If the global pandemic has taught businesses anything, it’s that we can have a balance between home working and commuting. That in turn has given many Australians the gift of time. The huge increase in home working means there’s now much more flexibility for work-life balance, enabling workers to benefit from more time with their families, enjoying their hobbies, or other pursuits such as building a side hustle.
And, it seems the side hustle is proving particularly popular. In fact, according to recent ING research, nearly half (48%) of all Australians have a side hustle or are planning to start one. Likewise, many office workers, particularly women, have considered leaving the workforce altogether during the pandemic. So, with many looking for a new venture, business idea, or side hustle, home (WFH) provides you with the luxury of flexibility to plan and prepare a new small business for launch. Depending on what kind of services or products you’ll be selling, home working gives you control over your hours.
As 40% of Australian workers have become accustomed to remote working, it looks like that flexibility is here to stay. That means, not only will you save on travel costs and office rent, but you’ll also achieve better work-life harmony.
Setting up your own business from the comfort of your home gives you time to think through your options and plan. Maybe you’re seeking entrepreneurship and have dreams of becoming a successful start-up? Whatever you choose, make sure you’re passionate about it and have enough resources to make it become a reality.
Struggling to find ideas or waiting for inspiration? We’ve compiled a handy list of the top 50 small businesses you can start at home.
Media and marketing
1. Blogging
If you’re passionate about something and good with words, then blogging could be your big break. You can either set up your own website from scratch or use a website builder to get the hard work done for you – the key is to figure out your niche.
It’s unlikely you’ll become an overnight success with blogging, but if you implement the right tools and search engine optimisation (SEO) tactics, you could start making a profitable income. Some of the most profitable bloggers in the industry make up to $50k a year – a healthy income for doing something you love.
2. Freelance writer
Whether you do it part-time or full-time, being a freelance writer provides you with the luxury of flexible work arrangements. You can either work with a recruitment agency to land gigs or scope them yourself on job sites like Upwork and Copify. It’s key you figure out who your niche is and whether you’ll be writing B2B marketing copy or content marketing copy. If you go the individual route, it’s key to build a brand around yourself and make your profile stand out against other copywriting freelancers. Building connections and a great portfolio is the cornerstone of any great writing career.
Copy and content writing are always in high demand, and as you gather experience, you’ll start to build a trusted client base.
3. Podcasting
If you already own a business or blog, then creating a podcast is an easy way of getting more traction on your site. Though you can do podcasting as a standalone gig, you’ll be more profitable and successful if you gear it up with something you already do. If your voice is already out there, then podcasting can really give you an edge over competitors in your niche.
4. Social media influencer
If you already have a large following across your social media channels, then it’s time to start making the most of it. Instagram and TikTok are two of the most popular platforms for up-and-coming influencers; people who promote products or a brand on their social media.
Influencers often make the most money through affiliate marketing so try connecting with brands that fit your niche well and collaborate with them.
5. YouTuber
YouTube is a great business opportunity to get into the right niche and have a knack for creating relevant and interesting content. Once you start racking up subscribers, you’ll be able to monetise your audience and make spare cash from ads and any affiliate marketing you do on your channel.
6. Photographer
Whether you do it as part of a content marketing gig or set up your own business, being a photographer is an easy way of making money and exploring your creative side. Start by creating a website, building up your portfolio and constructing a steady client base to showcase your services.
7. Digital marketing manager
If you’ve got an excellent knowledge of SEO, advertising, and B2B/B2C, then a career in digital marketing is right up your alley. You can either freelance your services to companies and recruitment agencies or set up your own business where you work for yourself.
8. Ghostwriter
Handy if you’d like to make extra cash in your spare time, ghostwriting is a good avenue to go down if you’re skilled at editing, writing, and grammar. You’ll also need to understand your clients’ vision and make it a reality on paper, so start by building your portfolio and gaining a few references.
9. Resume writer
Another easy writing route to take is that of a resume writer. Resume writers are always in demand and can be a nice little earner if you have enough experience and reputable references.
10. Freelance PPC consultant
Similar to an SEO expert, freelance PPC consultants will have a knack for marketing and optimising ads for PPC campaigns. If you already have a background in advertising, it will be easier to break into this role, but there are many online courses available to ramp up your knowledge.
11. Publish an eBook
Writing a book is no longer reserved for the literary greats – anyone with a passion for writing can now create their own novels with the rise of the ebook. It’s never been easier to get your name out there, and it’s something that you can do in your favourite coffee shop or from your home. When getting your book out in the public eye, you can either hire marketers to do the hard work for you, or you can use Amazon’s advertising services for a set price.
12. Transcription services
If you’re a fast reader and adept at proofing, then offering transcription services is an easy way to make extra income. You can freelance your work out to clients and work on various projects, including transcribing podcasts and radio interviews.
13. Proofreader
A fairly easy market to break into, proofreaders are needed to make sure the copy is written concisely and free of any grammatical errors or misspellings. If you’re always pointing out your friend’s grammar mistakes, then becoming a proofreader could be a good fit.
14. Bid writer
Bid writers are in higher demand than ever before, and more and more companies are keen to take on freelancers rather than hire permanent employees. You’ll need to be experienced in PQQs and tenders, but if you need to brush up on your skills, you can always take online courses.
B2B services and agencies
15. B2B agency/startup
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and great business ideas, running a start-up or B2B agency could be in your future. This route takes a lot more patience and time than others, but if you have a solid business plan and can cover your start-up costs, then it can become a reality.
Whether you work as part of a team of small business owners or go solo, try to figure out your niche and specialise – the market is saturated with the big fish of the agency world, so specialising cuts out some of the competition.
16. Virtual call centre agent
If you’d like to work remotely, then the role of a virtual call centre agent could be your next side of the business. Perfect for students or those looking to juggle work with other commitments, call centre agents are always in high demand and can easily find work with recruitment agencies.
17. SEO expert
SEO is hot in the world of marketing and business, so if you have experience, then it’s wise to make the most of it. You can start by freelancing your services or creating your own business – seasoned professionals can make up to $81,000 a year.
18. Online bookkeeping
If you have a knack for numbers and accountancy, then a career as a bookkeeper could be just for you. You’ll need to be experienced in finances since you’ll be dealing with a company’s ledgers and transactions, but online courses are available for those wanting to learn more.
19. Virtual assistant
Generally self-employed, virtual assistants help with the needs of small business owners or clients from home. You’ll usually be paid on an hourly basis but have the luxury of working remotely and juggling other commitments too.
20. Motivational speaker
If you’ve been through a life-changing experience or have interesting stories to tell, motivational speaking could be your next gig. Try to build a brand around yourself and market why you’re beneficial to potential clients; what does your speaking bring, and how could others grow and learn from it?
Personal business and services
21. Dropshipping
A good business for making passive income, dropshipping involves buying products from a vendor and selling them on different online platforms (without ever handling them). Some of the most popular sites for dropshipping include Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Shopify.
The good news is that this type of selling requires less capital and is easier to scale. You’ll need to have a solid business model in place if you want to be successful.
22. Online craft seller
If your skillset is geared towards crafting homemade goods, you should consider selling your wares to make extra money. So long as you have a product marketing strategy in place and know what type of business you’re running, being an online craft seller can be extremely rewarding.
Perhaps you want to sell a customised t-shirt range or Christmas decorations online – the choice is yours.
23. Mobile hair and beauty
Got a talent for hair and makeup? If so, offering your services to the public could be a simple way of making money while doing something you love. Whether you’re skilled in nails or hairdressing, you can either offer mobile services or work towards running your own salon from home.
24. Online bakery
Online food delivery has skyrocketed during the pandemic, and it’s a trend that looks set to stay. So, if you have a passion for baking, then it’s time to open your own store. You can market your products on social media and even progress to holding a place on Deliveroo or Uber Eats.
The best small business always stays on top of its competition, so scope out your market and see if there’s anything different you could bring to foodies in your area.
25. Uber driver
If you’re looking for part-time work, then becoming an Uber driver is a great way of making easy money while handling your own hours. Whether you decide to work on behalf of a food delivery service such as Deliveroo or Uber Eats or operate as a taxi, this job offers a level of flexibility not easily found.
Do you consider yourself a budding fitness fanatic? If so, becoming a personal trainer could enable you to work in an industry that’s popular and ever-evolving. You’ll need to gain a personal training licence, but once you’ve got that in hand, there are some options available to you. You can either set up your own fitness channel on YouTube or offer your services to clients online – the choice is yours.
27. Personal shopper
If you have excellent communication skills and an eye for detail, personal shopping might be a good fit for you. Your work will revolve around advising clients on what items are the best to buy, so staying on top of the latest trends is necessary.
28. Event planner
An event planner position is ideal for anyone who loves organising parties and get-togethers. If you’ve got an eye for design and an ability to turn your client’s vision into a reality, event planning can be advantageous.
29. Remote real estate agent
The rise of the remote real estate agent is gaining traction. If you have excellent communication and negotiation skills, then this career path could be ideal. You’re more likely to be accepted to a branch if you’re degree qualified, but training is still available for those looking to build experience.
Neighbourhood services
The following services can all be promoted on social media channels, but one of the most popular ways to advertise yourself is within your local community:
30. Dog walker
Ideal for animal lovers and students, dog walkers have the luxury of earning money for doing something fun. Once you become well known in your area, more and more people will start to trust you looking after their dogs, so be sure to build up a good reputation.
31. Pet sitting
Like dog walking, pet sitting is ideal for those who love animals and is especially good for teenagers or children looking for extra pocket money.
32. House sitting
A straightforward job, house sitting pays you for simply watching over a house and making sure everything’s in order.
33. Laundry services
Ever had to visit the launderette? Sometimes the prices can be ridiculously high, so offering discounted laundry services to those in your neighbourhood is likely to gain some traction.
34. Cleaning services
If you’re an ace at cleaning, then why not offer your services to those in your neighbourhood? Just make sure you vet people you’re offering services to, ensuring your safety and wellbeing before stepping into their homes.
35. Daycare
If you’re experienced in childcare, then opening up your own daycare from home is a great way of making money. You’ll need to have a natural connection with children and patience, but it could turn into a fully-fledged business with enough time.
36. Babysitting
Perfect for college students or those looking to make extra cash, babysitting gives you flexibility and control over your hours. Word of mouth is significant here, so make sure you’re committed and do as the parents say – this way, you’ll gain even more clients.
37. Landscaping
If you have a natural flair for gardening, landscaping might be a great way of making extra money.
38. Handyman
Have a knack for fixing up old gadgets, cars, and more? If so, you should think about offering your services as a handyman to your neighbourhood.
39. Food truck
If you’re talented at cooking, then consider opening up your own food truck. Make sure you scope out your area first to see the latest food trends and anything new you can bring.
40. Catering services
Like opening a food truck, catering services require a little more of a business plan, and you’ll need a team on hand to make it a reality. If you have the resources and caterers available, this could be an extremely profitable business to embark on.
41. Man with a van (Delivery Service)
If you’ve got a van you don’t use often, then make the most out of it – advertise delivery and removal services in your local area so you can start earning some extra cash.
42. Tour guide
Ideal if you’re located in a popular tourist destination, being a tour guide gives you the flexibility to choose your own hours and wax lyrical about your local area’s hotspots and history.
43. Spare room rental
An easy way to make passive income is to consider putting it on the market to rent if you have a spare room.
44. Airbnb
If you’re a homeowner of two or more properties, putting a property on Airbnb for tourists or travellers is a simple way of earning a passive income. You’ll need to keep on top of your Airbnb profile to become popular, though. Superhosts have higher earning potential than regular advertisers. Increase profit potential by having listed properties squeaky clean and always try to go the extra mile for your guests.
Educational services and online learning
45. Online tutor
Whether you’re a college student or educated to a degree level, make the most out of your knowledge and become an online tutor. Use your subject know-how to provide distance learning to clients, building up referrals as you go along to increase your popularity.
46. Educational course creator
The popularity of online courses has boomed during the pandemic, and it looks set to stay. If you’re skilled in a certain subject or area, offer your expertise through paid courses online. With enough experience and popular ratings, you could see your course creation become a full-time, successful business.
47. Language and translation services
If you possess the gift of being bilingual, then offering language and translation services online is a simple way to make money.
Technology
48. App developer
If you’re a whizz at computers and gadgets, then becoming an app developer could be a rewarding and exciting job opportunity. You’ll need to have some tech know-how, but watching your code turn into a fully-fledged app will inspire you and could lead to a handsome income.
49. Freelance graphic designers
Combine your love of tech with a passion for design, and you could soon become a freelance graphic designer. Your daily tasks will revolve around designing the layout and concept of magazines and advertisements, so creativity and an eye for detail are essential.
50. Web developer
If you happen to have a talent for coding and programming languages, then a web developer role could be a rewarding career – senior developers can earn around $107k a year.
Next steps: Start a business checklist
Whether you work by yourself or dream of partnering up, it’s key you begin your venture with a business checklist. Similar to a business plan, a checklist will set out the roadmap for your online business ideas, taking into account:
- Resources needed
- Financial costs
- Time
- Business structure
- Strengths and weaknesses
- USPs
- Best business ideas
How RingCentral could help your business
As a trusted communications platform, RingCentral could help you in your new business venture.
If you’re looking for ways to collaborate with team members or interact with clients, our cloud-based communications software offers a seamless solution for hybrid work and remote operations. Take your business venture a step further, and invest in our platform to connect seamlessly with clients and customers.
Originally published 20 Jun, 2022, updated 15 Dec, 2023
