What Are the Best Home Based Business Ideas

There’s something enticing about the idea of running one’s own business. What can be even more enticing is the idea of running your own business right out of your very own home.

There’s no need to commute, and you don’t need to worry about the traditional 9 to 5 work hours. Instead, you’re in charge.

If you have thought about starting your own home-based business, maybe now is the time to go for it. Consider where your talents lie. What are your personal interests? What type of background and skills do you have to offer? Going with your strengths can often yield the most success. Even if you’re not sure what you want to do, there are plenty of home-based business ideas that can help inspire you. Let’s take a look at 15 home-based business ideas to get the ball rolling.

Our Top 15 Home Business Ideas

1. Accountant

If you’re good with numbers, starting your own home accounting business may be perfect for you. Sure, many businesses can do their own accounting, but many of these business owners have several other responsibilities to worry about. So instead, they outsource their accounting needs. You may choose to simply do some bookkeeping, or perhaps you may want to offer more involved services.

You should offer the accounting services you are most comfortable with. When starting your accounting business, you may want to consider certification by means of becoming a certified public accountant (CPA). While certification is not a requirement, it can be helpful, providing you with an advantage over those accountants who aren’t certified. It may take some time to build the client base needed to turn a major profit, but if you are good at what you do, you may quickly find that word of mouth is getting more people to you.

2. Web Designer

These days, everyone is online. In order to stay competitive, businesses not only need a basic website, but they need one that grabs and holds the attention of their clients. DIY websites just won’t cut it anymore. And with the rise of using mobile devices rather than traditional desktops and laptops for seeking information online, many businesses trying to create their own websites are finding it extremely difficult to create a website that is mobile-friendly. Web design can be a very rewarding business that you can do right from the comfort of your own home. You will need to be skilled, though, as well as have a personality that can deal with potentially demanding customers. Getting your name out there will also take some work, but networking, attending events, and even blogging can help.

3. Computer Repair

Just about everyone has a computer; however, there are very few people who understand how their computer works. When something goes wrong, they don’t have the knowledge required to fix the issue. Many business owners don’t have the time to deal with repairing computers, nor do they want to spend the extra money to have employees dedicated to the task. Instead, they outsource this particular service. If you have experience with computers, how they work, how to take them apart and put them back together, and how to diagnose and fix issues, starting a home-based computer repair business may be the way to go.

4. Wedding Planner

People get married every day. Does the idea of helping you plan a couple’s perfect day fill you with joy? If so, the best home-based business for you might be a wedding planner. However, being a wedding planner can be a very involved job, and requires you to stay organized and be able to multitask. You will need to stay up to date on the latest wedding trends (dress styles, colors, themes, cakes, etc.). You will also need to help your clients choose everything, including the venues, caterers, dresses, flowers, and more. You will need to be able to manage a budget. After all, many clients seeking wedding planning services have a set amount of money. You will need to be able to stay within those parameters. Building good relationships with different vendors in your area is also a must.

5. Photographer

While many people tend to go online to find stock photos to use for their websites, flyers, or other photo needs, there is still a major demand for professional photographers for assignments and events, including travel magazines, weddings, portraits, and more. You may choose to specialize in one particular area of photography, or offer a few different services. With this home-based business idea, the possibilities are practically endless. It is important to bear in mind, however, that if you don’t already have the equipment, there can be a larger initial investment. Along with your camera, you may need different lenses, lights, and/or photo editing software. Marketing yourself (a great website with a portfolio, social media, even old-fashioned mailers) is also essential to gaining clients.

6. Personal Stylist

There are so many people out there who wish they could dress for their body, dress to impress at work, or simply dress in a style that suits them. Yet, they don’t have an “eye” for fashion. They may not know where to go. Or, they simply may not want to make the effort. Instead, they dress in what’s comfortable, affordable, or simply anything that fits. If you enjoy fashion, the best home business for you might be a personal stylist. Not only will you get enjoyment out of helping people reach their style potential, you will also help clients to look, and feel, their best.

7. Interior Designers

While some people have a knack for putting together a stunning outfit for a client that will suit them beautifully, others with an eye for fashion have a knack for designing (and making the most out of) an interior space, whether it is in a home or an office. This home business idea requires that you are able to put together a space to create a specific feel using different colors, materials, furniture, artwork, accessories, and even architecture. While interior designing doesn’t require formal training, you will need to have impeccable taste to be successful. If you are good at what you do, you can help clients turn their homes and businesses into places that truly love.

8. Personal Concierge

An excellent at home business idea for those who are extremely well organized and love to work with people (and do so well) is to be a personal concierge. This type of home-based business requires you to be efficient and make things happen when your clients need them to happen. Not only that, but you need to be able to do the job with a chipper attitude. Many clients looking for personal concierge services are busy executives who are at the office early and don’t leave until late. They have very little time to do certain tasks during the hours they are working. As a personal concierge, you are more than just a glorified personal assistant. Concierges typically have priceless connections, which can help their clients to secure reservations at high-end restaurants and more. There are other niches for concierge services as well, including assisting older adults or busy parents. You may not need formal training to be a personal concierge, but it can be helpful to join an association or network in your region.

9, Cleaning Services

It’s a fact of life – things in homes and offices get dirty. Dust, dirt, and grime build up. Not everyone has the time to clean. There are also many people who just don’t want to. But they are willing to pay someone else to do it for them. What makes cleaning services one of the best home-based business ideas is that there is always going to be a need for cleaning. Depending upon the size of the business you want to run, and what your startup capital is, can determine the types of clients you can take on. If your business consists of just you (or you and one or two other people), you may be well suited for cleaning homes and small offices. On the other hand, if you plan on running a larger operation, and you can afford commercial equipment, you may be able to tackle larger commercial buildings. Whatever you choose to do, make sure that you are properly licensed and obtain liability insurance.

10, In-Home Daycare Provider

Whether you have your own kids or not, if you love working with children, an in-home daycare might be the best home business idea for you. With the rising costs of traditional daycare, many parents are looking for a more affordable option. And, many parents much prefer the idea of their children being cared for in a home environment, as opposed to the more institutionalized setting of traditional daycare. You will need to check into your state’s particular regulations, and what insurance requirements you may need to meet. Along with insurance, you will also need to become licensed. You may also have some other additional startup costs for toys, games, educational supplies and other equipment. You will also want to make sure that you are CPR certified.

11. Pet Sitter

Unfortunately, as much as people love their pets, they often go places for extended periods of time (vacations, business trips) and are unable to bring their furry (feathery, scaly, etc.) friends with them. They may not, however, want to, or be able to, leave their pets at a kennel. If you love animals, starting a pet sitting business may be the right home-based business for you. Of course, a love of animals alone is often not enough for you to be successful in this job. You will need to have experience with animals (such as owning own pets). Experience working in another pet-related business, such as a veterinarian office or pet goods store, can also be helpful. Getting bonded, a type of insurance that tells clients you won’t take their keys and run off with their personal property, can also help to give your clients peace of mind.

12. Dog Walker

For those who love getting out in nature, and have a love for dogs, a dog walking business can be a great home-based business idea. Not only do you get to spend time with dogs, you also get some great exercise. If you live near a retirement community, you may be able to score a decent number of clients (so long as you advertise properly), as many individuals in the community may not be able to get out and walk their dogs for as long as they’d like. Make sure that you are properly insured before you get started, and check to make sure if you need any special licensing.

13. Groomer

Yet another great home-based business idea for animal lovers is grooming. There are a couple of different ways you can run this business. You can offer services out of your own home, or you can provide mobile grooming, where you bring your grooming tools to your clients’ homes. While not required, you may want to get some hands-on training at a grooming school. You will also need to know how to deal with animals who show fearful or aggressive behaviors while getting a bath or having their nails trimmed.

14. Crafter

Do you love to crochet, knit, or sew? Perhaps you are skilled with clay, metal, or jewelry making. If so, you may be able to start up an at home crafting business. These creative jobs have endless potential. And there are all kinds of different ways to sell your creations. You can create your own personal website. You can set up a shop on Etsy. You can also sell on eBay. Selling online means that you don’t even need to leave home. You may also choose to take up a booth at a crafts fair, farmer’s market, or flea market. If you love to create, this may be the best home business idea for you.

15. Health and Fitness

If you are a health and fitness nut, you may be able to find success as a personal trainer or a yoga instructor. With these positions, you can travel to the homes of your clients, or you can work on a contract with a fitness center. You get to help your clients get into shape and stay healthy, while maintaining your own personal health as well. Whether you choose to be a personal trainer or a yoga instructor, it is important to obtain proper certification and insurance. You can also give yourself a bit of an edge, and stand out from your competition, by taking classes in nutrition, which can really help your clients achieve their health goals.

Owning a home business can be a wonderful opportunity for many people. You get to spend more time with your family, and you are in charge of your own schedule. However, it is important to remember that running a business from home takes work. You can’t just make your initial investment and then sit back to watch the money roll in. Much like with a traditional business, you will have to put in the effort if you want to be successful. Experience in your field is essential. Some home-based businesses may require that you have additional training and/or certification.

Once you have an idea of what you want to do, it is important that you do your research so that you have everything in order. So, what are you waiting for? The only thing holding you back is you!

When setting up a home business, don’t forget to get a business insurance quote to ensure your business is covered.