According to BusinessDIT, more than half of all businesses in the U.S. are based out of somebody’s home. If you have the drive, the space, and the entrepreneurial spirit, you can join this group and start a home-based business, too. Finding a business idea that suits your skills might be challenging, though. Consider these six ideas from Araix that can help you earn income and build a business from the comfort of your own home.
Regardless of the business you choose, you will need to complete some important steps in order for your business to be official. First, you’ll need to choose a business structure. There are several to choose from and each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so do your research.
Then, you will need to complete the state-specific paperwork. You can do this step on your own or work with a formation service for a small fee. If you’re worried about missing a form or a step, the formation service may be your best choice as they complete these documents all of the time. Plus, it will free up your time to be used developing your business so once everything is official you can hit the ground running.
1. E-commerce Business
One of the most common business models for home-based entrepreneurs is an eCommerce business. It’s popular for many reasons, but one of the greatest advantages is the low barrier to entry that it entails. Even the most inexperienced business owner can launch an eCommerce company from their home. You simply need to create a website, accumulate inventory, and start marketing.
Using a robust e-commerce platform is important. When you look into commerce offerings, e-commerce will enable your business to create intuitive, engaging and personalized shopping experiences across all channels. Choose a platform that has user-friendly content tools, insightful analytics, inventory management, and secure payment processing.
2. Home-Based Daycare
If you love kids and want to help working parents, you could turn your home into a daycare center. Running a daycare is hard work, but it’s a great opportunity for anybody who has their own kids to look after, too. Many states have specific licensure requirements that you must meet in order to establish a daycare, so be sure to review the requirements before you start accepting clients.
3. Get a Degree to Teach Online Tutoring
Are you skilled in math or writing? Perhaps you’re fluent in a foreign language. If you have any academic skills that students may need to learn, tutoring might be the best home-based business idea for you. You can do this by creating a customized curriculum for clients, assessing their progress intermittently, and helping them master key concepts in the subject they’re studying. In-demand subjects can be particularly lucrative for home-based tutors to teach.
To enhance your skill set, consider going the online route to complete the process of bachelor of education. This will allow you to not only legitimize your tutoring business, but you’ll be able to learn the latest concepts in learner development and instructional practice. Taking coursework online means that there’s ample flexibility and convenience – not to mention money savings – by logging on anywhere there’s an internet connection and avoiding the need to attend classes at a traditional campus.
4. Pet Sitting Business
There’s no better business idea than a pet-sitting business if you are an animal lover. If you have space in your home to accommodate a few furry visitors, you can board cats, dogs, and other types of pets. This business can be fun, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Consider completing an animal first aid course or another training resource before you care for other people’s pets.
5. Creative Freelancing
Anybody with a creative spirit can turn their skills into a home-based business by becoming a freelancer. If you are a talented artist, for example, offering freelance illustration services can be a profitable endeavor. Other valuable skills such as writing, translating, and graphic design can also be a promising pathway to a career in creative freelancing. Set fair rates and choose clients wisely to ensure that your business thrives.
6. Business Consultancy
Anybody with experience in business can use their knowledge to become a consultant. As a home-based business consultant, you’ll communicate with clients and help them develop strategies to boost sales and reach customers. Starting this kind of business — or any business — can be tricky, though. Consider seeking guidance from a professional organization in your area or your local Chamber of Commerce.
Starting a home-based business is a great idea if you want to earn income and work on your own terms. Jobcase points out that working from home offers freedom and financial benefits that an in-person job often can’t match. Since there are many steps to complete, look for resources, like an e-commerce platform, that will help you launch your business with confidence. With some effort, you will be living the entrepreneurial dream in no time!
