Ranking the best home-based business ideas

A successful home-based business is the gold standard.

Who doesn’t want to work from home, setting your own hours and calling your own shots?

But there are lots of misconceptions about working from home…

Like never getting out of your pajamas…

Or working on the back-porch drinking cocktails while you play with the dog…

Or earning half a million working just 4 hours a week.

Don’t be fooled. A home-based business is still a business. It takes hard work and commitment to succeed.

But if you’re willing to learn the ropes, the opportunity is real.

In fact, in this post, I’m going to show you 22 of the best home-based business ideas I’m seeing today—with tips on how to get started.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

1. Marketing agency

This one is huge!

The demand for marketers who can get results on digital marketing campaigns is endless. And you can create an agency that’s a perfect fit for your skills.

Offer full-stack services or specialize in specific outcomes or skills. Work alone or with friends. Or be the consultant and hire contractors to do the grunt work. Your agency can be whatever you want it to be.

The key is to provide services that businesses truly need—and make sure you help your clients succeed.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Build a track record as an A-level marketer, with stats to prove your campaigns generate results.

Step 2: Build a website that explains what you do, for whom, and how you do it.

Step 3: Use Clickfunnels to create a funnel that generates leads. Then start generating wins for your clients and blog about your success stories.

Example:

• Bryan Eisenberg
• Social Media Ad Genius

Best place to learn:

• Digital Marketer
• Sakas and Company

2. Web developer

If you’ve got experience building websites and know your way around HTML, CSS, PHP, and Javascript, you can start a home-based business as a web developer.

As a developer, you’ll build websites, write web copy, create mockups of your designs, and help your clients get better results from their websites.

Among home-based businesses, this is a real winner. The demand is twice as big as many other opportunities, and businesses will pay a premium for a skilled web developer who can create custom solutions for them.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Build an impressive website that shows potential clients what you can do.

Step 2: Reach out to local businesses about building or improving their websites. Add screenshots of your work to a portfolio and create case studies that prospects can review.

Step 3: Use word of mouth and referrals to expand your business.

Example:

• Alvaro Castelan
• James Dowen

Best place to learn:

• Website Setup
• Coding Dojo

3. Copywriter

Every business needs messaging that builds their brand, attracts customers, and sells.

Those words? They’re called copy, and as a copywriter, that’s what you’ll write.

Often called “sales in print,” great copy builds businesses and makes money. Which is why freelance copywriting is a great home business idea.

And it’s easy to get started.

Step 1: Choose a niche. It’s a good idea to find an industry that you know well and enjoy talking (or writing) about—or to specialize in a specific type of writing, like blog posts, emails, or sales letters.

Step 2: Build a website where you can promote your copywriting services and show off samples of your writing.

Step 3: Pitch your services to local businesses. Once you’ve got some experience, promote yourself to your “dream clients.” Create a powerhouse sales letter and send it to businesses you’d like to work with.

Example:

• Ben Settle
• Kathryn Aragon

Best place to learn:

• AWAI
• CopyHackers

4. Graphic designer

If you’re more creative with visuals than words, you can start a successful home-based business as a graphic artist.

And since not everyone is good with design or colors, the opportunity is real. Especially if you’re able to create logos and layouts your clients love.

You will need to learn some advanced-level software. The standards are Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. But once you’ve learned how the Adobe interface works, you can pick up new software easily.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Pick a niche or specialize in a specific type of design work.

Step 2: Build a website that wows. Be sure to include a “Services” page describing what you can do and a “Portfolio” page with samples of your work.

Step 3: Reach out to local businesses and your connections to get your first clients—and start getting paid for doing what you love.

Example:

• David Irlanda
• Ashlee Williams

Best place to learn:

• HowDesign
• HackDesign

5. E-commerce merchant

Your home-based business doesn’t have to revolve around services. You can sell physical products as an e-commerce merchant.

Thanks to Amazon, people are comfortable with buying online—and a growing number of people prefer it.

Best of all, you don’t have to create your own products or have a warehouse full of inventory. Through dropshipping, you can order products as they’re purchased, and have them shipped directly to your customers. Easy peasy.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Decide what type of products you want to sell, and look for suppliers who offer dropshipping. Wish.com and AliExpress.com are good sources, but there are plenty of sources closer to home.

Step 2: Sign up at Shopify and set up your shop. Add the products you’ve chosen from your suppliers. And write great product descriptions that make visitors want to buy now.

Step 3: Drive traffic to your shop with advertising, social media, and blogging. Then provide stellar customer support.

Example:

• GoPure Beauty
• Third Eye Transcend

Best place to learn:

• Academy of Arbitrage
• Sellosity

6. MLM distributor

Another way to sell physical products is as a distributor in a multilevel marketing company. It doesn’t matter what type of product you want to sell, there’s probably an MLM that offers it.

Be aware, to succeed as a multilevel marketer, you need to promote your products just about everywhere you go. So be sure you truly believe in the products.

Be aware, too, that constantly selling to your friends and family can alienate them. Check this out for a better way.

MLMs are notorious for promising huge profits, but in reality, few people make it big with them. So be prepared to work hard so you can at least build a decent side income.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Research popular MLMs and pick one you like. Sign up under a distributor who’s already doing well—they’ll be your trainer and motivator, so find someone who’s committed to helping you do well.

Step 2: Set up your sales channels. Most MLMs give you a website where you can promote your wares. You should also think about promoting your products in social media and a blog.

Step 3: Learn your products and start selling and recruiting.

Example:

• Young Living
• USANA

Best place to learn:

• The 50 Best Network Marketing Companies
• Network Marketing Works

7. Etsy seller

If you want to sell products that you make, such as artisan candies, crocheted beanies, or hand-wrought jewelry, Etsy is your marketplace of choice.

Here, you can sell your wares without having to build a website or e-com store and without having to attend a ton of fairs. Which means you can spend your time doing what you love—creating your products.

Etsy does take a cut of everything you sell, but compared to the cost of setting up your own shop, it’s negligible.

It’s easy to get started.

Step 1: Decide what you’re going to sell.

Step 2: Set up your Etsy account and add products to your store.

Step 3: Provide rave-worthy customer support.

Example:

• HouhaDesigns
• ToolChess

Best place to learn:

• Etsy’s help center
• Etsy Shop Complete Marketing and Social Media Strategy Guide

8. eBay seller

Want to sell vintage products, unusual goods, and collectibles and have the choice of direct sales or online auctions? For that, eBay is your best option.

eBay is a trusted marketplace, so you can easily get your products in front of thousands of prospective customers. That gives you all the benefits of having an online shop without all the worries.

Step 1: Sign up and list your products. Be sure to include quality images and well-written descriptions.

Step 2: When a purchase is made, pack your item, print your label, and ship it to your customer.

Step 3: Get paid!

Example:

• Zety_Furniture
• Thebookler

Best place to learn:

• CrazyLister
• BigCommerce

9. Social media specialist

Home businesses, digital businesses, and big box businesses alike now use social media as a major marketing channel.

Why? Because that’s where their customers hang out.

That’s why you can make good money as a social media specialist, managing the social media pages for businesses big and small. You’ll be responsible for strategy, advertising, and community engagement—and helping your clients build their brands and sell more. Not bad for time spent on Facebook and Twitter!

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Build a community of your own. Create accounts on all the major social media sites and start engaging with your followers.

Step 2: Put the word out that you’re available for hire. Build a website and/or optimize your LinkedIn profile.

Step 3: Knock it out of the park for your clients, and let word of mouth take off.

Example:

• Beverley Reinemann
• Suzzane Gray

Best place to learn:

• Post Planner
• Social Media Today

10. YouTube personality

A fun and fulfilling home-based business is to become a YouTube personality, running a YouTube channel and making money off sponsorships and affiliate products.

This isn’t a get-rich-quick idea, but if you become popular, there’s no cap to your potential income. So look for a niche where you can stand out. Then focus on entertaining and informing your followers, so they’ll keep coming back for more.

Step 1: Select your niche and start publishing your videos.

Step 2: Drive traffic to your videos through SEO, social media, guest blogging, and ads.

Step 3: Monetize your channel by becoming a YouTube partner, promoting affiliate products, and negotiating sponsorships.

Example:

• Screen Junkies
• Jenna Marbles

Best place to learn:

• Vlog Nation
• Vloggerpro

11. Blogger

You don’t have to make videos to become a “personality.” As a blogger, you can share your unique message, entertain your followers, and still make money through sponsors and affiliate products.

Of course, you can still use videos if you want, or just use written articles with attractive photos. It’s totally up to you.

And your success path is similar to vlogging: build traffic and engagement to attract sponsors.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Select a niche where you can stand out, and start publishing high-quality blog posts that inform and entertain.

Step 2: Drive traffic to your blog through email, social media, guest posts, SEO, and paid promotion.

Step 3: Get the word out that you’re accepting sponsorships. Promote affiliate deals. And consider creating your own products.

Example:

• Abby Lawson
• Pinch of Yum

Best place to learn:

• Problogger
• SmartBlogger

12. Pet sitter

Love animals? Start a pet sitting business!

Today, the pet industry is $72 billion strong. And when pet owners worry that their fur babies aren’t getting enough time and attention, they’re more than willing to add to that number by hiring a professional pet sitter.

As a pet sitter, you won’t just be taking care of animals. You may be asked to do other odd jobs, like house sitting, watering the plants or running errands. Don’t let that bother you. Just set your prices to include these extra services.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Decide on the services you’ll provide, your prices, and your hours.

Step 2: Build a website or sign up to a pet sitting portal where pet owners can find you.

Step 3: Start taking care of your furry clients, and get paid for doing it.

Example:

• Austin Cat Sitters
• Gentle Hands Pet Sitting

Best place to learn:

• National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
• Pet Sitters International

13. Party planner

For a fun, eventful home business, try party planning. As a party planner, you’ll plan and execute events like family reunions, birthday and anniversary parties, and business events.

You can do all the planning in your home. But you’ll need some storage space for many of the props and decorations you’ll use. You’ll also need to have a strong network of suppliers, including photographers and caterers.

If being a professional partier sounds good, here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Decide on the type of parties you want to specialize in, including the number of guests and location. Give some thought to how you can stand out from the competition.

Step 2: Start planning parties for your family, friends, and local businesses.

Step 3: Build a website. Share pics on Facebook and Instagram. Get the word out that you’re available for hire.

Example:

• Next Level Productions
• Dash of Sparkle

Best place to learn:

• Event Manager Blog
• Event Planning Blueprint

14. Photographer

Of course, you don’t have to plan the events. You can record people’s special moments as a photographer—and make good money doing it.

You can specialize in events such as weddings and corporate events. But you can also specialize in baby pics, portraits, or business photography.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Pick your niche and set up your studio.

Step 2: Start working with local people, friends, and family. Then let word of mouth take off.

Step 3: Build a website and social media channels where you can show off your work and attract more (high-paying) gigs.

Example:

• Laurent Photography
• Maegan Harless

Best place to learn:

• Photography Concentrate
• Digital Photography School

15. Caterer

If cooking is your thing, a great home-based business is catering.

As a caterer, you’ll work with clients to prepare delicious meals for their special events—everything from corporate events to social gatherings. But you can also work out of a food truck and let people come to you. It’s really up to you and how you want to build your catering business.

Step 1: Get the insurance and business licenses required by your state. Stock your kitchen (and upgrade it if necessary).

Step 2: Start catering for friends and local businesses to get word-of-mouth started.

Step 3: Build a website and start bringing in bigger and better clients.

Example:

• Best Mobile Chef
• Lucille’s Catering

Best place to learn:

• Food Truck Empire
• WebstaurantStore

16. Personal shopper

A personal shopper business is easy to start, easy to operate, and gives you tons of flexibility. Best of all, it can bring home an anywhere from $12 of $27 an hour. Not bad for a home-based business “running errands” for people.

If you’re worried about whether people will really pay for this service, don’t be. You’ve got two distinct markets, and both desperately need a personal shopper. The first is professionals who are too busy. The second is people who can’t do it themselves: the homebound, disabled, and seniors.

Not only that, you can choose your focus. Will you help clients with everyday shopping, or will you be a personal stylist, helping them with their wardrobe and accessories? Will you only do shopping, or will you include other services, such as pet care, odd jobs, or virtual assistant services? It’s up to you.

Step 1: Offer your services to anyone in your circles who’s busy, stressed, or physically challenged.

Step 2: Build a website and/or Facebook page to promote your services. Be sure to include testimonials from happy clients.

Step 3: Let word of mouth take off. Ask customers to tell their friends about you, and offer a reward for any referral who becomes a repeat customer.

Example:

• Austin Troubleshooter
• Nicole Borsuk

Best place to learn:

• Grocery Shopping Business
• The Shopping Friend

17. Life or business coach

If you’ve got an inspirational story or have achieved impressive success, you’ve got the credibility to set up business as a life coach or business coach.

Your clients will often come to you because they’re struggling to achieve their goals. You’ll need to have a step-by-step process you can take them through (kinda like the 12 steps AA teaches) to reach their full potential.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Choose your niche and the specific problem you’ll help people overcome. Be sure you’ve got a proven roadmap for achieving success.

Step 2: Build a website and social media profiles to share your wisdom and show off success stories.

Step 3: Sign up eager clients and work with them until they’re happy with their results.

Example:

• Jordie Karlinski
• The Copywriter’s Coach, Chris Marlow

Best place to learn:

• Coach Training World
• Coach Pony

18. Furniture maker

Household furniture manufacturing is a $25 billion industry and going strong. If you love working with wood or getting creative with furniture, this is the home-based business for you.

You can build a business doing custom designs or specialize, creating your own line of furniture.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Decide the type of furniture you want to build: children’s, office, garden, luxury, or green. Be as creative or specialized as you like. Then set up your workshop.

Step 2: Get the word out. Build a website and social media profiles. Attend fairs. Advertise. Make sure you include lots of pictures so people can see your work.

Step 3: Wow your customers and add their referrals to your website.

Example:

• Wrightwood Furniture
• Howdy Pardners

Best place to learn:

• FineWoodworking
• Maker’s Row

19. Tax preparation specialist

Everyone pays taxes. And everyone wants to be sure they aren’t paying more than they should. Which is why you can clean up as a tax preparation specialist.

You don’t need to be a CPA or having an accounting degree—though it could help you expand your business. You do need to take at least one tax preparation course and the Annual Federal Tax Refresher Course (AFTR) to confirm your tax knowledge.

You can set up shop focusing only on tax preparation or create a seasonal income stream. And it’s easy to make tax preparation just one of several services, including financial services, bookkeeping, and insurance.

Here how to get started.

Step 1: Get the training and certifications you need. Register with the IRS as a Tax Preparer.

Step 2: Offer your services to friends, neighbors, and local businesses. Don’t forget to ask for referrals!

Step 3: Build a website and LinkedIn profile. Share your expertise freely in both, so you’re top of mind when tax time comes around.

Example:

• Tax Coach, Mick Manoloff
• FreelanceTaxation

Best place to learn:

• The Income Tax School
• Start a Tax Preparation Business

20. Medical transcriptionist

Also known as Healthcare Documentation Specialists, medical transcriptionists listen to doctors’ recordings and either type them out to create written reports or edit the reports created by speech recognition software.

To succeed, you’ll need to be familiar with medical terminology and abbreviations. And you’ll need to be an accurate typist with good editing skills.

Right now, there’s a huge need for medical transcriptionists, and the demand is expected to grow. So if you’ve got a medical background, this one’s for you.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Get certification to prove you’re able to handle medical lingo like a pro.

Step 2: Start by reaching out to local physicians. Once you’ve got more experience, you can start getting clients through email outreach and social media.

Step 3: Create a website and LinkedIn profile promoting your services. Make sure you include rave reviews from your happy clients.

Example:

• Savant Transcription Service
• Transcripty

Best place to learn:

• American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group
• Free Online Medical Transcription Course

21. Interior designer

Love decorating? You could do well with a home-based interior design business. This is a $10 billion industry, and it’s growing fast. And since you don’t need a degree or special training, your own personal designing flair could be enough to attract all the clients you want.

There are lots of ways you can focus your business: antique furniture refinishing, home remodeling, decorating offices and residential homes, and more. So you can create a business doing the type of creative work you enjoy most.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Decide what type of interior design services you want to offer.

Step 2: Get the word out that you’re opening shop. For your first few customers, consider offering discounted services in return for glowing reviews and portfolio images.

Step 3: Build a website promoting your services, and use social media to share before and after pictures of your work.

Example:

• Megan Taylor
• Kristy Noble

Best place to learn:

• Design Hill
• American Academy of Interior Design

22. Home staging professional

Of course, you don’t have to do all-out interior design to flex your decorating chops. If you love making homes look warm and inviting, set up a home-staging business.

You’ll work with realtors and home flippers to make houses irresistible to potential buyers. And while you’ll have the flexibility of a home-based business, be aware—during busy seasons, you’ll work long hours.

It’s easy to get started.

Step 1: Go to local events and tradeshows. Start networking with realtors and builders. Get on mailing lists to stay on top of the industry.

Step 2: Offer to decorate the homes of friends who are selling, so you can build a track record. (You’re aiming for the lowest “days on the market” and the highest price possible.)

Step 3: Build a website and social media profiles to show off your work. And encourage word of mouth. It’s powerful in this business.

Example:

• Elite Austin
• 3Sixty Home Staging

Best place to learn:

• Staged/4More
• Home Staging Resource

There you have it!

The 22 best home-based business ideas I’m seeing today. All of them worth pursuing, and all of them able to give you a good (to great) income.

Now it’s your turn…

Which home-based business ideas from today’s post are you ready to try?

Have you tried something else that’s working great for you?

Let me know by leaving a comment below right now.

from MLM Companies

Ranking the best small business ideas

If you’re ready to leave the 9-to-5 grind in the dust…

You’re in luck.

There’s no better time than now to take control of your life and start your own small business.

In this post, I’m going to show you 22 of the best small business ideas available today.

Most will be easy to get up and running—and give you a good income in a short time. All of them will be fun and interesting…

And give you the satisfaction of being your own boss.

You only need to find one that fits your personality, skills, and experience, and you’ll be set for success.

So let’s get started: the best small business ideas I’m seeing today.

1. Paid ads

There’s definitely money to be made online—if you know how.

And there’s no smarter way than through paid ads.

Every online business needs to find buyers interested in their offers. As a paid ads expert, you’ll provide these businesses an invaluable service—and they’ll pay handsomely if you do your job well.

The top two channels for online ads are Facebook and Google, and you can specialize in one or both.

Here’s how to open shop as a paid ads specialist.

Step 1: Build your portfolio of successful ad campaigns. You need to be able to show real numbers, including ad spend and ROI.

Step 2: Build a website for your paid ads business. Be sure to show off your track record and talk about your ad services.

Step 3: Market your services through advertising, social media, and content marketing, so you can attract a steady stream of high-paying clients.

Example:

• com, Justin Brooke
• Digital Strategy Boot Camps, Molly Pittman

Best place to learn:

• The Complete Guide to Getting Started with Facebook Ads
• AdSkills

2. Marketing agency

Ad skills aren’t the only skills businesses need. If you write sales content, do SEO, or create killer funnels—and especially if you’re skilled at all of them—you can set up shop as a marketing agency.

As a marketing agency, you can work alone or with a team that rounds out your expertise. You can also be the strategist, coming up with the ideas and outsourcing the work.

How you operate your agency is entirely up to you.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Build a portfolio of A-level marketing campaigns—including the stats to prove your campaigns generate results.

Step 2: Build a website explaining who you, what you do, and who your services will benefit. (You can be a full-stack marketing agency or specialize in one particular skill.)

Step 3: Create a lead generation funnel with a tool like Clickfunnels, blog about marketing, and leverage social media to attract clients. Create case studies to show off your successes.

Example:

• Russ Henneberry
• Wick Marketing

Best place to learn:

• Digital Marketer
• Sakas and Company

3. e-Commerce and dropshipping

Today, you can set up an e-commerce shop selling physical or digital products with NO previous experience, NO big bankroll, and NO warehouse full of products.

The key is dropshipping, where you find sources for your products, and submit individual orders after your customers buy from you.

Of course, you’ll need to treat your shop like a business, but if you’re looking for an online business that’s easy (and affordable) to start, this is it.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Choose a niche or a type of product you want to sell. Look on Wish.com and AliExpress.com to make sure you’ve got good sources at a low price.

Step 2: Sign up at Shopify and build your shop. Add the products you’ve chosen from Wish and AliExpress.

Step 3: Use paid advertising and social media to market your products. Be sure to follow up with customers, so they’ll turn into repeat buyers.

Example:

• Colossal
• BeardBrand

Best place to learn:

• Academy of Arbitrage
• Sellosity

4. Life coach

Sometimes we all need a little friendly advice from someone who’s traveled the road we’re on. And if you’ve already achieved some impressive goals that other people strive for, you’re in a good position to offer that friendly advice.

As a life coach, you’re not a consultant, counselor, or leadership mentor. You’ll provide a road map for achieving a specific outcome, and you’ll work with your clients until they succeed.

What type of goals can you help people with? As a life coach, it could be as simple as getting organized or improving a relationship.

And the good news is you can do all your coaching online through Skype or Zoom, or on the phone.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Identify the solution you’ll offer people through your coaching.

Step 2: Set up a website that shows off your coaching credentials. (People want to see experience or certification.) And be sure to include a blog where you can share the unique ideas you bring to the table.

Step 3: Help your clients achieve massive success and feature their testimonials on your website.

Example:

• Coach Angela
• Brook Noel

Best place to learn:

• Coach Training World
• Coach Pony

5. Etsy or eBay seller

Before Etsy, if you were a professional crafter, you had to make the craft fair circuit. Today, you can build a crafting business without ever leaving your house!

Etsy is an e-commerce marketplace specifically designed to help you sell your homemade wares. And if you prefer reselling other people’s wares, look no further than eBay, where you can sell products outright or set up an online auction.

It’s easy to get started.

Step 1: Choose a niche or a type of product to sell.

Step 2: Open your shop and create your first listing. Be sure to optimize it for search, so it comes up when people search for items like yours.

Step 3: Market your products with social media, paid advertising, or a blog. And take good care of your customers so they leave you good reviews.

Example:

• Beantown Handmade
• LoftedDesigns

Best place to learn:

• com
• Unsettle

6. Virtual assistant

If you’ve got Spidey sense that helps you know what your boss wants or needs before they ask… you’re organized… and a good communicator… you’ve got what it takes to succeed as a virtual assistant.

As a VA, you’ll work from home, providing administrative support for VIPs, entrepreneurs and small businesses. Tasks might include email, phone calls, travel arrangements, writing, editing, bookkeeping, and social media.

Best of all, no experience is required. Just a strong “get it done” attitude.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Build a website with a “Hire Me” page. Be sure to highlight the unique skills you bring to the table, such as speaking multiple languages, writing skills, or tech experience.

Step 2: Get the word out that you’re available: connect with potential clients through LinkedIn and Twitter, and register on Upwork, Freelancer, and TaskRabbit.

Step 3: Get recommendations from your happy clients and feature them on your website.

Example:

• Kayla Sloan
• Amy Williams

Best place to learn:

• The VA Handbook
• International Virtual Assistant Association

7. Multilevel marketing

If you’re a natural marketer, multilevel marketing (MLM) could be attractive to you. After all, you get to work with a team of people who are as passionate as you are about the brand you represent… you can focus on selling (not running a business)… and it’s your “job” to throw a lot of parties.

But MLMs aren’t everything they’re cracked up to be, you need to do your due diligence. While a few people do make a million and some do create a stream of income, most people end up going in the hole. And just about everyone ends up alienating their family and friends.

If you want a better way, check this out.

If you’re set on multilevel marketing, here’s a list of popular MLMs to consider. And here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Sign up with a company that’s got great products and a good reputation. Make sure it also pays well and treats its distributors well.

Step 2: Set up your sales channels—especially the web page or social media support provided by the company.

Step 3: Talk about the products online, to your friends, and to anyone you think your products would help. Focus on sales and recruiting, so you can quickly rise through the ranks.

Example:

• Le-vel Thrive
• Usborne Books

Best place to learn:

• The 50 Best Network Marketing Companies
• Network Marketing Works

8. Handyman

Like fixing things around the house? Turn your home repair skills into a profitable business.

As a professional handyman, you can be a jack of all trades, doing whatever your customers need. But you can often make more money if you specialize. Like painting, laying tile, or remodeling.

It’s easy to get started.

Step 1: Choose the service (or services) you’ll provide. Get whatever licensing and insurance your state requires.

Step 2: Set up your business. You’ll probably need a truck or van, tools, and good suppliers for the building materials you’ll need.

Step 3: Get the word out that you’re available for hire. Consider building a website, advertising in your local paper, or putting a listing in Angie’s list.

Example:

• Done Right
• Chicago Handyman

Best place to learn:

• Handyman Startup
• Ask the Handyman

9. Lawn care specialist

Mowing the neighbors’ lawns may be a good side gig for teenagers, but it can easily morph into a full-time home-based business.

If you love being outdoors and have a green thumb, consider starting a lawn care business. You can focus on mowing, but you can also offer special services, such as weed control, landscaping, and more.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Choose the type of lawn care services you’ll provide and set the location of your business. (You’ll save time and money if your customers are close by.) Check out state requirements for licensing and insurance.

Step 2: Set up shop. You’ll need a high quality (aim for commercial grade) lawn mower, a truck, a trailer, and other equipment.

Step 3: Build a website promoting your services. Pass out flyers. And ask your customers to tell their friends about your services so you get some good word-of-mouth advertising.

Example:

• Tom’s Lawn Service
• Agave LD

Best place to learn:

• org
• Lawn Care Business Success

10. Home cleaning service

Cleaning is no one’s favorite chore, so most people are happy to pay someone else to do it for them. If you don’t mind doing windows (or baseboards or toilets), you can make good money cleaning homes.

As with any business, you’ll do well to specialize. For instance, you could use only non-toxic or aromatherapy cleaning products, clean new construction sites, or specialize in business offices.

It’s easy to get started.

Step 1: Choose your specialty and the geo-area you’ll work in. Also, obtain any necessary licenses, permits, an insurance coverage.

Step 2: Get set up. You’ll need cleaning equipment, cleaners, and a van to transport it to each customer’s home.

Step 3: Start promoting your business by building a website, advertising, and listing your services on Angie’s list.

Example:

• Page’s Cleaning
• Amelia’s Maids

Best place to learn:

• Aromatherapy Naturals
• Online Cleaning Coach

11. Property manager

Today, more people are choosing to rent over buying. And all that rental property needs management—from overseeing repairs to finding tenants and collecting rent.

Before diving in, though, check out your licensing requirements. You may need to have a real estate license or special certification. And even if it’s not required, it’s worth the effort. Professional credentials can build trust and set you apart from the competition.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Learn your state and local laws around rental properties and the landlord-tenant relationship. Get certified as a property manager.

Step 2: Start with properties you own or in a neighborhood you’re familiar with, so you can learn the ropes. Set up a process for managing the properties, your renters, and finances.

Step 3: Start networking with real estate agents. Market your services to local residential and commercial owners.

Example:

• A Plus Management
• Synergy Real Estate Group

Best place to learn:

• The Property Management Coach
• Propertyware

12. Online bookkeeping service

If numbers are your thing, you can bring home 6-figures as an online bookkeeper. And it’s a business that is in high demand. After all, every business needs to maintain their books—and they need your services all year round.

Unlike an accounting business, as a bookkeeper, you don’t need a degree or professional certifications. (They might help, though, so check them out.)

What you do need to know are the basics, like double-entry bookkeeping, bookkeeping software, report generation, and reconciling discrepancies.

It’s easy to get started.

Step 1: Choose a niche, like nonprofits or professional services.

Step 2: Build a website that explains what you do, the niche you serve, and how you work. Be sure to add testimonials from happy customers as you get them.

Step 3: Get your first few clients. Network with business owners in your niche on sites like LinkedIn. Sign up for freelance sites like UpWork, where prospects can find you. Attend live events where you can meet potential clients.

Example:

• Virtual Bookkeeping Services
• Backyard Bookkeeper

Best place to learn:

• The Accounting Coach
• American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers

13. Childcare service

Love children? Start a childcare service.

You can start with babysitting services and, once you’re established, formalize your services by setting up as a child care center. And you can offer whatever types of care you like: mother’s day out, daycare, after-school care, evening care, or even date night childcare.

Once you’re ready to set up a center, here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Decide the type of childcare you’ll provide, where and when you’ll provide it, and how much you’ll charge. Get any certifications you need.

Step 2: Set up your childcare facility with child-safe equipment. Get inspected and licensed by state and local regulators. Protect yourself with the proper insurance.

Step 3: Market your business. Set up a website or list your services on Care.com. Advertise in local papers.  And network to build word-of-mouth advertising.

Example:

• Happy Faces 247
• Papa and Nana’s Childcare Center

Best place to learn:

• How to Start a Quality Child Care Business
• Child Care Services Association

14. Personal chef

Everyone eats—and a large majority of people hate cooking. Which means you can create a profitable business as a personal chef.

While you don’t need experience or training (all you really need is a reputation as a fantastic cook), you’ll gain confidence if you get a little training. The Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) will teach you how to feed your client’s well.

Best of all, it’s easy to get started.

Step 1: Decide the type of cooking you want to do (vegan, Southern, etc.). Then identify your ideal client. Remember, you’ll be going into people’s homes to cook for them, so you need to find clients within a small radius.

Step 2: Build a website to promote your services. Talk about your cooking in social media.

Step 3: Wow your clients and ask for recommendations, so you can quickly grow your business.

Example:

• The Nourishing Vegan
• Carlos Crusco

Best place to learn:

• Sweet Potato Soul
• American Personal & Private Chef Association

15. Event planner

An event planning business can easily be run from your home. So if you’re organized and enjoy playing host, this is the perfect business for you.

As an event planner, you can plan a wide range of events: business meetings, conferences, weddings, and parties.

And getting started is easy.

Step 1: Decide whether you want to specialize in one type of event or be a generalist. Get any required licenses and insurance.

Step 2: Build a website and set up social media accounts. Buy whatever equipment and tools you’ll need for your events.

Step 3: Get the word out and get some events under your belt. Then ask for testimonials you can feature on your website.

Example:

• Elias Events
• Boutique Event Planning

Best place to learn:

• Event Manager Blog
• Event Planning Blueprint

16. Photographer

Photography is a terrific small business for creatives with a flair for snapping impressive photos.

Your options are endless. You can specialize in weddings, graduations, corporate events, baby pics, family portraits, or pet photos. You’re the creative. Come up with a unique approach that sets you apart from the competition.

You can start by taking pictures of friends and family. But once you’re ready to go pro, here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Pick a niche or two or three. Get whatever equipment you may need.

Step 2: Build a website or Facebook and Instagram pages. Show off your photography everywhere you can online.

Step 3: Think big. Be creative. And wow your clients with a fun (and photogenic) experience. Be sure to ask for referrals!

Example:

• Laurie Bacon-Campbell
• The Peaceful Moment

Best place to learn:

• Photography Concentrate
• Digital Photography School

17. Personal trainer

For health nuts, the best small business opportunity is to become a personal trainer.

You can work with people in their homes, outdoors, in a private studio, in corporate offices, or health clubs. And you can do group training or one-on-one sessions with private clients.

You may also choose to specialize in specific areas, such as bodybuilding, weight loss, seniors, women, or handicapped people.

And it’s easy to get started.

Step 1: Choose your specialty and get certified—AFPA offers Personal Trainer Certification and specialty certifications. Look into getting professional liability insurance too.

Step 2: Build a website or Facebook and Instagram pages. Talk about your work in fitness and training, so people recognize you as an expert.

Step 3: Meet with potential clients to evaluate their goals and determine whether you’re a good fit. Then help them meet or beat their goals. Be sure to ask for recommendations so you can build your client list.

Example:

• Transform Fitness
• Amara Hull

Best place to learn:

• American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA)
• National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)

18. Yoga teacher

Teaching yoga won’t make you rich. The payout is peace and contentment, not dollars in the bank.

That said, if you already practice yoga, becoming a teacher could be fulfilling—and you’ll get paid to do what you love.

You can teach without investing in a private studio. Just hold your classes in your home, local gym, or conference room. And don’t worry about certifications. They aren’t required, though you should register with Yoga Alliance, the standardizing body for yoga in America.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Choose the style of yoga you want to specialize in, such as Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kundalini, or Vinyasa. Get teacher training if you haven’t already, and register with Yoga Alliance.

Step 2: Start teaching. Offer private or group classes to friends and family. Talk to local businesses about offering group classes to their employees. Or offer classes during lunch at your workplace.

Step 3: Get the word out. Build a website or blog. Talk about your practice in social media. Hand out flyers in local businesses.

Example:

• Soul Strong Yoga
• The Yoga Room

Best place to learn:

• Yoga Alliance
• Yoga Outlet

19. Music teacher

Teaching music can be anywhere from a good side gig to a full-time income. The key is to attract long-term students and build multiple streams of income from your music.

As a music teacher, you’ll teach students how to play an instrument or sing, either one-on-one or in a group setting. You may also teach music performance and theory.

While you don’t need a degree to get started, you do need to be proficient in at least one instrument, be able to read music, and teaching experience.

It’s easy to get started.

Step 1: Post ads near your home and on social media. Create a post on Thumbtack. Talk with music groups and band directors in your area about offering private lessons to their members and students.

Step 2: Get one student and knock it out of the park with them. Then let word-of-mouth kick in.

Step 3: Keep adding students—and have fun while you’re building a solid income with your music.

Example:

• Renee Kesselring
• Thumbtack

Best place to learn:

• Careers in Music
• Grow Your Music Studio

20. Tutor

Most people need help with difficult subjects. If you’re a whiz at a tough subject like math or foreign languages, or if you hold a higher degree, you can make good money as a tutor.

You can tutor students in specific subjects or specific grades. You can also help them study for academic tests like SAT or GMAT, or help them prepare for professional certification like CPA exams or insurance certification.

Remember, on Skype you can tutor people online, which means you aren’t limited to students near you.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Start close to home. If you hear of someone struggling with a subject you’re an expert in, offer to help. Let friends and family know you’re doing tutoring and ask them to recommend you.

Step 2: Talk to local schools and universities, and ask them to recommend your services to students who are struggling. Sign up on sites like Care.com or Chegg Tutors. Build a Facebook page for your tutoring.

Step 3: Start adding students and helping them succeed. Then ask them to recommend you to their friends.

Example:

• com
• Math Tutor Courses

Best place to learn:

• StudentTutor
• The Tutor Coach

21. Bed and breakfast owner

Bed and breakfasts host 50.5 million guests each year, with 50% of rooms filled every day and prices skyrocketing. While B&Bs don’t often make you rich, you can definitely make a profit.

But running a B&B isn’t all pancakes and teacups. It’s hard work providing a luxury breakfast buffet, elite maid service, and all the extra touches your customers expect.

You also need to be sure you’re located in a travel destination or your home is historic or quirky enough to become a destination. If not, I hate to break it to you, but you either need a new home or a new small business idea. (Sorry.)

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Make sure your property is zoned, licensed, and insured for a B&B. Set up your home for paid guests.

Step 2: Get the word out. Advertise. Set up a website. List your home on B&B websites, AirBnB, and Craigslist. Share pics in social media. Build an email list of customers and prospects, then email them on a regular basis.

Step 3: Start booking customers and making money.

Example:

• Nutt House Historic Hotel
• The Little Stone Cottage

Best place to learn:

• Bed and Breakfast
• The B&B Coach

22. Caregiver/Companion

The need for private, non-medical care is on the rise. If you’re compassionate with a strong nurturing bent, you can start a successful small business as a caregiver.

As a caregiver, you may provide help with daily living activities, meal prep, housekeeping, and transportation. If you’re also a licensed nurse or rehab specialist, you can offer additional services.

It’s easy to get started.

Step 1: Choose the types of services you’ll provide, for whom, and where. Check your state requirements for training.

Step 2: Build a website. Create social media pages. List your services on ElderCare.com and other caregiving websites.

Step 3: Start offering compassionate care to your customers, and feel good about yourself while bringing in the money.

Example:

• HouseWorks
• Eva H

Best place to learn:

• Wise Caregiving
• CaregiverList

Which is your favorite?

Those are my 21 favorite small business ideas. All of them valid. Most of them easy to break into and start making money with.

Now I’d like to hear from you…

Which small business idea are you ready to try?

Have you started another type of small business that’s working great for you?

Let me know in the comments below.

from MLM Companies

Ranking the best online business ideas

Here’s the brutal truth about online business ideas…

There are WAY too many people promising boat-loads of money if you just dabble in an unproven “opportunity.”

The truth is, an online business is still a business.

You need a proven opportunity—meaning a real one, that’s already been used to make decent money for lots of people.

And you need to be prepared to work hard. There’s no easy button for building a business, online or otherwise. It takes work… and time… and sometimes a learning curve.

But the good news is there are plenty of good opportunities out there.

In fact, today, I’m going to show you 21 of the best online business ideas available today.

I’ve tried a few of these methods myself, and my friends have too. I can promise you they’re great ways to build a solid online business that brings in a good income.

You only need to find one that fits your personality, skills, and experience, and you’re gold. So let’s get started, shall we?

1. e-Commerce and dropshipping

Today, it’s easy to set up shop online and grab a piece of the $2.3 trillion pie that is e-commerce. With 1.66 billion people worldwide buying their goods online, there’s plenty to go around.

Most e-commerce stores are set up on Shopify, but other popular options are WooCommerce, Magento, and BigCommerce.

And it’s easy to get started.

Step 1: Create an e-commerce website with a unique collection of products.

Step 2: Run Facebook or Google ads to it.

Step 3: Fulfill orders and make sure your customers are happy with their experience.

Example:

• SuperHeroStuff
• Darn Good Yarn

Best place to learn:

• Shopify
• eCom Success Academy

2. Information marketing

When you’re good at doing something that others want to learn how to do, you’ve got the makings for a strong information marketing business.

Essentially, instead of sharing your know-how one-to-one, you package your information and sell it—as books, reports, video tutorials, and training materials.

Step 1: Create authority content that teaches people how to solve a common problem no one else is solving (or solving well). Think PDFs, video training, or a membership site.

Step 2: Run traffic to landing pages or webinars where you sell your solutions.

Step 3: Profit from repeat customers who think you’re the bomb.

Example:

• DogProblems
• Money Mustache

Best place to learn:

• Fred Gleek
• Beginner’s Guide to Information Marketing

3. Coaching

Want more of a human touch? Coaching allows you, not only to share your expertise but also personalize the information and support clients as they learn from you.

You can set up shop as a personal coach, say, helping people lose weight or find happiness, or a professional coach, helping your clients achieve a business goal like setting up a small business or becoming more productive.

As a coach, you can offer group or one-on-one sessions by telephone or video conferencing. And you can offer a set number of sessions or ongoing support. It largely depends on what information you’re sharing and whether clients expect to achieve mastery or to receive ongoing mentoring.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Use blogging and social media to establish yourself as an expert in a niche like marketing, personal branding, or homeschooling.

Step 2: Sell a range of coaching packages, from 1-on-1 to group coaching, that help your clients succeed in a specific way.

Step 3: Promote your client success stories, and use them to attract more clients.

Example:

• Tony Robbins
• Steve Gutzler

Best place to learn:

• Consulting Accelerator
• National Coach Academy

4. Blogging

You may think blogging is just a hobby. And if all you’re doing is recording your thoughts about motherhood or your love for stamp collecting, that may be true. But blogging can also bring home anywhere from $1k to $40k a month or more—while still writing about the things you love.

The key is to find a micro-niche that has a strong (and loyal) following, then monetize it.

Step 1: Start pumping out in-depth, high-quality blog posts related to a narrow niche.

Step 2: Drive traffic to your blog with email, social media, guest posts, SEO, and paid promotion.

Step 3: Monetize your blog with sponsorships, product sales, ads, lead generation, premium content, and paid reviews.

Example:

• Sew Can She
• Family, Food & Garden

Best place to learn:

• Problogger
• SmartBlogger

5. YouTubing

YouTubing (or vlogging) is just like blogging, but instead of written content, you’ll produce videos and become YouTube famous.

Your content will be hosted on YouTube (though you can republish it on a blog if you want), but you’ll monetize it pretty much the same way you would a blog—with ads, sponsorships, selling your own merchandise, or promoting other brands’ merchandise.

As a bonus, if you do build a companion blog, you can monetize both your blog and your vlog. How’s that for creating multiple streams of income?

Step 1: Start creating entertaining videos related to a narrow niche.

Step 2: Drive traffic to your YouTube channel through SEO, social media, paid promotion, mentions, and endorsements.

Step 3: Monetize your channel by becoming a YouTube partner, using Google AdSense, or making product placements.

Example:

• PewDiePie
• MyLifeAsEva

Best place to learn:

• Vlog Nation
• Vloggerpro

6. Copywriting

If you want to make money from your writing, there’s no better option than copywriting. Copywriting can be every bit as creative as fiction writing, but the odds of making six figures as a copywriter is fairly high—whereas fiction authors typically average $5k a year.

Why the difference? Because if you aren’t Stephen King, the profits on fiction are depressingly low. But businesses live or die on the quality of their ads, landing pages, and web content—so they’re willing to pay for good writers.

Bottom line, if you can write highly persuasive copy and content, you’ll be in high demand. Guaranteed.

So how do you get started?

Step 1: Choose an industry that you’re comfortable writing for or a type of project you’d like to specialize in—like landing pages, website copy, or case studies.

Step 2: Build a website promoting your copywriting services, including portfolio pieces that show off what you can do.

Step 3: Build name recognition and credibility, so clients are eager to work with you.

Example:

• Bob Bly
• Kathryn Aragon

Best place to learn:

• AWAI
• CopyHackers

7. Graphic Design

Maybe words aren’t your thing… you’re more into drawing and design. In the same way businesses need writers, they need designers who can make their products shine and their communications stand out.

To succeed, you’ll need to know the ins and outs of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign (the industry standards for graphic design) and possibly others. But once you’ve mastered them and have a few portfolio pieces under your belt, you’re set. Simply knowing the software puts you miles ahead of other newbies.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Choose an industry you want to work for or a type of graphics project you want to specialize in (think logos or annual reports).

Step 2: Build a website promoting your design work, and be sure to include portfolio pieces for each type of project you work on.

Step 3: Create graphics that stand out online, so clients see what you can do and are eager to hire you.

Example:

• David Carson
• Lori Haller

Best place to learn:

• HowDesign
• HackDesign

8. Building websites

If you love tech and are comfortable with (or willing to learn) HTML, CSS, and Javascript, you can succeed as a website developer.

As a web developer, you’ll build and maintain websites, which includes a variety of tasks: writing web pages, creating wireframes (mockups of your designs), building WordPress sites from scratch, optimizing the user experience, and making a site look as good as it works.

The good news is that these skills will keep you in demand for years to come. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the job outlook at 15%, which is double the average. And even without formal training, you can earn $68k a year or more.

Step 1: Build a website that shows off your talents and promotes your website-building services.

Step 2: Get the word out through email, social media, advertising, and guest posts.

Step 3: Collect testimonials from your happy customers and feature them on your website to attract a steady stream of happy clients.

Example:

• Kevin Leary
• Emily Ridge

Best place to learn:

• Website Setup
• Coding Dojo

9. SEO

SEO, or search engine optimization, is the secret to making a website and its most important pages rank at the top of search engines. And since 75% of people never scroll past the first page, page-one ranking is life or death for online businesses.

But SEO is both strategic and technical, which means many small to medium businesses aren’t comfortable doing it themselves—making this a great online business opportunity.

And fortunately, it’s not hard to break in. Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Pull out all the stops on optimizing your own website. Make it rank on page one in Google for your target keywords.

Step 2: Promote your SEO services through email, social media, advertising, and guest posts.

Step 3: Work your magic on client websites and ask them to refer you to their friends.

Example:

• Quicksprout
• Matt Tutt

Best place to learn:

• Backlinko
• Moz

10. Conversion rate optimizer

Conversion rate optimization (CRO) is about making sure the traffic from SEO and ads stays on a web page and takes the action they’re asked to take. Like SEO, it can be a bit technical, but in most cases, you can improve results simply by focusing on the basic.

As a CRO, you’ll work with clients on their entire website or specific pages. And you’ll use A/B testing, user testing, and other techniques to get better results over time.

It’s a long game, not a quick fix, which means you can land a few retainer clients and do very well for yourself.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Build a funnel selling a webinar or report that teaches people how to optimize for conversions.

Step 2: Optimize your funnel until it’s pulling in leads and giving you a steady stream of clients.

Step 3: Make your clients so happy they jump at the chance of keeping you on retainer.

Example:

• Conversion Sciences
• Elliott Davidson

Best place to learn:

• Conversion XL
• The Complete Guide to Conversion Rate Optimization

11. Software or app developer

Software developers design and build computer programs, apps, and games that people use every day, using programming languages such as Java, C, C++, Perl, and Python.

To be successful, you’ll need to know more than computer languages, though. You’ll need to know design, web development, and project management, user-interface design, and more—so your software is easy to use and intuitive.

If you like working on computers and are willing to learn programming languages, this is a terrific online business opportunity.

Step 1: Build an app or software that solves a problem for your target audience.

Step 2: Share it with influencers and thought leaders who could promote it to their audience.

Step 3: Do ongoing promotion to keep your sales high.

Example:

• Mark Zuckerberg
• David Powers

Best place to learn:

• Woz U
• Codecademy

12. Stock market trading

While it’s a bit risky, it is possible to make a living trading stocks. Of course, to succeed, you need to treat it like a business, not a game. But that’s true of any online business opportunity.

The key is to find your trading style and learn the rules for trading in that style, so you have a 75% success rate. Perfectly doable if you’re strategic and disciplines.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Develop a sound trading methodology that manages risk and volatility.

Step 2: Select a trading website like Scottrade or Schwab.

Step 3: Monitor the markets daily—and remember to buy low and sell high.

Example:

• James Altrucher
• Trader Mark

Best place to learn:

• The Balance
• TechniTrader

13. Affiliate marketing

If you want to sell products online but don’t have products of your own, affiliate marketing is for you. You can sell info-products, physical products, training, or services using the same digital marketing tactics you’d use for your own products—and take home a commission on every sale you make.

Your income will depend on the type of products you sell, since some products pay a bigger commission than others. But if you’re able to drive traffic and sales, you can make a good living without ever having to deal with product development or customer support.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Build an authority website in a popular niche.

Step 2: Sign up with affiliate networks and affiliate programs.

Step 3: Start promoting products and pulling in the affiliate checks.

Example:

• Nick Usborne
• Ian Fernando

Best place to learn:

• Smart Passive Income
• Affilorama

14. Online auction business

Online auction sites offer a different way to shop…

And a great way to build an online business. Think eBay, Yahoo! Auctions, Amazon.com Auctions, and uBid.

The key is to find a steady source for quality products you can sell on auction sites, and provide good customer support, so your ratings remain high.

Step 1: Choose a niche for the products you’ll sell, like cookware or party favors.

Step 2: Set up your office: computer space, storage space for your products, and a place to photograph your products.

Step 3: List your auction items on your favorite auction site and rake in the money.

Example:

• Northwind Supply
• Arosha Taglia

Best place to learn:

• The Queen of Auctions
• Andrew Minalto

15. Domain flipping

In a digital world, a great domain name is pure gold.

That’s no exaggeration!

GoDaddy reports that Cars.com is the most expensive domain name—setting its owners back $872 million. Even boring industries are willing to shell out for domains like insurance.com ($35.6 million) and hotels.com ($11 million).

Which is why you can run a successful online business flipping domains. And it’s easy to get started.

Step 1: Buy good domain names that are currently underpriced. In most cases, that means they’re short, memorable, have a strong extension (like .com), and are likely to be popular in the near future.

Step 2: Move it to your registrar, then make it clear your domain is for sale by listing it on a domain marketplace, building a landing page, parking it, or redirecting it to an auction site.

Step 3: Negotiate with potential buyers and pull in the profits.

Example:

• com
• Grabflip

Best place to learn:

• Niche Pursuits
• Sell My Site

16. Website flipping

Profitable websites are just as valuable (possibly more valuable) than domain names. Just as house flippers by an old house, fix it up, and sell it for profits, you can do the same thing with websites—without straining your back or budget.

Here’s how you do it.

Step 1: Buy a site for an in-demand product or service that’s not getting the traffic and conversions it should be getting.

Step 2: Renovate the site with a fresh design and search/conversion optimization—and boost the site’s income.

Step 3: List the site on a good website trading site, and collect your profits.

Example:

• Trade My Site
• com

Best place to learn:

• Yaro
• Website Builders

17. Author, Writing ebooks

If you love to write, this is the business for you. As a self-published author, you can make a good living from your writing if you can turn out lots of popular, niche books.

The key, of course, is to build a loyal reader base, so you need to learn how to market your books. You’ll also need to learn the basics of self-publishing. Fortunately, it’s not rocket science, so you can easily learn it when you’re ready to publish your first book.

Here’s what you need to know.

Step 1: Find your niche. Look for a publishing space with lots of avid readers, such as romance, science fiction, or self-help.

Step 2: Write your books, and upload them to a self-publishing site such as Amazon Kindle or Nook.

Step 3: Promote and sell your books through advertising, speaking engagements, and social media.

Example:

• Susan Daffron
• Joanna Penn

Best place to learn:

• Self-Publishing School
• Jane Friedman

18. Course creator

Writing books isn’t the only way to share your ideas and expertise. By creating courses, you can teach skills and share your knowledge without writing a single word.

You’ll need to know how to create high-def videos. But most smartphones have a high-enough quality camera to do the job…

Which means you just need to start teaching to build a profitable course.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Choose the topic you’d like to teach and the problems you’d like to solve in your courses.

Step 2: Create written and video lessons that teach one topic or solution and share a step-by-step process for mastering it.

Step 3: Upload your course to a course site like Udemy or put it in a membership area on your own website—then promote it through blog posts, ads, and social media.

Example:

• Danny Iny
• Cody Ray Miller

Best place to learn:

• Social Triggers
• Thinkific

19. User testing

You’re not going to make a lot of money doing user testing, but you can still set up shop and bring in some extra money.

You’ll need to be comfortable navigating the internet and have a computer with a microphone, an updated web browser, and a high-speed internet connection.

Here’s what you need to do to get started.

Step 1: Sign up to as many testing sites as you can. UserTesting.com is a good one to start with. Make sure you have the equipment you’ll need: a microphone and webcam are a must.

Step 2: Review the assignments and go through the screening for the ones you like.

Step 3: Invest 5 to 20 minutes completing the assignment, and get paid the next day.

Example:

• User Testing
• Userlytics

Best place to learn:

• Scott Alan Turner
• The Work at Home Woman

20. Data entry

A simple online business that doesn’t require any advanced training or experience is data entry. And there are lots of sites where you can find work, such as Cass Information Systems or freelance bidding sites like UpWork.

Step 1: Look through freelance project websites and job boards for remote data entry jobs.

Step 2: Make sure you have a good work station set up. You’ll probably need fast internet and two monitors.

Step 3: Wow your prospective employer in a phone screening and interview. Then get to work on the projects they give you.

Example:

• Cass Information Systems
• Flexjobs

Best place to learn:

• Real Way to Earn Money Online
• Dream Home Based Work

21. Language translation

Are you fluent in multiple languages? If so, you can build an online business as a language translator.

Translators may do simultaneous translation, meaning, they translate a speaker as they’re talking. They may also translate written works for publication in another language, marketing materials for expanded markets, and the like.

Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Get certified by the American Translators Association or take a proficiency test through the Defense Language Institute or ALTA.

Step 2: Build a website to promote your services, including samples of your translation projects. And market yourself to law firms, police stations, hospitals, government agencies, language agencies, and publishers.

Step 3: Get testimonials and referrals from your clients, and add them to your website as social proof.

Example:

• Rebecca Hendry
• Lisa C. Hayden

Best place to learn:

• Marketing Tips for Translators
• Linguagreca

There you have it!

The 21 best online business ideas I’ve seen today. All of them valid. Most of them able to give you a good, living income once you’ve got your business rolling.

Now I’d like to hear from you…

Which online business ideas from today’s post are you ready to try?

Have you tried something else that’s working great for you?

Let me know by leaving a comment below right now.

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