Look no further.

Today, I’ll share the top programs available and show you how to choose between them.

So, if you’re ready to become a certified business coach, read on!

The best business coaching certification programs 

The best business coaching certification programs are: 

• Executive Coaching Certification Program (iPEC)
• Leadership and Performance Coaching Certification (Brown University) 
• Executive Coaching Certification (Center for Executive Coaching) 
• Leadership Coaching (Harvard University) 
• Business Coach Certification (University of Houston) 
• WABC Certified Business Coach (WABC) 
• Leadership coaching (MIT)

But before we dive into the business coaching certification programs, let’s talk about one of the most common misconceptions out there.

You don’t need to be certified to become a coach in most niches.

And that’s true for business coaching, too.

The truth is, you only need a few things to be a great coach.

And that’s experience in the field, relevant knowledge, and, most importantly, the ability to help people reach their goals.

In fact, people rarely pay attention to a coach’s qualifications or certifications.

Don’t believe me? 

I didn’t get a certification when I started my coaching business.

But I did have over a decade of experience in my niche and what it takes to keep people motivated while they work toward their goals.

Guess what? I still don’t have a certification.

But my results speak for themselves – my coaching business scaled to six figures in just a year.

I talk more about why you don’t need a certification in this guide.

That said, there’s no downside to getting a business coaching certification.

In fact, it might be a great choice if your ideal clients prefer certified coaches.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at the best business coaching certification programs out there. 

The ones I’ve listed here are in no particular order – they’re all great options!

Disclaimer: I haven’t taken these business coaching certification programs. Instead, I’m recommending them because of their reputation and reviews.

Executive Coaching Certification Program

iPEC

This program is split into two phases.

In the first, you’ll learn iPEC’s Core Energy Coaching methodology and become certified to use the Energy Leadership Index. During this phase, you’ll take part in three live training modules that last three days each.

In the second phase, you’ll receive 40 hours of on-demand niche-specific training and study The COR.E Dynamics curriculum, which helps clients understand the 10 Core Disciplines of High Potential and Performance. 

Altogether, the program takes about a year to finish. The first phase takes 3-4 months to complete, while the second takes 7-8 months to complete.

iPEC has trained leaders at companies like NASA, Coca-Cola, and Deloitte, so rest assured you’ll be in good company.

Key features:

• You’ll receive three industry-recognized certifications
• 200 downloadable assignments, exercises, and templates
• On-demand training
• Access to the 10 Core Disciplines of High Potential and Performance framework
• Includes self-study, webinars, and live interactive modules
• Flexible sessions and training

Length: Up to a year

Delivery: Hybrid

Price: $13,395 if paid in full. Payment plans are available.

ICF accredited: Yes

Leadership and Performance Coaching Certification

Brown University

Yes, even Ivy League schools offer business coaching certification programs.

The curriculum of this eight-month program is primarily focused on teaching coaches to help their clients by using innovative solutions, critical thinking, and better decision-making. 

There are also modules on team and relationship building and effective communication.

But you’ll also get hands-on experience with the basics of coaching, including the skills, mindsets, ethics, and ICF core competencies you’ll need to be successful. 

Throughout the course, you’ll have access to a mentor who will provide you with feedback in both group and individual settings.

Key features:

• Concepts drawn from developmental psychology, neuroscience, and leadership effectiveness research
• Group mentor calls
• Individual mentor feedback
• Self-paced learning between sessions
• Access to The Business of Coaching and Diversity & Inclusion in Coaching webinars
• Online, hybrid, or in-person options available

Length: 8 months

Delivery: Online, in-person, or hybrid

Price: $10,495 (online) or $11,495 (in-person or hybrid)

ICF accredited: Yes

Executive Coaching Certification

Center for Executive Coaching

The Center for Executive Coaching offers several different business coaching certification programs.

The Core Distance Learning Program is the best for new coaches. 

It will teach you coaching skills and methodologies and connect you with a global network of professionals. 

Lessons include Limiting Belief Coaching, Employee Engagement Methodology, and 360-degree Verbal Assessment.

The best part? You can take it at your own pace, and most coaches are certified within four months.

But I recommend the Full Executive Coaching Training Program if you’re looking for something more comprehensive. 

It’s comprehensive, which means that it includes everything you’d learn in the Core Distance Learning Program, as well as the necessary ICF coaching hours and online seminars.

Key features: 

• Multiple business coaching certification programs are available, including International Coaching Federation Certification, Team Coaching Certification, and Programs for Seasoned Coaches
• Programs can be self-paced or taken in real-time
• Interactive classes 
• ICF mentor coaching available
• Comprehensive tools
• Online intensive seminars available

Length: Two to eight months (varies by program)

Delivery: In-person and online

Price: $5,390 for the Core Distance Learning Program if paid upfront

ICF accredited: Yes

Leadership Coaching

Harvard University

If you’re looking to get a business coaching certification from one of the world’s most prestigious and well-known universities, Harvard’s Leadership Coaching might be for you.

The program was designed specifically for professionals who want to start using a coaching approach with their direct reports. It’s not for existing coaches.

Throughout the course, you’ll learn new ways to improve employee performance, make better decisions, and overcome workplace obstacles.

Modules include coaching engagement design, assessments, and core coaching principles.

The best part? It’s a quick program—it can be completed in two days on campus or four days online.

The 2024 sessions start on June 3rd, August 7th, September 30th, and December 11th. 

Key features:

• Extremely short
• Taught by a leadership coach with 15+ years of experience 
• Post-program private consultations are available
• Modules for using assessments, adapting your style for individuals, and developing a coaching mindset
• Includes a Certificate of Participation from the Harvard Division of Continuing Education

Length: 2 days (in-person) or 4 days (online)

Delivery: Online or in-person

Price: $2,600 (online) or $2,865 (in-person)

ICF accredited: No

Business Coach Certification 

University of Houston

In this business coaching certification program, you’ll learn to analyze client needs, measure results, and use your own business expertise to enhance client transformation.

Lessons include ​​What Does a Business Coach Do?, The Coaching Triangle, and Working with Clients.

But this course isn’t just about learning the ins and outs of being a business coach.

By the end of the course, you will also have the entrepreneurial knowledge you need to establish and scale a successful coaching business.

It’s important to note that the course is designed to be hands-off, meaning that you can finish it without external help. That said, you’ll have access to a platform for support.

Key features:

• Modules include The Coaching Triangle, Measuring Results, and Coaching Challenges
• Coaching resources available
• Open enrollment 
• Self-paced 
• Opportunities for questions and discussions

Length: You have 6 months to complete the course, but you can apply for an extension if needed

Delivery: Online

Price: $1,395. Payment plans are available.

ICF accredited: No

WABC Certified Business Coach (CBC)

WABC

The Worldwide Association of Business Coaches offers several different business coaching certified programs. 

But for a comprehensive experience, the Certified Business Coach (CBC) program is your best option.

By the end of the program, you’ll have a better understanding of coaching theories and philosophies, be able to support more business goals and objectives, and create better coaching plans.

It’s important to note this business coaching certification program is only for experienced coaches and leaders. 

You’re eligible to participate if:

• You already have business coaching experience, whether it’s internal or external
• You’re a senior leader or manager, are moving to a development role, or stepping away to be a business coach
• You’re a consultant who wants to enhance your coaching
• You have at least seven years of experience in business

You can find out more about the prerequisites here.

Key features:

• WABC is the only accreditation model designed specifically for business coaching
• WABC membership included
• Access to the global WABC network
• Three program options: Full-length, fast track, and assessment only

Length: 6-9 months

Delivery: Online

Price: Not publicly available

ICF accredited: Yes

Leadership Coaching

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT’s Sloan School of Management is one of the best in the country, and this is your chance to learn directly from its faculty.

Over the course of two days, you’ll learn how to use MIT’s 4-CAPS+ Leadership Framework, which is focused on understanding, cultivating relationships, setting goals and crafting a clear vision for a business. 

Other topics include Negotiation & Communication, Organizations & Leadership, and Strategy & Innovation.

The course is open to most senior managers with leadership responsibility, including CEOs, COOs, Presidents, Directors, vice presidents, and corporate strategists.

Key features:

• Two-day in-person intensive on the MIT campus
• Group and paired activities
• Participation in an x360 Leadership development survey
• 90-minute private coaching session with an MIT executive coach
• Certificate from the MIT Sloan School of Management upon completion

Length: 2 days

Delivery: In-person

Price: $5,100

ICF accredited: No

So, those are the best business coaching certification programs available. 

How do you choose between them?

I’ll tell you next, so keep reading!

How to choose the right business coaching certification program 

There’s a lot to think about when you’re deciding on a business coaching certification program.

Let’s start at the very beginning: Choosing one from an accredited body.

Choose an ICF accredited body

You probably noticed that I specified whether or not a business coaching certification program was ICF-accredited in the certifications we just talked about.

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the most well-respected organization in the coaching industry.

There are three certification levels: Associate Certified Coach, Professional Certified Coach, and Master Certified Coach.

ACC requires at least 60 hours of education and 100 hours of coaching.

PCC requires at least 125 hours of education and 500 hours of coaching.

And MCC requires at least 200 hours of education, 2,500 hours of coaching, and a PCC credential.

Each certification requires 10 hours of Mentor Coaching.

That’s a lot of education and experience – so you can typically trust a program that’s accredited by the ICF. Plus, completing one will instantly add to your credibility.

But ICF accreditations aren’t the only option!

There’s also the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches, which I mentioned in the previous section. It’s the only accreditation program designed specifically for business coaching.

But you don’t have to choose an accredited program – shorter online courses or courses designed by a coach are always options. 

Steps to choose the right certification

When you’re trying to choose a business coaching certification program, there are a few things to consider. What’s your time frame?

Business coaching certification programs can last anywhere from a couple of days to a year or longer.

So think about how much time you want to spend studying.

If you’d rather get certified and start your coaching business sooner, choose a shorter course over a more detailed one that might take months.

Just keep in mind that short courses don’t typically include practice coaching sessions or access to experts.

Does it work for your preferred learning style?

Business coaching certification programs are taught in several different ways.

So choose one that works for you. 

Do you want to learn in person or online? Or both?

And would you prefer to go at your own pace or follow a schedule and attend live discussions?

There’s no right or wrong answer – it all depends on what fits with your schedule and lifestyle. Does the course cover what you want to learn?

There’s so much to learn when it comes to business coaching.

So, as you choose a business coaching certification program, think about what’s most important to you.

That includes the coaching process, philosophies, and skills. Does it align with the kind of coach you want to be?

Of course, some programs are comprehensive, which is a good choice if you want a more well-rounded experience.

How much does it cost?

Budget plays a huge part in choosing a business coaching certification.

I’ve seen courses that cost as little as $1,000 and as much as $15,000. 

The price point you’ll be working with depends on the kind of program you want to take. 

The longer a course, the more expensive it will be.

And oftentimes, an in-person course will cost more than a hybrid or online course.

My best advice? Whatever you do, don’t take a free course – they’re not worth the time you’ll spend on them. Who’s teaching the course?

Finally, are you learning from an expert or someone who thinks they’re an expert?

Do your research to find out who’s leading the course, what their experience is, and what their teaching style is.

Remember, you don’t have to get a business coaching certification to become a business coach.

You can always get started and take one later.

Speaking of becoming a business coach, let’s talk about how to get your business off the ground.

How to become a business coach 

You must take three steps to become a business coach, regardless of whether you have a business coaching certification or not.

Step 1: Choose your niche

The only way to stand out from the crowd is by telling your ideal clients exactly how you’ll help them.

Take my niche, for example.

I help employees find greater fulfillment by teaching them to launch their own businesses.

There are tons of niches for business coaches, including:

• Startups 
• Family businesses
• Online businesses
• Service businesses
• Non-profit businesses

Here’s a list of 100+ niches to get you started.

Step 2: Create and price a coaching package

I always recommend starting with a three-month program that promises a specific outcome.

Why?

Because it tells people exactly what they’ll get out of working with you.

From there, you’ll have to name your price.

If you’ve never been a business coach before, a three-month package for $1,500 is a good place to start.

That might seem low, but hear me out.

A lower-priced package is a win-win for everyone involved. Your clients get the transformation they want, and you get to practice your coaching – both for a reasonable price!

Plus, you can always increase your price later.

I talk more about pricing your package in this guide.

Step 3: Get clients

The key to getting clients?

By starting small and focusing on just one or two marketing strategies. 

Believe it or not, your network is the best place to find clients. I bet at least one person you know could benefit from business coaching.

Another great way to catch a potential client’s attention is to get in front of your audience through guest posting or podcasting.

And finally, take advantage of the reach of social media with platforms like Instagram or Reddit. 

Sharing valuable advice and insights will make you a trusted source when you pitch your services.

Of course, there’s more to it than that. I’ll tell you everything you need to know in my full guide to becoming a business coach.

What’s next? 

There you have it!

A complete list of the best business coaching certifications on the market right now.

And remember, you don’t have to get certified to build a multiple-six-figure coaching business.

You just need the right kind of knowledge and experience.

Take it from me.

I built my first business with only the skills I’d learned at my job – while still working full-time!

By the end of my first year, I’d made $100,000.

And I’ve helped hundreds of my students do the same.

If you’re ready to build a business that can replace your 9-5, I’ll show you how in this FREE PDF:

Want to Build a 6-Figure Coaching Business So You Can Achieve More Freedom?

Get Instant Access To My FREE Ultimate Guide Below!

GET INSTANT ACCESS

When you sign up, you’ll also receive regular updates on building a successful online business.

Read more:

The Biggest Benefits of Business Coaching 

The Benefits of Coaching in the Workplace and for Employees

Business Coach For Coaches: How to Work With One

The post The 7 Best Business Coaching Certification Programs appeared first on Luisa Zhou.

Then you’ll want to read this guide first. It covers the exact steps you need to follow.

Plus, I share the top one-person business ideas.

Ready to dive in? Let’s go.

• How to start a one-person business:
• Find a business idea
• Start your business on the side
• Set up your business
• Get your first client
• Outsource to other businesses

What is the one-person business model?

A one-person business is one run by an entrepreneur on their own. There’s no distinction between the owner and the business and the owner is the sole person in charge of the business. They might outsource work to other businesses on a contractual basis. 

The owners of such businesses are also called “solopreneurs.”

More and more people are discovering the freedom and fulfillment of running a one-person business.

In fact, over 80% of small businesses in the US are managed solo. That’s over 27 million one-person businesses.

Now, you can have a team – even as a one-person business. That’s what I do. While I’m the only employee in my business I have a team of contractors I’ve worked with for years.  

Want to join the solopreneur club?

Then keep reading to find out how to start your own one-person business.

How to start a successful one-person business in 5 steps

Setting up your one-person business is very exciting. But many people think that doing it on your own will make things extra complicated.

It really doesn’t have to be that way, though.

Here are five important steps to follow:

1. Find a business idea and model

Your solopreneur journey starts with finding the right business idea.

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel here. Instead, focus on what you’re good at and what people need.

Go for a business model that lets you get started ASAP.

Coaching, consulting, and freelancing are great examples.

They offer high-profit margins AND have minimal startup costs.

Plus, you can dive into them right away.

That’s because these business models are built on productizing your existing knowledge and skills.

The final “product” can be a service, but it could also be items, like ebooks, online courses, or templates.

When I first started my business, I opted for coaching/consulting for those exact reasons.

I had learned digital advertising at my day job, so I set up a side hustle and started providing consulting services. 

Eventually, I branched out to courses. In that first year, I was able to quit my day job and scale my business to seven figures. (Note: I had experience of building businesses, so I didn’t start from scratch. But one-person businesses can be scalable.

Now, to boost your income, you also need to pick a good niche. That’s your specialization.

When you target a specific audience with a specific problem, your business is more likely to become their top choice.

Not sure what your niche will be?

Think about what skills people often ask for your help with.

What expertise do you bring to the table?

In other words: What’s your unique selling point?

In this video, I share how to find your niche with just ONE sentence::

Once you’ve found your business idea, the next step is to make sure it’ll work.

That’s where market research comes in. Talk to potential clients directly to understand what they want and need.

With a solid idea and some research under your belt, you’re ready to launch your one-person business.

BUT don’t quit your day job just yet…

2. Start your business on the side

Look, I get it — the urge to quit your job and dive headfirst into entrepreneurship can be strong.

But I recommend you not to do that — at least not YET.

Starting your business on the side is a SMART move.

Doing so will help you avoid a common mistake many new entrepreneurs make: Quitting too soon.

Those stories of people striking gold after quitting their job?

Unfortunately, they’re the exception, not the rule…

Launching your business without a plan often leads to burnout.

And feeling pressured to make quick money to cover bills?

That just increases risky decisions…

Here’s the thing: You want to set your business up for long-term success.

And for that, you need a strategic approach.

For example, I built my business to six figures in sales BEFORE leaving my job.

Having that financial security allows you to make strategic decisions.

Plus, it gives you the freedom to invest in resources and gain clients gradually.

Sure, juggling both means you’ll have less time. But again, it’s all about being strategic.

Instead of burning yourself out by sacrificing sleep or waking up really early, focus on maximizing the limited time you do have.

And don’t waste that time on low-impact activities.

Instead, prioritize the tasks that move your business forward, like getting clients.

Want to learn more about managing your time wisely? Then check out this video I put together for you:

Now that you know why starting your business on the side is such a power move, let’s look at how to actually set it up.

3. Set up your business

Great, it’s time to officially set up your business!

But… how do you even get started with that?

Good news: It’s easier than you might think.

To make the process as smooth as possible for you, I’ve put together this handy checklist.

For now, let’s take a quick look at three important steps:

• Business structure: For a small one-person business, your best bet might be a sole proprietorship. It’s easy to set up and doesn’t require much paperwork.
• Registration: Registering your business can be straightforward. Often, you just need to inform your local or state government of your business name. And if you’re  operating under your own name, you might not even have to register at all. Still, skipping registration could mean missing out on legal and tax benefits.
• Licenses and certifications: Always check if you need any licenses or permits BEFORE selling your services or products. Unless you’re in fields like medicine, law, or accounting, you’ll probably be able to skip this step. But it’s better to be safe than sorry. So, check your local requirements.

While you’re setting up your business, I know it might seem like you absolutely need to write everything out in an elaborate business plan.

But that’s actually a common myth I’d like to dispel.

Here’s my advice:

You don’t really need a business plan.

And you definitely don’t need a complex one.

A business plan can offer clarity and direction. But creating one is only useful if it leads to ACTION.

That’s why it’s best to go for a simple one-page plan.

Keep it concise and action oriented to avoid getting stuck in planning mode.

So, which actions should you focus on?

In the beginning, your top priority should be getting your first clients/customers.

That’s the next step…

4. Get your first client

OK, you got your business basics sorted.

Now,where do you find your first few clients so you can start making some sales?

Let me walk you through the process.

The first step? Market research.

That’s how you figure out where your clients are.

Wherever that is, you should be there too. And offer them consistent value.

You see, nobody knows you yet.

So, your job is to show why investing in your service or product is the smart thing to do.

Want to keep it simple?

Then you can do what I did:

Through my market research, I discovered that my ideal clients were in a handful of Facebook groups.

So, I joined those groups.

Next, I promised myself that every day for the next four weeks, I’d go on Facebook and spend an hour or two answering specific questions people had.

By offering this valuable free advice, I built a lot of credibility.

And that’s how I landed my first few clients.

Another (very) important tip: Don’t overwhelm yourself.

Instead, focus on one client/customer at a time.

And every happy client or customer means a new testimonial and/or review for you.

Be sure to share these! They’re like magnets for more business.

Suddenly, you’re not just another business — you’ve got proof of success.

And success draws people in.

In this video, I share the exact strategies I used to build my business as fast as I did:

I’ll be honest with you though:

As a solopreneur, I didn’t do it ALL alone. And neither will you.

Let me explain…

5. Get support

The word “solopreneur” might make you think you have to figure everything out on your own.

But that’s not the case.

Getting the right support is a game-changer.

There’s a saying that goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

This applies to one-person businesses too.

Early on, I got advice from top advisors and coaches.

Their input really helped speed up my growth.

Now, it’s my turn to offer advice. To this day, I’ve helped hundreds of my students grow their businesses to six figures and beyond.

Why?

Because I love helping others achieve what I did:

Running a successful FREEDOM business that lets me live life on my terms.

I share my years of experience to simplify the journey for others.

That’s also why I created my Employee to Entrepreneur (ETE) program.

It outlines clear steps to build a thriving online business. And it’s exactly the kind of help I wished I had when I started.

Another great way to get support?

Outsource some of your tasks to freelancers.

At first, you might want to figure things out on your own. But once your business is starting to bring in five to six figures?

That’s when outsourcing becomes not just helpful but necessary.

It’s a great way to expand your business.

Plus, it frees up a lot of your time and energy.

Awesome! Now you know how to start your one-person business.

But what are the best business ideas for going solo?

Let’s look at those next.

28 one-person business ideas you can start

Picking the right business model will set you up for long-term success.

To help you make the choice, I’ve gathered the top one-person business ideas.

Let’s explore them together.

Coaching

Coaching lets you make money with what you’re already good at.

You do much more than just give advice — you offer your clients a real transformation.

And guess what?

People are willing to pay a lot for this kind of change.

That’s why most of my students are able to earn six to seven figures with their coaching business alone.

Consulting

Consulting is another great way to leverage your current skills.

As a consultant, you dive straight into problem-solving mode for your clients.

You’ll take on the following tasks:

• Analyze data
• Pinpoint issues
• Map out strategies
• Put those strategies into action
• Evaluate your work
• Present its impact

Because you bring such high-value solutions, consulting can be VERY lucrative.

Selling online courses

Got knowledge to share?

Then package it into an online course.

Building a course takes some effort. But once it’s live, it’s yours to sell over and over.

In other words: It’s a great source of passive income.

My advice?

Start with coaching or consulting. Then transform your offer into a course.

Virtual assistant  

Becoming a virtual assistant (or VA) is a great idea if you like taking care of things like:

• Admin
• Scheduling
• Email management
• Data entry

Specializing in areas like bookkeeping or social media can boost your income as a VA.

Plus, the more tasks you take on, the fewer freelancers your clients have to hire.

That means more income for you.

Selling digital products 

Like online courses, creating digital products can take some time.

But once they’re ready, they can bring in passive income for YEARS.

Two other big benefits of digital products:

• There’s no inventory to store
• There’s no shipping involved

The key is to make products that solve a problem.

Some popular examples are:

• Planners
• Templates
• Guides
• Checklists

Blogging

Blogging lets you dive into topics you love, including anything from health to entrepreneurship.

You can post your content on:

• Your own site
• Someone else’s blog (guest blogging)

If you go with your own blog, it could earn money through ads and sales — but growing followers takes time.

Meanwhile, guest blogging leads to instant visibility. That said, they often prefer writers with an existing audience.

Freelance writing

Freelance writing is another way to make money through text.

Besides blogging, there are many other options for freelance writers:

• Ghostwriting
• Business proposal writing
• Copywriting
• SEO content creation

Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr make landing gigs easier, but they take a cut of whatever you earn.

Another catch? Your paycheck matches your workload.

That’s why you need a profitable niche and well-paying clients.

Affiliate marketing

The concept of affiliate marketing is simple:

Share your favorite products or services, and if someone buys, you get a commission.

That means you’ll probably need a big following to be profitable, though…

The best strategy?

Use affiliate marketing as part of an existing business.

Grow your audience first, then add in affiliate deals to boost your income.

Translating

If you’re fluent in more than one language, then this business idea might be of interest.

Great translation isn’t just about speaking languages, though.

You need to understand cultural subtleties and industry jargon — think medical or legal fields, where the demand (and pay) is higher.

Content creation 

Content creation is broad.

It could mean you create videos, blogs, social media posts — anything, really.

Typical ways to earn money with content creation include:

• Advertising
• Sponsorships
• Selling your own products
• Affiliate marketing

Besides building up your own audience, you can also create content for others as a freelance content creator.

Tutoring

These days, you can tutor in-person or online.

Of course, working online offers more flexibility. And platforms like Udemy and Teachable simplify the logistics.

That way, you can focus on your students.

The downside?

Your income depends entirely on the hours you put in.

That’s why I recommend also turning your teaching skills into digital courses.

Bookkeeping

The average U.S. bookkeeper earns around $47,000 a year.

But as a freelance bookkeeper, you could earn more.

How? By charging higher rates.

And guess what?

You don’t necessarily need formal qualifications to become a bookkeeper.

The key is EXPERIENCE — and helping your clients get real results.

Become a legal coach

If you have experience in the legal field, becoming a legal coach could be a good choice.

Unlike bookkeepers, however, legal coaches generally do need certain qualifications. That’s because they give  legal advice.

Since this type of coaching is specialized, it often pays very well.

Podcasting

As a podcaster, you share your passion and expertise through audio.

Doing this on your own means you need to wear many hats:

• Content creator
• Editor
• Marketer

And monetization comes from:

• Ads
• Sponsorships
• Memberships
• Affiliate marketing

That said, building up a podcast audience can take a lot of time and effort…

Online fitness training

Online fitness training lets you turn your love for exercise into a business.

You’ll do the following:

• Create workout plans
• Lead online classes
• Coach clients one-on-one

It’s a great way to work from anywhere and help others stay fit.

Real estate agent

Being a real estate agent means you help people buy, sell, and rent homes.

You need to:

• Find the right places
• Talk with buyers and sellers
• Handle all the paperwork

The downsides?

Building a client list takes time — and you have to stay on top of market trends and legal requirements.

Digital marketing service

Digital marketing includes:

• Content marketing
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Email marketing
• Social media marketing

To boost your rates, it’s best to specialize in at least one area.

But​​ the more you can cover, the higher your earning potential.

Social media management

Are you creative and quick thinking? Do you have a knack for digital trends?

Then this business idea could be just right for you.

As a social media manager, you take care of social media accounts.

It’s relatively easy to start.

But the tough part is dealing with the ever-changing rules and algorithms of the social media world.

Resume writing

Through resume writing, you help your clients land jobs.

To succeed, you need:

• A good grasp of language
• A solid understanding of what employers look for

As a resume writer, you can charge per resume or offer packages that also include cover letters and LinkedIn profiles.

Starting out is relatively straightforward, but to increase your rates, you need a strong reputation.

Web developer

Web developers create websites or update existing ones.

You can charge by the hour or per project.

Getting started means finding your first clients and proving your skills.

The real test though?

Keeping up with the tech world’s constant evolution…

Software training

Offering software training means you teach people how to use specific software.

This can range from basic office applications to specialized design or coding tools.

Want to turn this into a source of passive income?

Then bundle your expertise into an online course.

Yoga or fitness instructor 

Becoming a yoga or fitness instructor can be a smart move.

You can teach in groups or offer private lessons.

And you get to set the pace — and the price.

To have a steady income, you’ll need a solid client base. You can expand your reach with virtual sessions.

Event planning

Want to be the go-to person for making events happen?

Whether you’d like to focus on cozy gatherings or big events, you need to be good at:

• Planning
• Paying attention to details
• Creative problem-solving

Running this business solo is certainly doable.

But having a network of reliable vendors and venues makes a big difference.

Graphic designer

As a graphic designer, you specialize in creating visuals like:

• Branding
• Web design
• Ads

Quality trumps quantity here. Aiming for a few high-paying clients makes your business profitable.

And it lets you focus on what you do best: designing.

LinkedIn coaching

Through LinkedIn coaching, you help clients:

• Optimize their profiles
• Network successfully
• Use LinkedIn for career growth

How much you earn depends on your niche and expertise.

But you can increase your rates by offering extra:

• Services, like interview preparation and resume writing
• Resources, like templates or guides

AI consultant

AI consultants  help businesses grow smarter with the right AI implementation and optimization.

The fast pace of AI development is a challenge.

But staying updated on the latest trends can make you a top expert.

Career coaching

As a career coach, you help clients reach their career dreams.

Those dreams could be:

• Landing a new job
• Getting a promotion
• Excelling in their current role

The earning potential in this field is big.

For example, take my student Emily from Cultivitae. She runs a six-figure business helping professionals land their dream jobs.

Handyman

Are you good at fixing things?

A handyman works on tasks like

• Carpentry
• Plumbing
• Unclogging drains
• Renovations

If you’ve got experience with that sort of thing, this business idea might be right up your alley.

And if you already have the tools, startup costs are low.

The catch? It’s physically demanding.

Plus, your income depends on how many jobs you can handle.

Dating coaching

Dating coaching is another popular coaching niche.

To increase your rates, it’s best to specialize.

For instance, my student Ruby (Good Gentleman) makes six figures a year coaching ambitious men on dating.

Some other target groups to consider:

• Introverts
• Busy executives
• Seniors reentering the dating world

That’s the full list of the TOP one-person business ideas.

But what are the benefits of being a solopreneur?

Let’s explore that next.

What are the benefits of having a one-person business?

Wondering what makes a one-person business so appealing?

Here are the main benefits:

• Freedom and flexibility: You get to work from anywhere. And you can organize your life just how you like it. Basically, you no longer have to adapt to your work. Rather, you get to shape your work to fit your life.
• Ownership and autonomy: As a solopreneur, you make all the decisions. You can pick projects that excite you and align with your personal values and mission. It’s not just about working — it’s about working on what matters to you.
• Less expensive to start: Starting on your own means a lean setup. This reduces financial pressures and risk. This is especially true if you start your business alongside your full-time job.
• Efficiency: Because you don’t manage a team, you can focus directly on your work. This means more time spent getting things done. You have the freedom to choose what to work on, and how best to do it.

With these advantages, it’s clear why going solo has its perks.

Now, let’s get inspired by looking at some examples of successful one-person businesses.

Examples of successful one-person businesses

There are countless examples of one-person businesses across different industries.

Let’s take a look at some successful ones:

• LuisaZhou.com: I started my business to help others build successful businesses. And through my coaching and online courses, I’ve created a multiple seven-figure business. My success shows that you don’t have to come up with a revolutionary idea. Instead, you just need to figure out what you’re already good at and leverage that to the fullest.
• Spanx: Spanx is a great example of a simple yet effective product idea. Sara Blakely created the brand to solve a common issue: The need for comfortable yet flattering shapewear. She developed a product that women everywhere didn’t know they needed until they tried it. And Spanx quickly grew into a global brand.
• Dell: Dell was founded by Michael Dell. He started it as a small operation in his college dorm, where he customized and sold computers. His business exploded because he found a way to offer value that big companies couldn’t match at the time. This shows the power of understanding your customers’ needs and finding creative ways to meet them.
• Amazon: Jeff Bezos started Amazon as an online bookstore from his garage. Today, his company is a giant in e-commerce and tech — one that brings in hundreds of billions of dollars every year… and one that completely changed how people shop online.

These examples show that success as a solopreneur comes in many forms.

What will your success story be?

Next steps

And there you have it!

Now you know how to set up your one-person business. Plus, you know the top solopreneur business ideas.

Of course, running a thriving one-person business involves more than just an initial idea.

But having the right strategy from the start sets you up for long-term success.

Ready for the next stage? Then check out my Employee to Entrepreneur (ETE) program.

It’s my six-figure blueprint that lays out exactly how to build a successful online business in straightforward steps.

Want to Build a 6-Figure Coaching Business So You Can Achieve More Freedom?

Get Instant Access To My FREE Ultimate Guide Below!

GET INSTANT ACCESS

When you sign up, you’ll also receive regular updates on building a successful online business.

Read more:

Overcome Your Fear of Starting a Business

Finally Go From Employee to Entrepreneur

How to Start a Side Business from Home

The post How to Start and Run a One-Person Business (+28 Ideas) appeared first on Luisa Zhou.

Turning it into a full-blown business.

Or maybe you want to dip your toes in the business world with the idea of expanding your side hustle later?

Whatever situation you’re in, you’ve come to the right place!

Today, you’ll learn exactly how to turn a side hustle into a business.Plus, I’ll share the top business ideas that pay very well.

Ready to dive in?

Let’s go.

How can you turn a side hustle into a business from home in 8 steps

The steps you need to take are: 

• Find the right business idea
• Create a business plan
• Set goals 
• Understand your finances
• Set up your business structure
• Get clients
• Develop your mindset
• Know when to quit your job

Is it worth it? 

Yes! Having a side business is a low-risk way to:

• Earn some extra money
• Try out different business ideas
• Learn new skills
• Lay the foundation to become your own boss

How do I know? 

I started my own side business while I was in a demanding day job. 

Within four months, I turned that side hustle into a full-time business. 

But that’s four months after I started my business. It took me years and a few failed attempts to figure out what business I wanted to start and how to get clients.

And I’ve put my learnings into the following steps: 

1. Find the right business idea 

Let’s start with some good news:

Your business idea doesn’t need to be groundbreaking to succeed.

The two main things you should look for are:

• Easy setup
• High profit margin

Wondering what types of businesses fulfill these criteria?

Well, three great options are:

• Coaching
• Consulting
• Creating online courses

These business models let you earn money by sharing what you already know.

This means you can get started right away.

And because you offer a high-value service or product, you can charge more too.

That’s what I did – I started selling digital advertising consulting services (a skill I had acquired in my 9-5). 

Because I already had those skills and I could charge a high price for my knowledge, I was able to sell my first package at $5,000.

Think about your own idea:

• Does it have potential to make money?
• And do people want what you’re offering?

Jumping in without this knowledge is risky.

But figuring out your market isn’t too tough.

It’s all about knowing who will buy from you and why.

Now, it may seem like you need to work all this market research out in an elaborate business plan, but that’s not really true.

Let me explain…

2. Create a business plan 

Do you need a business plan to know how to turn a side hustle into a business?

Not quite.

While a business plan can be helpful, it’s not a MUST-have. (I didn’t have one when I started out. Instead, I researched my market and iterated.)

Think of a business plan as a map that shows where you want to go and how you plan to get there.

It should be straightforward and practical — not a thick book.

Unfortunately, many new business owners fall into the following trap:

They try to perfect their business plans, believing it will make them ready to launch.

But guess what…

Too much planning actually slows you down.

What’s most important is to get started.

Use your business plan to organize your thoughts and outline a few key steps, but don’t let it hold you back.

After all, you learn the most by actually doing.

So, keep your plan short and focused on solving your customers’ problems, using your market research.

Next, let’s look at how to set the right goals for your business.

3. Set goals 

To transform your side hustle into a thriving business, you need the right goals.

Goals help you:

• Check your progress
• Tweak your plans
• Keep you from feeling overwhelmed by aiming too high too soon

Just keep in mind:

Not all goals are the same.

To help you succeed, your goals should be:

• Realistic
• Doable

Here’s how to get started:

Break down your BIG goal into smaller, manageable steps.

This method makes your larger goal feel within reach and keeps you motivated.

For example, if your main goal is to live a life of freedom, lay out the smaller goals to get there.

Often, the first subgoal you should aim for is getting your first clients. (But more on how to make that happen in step 6.)

With your goals set, the next move is managing your finances…

4. Take care of your finances

Moving from a side hustle to a full-time business means more financial responsibilities.

Set yourself up for success, by keeping your finances in order.

What’s the first step?

Start by separating your personal and business finances.

This makes tracking your income and expenses much clearer.

What else should you watch?

Well, a few key things like:

• New leads
• Sales inquiries
• Actual sales
• Profit

In this video, I talk about what each metric means for your business:

By monitoring these figures, you see what’s working and can fix what’s not.

This approach helps you understand your business better AND guides you in making smart decisions.

Next up? Making your business official.

5. Set up your business 

Turning your side hustle into an official business doesn’t have to be complicated.

For a smooth transition, follow this checklist I put together for you.

But for now, let’s just look at three important steps:

• Choose your business structure: A sole proprietorship is the simplest form. However, a limited liability company (LLC) offers potential tax benefits and protection against business liabilities.
• Handle the registration: Register your business name with local or state authorities. If you’re operating under your own name, you might not have to register at all. But then you also miss out on legal protections and tax deductions.
• Get any necessary licenses or certifications: This step depends on your industry. For example, selling handmade goods online might not need a license, but offering legal or health advice usually does. Even if it seems like you don’t need anything, always double-check for any local rules. Think of a home business license, an occupational permit, or a DBA (doing business as).

With these steps completed, you’ve laid the foundation to grow your side hustle into a thriving business.

Now, it’s time to focus on getting clients.

6. Get clients

The next step is to find clients.

However, don’t try to do too much too soon.

Instead, focus on one client at a time.

This approach is less overwhelming. Plus, you can use the feedback to keep improving.

Where do you find these clients, though?

Here’s a simple yet effective strategy that works:

Figure out where your potential customers are — and then be there too.

This could be on platforms like Reddit, Instagram, or Facebook.

Every few days, take some time to answer questions and share valuable insights.

The key here is to be CONSISTENT.

That’s how you grab attention and build trust.

With every happy client, you have new testimonials and reviews.

These are priceless for your business.

They prove that you deliver results. And with this proof, even people who were unsure before will be more likely to engage with your business.

In fact, after I landed my first client at $5,000, I struggled to sell my services. 

Until it dawned on me why… I had helped my first client for free for a couple of weeks before she bought from me. 

So she already trusted me – and that’s why she was willing to pay that money.

I realized I had to take a step back and lower my rates temporarily (to $1,500), get a few testimonials to be able to increase my rates.

That’s what I did – and didn’t look back. 

Ready to learn more about winning clients? Then check out this short video:

Getting clients is key, but it’s just as important to develop the right mindset.

Let’s find out how.

7. Develop an entrepreneurial mindset

All the previous steps are super important, but none of them will work if you don’t have the right mindset.

Your mindset is the key to a thriving business.

And to make it big, you need to think like an entrepreneur.

But how do you do that?

Here are three top strategies to develop an entrepreneurial mindset:

• Focus on actions, not numbers: Concentrating on what you can DO to make your business successful keeps you moving forward.
• Become self-motivated by default: Make working on your business a daily habit. Find the time of day when you’re most productive — and stick to it.
• Figure out how you can make things work for you: Instead of doubting whether something will work for you, think about how you can make it work. This proactive attitude helps you think of creative solutions. That’s how you’ll succeed no matter what.

Having an entrepreneurial mindset also means being patient.

This leads us to our next important step…

8. Know when to quit your job 

A big part of moving from a side hustle to a full-time business is quitting your day job.

But that doesn’t mean you NEED to do that just yet.

In fact, it’s much better not to rush it…

Let’s look at a straightforward plan to make sure you’re ready.

It’s called the “321 rule”, and you’ll want at least two of the following requirements in place:

• 3: Have steady sales for at least three months
• 2: 2X your salary to cover surprise expenses and lost employee benefits
• 1: Have a safety net that covers a year of living expenses

Sticking to these rules puts you in a strong position to handle challenges and make strategic decisions.

That’s what I did, too. I built my business to six figures before I quit my job.

And I’m so glad I did because I didn’t have to deal with financial stress on top of building my business. 

Great! You now know how to turn a side hustle into a business.

Next, let’s look at the best side hustle ideas that pay well.

Best side hustle ideas that pay well

As I already explained, if you’re thinking of turning your side hustle into a business, go for a business model that:

• Requires little upfront investment
• Has the potential for big returns

Not sure where to get started?

Let’s take a quick look at the side hustle ideas that can make you the most money:

• Productized services: Turn your skills into packaged services. For example, if you’re good at graphic design or social media management, offer these as fixed packages. This makes your skills easy to sell. (Yes, even if they seem simple to you.)
• Done-for-you business: Handle tasks for clients that they either don’t have time for or lack the expertise to do themselves. This could be anything from website setup to managing social media. Clients appreciate the convenience, and it can lead to repeat business.
• Content creation: Content creation can be very profitable. You could write, start a podcast, create videos, and so on. For instance, my daily email newsletter played a big part in growing my business to eight figures. That said, it takes time to build up an audience.
• Online courses: Share your knowledge through online courses. This requires skills in marketing, teaching, and sales, but can generate a lot of passive income for many years to come. Websites like Udemy and Teachable are perfect for offering your courses to a worldwide audience.
• Digital products: Create digital items like templates, checklists, or planners. Like online courses, these products can be sold repeatedly at no extra cost. You could sell through platforms like Etsy or your own website.

With the right strategy, these side hustles have a high chance of becoming very profitable and sustainable businesses.

All it comes down to is taking that first step.

Next steps

There you have it! You now know exactly how to turn a side hustle into a business.

Being your own boss comes with many benefits. And with the right strategies, mindset, and systems, it’s completely within your reach.

Often, success boils down to your willingness to invest in yourself.

Ready to take the next step?

Then, get my free blueprint where I show you exactly how to go from employee to entrepreneur.  

Want to Build a 6-Figure Coaching Business So You Can Achieve More Freedom?

Get Instant Access To My FREE Ultimate Guide Below!

GET INSTANT ACCESS

When you sign up, you’ll also receive regular updates on building a successful online business.

Read more:

How to Start a Side Business from Home

Finally Go From Employee to Entrepreneur

How to Start a Business While Working Full Time

The post How to Turn a Side Hustle into a Business (+Top Ideas) appeared first on Luisa Zhou.

I’ll share with you 15 remote business ideas that you can start from the comfort of your own home. Plus, the steps to launch one successfully. 

Sound good? Read on. 

Quick overview: 

• Remote businesses are flexible and require less costs
• Consulting, coaching, freelancing, and content creation are a few remote business examples
• You can start a remote business online with your existing skills 

What is a remote business? 

A remote business is a company that doesn’t have a physical office. You and your team can work from anywhere in the world. Remote businesses are typically more flexible and more cost-effective. 

Thinking of starting a remote business? You’re in good company. 

By 2025, 22% of Americans will work remotely and 50% of businesses are started from home.

I’m one of them. 

My business is a fully-remote online business. My team is remote and I work with people all over the world. 

When I got started, the first thing I figured out was my business idea. 

That’s what we’ll talk about in the next section.

15 best remote business ideas to try

If you want to start a business from home, here are 15 profitable ideas: 

Coaching

A coaching business lets you work from anywhere and cash in on what you’re good at. 

As a coach, you advise and guide people on how to achieve their goals in a specific niche. 

And there are a ton of coaching niches out there, including: 

• Health coaching
• Business coaching
• Relationship coaching
• Fitness coaching 

To become a coach, you don’t normally need a certification. But you might need a qualification for some niches, like health or legal coaching.

And you need experience in what you’re coaching on. 

Take my student Emily Liou. 

She was a recruiter for top Fortune 500 companies. With her years of experience, she created a coaching business, Cultivitae, to help people find and secure their dream jobs.

Here’s more on how to start your coaching business (fast): 

Freelance writer

Freelancing is another highly profitable business model that you can do remotely. 

After all, there are thousands of freelance writing jobs on job boards like UpWork, Freelance Writing Gigs, and FlexJobs. 

Depending on your background, you can create a wide range of content, like:

• Copywriting: Sales-based copy like websites, landing pages, and email.
• Content writing: Marketing-based copy like blogs, guest posts, and social media. 
• Ghostwriting: Book creation on behalf of clients.
• Grant writing: Completing applications for grants on behalf of charities and nonprofits.

The average salary for a freelance writer is $73,000 per year. But that’s just the average.

Consulting 

Consulting and coaching are very similar remote business models – but with a key difference. 

A coach helps clients solve their own problems. 

A consultant gives their clients direct solutions. 

As a consultant, you can draw on your own experience to create the best niche for your services. 

Popular niches include:

• IT consulting
• Financial consulting
• HR consulting
• PR consulting

…and so on.

For instance, Anna, a college admissions consultant, helps students get into their dream colleges.

Affiliate marketing 

Want to make passive income? Affiliate marketing is a popular remote business model.

And it’s a $17 billion industry.

So how does it work? 

Affiliate marketers earn a commission on other people’s products. 

To be successful, you need to be able to:

• Build an engaged audience 
• Sell products that are wanted by your niche audience

Bear in mind that it takes time to grow a sizable audience that can sustain your business.

So you might want to build your remote business with a service first and then add affiliate marketing as a secondary income stream.

Web designer 

Most businesses and influencers need a website, but not everyone knows how to create one. 

That’s where you come in. If you have design and light programming skills, you can build a profitable remote business designing websites. 

And guess what? There are thousands of available web design jobs on freelancer marketplaces like UpWork, so you can get started today.

As you build a portfolio, you can start booking clients outside of marketplaces and improve your profit margin. 

My web designer, Laura Patricelli from Design Mastermind, has built a thriving business by bundling her services into easy packages.

Tutoring

Teaching adults or kids online is an accessible way of building a business from home.

You can use sites like:

• Tutor.com
• Pear Deck Learning
• Skooli

Depending on how much time you have and the platform you use, you can reach five, six, or multiple six figures. 

Many years ago, I myself built a six-figure tutoring business (though it was offline).

As for qualifications, it varies. You don’t necessarily need a degree to tutor online, but some platforms require it for certain subjects. 

For example, if you want to teach English, you might need a TEFL qualification. Luckily, it’s easy to find a TEFL course online.

However, these qualifications only apply if you want to work for established online tutoring companies.

If you can build a brand outside of the platforms, you’ll have more control over your prices and the types of clients you tutor.

Photographer

If you have a passion for taking photos, this is for you. 

By starting a photography business, you can be your own boss and do what you love. 

Like with most services, you need to choose a profitable niche first. This will help you market your services within your local community and beyond. 

For example, you could specialize in portraits, branding, events, and so on.

You don’t need any official qualifications, but you do need an amazing portfolio. That and the ability to network will help your business thrive. 

Plus, if you build a strong online presence, you could even work globally.

Virtual assistant 

Becoming a VA could be a good move for you if you’re naturally organized and want to support fellow business owners.

Your daily tasks may include: 

• Email management
• Scheduling
• Admin tasks

If you can specialize in a lucrative niche (like legal virtual assisting), you can increase your income above the average.

Or you can offer services like bookkeeping and social media management to create higher-ticket packages for your clients. 

Marketing services 

The marketing industry grows 5% each year on average. And with businesses spending around 13% of their revenue on marketing, it’s a great industry to join if you have the skills. 

Some services you could offer include: 

• Social media marketing
• SEO
• Digital marketing
• Email marketing

These all work well as productized services that you can sell in packages to clients. That way you can scale your work and grow your business faster.

Now, you might be wondering:

“Don’t you need a marketing degree to work in marketing?” 

It can help, but the most important thing is your results. 

Focus on building a portfolio and you’ll be able to charge high-ticket prices for the transformation you offer. 

Online courses 

Creating an online course can be highly profitable and fulfilling. 

With platforms like Teachable, you don’t even need your own website to build your course.

Plus, you can create a course on any niche – from building tiny homes to training a puppy.

But there’s a caveat: I don’t recommend that you jump into online courses straight away. 

Why? Well, if you’re a new service business owner, you don’t know your audience yet. 

Your audience will tell you what to create as you’ll hear the same questions over and over again.

By creating a course that answers those questions, you’re more likely to be successful.

Here’s more on how to build a course business: 

Travel planner

Some people love traveling but hate travel planning (including me). 

If you love organizing flights, booking hotels, and planning itineraries, you could help us out. 

You might need a license to sell holidays so you’ll need to check the regulations around travel agencies. 

But travel planning, on the other hand, can just involve researching and presenting travel itineraries that the client can book themselves. 

Event planner  

Event planning is a highly fulfilling career and a lucrative business to run. 

It’s also surprisingly low-cost to start. You don’t need much more than an internet connection and a good network of vendors to get started.

Although many event planners make over $80,000 per year, it’s stressful work. 

In fact, event planning is often on the list of most stressful jobs in the world. 

But, if you have a talent for managing a team of creatives and scheduling events, it could be a remote business for you. 

Data entry/analytics  

Data analysts collect, organize, and interpret data on behalf of clients. On the other hand, data entry work involves inputting data from one source to another. 

And it can be highly profitable – especially if you target lucrative industries like law and finance. 

This idea requires some tech knowledge depending on the platforms your clients use, but you don’t need any official qualifications. 

To find data entry jobs, UpWork or Fiverr are great resources. 

As a data analyst, you can pitch to companies directly to outsource their data work. 

And there are plenty of listings on LinkedIn too.

Editing or translation services

Translation is a great business for anyone fluent in two or more languages. 

If you want to make a thriving business, it helps to become accredited but you don’t have to. Like with most services, the results and your contacts are more important. 

If you can make a deal with publishing houses and prove your work, you can succeed without a qualification. 

Editing is similar. 

Multiple businesses hire editors including online publications, publishing houses, newspapers, self-published authors, and so on.

As a remote editing or translation business, you can work with clients from around the world. 

That widens your work opportunities – especially if you’re fluent in a niche language.

Accounting or bookkeeping service

There are around 1.65 million accountants in the US, and it continues to be in demand. 

As an accountant or bookkeeper, you can help businesses and individuals manage their finances. 

But to do that, you’ll need a degree or diploma in accounting or bookkeeping. 

Some states also require a license before opening an accounting business as opposed to working for a corporate employer. 

Remote accountants can charge more for their services and diversify their clientele. Therefore, accounting or bookkeeping can be highly profitable.

Next, let’s take a look at why starting a remote business can be a good idea. 

What are the benefits of running a remote business?

Starting a remote business comes with many benefits.

Here are four:

• More freedom and flexibility: Owning a remote business means you can work from anywhere at any time. Therefore, you can adapt your work to family obligations, travel, and other important areas of your life.
• Reach more talent: Not only can you reach a global audience as a remote business, but you can also recruit from around the world. So you reach the most talented people in their field.
• Faster business growth: Because remote businesses tend to be highly profitable, you can grow faster. How? By reinvesting business profits into growing the business. You can also sell more one-to-many products online, which increases your profit margin even more. 
• Lower overhead costs/profitability: Running a remote business typically means you have lower expenses. For example, you don’t need office spaces to pay for. 

Now that you know the benefits of running a remote business, let’s take a look at how to start your own.

How do you start a remote business? 

To start a remote business, you need to:

• Create a plan for your business
• Set up your business
• Build your team
• Get your first clients

Though not necessarily in that order… Let’s talk about it. 

1. Create a plan for your business

Creating a plan for your business is NOT the same as creating a business plan. 

Let me explain. 

A business plan is great if you’re looking for funding. But most remote businesses don’t need one. 

The most important things you need to know are:

• Your niche
• Your services
• Your plan to get clients

First, your niche is your specialization. 

For example, my niche when I started my business was to help small businesses use digital advertising to grow their businesses.  

I had acquired those skills in my 9-5.

To figure out your niche, take a look at your skills and interests. 

Need help? Watch this video:

Once you know your niche, it’s time to define your services. 

Creating packages doesn’t need to be complicated. You can look at similar businesses to yours for inspiration on how they price their work and the types of services they offer. 

My advice is to keep it simple.

Distill your work into one core service. (And price it depending on the services you offer. For example, when you’re starting out, a coaching or consulting package can be priced at $1,500.)

That way, you can price your work for the results you create, not the hours you spend. 

Plus, you can standardize your services so it’s easier to train others when you expand your team. 

As for your plan for getting clients, we’ll talk about that in detail in a later section.

Tip: If you want a business plan to define these things, I have a template for a one-page business plan here.

2. Set up your business

Want a clear roadmap for setting up your business today? 

This checklist will help.

However, let’s go over the legal part. 

How do you register your remote business? 

First, you need to decide which business structure makes the most sense for you. 

There are two main legal structures to choose from: 

• Sole proprietorship
• Limited liability company (LLC)

(The IRS talks about both in detail here.)

They have different registration and management processes, so it’s important to choose the easiest and cheapest option to start. 

Remember: 

You can always change your business structure as your business grows. 

Now what about licensing and certifications? 

This completely depends on your niche. 

For example: 

If you’re starting an accounting agency, you’ll need the relevant qualifications and licenses to carry out your services. 

On the other hand, work like photography, marketing, virtual assisting, and writing don’t require any qualifications or licenses to get started. 

I didn’t have a digital advertising certification when I started my business – the results I helped my clients get were the proof they needed to hire me. 

Bottom line: Research the legalities around your chosen niche in your state and make sure you comply before you start trading. 

Next up: Building a team.

3. Build your team

A common myth is that you need a team to build a successful business. 

The truth is, it depends on the business you want to build. 

Kat Boogaard is an example of a six-figure freelance writer who built her business on her own.

But, if you want to scale your remote business, it can help to build a team to lighten your load. 

You can start by hiring contractors for specific tasks, like having a virtual assistant to help with admin. 

The benefits of working with contractors are:

• You have more flexibility with their work contract. (For example, you don’t have to fulfill full-time or part-time hours.)
• You don’t have any overhead costs.
• You don’t need to pay employment taxes.
• You can scale your business faster.

On the other hand, full-time employees are more dedicated to your business and can help you scale your services. 

Example: 

Say you own a coaching business. You can hire more professional coaches to service more clients and raise your revenue.

I personally work with an amazing team of contractors, many of whom have been part of my business for many years. 

When hiring, think about the skills and qualities you need in an employee. 

It’s not just about what they’re like on paper, but also how they’ll fit into your company culture. 

So be clear in your job description the exact type of person you’re looking for. 

From there, the interview stage is crucial. 

Ask them about their experience, schedule, and payment expectations. 

Be clear about your expectations and the day-to-day requirements of the role.

If you find the right fit, make a compelling offer.

Once you’ve made an offer, onboard your new team member by sharing all the processes and systems you’ve set up for your business. 

As you keep working together, give consistent feedback to help them grow.

Note: I recommend that you work with a few clients by yourself and learn what help you need before hiring anyone (employees or contractors). 

Let’s talk about that in the next section.

4. Get your first clients

How do you find your first clients? 

To start, focus on getting one or two clients to begin with. 

That way, you can refine your services and learn how to manage your remote business. 

With that goal in mind, looking for clients becomes way easier. 

Let’s look at some effective, “low-hanging-fruit” strategies for making your first sale: 

• Tap into your network: Your network is one of the best, untapped resources for finding clients. After all, your friends and family want to see you succeed. Let them know the service you offer – they might need them or know someone who does.
• Master one social media platform: Think about where your target audience likes to hang out online. Focusing on that one platform, create high-quality posts that educate and entertain your audience. As you interact with your followers and build connections, you can offer your services to the people who resonate with your work.
• Join industry podcasts: If you don’t have an audience yet, podcasts can help you reach more people. Pitch yourself as a guest expert on podcasts in your niche. You’ll benefit from the credibility and trust the podcast already has with its established audience.

It takes effort in the beginning to get your first clients. That’s why I tell my students to focus on one strategy at a time.

I used Facebook groups (which were big at the time) to find my first clients. 

I then mastered other areas of the platform, including livestreams, groups, and advertising. 

That helped me grow to multiple seven figures. It was only years later that I turned to other marketing channels, such as YouTube and search engine optimization. 

Once you make your first sales and learn more about your audience, finding future clients becomes exponentially easier.

Next steps 

So now you know how to create a thriving remote business.

Starting a business from the comfort of your home can be fulfilling and freeing.

But there’s a lot more you need than a good remote business idea to be successful.

Want a clear step-by-step plan? 

Get my FREE blueprint that teaches you how to go from employee to remote entrepreneur: 

Want to Build a 6-Figure Coaching Business So You Can Achieve More Freedom?

Get Instant Access To My FREE Ultimate Guide Below!

GET INSTANT ACCESS

When you sign up, you’ll also receive regular updates on building a successful online business.

Read more:

Overcome Your Fear of Starting a Business

Finally Go From Employee to Entrepreneur

The Best Six-Figure Business Ideas

The post 15 Best (Fully) Remote Business Ideas from Home appeared first on Luisa Zhou.

BUT if you’re looking for low-risk business ideas that can help you do things like…

• Replace your 9-to-5 income (without quitting first)
• Work from anywhere
• Get excited about Mondays

… then you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s get started.

What business has the lowest risk? 

The least risky businesses are high-value service-based businesses, such as coaching, consulting, and freelancing. You sell your existing skills and don’t need to develop a new product while getting paid a good hourly rate ($100+). 

What makes a business less risky? 

Starting any business involves a certain amount of risk. In fact, only 25% of businesses are still around after 15 years.

But here’s the thing…

There are plenty of ways to minimize risk. I’m not a fan of risk either, but despite that, I started a thriving eight-figure business. 

How?

Here are a few things that helped:

For one thing, I started small. I didn’t take out a $100k loan or hire ten employees on day one. (In fact, I still don’t have any full-time employees). 

Heck, I didn’t even have a website.

What I did have was marketable skills that I used to test different ideas, like an Excel tutoring business. 

Also, because I was building a business on the side, I didn’t have the pressure of thinking, “I won’t be able to pay my rent if this fails.”

So, here’s what I recommend you do:

• Start small. You don’t need outside funding or employees to have a high-profit business
• Don’t quit your job just yet: Work on your business on the side until it replaces your income 
• Pick a business model that aligns with your goals, and learn from people who are where you want to be

Okay, now let’s get into the good stuff…

The most low-risk businesses that are also highly profitable. 

24 safest businesses you can start from home 

Here are the top low-risk business ideas I recommend.

1. Coaching

As a coach, you ’d help your clients solve a problem they have. 

What kind of problem?

The options are virtually limitless. 

For example, getting low conversion rates is a problem. But so is low self-esteem or unhealthy eating habits.

And here’s why coaching is a great low-risk, high-profit idea: 

One, you can use your current skillset, so you generally don’t need some expensive certification. 

And two, you can charge $1,500 for 3 months of coaching as a new coach, which will help you quickly replace the income from your job. 

I’m biased about coaching…

Not only have I built a successful coaching business myself, but I’ve also helped thousands of students do the same:

Dig deeper: How to Become a Coach

2. Consulting

What’s the difference between coaching and consulting?

Consulting is about identifying a client’s problem and then solving it for them. 

For example, a consultant might help a business figure out why sales are down – and then create a plan to fix it.

Consultants do the heavy lifting themselves – rather than guiding clients to the answers, as a coach would.

So, again, like with coaching, there are all kinds of niches you could look into. 

And if you have the right skills, you can get started today – no need to waste time and money on certifications, outside funding, or even a website. 

Dig deeper: How to Become a Successful Consultant (8 Steps) 

3. Selling online courses 

I’m a big fan of online courses. For one thing, they can be incredibly valuable for your target audience, which feels great. 

Quick example: 

My Employee to Entrepreneur course helps people transition from working a 9-5 to building their own successful business. 

I’ve had countless students share stories of how they’ve used my course to scale their businesses to six- and seven-figures:

What are some other perks of selling online courses?

• Many course topics to choose from
• Great earning potential 
• Low risk

Dig deeper: How To Create an A High-Quality Online Course (Step-By-Step From Scratch) 

4. Blogging 

As a blogger, you’d use your own website to publish blog posts for a particular audience.

There are countless examples of successful bloggers out there.

For example:

Charlotte Smith, the blogger behind At Charlotte’s House, started an interior design blog back in 2012 – with zero experience. And since then, she’s been featured on big platforms like HGTV.

What makes blogging a safe option with potentially huge returns?

A few reasons:

• No previous experience required
• Minimal upfront costs
• You can diversify your revenue (partnerships, affiliate links, and so onetc.)

Dig deeper: How to Start a Profitable Business Blog (& Sell More) 

5. Content creation

As we just saw, blogging is a great option for starting a low-risk, high-reward content creation business. 

But there are plenty of other forms of content creation you could choose. 

For example, video content is also a solid choice because there’s a huge demand.  

The question is, what do you want to talk about? What kind of audience do you want to attract? 

Start there. 

Once you have a defined niche, getting traction will be easier.

Again, depending on what kind of content creation business you choose, getting started doesn’t have to cost a fortune – and despite that, your earning potential can be huge.

Dig deeper: How to Become a Content CreatorHow To Make Money on YouTube: 7 Simple Strategies 

6. Selling digital products  

What makes digital products a low-risk business option? 

Easy: You don’t have to deal with inventory, shipping, or other costs typically associated with selling products.

So, if sales don’t pan out, it’s not the end of the world.

Random example: Let’s say you create a digital planner, and… crickets. You don’t get sales. 

In that case? 

You can learn from your mistakes and try again – without facing bankruptcy, as some businesses would.

And here’s the thing: 

What I just outlined is the worst-case scenario. There are plenty of ways to successfully sell digital products and make a lot of money doing it. 

I’ve done it, and I’ve helped others do it, so I know it’s possible.

Dig deeper: The 16 Most Profitable Digital Products To Sell (+Where) 

7. Virtual assistant  

Virtual assistants (VAs) help businesses or individuals with business-related tasks – from scheduling appointments to posting on social media.

One perk of going this route? 

You can get started today, with little or no investment. 

Take Rebecca Morassutti, for example. 

She was tired of her 9-to-5 and started working as a VA on the side. 

Four months later, she quit – and last year, she made $144,000. 

Dig deeper: Embracing the Future: How to Become a Virtual Assistant

8. Freelancing

Freelancing is another skill-based business idea that you can start immediately, without outside funding or loans.

There are all kinds of things you could offer as a freelancer.

For example, you could:

• Write website copy or blogs
• Design graphics
• Develop apps

One perk about freelancing (besides the fact that it’s low-risk, high-profit) is that you can work from virtually anywhere, which gives you more freedom.

Dig deeper: How To Become a Freelancer: The Complete Guide

9. Affiliate marketing 

The affiliate marketing industry will be worth over $27 billion by 2027, so there’s money to be made here. 

And the concept is simple: You promote another brand’s products or services in exchange for commissions. Plus, it doesn’t cost anything to become an affiliate.

To maximize your earnings, though, build an audience you can promote to first. For example, you could drive traffic through a blog, a YouTube channel, a podcast, etc.  

Dig Deeper: 20 best affiliate programs for online creators

10. Tutoring 

As a tutor, you’d help people make progress on a particular subject, like math or music. 

What are the benefits?

For one thing, you can start tutoring using your current skills. That saves time AND money. 

Plus, you can set your own rates, which gives you more control over your income. 

There are plenty of platforms where you can sell tutoring, such as Preply.

Dig deeper: How to Make Money Online Tutoring: 12 Best Job Sites 

11. Translation service 

Translation involves converting text from one language to another. 

There are a lot of niches you could specialize in, from working with doctors to helping businesses.

YAnd though you should master at least two languages before getting started, you generally don’t need any formal qualifications.

Some platforms to get started on include iTalki and Lingoda.

Dig deeper: How to Become a Translator: A Student’s Complete Guide

12. Podcasting 

Starting a podcast requires minimal upfront costs, but the return on investment can be huge. 

Here’s a quick statistic: 

Almost 505 million people listen to podcasts. 

In other words? 

There’s already a huge audience out there you could engage with and monetize. 

But first, pick a niche so you know who your listeners are and what they want. 

Dig deeper: How to Make Money Podcasting: 12 Effective Ways 

13. Digital marketing agency 

The amount spent on digital marketing is expected to surpass $660 billion in 2024.

These days, many businesses turn to agencies to help them reach more clients and increase sales.

That’s where you’d come in.

By starting a digital marketing agency, you could specialize in a certain type of marketing, like content marketing or SEO, and choose what kind of clients to work with.

Another perk? As an online business owner, youyou’lld have lower overhead costs and higher profit margins – which ultimately translates to less risk. 

Dig deeper: How to Start a Digital Marketing Agency From Scratch 

14. Resume writing 

Resume writing is an ideal business idea because the upfront costs are minimal, but there’s a big market for your services. and you can earn a lot. 

For example:

T, the average resume writing service costs $631, but you can charge significantly more depending on your specialty and the results you offer.

Dig deeper: How To Start a Resume Writing Business in 6 Steps

15. Career coaching 

Career coaches help their clients reach their career goals – from getting a promotion to changing industries altogether. 

For example, my client Emily used her experience as a Fortune 500 recruiter to make the switch to career coaching. And now, she helps people land their dream jobs through her business, Cultivitae.

But here’s the thing… You don’t need a recruiting background to become a career coach. What matters most is being able to help your clients get results. 

And to do that, the first step is to pick a niche so you know who you’re trying to help and what their specific problems are:

Dig deeper: How to Become a Successful Career Coach: 4 Steps 

16. Software training 

If you understand complex software and know how to explain things in plain English, consider starting a software training business. 

These days, software is everywhere. Which means? 

Knowing how to use it is incredibly valuable. But at the same time, software programs are often complex and less accessible to the average user. 

By offering training sessions to businesses or individuals, you could make money teaching skills you already have – while keeping your overhead costs low.

Dig deeper: 4 Ways to Make Teaching Complex Software Easier 

17. Social media management 

We covered digital marketing a bit earlier, so what makes social media management different?

Social media management focuses exclusively on social media platforms (TikTok, Instagram, and so onetc.) whereas digital marketing has a broader focus.

Okay, but what makes social media management a solid business choice? 

There’s a huge demand, and overhead costs are low. (If you need experience, though, there are tons of courses available at little or no cost).

Dig deeper: How to start a social media management business 

18. Graphic design  

Graphic designers need to learn industry-standard graphic design tools, like InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator. 

It also helps to know about design theory.

With that said…

You DON’T need a degree in graphic design to start a graphic design business.

Having the right skills matters a lot more than having the right degree.

Dig deeper: How to Start a Graphic Design Business

19. Event management 

What makes event management a low-risk business idea?

For one thing, startup costs are low. In fact, you can get started with just a computer and an internet connection.

Plus, there’s clearly a demand: Event management jobs are expected to grow by 8% between 2022 and 2032. 

Dig deeper: How to Start an Event Planning Business from Home 

20. Photography 

As a photographer, your biggest expenses would be getting the right camera and tools, including Photoshop and Lightroom.

Once you have the right equipment and skills, though, you can earn great money and choose from a variety of different niches. 

Dig deeper: How to Start A Photography Business

21. Web developing  

Web development is all about building and maintaining websites and apps. 

What makes it a great low-risk business idea?

For one thing, there’s a huge demand: Web development will grow by 16% from 2022-2032 – much faster than average. 

Plus, there are plenty of resources online to help you learn, and you don’t need a big investment to get started.

Dig deeper: 15 Reasons to Start a Web Development Business 

22. Real estate 

You can make money in real estate even if you’re risk-averse. 

For example, if you have a large house, consider renting out extra rooms for monthly cash flow – WITHOUT having to invest in a new property.

Dig deeper: 15 Ways to Start Investing in Real Estate With Little or No Money

23. YouTube channel creator   

YouTube has nearly 2.5 billion monthly users, so there’s a huge audience to tap into.

As a creator, you can earn money in a variety of different ways, including YouTube AdSense and sponsorships. You can even start and run YouTube channels for clients.

And because all you really need to get started is a decent camera, the barrier to entry (and risk involved) is low. 

Dig deeper: 10 Tips for Starting a YouTube Channel

24. Personal trainer

As a personal trainer, there are a lot of niches to choose from.

For example, you could help athletes build muscle or seniors lose weight.

The first step? 

Get an accredited certification, like the ones offered by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), or the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).

Dig deeper: 12 Tips for Starting a Successful Personal Trainer Business 

How to choose a low-risk business idea

Now that we’ve looked at many different low-risk business ideas, how can you pick the right one for YOU?

The first step is nailing your niche. 

So, think about what problems people have that you could solve for them. As we saw, there are all kinds of things you could choose, from coaching to event management.

With that said… Don’t just pick something because you’re good at it. Pick a business idea you can see yourself committing to long-term. 

Once you think you know what you want to do, validate your idea through market research. In other words, is there a demand for what you want to offer?

Because the thing is, finding that out is a key part of minimizing risk. (You can check out these tools to get started.)

Okay, up next: Let’s see what low-risk businesses look like in real life.

Low-risk business examples

Now that we’ve covered how to choose a low-risk business idea, let’s look at some specific examples:

LuisaZhou.com 

– I want to mention my own business first because I’m so risk averse. Hi, it’s me, Luisa. 

I started various low-risk businesses before founding LuisaZhou.com and helping people quit their jobs to work for themselves. 

I sell both coaching and courses – something I loveI love coaching because I’ve seen firsthand how scalable they areit is and what a huge impact theyit can have on people’s lives.

TopLawSchoolConsulting.com 

– Remember how I said one benefit of consulting is that you can start now, with the skills you already have? 

That’s exactly what Mara Freilich, the founderface behind Top Law School Consulting, does. She got into her dream law school and now helps other peoplestudents do the same.

AcademyofAnimatedArt.com 

– AAA was founded by two senior light artists who saw a hole in the market for helping students land jobs in the competitive animation industry. 

And it worked. Since its founding, several hundred students have used AAA’s courses and mentorship opportunities to jumpstart their careers. 

Ultimately, here’s the bottom line: You don’t have to start the next Walmart or McDonald’s and risk huge amounts of money to have a profitable business. 

Next steps

So, there you have it! Now you know the top low-risk business ideas that will help you maximize your returns. As you can see, you have a lot of options.

Not sure where to start?

If you’re serious about becoming your own boss so you can finally quit your 9-to-5, here’s my tried-and-tested guide to help you get there:

Want to Build a 6-Figure Coaching Business So You Can Achieve More Freedom?

Get Instant Access To My FREE Ultimate Guide Below!

GET INSTANT ACCESS

When you sign up, you’ll also receive regular updates on building a successful online business.

Read more:

How to Start a Profitable Service Business with No Experience 

What is a Productized Service? How to Start + Examples

The Best Service Business Ideas

The post 24 Low-Risk, High-Profit Business Ideas to Start appeared first on Luisa Zhou.

I’ve helped thousands of students become successful entrepreneurs, while scaling my business to eight figures.

Here, you’ll learn… 

• The BIGGEST pros of having your own business
• Disadvantages of building a business
• Steps to start your own business

Interested? Let’s get started. 

What is a business owner?

As a business owner, you’re in charge of your own company. 

With that said…

Your responsibilities vary depending on the type of business you own and how involved you want to be in running it. 

Here are some common examples of different types of businesses you can own: 

Small business 

Most businesses are small businesses. The majority of US businesses have less than five employees. 

Small businesses are also the biggest job creators in the US economy as they account for 62.7% of all jobs created. 

A small business usually has only a few employees and is often owned and operated by a single person. 

These businesses typically focus on providing a service or product to a niche market. They can be low risk to start, but they have the potential to grow to six or seven figures. 

However, the definition of small businesses are businesses that earn less than $35.5 million. 

Enterprise 

An enterprise is a company that has multiple departments that each take care of a different part of the business. They’re usually large companies that offer a wide range of services or products and have lots of employees. 

Startup 

A startup is a young company that’s still in the growth stage. Startups are often small, but many have ambitions for fast growth. 

They’re usually focused on developing a product or service that will solve a big problem and disrupt existing markets. 

Intrapreneurship 

Intrapreneurship is when an employee branches out into a new market within a larger company. The risks of launching a new product or service are smaller when the launch is backed by a large company, so it’s a great way to test the waters with a new idea. 

Okay, now that you know what a business owner is and the types of businesses they can own, let’s look at the biggest pros of owning a business.    

What are the biggest pros of owning a business?

I never thought I’d be an entrepreneur. 

It wasn’t something my Asian immigrant parents encouraged me to do and I didn’t have any friends who were entrepreneurs. 

At the same time, I knew I wanted more flexibility and freedom. The final straw was when my entire family suffered from life-threatening illnesses within one year and I couldn’t take time off my job. 

Over the years, I’ve found so many more benefits. 

Here they are. 

Being your own boss  

One of the best things about owning your own business? You become your own boss. 

In other words?

You decide what you want to work on, when you want to work, and who you want to work with.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can take on less work. Or, if you want to increase your revenue, you can develop a new product, or try a new marketing strategy. 

It’s up to you. 

Flexibility

Owning your own business gives you the kind of flexibility in your life that’s hard to find in a traditional job. 

Think of it this way…

Being in control of your work allows you to adapt your schedule to meet your life goals. Want to take some time off to visit a friend, take a trip, or go on vacation? You can do it. And… you DON’T need to ask anyone first. 

You can also work from anywhere you want – in fact, 50% of businesses are home-based. 

Unlimited earning potential 

As an entrepreneur, you don’t have the same restraints on your income as you do in a 9-5 where you trade your limited time for a fixed amount of money. 

Of course, starting a business DOES involve risk, but you can learn to minimize it and increase your chances of success. And starting the right type of business isn’t as risky as you might think.

On top of that, regular jobs aren’t what they used to be, with more and more workers feeling that 9-5 jobs are unstable.  

Low start-up cost 

You might think that starting a business means risking a lot of money, but that’s not a requirement at all. If you choose the right business to start, you can minimize the risk by having very low start-up costs. 

For example, coaching and consulting businesses are great because they don’t require a big investment to get started and you can use your existing skills.. Unlike stores with merchandise, you have no physical products to worry about. Another plus? You can run your coaching business online and tap into a bigger audience.. That’s what I did with my own business, and I made over $200K my first year from coaching.

Scalability

One of the biggest advantages of owning a business is being able to scale it. With a good marketing strategy, you can generate consistent automated traffic and have clients come to you. 

The result? You build a business that doesn’t require “hustling” to survive. You can take time off without the business suffering. 

Freedom

When you own your own business, you’re the boss. For example, if you want to take time off in the middle of the day or spend more time with your family – you can.

Read more here about how to build a Freedom Business and increase your flexibility, freedom, and profit. 

Fulfillment and working on your own mission

40% of entrepreneurs start businesses to make a difference in the world. 

Because when you start a business, you can follow your dreams of building something that you love and that aligns with your mission. 

Instead of pursuing the goals of another company, you’ll be able to make something that’s entirely your own. 

Personal growth

Building your own business is almost certain to make you go outside your comfort zone in one area or another. 

You’ll need to overcome a lot of personal challenges, including things like your…  

• Fear of starting a business
• Limiting beliefs
• Fear of failure

And so much more. But that personal growth is one of the best things that come with being an entrepreneur.  

Independence

When you own your own business, you have the kind of independence that most normal jobs don’t. You get to work the way you want to.

It IS a lot of responsibility – and you need to learn how to become extremely self-disciplined. 

But you get to create your perfect schedule. 

For example, I’ve built my business (over many years) to the point of not having to work on it more than a few hours a week. 

Income 

One of the biggest pros of owning a business? 

There’s no income cap. Unlike most jobs, where you need to wait for raises, when you own your own business you have a direct connection to the profits. 

The better your business performs, the more you earn. 

Want to see an example of how starting your own business can change your life? Here’s a video of how Ruby (one of my students) went from an employee to an entrepreneur and replaced her income in seven months:   

But building your business also comes with challenges. 

What are they? Let’s find out. 

What are the disadvantages of owning a business?

Now that we’ve explored the pros of owning a business, let’s look at some disadvantages.

Financial risks

Having a business always involves some risk. 

There are financial risks, which are usually largest at the beginning when you’re not sure your  business will work. Entrepreneurship doesn’t guarantee a steady income. 

But you don’t have to take a lot of risks to start a business. 

For example, start your business on the side and build it to the point where you’ve doubled your salary.

I’m extremely risk-averse. I had worked hard for my managerial job at a tech startup. So I built my business on the side and once I had 2x:ed my salary, I quit and didn’t look back.  

Wearing many hats

You’ll also need to wear many hats as an entrepreneur. You’ll have more responsibilities than you probably did as an employee. 

You’ll need to take care of accounting, taxes, sales, and marketing. 

But after a while, you can start outsourcing and building a team, so that you can focus on what you do best.

Long working hours

One thing that’s very common among business owners is long working hours. 

Yes, running your own business takes a lot of time and effort at first, and you might not have the same work-life balance as when you had a regular job. 

However, 58% of entrepreneurs say they spend time with their family in the evenings and 55% keep their weekends free. 

Ultimately, you decide what your business will look like with the right business model and systems. 

Alright, now that we’ve looked at some downsides, how can you start your own business? You’re about to find out. 

How do you start your own small business in 24 hours?

Now you know what the pros of owning a business are.  

Are you ready to become an entrepreneur? 

You don’t need months of planning or thousands of dollars in the bank. By following these steps you can have your own small business up and running in 24 hours.

Overcome your fear

A ton of people want to start businesses, but…not many of them end up doing it. 

Becoming an entrepreneur can be scary. 

But that’s normal. As time passes and you push further and further outside of your comfort zone, it’ll get easier. 

Here’s some more info on overcoming your fear:

Find a business idea and niche

Okay, so you want to start a business. But you’re probably wondering “What kind of business should I start?” 

It can be overwhelming to try to find a good idea. 

You don’t have to come up with the next Amazon or social media platform.

Instead, get the ball rolling with a “good enough” business idea. Starting your business, even if it’s not the perfect one, will teach you all about what it takes to be an entrepreneur. 

As I mentioned before, coaching and consulting are businesses that work well for new entrepreneurs. 

However, you need to find a niche to become a coach or consultant. 

To do so, go over the skills you’ve developed in your life. Which one would other people be interested in learning? 

I talk more about picking a niche here:

After you’ve gone over your skills and identified a few that other people might want to learn, pick the one with a high profit margin that you could most easily start a business around. 

When I wanted to start my own business, the first thing I looked at was what skills I already had. At the time, I had learned digital advertising skills in my 9-5

So, that’s what I decided to focus on in my first business. 

Think of your business as a way to get paid for the skills you already have. 

So, what skills could you teach people? Start there.

Get your first paying customers 

When I first got started in my coaching business, I interacted with people in my niche through Facebook groups. 

My focus wasn’t really on selling. Instead, I offered as much value as I could to learn more about my market.

I ended up helping one woman for free – for two weeks. At the end of those two weeks, she reached out and asked if we could work together. 

And that’s how I got my first client.

However, there are plenty of places outside of social media where you can get your first clients.

Think: 

• Your network
• Podcasts
• Guest posts

…And so on. 

That said, focus on ONE marketing channel and then expand from there. 

Because in the beginning, it can be easy to obsess about getting a lot of clients. 

Instead, focus on getting one client at a time. That will be much more effective in the long run for your business.

You can get more tips here:

Next steps

There you have it. Now you know the pros of owning a business.

As you can see, being an entrepreneur can be a great way to do things like…

• Do more meaningful work
• Travel whenever you want
• Replace the income from your 9-5
• Have more freedom in your life

Need help getting there?

I’ve been there too… And believe me, there are a LOT of things I’d do differently if I had to start over.

Want to skip the trial-and-error?

I created a FREE pdf you can use to help you reach six-figures:

Want to Build a 6-Figure Coaching Business So You Can Achieve More Freedom?

Get Instant Access To My FREE Ultimate Guide Below!

GET INSTANT ACCESS

When you sign up, you’ll also receive regular updates on building a successful online business.

Read more:

How to Start a Profitable Service Business with No Experience

How to Start a Side Business from Home

Proven Steps to Finally Stop Trading Time for Money

The post Top 10 Benefits of Owning a Small Business (+Drawbacks) appeared first on Luisa Zhou.

If so, you’ve come to the right place.

Because I’m going to share the best scalable business ideas and show you how to start them.

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

What is a scalable business? 

Before we dive into scalable business ideas, let’s talk about what a scalable business actually is.

A scalable business increases its customer base, revenue, and output without increasing workload, cost, or resources.

There are scalable businesses in almost every industry, including e-commerce, social media, and entertainment.

And they all have a few things in common.

Their costs are low, the product or service is repeatable and systematized, and they have a strong brand or network.

Some of the most popular companies in the world are incredibly scalable businesses, including:

• McDonald’s: Has a very systemized and repeatable model
• Amazon AWS: Only has to increase server capacity rather than inventory
• Slack: Only needs to maintain the software 
• Shopify: Charges a monthly hosting fee but doesn’t sell products
• Netflix: Adds content without needing to increase physical inventory

That said, you don’t need to find a billion-dollar idea to build a scalable business…and you probably shouldn’t! 

Instead, there are plenty of business ideas that are relatively simple to start and don’t need millions in funding. And you can start those businesses on the side of your day job. 

That’s exactly what I did (which I’ll share more about below). 

Ready to explore scalable business ideas and find one that works for you?

Then read on!

The most scalable business ideas from home 

The most profitable businesses can be started from home – they’re the types of businesses you can start even if you don’t have any business background or a network full of venture capitalists. 

Here are some of the best scalable business ideas you can do from home.

1. Coaching 

Okay, one-on-one coaching isn’t scalable, per se.

After all, you only have a certain amount of time and can only work with so many clients. But once you have enough of them – let’s say 10 or so – you can scale your coaching business by changing what you offer.

Group coaching and online courses are both great places to start. You can also combine the best of both worlds and create a two-step offer.

For example, you could offer a base product, such as group coaching, that flows into a second offer, like an online course.

That’s how I got started.

I first offered coaching/consulting and built that to a six-figure business. Once I had quit my job, I scaled my business by adding on group programs and online courses. 

Within a year, I had built a seven-figure business. 

And today, my business is an eight-figure business that I keep scaling.

2. Consulting

Consultants work one-on-one with businesses and individuals to help them set and reach their goals.

This means that, like coaching, a consulting business might not seem like a scalable idea at first glance.

But again, it’s all about what you offer.

Once you’ve built a client base, you can scale by offering:

•  Group consulting
• Online courses
• And two-step offers

3. Online courses 

Online courses are a prime example of scalable business ideas.

Why?

Because once you’ve launched a course, you can continue to sell it with little to no effort.

But you’ll need to be strategic with marketing to scale your online course business.

I recommend sticking to email marketing, social media marketing, and partnerships if you’re just starting.Once you’ve successfully created an evergreen course, you can use more advanced techniques like tailored email sequences, PPC, and SEO.

4. Subscriptions

People love subscriptions.

At this point, there’s one for everything, including razors, coffee, books, and vitamins.

So, this is one of the best scalable business ideas to get involved in right now. You even have options for scaling.

For example, you can scale with new products or by adding new pricing tiers, features, and affiliates.

Speaking of…

5. Affiliate marketing 

Affiliate marketing is one of the most scalable business ideas out there.

Why?

Because the industry is growing by 10% each year, there’s a huge demand for affiliate marketers.

And there’s no ceiling.

You can promote as many items and use as many platforms as you want!

To make this business model work, you need an audience and the drive to make high-quality and engaging content.

6. Ecommerce shop  

Ecommerce shops sell physical goods online and have the potential to scale quickly.

You just need a:

• Strong marketing plan
• Way to automate your systems 
• Plan to optimize your fulfillment methods.

You might also think about tapping into a new market to fill the gaps left by competitors. But while ecommerce is a highly scalable business model, I don’t recommend this route if you’re just starting your journey as an entrepreneur.

After all, ecommerce shops have high startup costs, low profit margins, and high volume requirements.

7. Blogging

Listen, sharing your thoughts just because you enjoy it and want to help others is great.

But don’t forget that blogs are also scalable business ideas – some bloggers make as much as $10,000 per month.

Creating the right kind of high-quality content lets you scale with affiliate marketing, partnerships, and digital products.

And those aren’t the only options. You can find more ways to grow your blog in this guide.

8. Content creator    

You might immediately assume content creators are limited to platforms like TikTok or Instagram, but that’s not true. Everything from YouTube videos to podcasts is content.

And all are scalable business ideas.

It’s all about creating evergreen content and staying up-to-date with industry trends to expand your reach.

Once you’re established, you can start scaling by diversifying your content, investing in marketing, and finding opportunities for partnerships.

I show you how to create scalable content quickly and easily in this video:

9. Event planning  

Whether you’re planning children’s birthday parties, corporate gatherings, or weddings, events are a scalable business idea.

And event planners are always in demand.

This means you have the opportunity to grow a solid client base with repeat business and referrals.

From there, you can begin to offer new services and packages or even expand to new markets.

10. Software

If you’re a software developer, you have dozens of scalable business ideas at your fingertips.

Why?

Because, as you likely know, you only need to create or code the software once before selling it over and over again.

And you can make any fixes remotely.

But you don’t have to create the next Microsoft Windows or iOS to be successful. The most successful software solves problems or improves operations.

For example, Asana gives teams a way to work more efficiently, and scaled to billions.

11. Agency

All types of agencies – including creative, marketing, and social media agencies – are scalable business ideas.

For an agency, scaling means things like:

• Introducing new services or packages
• Breaking into new markets
• And signing more clients

No easy feat.

But it is possible with scalable marketing strategies, more efficient workflows, and a clearly defined niche.

12. Apps

Apps can be incredibly scalable business models, depending on the type of app and its purpose.

Like software, there’s no physical production involved, and you only need to build them once

You can also scale apps even further with things like subscriptions, in-app purchases, and even freemium models.

Here are some examples of the most scalable types of apps:

• Freemium mobile games like Candy Crush 
• On-demand service apps
• Subscription-based productivity apps
• Educational apps
• Fitness apps

13. Online influencer

Online influencing is easily one of the most scalable business ideas out there.

At the end of the day, there’s no limit to how much content you can create and share.

And being successful in your niche allows you to scale by exploring sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and even merchandise.

Many influencers diversify their revenue streams even further by exploring other types of content as well.

For example, influencers who start podcasts scale even further with additional partnerships and merchandise.

14. Website designer  

Are you tech-savvy and creative?

Then, website design is a great scalable business idea for you.

Create a few websites, build your portfolio, and you’re ready to start scaling.

To do this, find your niche, automate your day-to-day tasks, and make your processes more efficient with templates and tools.

And to bring in more revenue, you can create packages, offers, and even online courses.

15. YouTube creator

What makes YouTube creation among the most scalable business ideas?

First and foremost, the platform’s reach – people can view your videos from anywhere in the world on many different devices.

But your videos are scalable, too. 

YouTube creators scale through things like: 

• Business sponsorships
• Partnering with other creators
• And creating premium content for paying subscribers

You can also repurpose your videos for other platforms to get more exposure without putting more work in.

Even though it’s one of the best scalable business ideas, it won’t happen overnight.

It takes time and effort to build a following. So, patience and perseverance are key.

16. Marketplace

No, I’m not talking about a marketplace in the traditional sense. I’m talking about a business platform connecting buyers and sellers.

Companies like Airbnb, Lyft, and Uber are all marketplaces, and they’ve all grown to be worth billions of dollars.

It takes years to scale to that level, though.

For now, focus on offering scalable models such as membership or subscription plans that offer perks like discounts.

17. Selling digital products 

Digital products like eBooks, templates, and printables are no-brainers when it comes to scalable business ideas. 

Why?

Because you only need to create them once, and they lead to repeat sales with no extra work on your end.

They’re as close to passive income as you can get.

You just need to know where and how to sell them.

I’ll tell you everything you need to know about promoting digital products in this guide.

18. Podcasting

If you’ve got a microphone and some headphones, you can start a podcast.

As your podcast gains traction, you might scale through sponsorships and affiliate marketing.

But you can also scale things like premium content and merchandise.

Plus, podcast episodes are a lot like digital products – you only have to record and publish them once, allowing for repeated downloads and passive income for years.

19. Real estate investing

For the right person, investing in real estate is a highly lucrative business.

And there’s potential for high profit margins – on average, investors see a 10% ROI. (On average, residential properties generate 10.6% every year. That same figure is 9.5% for commercial properties and 11.8% for REITs.) Best of all, there’s no limit to how many properties you can invest in.

For example, my student Ryan built a real estate portfolio that earns him multiple six figures in passive income each year!

Now that we’ve covered the most scalable business ideas, you might be wondering what actually makes a business scalable.

Let’s talk about it.

What makes a business model scalable?

Scalable business ideas all have a few things in common – starting with the business model.

Type of business

Business models like online courses, software, and digital products are inherently more scalable than others.

That’s because you only need to create or build them once to sell them repeatedly.

But service-based businesses, like coaching, can become scalable if you productize your offers.

Market demand 

To come up with good scalable business ideas, you need a firm grasp of the market.

Why?

Because if you launch a business that’s not in demand, you won’t have any need to scale. 

But if you know which scalable business ideas are in high demand, you can choose one that generates more sales, customers, and revenue.

Automation

A key element of scalable business ideas is using your resources efficiently.

That’s where automation tools and software come in.

Automation handles repetitive and mundane tasks for you so you can focus on more important things.

And you can automate almost every part of your business, including:

• Onboarding
• Data entry
• Appointment scheduling
• Project management
• Payroll

Technology

Scalable business ideas need technology.

Nothing else helps your business operate more quickly, efficiently, or consistently.

For example, social media helps your business connect with a global audience.

Website builders like WordPress make it possible for anyone to launch an online business.

And AI can help you come up with marketing materials, analyze data, and more.

Funding

Scaling a business isn’t cheap.

You’ll have to invest in new technology, marketing strategies, and offers. You’ll also need to hire additional staff (which we’ll talk about in a second).

But with proper funding, you can overcome those financial hurdles to scale quickly.

Team

You can only scale your business by stepping away from the day-to-day operations.

I know this seems counterintuitive. After all, it’s YOUR business.

But having a team that can run things for you will let you focus on more important things, like growth.

So, how do you bring scalable business ideas to life?

Keep reading to find out!

How can you start a highly scalable business? 

Scaling your business quickly requires a few simple steps.

It starts with choosing your most scalable business ideas.

1. Choose a scalable business idea and model

You don’t have to come up with a brand new idea to get started. You just have to identify the skills you already have and productize that knowledge.

Productized services solve a specific problem and are sold as a packaged product.

They’re the key to scaling your business because you can sell them repeatedly.

But I always recommend mastering and scaling one of your offers rather than all of them. That way, you have a foundation you can build on rather than having to start from scratch each time.

2. Build one sales system   

There are two common ways to build the kind of sales system that will help scale your business.

The first is to set up sales calls at the tail end of an introductory offer. They’re a great way to help people decide whether or not your service or product is right for them.

The other is to launch your product periodically to raise awareness and drive revenue. This is one of my favorite ways because it really works.

It’s also the system that helped me scale my business to seven figures. 

3. Grow your online traffic 

You can only scale your business if you drive traffic to your sales system.

There are plenty of strategies, including: 

• Paid traffic 
• Affiliates
• Social media 
• Search engine optimization 

I recommend focusing on one of these methods instead of trying to learn all three. Also, some of them are better for beginners (social media and affiliate marketing), while SEO and paid advertising work better once you have an existing business. 

I talk more about all of these things in this video:

Next steps

So, now you have a complete list of scalable business ideas.

Of course, there’s more to launching and scaling a business than just coming up with an idea.

Do you want to know how I scaled my business to 7-figures in just a year?

If so, I’ve got just the thing for you! 

I’ll tell you everything you need to know about building a highly profitable and scalable business, down to the exact steps I took, in my FREE PDF:

Want to Build a 6-Figure Coaching Business So You Can Achieve More Freedom?

Get Instant Access To My FREE Ultimate Guide Below!

GET INSTANT ACCESS

When you sign up, you’ll also receive regular updates on building a successful online business.

Read more:

How to Scale a Service Business

The Most Profitable Service Business Ideas

The Most Effective Strategies to Increase Revenue

The post 19 Most Scalable (& Profitable) Business Ideas to Start in 2024 appeared first on Luisa Zhou.

Then you’re in the right place.

In this guide, I’m going to share a list of low-cost business ideas that are lucrative enough to replace your salary altogether.

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Top low-cost business ideas with high profit 

The top low-cost businesses that you can start with $1,000 or less are: 

1. Coaching 

2. Consulting

3. Freelancing

How do I know? 

I built my own low-cost business while I was still in a day job. 

I started with the skills I had…And within four months, I had made six figures. 

That’s not to say it was easy – I spent the previous years figuring out how to start a business and what idea to go for.

The best thing is that these low-cost business ideas are not only cheap to start…they’re profitable, too.

For a full list of businesses that are the least expensive to start: 

1. Coaching

When it comes to highly profitable, low-cost business ideas, coaching is one of the best.

Why?

Because all you need to get started is experience, passion, and the skill to help others transform their lives.

There’s a coach for everything, including career, finance, health, and relationships.

For example: 

My student Ruby turned her matchmaking experience at companies like eHarmony into a relationship coaching business.

Need help? I show you exactly how to launch your coaching business in this full guide.

2. Consulting

Consulting is a great option if you want to help other entrepreneurs transform their businesses.

Like coaching, what you need to become a consultant is expertise in the field you’re consulting on, making it another one of the best low-cost business ideas.

My first online business was a digital advertising consulting business. 

At the time, I was in a 9-5 where I had acquired digital advertising skills. 

So I packaged those and sold them to small business owners. 

There are other types of businesses, too.

For example, my student Mara runs her own law school admission consulting business.

To learn more, check out this guide about starting a consulting business.

3. Selling online courses

If you have something to teach people, you have material for an online course!

Seriously.

I’ve seen online courses on everything from business to Star Trek.

So, why do they belong on this list of highly profitable, low-cost business ideas?

Because they establish you as an expert, are highly scalable, and allow you to make money even when you’re not working on them.

All you need to start is the right idea.

And I’ll show you how to find one in this guide.

4. Personal assistant 

In short, a personal assistant (PA) helps busy professionals stay organized.

They’re often responsible for handling the administrative side of things, including tasks like scheduling, errands, and calls. 

You most likely have everything you need to be a PA – a computer, phone, and Wi-Fi. 

That’s the true definition of a low-cost business idea.

But like most business ideas, specializing is key. 

And you don’t always have to work with businesspeople. Niches like household management for overwhelmed parents are always in demand!

5. Affiliate marketing 

As an affiliate marketer, you’ll earn commission by driving sales, referrals, and traffic for online retailers.

And with 80% of brands using affiliate marketers, there’s a huge demand for it.

As long as you have an online audience, affiliate marketing is one of the most profitable, low-cost business ideas out there.

The best part?

There’s no limit to how many items you can promote.

But remember, it’s more than just listing products.

You’ll need to dedicate yourself to creating high-quality, engaging content showcasing each product’s value.

6. Selling digital products 

Today’s creator economy is filled with digital products.

No, really – online courses, digital art, eBooks, printables, and even patterns are all profitable digital products!

Why are they so popular?

Because they’re highly profitable, low-cost business ideas anyone can sell.

Think of it like this:

All it costs to make a digital product is your time. 

Let’s say you charge $100 for it.

If ten people buy it, you’ve made $1,000 in profit for something that costs nothing to make!

And because you can keep selling and promoting it for years to come, it’s as close to passive income as you can get.

7. Tutor 

Like coaching, tutoring only requires your expertise in a specific subject area.

Tutoring can also be incredibly lucrative.

Most tutors charge anywhere from $25 to $80 an hour.

But the more specific your niche, the more you’re able to charge.

For example, LSAT and SAT prep tutors can charge as much as $100 an hour.

Tutoring is also as scalable as you’d like it to be.

After all, you choose how many hours you work and the number of students you take on.

8. Translation service 

Translators are necessary for things like marketing content, legal documents, technical language, books, and more.

You just need to be a fluent speaker of the language you’re translating.

The best part?

You can streamline or even automate most translation tasks, maximizing your hourly profit.

9. Personal training

As a personal trainer, you’ll help clients learn proper exercise techniques and create exercise plans to help them reach their goals.

And because it requires minimal equipment to get started (especially if you work online), it’s one of the best low-cost business ideas for fitness lovers.

Typically, you don’t even need a certification (although it’s much, much better if you do)! 

You just need to be able to help people get the results they want.

10. Social media management 

Small businesses rely on social media to expand their reach and drive profits.

But there’s a lot involved, and most business owners need help managing it.

That’s where you come in.

You do have to be familiar with the ways of social media, so there is a bit of a learning curve. But don’t panic!

I’ve put together a list of the best social media platforms for businesses to help you get started.

11. Software training 

Software trainers teach others to use specific types of software more effectively.

That includes everything from essential functions to more advanced techniques for software like Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and Zoom.

You could even specialize in task-specific software like QuickBooks, WordPress, and HubSpot.

All you need is a computer, teaching skills, and practical experience.

12. Podcasting

Podcasts are relatively low-cost business ideas for a couple of reasons.

First, you just need a microphone, headphones, and something to say.

Second, you can do everything yourself, including distribution, marketing, and editing.

And thanks to things like premium content, sponsorships, advertising, and merchandise, they have the potential for a high profit margin.

13. AI training

AI training is among the newest low-cost business ideas.

It’s the process of feeding data to an AI model to help it learn and perform a particular task more effectively.

You can train AI on things like image recognition, spam filtering, voice assistants, and “recommended for you” systems.

You just need a computer to get started, so startup costs are low.

With that, you can make anywhere from $20 to $40 per hour as a freelance AI trainer. 

14. Virtual assistant 

This is one low-cost business idea you can start right now.

Virtual assistants essentially act as a go-to for small online businesses.

They help with things like customer service, tech support, website updates, and email marketing.

The best part? 

There are over 33 million small businesses in the US alone, which means there’s a ton of demand.

15. Content creation 

Businesses need content to succeed.

After all, companies with blogs see 55% more visitors and 67% more leads.

Of course, it’s more than just blog posts.

Content also includes social media posts, videos, podcasts, and more.

And a lot of business owners find that managing it on their own gets overwhelming.

That’s where you can help!

And because you only need a computer, you can do it with little to no upfront cost.

That’s what makes it one of my favorite low-cost business ideas.

I teach you to make content quickly and easily in this video:

16. Career coaching

As a career coach, you’ll help clients reach their goals.

And because clients can be in any stage of their career, those goals could be anything.

That includes finding a job, getting a promotion, or just finding ways to improve their performance.

Career coaching is one of the best low-cost business ideas because you only need experience and a proven method.

I’ll show you how to become a successful career coach in this guide.

17. Writing a book 

You might think writing a book is one of the most intimidating low-cost business ideas, but hear me out.

All you need is a good idea and the discipline to write every single day. 

Other than your time and brainpower, writing costs very little!

And once you’re ready to publish, you can continue to keep costs down. Instead of working with a publishing house, consider self-publishing, publishing digitally, and using social media for marketing.

18. Event planning 

There’s an event planner for everything.

Some of the most common events planners work on include private events, corporate events, children’s birthday parties, and weddings.

Don’t forget that events tend to be expensive – which means that this is a low-cost business idea with an impressive profit margin.

19. Freelance writing 

This is another business that you can start immediately.

The startup costs and entry barriers are nearly non-existent.

All you need is a computer, an internet connection, and writing experience.

I recommend heading to Upwork to find clients – there are over 145,000 employers on the platform.

20. Stylist

Styling is one of the best low-cost business ideas if you’re passionate about beauty or fashion.

You’ve got several options, too, including:

• Bridal styling
• Personal styling
• Wardrobe consulting
• Celebrity styling

Some stylists will need to purchase equipment (such as hair or makeup tools), but the initial investment is generally low.

Like many stylists, you could even save on costs by running your business out of your home or offering virtual services.

21. Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping is one of the best low-cost business ideas for anyone with a background in finance.

As a bookkeeper, you’ll act as a financial organizer.

You’re the one who will keep track of a company’s income, expenses, transactions, and reports.

There are minimal costs to get started as a bookkeeper.

Really, all you’ll need is a computer and accounting software.

The best part? You can scale without having to invest in more resources.

22. Blogging/Vlogging

To start blogging, vlogging, or both, you just need a USP (unique selling point) – something that makes you stick out in your niche.

Right now, that’s crucial because there are 32 million bloggers in America.

Of course, you’ll also need a domain name and web hosting service.

But both of those things are often very inexpensive.

And, like podcasting, blogs and vlogs become profitable through sponsorships, advertising, and merchandise. 

I’ve rounded up 70 blog ideas to attract readers to get you started.

23. Personal chef

Compared to other food businesses, becoming a personal chef is one of the most low-cost business ideas.

After all, you don’t need much – just basic kitchen tools, incredible recipes, and proven cooking experience.

On average, private chefs make $90,386 per year.

24. Data analyst

Data analysts study and present data to help companies make better decisions.

Every industry relies on data analysts, including retail, marketing, and healthcare.

Because of that, data analysts are in high demand – and now is a great time to get involved.

While you do need a few essential skills, you don’t always need a bachelor’s degree.

Instead, consider online courses and certifications.

25. Renting out properties

At first glance, you might think, “Luisa, rental properties are not low-cost business ideas!”

But truthfully, properties have fewer upfront costs than businesses that need a storefront, inventory, and equipment.

You just need to think carefully about the property type, location, down payment, and potential expenses. 

Thoroughly research, and you’ll likely only need to make a few minor repairs.

Overall, property rental is a great way to generate income if you follow these steps.

26. Copywriting 

Copywriting is essentially writing anything for a business.

So, if you’re good with words, copywriting is one of the best low-cost business ideas for you.

Having a specialty or a niche will set you up for success. 

For example, some copywriters write about tech or business. Others write web pages or do email copywriting.

But before committing, I suggest reading Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins.

It’s the go-to for copywriters – and you can get a FREE PDF version here.

27. Digital marketing services 

Digital marketing is a catch-all term for services like content marketing, SEO, PPC, and email marketing.

Companies use them to attract new customers, drive traffic, and increase sales.

So, unsurprisingly, digital marketing services are in high demand.

In fact, the industry is estimated to be worth $807 billion by 2026.

The best part? 

There’s no formal education necessary. You can learn everything you need to know from online courses.

28. Graphic designer 

Graphic designers create digital images and other concepts for clients to use on their websites or in marketing materials.

And you don’t need much to get started beyond a computer and industry-standard software like Photoshop and InDesign.

That makes graphic design one of the best low-barrier, low-cost business ideas for tech-savvy creatives.

So, we’ve covered some of the most profitable low-cost business ideas.

But how do you start your own?

I’ll tell you in the next section, so keep reading!

How can you start a low-cost business from zero?

Building a successful, six-figure business is within your reach – even without business experience.

It all starts with narrowing down your list of low-cost business ideas and choosing the best one for you.

Find a low-cost business idea 

Here’s the thing about finding low-cost business ideas.

They don’t have to be complicated or even revolutionary.

At the end of the day, it’s all about productizing your knowledge.

In other words, find a way to package and sell the skills and tools you already have. Just like I did with digital advertising consulting.

And before starting that business, I tried a few other ideas based on my skills, including career coaching and Excel coaching. 

One of the best ways to find a great business idea is to ask yourself a few simple questions:

• Who are you? 
• What do you like?
• What means the most to you?
• What problems can you solve? 
• What would people pay for?

I’ll tell you more about coming up with a foolproof business idea in this guide.

Set up your business 

Once you’ve landed on your idea, it’s time to set up your business! 

Here are a couple of the most important items to check off your list:

• Registering your business: If you’re running your business under your name, you probably don’t need to register with the local or state government. Registering does give you tax, legal, and personal liability protection benefits, but you can also keep it simple and register it after you have your first clients. 
• Getting your license or certification: The good news is that unless you’re in a field like law, medicine, or finance, most of the low-cost business ideas on this list won’t require these. But just to play it safe, make sure you fulfill local requirements for things like a DBA or home business license.
• Organize finances: This includes opening a business bank account and, if you need it, taking out an insurance policy.

I know it seems overwhelming, but you can find it all in this checklist.

Get your first paying customers  

There are plenty of clients out there…if you know where to look. 

So, start spending time in the same places your ideal customers are.

Join online forums like Reddit or Instagram and start by offering valuable advice and real solutions to their problems.

Once you’ve built that trust, then you can advertise your services.

I started my digital advertising business by connecting with people on Facebook. I didn’t plan to sell – but one woman I was helping for free signed up after I gave her a ton of value. 

That’s really the key for finding clients – build relationships first. 

And don’t forget your network.

So, your coworkers, friends, and family. 

Chances are, someone could use your services – and if they can’t, they probably know someone who does.

I found my first career coaching clients that way. A few of my coworkers had asked me for career-related advice, so I reached out to them and let them know I would be offering career coaching.  

I talk more about finding clients in this video:

Whatever you do, don’t stress out about the clients you don’t have. 

You’ll just get into your head and sabotage yourself.

Instead, focus solely on getting your next one.

Next steps 

Now, you have a complete list of low-cost business ideas you can start working on right now.

I promise you can turn any of these low-cost business ideas into a successful six-figure business that offers you freedom and fulfillment.

I’ve done it, and so have my students.

And I’ll show you exactly how to do it in my FREE blueprint. Get it here:

Want to Build a 6-Figure Coaching Business So You Can Achieve More Freedom?

Get Instant Access To My FREE Ultimate Guide Below!

GET INSTANT ACCESS

When you sign up, you’ll also receive regular updates on building a successful online business.

Read more:

How to Succeed in Business

How to Build a Six-Figure Business in Months

How to Finally Quit Your Corporate Job

The post 28 Low-Cost Business Ideas That Are Highly Profitable in 2024 appeared first on Luisa Zhou.

Awesome!

But before you take the leap, check out this guide.

We’ll cover the TOP business ideas for introverts.

Plus, you’ll learn how to turn your introverted traits into a powerful asset for your business.

Ready to get started?

Let’s dive in.

Top 10 business ideas for introverts

What are the best businesses for introverts? Here they are: 

Online course creator

Coach 

Consultant

Content creator

Content writer 

Graphic designer

Developer  

Affiliate marketer 

Ecommerce business owner

Are you an introvert?

Do you:

• Feel better after spending time alone?
• Get tired from social gatherings?
• Like to get lost in your own thoughts and ideas?
• Enjoy calm, quiet spaces?

Then you might be an introvert.

Some believe introverted traits don’t match the busy world of running a business.

But here’s a secret:

As an introvert, your natural skill for deep thinking can be a BIG advantage. 

How do I know?

Well, I’m an introvert myself with an eight-figure online business.

Becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t something I dreamed of growing up. In fact, I didn’t believe someone like me, an introvert, could start my own business.

But after 10+ years in business, I know that isn’t true.

There are plenty of introverted entrepreneurs – Bill Gates and Elon Musk to name a few. 

And in a bit, I’ll dive deeper into why running a thriving business as an introvert is completely doable.

But first, let’s look at the best business ideas for introverts like you.

The best business ideas for introverts

Introverts can be GREAT business owners.

But a lot of your success depends on choosing a business model that complements your strengths.

To help you find the right one, I’ve put together a list of the best business ideas for introverts. I’ll also share the ones I used to start my business. 

Let’s dive into the options. 

1. Online courses 

Do you have knowledge to share but dread standing in front of a big crowd?

Then why not create an online course?

This business model lets you delve deep into subjects you’re passionate about and package that expertise into a course.

You do the heavy lifting once — creating the course — and then reap the rewards repeatedly.

To figure out what your course should be about, look at your existing skills.

For example, my student Emily was a Fortune 500 recruiter. Today, she sells courses for people who want to find their dream job.

I myself used online courses to scale my business. 

One of the biggest pain points I had when I started out was that I couldn’t find any information for people who are in 9-5s, but want to start a business.

All the advice out there was by business owners who either started their businesses years earlier or who had risked it all to start a business.

That was NOT a strategy I was willing to try. So, after building my own business, I built my course, Employee to Entrepreneur. 

The best thing about online courses is that they’re so scalable and don’t require any draining calls. Plus, they can be highly profitable, too.  

You can sell your courses on your own website or on a course platform like Teachable. 

For a detailed guide on how to put together a six-figure online course, take a look at this article.

2. Coach

Coaching as an introvert?

Absolutely, YES.

Hear me out.

As an introvert, you likely thrive in environments where you can form meaningful connections.

And great coaching lets you do that with your clients.

You have the freedom to choose the format that fits you best:

• One-on-one coaching
• Group coaching

With coaching, you help others improve in areas you’re already good at.

And to set up your business you need nothing more than your laptop.

This means you can begin right away with very low start-up costs.

The best part, though?

Since coaching is a high-value service, you don’t need many clients to earn well. (Around 10 tends to be the number people can manage every month.)

That’s because the more value you offer, the more you can charge.

So, just a few dedicated clients who appreciate your transformative services can be enough.

In fact, many of my students make six figures or more with their coaching businesses.

And, you can create a schedule that works for you.

For example, I prefer to schedule all my calls on the same days every week. What’s more, I actively avoid having calls with my team members because I know how draining they can be. 

So you can create a business that works for you. 

Want to get started?

Take a look at my guide on how to build a highly successful coaching business.

3. Consultant

Consulting is another great business model that lets you make money with your current skills.

The consulting process involves three main steps:

1. Identifying the problems your client faces. This involves analytical thinking and strategic planning — areas where introverts often excel.
2. Developing strategies and actionable plans. You generally work on these solutions on your own. This lets you dive deep into your work without constant social interaction.
3. Analyzing and reporting the outcomes.

What makes consulting so lucrative is the specialized expertise and high-value solutions you offer.

Take my own experience as an example: 

My very first entrepreneurial venture was a digital advertising consulting business. Within just four months, I doubled my income and quit my day job.

A key to success?

Choosing the right clients — ones with whom you can establish clear boundaries and healthy relationships. (But more on that later in this post…)

Thinking consulting might be the right move for you? Then check out this article that outlines how to become a successful consultant.

4. Blogger

Do you love to write and value your quiet time?

Then blogging might be a great fit for you.

You can earn money by writing about topics you’re passionate about — without having to stand in front of a camera or talk to people.

There are two main ways to approach this:

• Start your own blog
• Guest blog for others

With blogging, you have the independence to work how and when you prefer. This is perfect if social interactions drain your energy.

You get to create a space where your voice is heard, without having to shout from the rooftops.

Blogging not only drives organic traffic through search engine optimization (SEO) but also:

• Positions your brand as an authority
• Engages your audience
• Increases your visibility

My own blog (the one you’re reading) is a big revenue source for my business. 

Curious about how to turn your writing into a steady income?

I’ve put together some straightforward tips on how to monetize your blog. Check it out to see how you can make blogging work for you.

5. Digital products

This business model requires some upfront work to create products, but once it’s set up, you can sell them without having to source new products. 

Here’s why selling digital products works well for introverts:

• No face-to-face interactions: You can manage your business without the stress of in-person sales.
• Minimal daily demands: Once your digital products are created, they don’t need much more effort.
• No physical hassles: You don’t have to deal with physical stock or shipping issues. This cuts down on the stress and complexity of managing a business.
• Solve specific problems: The best digital products make life easier for others. Use your analytical skills to figure out the challenges your potential customers face and how you can help solve them.

That said, to reach an audience, you do need to market your products.

Are you already offering coaching or consulting? Perfect.

You’ve got a head start with a crowd that trusts you.

And you understand what issues your target audience deals with and how your products can fix them.

In this post, I share the best digital products to sell. 

6. Online content creation

Online content creation means producing material that people engage with on the internet.

Here are some different types of online content you could make:

• Social media posts: Create engaging posts that grow your presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
• Videos: Record video content for YouTube or TikTok.
• Blogs: Share your insights through longer-form articles.

Creating online content can be a fulfilling way to connect with others without the need for face-to-face interactions.

Typical ways to earn money are:

• Advertising
• Sponsorships
• Selling your own products
• Affiliate marketing

But why limit yourself?

By diversifying your revenue streams, you future-proof your income.

Think of things like digital products and online courses.

The challenges?

Building your brand and growing your audience takes a lot of time and consistent effort.

Plus, you always have to stay relevant.

This can get exhausting if you don’t set up the right systems and healthy boundaries.

6. Web developer

A web developer builds and maintains websites.

Your main job is to handle the coding that keeps everything running smoothly. 

Why is web development perfect for introverts?

As a web developer, you mostly work solo.

You’ll spend most of your time focused on tasks that need a lot of attention to detail. And there’s not much need for face-to-face interactions.

Of course, you need to figure out what your client wants, but you can handle most communications through emails or online chats. 

This setup is perfect if you prefer to take your time to think over your responses before getting back to people.

Here’s how to get started:

• Start on freelance platforms like Upwork
• Build your credibility and expertise
• Move toward working independently

As your portfolio grows and you collect more good reviews, it gets easier to find clients on your own.

7. Digital marketing consultant 

Digital marketing consulting is a consulting niche.

As a digital marketing consultant, you analyze a company’s online strategies. You suggest better ways to grab attention through strategies like: 

• SEO
• Social media
• Emails
• Influencer partnerships

This job lets you dive deep into data and strategy planning mostly on your own.

However, sometimes you might need to step out of your comfort zone for client meetings and presentations.

The digital marketing industry is worth hundreds of billions of dollars and keeps growing fast.

Want to boost your income? Niche down further and focus on booming areas like:

• Real estate
• Technology
• Finance
• E-commerce

8. Translator 

Ever thought about turning your language skills into a business?

As a translator, you convert written content from one language to another.

You make sure the original meaning and style are kept intact. For this, you need to have a good feel for cultural nuances.

Like writing, translating is mostly solo work.

To earn more, you can focus on areas that require specialized knowledge, like:

• Medical translation
• Legal translation
• Technical translation

However, unless you expand into an agency and delegate tasks, your income is limited to the number of jobs you can take on.

9. Copywriter

Copywriting plays a key role in marketing and advertising.

It’s a specialized form of freelance writing.

Your job?

Creating persuasive content to prompt an action, such as:

• Buying something
• Signing up for a newsletter
• Downloading a guide or app

To make this happen, copywriters need a combination of many different skills:

• Strong writing skills
• Creativity
• Marketing expertise
• Understanding of target audiences

Much of the work is done solo, but you often need to meet with clients to discuss projects and revisions. This could be a little draining.

To boost your earnings:

• Focus on high-paying industries like technology, finance, or healthcare
• Specialize in reaching specific target groups
• Improve your portfolio

In your portfolio, the most important thing is showing how your writing has boosted your clients’ businesses.

So, include clear results and data when you can. This proof makes your work more attractive to potential clients.

10. Photographer

Why is a photography business great for introverts?

Depending on what you’re shooting, you can really get lost in your own inner world.

If you do portraits, you do need to engage with your clients and make them feel at ease. But being behind the lens offers a natural barrier between you and the crowd.

Because much of your editing work is done solo, you also have plenty of quiet time.

To make more money, focus on high-paying areas like:

• Wedding photography
• Corporate events
• Real estate photography

In this competitive field, excelling in a specific niche helps you stand out.

Another challenge?

You’ll need the right equipment, which can be expensive and adds financial risk.

11. Affiliate marketer

Affiliate marketing is when you recommend products or services and earn a commission if someone buys them through your link.

The beauty here is that you can do this from the comfort of your home.

Now, here’s a little business secret…

Affiliate marketing works best as a side hustle combined with another business.

So, start by growing your audience in ways that align with your interests. This could be a:

• Blog
• YouTube channel
• Podcast

Once you have a solid base of followers, add in affiliate marketing to create a source of passive income.

12. Social media manager  

The social media industry is worth hundreds of billions.

By becoming a social media manager, you get to take a piece of that pie.

Managing social media involves running accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

You:

• Do market research
• Monitor trends
• Plan content calendar
• Create posts
• Analyze performance metrics
• Run ads
• Collaborate with influencers

You mostly work behind the scenes. This lets you engage from a distance and focus on creative content development.

On the other hand, the pressure to stay up-to-date with all the latest trends and platform updates can be overwhelming.

13. Video or photo editor

Video and photo editing means taking raw footage or photos and polishing them up.

For video editing, you’ll:

• Cut video clips
• Adjust colors
• Add transitions and effects
• Sync audio

Whereas for photos, it’s about making them pop with the right:

• Cropping
• Lighting adjustments
• Color correction
• Retouching

Want to boost your income?

Specialize in areas where high-quality editing is well-compensated, such as:

• Advertising campaigns
• High-end event photography
• Cinematic film production

The main challenge?

Marketing your skills and staying connected with potential clients and collaborators.

14. Career coach

Career coaching is a specialized form of coaching.

You help clients:

• Plan their careers
• Make strategic professional decisions
• Overcome obstacles in their work life

Typical tasks include:

• Assessing career paths
• Guiding clients through job changes
• Reviewing resumes
• Preparing for job interviews
• Setting professional goals

Career coaching is already a niche, but I recommend you specialize even further.

This lets you give super targeted advice. And it can make you a sought-after expert.

That means you can charge more too.

For example, my student Anna helps ambitious women advance in their careers.

15. Data analyst  

Data analysts help businesses make sense of their data.

You’ll be digging into raw numbers to find trends and make recommendations.

Here’s what your day might look like:

• Gathering data
• Crunching numbers with statistical tools
• Creating charts and graphs to visualize findings
• Reporting these insights to your clients

Most of the work is done independently.

But you’ll also need to communicate your findings to people who might not be as data-savvy. This requires strong communication skills.

Don’t want to trade hours for dollars?

Consider scaling your business or automating parts of your workflow.

16. Transcriber

Transcribing means converting audio recordings into written text.

This usually involves listening to recordings and typing out the content.

Potential jobs you could take on are:

• Syncing captions for videos
• Documenting meetings
• Transcribing interviews
• Producing written records for webinars

If you’re quick with a keyboard, transcribing is a straightforward way to make money.

But keep in mind that starting pay can be modest. Building up your speed (and earning potential) also takes some time.

Looking for places to start?

Try platforms like:

• Rev
• TranscribeMe

17. Carpentry or woodwork business   

Starting a carpentry or woodwork business involves making and fixing things out of wood. 

You measure, cut, and put together wood, to create beautiful and useful items.

If you thrive on deep concentration and minimal social interaction, this business model can be a good idea.

It’s a practical job where you can show off your skills quietly.

That said, it’s also very physically demanding…

Want to make more money?

Focus on custom projects like handmade furniture or luxury woodwork.

These areas often draw customers who don’t mind paying more for special, high-quality work.

18. Ghostwriter 

Ghostwriting is a type of freelance writing.

What makes it stand out is that what you write is published under your client’s name.

While this may sound a bit odd at first, ghostwriting can be very appealing.

For starters, you can write anonymously. This means you can focus on your craft without the spotlight.

Plus, because you’re providing a discreet service, you’re often able to charge premium rates.

What’s the downside?

Since your work isn’t credited to you, building a public portfolio is challenging.

This makes it harder to showcase your experience and attract new clients.

This is where word-of-mouth marketing becomes super important.

So, make sure to ask happy clients to refer you to others.

19. App developer

Do you like focusing on detailed programming tasks and solving complex problems?

Then this business idea might be for you.

App development involves designing, coding, and maintaining mobile and desktop applications.

Here are some ways you could earn money:

• Coding apps for clients
• Creating and selling apps
• Freelancing for tech companies
• Offering maintenance and updates for existing apps

For your business to thrive, you need the right technical skills and a commitment to keep up with changing technologies.

And while creating your own app can offer passive income, you’ll need to regularly update it for it to remain successful.

20. Virtual assistant  

A virtual assistant (VA) offers administrative support from a distance.

Typical tasks include:

• Managing emails and scheduling
• Handling customer inquiries
• Bookkeeping and data entry
• Organizing documents
• Social media management

You’re the backbone of someone’s business without stepping into the spotlight. This is great if you thrive behind the scenes.

While you can get started without any specific skills, specializing helps you earn A LOT more.

By becoming an expert, you can attract clients who will pay premium rates for your specialized knowledge and skills.

This is especially true if you pick the right niche.

Ideally, you want a niche that’s in high demand and where there’s less competition, like:

• Healthcare administration
• Online coaching support
• Tech startup assistance

21. Ebooks 

With self-publishing, you can skip the wait for a publisher’s approval and jump straight into action.

However, that also means you have to handle everything  — from marketing to designing the cover.

Some other downsides?

• The challenge of promoting your book and engaging with readers can be overwhelming
• The eBook market is crowded
• Platforms like Amazon Kindle take a cut of your sales
• To make good money, you might need to publish multiple books

Want a bigger payoff?

Then use your eBook to lead readers to other services you offer, like coaching or courses.

22.  Online baker

Thinking about baking from home?

Besides selling your baked goods to customers and businesses, you can:

• Take custom orders for events
• Offer subscription boxes
• Host baking classes or workshops
• Create an online baking course

Being an online baker means you’re able to focus on your craft with minimal direct customer contact.

Though it also comes with some typical challenges, like:

• Food safety regulations
• Competitive market
• High setup costs

Finally, keeping up with order volumes and supply management is often challenging for new entrepreneurs.

23. Graphic designer

As a graphic designer, you can earn money by:

• Taking on client projects
• Selling your designs online
• Teaching design courses
• Offering personalized design consulting

Looking to boost your income?

Then pick a profitable niche like:

• Digital marketing graphics
• UI/UX design for apps
• Branding for businesses

Here’s something to keep in mind, though:

Graphic design is competitive.

Standing out requires not just skills and experience, but also marketing savvy and the right tools.

This also means higher startup costs for you.

24. Programmer 

Coding or programming involves writing, testing, and maintaining software or websites.

Curious about the types of projects you could tackle?

You might:

• Develop mobile apps
• Create websites
• Automate systems
• Design game software
• Build data analysis tools

This business model is perfect if you like to work independently because most of your time will be spent diving deep into code.

Profitable niches you can specialize in are:

• Cybersecurity
• Artificial intelligence
• Financial technology

However, unless you scale your business, your income potential is limited by the number of tasks you can take on.

25. User tester

If you enjoy giving feedback, becoming a user tester might be a great way to earn money.

You’re paid to explore new products like websites, apps, and games.

You:

1. Use them as a typical user would
2. Complete specific tasks
3. Offer feedback to your clients

The catch?

Your earnings are tied to how many tests you can handle…

Here’s a pro tip to make this business profitable:

Carve out a niche.

Whether it’s healthcare, finance, or tech, having expert knowledge makes your feedback more valuable.

This lets you charge more.

Want to take it a step further?

Consider combining user testing with consulting or coaching.

That way, you’re not just identifying issues but also offering solutions. This increases your value (and therefore also your income potential).

26. Ecommerce business 

Running an ecommerce business means selling physical products online.

You:

• Source or create products
• Manufacture them
• Sell them on platforms like Shopify or Amazon FBA

Sounds straightforward, right?

Still, it’s not the easiest path for beginners…

You’ll deal with inventory and shipping, which means higher upfront costs and more risk. 

To turn a profit, you need to ramp up sales and invest heavily in marketing from the start.

And managing customer service and returns can get tricky.

For introverts, this business model allows you to work from behind the scenes. This minimizes your direct customer interactions.

But the need for aggressive marketing and customer management might be quite draining.

27. Website designer

As a website designer, you create stunning websites for clients who don’t have the skills to do it themselves.

The process of getting started is similar to that of a web designer:

• Land your first gigs on freelance platforms like Upwork
• Build your portfolio and expertise
• Start working independently

As a web designer, you mostly work solo, but you do need to market yourself well to keep finding new clients.

Plus, you also need to be a good communicator to understand the client’s vision.

28. AI consultant

AI consulting is a profitable consulting niche.

You help businesses use artificial intelligence effectively.

You might work on:

• Analyzing big sets of data for insights
• Improving customer support
• Making supply chains more efficient
• Tailoring marketing to individual customers
• Forecasting trends and behaviors

It’s ideal for introverts as it requires deep analytical work and problem-solving.

Since AI is a rapidly changing field, keeping up with the latest trends can make you a go-to expert.

To increase your earnings, specialize in high-demand areas where AI can have a big impact. Some examples are:

• Healthcare
• Finance
• Retail

29. Artisanal products 

Selling artisanal products means crafting and marketing handmade items like:

• Jewelry
• Embroidery
• Paintings

It’s great for introverts because you can create quietly on your own and sell online.

You could earn money by:

• Selling through your website or online marketplaces, like Etsy
• Setting up at craft fairs or local markets
• Offering custom, made-to-order items at a premium price

But something you might struggle with is not making enough sales…

You see, to make a good income, you either need to:

• Charge premium prices
• Sell a LOT

Another obstacle?

The materials can be very expensive. This means higher startup costs and more risk for you.

30. Pet care business  

A pet care business can include services like:

• Dog walking
• Pet sitting
• Grooming
• Training

Working with pets rather than people can be a huge plus for introverts.

You’ll spend most of your time with animals, which can be less draining than interacting with people.

Activities like walking dogs or pet sitting also offer plenty of alone time. This lets you recharge while you work.

However, depending on the services you offer, there might be high startup costs.

Think of:

• Specialized grooming equipment
• Insurance for liability protection
• High-quality pet food and treats
• Vehicle modifications or a van for safe transport

31. Bookkeeper

A bookkeeper’s main job is to:

• Keep track of money transactions
• Manage accounts
• Make sure everything is correctly recorded

Freelance bookkeepers generally don’t need official qualifications.

But you do need experience to help your clients get results.

Typical tasks you would take on include:

• Checking bank statements
• Handling payroll
• Making invoices
• Preparing financial reports

The good news?

Bookkeeping usually doesn’t involve a lot of direct interaction.

This is great if you prefer working quietly.

To earn more, focus on areas that are in high demand. By becoming a specialist, you can attract more clients and charge more too.

32. Home service provider

As a home service provider, you offer services directly to clients at their homes. This includes tasks like:

• Cleaning
• Landscaping
• Plumbing
• Home organizing
• Pool maintenance

This business model is ideal if you enjoy practical, hands-on work.

Even though the job requires visiting clients’ homes, much of the work is done alone, letting you work independently once you’re there.

There are some downsides, though:

• Travel: Managing a schedule with travel to different homes can disrupt a stable routine.
• Income limit: The physical nature of the work limits earnings since there are only so many hours in a day.
• Marketing: Always having to market your services to find new clients might stretch your comfort zone.

Great! We’ve just covered the top business ideas for introverts.

But is starting a business as an introvert even a good idea?

Let’s answer that question next.

Can an introvert start a business?

Can you start a business as an introvert?

The short answer:

YES.

Introverts make great business owners thanks to their unique set of traits.

What are these traits?

Let’s take a look:

• Focused: They can concentrate deeply, making them very productive.
• Independent: They’re comfortable working alone and don’t need constant supervision.
• Persistent: They keep going, even when things get tough.
• Creative: Their out-of-the-box thinking brings fresh ideas to their businesses.
• Reflective: They think things through carefully, which leads to smarter decisions.
• Self-aware: Knowing their own strengths and weaknesses helps them work smarter.
• Strong written communication skills: They communicate well through writing, which is perfect for connecting with others online.

Taking advantage of these traits helps introverts thrive when running their own businesses.

But here’s the thing, though:

To set yourself up for success, you need to choose the right type of business that plays to your strengths.

When you run your own business, you have the freedom to shape it to fit how you work best — not the other way around.

All businesses require some level of interaction.

The trick is to determine your comfort level and then build your business to match it.

That’s why having an online business model is such a good idea.

Online businesses allow you to control how much and in what ways you interact.

This makes it easier to find a comfort level that’s right for you.

Still not completely convinced that introverts can run thriving businesses?

Then just look at successful examples like:

• Mark Zuckerberg
• Elon Musk
• Myself

I talk more about why introversion is a strength here: 

Clearly, introverts can and DO lead highly successful companies.

But what’s the best way to go about it?

Let’s look at the top tips to build a successful business as an introvert.

Top tips to build a successful business as an introvert

Doing well in business as an introvert is not just possible — it’s highly probable.

But to make it big, there are some specific things you need to keep in mind.

Let’s look at them together.

1. Use your introvert strength

The beauty of running your own business is having your business your way!

You don’t need to take up the usual 9-5 roles. 

And you certainly don’t need to do things that drain you.

Instead, play to your strengths.

Many introverts are great listeners, often preferring to listen rather than talk.

This might seem ordinary to you, but it’s actually a superpower.

Why?

Because you’re likely patient enough to fully understand a problem before trying to solve it.

Many introverted entrepreneurs also worry that they have to become louder or more outgoing.

Here’s what I recommend instead:

Own your communication style.

Don’t try to become someone you’re not.

Be clear in how you communicate and double down on that.

For example, I myself made this mistake early on when I started growing my YouTube channel.

I thought I had to have the right energy for people to find me interesting. 

These days, I’m myself on video – and I’m much more soft-spoken and calm in real life than you’d think based on my early YouTube videos. 

My channel has grown much faster…and I connect with people in a totally different way because I’m my authentic self.

2. Define your boundaries

Do you know your boundaries?

If not, it’s time to define them for different areas of your business:

• Build healthy client relationships: Consider if you’re a good fit BEFORE working together. That’s where your listening skills come in super handy again.
• Manage self-disclosure: Your clients will want to know more about you as the business owner. Figure out which areas you feel comfortable talking about and which ones you want to keep for yourself.
• Prioritize self-care: Taking care of yourself first lets you focus on growing your business in ways only you can. Remember, you’re the boss — no one else will remind you to take a break.

3. Adapt the right strategy

Not all business strategies are created equal — especially for introverts.

Social media can be draining.

So, to grow your business also leverage channels like:

• Search engine optimization 
• Content marketing

Read more on the best marketing strategies for introverts here. 

The key here is to find the right business model that fits you.

Take coaching and consulting, for example.

You can build a thriving business with just your skills and a laptop.

And the best part?

Your most valuable time is when you’re not interacting with anyone.

4. Learn to sell as an introvert

Worried that you need to be pushy to sell?

First, some great news:

If you’re an introvert, you’re actually equipped to be a BETTER salesperson.

I know how hard it can be to believe this at first, but it’s true.

The thing is, you need to approach selling in a new way.

What’s the point of selling?

It’s not about persuasion or pushing products — it’s about helping and serving your customers.

And thanks to your listening skills, you’re able to pinpoint exactly what they need and can offer them the right solutions.

You see, you can’t trick people into buying.

All you can do is show the benefits of your offer.

• How is your approach or product different?
• And how will it improve your customer’s or client’s life?

Figure out the answers to those questions and highlight them with confidence.

For more, take a look at the best business strategies for introverts: 

Next steps 

And that’s a wrap on the best business ideas for introverts.

As an introvert, you have special skills that can make your business extremely successful.

You just need to learn the best ways to use them.

This know-how comes with experience and the right strategies.

Ready to start putting into action what you’ve learned? 

Then, check out my free blueprint that will help you start and run a sustainable, introvert-proof online business. 

Want to Build a 6-Figure Coaching Business So You Can Achieve More Freedom?

Get Instant Access To My FREE Ultimate Guide Below!

GET INSTANT ACCESS

When you sign up, you’ll also receive regular updates on building a successful online business.

Read more:

Overcome Your Fear of Starting a Business

Finally Go From Employee to Entrepreneur

How to Build a Business without Social Media

The post 32 Unique Business Ideas for Introverts in 2024 appeared first on Luisa Zhou.

So, that you can either supplement your income or even quit your current job altogether? 

Then this is your guide!

We’ll go over the BEST side hustle ideas that pay well.

Plus, you’ll learn the steps to set up your own side business.

Ready to dive in?

Let’s get started!

The most profitable side hustle ideas from home

Starting a side hustle is a great way to earn some extra money.

And the side hustle industry is BIG.

39% of Americans have a side hustle. And in the US alone, the market is valued at over $2.58 trillion.

Now, not every side hustle needs to turn into a full-time business.

But if that’s what you want, it’s definitely possible with the right approach.

Ready to find your niche in this booming market?

I know getting started is always the hardest.

So, to help you on your way, I’ve collected the most profitable side hustle ideas.

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

1. Online coach

Starting a coaching business lets you earn money with what you’re already good at.

As a coach, you help clients succeed in areas you have a lot of experience in.

Using your existing skills to build up your business has two BIG benefits. 

You:

• Can get started right away
• Don’t need much initial investment

Plus, because you’re offering a high-value service, your business has a high profit margin.

That means you can earn well from just a few clients.

You offer potential clients a real transformation. And that’s something many are willing to pay a lot for.

For instance, most of my students start their coaching businesses on the side and turn them into full-time businesses making six figures or more.

Want to know how to get started? 

In this article, I share exactly what you need to do to run a highly successful coaching business.

Of course, coaching isn’t the only business option that lets you capitalize on your skills…

2. Consultant

Like coaching, consulting offers great profit potential by using your existing skills.

The main difference is how you work with clients:

• Coaches empower clients to address their own challenges
• Consultants solve problems directly for their clients

As a consultant, you follow three main steps. 

You:

1. Identify and identify problems
2. Create effective strategies and set up a plan of action
3. Analyze the impact of your work and share this with the client

Because you offer specialized expertise and high-value solutions, consulting can be super lucrative.

For instance, one of my first online businesses was a digital advertising consulting business.

Within four months, I managed to double my income and quit my old job.

Check out this article to learn how you can become a successful consultant.

3. Online course instructor

With an online course, you package what you know into a product.

My favorite part about this business option is that you can do the work once, but reap the benefits for years.

To get the best results, I tell my students to:

• Begin with coaching, consulting, or freelancing
• Next, turn what you’re doing into a course

This approach means you’re not beginning from zero when you’re creating your course.

And you’ll already have people interested in what you’re sharing.

Besides setting up a website, you can host your course on popular online platforms, like:

• Udemy
• Coursera
• EdX
• Skillshare
• LinkedIn Learning

Which platform is best, depends on your niche.

These course platforms come with their own audience, which helps with making sales.

But, they also take a cut of your earnings – and ultimately, you don’t control your course.

For a deep dive into creating a six-figure online course, check out this article I put together for you.

4. Freelance writer  

Freelance writing lets you make money using your writing skills.

There are many different kinds of writers:

• Ghostwriters
• Business proposal writers
• Copywriters
• Technical writers
• Bloggers (See side hustle idea #10)

Like coaching and consulting, freelancing is profitable and lets you use your existing skills.

But instead of offering guidance, you deliver a done-for-your service. 

This could be articles, newsletters, books, proposals, and so on.

Freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr make it easy to find clients. But you have to pay a part of your revenue to them.

The downside of freelancing?

Your earnings are tied to how much you work.

That said, picking the right niche can really increase your earning potential.

Some profitable writing niches are:

• Technology
• Finance
• Health
• Digital marketing

5. User tester

If you like giving feedback, you could earn money by becoming a user tester.

You get paid to check out new products, like websites, apps, and games. 

Your job is to use them like a regular person, do some tasks, and then tell your client what you think.

The downside is that your earnings are limited to the number of tests you can perform.

While you can get started without any specific skills, specializing helps you earn A LOT more.

With specialized knowledge, your feedback becomes much more valuable. That means you can charge more too.

To further increase your income, you can combine user testing with coaching or consulting.

In that case, you not only share feedback but also offer solutions for any problems you spot.

6. Virtual assistant

If you’re great at staying organized and would love to work from anywhere, becoming a VA could be an idea.

As a virtual assistant, you help your clients with things like:

• Admin tasks
• Scheduling
• Managing emails
• Social media
• Data entry

The best part?

You don’t need any special skills to get started.

Sure, you need to be organized and communicate well. But you can essentially learn everything on the job.

That said, if you zero in on a niche or specialize in certain areas, you can earn much more.

For instance: 

If you can also take care of bookkeeping or social media, you’ll get a higher paycheck than if you’re just responding to emails.

7. Website designer

Do you know how to design or build websites? Good news: Lots of people need your skills!

Platforms like Upwork are a great spot to land your first gigs.

But don’t stop there. 

Ideally, you also want to attract clients directly at some point.

Luckily, as you gain experience and build your portfolio, you’ll find this gets much easier.

Because freelance work can be quite unstable, I recommend working with retainer agreements.

A retainer means you’re available to work for a client a set number of hours each week or month. 

This gives you steady work and money coming in.

In web development, a retainer will generally cover:

• Maintenance
• Technical support
• Updates
• Bug fixes

8.   Event planner  

Event planning lets you put together unforgettable moments for others. But it’s not the easiest business to set up…

As an event planner, you need to deal with:

• Building a network of reliable vendors and venues
• The stress of making sure everything goes just right

Handling all these things can be challenging for new entrepreneurs.

But if you have a great eye for detail and love organizing events, it could be a good business option.

To increase your income potential, you can specialize in luxury or corporate events.

You can also offer additional services like:

• Marketing to promote the event
• Sponsorship management to reduce costs
• Website development for the event
• Live streaming services
• Eco-friendly and sustainable event solutions
• Post-event analysis, like checking outcomes and ROI

9. Affiliate marketing

With affiliate marketing, you can earn money by sharing products you like.

It’s a huge $12 billion industry that keeps growing every year.

Here’s how it works:

• You recommend products to people
• If they buy, you get a cut of the sale

The key is to only pick products you actually like and which fit your niche.

If you’re just promoting anything, your audience will trust you less.

Affiliate marketing can be a nice passive income stream, but you need a lot of traffic.

That makes it a great side hustle to add to ANOTHER business of yours.

In other words: Don’t make affiliate marketing your main gig. 

Instead:

• Start by growing your audience in other ways
• Then, bring in affiliate marketing to increase your income

10. Blogger 

Blogging is a type of freelance writing.

Blogs can be about anything, like:

• Career
• Health
• Entrepreneurship
• Personal finance
• Parenting
• And so on

You can either:

• Post your blog posts on your own website
• Write guest posts for someone else’s blog

Having your own blog site can lead to passive income through:

• Ads
• Sponsorships
• Product sales

BUT growing an audience takes time.

On the other hand, guest blogging can generate immediate income and boost your visibility. Yet, they often look for writers who already have an audience.

In other words: Blogging is a long-term strategy…

When done right, blogging has many benefits. 

Blogs:

• Bring in organic traffic (through SEO)
• Make your business the “go-to” in your industry
• Engage your audience
• Build brand awareness

Want to learn more? In this article, I share how to monetize your blog.

11. Vacation planner

Vacation planning is similar to event planning but for vacations.

As a vacation planner, you tap into the booming multi-billion-dollar tourism industry.

You help clients:

• Book flights
• Find accommodation
• Schedule activities
• Arrange travel insurance
• Managing travel documents and visas

The goal is to create a seamless travel experience they’ll never forget.

Because the market is so saturated, it’s best to craft your own niche.

Here are some examples:

• Culinary tours for food-loving couples
• Luxury wellness retreats for executives
• Pet-friendly vacation packages
• Retirement celebration trips

For instance, vacation planner Shakeemah Smith has made over a million dollars by helping others travel the world.

Her target audience? Women who want to travel solo.

12. Digital product seller  

Selling digital products shares some similarities with selling online courses:

At first, the products take time and effort to create.

But once they’re done, you can sell them forever — a good source of passive income.

Some popular digital products are:

• Planners
• Templates
• Guides
• eBooks
• Checklists

Unlike physical products, digital ones don’t come with inventory management or shipping. 

This makes this business model more cost-effective and scalable.

For creating and selling these products, there are many resources you can use:

• Canva is great for design
• Platforms like Teachable or Gumroad help you sell your products

The trick is to create digital tools that solve specific problems.

Ask yourself:

How will your product make your customers’ lives easier or better?

As with online courses, it’s best to start with a coaching/consulting business first.

This way, you’ll already have an audience that trusts you.

13. Content marketer  

A content marketer is a person who plans, creates, and analyzes content.

The goal is to attract and engage potential customers.

This could include making:

• Blog posts
• How-to guides
• Videos
• Infographics
• And so on

Working as a freelance content marketer limits your earnings to the hours you put in.

But content marketing is a scalable business. 

For instance, you can:

• Create an agency and outsource some of the tasks
• Package your expertise into a course
• Coach your clients on how to become better content marketers

Plus, the skills you learn on the job, can also be used to promote and market your own business.

14. YouTube channel creator

YouTube currently has nearly 3 billion monthly active users.

By becoming a YouTube creator, you tap into that market.

You can make money through:

• Ad revenue
• Sponsorships
• Selling your own products or services

The great thing about YouTube is that you can get started with a good smartphone and free editing software.

Some YouTube channels are known as ‘cash cows.’ 

This means the channel owners outsource the making of videos and target topics with high ad revenue potential.

The downsides of trying to turn YouTube into a business?

• Growing a YouTube channel takes a lot of time and effort
• You need to keep your audience engaged
• YouTube’s algorithm changes can have a big impact on your business

If you already have an audience, though, sharing videos is a nice way to deepen the connection with them.

15. Personal assistant  

Being a personal assistant is a bit like being a virtual assistant (VA).

In essence, you help manage someone’s day-to-day activities.

The main differences?

Being a personal assistant tends to be more hands-on and is usually in person.

While a VA always helps from afar, as a personal assistant, you could be:

• Running errands
• Organizing an office
• Managing personal tasks

It’s a flexible job that you can start quickly and with minimal costs.

But because you often need to be physically present, your potential client base is limited to your local area. And if you’re living in a non-urban area, you’ll probably need a car.

Your income is also tied to the hours you work.

16. Photographer 

Got an eye for capturing moments? Starting a photography business might let you turn that skill into some extra income.

As a photographer, you can earn money by:

• Charging per session
• Selling prints or digital copies of your work
• Licensing your photos for commercial use
• Hold workshops
• Create online courses

While it can be fulfilling, starting a photography business isn’t super easy.

You need the right skills. And the initial costs can be high.

For instance, you need good cameras, software, and maybe even studio space.

Social media is a powerful tool to increase your visibility. But it takes time and effort to build a portfolio that attracts clients.

The market is also saturated, so picking a niche is a must.

17. Transcriber 

Being a transcriber means you convert audio recordings into written documents.

It’s a straightforward way to earn money, especially if you’re fast at typing.

Two popular platforms to find transcription work are:

• Rev
• TranscribeMe

Your payment is typically based on:

• Your niche
• The length of the audio file
• Your speed

Unfortunately, the pay per hour can be low, especially for beginners.

If you don’t have any experience, it takes time to increase your speed to where you’re earning more.

With coaching or consulting, you can start earning a lot with just a few clients. 

But transcription work requires ongoing effort for each project.

This limits your income potential without a built-up clientele or specialized niche. 

Think of niches like legal or medical transcription.

18. Bookkeeper 

Bookkeeping is all about keeping track of financial records.

As a freelance bookkeeper, you make money by:

• Managing clients’ accounts
• Preparing financial statements
• Handling payroll or taxes
• Offering financial advice and budget analysis
• Helping with invoicing and payment processing

You can boost your earnings by:

• Setting higher rates
• Specializing in certain areas or industries (your niche)
• Mastering advanced bookkeeping software

While you don’t need a formal qualification, you do need a solid understanding of accounting and financial software.

Startup costs are relatively low, but building a client base without a network can be slow. 

Plus, because you’re competing with established bookkeeping services and software, picking a niche is a must to stand out.

19. Ecommerce seller 

Running an e-commerce business involves selling physical products online.

The typical process looks like this:

1. You source or create products
2. You manufacture them
3. You sell them

Although platforms like Shopify and Amazon FBA simplify the process, it’s not the easiest business for beginners.

Here are five reasons why:

• Dealing with both inventory and shipping means more upfront costs and risk
• To turn a good profit, you need to make many sales
• You need to invest a lot in marketing right away
• Customer service and returns are complex to manage
• It’s challenging to combine competitive pricing with a good profit margin

Of course, a lot depends on what you sell.

But compared to less complex business models, e-commerce demands much more from you right from the start.

20. Tutor and language teacher 

If you love sharing your knowledge of a language, this is a nice option.

You could either teach your native tongue or a language you’ve learned yourself.

Here’s how you can make money as a language teacher:

• Charging per hour for one-on-one or sessions
• Creating and selling course materials
• Running group classes or workshops

Two popular platforms to find your first few clients are:

• Italki
• Preply

Want to earn more?

Then you can boost your rates by specializing in a profitable niche, like:

• Medical English for healthcare professionals
• Legal terminology for law students

This can be a flexible side hustle.

But unless you turn it into a passive income stream, how much you earn is limited to how many hours you teach.

You might also need to get an official certification.

21. Podcaster

As a podcast host, you chat about topics that interest you and/or interview guests.

You don’t need much to get started:

• A decent microphone
• Editing software
• A hosting platform
• A quiet space

For instance, many creators start podcasting from their living rooms or makeshift home studios.

You can make money through:

• Sponsorships from brands that resonate with your audience
• Advertisements within your episodes
• Support from listeners via platforms like Patreon

But because it takes a long time to grow and monetize, it’s not ideal as a first business.

Like YouTube, I rather recommend podcasting as something you add to an existing business of yours.

It’s a nice way to:

• Bond with your audience
• Boost your visibility
• Establish yourself as an expert
• Network with others in your field

22. Make-up artist 

Ever thought about making a living with your make-up talent?

There are several ways you can make money as a make-up artist:

• Working on special events like weddings and parties
• Collaborating with photographers or fashion shows
• Giving makeup tutorials and workshops
• Selling makeup products through affiliate marketing

If make-up is your passion, this can be a good idea.

But it comes with some drawbacks:

• The initial setup can be expensive because you need quality makeup products and tools.
• Building a reputation and client base often requires a lot of networking.
• If you do your work in person, your potential reach and scalability are more limited.
• Because it’s a hands-on job, your income is directly tied to the number of bookings you can manage.

23. Social media manager 

The social media industry is HUGE.

It’s expected to grow to $251.45 billion this year, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.8%.

Translation: Specializing in social media can be very lucrative.

Being a social media manager means you run social media accounts.

Some typical tasks include:

• Doing market research
• Creating posts
• Engaging with followers
• Planning content calendars
• Analyzing performance metrics
• Running social media ads
• Collaborating with influencers

You can earn money by either:

• Setting monthly fees
• Charging per project

You don’t need much to get started, but it comes with some challenges.

One of the biggest downsides is that you don’t own the platform.

That means you’re at the mercy of the platform’s ever-changing rules and whims.

Algorithms often change overnight, which can really affect visibility and engagement.

24. Stylist 

As a stylist, you help your clients look and feel their best.

You can earn money through:

• Charging for personal styling sessions
• Offering wardrobe consultations
• Collaborating with brands or stores

This option is nice if you’re into fashion, but it’s not the BEST business idea…

Here’s why:

Building a portfolio and client base takes a lot of time and effort.

Plus, unlike more scalable online businesses, your income depends on the number of clients you can serve.

This limits how much you earn — unless you expand your services online or hire more stylists.

25. Babysitter  

This idea is the right for you if you love taking care of children.

Babysitters typically earn money by:

• Charging an hourly rate
• Offering additional services like tutoring or meal preparation

While it can be a flexible job, some hurdles make this business model less ideal…

Unlike businesses like coaching or consulting, babysitting isn’t very scalable. It’s also hard to turn this into a source of passive income.

You’re trading time for money, and there’s a limit to how many hours you can work.

Plus, because it’s often not viewed as a high-value service, it’s harder to command higher rates.

That’s why offering extra valuable services is such a good idea.

26. Dog walker and pet sitter 

Pet sitting is like babysitting but for pets.

You get paid to walk dogs or care for pets while the owners are away.

Rates vary, and you can:

• Charge per walk or per day
• Offer package deals for regular clients
• Provide extra services like grooming or training

There are some downsides to this business model, though:

• Your income is directly tied to your time and availability.
• It’s hard to scale because you can only walk so many dogs or visit so many homes in a day.

To get started, you can find gigs online. For instance, Rover is a popular pet-sitting app.

27. Ebook writer and publisher

Thanks to self-publishing, you no longer have to wait for a publisher to say yes — you can make it happen yourself.

However, this independence also means you’re in charge of everything, from marketing to design.

Here’s another catch:

The popularity of self-publishing combined with the AI boom has led to a crowded market.

And while online platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Apple Books offer exposure, they take a cut of your revenue.

Ebooks can be a form of passive income, and the startup costs are low.

But unless you sell a bestseller, you have to write several books to generate good income…

Want a high ROI on your book?

Then a smarter approach is to use it as a tool to drive traffic to other revenue streams, such as coaching or courses.

28. Proofreader 

Proofreading is all about perfecting written content.

You focus on fixing spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

Many people start out by writing and later add proofreading to their services.

But you can also get started with proofreading right away.

You can make money by charging per:

• Word
• Page
• Project

Freelance platforms and direct outreach are common ways to find clients. You could work with:

• Authors
• Businesses
• Online content creators
• And so on

However, the work can get repetitive. And unless you create an agency, it’s tricky to scale your business.

To boost your income, you can specialize in a high-paying niche, like:

• Legal documents
• Medical research papers
• Technical manuals
• Financial reports
• Marketing brochures
• Corporate annual reports

29. Home service provider 

Being a home service provider means you offer services people need in or around their homes. Think:

• Cleaners
• Landscapers
• Personal chefs
• Home organizers
• Pool maintenance experts

You set your rates and get paid per job or on a retainer for regular clients.

Not sure where to get started?

Platforms like Angi or TaskRabbit help you find your first gigs.

To increase your earnings, you can specialize in high-demand or niche areas and offer premium services.

For example, you can set yourself apart by offering:

• Eco-friendly cleaning solutions
• Gourmet meal prep for dietary restrictions

The main downside?

The physical nature of these jobs means there’s a cap on how much you can earn — there are only so many hours in a day.

30. Online brand ambassador  

If you’ve already built up a following, becoming an online brand ambassador opens up a new revenue stream.

It’s a type of influencer marketing. (But more on that in business idea #32…)

You partner with brands to promote their products or services on your social media or blog. 

In other words: You use your online presence to boost a brand’s visibility.

Staying authentic while promoting products is a balancing act.

But there are several ways how you can make money:

• Sponsored posts
• Affiliate links
• Free products or services

While it can bring in some nice additional income, it’s not ideal as a first business.

To be successful, you need a decent-sized following. This takes time to build.

31. Professional organizer

As a professional organizer, you transform chaos into order.

Being a professional organizer can be a type of ‘home service provider’ (see business idea #29), but you’re not limited to just homes.

For instance, you can also organize commercial spaces, like offices or retail stores.

You’re the go-to person to make spaces functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whether it’s a:

• Cluttered home
• Disorganized office
• Stuffed storage unit

If you only work on-site, your earnings are bound by the clock. Each day has its limit on how many jobs you can take on.

That’s why you could also offer:

• Workshops
• Online courses
• Digital organization guides
• Affiliate marketing for organizing tools and products

32. Influencer marketing 

Through influencer marketing, you leverage your social media presence to promote brands, products, or services.

Businesses love influencer marketing because they get to tap into your relationship with your followers.

You can make money with:

• Sponsored posts: Companies pay you to post about them.
• Affiliate marketing: Earn a cut for every sale made through your referral.
• Product collaborations: Partner with brands to create or promote a product.

Ideally, though, you don’t want to only rely on external companies.

You can diversify your income streams with your own:

• Digital products
• Online courses

A major downside of this business model is that you need a relatively big following. This takes a lot of time and effort.

33. Artisanal product sellers 

This business model lets you turn your creativity into profit.

You could sell:

• Jewelry
• Embroidery
• Paintings
• Crafts
• And so on

The point is that you sell something special and not mass-produced.

You can earn money by:

• Selling through online marketplaces, like Etsy, or your own website
• Selling at craft fairs or local markets
• Offering custom, made-to-order items for a premium price

The challenge?

Making enough sales…

Unless you charge premium prices, you’ll need to sell a lot of items to turn a profit.

Plus, the materials can be expensive. This leads to higher startup costs and more risk for you.

34. Private label product seller  

Selling private label products means you sell items made by another company but with your brand name on them.

It’s a way to have your own products without the hassle of making them yourself.

You can make money by:

• Selling online on your site or places like Amazon
• Selling in bulk to stores
• Offering subscriptions for regular orders

But the tough parts are:

• Paying upfront for products and branding
• Finding a good company to make your products
• Standing out when many others might sell similar stuff
• Needing a good grasp of branding and marketing
• Dealing with supply chain management

These challenges make it tricky for new entrepreneurs.

35. Graphic designer 

As a graphic designer, you work on things like:

• Logos
• Social media posts
• Websites
• Brochures
• Business cards
• Branding packages

Most graphic designers charge by the job or by the hour.

You can earn money by:

• Doing jobs for clients
• Selling your designs online
• Working directly with businesses

The goal is to focus on getting well-paying clients.

That way, just a handful of clients can already make your business profitable.

The challenge?

Graphic design is a competitive field.

To stand out, you not only need experience and skills but also marketing know-how.

You also need to invest in the right tools and software. This adds to your startup costs.

36. Apartment or car rentals

Renting out apartments or cars means others use something you own in exchange for money. You generate income from the rental fees.

You can do this through websites like Airbnb for homes or Turo for cars.

This business model lets you make (semi-)passive income from things you own.

But there are some downsides:

• Initial investment: Buying property or vehicles is expensive.
• Maintenance: Keeping your rentals in good condition requires time and money.
• Liability: You might have to deal with damage or legal issues.

To reduce your workload, you can outsource tasks like:

• Cleaning
• Customer service
• Booking management
• Maintenance
• Marketing

But this also increases your costs.

37. Handyman 

Being a handyman (or woman) is a hands-on job.

You earn money by doing repairs that people don’t want or know how to do themselves.

Think of tasks like:

• Plumbing
• Unclogging drains
• Electrical issues
• Painting
• Carpentry
• Renovations
• Appliance installation

Handyman platforms like Angi or TaskRabbit make it easier to find your first clients. And if you already have the right tools, the startup costs are minimal.

But it’s very physically demanding work.

Because it’s so hands-on, your income is limited to how many tasks you can handle.

Traveling to clients’ locations also adds to your workday.

38. Personal trainer 

As a personal trainer, you improve your clients’ lives by helping them reach their fitness goals.

You can earn money by:

• Charging per one-on-one session
• Offering package deals for multiple sessions
• Offering group classes
• Online coaching
• Selling personalized workout and nutrition plans

With the right clients, being a personal trainer is lucrative.

But if your business model needs you to be physically present for each session, your income potential is limited.

That’s why I’d recommend offering online classes or becoming a fitness coach instead. 

When you work online, you reach more people without being restricted by time or place.

To boost your income, you can also add high-value services like nutrition advice. But just know that you might need a certification for that.

So, always double-check for any official requirements.

39. Car washer

Here’s how you can make money as a car washer:

• Charging per car wash
• Offering extra services like waxing or interior detailing
• Setting up subscription packages for regular customers

But, there are a few downsides:

• Physical work: It can be tiring to wash cars all day.
• Weather dependent: Bad weather often means fewer customers.
• Competition: Lots of places offer car washes, so standing out is tough.

Car wash platforms like MobileWash can help get you started. But competing with established car washes is tough.

Even though it’s a straightforward way to earn, it’s hard to scale this business without hiring help or adding more services.

Plus, because it’s so hands-on, your income is tied to how many cars you can wash.

40. Delivery personnel 

Being a delivery person means you bring items, like food or packages, to people’s homes or offices.

You can work with:

• Restaurants
• Online stores
• Delivery apps like UberEats and DoorDash

The appeal?

You get to set your own schedule and start earning quickly.

You make money through delivery fees and tips. And you earn money for each delivery you make.

But, there are some challenges…

• How much you earn depends on how many deliveries you can make.
• Your income depends on demand, delivery location, and tips. This makes it less predictable than other side hustles.
• Wear and tear on your vehicle and fuel costs can eat into your earnings.

41. Baker 

While baking is a traditional profession, today, there are many modern ways to make money from it:

• Selling directly to customers from a home kitchen or at markets
• Supplying local cafes and restaurants
• Taking custom orders for events like weddings or parties
• Offering subscription boxes
• Hosting workshops or classes
• Creating an online baking course

If you love to bake, this is a nice business idea.

But these are some typical challenges you’d face:

• You need to comply with food safety regulations
• The market is competitive
• Initial setup costs can be high
• Building a consistent customer base takes time
• Besides baking experience, you also need marketing skills

These were the most profitable side hustle ideas.

But how do you even go about starting a side business that pays well?

We’ll cover that next.

How can you start a side hustle that pays well?

If you’d like to dive deeper into how to start your own side business from home, then this article is for you.

For now, let’s take a quick look at three important steps.

1. Find an idea

A common mistake new entrepreneurs make is trying to find a groundbreaking business idea.

But here’s the thing:

It’s not about inventing the next big Amazon or Microsoft.

Rather, it’s about leveraging what you’re already good at.

You want a side hustle that:

• You can start right away
• Has a high profit margin

The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see progress.

And with a high profit margin, even a few sales can mean good income.

That’s why coaching, consulting, or freelancing are such great business models — they fulfill both criteria.

They:

• Rely on skills you already have
• Require little to no initial investment
• Let you offer a high-value service for which you can charge higher prices

The trick is to find the intersection between your existing skills and market needs.

Once you’ve figured that out, it’s time to officially set up your side hustle…

2. Set up your side hustle 

If you want to launch your side hustle the right way, this checklist is your go-to resource.

Here are three important steps to keep in mind:

• Choose your business structure: Decide if you’ll work solo as a sole proprietor or set up an LLC. Sole proprietorships are straightforward which makes them ideal for a small side hustle. An LLC offers legal protection and tax benefits but takes more effort to set up.
• Register your business: Registering your business is sometimes as simple as letting your local or state government know your business name. And if you’re using your personal name, you might not even have to register at all. This saves you time, but you also miss out on legal protections and tax benefits.
• Look into licenses and certifications: Some fields need special licenses or certifications. Health, finance, or law, for example, have strict rules. Depending on your location, you might also need a business license, a professional permit, or a DBA (doing business as) registration.

Got your business set up?

Then all that’s left is finding your first customers. That’s the next step.

3. Get your first paying customers 

To run a successful business, you need to generate income.

But finding your first customers can seem challenging.

So, how do you start?

Use these strategies:

• Tap into your network: This goldmine is often overlooked. Chat with family, friends, and colleagues. They could become your first customers or recommend you to others.
• Use social media: Find out where your potential customers hang out online and join them there. Be helpful and provide value by answering their questions.
• Join podcasts: This can get you in front of more people. The key is to choose podcasts that really match what you’re selling.

At first, you need to actively seek out clients.

But as your reputation and experience grow, you’ll notice a shift — clients will start seeking you out.

That’s when you can then either:

• Expand your side hustle into a full-time business
• Or keep it a side hustle, but raise your prices to earn even more

The choice is yours.

Next steps

OK, that’s a wrap!

You now know what the best side hustle ideas are that pay well.

If you pick the right side hustle, it can be a nice source of extra income.

But it can also be the stepping stone to finally being your own boss.

Whatever your intentions are with your side hustle, there’s a lot more that goes into keeping a business successful.

Interested in diving deeper? 

Get my FREE blueprint to building your own six-figure online business: 

Want to Build a 6-Figure Coaching Business So You Can Achieve More Freedom?

Get Instant Access To My FREE Ultimate Guide Below!

GET INSTANT ACCESS

When you sign up, you’ll also receive regular updates on building a successful online business.

Read more:

How to Start a Successful Coaching Business

Overcome Your Fear of Starting a Business

Finally Go From Employee to Entrepreneur

The post 41 Best Side Hustle Ideas That Earn $1,000+ or More in 2024 appeared first on Luisa Zhou.