10 Home-Based Businesses That Are Easy to Start and Run
Updated: Feb 27
Introduction
Starting a business from home, or a home side hustle (HSH), can be a great way to take control of your career and income. In this article, we'll explore 10 home-based side hustles that are easy to start and run, whether you're looking to start a business or a different full-time career.
What Qualifies as a Home-Based Business?
Before we dive into the types of home-based businesses you can start, it's important to understand what qualifies as a home-based business. A home-based business is any business that is operated from a residential property, whether it's a full-time business or a part-time venture. Entrepreneur.com has a great and easy to understand, just click here. The advantages of home-based businesses include lower overhead costs, more flexible work schedules, and the ability to work in a comfortable environment. However, there are legal considerations and requirements to be aware of, such as zoning laws and business licenses.
You could also take this definition a bit further to call it a remote-based business, or remote-based side hustle, remote side hustle, or dream job. I say this because some of the types of jobs outlined below truly can be done anywhere.
What Kind of Business Can I Start from Home?
There are many different types of home-based businesses you can start, depending on your interests and skills. Some examples include freelance writing, graphic design, tutoring, bookkeeping, web development, and pet grooming.
When choosing a business, it's important to consider factors such as your level of expertise, your target market, and your competition. Here are some popular home-based businesses to consider:
E-commerce businesses
Online coaching and consulting
Social media management and marketing
Blogging and content creation
Event planning and coordination
Personal shopping and styling
Online reselling
What Is the Best Home-Based Business?
Determining the best home-based business for you depends on various factors, such as your skills, interests, and financial goals. However, some businesses tend to be more successful than others.
To choose the best home-based business for you, consider the following key factors: market demand, profit potential, and your personal strengths. Here are some examples of the best home-based businesses:
Virtual bookkeeping and accounting
Online tutoring and education
Social media marketing agency
Pet care and grooming services
Handmade crafts and goods online shop
How Can I Start a Home Business with No Money?
Starting a business without any capital can seem daunting, but it's possible (you are reading a website that did it). There are various ways to start a business with no or low capital, such as leveraging existing skills and resources, utilizing free marketing and sales channels, and starting small. Here are some tips for starting a home-based business with no money:
Use free online tools and resources, such as social media and website builders (Wix has a great free option)
Offer your services for free or at a discounted rate to build your portfolio and reputation
Start small and gradually expand your business as you gain more clients and revenue (this one seems a bit more obvious)
Consider partnering with other businesses or freelancers to share resources and costs
What Is the Easiest Business to Own?
Some businesses are easier to run than others, requiring less time and effort to maintain. When choosing an easy-to-run business, consider the following factors: low startup costs, minimal inventory and equipment, and simple operations. I will say that running a blog is time-consuming, and a reason you won't see it on the list below. Here are some examples of easy-to-run home-based businesses:
Online transcription and data entry services (you can use free tools like ChatGPT)
Virtual assistant services
Freelance writing and editing services
House cleaning and organization services
An online store that sells digital products (this will require some additional technical skills, but those can be learned at Khan Academy)
Top 5 Small Businesses to Start
If you're looking to start a small business from home, consider the following industries that are in high demand and have a low barrier to entry:
Home healthcare services
Online tutoring and education
Event planning and coordination
E-commerce businesses
Personal training and fitness coaching
Cheap Business Ideas to Start
Starting a business on a budget is a great option for entrepreneurs who want to keep their costs low and minimize their risks. Here are some low-cost home-based business ideas and tips for starting a business on a budget:
A. Overview of Low-Cost Home-Based Business Ideas
Social Media Management: You can start a social media management business from home by helping small businesses manage their social media accounts. All you need is a computer, internet access, and a good understanding of social media platforms.
Virtual Assistant: As a virtual assistant, you can offer administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from the comfort of your own home. You can provide services such as email management, scheduling, social media management, and more.
Home-Based Bakery: If you have a passion for baking, you can start a home-based bakery and sell your baked goods to your local community. This is a great way to turn your hobby into a profitable business.
Personal Shopper: You can start a personal shopping business from home by helping clients find the perfect outfits for special occasions or everyday wear. All you need is a good eye for fashion and the ability to communicate effectively with clients.
B. Tips for Starting a Business on a Budget
Start small and focus on one thing: When starting a business on a budget, it's important to start small and focus on one thing that you're good at. This will help you keep your costs low and build a solid foundation for your business.
Use free resources: There are many free resources available online that can help you start and grow your business, such as social media platforms, website builders, and marketing tools.
Barter services: Bartering services with other businesses is a great way to get things done without spending any money. For example, you could offer your social media management services to a web designer in exchange for a new website.
C. More Examples of Cheap Home-Based Side Hustles
Etsy Shop: You can start an Etsy shop and sell handmade or vintage items, heck you can even sell things you find at the local thrift shop or garage sale. Etsy is an affordable platform for small business owners to sell their products.
Online Tutoring: If you have expertise in a particular subject, you can start an online tutoring business and help students worldwide. You don't even need to be an expert, you just need to have slightly more knowledge of the subject than the person you are tutoring. So if you have a sixth-grade knowledge of geography, you can tutor kids that are at a fifth-grade level. Just find the right topic and the right age range to get the proper tutoring job!
Pet Sitting: If you love animals, you can start a pet sitting business and provide services such as dog walking, pet sitting, and pet grooming. You don't even need to love animals, but you must treat them as well or better than their owners expect. If you believe you are capable of that, then this cheap side hustle is for you!
Summary
In conclusion, starting a home-based business can be a great way to achieve financial independence and flexibility two things I'm sure many of you are looking for. In this article, we have provided an overview of the different types of home-based businesses, the advantages of home-based businesses, the legal considerations and requirements, and a ton of other questions folks have regarding home-based side hustles.
We have also explored the best home-based side hustles, how to start a home business with no money, the easiest business to own, and cheap business ideas to start. We hope that this article has provided you with valuable insights and recommendations for starting your own home-based business. Remember to start small, stay focused, and always be open to new opportunities.