33 Small Business Ideas You Can Start Today

February 20, 2024
12
minutes to read
by
Justin Bohlmann
Table of Contents

Starting your own business can be a thrilling and rewarding endeavour. Whether you're driven by passion, a desire for financial independence, or the wish to share your expertise, there's never been a better time to venture into entrepreneurship. In this comprehensive blog, I'll walk you through 33 small business ideas you can start today. Each idea is not just a concept; it's a potential pathway to long-term business success. So, let's explore the possibilities and find the perfect match for your skills and aspirations.

1. Freelance Writing Services

  • Idea: Offer writing services to businesses and individuals.
  • Why: In an era dominated by digital content, companies constantly seek skilled writers for compelling and engaging copy.
  • How to Set Up: Showcase your writing skills through an online portfolio, and join freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find your first clients.
  • Skills Needed: Proficiency in writing, strong research skills, and effective time management are crucial for success.

2. Social Media Management

  • Idea: Manage social media accounts for businesses.
  • Why: With the growing importance of social media, businesses need professionals to curate content, engage with audiences, and boost their online presence.
  • How to Set Up: Develop expertise in social media marketing, create a compelling portfolio, and utilise scheduling tools for efficient management.
  • Skills Needed: Mastering social media marketing, designing exciting content, and excellent communication skills are essential for effective management.

3. Online Coaching

  • Idea: Provide coaching services in your area of expertise.
  • Why: As people seek personal and professional development, there's an increasing demand for online coaches who can offer valuable guidance.
  • How to Set Up: Obtain relevant certifications, create a professional website, and market your coaching services to your target audience.
  • Skills Needed: Expertise in a specific area and strong communication and marketing skills are essential for attracting and guiding clients.

4. Dropshipping Business

  • Idea: Sell products without holding inventory.
  • Why: Low startup costs and minimal risk make dropshipping an attractive e-commerce model.
  • How to Set Up: Choose a niche, set up an online store using platforms like Shopify, and establish partnerships with reliable suppliers.
  • Skills Needed: E-commerce knowledge, effective marketing and branding, and efficient supplier management skills are vital for success in this model.

5. Virtual Assistance

  • Idea: Provide administrative support remotely.
  • Why: Businesses often require administrative tasks to be handled efficiently, creating opportunities for virtual assistants.
  • How to Set Up: Develop managerial skills, create an online profile, and join freelancing platforms to find clients needing your services.
  • Skills Needed: Administrative skills, excellent time management, and clear communication are essential for providing valuable remote support to businesses.

6. Digital Marketing Agency

  • Idea: Offer comprehensive digital marketing services.
  • Why: The online marketplace is competitive, and businesses need effective digital marketing strategies to stand out.
  • How to Set Up: Acquire skills in various digital marketing channels, build a portfolio showcasing successful campaigns, and market your agency online.
  • Skills Needed: Proficiency in digital marketing channels, analytical skills for campaign evaluation, and effective client management are crucial for agency success.

7. Handmade Crafts Online Store

  • Idea: Sell handmade products online.
  • Why: The appeal of unique, handcrafted items continues to grow, creating a market for skilled artisans.
  • How to Set Up: Create an online store using platforms like Etsy, showcase your products with high-quality images, and implement effective marketing strategies to reach your audience.
  • Skills Needed: Craftsmanship, online store management skills, and effective marketing and branding are key to stand out in the market.

8. Personal Fitness Training

  • Idea: Provide personalised fitness training services.
  • Why: The focus on health and well-being drives the demand for personalised fitness plans.
  • How to Set Up: Obtain relevant certifications, build a client base through word of mouth and social media, and utilise online platforms for virtual training sessions.
  • Skills Needed: Acquiring fitness certifications, practical communication skills, and strong client management are essential for success in personal fitness training.

9. Ebook Writing and Publishing

  • Idea: Write and publish ebooks.
  • Why: The digital reading market is booming, providing opportunities for authors to reach a broad audience.
  • How to Set Up: Write engaging content, self-publish through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing platforms, and market your ebooks online.
  • Skills Needed: Strong writing skills, publishing knowledge, and effective marketing and promotional strategies are crucial for successful ebook publishing.

10. Web Design Services

  • Idea: Offer website design for businesses.
  • Why: A professional and functional website is essential for companies in the digital age.
  • How to Set Up: Acquire web design skills, create a portfolio showcasing your work, and market your services to businesses needing website development.
  • Skills Needed: Mastery in web design, graphic design skills, and effective client communication are essential for creating impactful and functional websites.

11. Offer Translation Services for Businesses

  • Idea: Provide language translation services to businesses looking to reach a global audience.
  • Why: In an increasingly interconnected world, companies must communicate effectively with diverse audiences, creating a demand for translation services.
  • How to Set Up: Be fluent in multiple languages, create a portfolio highlighting your language proficiency, and market your services to businesses expanding internationally.
  • Skills Needed: Proficiency in various languages, cultural understanding, and practical communication skills are crucial for providing valuable translation services.

12. Remote IT Support

  • Idea: Offer IT support services remotely.
  • Why: Businesses require efficient IT solutions, and providing remote support allows you to address issues promptly and cost-effectively.
  • How to Set Up: Gain relevant certifications in IT support, create a professional online presence, and market your services to businesses seeking remote IT assistance.
  • Skills Needed: Possessing relevant certifications in IT support, establishing a professional online presence, and effective marketing are essential for success in remote IT support.

13. Start a Podcast on a Niche Topic

  • Idea: Share your expertise or passion through a podcast on a specific niche.
  • Why: Podcasts are a popular and accessible medium for information and entertainment, offering a unique way to connect with audiences.
  • How to Set Up: Choose a niche you're passionate about, invest in good-quality equipment, and use platforms like Anchor or Libsyn to host and distribute your podcast.
  • Skills Needed: Choosing a compelling niche, investing in quality equipment, and utilising podcast platforms for hosting and distribution are key skills for podcast success.

14. Provide Tutoring Services Online

  • Idea: Offer tutoring services online in various subjects.
  • Why: The increasing demand for remote learning creates opportunities for online tutors to assist students worldwide.
  • How to Set Up: Choose your area of expertise, create a profile on tutoring platforms like Chegg Tutors or Wyzant, and market your services to students seeking academic support.
  • Skills Needed: Expertise in the subject, creating engaging courses, and effectively selling tutoring services on online platforms are crucial for attracting students.

15. Offer Graphic Design for Businesses

  • Idea: Provide graphic design services to businesses in need of visual branding.
  • Why: Visual content is essential for businesses to create a memorable and impactful brand presence.
  • How to Set Up: Develop graphic design skills, build a portfolio showcasing your work, and market your services to businesses seeking professional design solutions.
  • Skills Needed: Developing graphic design skills, creating a portfolio showcasing your work, and effectively marketing your services to businesses are key to success in this field.

16. Develop Mobile Applications

  • Idea: Create and develop mobile applications.
  • Why: With the increasing reliance on mobile technology, businesses and individuals seek customised applications to meet their specific needs.
  • How to Set Up: Learn app development, create a portfolio showcasing your skills, and market your services to businesses or individuals looking for mobile app solutions.
  • Skills Needed: These essential skills include learning app development, showcasing skills through a portfolio, and effective marketing to companies or individuals seeking app solutions.

17. Provide Interior Design Advice

  • Idea: Offer interior design advice to individuals or businesses.
  • Why: The desire for aesthetically pleasing spaces is constant, creating opportunities for interior designers to provide expertise.
  • How to Set Up: Gain knowledge in interior design, create a portfolio highlighting your design aesthetic, and market your services to homeowners or businesses looking to enhance their spaces.
  • Skills Needed: Gaining knowledge in interior design, creating a portfolio highlighting design aesthetics, and effective marketing to homeowners or businesses are crucial for success.

18. Offer Search Engine Optimisation Services

  • Idea: Provide search engine optimisation (SEO) services to businesses aiming to improve online visibility.
  • Why: In the digital age, businesses must rank higher on search engines to attract more online traffic.
  • How to Set Up: Learn SEO techniques, create a portfolio showcasing successful SEO projects, and market your services to businesses looking to enhance their online presence.
  • Skills Needed: Key skills include learning SEO techniques, building a portfolio showcasing successful projects, and marketing services to businesses looking to improve their online presence.

19. Curate and Sell Themed Subscription Boxes

  • Idea: Curate and sell subscription boxes with themed products.
  • Why: The subscription box model is a growing trend, offering customers a curated and personalised experience.
  • How to Set Up: Choose a niche for your subscription box and source products, create an online store using platforms like Cratejoy, and market your subscription boxes to enthusiasts in your chosen niche.
  • Skills Needed: Choosing a niche, sourcing products, and creating an online store using subscription box platforms are crucial for success in this business

20. Plan and Coordinate Events

  • Idea: Plan and coordinate events for clients.
  • Why: With busy lifestyles, individuals and businesses seek the expertise of event planners to ensure seamless and memorable events.
  • How to Set Up: Develop organisational skills, create a portfolio showcasing past events, and market your event planning services to individuals and businesses seeking expert coordination.
  • Skills Needed: Developing organisational skills, creating a portfolio showcasing past events, and effectively marketing event planning services are essential for success in this field.

21. Provide Professional Photography Services

  • Idea: Offer professional photography services.
  • Why: In the age of visual storytelling, businesses and individuals seek high-quality images for branding and personal use.
  • How to Set Up: Invest in quality photography equipment, build a portfolio showcasing your work, and market your services to businesses, couples, and individuals seeking professional photography.
  • Skills Needed: Investing in quality photography equipment, building a portfolio, and effectively selling services to companies and individuals are essential.

22. Start an Online Clothing Boutique

  • Idea: Launch an online clothing store.
  • Why: E-commerce is booming, and people increasingly shop online for unique and trendy clothing.
  • How to Set Up: Choose a niche, set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, source products, and implement effective marketing strategies.
  • Skills Needed: Choosing a niche, setting up an online store, sourcing products, and implementing effective marketing strategies are crucial for success in the competitive e-commerce fashion industry.

23. Provide Guidance and Support for Personal Development

  • Idea: Offer life coaching services.
  • Why: Pursuing personal development and growth is timeless, creating a demand for life coaches.
  • How to Set Up: Get certified in life coaching, build a professional website, and market your services to individuals seeking guidance and personal development.
  • Skills Needed: Obtaining certifications in life coaching, creating a professional website, and marketing services to individuals seeking personal development are vital skills.

24. Plan and Organise Trips for Individuals or Groups

  • Idea: Plan and organise trips for individuals or groups.
  • Why: People seek hassle-free travel experiences, so travel planning services have become increasingly valuable.
  • How to Set Up: Develop knowledge in travel planning, create a website showcasing your services, and market your travel planning expertise to individuals and groups.
  • Skills Needed: Developing knowledge in travel planning, creating a website showcasing services, and marketing expertise to individuals and groups are essential for success in this field.

25. Start a Catering Service for Events

  • Idea: Launch a catering service for events.
  • Why: Events and celebrations call for delicious food, creating opportunities for catering services.
  • How to Set Up: Obtain necessary licenses, build a diverse and appealing menu, and market your catering services to individuals and businesses planning events.
  • Skills Needed: Obtaining necessary permits, creating a varied and attractive menu, and effectively selling catering services to event planners are crucial for success.

26. Teach Language Courses Online

  • Idea: Provide online language courses.
  • Why: With globalisation, there's a growing interest in learning new languages.
  • How to Set Up: Be fluent in the language you want to teach, create engaging language courses, and offer them online.
  • Skills Needed: Being fluent in the language to teach, creating exciting language courses, and offering them online are vital skills for success.

27. Offer Pet Care Services

  • Idea: Provide pet care services, including dog walking and pet sitting.
  • Why: Pet owners seek reliable and caring services for their furry friends.
  • How to Set Up: Create a profile on pet-sitting platforms, market your services locally, and build a reputation for trustworthiness and care.
  • Skills Needed: In the pet care industry, creating a profile on pet-sitting platforms, marketing services locally, and building a reputation for dependability and care.

28. Provide Home Renovation and Improvement Services

  • Idea: Offer home renovation and improvement services.
  • Why: Homeowners constantly seek ways to enhance their living spaces.
  • How to Set Up: Gain relevant skills or certifications, create a portfolio showcasing your work, and market your services to homeowners looking to renovate or improve their homes.
  • Skills Needed: Gaining relevant skills or certifications, creating a portfolio, and marketing services to homeowners looking to renovate or improve their homes are crucial for success.

29. Print and Sell Custom Merchandise

  • Idea: Print and sell custom merchandise.
  • Why: People love unique, personalised items.
  • How to Set Up: Invest in printing equipment, create an online store using platforms like Printful or Printify, and market your custom merchandise.
  • Skills Needed: Key skills include investing in printing equipment, creating an online store using print-on-demand platforms, and selling custom merchandise effectively.

30. Provide Residential Cleaning Services

  • Idea: Offer residential cleaning services.
  • Why: Busy individuals seek help with household chores, creating a demand for cleaning services.
  • How to Set Up: Obtain necessary licenses, create a reliable and thorough cleaning service, and market your services locally to homeowners and renters.
  • Skills Needed: Obtaining necessary permits, creating a reliable and comprehensive cleaning service, and marketing services locally to homeowners and renters are essential for success.

31. Sell Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Products

  • Idea: Start a business selling eco-friendly and sustainable products.
  • Why: With the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability, consumers actively seek eco-friendly alternatives.
  • How to Set Up: Source sustainable products, create an online store, and market your brand as environmentally conscious.
  • Skills Needed: Curating a selection of sustainable products, understanding eco-friendly practices, and effectively marketing your brand as ecologically conscious are crucial for success in this business.

32. Offer Virtual Health and Wellness Consultations

  • Idea: Provide virtual health and wellness consultations.
  • Why: The importance of health and wellness is on the rise, and individuals seek personalised advice and support.
  • How to Set Up: Gain relevant certifications, create a professional website, and market your virtual health and wellness services to individuals seeking personalised guidance.
  • Skills Needed: Key skills include obtaining health and wellness certifications, creating a professional online presence, and marketing your virtual health and wellness services effectively.

33. Virtual Assistant for Influencers

  • Idea: Provide specialised virtual assistant services tailored for influencers and content creators.
  • Why: As influencers focus on content creation, they require support in managing emails, scheduling, and other administrative tasks.
  • How to Set Up: Build a portfolio showcasing expertise in influencer support, network within influencer communities, and utilise social media platforms for visibility.
  • Skills Needed: Social media understanding, excellent communication, time management, and proficiency in influencer marketing trends.

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Thriday's all-in-one platform

With the right business idea and the support of Thriday's innovative tools, your small business journey can be manageable and highly successful. As you embark on your entrepreneurial adventure, choose a business idea that resonates with your passion, and let Thriday be your AI-powered ally in navigating the financial landscape with efficiency and ease.

DISCLAIMER: Team Thrive Pty Ltd ABN 15 637 676 496 (Thriday) is an authorised representative (No.1297601) of Regional Australia Bank ABN 21 087 650 360  AFSL 241167 (Regional Australia Bank).  Regional Australia Bank is the issuer of the transaction account and debit card available through Thriday. Any information provided by Thriday is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether Thriday is appropriate for you.

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