In the past few years, I’ve started several businesses, both online and offline.
Online, I sold DVDs on eBay (yes, I’m that old), imported some kids’ products from China to sell on Amazon using FBA, sold a few budget planners on Etsy, had a YouTube channel, sold video clips to news outlets, freelanced on Fiverr, and, of course, I run this blog you’re reading right now.
Offline, I organized events and concerts and owned my own bar/nightclub. That bar was the only business I didn’t run as a solopreneur. It brought in serious money, but you’ve probably heard the advice about never opening a restaurant, bar, or anything similar. From experience, I can confirm that’s true, and here you can read about my experience running a nightclub and understand the challenges it comes with.
Some of these businesses made me six figures, while others completely flopped. Not because there’s no money in those industries, but because I didn’t execute them well.
Maybe I wasn’t persistent enough, maybe I wanted too much too quickly, or maybe I just wasn’t cut out for that business. As my dad always used to say: No matter what business you’re in, you’ll make money if you’re better than average, and if you’re the best, you’ll become a millionaire.
Alongside the businesses I mentioned, I’ve thought about starting a few more, and there’s a whole list of ideas below. Hopefully, you’ll find something here that inspires you to start your own business.
Becoming a solopreneur might be one of the best decisions you ever made. Starting your own business is not easy, especially when you’re on your own.
To help you out, I’ve put together low-cost small business ideas you can start today.
1. Blogger
I started this blog with $100, and six years later, I run four sites as real small businesses that started on a small scale.
It’s not something you can take off the ground in less than six months, but with dedication and persistence, it can lead to a successful location independent business. I.e. Dollar Sanity now makes $10,000 a month consistently.
While it’s not easy to grow a blog it is super cheap to start a blog. Hosting a blog with a company like HostGator is quite affordable. It is only $2.75/month.
Need some help in setting up a website? Hire someone on Fiverr for $50 to do all the work for you.
By the way, if you need any help with anything else, just shoot me a message. I’ll do my best to help.
Our Favorite Side Hustles
Download these apps to make extra cash in your spare time. Get paid to complete surveys or take photos around your city.
2. Handyman Services
As a handyman, you can offer services such as home repair, maintenance, and renovation. From fixing leaky faucets to remodeling rooms, your expertise can tackle a wide range of tasks, making you the go-to person for homeowners and businesses looking for reliable help.
3. Bicycle Repair
Bicycle Repair is a niche but valuable business, especially for cycling enthusiasts. If you have a knack for fixing bikes, this could be your calling. From simple tune-ups to complex repairs, your bicycle repair service can cater to riders looking to keep their two-wheelers in top-notch condition. It’s a specialized and in-demand small-scale business.
4. E-commerce
Many will say that this ship has sailed, but it has not. I would recommend you flip a few things on Facebook Marketplaces or sites like OfferUp. You can resell items on eBay too, to learn the ropes. When you gain some experience, I would suggest you start your own private label to sell via Amazon FBA.
5. Personal Stylist
Personal Stylist services are all about helping clients improve their fashion sense and personal style. If you have a flair for fashion and an eye for trends, this business is ideal for you.
Offer fashion advice, wardrobe makeovers, and shopping assistance to individuals looking to enhance their image and boost their confidence. It’s a creative and rewarding venture for those passionate about fashion.
6. Event Planning
Event Planning is a dynamic business that revolves around organizing and coordinating events, parties, and gatherings. If you’re detail-oriented and have a knack for creating memorable experiences, this could be your niche.
From weddings to corporate functions, your event planning service can handle everything from logistics to decor, ensuring clients’ events go off without a hitch. It’s a fast-paced and exciting small-scale business.
See, how Alan Katz made $750,000 last year with his wedding officiant business.
7. Facebook Ads Manager
A Facebook Ads Manager specializes in creating, optimizing, and monitoring advertising campaigns on the Facebook platform. They use data-driven strategies to target specific audiences, analyze ad performance, and maximize ROI for businesses and brands.
With expertise in ad placement, audience segmentation, and ad creatives, they play a crucial role in driving traffic, engagement, and conversions through Facebook advertising.
8. Mobile Car Wash
Owning a vehicle is a necessity, and keeping it clean can be a challenge. That’s where a mobile car wash steps in. With this small business, your services are all about convenience. You bring the car wash to your customers, saving them time and effort.
From a quick exterior rinse to a thorough interior cleaning, the range of services you offer is flexible and entirely up to you. If you’re good with cars and have a flexible schedule, starting a mobile car wash might be the perfect business opportunity for you.
You can even expand your services by offering additional options like waxing or detailing, providing an all-in-one solution for your clients’ car care needs.
9. Email Marketing Specialist
An Email Marketing Specialist is responsible for planning, creating, and executing email marketing campaigns. They focus on building and nurturing subscriber lists, crafting engaging email content, and optimizing email deliverability.
Their goal is to drive customer engagement, increase brand loyalty, and generate revenue through effective email marketing strategies. By analyzing data and metrics, they continually refine campaigns for better results.
10. Lawn Care
Lawn Care can be an excellent side hustle for teens looking to earn some extra money while getting some fresh air.
With a lawnmower, basic gardening tools, and a strong work ethic, teens can offer services like mowing, trimming, and lawn maintenance to neighbors and local residents. It’s a great way for young entrepreneurs to learn valuable skills and earn a little green on the side.
11. Cleaning Services
This is one of those business that almost never fail. Cleaning Services encompass a wide range of opportunities, from residential to commercial cleaning.
If you have an eye for detail and enjoy tidying up spaces, you can offer services like house cleaning, office cleaning, or specialized cleaning such as post-construction cleanup. Businesses and homeowners alike seek reliable cleaners to keep their spaces pristine.
12. Handmade Crafts
Whether you excel in crafting jewelry, artwork, or unique home decor, there’s a market for handmade goods. If you’re interested you should check our post on best things to sell on Etsy.
13. Social Media Management
Businesses can’t ignore the power of social media. Social media management helps them connect with their audience and grow online.
Offer your expertise in handling social media accounts and turning posts into profits. If you’re social media-savvy, this is a lucrative business idea for beginners.
14. Graphic Design
Graphic Design is not just about creating visuals; it’s one of the best ways to make money on Fiverr. If you have a creative flair and the ability to design logos, marketing materials, and website graphics, you’re in demand.
Businesses and individuals frequently seek talented graphic designers on Fiverr to create eye-catching visuals for their projects.
15. Virtual Assistance
Virtual Assistance is all about providing remote support to businesses in need. If you’re organized and efficient, you can offer services like email management, scheduling, and data entry to clients looking for remote assistance.
As a virtual assistant, you have the flexibility to work from anywhere and cater to clients globally.
16. Language Tutoring
Language Tutoring is a fulfilling business for those passionate about language.
Whether you’re fluent in a foreign language or a proficient English speaker, you can offer personalized language tutoring services. Teach grammar, conversation, and cultural insights to students eager to expand their linguistic horizons.
17. Pet Sitting
If you’re an animal lover, this could be yours as your one-man business. Many pet owners seek assistance in caring for their cherished animal friends when they can’t be there.
This role involves feeding, exercising, and providing companionship to dogs, cats, and other pets. It’s an opportunity to turn your passion for animals into a rewarding business.
18. Personal Chef or catering
A lot of people don’t have time to cook for their guests. Personal chefs create custom menus and prepare meals in clients’ homes, while catering services deliver delightful dishes for special events.
19. Babysitting
If you have a way with kids, babysitting could be the perfect business you can start with $500 or less. Many parents need trustworthy caregivers to look after their children while they’re away.
Babysitters ensure the safety and well-being of youngsters, engaging in fun activities, providing meals, and creating a caring environment.
20. Airbnb Host
If your landlord or homeowner’s association allows, you can start a small-scale business by renting your home or apartment to travelers. Becoming an Airbnb host lets you earn money from guests seeking accommodations.
21. Food Delivery Driver
It is quite simple to start as a food delivery driver. All you need is a vehicle and a driver’s license. Sign up with some of the apps like Doordash or several of them, and you’re good to go.
If you’d rather deliver groceries, then you should sign up with some of the apps like Instacart.
22. Fitness Instructor
Fitness instructors lead exercise classes, provide personalized training, and offer guidance on nutrition and wellness.
Whether working in a gym, leading outdoor fitness sessions, or teaching virtual classes, fitness instructors empower individuals to achieve their health and fitness goals. It’s a good solo business for those dedicated to improving others’ well-being.
23. Sell Courses
You can make money on Skillshare by sharing your expertise with a global audience. Skillshare is a platform where you can create and sell courses on a wide range of topics, from art and design to business and technology.
As an instructor, you can earn revenue through student enrollments and premium referrals.
Don’t miss: 16 Boring Business Ideas That Make Money You Can Start Today
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