Are you fed up with daily 9 to 5 grind and looking for a way to escape it? Well, my friend, you’re lucky. The internet has provided us with more options than ever to start successful home business ventures. If you have a computer and an internet connection, you can start a home business online with just a few dollars.
Related: How to start a small business in India
7 small businesses to start from home
Thanks to the internet, almost anyone can start a business from home. Here are 7 ideas.
- Virtual assistant.
- Translation service.
- Selling on eBay.
- Create written content.
- Online tutoring.
- Social media marketing.
- Data entry service.
But before we explore home business ideas, you need to assess whether you are truly ready for it. Many a time, people want to start their businesses because they are dissatisfied with their current jobs. In such a case, a new business might not be the best choice.
To start or not to start a home business?
If you are going to start your home business just because you think working in pajamas is cool, you might want to consider changing a job first.
Initially, many home business owners have to work overtime without earning an income.
However, if you are organized, determined and passionate for what you do, starting a business from home is your thing. This is the definition of entrepreneurial spirit.
7 successful home business ideas
I have listed seven business ideas that you can start from your home without a big investment. Some of the business ideas require only an internet connection while others require a specific set of vocational skills.
Let’s explore home business ideas that you can easily start from home.
1. Virtual assistant
Home-based virtual assistants offer specialized services to clients and companies from their homes. These services can include (but are not limited to):
- Blog management.
- Proofreading.
- Internet research.
- Real estate listing management.
- Travel and event planning.
- Administrative tasks such as booking and confirming appointments.
The best thing about starting a virtual assistant home-based business is you don’t need a big startup cost. Most home-based virtual assistants can get started with an internet connection, Fax, telephone and a few online collaboration tools.
Having your own website for your home-based virtual assistant service will help you find a stream of regular clients.
2. Translation service
If you can translate from one language to another efficiently, starting a translation business could be a good home-based business idea for you.
The advantages of starting a home-based translation service include:
- Low startup cost.
- Access to a global market via the internet.
- Growing demand for translators.
- Opportunities to make significant profits.
To start your translation service business, you need to buy standard office equipment, which includes a computer with internet connection. You’ll also need transcription equipment if you plan to do translation from audio tapes.
3. Selling on eBay
eBay is more than a way for collectors to find rare items. This popular marketplace for buying and selling can actually provide a part-time or full-time income. Your earning potential on eBay is only limited by the amount of effort you put into it.
In addition to selling your own items, you can work as a consultant to help others sell their items on eBay. Either you can charge a flat fee for this service or you can opt for commission. However, you need to brand yourself aggressively as an eBay consultant to get clients to pay you to sell their products.
Related: How to sell online
4. Create written content
Photo: Christin Hume on Unsplash
If you love expressing yourself through words, content writing is for you. Low initial investment and flexible working hours make this a popular choice for those who wish to work from their homes.
As a content writer, you can work on a wide range of writing assignments, including:
- Blogs and articles.
- Technical documents.
- Websites and eBooks.
- Brochures, product manuals, press releases, etc.
To succeed in your home-based content writing business, you’ll need to promote yourself by:
- Creating your own website to show your writing portfolio.
- Being active on LinkedIn.
- Having profiles on freelance sites like Upwork and PeoplePerHour.
All of these will help you connect with good-paying clients.
5. Online tutoring
For those who have a knack for teaching, online tutoring is a good home business idea. With online tutoring, one can teach a diverse range of learners.
From Primary Class to professional courses, you can find learners for anything you are good at.
There are two ways to start home-based online tutoring:
- Start your own online academy.
- Tutor through a marketplace.
Some popular online tutoring marketplaces are Tutor.com, Chegg Tutors, Kaplan and Udemy.
Starting your own online tutoring business requires proper planning. To make your task easier, you can read this guide to start online tutoring.
6. Social media marketing
Do you love spending time on social media? Do your social media posts earn huge engagement? If your answer is yes, then home-based social media marketing business can enable you to earn decent money.
Like any other online business, you’ll need a website for this home-based business. The vast majority of people search the internet for everything. If they don’t see your social media marketing services there, they’ll go with someone else.
7. Data entry service
Data entry is one of the most popular online home business ideas because one doesn't require any vocational skill except fast keyboard speed. To get started with this home-based business, you just have to purchase a computer with an internet connection.
When it comes to finding clients, you won’t have to struggle much.
Fiverr.com, FlexJobs.com, Freelancer.com, and Upwork.com are a few good websites to search for data entry jobs.
However, you should make sure that you research about the client or company you’re going to work with to avoid online work at home scams.
Final thoughts on starting a home business
A decision to quit your job and start a home business should be taken after weighing pros and cons of both sides. Needless to say, starting a home business can be both joyful and rewarding if you pick the right business idea based on your liking and skills.
For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, a home-based business is the best of all worlds.
