Working from home in 2020 can be rewarding and fun. At a time when social distancing may be important, more people than ever are glad to stay at home for work. Luckily, there are many home business ideas to spark your thinking.
People often ask, what is the best home business to start? The answer is: the best home business is the one that meets the most requirements on your list.
Make a list of the factors important to you, such as a good income; a flexible schedule; independence; work-life balance; low startup costs; something within your skill level and experience; interesting work you have a passion for.
Below is a list of 20 businesses you can run from home for fun and profit.
1. Web Designer
Start a business designing new websites or updating existing websites. Work with clients to add your aesthetic and design expertise to their websites. Some web designers use website builder tools such as WordPress or Wix.
Others code from scratch and use graphic design tools. Making money from a new business in web design is easy due to the low costs.
2. Facebook Page Designer
You also can use your design expertise to work with clients to improve their Facebook pages. This is yet another opportunity for a graphic designer to be part of a growth industry. It is also a way to earn income while working from home.
3. Home Daycare Business
Do you enjoy working with kids? Start a daycare business where you take care of children in your own home. Be sure to make your home safe.
Caring for children is a big responsibility. A daycare service is a business requiring good communication with parents. You also need credentials to meet any licensing requirements.
4. Vintage Clothing Reseller
Vintage clothing is in vogue. Online platforms like eBay and Etsy make it easy to start a business selling vintage clothing — no experience required.
How do you ensure a good inventory of supplies for this business? Simple. Shop for bargains online where consumers sell used items, such as Craigslist.
Or scour thrift stores and attend house sales. You can even sell clothing products you already own. Research prices, and buy low and sell higher.
5. Music Teacher
Entrepreneurs with musical talent can start a home-based business as a music teacher. Open up your home to clients who want to learn an instrument or take voice lessons.
Don’t want people coming to your home? Then use video conferencing technology such as Skype, Google Hangouts or Zoom, and hold online teaching sessions from home to students anywhere. In-person sessions are not required.
6. Party Planner
People often need help planning events, from birthdays to graduations. Do you enjoy making plans and working with people?
Party planner may be an ideal job for home, although you may have to meet with clients at event locations occasionally.
As a party planner you make sure that the events are memorable. This is a great home-based business idea for anyone who is detail oriented.
7. Party Clown
Being a clown for kids’ birthday parties can be a great way to have a fun job if you enjoy working with children.
With this business idea you’ll need to leave home for events. But you can do the booking and prep work from home.
8. Dance Instructor
Anyone with a background in dance and access to clients can offer dance classes from home.
With this business idea you get started either by setting up a studio in your home or renting a space.
Or you can offer dance instruction virtually through video courses. Do the administrative work in your home.
9. House Cleaning
Are you one of those unusual people who love cleaning? Or perhaps you are just good at it.
A house cleaning service is a way to make money and over time gain financial independence.
This business requires little except basic cleaning products and a service attitude.
10. YouTube Personality
There’s never a guarantee of making it big on YouTube. But becoming a YouTuber is still a great home-based business idea.
Start by creating a variety of video content for the platform from your home. Run ads on your videos to earn revenue.
11. Jewelry Maker
People love custom jewelry. It meets their need to be different. There are many methods and supplies to create handmade jewelry — including precious metals, gems, beads and stones.
Sell jewelry online, at craft shows or wholesale to retailers. Set up an online store to expose your business to even more customers.
12. Personal Trainer
Ideas like becoming a personal trainer are great for fitness-loving entrepreneurs. Offer training sessions to clients out of your home gym or workout room. Or travel to clients’ homes.
Some enterprising personal trainers take their business online. They provide training and fitness courses virtually through video conferencing apps like Skype.
Get a few happy clients and your home business will grow through word of mouth referrals.
13. Copywriter
Advertising and marketing companies are always looking for freelance copywriters to help with creative projects. Set up a home office with a computer.
Then apply your marketing savvy to make money. Freelance writing is a home-based business that literally can be global, with clients across the world.
14. Clothing Designer
As home business ideas go, there are plenty of opportunities for designers to create and sell their own clothing from home.
Whether you stitch intricate gowns, create hand-painted scarves or design t-shirts, the opportunities for making money from home are almost endless.
Many people are willing to pay for unique wearable art. If you have a passion for fashion, and need to make money, make this your business.
15. Ebook Author
Are you an aspiring novelist? Prefer nonfiction writing? Anyone who enjoys freelance writing can turn it into a business as an ebook author.
It’s easier than ever to be a self-published ebook author. Amazon is one of the top places to sell an ebook, but there are other platforms also.
16. Hot Air Balloon Operator
Though certainly not a cheap venture, offering balloon rides from your property can be a great way to have fun in a lucrative business. Make sure to read up on local regulations and safety for this business.
17. Massage Therapist
Licensed massage therapists can set up studios in their own homes to meet with clients and offer their services, making it one of the better ideas for qualified individuals.
18. Hair Stylist
Hair stylists can set up a room in their homes to accept appointments with clients. However, read up on state and local licensing requirements to make sure you comply.
Take this business online to diversify revenue streams. Display your styling abilities on YouTube or Instagram.
As a virtual stylist, make money from online classes showing others how to arrange the latest hairstyles, or by recommending sponsored products or becoming a brand ambassador.
19. Interior Designer
Interior designer is one of the best business ideas for anyone with a knack for style and design. Offer decorating services to businesses and homeowners.
You do not need a physical location to offer this service. You can do much of the brainstorming and administrative work from home and visit clients on site.
20. Home Staging Business
Home staging is a service where you arrange furniture and other decorative elements for clients who need to sell or rent their homes.
Work with real estate professionals who want to close sales, also. Ideas like this don’t require a business office, just expertise.
