a website that handles a dropshipping marketplace where retailers can scale their online stores. Spocket has thousands of suppliers for retailers to connect with and most of the suppliers are located in Europe and the USA.

• Price: Free sign up, there’s no upfront cost or fee

Ali Express is a retail dropshipping marketplace that enables contact between drop shippers, suppliers, and products. The platform itself offers over 50 segmented niche categories

3) Become an online personal trainer

A home personal trainer provides virtual consultations and workouts. You can deliver these in a wide variety of formats. You can offer one-on-one sessions, workout guides, meal plans, workout libraries, group classes, and more with this home business idea.

The trick with personal training is that you should have a certification, the cheapest of which is about $200. Obtaining certification demonstrates to customers that you know how to help them and get them the specific results they want.

How do you market personal training?

One of the best marketing tricks for personal training is free samples. People cannot resist trying something out. Once they see that your method works for them, they’ll be more ready to purchase.

You should consider which social media options work best for your target market. Many personal trainers start by streaming their workouts to a social platform with a call to action for a purchasable product at the end. This home business idea builds your audience.

Networking is another viable marketing technique for home business ideas. Part of operating a work-from-home business is knowing when clients are not suited for your services. Another trainer may refer you to perfect clients when they do not fit that trainer’s style.

You do need to live up to the expectations you’re setting up in your program with your physical appearance. People are less likely to purchase your home business materials if you do not fit a personal trainer’s image.

Additionally, personal training tends to be a referral-based business. If you listen to your customers and help them meet their goals, they will send friends and family to you too.

• With enough followers, YouTube pays you

YouTube is a video platform that allows you to build your own channel. This channel holds all the videos you upload to the website. Visitors can then search for your videos, subscribe to your channel, and receive notifications when you post new videos.

All of the YouTube features make it a good option for reaching the public with your home business idea. It’s among the most popular video platforms globally, and you do have control over what’s in your videos.

Simply Book

• Basic: $9.90

Simply Book is a reliable option if you want to sell one-on-one personal training sessions. You get to create a custom booking page even on the Free version, along with a widget if you have another website.

The Free version does offer 50 bookings per month. However, you must handle point of sale separately. You also do not get a client application, which can be why new customers pass on your work from home services and ideas.

The Basic plan gets you all the booking functionality you need. It includes features like sales and gift cards. You also gain more control by having an application available to clients. It’s also useful as your business expands since you can offer multiple staff members.

4) Sell your homemade products online

Homemade refers to anything that you make. It may be knitting, soaps, pottery, woodwork, art, and any number of other items. If you’re already doing this as a hobby, you should have no problem turning it into a profitable home business idea.

You can even label products you make at a secondary location as homemade. For example, if you go to a community woodshop to craft your products, those are still homemade.

Typically, homemade goods are sold in marketplaces. These can be physical, such as farmer’s markets, or digital. If you choose the digital option, you will need to create listings for each product on the website for your home business ideas to succeed.

How do you market homemade products?

Homemade products can be marketed in a variety of different ways. Some people make YouTube videos of their process, while others prefer photos on Instagram. The best answer on social is usually wherever you can find customers to turn your ideas into a profitable home business.

Additionally, if you join a marketplace, then the marketplace does a certain amount of marketing. It’s in any marketplace’s best interests that your product sells so that you keep coming back as part of your home business ideas success plan.

Homemade products can be labor-intensive. Make sure to account for the materials and labor time while pricing items for your home business idea. Additionally, high-quality images are likely to help your products sell well.

• Price: Fee-based
• $0.20 per listing
• 5% transaction fee

Etsy is among the best-known marketplace websites. It costs nothing to open a shop on the platform. However, you will be charged $0.20 the minute you hit publish for every product you create a listing for.

Etsy also charges a 5% transaction fee. That means the platform keeps 5% of the total price of each order. There are also payment processing fees that come into play and vary based on your currency preferences.

Etsy does offer a recurring listing feature that saves you time if you sell multiples of the same product from your small home business idea, like soap bars. This feature saves you time, even though you eat the listing fee each time you use it.

• 7% transaction fee

Aftcra focuses on homemade and handcrafted products from the United States. It’s a marketplace as well, and you build your own store as part of your home business ideas. There is no listing fee on Aftcra, but each listing is only up for six months.

Aftcra charges a 7% transaction fee. This percentage is how the marketplace makes money and manages without listing fees. Instruction on how to create an Aftcra account

5) Freelancing: sell your skills and expertise as contract work

A freelancer is someone who works for themselves and takes contract work from companies. It involves offering your time for a price that you determine. Freelancing online is a common work-from-home business option today.

What skills you can use for freelancing is limited only by your imagination. You may draw illustrations, provide commercial voiceovers, edit videos, or build whole websites as examples of work from home ideas. You can even offer closet organizing if you want.

Freelancing typically starts with single jobs here and there. You can then build your work from home ideas’ reputation and become a virtual assistant for your specific skills if you want to.

How do you market freelancing?

Methods for marketing freelancing vary by industry . For example, a writer might create portfolio blogs while an illustrator might prefer showing works in progress on Instagram. Social media options are varied too for home business ideas.

One option is joining a freelance marketplace. The marketplaces have a vested interest in you getting work since most of them operate on a percentage fee per transaction. That encourages them to support your home business idea.

You can also approach people through cold calling/emailing about your small home business ideas and services. Suppose you can find people who genuinely need your assistance. In that case, this is potentially a profitable route since there are no fees coming out of your home business idea earnings.

The prices in freelancing are entirely determined by how much you would like to earn. Ensure you figure in any commission that the platform you’re freelancing on keeps when considering how to price your services.

• 20% fee on every completed order for sellers
• 5% fee on buyers

Fiverr is a freelancing marketplace in the traditional sense. You create standard offers that people can order based on the skill(s) you want to sell. Buyers can either purchase these offers or contact your home business to set up a custom offer that matches their ideas.

Fiverr charges sellers a flat 20% fee on any order completed that’s over $20. The platform also charges the sellers a 5% fee, but that is added on top of your gig price.

Fiverr also uses a level system with different features. Until you work your work from home idea up the three levels to top seller, there is a two-week gap between when you finish work and when the earnings clear.

• Plus: $14.99 per month
• 3% payment processing fee for buyers
• 20% on $500 or less, 10% on $500 to $10,000, and 5% on over $10,000 in lifetime work for an individual client

Upwork is a marketplace, but it relies on sending out proposals on jobs you are interested in. You’re limited in how many proposals you can send, however. This catch prevents clients from inundation.

Upwork uses what it calls Connects. You spend Connects each time you submit a job proposal, and each submission requires a different amount of Connects. The Free account has 10 Connects per month, while a Plus account has 80 Connects each month.

This work-from-home business platform uses a sliding fee scale, and you can be at a different point on the scale with each client. Upwork keeps 20% of each completed order, then 10%, and then 5% if a single client buys more than $10,000 in work from you.

6) Use Niche Blogging to gradual build passive income

Niche blogging involves building a website around a specific topic. The blog is then monetized using backlinks, affiliate marketing, merchandising, or any number of other options. Your blog also needs to be SEO-heavy, so it ranks high in search engines.

To start, you need to write or purchase high-quality content articles for your blog in the niche you chose as your home business idea. It helps if you’re passionate about the niche. Typically, this content should center around how-to, listicles, and other easy-to-rank content.

You can then take the blog in multiple directions once it ranks on Google. A common one is link building, where people can pay you to place a link leading back to their site in one of your blog posts.

Affiliate marketing is similar to link building. You place a link containing a unique reference code in your work from home business blog posts. If one of your readers clicks the affiliate link and buys the product, you get a percentage of that sale.

Merchandising can be as simple as using a print-on-demand plug-in, as described earlier in this article. It can also involve a more complex work-from-home business strategy, especially if you’ve built up a fan base while building your niche blog.

How do you market niche blogging?

Niche blogging marketing depends on your niche. It makes little sense to market on social platforms where your audience does not hang out regularly for your work from home ideas.

Email marketing is a viable option . You can partner with someone else to be in one of their emails, which brings you a portion of their audience and increases your site’s rank since you now have more readers. Email marketing can also keep people engaged with your website.

Running a niche blog also lets you set yourself up as an expert in the field. You can then market on TV, podcasts, video collaborations, aggregation websites, and more. You could even aim for publications with your work from home ideas.

Niche blogging can be a long-term activity with gradual growth in income. Very few blogs are immediately popular or rank in Google the instant you publish them. So start now and expect to reap your reward up to a year in the future.

• Combo: $14 per month

Wix is a free website builder that can house your small home business ideas blog. Wix allows every website free hosting and a custom URL. However, the free version does have a permanent sticky ad that announces you built the website on Wix.

Wix is user-friendly, and no coding is involved in this small home business idea. Everything you need, you can drag and drop on the website. Additionally, Wix offers a variety of widgets to upgrade your site’s functionality.

• Price: $8.99 per month
• VPS: $19.99 per month

Bluehost is a host, which means it houses your website in its servers. Bluehost plans also include a domain name with your plan purchase. It’s easy to set up and simple to launch the website builder for small home business ideas.

Bluehost is suitable for website building on WordPress, which is an open-source program. That means any function you could want for your work-from-home business website probably already has an integration. That’s all the flexibility you need to build a fantastic niche blog.

7) Reseller services: sell other people’s products for them

Reseller services are relatively straightforward small home business ideas. You’re acting as the seller for someone else’s belongings. Then, once the item is sold, you get a percentage of the money made.

This work-from-home business option is possible because people do not always have the time or patience to babysit an item on the peer-to-peer marketplaces. However, people still want those things sold and the money in their pockets.

How do you market reseller services?

This work-from-home business operates on word of mouth primarily. You start with a busy friend, do well, and then they mention how easy it was for them to be one of their friends. You need to do an excellent job for this home business idea to work.

Quality photos of the product(s) are essential in this niche. If you use low-quality images or stock photos, people will not trust the listing and will not buy.

Seller and buyer protections are relatively low for resellers. Make sure to account for the financial risks when determining how much you charge.

• Price: Free, mostly
• $5 fee for selling cars

Craigslist is among the original peer-to-peer marketplaces. Since listings are free outside of cars, the platform offers many niches of items. It’s an excellent place to start your home business ideas.

Craigslist does recommend accepting only cash as payment or using a secured option like PayPal. It also recommends not shipping items and instead of meeting in person to prevent scams.

Facebook Marketplace

• 5% fee if an item uses shipping or the payment integration

Facebook marketplace is a more recent addition to the peer-to-peer scene. Facebook added it after users had already formed selling groups and a general method of selling items to their friends.

Facebook has recently stepped up its efforts to protect buyers and sellers, especially considering COVID-19. The company now facilitates shipping items for a 5% fee. There is also a small hold of funds to ensure the product is delivered.

8) Become an event planner and help others get organized

The event planning industry experienced a drawback during the pandemic. However, as places open, it will come back and make a good home business idea. People do not want to keep track of the details of their events or be the point of contact for moving pieces like catering.

Event planning covers many different event types, and you may want to specialize. Options include weddings, retirements, awards ceremonies, community events, and more.

As an event planner, you need to be highly organized as well as personable. You keep all the event planning pieces on track, along with handling anything that pops up the day of the event. It can be one of the more intense home business ideas.

You can offer your services exclusively digitally if you want to, though you may lose clients who want the coordination on the day of the event.

How do you market event planning?

Regardless of whether you want to go digital-only or hybrid, a website is a useful tool. A website will help your work from home, a business shows up in the search engine results for people in your local area where you are most likely to find work.

On the topic of local, involvement in local events is a great way to gain a reputation for outstanding event planning. Even large virtual events can benefit from an event planner, as can charity events of all sizes.

Social media is also a viable option. You can offer photos of your event planning or tips on adjacent activities like organizing time. Social media then becomes a pool of people who might use your home business ideas and services.

Word of mouth is an excellent marketing tool for event planners. When you deliver exceptional service, people will tell their friends. Of course, negative word of mouth is also possible, so make sure you’re providing the best events possible.

Event planners most often charge their services as a percentage fee of the total event value. You can expect between 15% and 20%, but the final figure depends on the event’s complexity.

• Business: $10 per user per month

Trello is an organizational software. You can create a board for each event, label the columns within the boards with statuses, and move the cards between things as each step progresses. You can put as much detail on each task card as you like.

The free version of Trello is full-featured. The only limitation is you can only use one of the plug-ins per board, such as the calendar integration. It’s perfect for just starting or when you have a small team.

• Price: $9 per month
• Unlimited: $39 per month

HoneyBook is an all-in-one solution perfect for event planning. It incorporates everything from proposals to scheduling to lead tracking to workflows.

The HoneyBook Starter level contains all of the features. However, it has a $10,000 limit before it makes you upgrade to Unlimited. At that point, you should have a good feeling about whether HoneyBook works with your home business ideas.

Final thoughts:

One of these small home business ideas could get you started towards replacing your regular income with a six- to seven-figure salary. It does require dedication and hard work to make it happen, though, so make sure you’re prepared.

More on this topic

• Starting a side business: 12 rules for success (2024)
• Job and side business ideas for work-from-home-moms
• Home business ideas for women (steady income on your terms)
• 25 best freelance job sites for 2024
• Work from home productivity: 6 tips to free up time

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Start » business ideas, 7 fully remote businesses you can start.

For entrepreneurs looking to work remotely, here are seven businesses you can start from the comfort of home.

The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in an era in which more people want the option to work from home. Aspiring entrepreneurs who left their jobs in the midst of The Gre at Resignation now have an opportunity to capitalize on today’s remote-first work culture with businesses that can be operated fully from home.

If you’re looking for a startup idea that doesn’t require a physical office or warehouse space, here are some options for remote businesses you can start today.

[Read more: How to Start a Fully Remote Business ]

Content creation services

With so many businesses operating online, every company needs a digital presence, which means there’s a consistent demand for online content. There are multiple avenues to explore as a remote content creation business . If you’re a talented writer and editor, you can take on copywriting projects for clients who need blog posts, email newsletters, thought leadership articles, social media captions, e-books and other written materials. If you’re better with visual content, you can develop custom images and videos for clients using high-quality editing software.

Translation services

As more and more businesses leverage technology to “go global,” there is a growing need for translation services to help those companies communicate with international customers effectively. This is an excellent remote business idea for anybody who has a background in a variety of languages and understands the basics of marketing and copywriting.

If you are proficient or fluent in a foreign language, you can help businesses reach a wider audience with copy that is customized to their audience, including local idioms and cultural references that don’t always translate perfectly from the original language. Aside from any additional language training, you may want to add to your current knowledge base, the only overhead is investing in a library of reference materials, such as dictionaries and grammar resources.

Virtual assistant

More people are pursuing entrepreneurship than ever before: Census data indicates that new business applications were up more than 20% year over year in December 2021. Those new entrepreneurs often rely on virtual assistants to help them manage mundane but essential administrative tasks like scheduling appointments, billing customers, managing incoming client requests and maintaining databases. This online business idea is ideal for detail-oriented individuals who are capable of processing and organizing lots of information and keeping tabs on multiple tasks at once.

[Read more: Marketing Your E-Commerce Business in the Digital Age ]

Entrepreneurs often rely on virtual assistants to help them manage mundane but essential administrative tasks like scheduling appointments, billing customers, managing incoming client requests and maintaining databases.

Travel planning

COVID-19 has made traveling more complicated. When booking trips, people now need to be mindful of local mandates, vaccination requirements and COVID case rates that could delay or interrupt their travel plans. Remote travel agents can help clients research and book COVID-friendly getaways and prepare all necessary health and safety information in one place, taking the stress off travelers.

Personal shopping

With so many options and outlets for online shopping, consumers don’t always know where to start when looking for certain items, like clothing and home furnishings. A personal shopper can help their clients find and purchase items they’ll love while sticking to their budget. Online communication tools like video chat, screen sharing and augmented reality can help you create an immersive virtual shopping experience for your client. Once they decide what they want, you can then have items sent directly to the client’s door.

If you have deep experience and success in a specific industry, consider becoming a consultant. Consultants in fields like business growth, sales, marketing and human resources can help clients create an effective roadmap for achieving their goals. Businesses are often willing to pay for expert insights and results — Payscale puts the average business consultant's salary at over $75,000 per year . If you want to leverage your years of expertise in a field while working independently for yourself, a remote consulting business may be the path for you.

IT and web development

According to CompTIA , employment in the tech sector is poised to grow about twice as fast as overall employment in the U.S., with some specific tech jobs growing at four to five times the national rate. The increase of remote employees has contributed to this high demand, so this could be a good business path if you have IT experience. The ability to remotely access PCs and company servers means you can work with clients anywhere in the country or around the world.

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Remote Work Best Practices (Plus Sample Policy)

With so many businesses now having employees work from home, it is vital to have a well-thought-out plan that fosters this new working environment.

Table of Contents

Remote work not only provides people with the ability to work from home, but has also introduced new dynamics to the workforce, including flexible work schedules and cost savings for office space for employees. In fact, 9 out of 10 workers thinking about a job change consider hybrid or remote positions, according to research from business consulting firm Robert Half .

Remote work has perks for both employers and employees. Companies making a more long-term or permanent switch to a remote environment can help the adjustment be successful by ensuring a smooth transition, excellent remote management plans and a well-devised remote work policy.

What are remote work best practices for businesses?

To help ensure remote work is a success across your organization, follow these best practices:

1. Maintain a company culture.

Some employees choose an employer for its company culture . Whether your company is only recently remote or has always been, maintaining the culture that attracted employees to your organization in the first place can help keep employees happy and working for your company. For example, you could support a caring culture by broadening your wellness benefits, as Actualize Consulting did. Its $750 wellness benefit is available to each employee for use toward a gym membership and fitness purchases such as treadmills and classes.

As another example, Sarah Danzl, communications officer and vice president of customer marketing at Degreed, said that a priority for her was to ensure the holistic care and mental health of her team with regular check-ins, specifically to ask about how they’re doing and dedicate some time to non-work chat. Degreed also provides access to mental health support and wellness options like the Calm app.

Editor ‘s note: Looking for the right employee monitoring software for your business? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.

2. Use video tools to stay connected.

Working remotely can be difficult for people who strive for face-to-face interaction. Utilize the best practice of acting as if you and your team are in the office with the help of technology. Consider keeping spirits high and teams connecting by hosting a Friday video happy hour, video team meetings and virtual employee lunches. The goal here is to stimulate activities that would be done in the office, outside the office.

3. Go paperless.

Just about everything can be done digitally these days. Use a tool like DocuSign for contracts that need signatures, and encourage employees to lean on the best customer relationship management (CRM) software and other digital tools instead of paper for notes, project management and other tasks.

4. Invest in internet security.

A network is only as secure as its weakest link. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have turned their workforces remote. As a result of more people working from home, weak security links are inevitable. By investing in internet security , you can provide (and even mandate) the tools that keep everyone’s devices safe. This, in turn, keeps company information safe. Most importantly, it minimizes the risk of personal data being leaked through a vulnerability in your infrastructure. At the heart of your internet security is a virtual private network (VPN). It allows for direct, safe communication between all remote workers and the office.

5. Consider employee monitoring.

Employee monitoring is necessary for large organizations. A significant part of leadership and management is keeping people on task; however, with remote work, that becomes challenging.

Employee monitoring systems allow you to see a worker’s computer activity. This informs you as to how much of a workday is actually spent on work projects and tasks. Employee monitoring solutions allow you to track the productivity of the work-from-home model. [Read related article: The Best Employee Monitoring Software of 2024 ]

6. Accommodate flexible work schedules.

There are many benefits that come with remote work, such as reduced overhead and lower liabilities, to name a few. If, though, remote work is hastily or poorly implemented, the downside is lost productivity. The key to preventing lost productivity (which can be difficult for a company to come back from) is to allow employees to work a flexible work schedule.  

Many at-home employees are juggling child care and school. Flexible work schedules empower them to find a better work-life balance that enables them to work productively around their kids’ schedules. One suggestion to make this transition smoother for your company and team is to shift to a completion-based work model. In this model, the focus is less on how many hours an individual works and more on what they accomplish.

7. Invest in collaboration tools.

Collaboration tools are everywhere. Some of the biggest names to rise to the top include Skype and Microsoft Teams. Of course, the most popular by far is Zoom. These tools allow for adjustable online workgroups. They include video and audio chat, and they allow for screen sharing.

You can also look into apps that create shared workspaces. File sharing systems are similarly important. You can even look at dedicated communication servers with resources like Discord and Google Chat.

How do you create your remote work policy?

Your remote work policy sets the standard for what you deem acceptable and unacceptable from your remote employees. Every remote work policy should have conditions that ensure clear expectations and communication between the company and each remote team member. Here are a few pertinent guidelines on what to include in your remote work policy:

• Outline eligibility criteria. Consider whether employees must reside in the same location as your business or if they can work from anywhere. If your business is only partially remote, define which roles are eligible for working from home and how often employees can work from home.
• Develop a work plan. To create an effective remote work plan, break down company objectives into measurable goals and responsibilities. Determine the necessary tools and technology for employees to work remotely and collaborate effectively. Consider technical support for those who experience difficulties. You can then involve employees in the process of deciding how performance will be measured, using metrics specific to each role and asking for input on the best methods for tracking productivity.
• Emphasize the company rules. Although your employees are no longer in an in-person office environment, clarify the rules, regulations and policies that still apply. Employees should know exactly what is expected of them.
• Decide whether employees can choose their own work hours or should be available during specific hours. Take into consideration their personal schedules, and be flexible with allowing them to work within a certain window or during core hours.
• Set expectations for response times to emails and messages. Keep time zones and workload in mind. Establish a time frame for responding to important emails or messages.
• Institute guidelines for when to use instant messaging, email or video calls. Is it mandatory for your employees to use the camera when on video calls? Consider setting up non-work-related communication to keep similar aspects of an in-person work environment.
• Make sure your employees have access to online training resources or courses. Establish one-on-one meetings with supervisors and their employees for online coaching and to discuss growth and advancement.
• Discuss compensation. Transparency is key when it comes to compensation changes, especially when transitioning to remote work. By clearly outlining eligible expenses and the reimbursement process, employees will feel supported and informed. Consulting with employees on their priorities for benefits and reimbursements can aid in creating a more personalized compensation plan.
• Security and confidentiality rules. When working remotely or from public locations like cafes, there are various data security risks to be aware of, such as shoulder surfing, theft and unsecured networks. To mitigate these risks, educate employees on these threats and provide guidelines on how to avoid them, such as locking screens, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and avoiding discussing confidential information in public places.

Sample remote work policy

To provide guidance for employees and management, this document outlines the terms and conditions of remote work and requires employees to acknowledge their understanding by signing it.

Terms and Conditions

• Eligibility requirements: If the employee’s job responsibilities can be fulfilled using only fundamental equipment and technology, they may qualify for remote work privileges, subject to the company’s approval, provided they demonstrate reliability, self-discipline and self-motivation. In the event an employee’s job is not suitable for remote work, they may be allowed to work from home for a limited number of days per year. This policy promotes a flexible work environment that can accommodate the needs of both the company and the employee.
• Work expectations and schedule: To assure the best performance, employees are required to adhere to set work schedules, meet deadlines, maintain quality standards and submit daily reports, with some degree of flexibility permitted. Tools for time and task management, project tracking and access to resources will be provided. Weekly performance evaluations will be conducted using the same metrics for in-office work.
• Company rules: Employees who work remotely are expected to adhere to all rules and regulations in the Employee Handbook. Company policies regarding PTO, conduct, confidentiality, etc., apply to employees regardless of the location.
• Equipment and supplies: Employees will be reimbursed for job-related equipment, tools and supplies deemed necessary. Requests for reimbursement should be submitted through supervisors. Employees may be permitted to use their personal electronic devices for work purposes with prior written approval.
• Security: To ensure the security of company data and information, adherence to established security protocols outlined in the Employee Handbook and confidentiality agreement is mandatory. Violations are subject to disciplinary action, and employees will be granted access to a virtual private network to safeguard connections with company servers and networks, which must be used exclusively for work hours.
• Compensation: Working remotely will not affect an employee’s salary, which will only increase per company policy and successful performance evaluations. Remote employees will remain eligible for professional development programs and promotions, while the company will provide reimbursement for internet and electrical expenses sustained by employees who follow the correct reimbursement protocol.
• Consequences: Inability to fulfill work obligations or compliance with policies and procedures during remote work may result in disciplinary action, such as termination of the remote work agreement, placement on a performance improvement plan or termination of employment.

How can you transition to remote work?

For companies that are new to remote work, laying down a foundation for a smooth transition is the key to a productive remote work team. Here are some steps you may want to follow:

• Have a remote work policy. Draft a remote work policy that clearly communicates what your expectations are for your employees.
• Maximize technology. Technologies such as video conferencing and instant messaging make remote work a more personable and collaborative experience.
• Hold virtual “hype” meetings. Get your team excited about your company and its goals through some team bonding by holding a weekly or monthly hype meeting. During these meetings, encourage employees to talk about some of their accomplishments, and be sure to give out praise where it is due. Use this time to get employees excited about new projects and clients.
• Encourage engagement. Let your employees know you want to hear their feedback about remote work. Be sure they know you want to hear both positives and negatives. Getting that feedback will help you refine your remote work policies. Also, make sure you are available to answer any questions employees have about the remote work policies.

>> Learn more:  5 Reasons Remote Teams Are More Engaged Than Office Workers

What remote work equipment do your employees need?

Consider providing your employees with the following types of remote work equipment:

Collaboration tools

A collaboration tool helps workers stay connected. To save time and money, your collaboration tool should also serve as a complete project management, communication and productivity platform. Here are a few of the best tools for this type of work:

• Salesforce CRM: Keep track of every customer, automate tasks and send targeted emails. [Read our Salesforce review .]
• Trello: Get access to boards, lists and cards to track and organize projects.
• Asana: Manage goals, organize projects, set deadlines and more.

Video conferencing service

A video conferencing service – such as Google Chat, GoToMeeting or Zoom – lets users make video calls and host internal and external video conferences. 

Whether via a mobile phone or a business phone system, employees need to be able to call not only one another, but also clients and vendors. [Read related article: The Best Business Phone Systems of 2024 ]

Instant messaging service

It can save your employees time if they can send a quick instant message via a chat tool, such as Slack or Google Chat, instead of texting, calling or emailing.

Work computers

If you expect your employees to work effectively from home, it’s wise to provide them with a computer that is preloaded with all of the applications and security features you want.

How can you be a good remote manager for your remote team?

As a business owner or manager, you can expect your team members to look to you for leadership and guidance. While they won’t be able to physically knock on your door, you still need to be there for them. Here are some tips for how to be a good remote manager:

Keep communication open.

Let your employees know you are available for them, and don’t just wait for them to come to you. Be proactive by checking in with them regularly. When applicable, offer feedback and words of encouragement. Also, be sure to make time to meet virtually and to hold performance reviews.

Give great direction.

Whether working in the office or remotely, employees appreciate a manager who is a clear communicator and offers clear direction. For example, when you give employees instructions, make sure you are direct and offer enough information for your team to fully understand what you need. Poor communication results in frustration and lost productivity.

• Be empathetic. With the dog barking, the kids crying and the neighbor mowing his lawn, it’s not always possible for remote employees to have a distraction-free environment. But as long as your staff members get their work done by their deadlines, be empathetic about at-home demands that may pull them away from their work for a few minutes each day.
• Stay organized. If your kitchen or living room doubles as your home office, it can be easy to get disorganized. Use calendars or project management tools to keep your tasks organized and stay on top of your game.

What are the benefits of remote work?

Remote work can be a win-win for employers and employees..

Remote work benefits for employers

• Cost savings: Without office space, there’s no commercial real estate to pay for, or any of the expenses that come along with it, such as utilities and office furniture.
• Improved employee productivity: Without having distractions from loud co-workers, many employees are more productive.
• Lower absenteeism: When people don’t feel well, they may be more likely to take time off of work if they have to go into an office. If employees have minor symptoms, they may feel more comfortable working from the comfort of their home, where they also will not spread illnesses to co-workers. As a result, employers can expect lower rates of absenteeism.

Remote work benefits for employees

• Improved work happiness: Studies have shown that working from home is a perk that boosts employees’ happiness. In a study from Owl Labs and Global Workplace Analytics , the prospect of being able to work remotely, even if only occasionally, was found to increase the happiness of 86% of workers.
• A more comfortable environment: There is a good chance that your employees aren’t thrilled with your office environment, whether it’s an open office layout or a cubicle farm. By working from home, employees are free to create a more comfortable workspace.
• A healthier workplace: When employees work from home, they don’t have to worry about co-workers getting them sick. Even before COVID-19, the flu and other illnesses spread easily among employees in the office.

Marissa Sanfilippo contributed to this article. Some source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.

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Home » Make Money » 47 Home-Based Business Ideas to Start Making Money Now!

47 Home-Based Business Ideas to Start Making Money Now!

Whether you are looking to quit the daily grind or trying to make extra cash as a way to get out of debt, starting a home business or side hustle can be the ideal way to meet your goals.

Jeff Rose, CFP®

Jeff Rose, CFP® is a Certified Financial Planner™, founder of Good Financial Cents , and author of the personal finance...

The GFC® Money Expert Review Board

The GFC® Money Expert Review Board is a team of financial experts who provide independent, unbiased reviews of financial products...

• Updated: November 8, 2023
• 20 Min Read

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GoodFinancialCents® partners with outside experts to ensure we are providing accurate financial content.

These reviewers are industry leaders and professional writers who regularly contribute to reputable publications such as the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

Our expert reviewers review our articles and recommend changes to ensure we are upholding our high standards for accuracy and professionalism.

Our expert reviewers hold advanced degrees and certifications and have years of experience with personal finances, retirement planning and investments.

Recent figures from the Small Business Administration (SBA) show that total private employment dropped by 15 percent once COVID-19 was declared an emergency on March 13, 2020, yet employment at small businesses saw a higher rate of decline at 17 percent.

The unemployment rate keeps fluctuating as the pandemic runs its course, but it’s likely the job market will be slow for a while. 

The truth is you don’t necessarily have to find a “real job” to move on with your life. There are a lot more ways to earn a living from home than people think, which you can do for yourself and entirely on your own terms.

This guide covers some of the best home-based business ideas, which range from one-off side gigs to actual businesses you can grow over time. Not all of them will work for everyone, but every single person can use one idea from this list to earn some cash without ever having to “clock in.” Some of the home-based business ideas are easy to implement, while others require a certain level of skill. 

The amount of money you can earn will also vary depending on the path you choose. For example, you may be able to earn a few hundred dollars per week delivering food with DoorDash or GrubHub. This gig is one that does not produce passive income , so you’ll only get paid for the time you work. 

With a digital media business or blog, on the other hand, you could build your business over time until it is earning millions of dollars. How do I know? Because I did it. 

Table of Contents

47 home-based business ideas to start today, online home-based business ideas, side gig ideas you can do from home, home-based business ideas that highlight specific skills, miscellaneous home-based business ideas, tips for running a business out of your home, the bottom line on best home-based business ideas.

Whether you are looking to quit the daily grind or trying to make extra cash as a way to get out of debt , starting a home business or a side hustle can be the ideal way to meet your goals. Fortunately, there are countless home-based business opportunities just waiting for you to begin. 

Skip ahead to read about any one of the awesome home-based business ideas we highlight below:

#1: Build Passive Income with a Blog

# 2: Become a Virtual Assistant

#3: Become an Online Freelance Writer

#4: start an online store, #5: piece together some micro jobs, #6: write and publish an e-book, #7: surveys during your spare time, #8: get paid to shop, #9: join a food delivery service, #10: mystery shopping, #11: start a catering business, #12: landscape design, #13: become a tour guide, #14: start a daycare in your home.

#15: Start an Elder Care Business

#16: Drive for Uber or Lyft

#17: become a dog walker or pet sitter.

#18: Travel Planning

#19: Start a House Cleaning Business

#20: start a voiceover business, #21: teach english to overseas students, #22: start a home inspection business, #23: start a massage therapy business.

#24: Start a Tax Preparation Business

#25: Become a Doula

#26: become a hairstylist.

#27: Start a Graphic Design Business

#28: Start a Bookkeeping Business

#29: start a copywriting business.

#30: Build a Translation Business

#31: Start a Grant Writing Business

#32: Do Medical Transcription from Home

#33: Collect Debt for a Living

#34: create homemade goods for etsy.com, #35: start a home-based organization business, #36: herb farming, #37: fix broken electronics, #38: become a tutor, #39: become a personal trainer, #40: teach music lessons, #41: rent out a room in your house, #42: rent out your car, #43: invest in real estate, #44: sell your stuff, #45: invest in stocks, #46: start a child proofing business.

#47: Remove People’s Junk

Some of the best home-based business ideas are ones that can operate entirely online. This lets you keep your overhead expenses at a minimum, but having an online business also means you can work from anywhere. Here are the best online business ideas you can try this year.

#1: Build Passive Income With a Blog

It takes some time to grow an audience and find ways to monetize your blog, but if you love to share your point of view with the world, you can make money blogging and work from home.

Niche blogs are a particular area of growth in this ever-growing profession. Pay can vary widely, but the income potential is nearly limitless. 

With a hosting platform like Bluehost , you could have your site up and running in no time. 

Want to start a blog for super cheap? Check out how my wife and I make money blogging and learn how you can make $1K Blogging .

#2: Become a Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants take on a variety of tasks for their clients, which can include answering emails, creating documents, designing basic graphics, and more. Some virtual assistants also write and edit content, and they may even help their clients schedule content for publishing on various mediums. 

While many virtual assistants charge $50 per hour or more, even beginner virtual assistants can easily charge $20 per hour. 

Generally speaking, you can work as a virtual assistant through websites like Upwork and Zirtual . 

Everything you read online was written by someone, and there’s a good chance the writer was paid handsomely for their talent and skill. Freelance writers can easily earn a few hundred dollars for each article they write, but it’s possible to earn a lot more than that if you learn how to master longer and more complicated content.

The hardest part of getting paid to write is finding those first few gigs, although you can usually get started using a website like Upwork . Still, you should check out this post on How to Become a Freelance Writer , which is written by Holly Johnson. Johnson has been earning multiple six figures as an online freelance writer for years, and she has a free webinar and a course you can buy. If you need help getting started, you can read more at EarnMoreWriting.com .

It used to be that, if you had a product to sell, you also had to have a storefront and all the costs associated with it. These days, you can sell anything to anyone anywhere in the world.

Whether you’re marketing the organic honey from your backyard apiary or selling personalized linens that you embroider yourself, you can find a market for your products online.

My good buddy Steve Chou from MyWifeQuitHerJob.com has created an online course that walks people step-by-step through building their own online store . His wife was able to quit her job, and together their online business produces six figures in income each year.

With the advent of Fiverr , we saw a brand new way to assign and accept work. While many beginner jobs on Fiverr only pay $5, it’s possible to earn considerably more with this platform if you are able to secure more advanced gigs or pick up some regular clients.

Apps like Gigwalk and sites like Mechanical Turk also make it possible to cobble together a living with lots of little assignments each day.

The best part is, that you can set up work through all of these platforms online and from the comfort of your home.

Now that anyone can have their work published online, it is possible for anyone to make a fortune off their writing.

The biggest recent example is the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy, but there are many authors taking advantage of the ease of e-publishing .

If you love to write and are willing to do your own promotion (and having a blog can really help in that case), writing an e-book is an excellent way to make money fast from home .

Did you know that you can earn money from surveys? 

While there are a ton of survey companies out there, my favorite is Survey Junkie . Depending on your demographics, you can earn anywhere from $2.00 per hour to $5.00 per hour completing surveys on Survey Junkie.

However, filling out surveys is not the only way to earn money on Survey Junkie! You’ll also become a candidate for focus groups, invited to watch videos and reviews, and even earn money by playing games! 

In addition to Survey Junkie, check out these other survey companies that will pay you to answer questions in your spare time :

Branded Surveys

• Complete surveys and earn reward points.
• Watch videos, answer surveys, shop, and more. $5 Sign-up Bonus

Inbox Dollars

• Watch videos, answer surveys, play games, and more. $5 Sign-up Bonus

Online stores compete for your attention and are willing to pay for it. If you shop a lot online, this could be a viable way to make money from home. 

I’m talking about cash-back sites. One such site is Rakuten.com.

This is how it works: Let’s say Rakuten partners with Target. When you buy something from Target on Rakuten.com, Rakuten receives a commission. Because Rakuten wants you to return to their site, they offer you cashback. For example, if you bought a lamp for $60, Rakuten might offer you 3% cashback ($1.80). 

$1.80 doesn’t seem like much, but if you commit to always buying from cashback sites, the money will add up. 

Check out all the cash-back sites below and remember to shop on the ones you like!

• Ibotta (Grocery Rebates)

Some home-based businesses require you to do “gig work” for other companies. These business ideas tend to be extremely flexible, meaning you can work whenever you want. You can also earn a base rate of pay and tips in some cases. 

When restaurants receive an “order for delivery,” they are responsible for delivering the food. If you’re a pizza joint or a restaurant that gets a lot of delivery orders, you hire employees to deliver your goods.

But what about restaurants that get takeout orders, but not enough to justify hiring a full-time employee to deliver the food? 

Leave it to technology to solve this problem. And perhaps your next business idea. 

Uber drivers take passengers from one place to another. Uber Eats drivers, however, take food orders from restaurants to customers. Exact same concept. Instead of the app pinging you that a passenger needs a ride, the app pings you that a restaurant needs food delivered somewhere. 

There’s a ton of these services popping up and drivers are making a full-time living from them: 

For many people, the idea of getting paid to shop is a dream come true.

There are many mystery shopping scams to beware of, however. Never accept a gig that requires an upfront fee—that’s a good sign it’s not legit.

According to the website Scambusters , legitimate mystery shopping can pay anywhere from $8 per job up to $50 to $100 per job.

If you love to cook on a grand scale, why not start a catering business out of your home?

How much you make depends on the scale of the assignments you take, and your ability to correctly decide how much your materials will cost.

But this is also an industry where you can start small and work your way up to bigger gigs — and profits.

If you’re never happier than when you are landscaping your yard, landscape design might be the home-based business for you.

This is a relatively new field, yet you can learn some skills for this type of work by finding a part-time gig with a landscaping company. From there, you can start building your own client base of people who want their landscapes to look wonderful without having to do the work.

You may love exploring all the fun corners of your hometown, but it might not occur to you to make that hobby a business.

This is an especially good idea if you can offer themed tours or other niche tours.

While it’s possible to create a website that advertises the tours you offer, you can also create “experiences” and market them on Airbnb.com. This will help you reach a wider audience when you’re first getting started, and it can also create some brand awareness about your tours. 

This is an especially good idea for stay-at-home-parents who need to bring in some money. You’re already staying home with your kids, so why not invite a few others to the party? Licensing for in-home daycare varies from state to state, but you will want to make sure you comply with your local regulations.

#15: Care for Elders in Your Community

In most cases, work-from-home elder care professionals make daily house calls to their patients to help with anything from meal preparation to minor home repairs.

If you have a heart for serving the elderly, you could build a lucrative career out of it. You can market your services by word of mouth, social media, and through listing sites like Care.com.

While the hourly rate for eldercare tends to be on the low end, you can typically work any hours or days you want with the right combination of gigs.

Driving for Uber or Lyft requires you to leave home for the day, and you’ll also need to have a newer, reliable car. However, we love the fact that rideshare work is so incredibly flexible. You can typically work any hours or days you want, and you can even drive for both apps (Uber and Lyft) at once. 

While pay can be somewhat unreliable, both Uber and Lyft pay a specific rate per mile you drive. You can also earn tips from generous drivers, and these tips can add up fast. 

Websites like Rover.com can help you become a professional dog walker or dog sitter. You can use this platform to line up enough pet-related work to fill a regular workweek, but you can also use it to find short-term gigs to supplement your income.

Many people charge $29 per night or more to watch dogs or cats in their home and pay for dog walking varies. Either way, this is fairly easy work that you can set up from home and in your spare time if you want.

Since most pet owners don’t quite have the stomach or the time to clip nails, bathe, or give haircuts to their animals, you could also find gigs as a pet groomer. With a couple of small tweaks to a bathroom, basement, or laundry room, you could even have a full-service doggy salon in your home.

#18: Become a Travel Planner

While anyone can check an aggregator site for the best price to fly to Saint Louis, planning a more elaborate trip might be too much for some travelers.

This is where a travel planner comes in, using his skills to find the best trip—including flight, accommodation, rental car, and tours—for the budget.

While this work has typically been done by travel agents, newer “travel concierge” services are popping up all over the place. With that in mind, you could get started in this business with a simple website and some basic marketing tools. 

With very low overhead and a skill set that is very easy to learn, house cleaning is one of the easiest businesses to start.

Depending on how much you want to grow, the income potential is pretty limitless. Most people who clean houses can easily earn $25 per hour , but it’s possible to earn $50 per hour or more if you’re able to clean quickly and efficiently. 

Reach out to people you know in your area to find clients, or post on your neighborhood Facebook page. Once you have a few clients lined up, it will be considerably easier to find more houses to clean via word of mouth and referrals. 

Some home-based business ideas require you to have a specific skill or years of experience. If you once worked in a specific industry and you have years of expertise under your belt, consider these home-based business ideas. 

We’ve all seen YouTube videos or Netflix shows where a narrator is describing the scene or event, but is never seen. This person is called a voiceover actor. And business is booming. 

Want to get in on the action? There are several ways to dip your toe into the entertainment industry, consider these sites below:

• Back Stage : The largest listing of entertainment jobs in the country (actors, singers, dancers, etc.)
• Kidscasting.com : Have a cute kid? Kidscasting.com lists jobs daily for jobs around the country requiring kids.
• Mandy.com : Mandy.com lists voiceover work, film and TV crew jobs, musicians, and more.

I recently met an English teacher and asked him where he taught. His response? 

“Oh no, I work from home and teach students on the other side of the world in China.” 

Teaching English used to be a job folks would take as an excuse to travel. Not anymore! Nowadays, if you have kids and a home to maintain, why not take advantage of technology and teach students online?

VIPKid is an online teaching and educational company based in China. Chinese parents specifically want their kids to learn English from native speakers, preferably from America. 

Work your own hours. Earn up to $22/hour. No need to leave the house.

This is one business idea you may not have considered, but it’s a vital role that new homeowners everywhere depend upon.

An important part of the home-buying process is having a professional home inspector go through the house to determine the condition of the building and point out any potential problems.

A home inspector needs to meet the state regulations for the profession, which varies from state to state, although anyone who has worked in the construction or housing industry will have a leg up.

The median salary for home inspectors worked out to $64,480 in 2022, per figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics . 

While licensing requirements for massage therapy can vary from state to state, the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork can help any budding masseuse fulfill their local requirements.

While it’s possible to work for a spa or medical clinic, massage therapists can either work out of their own homes or make house calls with a portable massage table. This makes massage therapy yet another field that works well for individuals who want to build a business from home.

#24: Prepare Taxes for People

No one likes dealing with their taxes, yet they need to be paid whether the economy is booming or tanking. This is why at-home tax preparation can be a great business for anyone with a tax background, or anyone willing to take training courses.

Since there are annual changes to the tax code, you will need to refresh your training each year, and you will also need to register with the IRS as a tax preparer.

This is more of a seasonal business idea than it is a year-round endeavor, but it can be a great way to earn some extra income each winter/spring.

A doula is a labor coach that can help a birthing mother in any labor environment, from a hospital to a midwife clinic to a home.

Doulas are non-medical professionals who offer information, emotional support, and physical assistance in the process of giving birth.

While licensing for doulas is not required by most states, getting certified by DONA International , the only certifying body for this profession, is a good idea.

Doulas do have to deal with unpredictable schedules, but they easily can do this work from home.

If you have experience cutting hair and giving manicures, opening up a shop from your home is an excellent way to start your own salon.

Make sure that you follow all of your state’s requirements for doing salon care in a home, as they can be stringent. However, having your own at-home salon can be fruitful since you won’t have to pay to rent an office space, and since you’ll receive the full amount of money your clients pay for services.

#27: Leverage Your Graphic Design Skills

Businesses always need graphic designers to help them convey information visually through logos, advertisements, posters, websites, and the like.

While it is possible to be an entirely self-taught graphic designer, most have either a certification or a degree.

Other than the cost of design software, this business has very little overhead and can be done anywhere with a dedicated computer.

If you have the type of graphic design skills businesses need and you have the resources to buy the software you need to get started, this might be the home-based business idea for you.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , graphic designers have a median salary of $57,990.

This is a perfect business idea for trained accountants who would like to work from home, although it is not necessary to be a Certified Public Accountant in order to become a freelance bookkeeper. To work in this gig it’s only necessary to have the background knowledge that bookkeeping courses at any community college can offer.

This kind of freelance work is especially helpful for small businesses that do not need or cannot afford a full-time bookkeeper, making it possible for you to have full-time work through several smaller clients.

These writers put together promotional materials for businesses, including ads, websites, newsletters, commercials, direct mailings, and many others. Copywriters generally have a degree in advertising, marketing, English, or communication, but an excellent writer can do a great job copywriting.

While you can work as a copywriter for someone else, the fact that the bulk of this work can be done online makes it perfect for someone who wants to work at home. The hardest part of starting a copywriting business is getting the first few clients lined up. After that, you should be able to get more work through referrals and networking.

#30: Use Your Language Skills to Translate

If you know a second (or third) language, you can make a living at home translating documents. Also, note that many translators work on a freelance basis, so it’s possible you could create a translation business and then complete one-off work for a variety of clients.

Starting a translation business could be as easy as creating a basic website to advertise your services. You could also reach out to businesses in your area that might require translation from one language to another, or try networking in fields of business you believe may benefit from your services in the future. 

#31: Become a Grant Writer

Non-profits, universities, hospitals, and other community organizations all have a great need for grant money to supplement their budgets, but grants are notoriously tricky to write for the first time.

If you have experience writing grants or are willing to learn how to do it by practicing your skills without pay for a few non-profits, you can start a lucrative freelance grant writing business.

Grant writers can make anywhere from $73,985 .

#32: Do Medical Transcriptions from Home

The medical industry has a great need for individuals to transcribe audio dictations into coherent reports. Transcriptionists do need education—generally a two-year degree—to make sure they are clear on the arcane medical terminology.

You may be able to pick up your own medical transcription clients if you reach out to medical professionals in your area, but it’s also possible to be connected with medical transcription jobs if you sign up for a platform like FlexJobs.com. 

It takes a very thick skin to go into this business, but debt collectors only need a telephone and a computer to work, making it a great work-at-home business. It’s also a recession-proof (or even recession-loving) business.

Licensing requirements vary from state to state, so make sure you do your homework before setting up shop. Generally speaking, you will need to earn a debt specialist certification to find work in this field. 

Everyone loves handmade pieces of furniture. If you’re already spending time in your workshop, why not sell your wares? The same is true whether you are able to make other crafts like candles, home decor, or quilts.

Etsy is an excellent place to start selling without having to have a physical storefront. All you have to do is create an account, take photos of your items, and set a price. The only time you have to leave your home is when you have to the post office to ship your items to their new owners.

If you’re someone who reorganizes closets for fun, offer up your services to harried and disorganized individuals and businesses. You don’t need a degree to start an organization business, and it may not be overly difficult to get clients, either. All you have to do is create a simple website or Facebook group to advertise your services. You could also post ads on local social media pages, or on craiglist.org.

Gardening can be very relaxing, and potentially very lucrative. With both the increased interest in alternative therapies and the demand for locally grown and organic foods, an herb farmer can find plenty of customers, particularly if you’re in an urban area.

While herb farming does require some space for growing, herbs are fairly small and nearly any home can be slightly modified to allow for an extensive herb garden.

If you’re the sort who takes apart the computer for fun, operating an electronics repair shop out of your home is a natural decision.

In particular, repairing iPads and other tablets would provide you with a great deal of business, as many tablet users are looking for a less expensive way to fix smashed screens and other damages that can be costly through the manufacturer.

A background in education is helpful for tutoring, but not necessary. All you really need is mad skills in one or more areas of study. With a ton of knowledge in a specific topic like math or science, you can help local students do better in their classes.

It should be easy to find work as a tutor. You can advertise your services in your local neighborhood, or even reach out to local schools. 

If you have a penchant for fitness and you love helping others reach their goals, becoming a personal trainer should come naturally to you. You could visit clients in their own homes, or you could meet them at a local gym. 

Either way, it’s common for individuals who want help and guidance to pay more than $50 per session for a personal trainer. If you can get a few clients set up on a weekly basis, you can earn real income with this home-based business idea.

Teaching piano (or guitar or violin or singing) lessons out of your house is a well-established way for stay-at-home spouses to make a little extra cash.

If Lois Griffin can do it, so can any musically-minded entrepreneur.

While you can teach music lessons in person, quite a few websites also let you market your services or even teach music lessons online. Some of the best options include Live Music Tutor and Take Lessons .

Here are even more home-based business ideas you can try, although not all of them will work for everyone.

Airbnb, VRBO.com, and Vacasa are all examples of an online marketplace that arranges lodging options between a visitor and a host.

Let’s say you have a guest house or spare bedroom. Why not list the space on Vrbo and make that your business? 

What you can charge per night depends on the area. The more touristy the city and nicer your home, the more you can charge.

• Simple, secure way to host your home
• Estimate how much you could earn!
• Let Vacasa care for your home & guests

It used to seem weird to rent out a spare room to a stranger, or to stay in a stranger’s home when you go on vacation. Thanks to the likes of Airbnb and others, these sharing economy services have shown us it’s not so scary! 

So let me ask – how do you feel about renting out your car? 

Think about it. Rental car agencies (Enterprise, Avis, Budget, etc.) are awful to deal with and too expensive. 

A company called Turo has disrupted the industry. People across the country are earning money from lending their cars out to strangers.

If you aren’t using your car for a couple of days, or if you have a spare one, simply join Turo’s free platform, list the car, and charge whatever you want for the day. 

Real estate investing may seem more like a “side business,” than a true at-home business. Over time, however, making money as a landlord from the comfort of your home is a great place to start on your road to self-employment.

Want to get in on the action but don’t have the experience or time? I recommend real estate crowdfunding. 

Real estate crowdfunding is when investors pool their money together to buy investment properties. Each crowdfunding platform is different. Some focus on commercial real estate, some focus on flipping homes, and others buy with the intent of collecting rent over the long term.

My guide on how to invest in real estate can help you get started. 

This business idea sounds vague, but that’s only because it’s widely open to interpretation. The root of the idea is related to the one above: People shop online a lot these days.

Why not be the one to sell them stuff? Below are places that facilitate online selling. Keep in mind, however, that to make it a viable business, you need to be consistently selling. So think big.

Maybe you could shop at local thrift or antique stores and resell items online. This idea requires creativity.

• Gazelle : Sell used electronics
• Worthy : Sell engagement rings and old navy
• Decluttr : Similar to Gazelle, a marketplace for electronics
• Poshmark : Sell jewelry, clothes, handbags, etc.
• LetGo : Furniture, cars, books, computers, etc.
• eBay : Create a store profile and sell anything!
• Amazon : Make money selling stuff already listed on Amazon.

Similar to real estate, investing has long served as a way to earn a living without the boss or office required.  

That said, investing is a risky business (literally) so I recommend only those who are experienced and have a strategy to consider this idea. 

Fortunately, many of the top brokerage firms don’t even charge commissions these days. This makes it incredibly more affordable to get started and to keep your long-term trading fees at a minimum.

Keeping our kids safe is so important, but the details of how to do so can be confusing.

A professional childproofing business is inexpensive to start up, but there may be state regulations to follow. It’s also a good idea to apprentice with a child proofer in order to learn the business.

#47: Junk Removal

Anyone who has ever had the unenviable task of cleaning up a house for sale after the death of the owner knows just how important this job is.

Junk removal can be as simple as hauling away unwanted stuff to the dump, or it can be as complicated as separating out the trash from the treasures and handling the actual sale of the goods.

If you have watched Hoarders before, then you know how essential junk removal is. By starting your own business in this field, you can get a piece of the action and some of the profits.

Running a home-based business is a lot different than heading into an office for a 9 to 5 job. You’ll have to deal with considerably more distractions for starters, but you’ll also need to have a certain level of discipline to make it work. After all, you won’t have a boss looking over your shoulder anymore.

In addition to making sure you’re dedicated to your home based business idea and ready to put in the hard work, here are some additional tips that can help:

• Have a dedicated space to work. If your home-based business idea is one that actually runs out of your home, make sure you have some separate space to work. This could be an area of your dining room where you’re able to set up a desk, or perhaps you have a basement where you could set up a dedicated office space. Whatever you have to work with, make sure you have a work area where you can go to focus on the work ahead.
• Set a schedule. When you don’t have a regular job, it’s easy to keep putting off your work to the point it never gets done. With that in mind, it’s smart to set strict working hours like you would have if you worked for someone else. You don’t have to work 9 to 5, but you should have set working hours that never change. 
• Protect your work time from family and friends. Don’t let family and friends sabotage your home-based business since they know you’re home. Make sure you tell everyone that you are actually working from home, so you cannot chat on the phone, run errands for them, or keep an eye on their kids. 
• Keep your business financials separate. Once your business is up and running, we recommend taking steps to separate your business finances. This typically involves setting up a business checking account , signing up for a business credit card, and creating folders for receipts and other paperwork you’ll need to keep track of for business and tax purposes. 
• Learn how to outsource effectively. This tip is for intermediate home-based businesses, but it is still important. As you grow your operation, you’ll want to figure out what you should outsource so you can spend more time on your business. This may mean paying a bookkeeper to keep track of your expenses, or perhaps even outsourcing cleaning and errands at your home so you have more time to work. 

If daily commutes, coworkers, and cubicles don’t suit your fancy, why not try one of the home business ideas on the list?

When you work from home, you can call the shots, you set the standards, and you get the chance to pursue your professional passions at your own speed.

If you’re tired of waiting for an employer to create the job you want, then maybe it’s time for you to take control. With a home-based business, you can create the life you want on your own terms. 

About the Author

Jeff Rose, CFP® is a Certified Financial Planner™, founder of Good Financial Cents , and author of the personal finance book Soldier of Finance . He was a financial planner for 16+ years having founded, Alliance Wealth Management, a SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm, before selling it to focus on his passion - educating the masses on the importance of financial freedom through this blog, his podcast, and YouTube channel. Jeff holds a Bachelors in Science in Finance and minor in Accounting from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale. In addition to his CFP® designation, he also earned the marks of AAMS® - Accredited Asset Management Specialist - and CRPC® - Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor. While a practicing financial advisor, Jeff was named to Investopedia's distinguished list of Top 100 advisors (as high as #6) multiple times and CNBC's Digital Advisory Council. Jeff is an Iraqi combat veteran and served 9 years in the Army National Guard. His work is regularly featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Inc.com and Entrepreneur.

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92 comments.

I felt that this information pertaining to self-employment will be a valuable source for me. I was seeking general ideas of what business would be most profiting for me and realistic. I am also interesting in using Amazon and eBay to distribute my products or services.

Good options

Thanks for the tips and inspiring video. I am going to share this site with my daughter who need some income, at least until a product she has produced starts selling. If she takes some of the advice given here, she may find a better way to do business. I am a retired executive director for non profits and I have been on boards since the early 80’s including a 9 stint on a national board. Consulting sounds like a plausible occupation! Thanks for your help and I plan to check back! Pat Pahoa, Hawaii

“Home Based Business Ideas” No. 1 – Uber driver. Are you an idiot? Unless you remotely control your car, own a car, and can drive, how is that a home based business? You were number one in the google search results. Because of people like you genuine people in need like myself have the internet clogged up with garbage click bait affiliate laden BS. You’re ruining the internet and discouraging huge amounts of people from actually doing something to change their lives.

I need a typist to type my presentation that go my Publisher. Am working on a new novel.

Most of this work is total crap. Mystery shopping, surveys will earn you so little for the amount of time it’s worthless. There are a million bloggers so does anyone think they have any chance making ok money? If you do better have your head examined. Just to name a few/. The majority of people trying to launch these businesses will fail because these type of businesses have little chance to succeed.

We are a unique dating software media company. We provide dating software to those that want to sell dating software as a business. Wondering how we can get added to your list.

Robert iDateMedia.com

Would it be legal to have a car delailing and repair business out of your driveway…

looking for opportunities that are available to work from . What about Tee Shirts

Excellent and thorough list and article. Amazing and well done! Your SEO should be front page! Your too generous with the minimum ads as well.

Hi, i need to start a business from home with little or none start up cost. I am based in Cape Town. Thank you.

Here are a few more… Photography Car Detailing House Power Washing Window Cleaning Screen Repair and Replacement Handiman Elderly Care Assistant (Changing light bulbs, air filters, minor handiman, Putting out the trash, Walking their dog, ect. doing all the things elderly folks have trouble with or just check in on them daily.) as baby boomers turn elderly, this could be big.

Another unknown money maker is making crossword puzzles. Magazines will pay a couple hundred to $1000 for them.

I’m interested in Travel Planning

You can add Data Entry in the list. That is the best home base job they can have. It was so easy and can be done by anyone.

What can of a good business can a man do to earn money

I am looking for work from home in the Accounting field. I have twenty five years of experience and three years of college majoring in Accounting. I live in Mobile Alabama I had my own Accounting business in Virginia If I can help you to balance your books , Work on line with Intuit please send me an email or call me Sincerely Cheryl Macaluso

I want to start a home work as a translator from English to pushto and urdu and from pishto to english .

I need to do an investment for manufacture something, I have the money, but not the idea.

Hi Edwin – Maybe start by taking a look at products you really like, then see if you can improve on them somehow. Can you make it better? Can you make it cheaper? Can you deliver it faster? Can you find a market niche where the product will take off. It’s not necessary to come up with a whole new product, which is also very risky. But if you can take an existing product and make it better you’ll have a better chance at success. Also take old product and see how you reinvent them. That’s what Howard Schultz did with Starbucks. He virtually reinvented coffee, which is something no one thought could be done at the time.

An encouraging article timely and much appreciated. Realized much more skills acquired over these years, hobbies that I have enjoyed could really help in these “retirement days “. Thank you!

I have another to add to your list that’s almost as easy to do as going for a daily walk! Clean up litter outside commercial properties for property management companies. The work is done on foot using simple hand tools. I started this as a side gig in 1981 and grew it into a profitable full-time business that I continue to operate today. I share my experience in my book, Cleanlots, and offer free support.

Pensioner at 63 female need to do something from home have to be home for my husband he needs me. I know English and Afrikaans i can type i have done debtors creditors wages not 100%computer literate but knows how to do invoicing letters wages etc on computer. I love speaking to people telephonically.i also have a valid driving licence

Hi Elizabeth – You might try searching the web (particularly Indeed.com) to see if there are any jobs offered in those areas. Search under “work at home” or similar titles. Otherwise you might put together an impressive resume of the skillsets you have to offer, and shop them around to small businesses. There are millions of online business who hire freelancers to do specific jobs. If you can get just one, you can build on it by adding others as you go along. That will enable you to move into it gradually, and at your own pace and comfort level. Good luck!

I like below part

My good buddy Steve Chou from MyWifeQuitHerJob.com has created an online course that walks people step-by-step through building their own online store. His wife was able to quit her job, and together their online store produces in the six figures. If you’re interested in learning more, check out his course: Profitable Online Store.

I enjoyed your article. One thing I noticed was a typo in the ‘Editing’ portion. The line should read “but any eagle – eyed writer could do (a) great job.”

It’s kind of ironic actually. If you ever need anyone to edit, I have a BA in English and would like to get back in that field.

Hi Sage – Our articles are edited, but items get missed by both spell-check and human editors. I ask for mercy on that front!

Please send information on furniture buisness

Hi Michael – Your best bet would be to google that information.We’ve presented a summary list, but don’t offer specific strategies or “how-tos”.

DONA is definitely not the only certifying body for doula training.

Thanks for sharing that Lindsay.

An online business can save lots of money required for rent and expenses. Nearly anyone can start an online base business, as it is a comprehensive & beneficial.

The most trending businesses are; 1. Affiliate Marketing, 2. Facebook Page E-commerce, 3. Teaching online courses, 4. Social media consultant, & 5. eBook author: Publish your book online. Affiliate Marketing leads to be one of the strong and productive ways to make money online. There are a lot of online business ideas, but these five plans will be so obvious to start an online business without risk.

I just want to say that making money online is not simple.It requires a lot of substantial efforts and patience. Every option for business needs time. You should have in-depth information on the subjects as well. Then you will be in a form to act as expertise. Many users think that starting an online business is a simple job. But this story is completely mistaken. I have encountered lots of difficulties in my online journey but I never QUITED. I constantly blog in my own style. I personally doing Affiliate marketing with my current blog and it gives me a good result. I really enjoy it.

Anyways, thanks for sharing, beneficial for those who think that it is impossible to earn money from home…

Hi Akshara – You’ve given a lot of good advice. Though a home business seems easy (but yes, they ARE easy to start), it’s first and foremost a business. That means you won’t be an overnight success. It could take years before it earns enough money to live on. It might be best to start it as a side business. But always remember to run it as a serious business, and not as a casual hobby. One other thing about a business…the hardest part is getting it from zero to making money. You have to be willing to overcome that hurdle.

This business ideas are really useful for me,I am going to select one of the job from the list to make money.keep doing this great work,keep sharing.

So many ideas are there to start a business. All it takes is dedication & hard work to make it a success. Great job on the article.

Thanks Katy!

I found interest in the business opportunities you’ve mentioned in your article. Most of them, Thank you. And, though, I never gave thought to most of them. However, there is inaccuracy in the “opportunities that didn’t exist 15 years ago.” I know because I was involved with them (e.g.,) eBay, online stores are commonly known as e-commerce, and affiliate marketing. Internet marketing (actually) started in the earlier 1990.s.

Hi Kevin – We should have said most of them didn’t exist. It is true that a lot of new opportunities are coming online all the time.

Thanks for the helpful list, recently I quit my 9 to 5 job, I am looking for a home-based business to make money, now I got some idea about that, I am going to create a blog to earn money, keep doing this great work. keep sharing with us.

Great list here! Some are very out of the box great ideas. I did find great success working from home myself. All I do is refer people to our services from home. When customers pay their electric or wireless bill, I get a check.

Thanks for a great article. One of the most comprehensive list of home business ideas I’ve seen. It’s got my creative juices flowing. Much Appreciated!

Terry Wright

Thanks 4 this amazing insight into the Home-based biz. I woud appreciate that 10-step stuff. I’d like to know, what you think of network marketting. Is it sound?

Hi Bounama – Not sure exactly what you mean by network marketing, mainly because the term applied to a lot of different activities. I’d be careful if they want you to put money upfront. And I’d also research it carefully, including checking with the Better Business Bureau in your area.

This is an ultimate guide and huge opportunity to build career in different are from home. Great work. thank you

Great! article very informative and this is awesome suggestions for start online business.Thanks for the guideline. It’s very helpful.

Please send me the 10 step PDF, I found your article inspiring.

I absolutely love the Off Hour Daycare it’s a money maker to me

Excellent article, thanks for the hard work. This must’ve taken quite a bit of research time. I fit in at Number 25 as a Pro Blogger, and can confidently add that it will not be easy. I can however assure you Blogging will be SO worth it, once you get the hang of it.

I think this is terrific. I know that one of the biggest reasons people fail to make it work with starting a business online is the lack of knowledge of how to get started, or the lack of knowledge of how to market their business online with real proven techniques that drive traffic, and provide new and real leads for new membership or product sales. I have found that starting a business online can be the best option from an overhead standpoint, and definitely is the best bet as far as leveraging your exposure. i came across a tremendous opportunity that provides excellent support and a true one step approach to setting up your own profitable business that can, and will generate amazing profits with the right attention and effort to insure it’s success.

My core competencies are: * Best career Guide & Councillor for students of food tech. * Lecture delivering in the technical institutes food technology. * Skill to organised training to the industries dealing in ISO & Food safety certification. * Working as a Head – Quality Control in liquor industry. * Having expertise in corrective and preventive action through root cause analysis breakdown studies. * Having sound knowledge to provide the turn key consultancy for setting up the small food processing industries.

Currently it looks like WordPress is the top blogging platform out there right now.

(from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

Yes. WordPress is not only free, but it it’s also the most common blogging platform, and it has the largest number of free applications that can be used in conjunction with it.

Fantastic blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely confused .. Any recommendations? Kudos!

Yes, absolutely, go with WordPress. Not only is it free, but it’s also very user-friendly. And there are lots of free apps available to go with it. I’d also get active on the social media to help you get noticed. You can use an application like Hootsuite to help you manage and schedule your social media activities.

I have new content for your small business blog listings that your readers would be interested to read about. I’ve been providing a simple ‘green’ service at commercial properties since 1981. Using only hand tools, I perform a daily litter cleanup service for the exterior property (sidewalks, parking lot, landscape). Almost as easy as going for a walk! I generate a six figure income yearly from this simple, home based, low cost start up business and I can teach you how to do the same. Details online: http://www.cleanlots.com. Affiliate program available.

Just an FYI that you may want to edit this article. DONA is not the only certifying organization for doulas. There are many other organizations that offer excellent training for new doulas.

interested in how to get a job as a customer service rep from home? I have 18 years in the workforce as a customer service rep.

Can you give me some tips of how I can go about to stare a Coustomer Service Rep business from my home and how do i go about getting clients.

I’m interested in working from home as a Customer Service Rep. Can you tell me how to get started?

Can I get more info? My back round is in the Building, Home Improvement industry, I am turning 62 soon and looking a local part time representation.

Really enjoyed your article..I am in the process of setting up a home based business of making and selling accent pieces and furniture. Please could you send me your pdf on this process I would be great full for any help. Regards Clive

Excellent article!

Gosh, I’d sure appreciate a copy of the 10-step PDF for starting a home-based business, if it’s not too much trouble for you. Thanks so much. WOW!

Item #8 should be changed from interior designer to interior decorator because indeed interior designers are required to have a degree and in many states are required to be licensed. Interior designers need to know building and safety codes among other things. Selecting paint colors and toss pillows is a very small part of the job. Many commercial ID’s do very little “decorating”. See IIDA or NCIDQ for more information.

Just wondering if I could also get a copy of that 10 step list also, Thanks!

Hi Karlene,

I would really appreciate a copy too, please

Hello Karlene,

I would also like a copy of your 10 step PDF guide to starting my own business. Thanks.

Great information! I would like a 10 step PDF copy too please!

Hi Karlene love this article I would love to receive a copy of the 10 step pdf for starting my own business. I will gladly appreciate it thank you.

Lot’s of good ideas although clearly can’t be done from the comfort of your own kitchen table.

Just to add for those who are looking for ways to make money from home without leaving home, think about services you can provide to businesses i.e. being a virtual assistant – taking calls, marketing, data entry.

If you want a business you can do from home, you can start up your own virtual assistant business, join a business opportunity, or just become an internet marketer.

Nice article to get the ideas flowing nonetheless.

HI KARLENE, I would like to get a copy of that 10 step PDF starting a new business if i can Thank you so much

Hi Karlene, I would love a copy of the 10 step PDF for starting a new business. Thank you so much.

All the businesses are good to consider for and i found interesting with medical transcription. One of my friend doing this business these days and the fact he used to earn descent income form the specific job.

Like Karen, I would like for someone to help me with the “how to” part. I have a couple of business ideas, but when you start researching on the internet you are barraged with plenty of sites that lead you no where, and don’t answer specific questions. @ Karlene: How could I get your information?

Great suggestions! I’ve personally found number 23—blogging to be an excellent income source. The potential is limitless, just as you say.

Something for everyone you should be able to find at least one idea from the list. Especially interested in the Opportunities That Didn’t Exist 15 Years Ago section!

Great article! Love getting new ideas to tie in with what we are already working on. Just curious though as to what your opinion is of the direct sales industry and how viable it is in the long run?

I have a friend who’s started ebay sales and its worked really well for him

Thanks for sharing your brilliant ideas! This is one great article!

It is great to have these ideas on what type of home business that you could start. I have seen these types of articles before. What I would like to see with these articles are some information on how to get the education that may be requires. I would also like to see some recommended steps to assist is starting a homebased business. Thank!

@Karen, I can certainly help you with the recommended steps. I have a 10-step PDF for starting a home-based biz of your own. Feel free to contact me if you’d like a copy.

hi Karlene,

I saw your response to Karen regarding the 10-step PDF for starting a home-based biz of your own. I would like a copy too if you don’t mind sharing it with me.

Thank you for responding.

I am looking to make some changes also and would love a copy of the 10-step pdf you are discussing here as well please. I hope you don’t mind.

Hi Karlene, I would also like a copy of your 10-step PDF for starting a home-based business. Thanks!!

Hello Karlene, I would love to have a copy of the 10-step PDF for starting my own business. Thank you so much.

Hi Karlene, I would also like a copy of your 10 step PDF for starting my own business, please. If it’s not too much to ask!

Plz snd me he 10 step PDF file for startn a hm based biz. Thk u so much.

I would love to get a copy of your PDF file for starting a home-based business. Thanks.

Karlene, I would also like a copy of your 10 step PDF for starting my own business, please.

Can you alsi send me the pdf for the 10 step process of strarting a business.

Could you also send me a copy of the document.

The Ultimate Work From Home Checklist

Makenna Crocker

10 min. read

Updated October 25, 2023

Of the 543,000 new small businesses started each month, approximately 50 percent of them are home-based.  

Now not every business can easily function with their employees working remotely, but the need to adapt has caused more and more businesses to pivot their strategy and find ways to make remote work viable. 

It can be challenging but with the right equipment, space, and discipline it can actually prove to be quite productive for you and your team. When preparing to work from home it is important to follow this checklist in order to be fully prepared and help you avoid the common pitfalls most remote workers experience. 

• 1. Prepare a space

Working from home may be new to some of you, so you’ll want to make sure you have everything to keep your job going when you’re unable to go back and forth between your home and the office. Now, this involves more than having the necessary equipment, it involves creating your workspace. You’ll want to create a space that balances both comfort and productivity by walking through the following necessities.

Equipment Needs

Identify what equipment you have and whether you’ll need to purchase anything to make your work as seamless as possible. To assure you can continue working, you may need:

• 1-2 computer monitors – If you’re used to using two monitors, see if you can borrow one from the office to combine with your laptop or home computer.
• Headset or microphone – You’re computer mic just won’t cut it, be sure you have a headset or BlueTooth headphones with a decent quality microphone.
• Webcam – Luckily most laptops come equipped with a camera, but you can always use your phone or find a decent webcam if necessary.
• Mouse and keyboard – Again try and use the same type of equipment you’re used to having available in the office. If you usually have a secondary keyboard or mouse, ask to bring them home while working remotely.
• Strong and reliable internet connection – This is pretty self-explanatory, but if you live in an area with poor internet access, you may need to find an alternative location or opt for a wireless hotspot to get by.
• Remote Tools – These will fully depend on your needs and what your company uses. If you’re unsure of which tools are best for you, check out our recommended list to get you started.

The Work Space

Aside from having the necessary equipment, you need to create a workspace that encourages productivity. Now, this doesn’t mean you need to have a desk or in-home office (although that can be beneficial), but you do need to designate a space as your best option for working remotely. Here’s what you should keep in mind when establishing your at-home workspace.

• Quiet space – You want to be sure you can stay focused, so try to choose a room or area that is out of the way and that isn’t frequented by others at your home.
• Natural lighting –  Having natural light exposure is just as beneficial for your health at home as it is when you’re in the office. 
• A door – You don’t necessarily need a closed-off space at all times, but if you’re taking regular phone/video calls it’s important to have an isolated area available. This can be your regular in-home office space or a separate room you visit specifically for meetings.
• A comfortable chair and adjustable desk – It’s up to you to figure out what seating and desk arrangement works best for you. If you have regular back pain, make sure your chair provides proper support. If you need to regularly stand, fashion a makeshift standing desk. 

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• 2. Set boundaries

When working from the comfort of your own home, it’s important to establish boundaries in terms of your workspace and working hours. After you’ve created your set workspace, make sure that your spouse, children, roommates, and others at home respect it; working from home means having the luxury of more time with family and friends, but that luxury can easily become a distraction.

Alert your housemates when you will be working and maybe give them some visuals to remember to keep out of your workspace when on conference calls or doing head-down work. If a closed-door isn’t enough, make a sign. A little sign reading something fun like “Mom’s lair! Do not enter. May return at 3 pm.” could be that little visual reminder to your children that you need your space and quiet. 

Having fun with different signs on your door or at your designated office space can help remind those you live with that you’re thinking of them, but need to focus. This practice can even extend to your remote chat tools like Slack. Regularly updating your status, switching to do not disturb and automatically setting up meeting times can be an easy way to let your coworkers know when it’s best to communicate and assure that you aren’t distracted by constant interruptions.

• 3. Dress for work

To feel the true distinction between relaxing at home and working from home, get dressed in something you would normally wear to the office. Your outfit doesn’t need to be extra formal, but at least getting out of your pajamas will help you to feel more alert, put-together, and ready for the day. Getting ready for your day will put you in the right mindset for work and will show those you live with that you mean business.

Brandon Strapper, the founder of 858 Graphics, is strict about starting his day in the right clothes. “Shower and dress for work as if you were leaving your house. Put on fresh slacks, a pressed shirt, and shiny shoes. You are going to work, after all. If you stay in your bathrobe and slippers all day, you won’t feel like there’s any separation between home and work. This might just be a psychological trick, but it helps me stay focused, reminding me there is work to be done.” 

Going through the action of dressing for work is vital to the separation of working from home and living at home. It also helps you establish the action as part of your day, which leads directly to our next tip.

• 4. Establish and keep a routine

While the freedom of working from home may have you tempted to work different, randomized hours throughout the day it is actually better to keep a tight schedule. Having a routine of getting up at the same time, eating at the same time, and working set hours will keep you healthy, productive, and ultimately give you more free time with your family and hobbies outside work. While there are myths against the productivity of those who work from home , you can actually be extremely productive so long as you keep yourself accountable. 

While a personal routine is important, that schedule does not need to be the same as all of your coworkers. You may find that you’re typically more productive at different times of day, be living in a different time zone, or need some hours in the day to take care of your kids. 

Prithwiraj Choudhury , the Lumry Family Associate Professor in the Technology and Operations Management Unit at Harvard, speaks on the importance of employers allowing asynchronous work in an article by the Harvard Business School .  Choudhury says, “The crisis accentuates what remote companies already understand—that work does not need to happen at the same time. People can wake up in different time zones and cities, open documents, and get going.”

Whatever routine you wish to set for yourself, hold yourself accountable and make sure to follow it. This will help you stay productive and help you maintain a sense of normalcy in times of isolation. You may even find that you prefer to continue working from home after times of social distancing are over.

• 5. Make video calls a regular thing

For many people, meetings and phone calls can be overwhelming—they can overlap with your focus time and distract from other activities. However, in times of extended remote work, meetings through video calls specifically can be an important part of staying connected. Being outside of the office severely cuts back on face-to-face contact with your employees and can create a sense of isolation that not only negatively affects your work but also your mental state. 

There are several different programs through which companies choose to do video calls. At Palo Alto Software, we often use a range of video calling programs depending on the size of the call we will be making. Amongst the most popular programs we use are Zoom , Google Hangouts , and Slack video calls. All of these programs have the ability to see and hear who is on the call, selectively turn off audio and camera access and in some cases share your screen and leave comments. 

It is important to stay connected with your employees even in times of prolonged self-isolation. Being able to see one another allows for better communication, inspiration, and collaboration. If you start to feel a little stir-crazy, try designating a different part of your house specifically for your meetings. This will allow you to come to meetings feeling more refreshed and then return to your typical workspace for more heads-down work afterward. 

If you’re typically unfamiliar or uncomfortable with being in front of a camera video calls are still worth the shot; you will likely find that the ability to simply see your employees helps you feel a lot more productive and less lonely during these isolated times of quarantine and remote work.

• 6. Takes breaks and find new perspectives

Even the most creative workspace can become stagnant if you’re in it 24/7. When you have the chance to take a break and gain a little new perspective (whether that be in a different room or your backyard) you could be surprised by how positively it can impact your mood. 

Andrew O’Connor, the Director of SEO at American Addiction Centers, says, “If you have others living with you, make sure you have a private space designated for home office work. Feel free to venture to other spaces for a different perspective. For example, take your work to the patio, by the pool, or to the couch.”

The very act of changing your work environment can help boost your energy and productivity, and it’s a whole lot faster than remodeling your workspace.

Working at home for prolonged periods of time can be exhausting; it can lead to a lack of movement, difficulty separating work from home, and can ultimately become unproductive if you aren’t taking the necessary breaks your mind and body need. Breaks are important! However, how you choose to spend your time can determine whether your break is actually successful in keeping you motivated.

Set scheduled breaks for yourself where you do something completely different than sitting at your desk. Get up and do some stretches, go outside for a quick walk, or do some at-home workouts. Socialize with your spouse or kids or call up a friend. It is good to excite your brain and refuel yourself however works for you. 

Taking breaks like this will allow you to take a step back from work so that you are able to get back to it with a fresh mind. This will ultimately help you be more productive and help you keep a healthy differentiation between work and home. 

• Transitioning to remote work

Remote work from home may be new and foreign to some of you, but you might find that you really like it, once you break through the difficulties of adjusting to it. In these times of isolation and drastic changes to our everyday lives, setting up work from home with a dedicated schedule can make even the strangest of times feel a little more normal. Keeping a healthy routine and following these guidelines will likely keep you successful, happy, and productive home-dwelling professionals.

Makenna Crocker is the Marketing Specialist at Richardson Sports. Her work focuses on market and social trends, crafting gripping and authentic content, and enhancing marketing strategy to foster stronger B2B and B2C relationships. With a master’s degree in Advertising and Brand Responsibility from the University of Oregon, she specializes in generating a strong and responsible brand presence through content that positively influences and inspires others.

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How to create a remote work plan (plus free sample template)

Working remotely has become the new normal because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

With so many employees working from home, team managers need a remote work plan or policy to ensure that their employees stay productive.

But how do you create an effective remote work plan?

In this article, we’ll tell you how to build a remote work plan and what to include in it. We’ll also share a free downloadable remote work plan template to help you get started.

This article includes:

(Click on the link to go to a particular section)

• Sample Remote Work Plan Template
• What is a Remote Work Plan?
• How To Create A Remote Work Plan?
• 3 Tips for a Successful Remote Work Plan

Let’s get started.

Sample remote work plan template

(If you want to learn more about remote work plans, you can skip ahead to the relevant section . You can scroll back here once you’re done.)

Here’s a sample remote work policy template that you can use today:

A. Company objectives

This remote work proposal outline has our guidelines for employees who work remotely, i.e., from any place outside our physical office space. The plan is made such that remote work benefits both employees and our remote company.

We aim to provide better job satisfaction and increase employee productivity via our remote work policy and plan.

Remote working (or teleworking) is a permanent or temporary agreement between employees and managers where the former is permitted to work from a non office environment for more than [ xx months ].

Working from home for a maximum of [xx days ] a week on a recurring basis also falls under our plan.

C. Remote working agreement

Employees at [company name] can work remotely on a permanent or temporary basis. 

Employees who want to work remotely must submit a request to the HR team. They will assess and determine eligible employees and send a copy of the remote work agreement. 

To avail of all the remote working benefits, employees will have to sign the agreement. This document will explain the company culture and remote employee roles and duties.

Employees who are new parents or have a disability will have to consult with their manager and the human resources department to get longer periods of remote working.

D. Remote work guidelines

To ensure that employee performance increases due to the remote work arrangement, we advise our remote employees to adhere to these rules:

• Have reliable internet access.
• Work from a distraction-free and quiet home office space.
• Concentrate on work duties during working hours by making a daily and weekly schedule.
• Follow the break and attendance schedules as discussed with your manager.
• Ensure your schedules overlap with in-office team members as it’s necessary to collaborate within a team.
• Remote team members and managers should conduct online or in person meetings to discuss progress and results.

E. Compliance with policies

Our remote workers must also follow other company policies. 

Some of the policies include:

• Employee code of conduct
• Dress code 
• Confidentiality
• Data protection 
• Anti-discrimination
• Compensation and benefits
• Internet and computer usage 
• Cell phone usage, etc.

You will find the above policies within the employee handbook.

F. Equipment

According to our remote work plan we will provide each remote employee with essential equipment, like a laptop, headset, and cell phone. 

We will also install VPN (Virtual Private Network) and company-required software when the team members receive their equipment. As per the policy, we will not provide secondary equipment like printers and screens.

Remote employees will also receive [$xxx] per month as a remote working allowance to cover office-related costs like electricity and rent. 

Disclaimer: This remote work plan is not a valid legal document accounting for the local, state, or federal laws. Neither the author nor Time Doctor will assume any legal liability that may arise from using this sample remote work policy template.

What is a remote work plan?

A remote work plan is a document that makes remote work easy for you and your employees. 

It defines the responsibilities of your remote employee and what the employer expects from them. This document can guide your employees through remote working challenges using the right technology and practical solutions.

How to create a remote work plan?

Your remote work policy and plan should be drafted with your team in mind. A well-written remote work policy can help you develop a successful remote work environment. 

Let’s look at the first steps of building an effective remote work policy or plan:

1. Establish clear rules

Though working from home can lead to increased productivity, the chances of employees slacking off at work are high.

You have to set a few clear guidelines in your remote work polic y to help your team stay focused during work hours.

For example, your coworkers – can log in at different times, which may disturb workflow.

You can avoid this by setting an agreeable time period for all employees to log in. 

This way, they can clock in when their remote team members usually start working and collaborate to work on projects.

2. Elaborate on employee eligibility

Not all employees are eligible to work from home. Some of them may misuse the benefits of working remotely by not logging in on time, not working during work hours, etc.

You must also consider the nature of the job. For example, a real estate agent will have to spend more time on the field than working from home. 

Moreover, before the remote work proposal, you should check whether your employees have:

• Strong communication skills.
• The ability to work without supervision .
• Time management skills.

You should also consider whether they will be punctual during core business hours.

Screen employees by checking their previous attendance records , productivity charts , and overall yearly performance. 

Based on previous data and required soft skills, you can decide whether you can trust them to work sincerely from home.

3. Provide guidance to employees

Your remote work policy and plan should guide your team to work from home. 

They should be able to work remotely such that the workflow, team performance, and customer satisfaction aren’t disturbed.

For example, HR professionals who have to hire employees may find it difficult to work from home as they might not be able to conduct one-on-one meetings. Your remote job plan can recommend online assessments, phone calls, and video calls to conduct the remote hiring process. 

Additionally, consider setting an onboarding process to transition in-house employees into remote workers. You should also educate your team members on the company goals, their job duties, etc. 

4. Suggest the right tools

Employees may require equipment, like additional desktops and Wi-Fi, while working in a remote environment. You may also have to arrange a VPN or internet security software for employees to keep company information secure.

Additionally, you can provide a communication tool like Slack , so your remote workforce can have quick discussions. 

Your plan can also recommend a video conferencing service like Google Chat to build an effective and meaningful work relationship.

And finally, you can use software like Time Doctor to track time when your employee starts and ends working.

What is Time Doctor?

Time Doctor is a powerful employee time tracking and performance management tool used by major companies, like Keller Williams as well as by small businesses like Thrive Market, to boost the productivity of employees working from home.

Time Doctor has several features to help you manage your remote employees . 

With Time Doctor, you can:

• Track the time remote workers spend on each task and project.
• Analyze employee productivity using detailed reports. 
• Use screencasts to ensure your remote employees are actually working. 
• Create work schedules to ensure remote employees log in during work hours.
• Pay your remote employees for the hours they’ve worked with payroll integrations with Paypal , Wise , etc. 

4. Create a remote work schedule

By creating task lists, your employees can plan their flexible schedule around their personal lives – making it easier to manage tasks.

They can create a daily and monthly schedule on Google Calendar to accommodate all their work. For projects, you can use a  project timeline template and give them a schedule so that they can plan their day, week, and month accordingly.

5. Discuss compensation and benefits

You should offer your remote employees bonuses and wellness benefits like you would do with the employees working from a traditional office setting.

Additionally, you could also reimburse any money your remote workers spent on buying work from home essentials like laptops, printers, internet costs, etc. Or you can also come up with an agreement regarding the ownership and payment of devices.

You may also have to increase the number of their FMLA leaves( Family and Medical Leave Act) as they work from home.

6. Be mindful of employee legal rights

Just like your office team, remote workers also have legal rights – such as compensation for overtime. So you can set a limit to their daily working hours (i.e., 5 hours per day) so that you’ll know when they work overtime.

Similarly, you should tell your remote team about how their work will be monitored — as it can be considered a privacy breach if they aren’t informed beforehand. This way, you can prevent your telecommuting employees from feeling discriminated against. 

7. Focus on employee health and wellness

Remote work can be stressful to manage due to distractions, household responsibilities, the distance between the distributed team members, and several other reasons. 

Coworking parents may have to manage household chores, office work, and a child — which can be exhausting. 

Your company policy for remote work should prioritize the health and well-being of employees to make it convenient. You can schedule breaks, have quick chats, and informal team meetings to help boost your team members’ physical and mental health.

Additionally, you should consider setting up some fun group events and activities. 

For example, before your remote workforce starts their morning tasks, you can schedule a virtual 30-minute workout session for the entire team. This way, your employees can feel refreshed and energized when they log in to work.

You can also engage your remote team in casual video calls where they play games, conduct virtual events, and talk about things outside work. 

3 simple tips for a successful remote work plan

Let’s look at a few actionable steps that you can take to ensure remote work success:

1. Streamline team collaboration

Your remote work policy should address that telecommuting employees may not be able to work as efficiently as before due to communication and distance issues.

You can avoid this by encouraging the use of collaboration tools to manage daily team tasks.

Tools like Trello and Asana allow you to assign tasks, share files, and add comments – making collaborative work super easy.

Additionally, your remote team members can also synchronize their plans by logging in and taking breaks simultaneously.

2. Increase employee engagement

Your remote work practices should keep your employees engaged such that their productivity and team output can increase. 

You can keep your employees engaged while they work from home by:

• Regularly checking up on them.
• Conducting fun virtual meetings like Zoom happy hours .
• Making sure they feel valued by giving them bonuses or rewards.

By increasing employee engagement, you can also improve their job satisfaction and increase retention rates.

Want a foolproof way to increase engagement?

Check out our guide on the best employee engagement software in 2021.

3. Stay empathetic

A remote environment can have many distractions like noisy neighbors, demanding toddlers, etc. — which can make it hard to be a focused work environment. 

That’s why you need to be understanding when they are unable to submit work within the fixed business hours or skip a remote meeting due to valid issues. 

You can connect with them better by talking to them frequently and giving them regular feedback. This can help you create a bond with them, encouraging them to come to you when they need any help or face issues.

Wrapping up

Your company benefits from an employee remote work plan as it leads employees to work efficiently by directing them to focus on work. 

But creating a remote work plan isn’t enough. 

You’ll also need to introduce the right remote work tools like Time Doctor. With Time Doctor, you can easily track your employees’ work and guide them to increase their own productivity.

Sign up for Time Doctor’s 14-day trial to track your remote team’s performance today!

View a free demo of Time Doctor

Liam Martin is a serial entrepreneur, co-founder of Time Doctor, Staff.com, and the Running Remote Conference, and author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller, “Running Remote.” He advocates for remote work and helps businesses optimize their remote teams.

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The ultimate guide to timesheet conversion for payroll management, related posts, free employee attendance sheet templates (excel and pdf), what is an attendance point system (free template included), how to create an excel attendance tracker (+ free templates), excel time tracking: 4 templates, pros and cons and alternatives, free timesheet templates in excel, pdf, word formats (weekly, monthly, bi-weekly), what a hybrid work policy should include (+ free template).

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Remote Work

How to create a work-from-home schedule.

Praburam Srinivasan

Growth Marketing Manager

September 12, 2024

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Ever caught yourself answering emails even after work hours or burning the midnight oil to achieve your goals? You are not alone.

According to a survey by Pew Research Center , 1 out of 10 remote employees have difficulty maintaining a work-life balance.

It’s challenging to disconnect from work while working from home.

Result? The work often seeps into your personal time. You need an effective work-from-home schedule to draw a line between your work hours and personal time.

If you’re looking for ways to manage work better and reduce stress and burnout, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to create a healthy work-from-home schedule and share a few tips to boost your remote work productivity . 

Let’s get started!

Factors to Consider While Creating a Remote Work Schedule

How to create your own work-from-home schedule, tools to create effective remote work management schedule, the perks and pitfalls of remote work, try clickup: your remote work ally.

Before we discuss work from home hacks , let’s talk about some key factors to consider when building your work-from-home schedule.

1. Your chronotype

Are you a morning person or a night owl? Understand your chronotype and schedule tasks effectively. Early birds might find it easier to tackle demanding tasks in the morning, while night owls might excel at creative work later in the day.

2. Workload and deadlines

Analyze your workload and deadlines. This helps you block dedicated time for complex projects and schedule less demanding tasks for later.

3. Communication and collaboration requirements

Factor team meetings, calls, and quick check-ins. Schedule them around your focus time to minimize disruptions. 

4. Personal life

Remote workers who prioritize self-care are more likely to report higher productivity . So, don’t forget about your physical and mental health while working from home. Include breaks for exercise, meditation, healthy meals, and hobbies. 

5. Working hours

If you work in a global team, ensure your schedule aligns with your colleagues’ working hours for effective collaboration. You can also look into asynchronous communication best practices to keep the information flowing.

6. Location and environment

Your location and work environment can significantly impact your productivity. Consider using noise-canceling headphones or finding a quiet workspace if you live in a noisy area.

7. Flexibility 

There’s often no fixed schedule in a remote job. Life happens, and your routine might need to change. Be ready to adapt to unexpected twists and turns. Whether it’s a sudden increase in workload, a personal emergency, or simply a change in your energy levels, a flexible approach can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Remote work gives you the freedom to work on your own terms. You can set your own working hours, choose your workspace, and even travel while working . But without a solid schedule, the flexibility can easily turn into chaos. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting a work-from-home schedule that maximizes productivity and helps you relax:

1. Incorporate a pre-work routine

Create a personal morning routine before you start work. It helps calm your mind and body and increases focus. Here’s what you can try in the morning:

• Wake up early: Get up at least two hours before your official start time to have a relaxed morning routine
• Start your day right: Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, plan your day, set a positive intention, and prepare your workspace
• Get active: Exercise to boost energy, creativity, and productivity
• Get ready: Shower and dress comfortably. Make sure to wear presentable attire for work meetings
• Tackle pre-work tasks: Complete any necessary chores or personal activities before starting work

In Miracle Morning , the author Hal Elrod, recommends following the SAVERS framework— Silence (meditation), Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing (journaling) —to focus on personal growth and get a productive headstart to your day.

2. Create a dedicated workspace

Set up a home office to maintain focus and separate work from personal life. Choose a quiet, comfortable spot in your home to limit distractions.

Avoid working from your bed or couch. These spaces are associated with relaxation , making it harder to switch into work mode. Instead, create a space like a traditional office setup—complete with a desk, comfortable chair, and any necessary equipment.

In the book Remote: Office Not Required , Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hannson suggest using your house layout as a switch. This means that you should create a dedicated workspace in your home, and real work should happen only when you enter the space (you switch on your work mode).

3. Assess your workload and prioritize tasks

Before creating a schedule, get a clear understanding of your tasks and responsibilities. It helps you stay organized and achieve your goals efficiently.

Start by listing everything you need to accomplish—both daily and weekly . This includes meetings, project deadlines, routine tasks, and personal commitments.

However, begin your day with easy admin tasks like checking your emails, replying to messages, notifying your lead about your clock-in, etc. This helps you transition smoothly from personal to work mode.

You can use ClickUp Tasks to create a task list and ClickUp Task Priorities to categorize tasks by priority. This helps you set deadlines and break down larger projects into smaller, more manageable subtasks. 

You can also use ClickUp’s Daily To-do List Template to plan your day, prioritize tasks, and achieve your goals faster.

This template helps you:

• Set daily achievable goals
• Organize your workload
• Track work progress

4. Identify your peak productivity time

Everyone has specific periods during the day when they feel most energized and focused. Identifying your peak productivity hours can help you schedule your most demanding tasks when you’re at your best.

For example, if you’re a morning person, schedule tasks that require deep focus, like writing or problem-solving, in the early hours.

💡 Pro Tip: Use ClickUp’s Time-Tracking Feature to monitor how much time you spend on various tasks during different times of the day. This will help you refine your schedule over time, ensuring you work efficiently when you’re at your peak.

5. Set clear start and end time

One of the biggest challenges of remote work is knowing when to clock out. Without a clear boundary, work can easily extend into your personal time , leading to burnout. To avoid distractions, establish a clear start and end time for your workday and stick to it. 

Creating a daily timetable can help here. You can use ClickUp’s 24 Hours Schedule Template to plan your entire day and follow a balanced routine. It helps you organize your daily tasks and improve your work-life balance.

With this template, you can:

• Set a daily schedule
• Get an overview of your tasks to adjust your time as needed
• Allot specific time for each task

6. Incorporate regular breaks

Breaks are essential to maintain focus and prevent fatigue. According to a study, the most productive people work for 52 minutes and then take a 17-minute break . Short breaks throughout the day can help you recharge and stay productive.

You can also use the Pomodoro Technique — work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes . This method helps maintain focus, reduces eye strain, and keeps you energized throughout the day.

Schedule your breaks in advance and step away from your workspace during these times. Take a walk, stretch, or do something non-work-related in your free time to clear your mind.

7. Schedule time for physical activity

Sitting for long periods can take a toll on your health. Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine to maintain energy levels and overall well-being. Whether it’s a morning yoga session, a mid-day walk, or a quick workout after work, stay active throughout the day.

Block time on your calendar for exercise , just as you would for a meeting or task. Treat it as a non-negotiable part of your day.

8. Ensure flexibility

Leave buffer times between tasks to account for delays or last-minute changes. This way, if a meeting runs long or you need to handle an urgent task, you won’t feel like your entire schedule is thrown off.

You can achieve this by planning your day with soft time blocks (flexible schedule segments) . To use them effectively, allocate approximate timeframes for activities like checking emails or completing a project brief while allowing for some overlap.

Additionally, consider using time tracking tools to monitor your actual productivity and adjust soft time blocks accordingly, optimizing your schedule over time.

💡 Pro Tip: Use Time Estimates in ClickUp to plan out the required time for each task when creating your soft time blocks. This will help you create a more realistic schedule.

9. Unwind and relax

Just as you start your day with a routine, ending it with one helps you mentally clock out from work and transition into personal time.

Set a specific time to wrap up your work and review what you’ve accomplished.

Make a to-do list for the next day, so you’re ready to hit the ground running in the morning. This can prevent work from bleeding into your evening and helps you get ample rest.

💡 Pro Tip: You can use ClickUp to create a task checklist.

Set a wind-down alarm 30 minutes before your workday ends. Use this time to tie up loose ends, such as responding to emails and organizing your workspace. 

You’ve got the schedule, now let’s explore the right tools to make it a reality. 

Juggling tasks, meetings, and deadlines can feel overwhelming, especially when working remotely. This is where productivity and remote collaboration tools like ClickUp come into the place. They streamline your workflow and maximize efficiency.

ClickUp is an all-in-one platform that excels at handling the unique challenges of asynchronous work for remote teams. Here’s how ClickUp helps you build a solid remote work routine:

It’s easy to lose focus from work in a remote setting because of household responsibilities, digital distractions, or personal tasks. Plus, the lack of clear direction in a remote setup can also lead to task hopping, making it difficult to achieve tangible results.

You should set clear goals while working from home to increase focus, improve efficiency, and boost motivation. 

You can create and track goals with ClickUp Goals . It helps you set clear timelines and measurable targets to improve productivity. You can also break down your goals into smaller action items.

Create a remote work plan

ClickUp offers work planning and time management templates to help you set an efficient work-from-home schedule.

Once you have set clear goals, you can use ClickUp’s Remote Work Plan Template to organize your tasks and track your hours.

It comes with specific views like the Work Timeline View, Work Activities View, and Work Progress View, which visually represent your project timeline, allowing you to see tasks and activities, track progress, and identify potential bottlenecks.

• Create a comprehensive plan for remote work
• Organize tasks and automate progress tracking
• Measure goal performance

Socialize with coworkers

Remote workers often experience isolation and loneliness because of limited social interaction with the team members. Regular meetings with your co-workers for work or informal discussions offer social support and reduce psychological stress.

So, include regular team catch-up sessions in your work-from-home routine. You can stay connected with your team using ClickUp Teams . It helps you set common team goals, track progress, and collaborate with your team. 

You can also use ClickUp Chat to seamlessly connect with your coworkers and build strong workplace relationships . It helps you share updates with your team, assign action items, and chat alongside relevant work.

ClickUp Docs enables real-time and asynchronous collaboration for hybrid and remote teams. You can create, edit, and share documents with your team members, make live changes, and get instant feedback.

Need inputs from someone who’s in a different timezone? @mention them in a comment without leaving your doc and get specific instructions or feedback.

You can even brainstorm ideas with your team with ClickUp Whiteboards . It helps all team members add notes, link tasks, create and assign action items from the canvas, and execute ideas together. 

Monitor workload

ClickUp’s Calendar View helps you visualize your daily, weekly, or monthly schedule. You can block dedicated time slots for focused work, meetings, breaks, and personal tasks. This helps maintain a healthy balance between work and life.

Automate your workflow

Automating routine tasks can help you set an effective work-from-home schedule. With ClickUp Automations , you can automatically assign tasks to team members, send emails, and get project or task updates. 

For instance, you can set up automation to move tasks to the next phase when they’re completed or to send reminders when deadlines are approaching. This keeps your workflow smooth and helps you avoid the stress of managing every detail manually. 

Remote work is reshaping how we work, where we live, and even how we interact with each other. But like any major change, it comes with its perks and pitfalls.

The perks of remote work 

• One of the biggest perks of a remote work culture is workplace flexibility . You can set your schedule, choose your workspace, and even work from different locations
• It breaks down barriers and makes workplaces more inclusive. For parents, new mothers, and caregivers, remote work can provide the flexibility needed to balance work and committment towards family members
• By reducing the need for commuting, remote work can significantly reduce carbon emissions and help mitigate climate change

The potential challenges of remote work

• Isolation: Working remotely can lead to feelings of loneliness. Join online communities, plan virtual meetups to connect with colleagues and maintain social relationships
• Slow career advancement: One concern for remote workers is the potential for reduced visibility, which can impact career advancement. To overcome this, proactively communicate with your manager about your career goals and achievements. Use tools like ClickUp to document your progress and share regular updates so that your contributions are recognized
• Communication barriers: Online communication in remote work can lead to misunderstandings and delays in sharing information, leading to extra work.

💡Pro Tip: Use ClickUp Chat for real-time and async chat communication and ClickUp Clips for async video communication with your team members.

A well-structured work-from-home schedule is vital to thrive in a remote work environment. It’s not just about staying productive; it’s about finding balance, reducing stress, and making your workday productive.

But a great schedule is only as good as the work-from-home tools you use to stick to it. That’s where ClickUp comes in. Whether it’s managing a complex project, tracking your time, or simply trying to keep your tasks organized, ClickUp is the all-in-one solution that can help you master your work-from-home routine.  

Ready to level up your remote work? Sign up on ClickUp for free and start building your personalized work-from-home schedule. 

Questions? Comments? Visit our Help Center for support.

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• This 3,262 square foot coastal contemporary house plan  gives you 3-4 beds and 4 bath and a 729 square foot, 2-car garage.
• Architectural Designs' primary focus is to make the process of finding and buying house plans more convenient for those interested in constructing new homes - single family and multi-family ones - as well as garages, pool houses and even sheds and backyard offices. 
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