61+ BEST Small Business Ideas for 2022 [Low Cost, Online]

The best small business ideas are those that are well-thought-out and have a good chance of succeeding by matching your skills, experiences, passion, and strategic thinking to your new venture.

Developments such as Covid-19 pulled forward demand for online shopping and other online businesses by more than four years.

So many of the business ideas in this article are low-cost and also things you can start from home.

What Are the Best Small Business Ideas?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best small business ideas for you will vary depending on your skills, experiences, and passions.

However, there are a few general tips that can help you choose the best small business idea for you.

First, it’s important to think about what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing. Your skills and experiences can give you a head start in starting your own business, while your passion for a particular topic or industry can help keep you motivated during tough times.

Second, it’s important to do your research and come up with a solid business plan. This means understanding the market landscape, identifying your target customers, and figuring out how you’re going to differentiate your business from the competition.

Finally, it’s important to think about your budget and whether you have the financial resources to start and grow your business.

Many of the best small business ideas are low-cost or even free to start, but you may need to invest in equipment, marketing, and other overhead costs as your business grows.

With all that in mind, here are a few of the best small business ideas for 2024:

#1 Best Online Small Business Idea: Start a Profitable Website or Blog

Thanks to developments like Covid-19, online businesses are more popular than ever and have seen massive growth in recent years.

If you’re comfortable working with computers and technology, then starting your own website or blog could be a great way to start your own business.

There are many different ways to make money online, from selling digital products and services like e-books and online courses, to running ads on your website or blog. And the best part is that you can start most of these businesses from home with little to no initial investment.

By and large, there are three main categories when you start a blog or website. You’re selling:

• Your time (consulting, coaching)
• Someone else’s products (ads, affiliate marketing)
• Your own products (SaaS, ecommerce, digital)

A blog is one of the best ways to make money because you can start it very cheaply, even less than $5 per month.

And once you start writing articles or creating content, you should get some organic traffic from search engines and when you promote it on social media channels.

You will need to learn the basics of SEO and how to craft articles that include keywords to rank well.

The niche of the site should focus on things that you can monetize rather than simply what your passions might be (which are also important so you feel motivated to continue).

#2 Purchase a Website

Starting a website from scratch is hard. It takes a long time to get something up and running, but it is cheap, so your real risk isn’t so much money as it is time.

But if you buy a website, you can get something that’s already established. In a way, it’s like cutting to the front of the line.

The most popular sites to buy websites include:

• Flippa
• Empire Flippers
• FE International

#3 Start an Ecommerce Business

Dropshipping has taken the ecommerce world by storm in recent years, as it allows entrepreneurs to start their own online store with very little initial investment.

And with the rise of social media and influencers, dropshipping can be a great way to tap into this growing market.

There are a few things to keep in mind when starting a dropshipping business:

You’ll need to find a supplier who offers a wide range of products that you can sell in your store.

You’ll need to create attractive product listings and invest in good photography and design to make your store stand out from the competition.

You’ll need to drive traffic to your store through marketing channels like social media and search engine optimization.

You’ll also need to invest in a good ecommerce platform that can handle the needs of a dropshipping business.

The most popular platforms include Shopify, BigCommerce, and Woocommerce.

#4 Online Courses and Coaching

One of the best online business ideas is to sell online courses and coaching. These can be in a variety of formats, including video, text, audio, or even live sessions.

The great thing about this type of business is that there are no inventory costs and you can scale it up or down very easily. You can also work from home, which makes it a very convenient option.

Some of the most popular platforms for creating and selling online courses include:

• Teachable
• Udemy
• Skillshare
• Thinkific

#5 Personal Chef

If you love to cook and have some experience in cooking, then starting your own personal chef business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as dinner parties, catering services, and custom meal plans.

#6 Print on Demand (Custom Printed Products)

If you have a creative flair, then starting a print-on-demand business could be a great way to make money online.

With this type of business, you print custom products for your customers on-demand. This can include everything from t-shirts and hoodies to phone cases and mugs.

The great thing about this business is that there are no upfront costs, so you can get started without investing a lot of money.

You also have the flexibility to choose your own product lines and customize your products according to your customer’s needs.

Some of the most popular platforms for starting a print on demand business include:

• Printful
• Shopify
• Teelaunch

#7 Graphic Design

If you have a talent for graphic design, then starting your own freelance graphic design business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also sell digital products like logos, illustrations, and infographics. This is a great option if you want to keep your costs low and don’t have to worry about shipping products.

#8 Web Development

If you’re good with code, then starting a web development business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other web development services, such as website design, SEO, and social media marketing.

#9 Start a Podcast

If you have a lot of knowledge and expertise to share, then starting a podcast could be a great way to make money online. There are a number of platforms that you can use to get started, including Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.

You can also sell advertising space on your podcast, or even create premium content that your listeners can subscribe to.

#10 Phone Case Business

If you have a knack for design, then starting a phone case business could be a great way to make money online. There are a number of platforms that you can use to get started, including Shopify and Teelaunch.

You can also offer a range of other phone case designs, such as cases for the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Huawei.

#11 Food Delivery

If you’re good at cooking, then starting a food delivery business could be a great way to make money online. There are a number of platforms that you can use to get started, including UberEATS and DoorDash.

You can also offer your services to restaurants in your area that don’t have their own food delivery service.

#12 Social Media Manager

If you’re good at managing social media accounts, then starting your own social media management business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other social media services, such as Facebook Ads, Twitter Marketing, and LinkedIn Advertising.

#13 Virtual Assistant

If you have administrative skills, then starting a virtual assistant business could be a great way to make money online. There are a number of platforms that you can use to get started, including Upwork and Fiverr.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as bookkeeping, data entry, and customer service.

#14 Travel Business Consultant

If you’re an expert on travel, then starting a travel business consultant could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as trip planning, budgeting advice, and destination recommendations.

#15 Start an Affiliate Marketing Business

Affiliate marketing is a simple way to make money by promoting someone else’s products or services. When someone buys something through your affiliate link, you earn a commission on that sale.

There are a few things to keep in mind when starting an affiliate marketing business:

• You’ll need to find a good affiliate program that offers products or services that you can promote.
• You’ll need to create attractive and compelling marketing collateral, such as emails, social media posts, and website content.
• You’ll need to drive traffic to your affiliate links through various marketing channels.
• You’ll also need to invest in tracking software so you can see how well your campaigns are performing.

The most popular affiliate marketing platforms include Clickbank, Rakuten Marketing, and CJ Affiliate.

#16 Start a YouTube Channel

YouTube is one of the most popular websites in the world, and there’s no reason why you can’t start a successful channel of your own.

With millions of users tuning in every day, there’s a lot of potential for viewers to find your content.

#17 Translator

If you’re fluent in more than one language, then starting a translator business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as proofreading, transcription, and website localization.

#18 Instagram or Social Media Influencer

If you have a lot of followers on Instagram or other social media platforms, then starting an influencer business could be a great way to make money online.

There are a number of platforms that you can use to get started, including Famebit and Izea.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as brand ambassador programs, social media marketing, and product endorsements.

#19 Wedding Photographer

If you love photography, then weddings are some of the most lucrative.

Shooting weddings can be a lot of work, but the payoffs can be worth it.

There are a few things to keep in mind when starting a wedding photography business:

• You’ll need to have a good camera and lighting equipment.
• You’ll need to have a portfolio of beautiful wedding photos.
• You’ll need to be able to work quickly and efficiently under pressure.
• You’ll need to be able to charge a fair price for your services.

#20 Wedding Planner

If you’re good at organizing things, then starting a wedding planner business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as wedding coordination, vendor management, and budgeting advice.

#21 Event Planner

If you’re good at organizing events, then starting an event planner business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as event coordination, venue sourcing, and catering recommendations.

#22 WordPress Website Consultant

A WordPress website consultant is someone who helps businesses set up and manage their WordPress website.

If you’re familiar with WordPress and have a lot of experience setting up and managing websites, then starting this business could be a great way to make money online.

Upwork can be a great place to start.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as website design, SEO, and social media marketing.

#23 Drive Uber or Lyft

If you have a car and some spare time, then driving for Uber or Lyft could be a great way to make money online.

Both platforms are always looking for new drivers, and you can earn a decent amount of money by driving for them.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to be available during peak hours, and you may need to do some light cleaning or maintenance on your car.

#24 App Developer

If you’re familiar with coding and app development, then starting an app development business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as design services, marketing services, and beta testing services.

#25 Interior Designer

If you’re good at interior design, then starting an interior design business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as space planning, color consultation, and furniture selection.

#26 Tutoring

If you’re good at teaching, then tutoring could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as homework help, test prep, and academic counseling.

#27 Freelance Content Writing

If you have a talent for writing, then starting your own freelance writing business could be a great way to make money online. There are a number of platforms that you can use to market your services, including Upwork and Fiverr.

You can also sell digital products like ebooks, reports, and white papers. This is a great option if you want to sell your own content or if you want to outsource content writing.

#28 Freelance Content Marketing

If you have a talent for content marketing, then starting your own freelance content marketing business could be a great way to make money online.

You’ll need to have knowledge of social media, SEO, and how to generate traffic and leads.

#29 Ghostwriter

Many people want to help monetize their brand through books and other content and put it under their name.

But they may not be a professional writer or have the time to do so, so this is where a ghostwriter comes in. A ghostwriter is someone who helps to write content for a person or company, but the credit goes to someone else.

This can be a great way to make money if you have writing skills and are good at taking direction.

There are a number of platforms that you can use to get started, including Upwork and Fiverr.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as copywriting, editing, and proofreading.

#30 Freelance eBook Writing

If you have a talent for writing, then starting your own freelance eBook writing business could be a great way to make money online. There are a number of platforms that you can use to market your services, including Upwork and Fiverr.

#31 Tour Guide

If you’re good with people and have a lot of knowledge about a particular city or tourist destination, then starting your own tour guide business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as custom tours, event planning, and trip planning.

#32 Stock Photographers

If you’re good at taking photos, then starting your own stock photography business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as photo editing, graphic design, and video editing.

#33 Invest your Money

If you’re looking for a potentially hands-off way to make money, then investing your money could be a great option.

There are a number of platforms that you can use to get started, and it can be as easy as trading and investing right from your phone.

Investing can be as simple as buying ETFs to get broad, diversified exposure, or you can pick individual securities.

#34 Car Washing and Detailing

If you’re good with cars and have some experience with detailing, then starting your own car washing and detailing business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as window tinting, paint protection, and upholstery cleaning.

#35 Computer Repair

If you’re good with computers and have some experience with repairing them, then starting your own computer repair business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as virus removal, data recovery, and software installation.

#36 Handyman Services

If you’re good with your hands and have some experience with carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work, then starting your own handyman services business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as roofing, painting, and home repairs.

#37 Merchandise Reseller

Many are into certain types of merchandise, such as reselling sneakers like Jordans, or flipping luxury handbags, such as Hermes Birkin or Kelly bags.

The real value you’re providing is helping get people access to merchandise that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to.

Some people may feel like they can’t resell items because they don’t have the knowledge, time, or resources.

That’s where you come in, as a middleman to help them get their hands on the hottest and latest merchandise.

You can either do this through your own store, or by partnering with other retailers.

There are a number of platforms that you can use to get started, including Shopify and eBay.

 

#38 Carpet Cleaning Business

If you’re good with a vacuum cleaner and some carpet cleaning solutions, then starting your own carpet cleaning business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as upholstery cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, and air duct cleaning.

#39 Buy and Sell Domain Names

Domain names are hot commodities, as they provide an easy way to get an online presence without having to build a website from scratch.

You can buy and sell domain names through a variety of platforms, including GoDaddy and Flippa.

#40 Airbnb Host

If you have an extra room in your house, or even an empty apartment, then starting your own Airbnb hosting business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as laundry service, breakfast service, and airport pickup.

#41 Tailoring

If you’re good with a sewing machine and have some experience with tailoring, then starting your own tailoring business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as dressmaking, alterations, and custom design.

#42 Baking and Cake Decorating

If you’re good in the kitchen and have some experience with baking and cake decorating, then starting your own baking and cake decorating business could be an option.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as cupcake making, cake pops, and cookies.

#43 Data Analysis

Businesses are collecting more data than ever before, but many don’t have the time or resources to analyze it all.

That’s where you come in, as a data analyst who can help them make sense of all their data and find trends and insights.

You can do this either through your own business, or by partnering with other businesses.

There are a number of platforms that you can use to get started, including Google Sheets and Tableau.

#44 Wellness Coach or Personal Training

If you’re into fitness and have some experience in training others, then starting your own personal trainer business could be a possibility.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as custom meal plans, nutrition advice, and lifestyle coaching.

#45 DJ-ing

If you’re into music and have some experience DJ-ing and music mixing, then starting your own DJ business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as wedding DJ-ing, event DJ-ing, and club DJ-ing.

#46 Child Care

If you’re good with kids and have some experience in child care, then starting your own child care business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as after-school care, vacation care, and weekend care.

#47 Computer Repair

If you’re good with computers and have some experience in computer repair, then starting your own computer repair business could be an option.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as virus removal, data recovery, and software installation.

#48 Custom Furniture Supplier

If you’re good with woodworking and have some experience in furniture making, then starting your own custom furniture supplier business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as home renovation, office renovation, and kitchen renovation.

#49 Modeling

If you’re good-looking and have some experience in modeling, then starting your own modeling gig could be your thing.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as acting classes, personal styling, and portfolio development.

#50 Real Estate Broker

If you’re good with people and have some experience in real estate, then starting your own real estate broker business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as home buying, home selling, and property management.

#51 Pet Sitting

If you love animals and have some experience with pet care, then starting your own pet sitting business could be an option.

Apps like Wag are dedicated to matching pet owners with pet sitters.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as dog walking, feeding/watering pets, and taking them for walks.

#52 Dog Walking Business

If you love dogs and have some experience with dog walking, then starting your own dog walking business could be your thing.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as feeding/watering pets, taking them for walks, and providing basic obedience training.

#53 Pet Grooming

If you love animals and have some experience with pet grooming, then starting your own pet grooming business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as dog washing, cat washing, and nail clipping.

#54 Handmade Jewelry Business

If you love making jewelry and have some experience in jewelry making, then starting your own handmade jewelry business could be right up your alley.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as custom designs, repairs, and cleaning.

#55 SEO Consulting

If you’re good with computers and have some experience in SEO, then starting your own SEO consulting business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as website design, social media marketing, and online advertising.

#56 Human Billboard

If you’re outgoing and have some experience in marketing, then you could be a human billboard.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as brand ambassador services, event staffing, and product sampling.

#57 Mobile Laundry Service

If you have a van or truck and some experience in laundry services, then starting your own mobile laundry service could be a great way to make some money.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as dry cleaning, stain removal, and garment repair.

#58 Junk Removal Service

If you have a truck or van and some experience in junk removal, then starting your own junk removal service could be an option.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as furniture removal, appliance removal, and garage clean-out.

#59 Pest Control Service

If you have some experience in pest control, then starting your own pest control service could be your thing.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as termite inspection, rodent control, and bee removal.

#60 Contract Customer Service (CSR)

If you’re good with computers and have some experience in customer service, then starting your own contract customer service (CSR) business could be a great way to make money online.

You can also offer a range of other services, such as order taking, customer support, and technical support.

Knowing what the customer wants

One of the best small business ideas you can capitalize on is finding a need and filling it. This could be anything from starting a new business trend to catering to a specific demographic that isn’t being well-served.

Do your research and find out what people are looking for, then offer it to them in a way that meets their needs. You could create a product or service, or simply provide a solution to a problem they’re having.

One example of this would be starting a pet sitting business. The pet industry is booming, with people spending more than ever on their furry friends.

But not everyone has the time to walk their dog or take them to the park. That’s where you come in, by offering a pet sitting service that lets them relax knowing their animal is in good hands.

Another example would be starting a business that delivers healthy meals to people’s homes.

With more and more people becoming health-conscious, this could be a great way to capitalize on the trend. You could cook the meals yourself, or partner with local restaurants and farmers to get fresh ingredients.

Whatever small business idea you choose, make sure it’s one that you’re passionate about. That way you’ll be more likely to stick with it when things get tough.

And don’t forget to market your business aggressively – you won’t get anywhere if nobody knows about your company!

List of Business Ideas FAQ

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about generating business ideas.

What business can I start with no money?

Almost any business can be started for little to no money. The key is to be creative and resourceful.

For example, you could start a pet sitting business or a home cleaning business on a budget.

What are some good small business ideas?

There are endless possibilities when it comes to small business ideas.

The key is to find something that you’re passionate about and that meets the needs of your target market.

Some good options include starting a website, starting an ecommerce store, starting a podcast, or becoming a social media influencer.

How do I know if my idea is good?

The best way to determine if your idea is good is to do some market research.

Find out if there’s a demand for your product or service and if people are willing to pay for it. You can also ask your friends and family for feedback.

Where can I find more business ideas?

There are tons of places to find business ideas, but some of our favorites include starting a website, starting an ecommerce store, becoming a social media influencer, or starting a podcast.

You can also check out our list of 60+ business ideas for inspiration.

How do I come up with an idea?

The best way to come up with an idea is to brainstorm a list of potential business ideas and then narrow it down to the ones that are most feasible and profitable.

Can I start a business with no experience?

Yes, you can start a business with no experience. However, it’s important to learn as much as you can about the industry you’re entering and to network with other professionals.

You can also attend workshops and seminars to gain more knowledge.

Do I need to have a business plan?

A business plan is not always necessary, but it can be helpful when starting or growing a business.

It helps you outline your business goals and strategies, and it also serves as a roadmap for your business.

Is it better to start a business or join a franchise?

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to this question. It depends on your goals and what you’re looking for in a business.

Starting your own business can be riskier, but it also offers more freedom and control.

Franchises offer more structure and support, but can be more expensive. Like anything, franchises have pros and cons.

How do I know if my business is failing?

If your business is failing, there are usually some telltale signs.

For example, if you’re not making enough money to cover your expenses, if you’re not seeing growth, or if you’re not attracting customers, then your business is probably struggling.

If this is the case, it’s important to take action and make changes.

Conclusion

Starting your own business is a huge undertaking, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.

If you’re not sure where to start, the best thing you can do is brainstorm a list of potential business ideas and then do some research to see which one is the best fit for you.

Don’t forget to market your business aggressively and to track your progress so you can make changes if necessary. Good luck!

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This content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as legal or financial advice. For legal or financial advice, please consult with a licensed professional.