There was a 15% loss in private sector employment after COVID-19 was declared an emergency on March 13, 2020, according to the Small Business Administration (SBA). Small firms had a greater rate of decline of 17%. As the epidemic progresses, the unemployment rate fluctuates, but it is expected that the job market will remain sluggish for some time.
To go forward in your life, you don’t necessarily need to get a “real job.” If you’re looking for a method to make money from the comfort of your own home, you’ll be surprised at how many options are out there.
Here are some of the greatest ideas for starting a home based business, from one-time side projects to long-term enterprises. Some of these home based business ideas are straightforward to execute, while others need a certain amount of ability.
You’ll be able to make more or less money based on the route you choose. Delivering food for DoorDash or GrubHub, for example, might bring in several hundred bucks a week. You’ll only get compensated for the time you put in, as this job does not provide any kind of residual revenue.
In contrast, you may establish a firm that generates millions of dollars over time with a digital media business or blog. What gives? Why? Because I made it happen.
How to start a home business?
A home based business or side hustle may help you achieve your financial objectives, whether you want to stop working every day or just want to generate some additional money to pay off your debts. The good news is that there are an infinite number of home based business options available.
Here are some small business ideas from home to get you started:.
Home Based Business Ideas for the Internet
Online businesses are some of the top home based business ideas. As a result, your operating costs are kept to a minimal, yet working from home is another perk of owning an internet company. Here are some of the best business ideas.
1. Building a blog is the first step to earning a steady stream of passive income.
Even though it takes time to build an audience and identify methods to generate money from your blog, you can make money blogging and working from home.
This ever-expanding profession is seeing a surge in the popularity of niche blogs. Despite the fact that wages might vary greatly, earning potential is practically infinite.
Hosting services like Bluehost can have your website up and operate in no time at all.
Interested in starting a blog for a low price? See how my wife and I make money blogging and discover how you can make $1000 Blogging as well!
[Also read: How to Calculate Return on Sales]
2. Make Yourself a Virtual Assistant.
Among the many jobs that virtual assistants do for their customers include answering emails, preparing papers, and making simple visuals. In addition to writing and editing material, some virtual assistants also help their customers schedule content for publication on a variety of media.
Many virtual assistants charge $50 or more per hour, yet even the most inexperienced ones may easily charge $20 or less.
Most people may work as virtual assistants using sites like Upwork and Zirtual.
3. Become a Freelance Writer on the Internet
There is a strong probability that the person who wrote the article you just read was paid a lot of money to do so. A few hundred dollars per post is not out of reach for freelance writers, but you may make much more money if you learn how to produce longer and more complex articles.
There is a lot of effort involved in being paid to write, but you can generally get started by utilizing a site like Upwork. Even so, Holly Johnson’s piece on How to Become a Freelance Writer is worth a read. Over the years, Johnson has amassed a six-figure online freelance writing income. She offers a free webinar and a paid course. At EarnMoreWriting.com, you may get additional information on how to get started.
4. Initiate a Webstore
A storefront and all the expenses that go with it used to be a must for anybody trying to sell a product. The globe is your oyster these days; you can sell to anybody, anyplace.
A wide variety of things may be sold on the internet, from honey from your backyard apiary to customized linens that you embroider yourself.
An online course by my friend Steve Chou from MyWifeQuitHerJob.com leads individuals through the process of setting up an internet business. Together, their web firm generates six figures in annual revenue for his wife, who was able to leave her work.
His course, Profitable Online Store, may be of interest to you.
5. It’s Time for Some Micro-Works!
Fiverr introduced us to a new manner of assigning and accepting work. While many Fiverr tasks only pay $5 for beginners, you may make a lot more money on this site if you can get more complex projects or establish a steady clientele.
There are several apps and websites that allow you to earn a livelihood by taking on a variety of little tasks each day, such as Gigwalk and Mechanical Turk.
Even better, you can do it all online and without leaving the comfort of your home.
6. Produce and Distribute an E-Book.
Anyone may now earn a fortune from their writing thanks to the ease with which it can be published online.
However, there are many writers who are taking advantage of e-convenience. publishing’s The most recent example is the 50 Shades of Grey series.
Writing an e-book is a great method to earn money from home quickly if you like writing and are ready to promote yourself (having a blog may greatly assist in this situation).
7. In your spare time, take surveys.
It’s possible to make money by participating in online surveys.
Although there are a plethora of survey businesses to start choosing from, Survey Junkie is my personal preference. You may get anywhere from $2.00 per hour to $5.00 per hour doing surveys on Survey Junkie, depending on your demographics.
However, there are more ways to get money on Survey Junkie than completing surveys. In addition, you’ll have the home business opportunities to participate in focus groups, watch movies and write reviews, as well as earn money by playing games!
If you’re looking for a way to earn money while doing something fun on the side, check out these great survey sites:
8. Earn Money Shopping
Online retailers are prepared to spend to get your attention. This might be a good method to earn money from home if you do a lot of internet shopping.
Cash-back websites are what I’m referring to Rakuten.com is one example of this kind of website.
Let’s suppose Rakuten has a partnership with Target. Rakuten.com earns a commission when you make a Target purchase via Rakuten.com. If you shop at Rakuten, you’ll get a percentage of your purchase back. Suppose you purchased a $60 light from Rakuten and received a 3% rebate.
The $1.80 may not seem like much, but if you stick to cashback sites, you’ll save a lot of money in the long run.
Remember to shop on the websites you enjoy to get cashback!
- Rakuten
- Shop with rebates from Ibotta (Grocery Rebates)
- ShopKick
- Tada
9. You Don’t Have to Leave Your House to Make Extra Money!
This may be a requirement for certain “gig”-based home-based enterprises. These company ideas are incredibly flexible, allowing you to work when and where you want. In certain situations, you may also be able to earn a basic salary plus tips.
10. Become a Member of a Food Delivery Company
As soon as eateries get an “order for delivery,” they are obligated to fulfill it. Employees may be hired to transport items for pizza shops or restaurants that receive a lot of takeout orders.
Restaurants that get takeaway orders, but not enough to warrant a full-time employee’s salary, are another matter.
This is an issue that technology can handle. And, maybe, hot new business ideas of your own..
Uber drivers carry clients from one point to another. Uber Eats drivers, on the other hand, transport clients’ food orders directly from restaurants to their plates. No difference whatsoever. If a restaurant needs food to be delivered someplace, the app will notify you instead of pinging you for a ride.
Drivers are earning a full-time career from these services, which are cropping up all over the place:
- Postmates
- Doordash
- Grubhub
- UberEats
11. Mystery Shopper
Getting paid to shop is a dream come true for many individuals.
Many mystery shopping frauds are out there, so you should be careful. If a job asks an advance payment, it’s a solid indication that it’s not legitimate.
A true mystery shopping job may pay anywhere from $8 all the way up to $50 or $100, according to the website Scambusters.
12. Opening a Catering Company
Consider opening a catering company from the comfort of your own home if you like large-scale cooking.
In order to generate money, you must be able to estimate the cost of the supplies you’ll need for your projects.
However, this is an area in which you may start small and work your way up to greater jobs and more money.
[Also reading: Operating Cash Flow Formula, Definition, and Examples]
13. Landscaping
Landscape design might be a good home based business for you if you’re always happiest when you’re working on your yard.
Even though this is a new sector, working as a part-time employee for a landscaping firm may teach you some of the skills you’ll need. From there, you may begin to establish a clientele of individuals who want their landscapes to seem beautiful without having to put in the effort.
14. Work as a Tour Guide
When it comes to your favorite pastime, it may not occur to you to turn it into a full-fledged company.
Providing thematic or specialized tours is a particularly fantastic option in this case.
Rather than just creating a website to promote your tours, you can use Airbnb.com to build “experiences” that you can then sell to travelers. When you’re first starting out, this will assist you to get in front of a larger audience and help you build some brand recognition.
15. Start a Daycare in Your Own House!
If you’re a stay-at-home mom, this is a great way to bring in some extra cash. It makes sense to have a few guests over because you’ll be spending time with your children anyhow. In-home daycare licensing differs from state to state, but you’ll want to be sure you’re adhering to your local rules.
16. Take Good Care of the Elderly in Your Neighborhood
As a rule of thumb, most home-based eldercare workers visit their patients on a regular basis to assist with anything from meal prep to small home maintenance.
To be a successful caregiver, you must have a strong desire to help the elderly. You may use word of mouth, social media, and listing sites like Care.com to promote your services.
Despite the fact that the hourly wage for eldercare tends to be on the low end, the perfect mix of engagements allows you to work whenever and wherever you like.
17. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are a great way to make money.
For Uber or Lyft, you’ll have to leave your house all day and drive an up-to-date, dependable vehicle. We, on the other hand, like the freedom that comes with working as a rideshare driver. Typically, you may work whenever and wherever you choose, and you can even drive for both Uber and Lyft at the same time.
Uber and Lyft pay a set cost per mile for drivers, which makes it more dependable than other on-demand services like taxis. These gratuities might add up quickly if the driver is kind.
18. Become a dog walker or a pet sitter.
Rover.com can help you become a professional dog walker or dog sitter if you know how to use their website. It’s possible to complete a typical work week with pet-related tasks by using this site, but it’s also possible to discover short-term jobs as a way to boost your revenue.
In many cases, individuals charge $29 a night or more to house-sit a dog or cat, and the cost of dog-walking varies widely. It’s a simple job that you can set up in your free time and from home if you want to.
Become a pet groomer if you’ve always wanted to work with animals but haven’t had the stomach or time to do it yourself. Small changes to your bathroom, cellar, or laundry area may turn your house into a full-service dog salon.
19. Work as a Travel Agent or Coordinator
While anybody may use an aggregator site to get the cheapest flights to Saint Louis, arranging a more complex vacation may be too much for others.
When it comes to planning a vacation, a travel planner may use his expertise to locate the most cost-effective options for everything from the airline to the hotel to the rental vehicle.
New “travel concierge” services are springing up all over the place, taking the place of traditional travel agents who used to handle this kind of business. A simple website and some basic marketing tools are all you’d need to get started with this company.
20. House Cleaning is a great business from home.
If you’re looking to get your feet wet in a new company, home cleaning is an excellent option.
If you want to increase your income significantly, the possibilities are almost endless. If you’re able to clean swiftly and effectively, you may easily make $50 per hour or more as a housecleaner.
Find customers by reaching out to individuals you know or by posting on the Facebook page of your locality. A few satisfied customers will make it much simpler to get new business via word-of-mouth and recommendations.
Ideas for Home Based Businesses that Emphasize a Particular Set of Skills
If you want to start a home base business, you’ll need to have some prior expertise or training in the field. Consider starting a home based business if you’ve already worked in a specialized area and have a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw on.
What’s the 20th thing you can do?
Our brains are used to seeing narrators in YouTube videos or Netflix series, but they aren’t always visible. A voiceover actor does just that: they provide the voiceovers for other people’s videos. In addition, business is expanding in this region.
What are you waiting for? If you’re interested in getting a foot in the door of the entertainment business, check out some of the resources listed below:
21. Backstage
America’s most comprehensive resource for finding work in the entertainment industry (actors, singers, dancers, etc.)
Kidscasting.com: Do you have a lovely child? Job openings for occupations that need children are posted on a regular basis on the website Kidscasting.com.
Mandy.com: Mandy.com is a resource for finding employment as a voice actor, as part of a film or television production team, or as a musician.
22. Teach English to Students from Other Countries
If you’ve ever met an English instructor, you’ve probably asked, “Where do you teach?” How did he react?
Instead, “Oh no, I work from home and tutor pupils in China.”
What????
Teaching English used to be a way for people to travel, but nowadays it’s more of a career choice. That’s no longer the case! If you’re a teacher with a family and a house to keep up, why not consider offering your classes online?
VIPKid is a Chinese corporation that provides online tutoring and educational services. Parents in China prefer that their children learn English from Americans who are natural speakers of the language.
Work when and where you choose. Earn up to $22 per hour. Just stay at home and do it.
23. Invest in a Home Inspection Company as Your Next Career Move
You may not have thought of this as a viable home based business opportunity, but it’s a critical one for new homeowners worldwide.
Having a professional home inspector conduct a thorough inspection of the property is an essential component of the home-buying process.
Anyone who has worked in the construction or the housing business will have an advantage in becoming a home inspector because of their experience.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median compensation for home inspectors in 2019 was $60,710.
24. The National Certification Board 
The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork may assist aspiring massage therapists in meeting their local standards, even if those criteria differ from state to state.
However, working in a spa or medical facility isn’t necessary for massage therapists who choose to work from home ideas or make house visits. If you’re looking to start a company from home, massage treatment is an excellent option.
25. Prepare Tax Returns for Others
Taxes are a drag on everyone’s happiness, yet they must be paid regardless of the state of the economy. So why is home tax preparation an excellent business opportunity for those with tax experience or those who are ready to attend training courses?
To keep up with the ever-changing tax law, you’ll need to take refresher courses and register as a tax preparer with the IRS every year.
As a seasonal company, this is a terrific opportunity to make some additional money throughout the winter and spring months.
26. Become a Doula
Labor coaches may be found in all kinds of places, from hospitals to midwife clinics to the woman’s own house.
A doula is an unlicensed, non-medical practitioner who provides knowledge, emotional support, and physical aid throughout the birthing process.
Despite the fact that most states do not need doulas to be licensed, certification by the sole certifying organization for this profession, DONA International, is a good idea.
When it comes to the unexpected nature of their client’s lives, doulas are no exception.
27. Become a hairstylist
If you’re skilled in hair styling and manicures, operating a salon out of your house is a great way to get started in the beauty industry.
Your state’s regulations for home salon services might be strict, so be careful to follow them to the letter. In contrast, owning your own at-home salon may be profitable since you won’t have to pay rent on office space and because you’ll be paid the entire amount of money your customers pay for the services you provide.
28. Utilize Your Graphic Design Skills as Strategy
Logos, advertisements, posters, websites, and the like are always in need of graphic designers to help them visually convey information.
Despite the fact that graphic designers may be self-taught, the majority of them have either a certification or a degree to their name.
This is a low-cost endeavor that can be carried out from any location with a dedicated computer and just requires the purchase of design software.
A top home based business opportunity for someone with graphic design talents and the means to invest in the tools required to get started is this one.
Graphic designers make on average $52,110 a year, according to the BLS.
29. Create an Accounting Firm
To work from home as a bookkeeper, you don’t necessarily need a degree in accounting or to be certified by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). You simply need a basic understanding of accounting to get started in this field.
Small firms who don’t need or can’t afford a full-time bookkeeper benefit greatly from this kind of freelancing employment since it allows you to work full-time for multiple smaller customers.
30. Become a Copywriter
There are a variety of ways in which these writers may help a company promote its products and services. If you’re an amazing writer, you can also be a brilliant copywriter.
Even though you may work for someone else as a copywriter, the fact that the majority of the job can be done online makes it ideal for someone who wishes to work from home. It’s difficult to get your first customers lined up when you’re just starting off. Afterward, word-of-mouth and other forms of networking should help you get additional jobs.
[Also read: How to turn on AirDrop on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac]
31. Put Your Language Proficiency to Good Use by Interpreting
Translating papers from one language to another may earn you a livelihood from the comfort of your own home. Keep in mind that many translators work freelance, so starting a translation company and doing one-off projects for a range of customers can be an option.
Creating a simple website to promote your translation services might be all it takes to get your translation company off the ground. There are several ways you may get your hands on translation work, such as contacting firms in your region that could need it or networking with businesses that might need your services in the future.
32. Get a Job Writing Grants.
There is a significant need for grant money to augment the budgets of non-profits, colleges, hospitals, and other community groups, yet grant writing is infamously difficult for the first-timers.
You may establish a successful freelance grant writing company if you already have grant writing expertise or are prepared to learn by doing the work for free for a few non-profits.
A grant writer’s salary might range from $40,300 to $67,000, according to eHow.
33. Work from home as a medical transcriptionist
Transcribing audio dictations into comprehensible reports is in high demand in the medical profession. Transcriptionists must have a two-year degree in medical terminology in order to be fluent in the medical jargon.
For medical transcription work, you may have to seek out doctors and other healthcare professionals in your region, but if you join a site like FlexJobs.com, you may also be able to get work.
34. Get Paid to Collect Debt
If you have thick skin, you can work from home as a debt collector since you simply need a phone and a computer. Also, it’s a company that thrives in downturns (or at least tolerates them).
Make sure you complete your research on licensing requirements in your area before deciding to open a business. To operate in this sector, you’ll often need to be certified as a debt expert.
35. Etsy.com is a great place to sell your handmade goods.
Everyone has a soft spot for one-of-a-kind furnishings. To maximize your time in the workshop, why not consider selling your products? If you can make candles, home decor, or quilts, the same holds true.
Etsy is a great way to get your business off the ground without the need for a brick-and-mortar location. Setting a price and uploading images of your things are the only steps required. In order to mail your belongings, you must leave your house just once: at the post office.
you may start your own home-based business.
Offer your services to stressed-out and disorderly people and companies if you’re someone who enjoys reorganizing closets for enjoyment. Start-up costs and client acquisition costs for an organization firm are both low. Creating a simple website or Facebook group is all you need to do to promote your services. Additionally, you might put your ad on local social media sites like Facebook or on craiglist.org.
36. Herb Farming
Gardening is a great way to unwind, but it can also be rewarding. It’s possible to get a lot of consumers as a herb farmer in an urban location, thanks to the growing interest in alternative medicines and demand for locally produced and organic goods.
While herb farming does need some area for growth, herbs are quite tiny, and virtually any house may be gently renovated to allow for an extensive herb garden.
37. Repair Damaged Electronics
There is nothing wrong with running an electronics repair service out of your house as long as you like dismantling computers.
To be successful, you should focus on repairing iPads and other tablets, since many tablet owners are searching for a less expensive alternative to the manufacturer’s pricey repair options.
38. Become a teacher
Tutors benefit from having a background in education, although it isn’t required. The only thing you truly need is a mastery of one or more academic disciplines. You can assist local youngsters to succeed academically if you have extensive expertise in a certain subject area, such as math or science.
Finding a job as a tutor should not be difficult. Local schools and businesses might be a good source of advertising for you if you’d like.
39. Consider becoming a personal trainer.
If you’re a fitness fanatic who enjoys helping others achieve their objectives, being a personal trainer should be a cinch. It’s possible to meet customers in a nearby gym, or you might visit them at their homes.
As a general rule, personal trainers charge more than $50 each session for their services. It’s possible to make a substantial amount of money from this home based business concept if you can get a few regular clientele.
40. Teach Music Lessons
For stay-at-home husbands, teaching piano (or guitar or violin or singing) classes at home is a well-established source of additional income.
If Lois Griffin can do it, so can any musically-minded entrepreneur.
While you can teach music lessons in person, quite a few websites also let you market your services or even teach music lessons online. Some of the best options include Live Music Tutor and Take Lessons.
Best Home Business Ideas/fun business ideas
Here are even more best home based business ideas you can try, although not all of them will work for everyone.
41. Rent Out a Room in Your House
Airbnb, VRBO.com, and Vacasa are all examples of an online marketplace that arranges lodging options between a visitor and a host.
Let’s say you have a guest house or spare bedroom. Why not list the space on Vrbo and make that your business?
What you can charge per night depends on the area. The more touristy the city and nice your home, the more you can charge.
- AIRBNB
Simple, secure way to host your home
- VRBO
Estimate how much you could earn!
- VACASA
Let Vacasa care for your home & guests
42. Rent Out Your Car
It used to seem weird to rent out a spare room to a stranger, or to stay in a stranger’s home when you go on vacation. Thanks to the likes of Airbnb and others, these sharing economy services have shown us it’s not so scary!
So let me ask – how do you feel about renting out your car?
Think about it. Rental car agencies (Enterprise, Avis, Budget, etc.) are awful to deal with and too expensive.
A company called Turo has disrupted the industry. People across the country are earning money from lending their cars out to strangers.
If you aren’t using your car for a couple of days, or if you have a spare one, simply join Turo’s free platform, list the car, and charge whatever you want for the day.
43. Invest In Real Estate
Real estate investing may seem more like a “side business,” than a true at-home business. Over time, however, making money as a landlord from the comfort of your home is a great place to start on your road to self-employment.
Want to get in on the action but don’t have the experience or time? I recommend real estate crowdfunding.
Real estate crowdfunding is when investors pool their money together to buy investment properties. Each crowdfunding platform is different. Some focus on commercial real estate, some focus on flipping homes, and others buy with the intent of collecting rent over the long term.
My guide on how to invest in real estate can help you get started.
[Also read: 7 Best Programming Languages for Kids & Teens]
44. Sell Your Stuff
This business idea sounds vague, but that’s only because it’s widely open to interpretation. The root of the idea is related to the one above People shop online a lot these days.
Why not be the one to sell them stuff? Below are places that facilitate online selling. Keep in mind, however, to make it a viable business, you need to be consistently selling. So think big.
Maybe you could shop at a local thrift or antique stores and resell items online? This idea requires creativity.
- Gazelle: Sell used electronics
- Worthy: Sell engagement rings and old navy
- Declutter: Similar to Gazelle, a marketplace for electronics
- Poshmark: Sell jewelry, clothes, handbags, etc.
- LetGo: Furniture, cars, books, computers, etc.
- eBay: Create a store profile and sell anything!
- Amazon: Make money selling stuff already listed on Amazon.
45. Invest in Stocks
Similar to real estate, investing has long served as a way to earn a living without the boss or office required.
That said, investing is a risky business (literally) so I recommend only those who are experienced and have a strategy to consider this idea.
Fortunately, many of the top brokerage firms don’t even charge commissions these days. This makes it incredibly more affordable to get started and to keep your long-term trading fees at a minimum.
Related: The Best Online Brokerage Accounts For Beginners To Experienced Investors
46. Start a Child Proofing Business
Keeping our kids safe is so important, but the details of how to do so can be confusing.
A professional childproofing business is inexpensive to start up, but there may be state regulations to follow. It’s also a good idea to apprentice with a child proofer in order to learn the business.
47. Junk Removal
Anyone who has ever had the unenviable task of cleaning up a house for sale after the death of the owner knows just how important this job is.
Junk removal can be as simple as hauling away unwanted stuff to the dump, or it can be as complicated as separating out the trash from the treasures and handling the actual sale of the goods.
If you have watched Hoarders before, then you know how essential junk removal is. By starting your own business in this field, you can get a piece of the action and some of the profits.
Tips for Running a Business Out of Your Home
Running a home based business is a lot different than heading into an office for a 9 to 5 job. You’ll have to deal with considerably more distractions for starters, but you’ll also need to have a certain level of discipline to make it work. After all, you won’t have a boss looking over your shoulder anymore.
In addition to making sure you’re dedicated to your home-based business idea and ready to put in the hard work, here are some additional tips that can help:
Have a dedicated space to work. If your home-based business idea is one that actually runs out of your home, make sure you have some separate space to work. This could be an area of your dining room where you’re able to set up a desk, or perhaps you have a basement where you could set up a dedicated office space. Whatever you have to work with, make sure you have a work area where you can go to focus on the work ahead.
Set a schedule. When you don’t have a regular job, it’s easy to keep putting off your work to the point it never gets done. With that in mind, it’s smart to set strict working hours like you would have if you worked for someone else. You don’t have to work 9 to 5, but you should have set working hours that never change.
Protect your work time from family and friends. Don’t let family and friends sabotage your home based business since they know you’re home. Make sure you tell everyone that you are actually working from home, so you cannot chat on the phone, run errands for them, or keep an eye on their kids.
Keep your business financials separate. Once your business is up and running, we recommend taking steps to separate your business finances. This typically involves setting up a business checking account, signing up for a business credit card, and creating folders for receipts and other paperwork you’ll need to keep track of for business and tax purposes.
Learn how to outsource effectively. This tip is for intermediate home based businesses, but it is still important. As you grow your operation, you’ll want to figure out what you should outsource so you can spend more time on your business. This may mean paying a bookkeeper to keep track of your expenses, or perhaps even outsourcing cleaning and errands at your home so you have more time to work.
The Bottom Line
The above are the most successful home based businesses available today. If daily commutes, coworkers, and cubicles don’t suit your fancy, why not try one of the idea for home business on the list?
When you work from home, you can call the shots, you set the standards, and you get the chance to pursue your professional passions at your own speed.
If you’re tired of waiting for an employer to create the job you want, then maybe it’s time for you to take control. With a home-based business, you can create the life you want on your own terms.
