How to Start a Business Without Leaving Your Home

Many of us would love the idea of starting a small business from home. Aside from earning the dollars, you own your time, become your own boss, and best of all, you can work at home. We have tons of ideas for home-based businesses, and here are few that you can start with investment. 

 Virtual Assistant

The shift of businesses from brick-and-mortar to online in the last decade or two sparked the start of the demand for virtual assistants. Many traditional businesses have realized the importance of having a web-based business too, or simply additional support to carry out their day-to-day work. As a virtual assistant your tasks could include:

• Customer Service
• Data entry
• Appointment bookings
• Email management
• Website management
• Travel arrangement
• Other admin tasks

If you feel that you can perform these tasks, you can start looking for Virtual Assistant jobs online at places like Fiverr or Freelancer.  In the future, you could even start your own VA agency by employing other VA’s. The great thing about this is that you can work from anywhere in the world, and have clients anywhere in the world. 

Capital: $6,000+ for a VA agency

Average hourly rate: $40 to $75 per hour

What you need: a phone, a computer, an email address and if you can, a simple website. 

Social Media Manager 

If you love spending endless hours on social media, how about getting paid for it by becoming a social media manager? Many business owners heavily rely on social media to market their brand, engage with their customers, and manage posts. Hence they look for social media managers to help them. 

In general, clients do not require strict qualifications when looking for social media managers. However, it would certainly help if you can learn some of the SMM skills such as basic SEO content writing, social media marketing, and so on. 

And since there are several social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter, you need to find the right approach for each channel. Some training and research may be needed but don’t worry, there are plenty of free resources online to help you. So, if you already have a working computer and internet, you can start as a social media manager right away.

Capital: $5.95 per month from GoDaddy with free domain name and email

Average hourly rate: $44 - $58

Online Ad Campaign Manager

Running ad campaigns can also be a profitable small business that gives you more flexibility on your time. You also don't need to have qualifications to start running ads. But you must learn how to be efficient in running ad campaigns for your clients using Facebook ads manager or business manager, or Google Ads. And you can look up tutorial videos online about running ad campaigns if you want to improve your strategies and skills, or do one of the many online courses teaching you the relevant skills. 

Capital: only Computer, domain, and accounting software like Zero

Average hourly rate: $36+

Courses: from around $50 up

Graphic Designer

If you are a creative person and have a good eye for designing, how about putting your creativity to work in a graphic design business. Graphic design is a booming industry and many businesses are looking for artistic talents to create logos, brochures, posters, infographics, web design, social media content, and many more.

But before you start, you need to learn some basic skills such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva. You also need to build your portfolio by creating several samples. Then pitch your business on platforms such as Fiverr, Flexjobs, or 99designs. You can also create prints and quote artworks and sell them on your social media or Etsy.

Capital: $2,000 minimum for a fully operating business (you’ll need a good computer), plus software and other equipment costs

Average hourly rate: $25 per hour

Blogging and Affiliate Marketing

If you're passionate about writing, perhaps you can turn it into profit by starting a blog. And the best way to earn profit from blogging is through affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing is when you earn commissions for promoting a product or a service to your readers. The business running the affiliate program you've joined will pay you each time your recommendation converts to a sale. Other ways you can earn from blogging are through ads, selling physical or digital products, sponsoring products or services, and hosting webinars.

Capital: $5.95 per month from GoDaddY with domain name and email.

Average hourly rate: $18+

Freelance Writer

Freelance writing is a long-term and in-demand service. There are tons of writing jobs listed on freelancing websites such as Upwork, Fiverr, or Flexjobs. You can be a feature writer, a ghostwriter, or a copywriter. Decide on what field or niche you are most comfortable writing and then write a few samples. Then start taking up those writing jobs to earn money. By the time you have established a reputation online, you can start hiring other writers to work for you. 

Capital: less than $600

Average hourly rate: $30+

Proofreading and Editing

Another small business idea working with words is proofreading and editing articles. Although, in this business, you don’t write them all, but improve the articles by correcting errors. So if you have a keen eye for errors in grammar, spelling, and syntax then you are good to go. 

Capital: $5.95 per month from GoDaddy with domain name and email.

Average hourly rate: $26+

Bookkeeper

Maybe you prefer numbers over words, and if you also love Excel, then why not start a bookkeeping business. A small company needs a bookkeeper to keep track of invoicing, payrolls, and expenses. This also includes paying bills, tracking sales, and keeping receipts. The good news is, you can start this business even without qualifications.  If you are good with numbers, you can start your bookkeeping business today.

Capital: $2.50+ web hosting, $60+ for internet service, $300+ for a computer or laptop

Average hourly rate:  $19.35+

Transcriber

If you have sharp ears and can type fast, perhaps starting a transcription business is more suitable for you. A transcriptionist's job is to listen to audio recordings and then convert them into text following a format. Typically, you need to have 50 to 80 wpm typing speed and at least an accuracy level of 92%.

There are a lot of potential clients in this type of business. Transcription services are needed for transcribing interviews, business meetings, web conferences, seminars, court hearings, and many more. YouTube content creators, Podcast businesses, and even TED talks also hire transcription services.

Capital: $40 to $100 for foot pedal, $25 to $50 for transcription headset

Average hourly rate: $15+

Final Thoughts

All of these have low barriers to entry,  but do rely on your learning the relevant skills and marketing yourself - putting yourself out there. Trust us… nothing is more exciting than that first paid client!