Many of us wish to run our own business, while some prefer to add the comfort of doing it from home to their wish list. The freedom to choose your own hours, picking your projects – sounds all too appealing. With the Covid-19 pandemic, most people got a good taste of “Work from Home” (or as most would address it – WFH!) The pandemic has changed the ratio of people working from office to working from home, to nearly a reversal. So much so, that, major corporations have continued this policy even after restrictions have been lifted.
During the period of 2020-21, the number of start-ups around the world, increased.
To read the full article, click here.
And of course, most of them were started from home. In this article, we shall look at a list of 15 work from home business ideas which can be started with minimal tools and equipment and be scaled later on.
Consulting
Freelance consulting has become a big hit among consultants who like working with a selected type of clients, or those who prefer working in a particular niche. Providing advisory services to businesses, analytical reports, strategy road-mapping, among a range of others have become a valuable set of skills to possess. While many businesses approach consulting firms, there are thousands who prefer outsourcing to a freelance consultant.
The need for this service is high, and shall continue to rise, as the number of businesses around the world continue to grow.
Once you have a client base, you can always expand and build a team. But in the meanwhile, build a portfolio for potential clients from home.
Accounting
A profession that has never lost its demand (and probably never shall). The need for accountants and bookkeepers spans across industries and continents. Hence, if you are in the profession, you are in for a treat. This is a business that can be launched from your dining table. In an era where technology has made it easier for accountants to deliver their skills effectively, you should feel blessed with the resources at your disposal.
For those who are new to the subject, going onto online education websites might be a good idea. Enrol yourself in a course. Learn, practice, and try locally (maybe for a family member), before approaching a bigger client.
Online Teaching
In the past decade, we have experienced a sharp rise in the usage of online educational platforms. With many universities offering subjects on various platforms, certifications became more relevant. Adding in the pandemic, the rise became exponential. As people saved time on traveling to-and-from office, they took up the options of studying or “up-skilling”. With the surge in certifications, came an incline in courses too.
Just like they say, “the way to get better at something is by teaching it to someone”, you might find it useful to teach what you know.
Join one of the platforms as a mentor (or more than one, perhaps). This serves as an excellent way to get your ball rolling. Once you have gained exposure to teaching, you could create a course of your own and upload it to the most used platforms. Provide a certification along with it. The earning is quite simple here – the more your course gets purchased, the more you make. So, it is advised to keep your course relevant and well-planned.
Sharing knowledge also gets you recognised within your industry. And that’s just bonus points!
Online Reselling
This business is gaining traction in countries around the world. Re-sale of used items is an excellent way of churning them around, rather than discarding them altogether. Be it clothes, furniture, or appliances, you could turn reselling into a business. Having an eye for items that could be in demand, ensuring they are in workable conditions, and getting them to the right customers is what this is, in short.
You could buy items just for the purpose of reselling.
For a moment, think beyond your own home. Tap your network, your friend circle. Search online for the demand of used items and how you could arrange them. Offer commissions to your friends if they help you out in this.
Furthermore, if you have an extra of something (furniture or appliances), consider the option of renting it out. There are websites which promote rental services of furniture and appliances.
Website Development
A skill very high in demand. Everyone needs a website – businesses, artists, freelancers, agencies, even supermarkets. If you already master this skill, showcase it to as many people as you can. Have it up on your social media accounts, tell your friends (ask them to tell their friends), your neighbours, anyone and everyone who you think can spread the word.
Also, create your own website as an example, to show prospective clients what your capabilities are. Choose how you wish to provide your services – base your offers on sensitivity of time or quality, i.e., does your client need their functional website quickly, or can you span it over a period and make it better?
If you are new to the world of website development, fear not. Simple and cheap courses are available on most online learning platforms. With easy-to-use applications like WordPress, you can learn and practice quite easily.
Within no time, you should be ready to turn that into your own business.
App Development
Yet another skill in demand. With the rise in smartphone sales and usage, came the boom of app development. And, over the past decade, as the user screen time increased, so did the pay towards this skill. Just like website development, you have the option of starting small, getting the word out and then growing along with the growth in client base.
Since smartphones and apps are to continue staying in demand for the near future, this is a profitable ‘work from home business idea’.
Dropshipping
This business is meant to be started from your home. The concept revolves around requiring minimal inventory and/or tools.
An e-commerce website and a transactional bank account are all you need. Since, all orders are fulfilled by a third party, you bear no cost or stress of warehousing and shipping.
No storage, no excess overheads. Could a business idea be more meant for starting from home?
Transcription
Transcribing requires good listening skills and typing speed. You may need a certification in certain cases, where projects demand it. So, it is better to get certified early on. This will ensure you get higher-paying clients.
Check which specialities have a greater demand for transcriptionists.
A computer, right software, earphones/headphones (to enhance listening) and your typing skills – and you’re set!
Translation
Globalisation has boomed the consumption of English as a language. With that noted, there are still a major chunk of people around the world who better understand content in their local language.
Look for translation jobs online. You shall find a lot of freelance opportunities. If you are a multilingual, then you are in for a treat!
A spike in e-books and online TV series and movies, have paved way for a demand for translators. Translate books, write subtitles, articles, and so much more. This business will allow you to choose your own hours and pick work as per your convenience.
Graphic Designing
For all the artistic folks out there, I’m sure you’ve been waiting for this field to make the list. If you have a keen sense of optimising content organisation, then graphic designing is a great business to build.
Companies, universities, and all types of events need promotional material. You can create logos, ads, posters, flyers, or anything else client brands need to captivate their audience.
You need very basic equipment – computer, software (one you’re good at) and editing skills.
Digital Marketing
Those who get kicks out of playing around with SEO, web development, PPC or social media management, this is your go-to business. If you have the above skills and have a flair for setting digital strategies, this is the optimal choice for a ‘work from home business idea’. Digital marketing has become a major part of all brand strategies. Hence, it would be advised to create your portfolio, showcasing your skills and abilities.
For those who wish to learn before diving into a business, take up courses, get certified, and try helping small local shops or events. Once you’ve gained confidence, start approaching bigger clients.
Affiliate Marketing
Another form of digital marketing, but a skill that can be turned into a business by itself. Affiliate marketing is when you promote another brand or product and make a commission on the sale/purchase of each item.
This is an excellent opportunity if you have your own website or blog (or social media accounts). An easy business to launch, with minimum barriers to entry.
Video Editing
Have you noticed a significant increase in video content over the internet? Yes, platforms like YouTube and TikTok have recorded huge influxes of influencer channels and subsequently, video content.
If video editing is your forte, then you may as well turn this into your own venture, by providing editing services for monthly subscription payments. With a desktop, laptop or tablet, and a software you’ve set your hands on, you are set to deliver finished versions of raw videos sent to you.
Podcasting
This is a field that hasn’t gained popularity in a lot of countries yet. But with that said, there is much lesser competition in podcasting, than in video channels. According to stats, for every 1 podcast, there are around 120 YouTube channels. (Do the math!)
It is easy to learn. With various websites who walk you through the entire process (from equipment to editing and hosting), it has very low barriers to entry. A low start-up cost makes it even more lucrative. And just like in a blog, you can monetise it with advertisements!
Copywriting
This is a business you can operate from anywhere (even while sitting on a beach, enjoying a sangria!)
Copywriting requires a combination of writing skills and sales pitching. It is a skill, high in demand in almost every industry, because everyone needs copy.
Companies, brands, and everyone who deals with the concept of customers, needs a copywriter to prepare their material.
It is a well-paying skill and makes a wonderful ‘work from home business idea’.
In conclusion, with the ‘work from home’ concept seeping into the modern era of the post-pandemic business world, businesses can be created and successfully operated from within the confines (and comfort) or our homes.
It is entirely up to you, to pick a skill you are good at (or wish to learn and master) and convert it into a scalable business.