Did you know that half of all businesses are started from home? Imagine the freedom and flexibility of being your own boss, operating your own business from the comfort of your own home. It’s an exciting and rewarding entrepreneurial journey that can lead to financial success and personal fulfillment.
So, if you’re ready to kick-start your entrepreneurship journey, here are 40 mouthwatering home business ideas for 2024, along with guidance on how to make them work for you.
40 Best Home Business Ideas
- Buy products in bulk and sell them online
- Sell homemade products
- Start a dropshipping store
- Start a print-on-demand business
- Offer online services
- Teach online classes
- Productize your service or expertise
- Grow an audience you can monetize
- Buy an existing small business
- Start a subscription-box business
- Turn your pet into an influencer
- Sell used items
- Play video games
- Sell your art
- Become a virtual event planner
- Launch a photography business
- Start a beauty business
- Start an affiliate marketing business
- Start a daycare
- Sell on marketplaces
- Become a social media manager
- Become a virtual personal trainer
- Offer bookkeeping services
- Design websites
- Start a dog-grooming business
- Become a pet sitter
- Become a freelance writer
- Manage properties
- Start a landscaping business
- Start a house cleaning business
- Become a personal chef
- Start a home staging business
- Run a mobile spa
- Offer therapy
- Run meditation sessions
- Teach journaling methods
- Be a professional organizer
- Edit podcasts
- Create a herbal product line
- Create a candle brand
1. Buy products in bulk and sell them online
When starting your first home business, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. A proven business model is to buy popular products in bulk and sell them individually for a profit. Identify products that are in high demand, negotiate deals with wholesalers, and create an online store to promote and sell to customers.
Key tips for sourcing profitable products include analyzing social media for trending items, importing products popular in foreign markets, and serving niche markets. If your customers prefer in-person browsing, you can even use your home as a showroom, just like Artemis Design Co. did.
2. Sell homemade products
If you have a talent for crafting, turn your hobby into a business by selling your own homemade products. From handmade soaps and candles to handcrafted jewelry and artwork, the possibilities are endless. With the right branding and marketing, you can turn your creations into well-known products.
Peg and Awl is a great example of a home-based business that started in a workshop. They sell a wide range of products, from bags and journals to home décor items. Tap into resources and guides to learn more about launching your own home-based business selling handmade products.
3. Start a dropshipping store
If you don’t want the hassle of managing inventory, consider starting a dropshipping store. In this business model, you promote and sell products that are produced and shipped by a third party. You earn a commission for making a sale, while the supplier takes care of storing and shipping the products to customers.
To succeed in the dropshipping business, target a niche market and curate a collection of related items on your website. Utilize dropshipping apps to connect with suppliers and easily import product listings into your online store.
4. Start a print-on-demand business
Print on demand allows you to create and sell products without the need for inventory. You can apply your branding and original designs to white label products, and when a customer makes a purchase, the print-on-demand company prints and ships the item on your behalf.
There are many products you can sell using the print-on-demand model, including books, hats, backpacks, blankets, and more. Find a niche or a shared identity to target, just like The Outrage, a women’s rights apparel brand that sells print-on-demand t-shirts.
5. Offer online services
If you prefer providing services over selling products, consider offering online services. It can be as simple as leveraging your existing skills and expertise to provide virtual assistance, marketing, design, translation, or even web development.
The advantage of service-based businesses is that they often have low overhead costs, and a handful of high-quality clients can be enough to support yourself full-time. Show off your expertise by creating a website that offers assistance or lessons, and leverage platforms like Upwork to find your first customers.
6. Teach online classes
If you have a teachable skill or expertise, monetize and share that knowledge by teaching online classes. From photography and art to cooking and business skills, there is an online audience for almost any desirable skill.
Create video classes and offer them through your own website or platforms like If I Made. You can choose to offer live or pre-recorded content, and even create fully downloadable online courses. Explore different teaching methods and find the one that best suits your skills and target audience.
7. Productize your service or expertise
Transform your service or expertise into a scalable business by creating physical or digital products that package your knowledge. Productizing allows you to sell your expertise many times over and reach a wider audience.
You can create and sell courses, designs, licensable assets, reports, templates, merchandise, or ebooks. Gabriella and Andrew Morrison started their home business by creating courses and plans for straw bale homes. Get creative and think about how you can turn your unique service or expertise into products that customers will love.
8. Grow an audience you can monetize
If you’ve always dreamt of starting a blog, YouTube channel, Instagram account, or podcast, now is the time. By growing and monetizing an audience, you can create a home business that revolves around your passion and creativity.
Building a loyal audience takes time and consistency, but with dedication, it can be deeply rewarding. Jordan Ferney, founder of Oh Happy Day Shop!, built a following through blogging and turned it into a successful online business. Andrew Finn co-founded Wait But Why, a blog that later added an online store. Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark used Facebook groups to develop a community around their podcast, My Favorite Murder.
Building an audience requires patience and expertise, but the opportunities for monetization are vast. Explore popular channels like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, podcasts, and blogging, and find the one that resonates with your passion and target audience.
9. Buy an existing small business
If starting a business from scratch seems overwhelming, you can also consider buying an existing small business. This allows you to take over an established business with existing revenue and customer base.
The cost of acquiring a business varies based on its health and assets. Some businesses are sold while generating revenue, and others may need rebuilding. Consider working with a small business lawyer to navigate the legal aspects of acquiring a business and protect your investment.
10. Start a subscription box business
The subscription box industry is booming, and starting a subscription box business from home can be a lucrative venture. Research popular niche markets and curate desirable product selections for your subscription boxes.
Cloth and Paper started as a small home-based business selling surplus products bundled into subscription boxes. Explore different subscription models, such as rentals or themed boxes, to provide a unique selling proposition. Subscription boxes offer convenience and a surprise factor that many customers crave.
11. Turn your pet into an influencer
If you have a pet and love sharing their adorable moments, consider turning them into a social media influencer. By growing their following, you can connect with relevant brands for promotion deals and partnerships.
Bodhi the Menswear Dog is a prime example of a pet influencer. With collaborations with big brands like Booking.com and Spotify, Bodhi has made a name for himself on Instagram. Leverage your pet’s cuteness and unique personality to create engaging content that resonates with your target audience.
12. Sell used items
Sustainable shopping options are growing in popularity, and selling used items is a great way to tap into this market. Look for vintage or in-demand items that are in good condition and sell them online.
COAL N TERRY is a home-based business that found success by selling vintage clothing. Starting in a college dorm, the brand now boasts a loyal following and celebrity fans. Explore online marketplaces like Poshmark, Mercari, Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace to sell your used items and turn them into a profitable home business.
13. Play video games
Believe it or not, playing video games can be a profitable home business. Esports and video game streaming platforms like Twitch have opened doors for gamers to monetize their skills. You can become a sponsored pro gamer or create a gaming-based business as a streamer.
Maxx Burman and Banks Boutté used Twitch to launch an online festival celebrating video game art directors. They then expanded their business by selling 3D assets for video games and movies on KitBash3D. Explore different avenues within the gaming industry and find the one that suits your skills and passion.
14. Sell your art
If you have a talent for art, why not turn it into a business? Whether you’re into painting, digital art, sculpture, photography, or music, there is a market out there for your work.
Helen Levi, a potter based in Queens, turned her art into a successful business by selling ceramics from her online store. Promote your art through social media, art fairs, and online marketplaces like Saatchi Art. Building a brand and connecting with your audience is key to selling your art successfully.
15. Become a virtual event planner
The virtual events market is growing rapidly, and becoming a virtual event planner is a great home business opportunity. Develop your skills in event planning and leverage technology to coordinate and promote virtual events for clients.
Find a niche in terms of event types or purposes and familiarize yourself with event platforms like Hopin and Whova. As your reputation grows, package your services and sell them as toolkits for other event planners, creating an additional revenue stream for your business.
16. Launch a photography business
If you have a knack for photography, why not turn it into a profitable home business? From wedding photography to pet, fashion, or product photography, there are endless opportunities to start your own photography business.
Build your portfolio, create a brand, and promote your services to attract clients. Explore different niches within photography and find the one that matches your skills and passions.
17. Start a beauty business
With the ever-growing beauty industry, starting a home-based beauty business is an attractive option. Create your own cosmetics line or apply your branding to white label products.
Stay ahead of trends and offer convenience to customers by providing multiple purchasing and delivery options. Tap into the billion-dollar beauty market and make your mark with unique products and exceptional customer service.
18. Start an affiliate marketing business
Affiliate marketing is a popular home business model that allows you to promote products or services and earn a commission on sales made through your affiliate links. Find the best affiliate programs for your niche and create engaging content to drive traffic and conversions.
Choose platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or websites to promote partner brands and products. Get creative with your content and build a loyal audience that trusts your recommendations.
19. Start a daycare
If you enjoy working with children, consider starting a daycare business. With proper licensing and certifications, you can provide a safe and nurturing environment for children while their parents are at work or away.
The daycare market is growing, and the demand for reliable and trustworthy childcare providers is high. Research licensing requirements, undergo background checks, and ensure you have the necessary health and safety training to start your daycare business.
20. Sell on marketplaces
Tap into the power of online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace to sell a wide range of products from home. Flipping items online is one of the easiest businesses to start, requiring minimal setup and inventory.
While selling items on marketplaces is relatively easy, building a reliable income stream can be more challenging. Be prepared to face competition, and find ways to promote your products and differentiate yourself from other sellers.
21. Become a social media manager
Use your social media skills to start a home-based business as a social media manager. Leverage your knowledge and expertise to manage the social media presence and engagement for small businesses or influencers.
Start by showcasing your own social media accounts as examples of your expertise. Use popular channels like YouTube and Instagram to demonstrate your skills through paid ads and attract your first clients.
22. Become a virtual personal trainer
With the increasing demand for fitness and wellness, become a virtual personal trainer and offer personalized training sessions to clients from the comfort of your own home. With the right certification and expertise, you can help clients achieve their fitness goals remotely.
Market your services on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or your own website. Learn from fitness influencers on these platforms and develop your own unique offering to stand out in the market.
23. Offer bookkeeping services
If you’re good with numbers and have knowledge of bookkeeping, starting a home-based bookkeeping business may be the right path for you. Help small businesses with their financial records and provide them with accurate and reliable bookkeeping services.
Establish yourself as a professional by acquiring the necessary certifications and qualifications. Use social media platforms like Instagram to offer accounting tips and information, and showcase your expertise.
24. Design websites
Website design is in high demand, and if you have the skills and creativity, you can start a home-based website development agency. Use platforms like Upwork or Dribbble to find your first clients and build your portfolio.
As you gain experience and collect testimonials, you can take on clients outside of marketplaces and build your own brand. Stay up to date with the latest design trends and techniques to offer cutting-edge designs to your clients.
25. Start a dog-grooming business
If you love dogs and have space in your home, consider offering dog-grooming services. The pet grooming market is growing, and pet owners are often in need of reliable and professional grooming services for their furry friends.
Start by reaching out to local dog owners and offering your services at competitive prices. Leverage your network to find your first clients and ask for testimonials to build credibility.
26. Become a pet sitter
When pet owners go to work or on vacation, they need reliable and responsible pet sitters. If you have a love for animals, consider starting a pet sitting service. You can offer in-home pet sitting or even pet boarding in your own home.
Use platforms like Rover or Wag to connect with pet owners in your area. Build trust and provide exceptional care to ensure repeat business and positive reviews.
27. Become a freelance writer
If you have a way with words, consider starting a freelance writing business. There is a high demand for professional writers in various industries, from copywriting and journalism to blogging and content creation.
Use platforms like LinkedIn to find writing job postings and build your portfolio. Specialize in areas like digital marketing, e-commerce, or blog writing to cater to specific client needs. Explore different avenues for monetizing your writing skills, such as ebooks, newsletters, or sponsored social media posts.
28. Manage properties
Tap into the tourism industry by managing properties as a home-based business. You can either rent out your own property or offer property management services to other hosts.
Coordinate bookings, schedule cleanings, and act as a point of contact for guests. While it’s not a strictly home-based business, property management can be highly profitable and provide you with passive income streams.
29. Start a landscaping business
If you have a green thumb and enjoy gardening, start a home-based landscaping business. From simple grass cutting to creating dream backyards, there is a demand for professional landscape services.
Understand your client’s needs and preferences and offer a range of services, from basic lawn care to full-scale landscaping projects. Research local competition and establish your unique selling proposition to stand out in the market.
30. Start a house cleaning service
House cleaning is a perennial home business idea that requires minimal startup costs. With a growing market for home cleaning services, starting a house cleaning business can be a profitable venture.
Offer reliable and top-quality cleaning services to clients in your area. Build trust and brand reputation to attract repeat customers and referrals. Consider offering specialized cleaning services, such as eco-friendly or deep cleaning, to differentiate yourself from competitors.
31. Become a personal chef
If you have a passion for cooking, becoming a personal chef can be a fulfilling home business. Cook up a storm for clients in their own homes, providing personalized menus and culinary experiences.
Offer additional services like cooking lessons, catering, or meal kit deliveries. Promote your services through social media and word-of-mouth referrals. Create a brand that showcases your expertise and sets you apart from other personal chefs in your area.
32. Start a home staging business
As a home stager, you can help homeowners and realtors make properties more appealing to potential buyers. Utilize your creativity and design skills to transform spaces and create a desirable environment.
Establish yourself as a professional and build your portfolio of successful home staging projects. Understand real estate market trends and offer tailored staging solutions to meet client needs. Showcase your expertise and attract clients through social media and local networking.
33. Run a mobile spa
Bring the luxury of a spa to your clients’ homes with a mobile spa business. Provide services like massages, manicures, and pedicures in the comfort of their own space.
Invest in portable equipment and create a calming ambiance for your clients. Offer customizable packages to meet individual needs and preferences. Network with local businesses and individuals to attract clients and build your reputation.
34. Offer therapy
If you have the necessary qualifications and expertise, consider starting a therapy business from home. Offer therapeutic services like massage, acupuncture, or physiotherapy to clients in need.
Advertise your services through professional networks, online platforms, or referrals from medical professionals. Comply with local regulations and professional guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of your clients.
35. Run meditation sessions
If you have a passion for meditation and mindfulness, become a meditation instructor and offer sessions to individuals or groups. Create a calming and welcoming space for your sessions, whether it’s physical or virtual.
Teach meditation techniques and guide participants through relaxing and mindful experiences. Create downloadable meditation guides or offer personalized app-based meditation programs. Showcase your expertise and attract clients through social media, podcasts, or local workshops.
36. Teach journaling methods
If you’re someone who loves journaling and has a method for staying committed, consider teaching your journaling techniques to others. Help individuals unlock their creativity, organize their thoughts, and express themselves through journaling.
Create online courses, eBooks, or workshops that guide participants through different journaling methods or systems. Use your own experiences and success with journaling to showcase the benefits and attract clients.
37. Be a professional organizer
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