People have worked on many home-based business ideas during their isolation. Some have even decided to make it their full-time income source and not go back to their regular jobs. After all, having a home-based business while taking care of the kids does require all your attention.
If you’re thinking what business you can do from home as a sideline, or as a full-time job; here are some ideas you can consider. Keep in mind that you need to embrace going digital to fully enjoy this experience.
1. Freelance Writer
If you have a knack for writing, then you can earn from your skill. As a freelance writer, you should be able to write about any topic and in different formats too. Some research is involved to source your information.
You should be able to write in different POVs (points of view) as well as tone and style. Writing for a fashion magazine will need a different style than writing an article on a business website. You may be tasked to write some technical stuff too. If you love writing challenges like this, then you will enjoy this job. Just remember to avoid procrastination so you don’t miss your deadlines.
There are specialized writing jobs that you can offer if you have more experience in these fields.
- Content Writing
- Copy Writing
- Grant Writing
- Researching / Fact Checking
- Translation Services
2. Social Media Specialist
Everyone is on social media these days. If you enjoy spending time in those platforms; then this job can be your sideline or full-time hustle. First, you need to be active on these platforms yourself and build an audience of your own. Then you can offer your services to potential clients.
As a social media specialist, your main job is to build your client’s online presence on different social media platforms. You can be provided these materials or create your own. Scheduling what content to publish on which channels is an important part of the job. You will be helping your clients create a strategy for pushing their content to their audience in the different channels to meet their business goals.
You may also be tasked to reply to queries on these channels. Inform yourself thoroughly of your client’s business, offerings and processes in handling their customers’ concerns so you can respond appropriately.
3. Web Designer
Was your previous job designing websites or is that a side hustle of yours? This is one of those home-based business ideas that costs you nothing but will fully satisfy your passion for creating.
First, you need to have your own website. Showcase your portfolio of web design projects so your potential clients can see what you can do. Have a brief description about each project to show what businesses you’ve worked with.
Display your self-designed business card on your website, as well as your other design projects, if you want to offer your clients a design package.
If you wan’t to specialize in a different field of design, then here are some home-based business ideas to consider:
- Graphic Design
- Digital Prints
- Illustration
- Theme Designs (e.g., for WordPress and other similar platforms)
- T-Shirt Design
4. Video Editor & Music Composer
Are you good at creating videos or making music? Get yourself known by publishing some of your creations and attracting your audience. Create a YouTube or Vimeo account where you can display your projects for potential clients to spot. This is one of those home-based business ideas that you can do at your own pace. If you’re a night owl, then this job is perfect for you.
For video editors, it helps to see what’s viral on YouTube and create your own version. Or you could go as basic as editing a dance or music video of you and your friends having a good time. Or maybe offer to edit a wedding video for one of your colleagues who is getting married.
As a music composer, you can provide music for music or dance videos, as well as ad jingles. You could publish a recording of your gig as a DJ. Or why not publish a whole album of your music creations online? You can offer some of your compositions free for download so your audience gets a taste of your work.
5. Private Tutor / Trainer
One of the ways to gain a greater understanding of your skill or talent is by sharing your knowledge. Or if you’ve always wanted to teach but didn’t end up as a teacher, then tutoring online is your next best option.
As a tutor, you can specialize in one subject. You can teach writing basics, video editing, music composition, playing the guitar, drawing, etc. Tutoring students in academic subjects is also a much-needed service nowadays.
You can also teach adults. Business people may need someone to teach them how to improve their PowerPoint presentations or how to do basic accounting. You can also talk to businesses about how they can make their brand known to more people if you’re a social media specialist.
6. Online Seller
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. If you’ve got things in your home that you’ve never used but are still in good condition, then why not sell them online. Use your social media channels to start selling.
If you have a jewelry-making hobby, know how to sew clothes, love crocheting, sell them online. Sell your creations and get even more inspired to create more of the things you are passionate about. You can sell your art, photographs and paintings.
Sell to your friends and colleagues and have them pay for shipping costs. You can also sell other people’s stuff for them on a consignment basis. They will send you their stuff, you will display it for your customers, and you pay them only when the item has been sold off.
You can also sell specialty items. If you love specialty items that you know your customers will also love, then find a supplier who sells these items. Buy them in bulk so you get them at a cheaper price and sell them per piece. You can also do drop shipping instead.
7. Gardener
If you have a green thumb, then your plants will bring you extra income. Check out what indoor plants are popular and grow those in your garden. Search for groups that are dedicated to gardening and offer your plants there.
Sell your plants to plantitas and plantitos. Offer tips on how to care for them so you can always keep in touch with your customers. Share videos of you tending to your plants to build your brand even more.
As you’re starting out, don’t forget to show your plants and yourself in the best light. Invest in cute and pretty pots for your plants. Get some pretty accessories such as an elegant looking watering can to add a nice touch to your photos or videos. You can even sell these accessories too.
These are just some of the home-based business ideas that you can try to create extra income. They are all low-cost and can be done online, on your own. All you need is your computer, a good Internet connection, your own workspace, a bit of digital savvy, and the passion to continue learning. Your clients will surely notice you and appreciate your dedication to your new business.
Feature Image: Original Photo by Anthony Shkraba from Pexels.