70 Experience-Driven Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2023]
Interested in starting a experience business in 2023?
We put together 69 of the best experience businesses you can start in today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of other experience businesses to help you see what it really takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Build an iPhone app
The iPhone is the most popular mobile device in the world. It has changed how we interact with information, entertainment, and communication.
The iPhone has also changed the way we interact with each other. Since its release in 2007, it has become a staple in most people’s lives. It is more than just a phone; it is a tool for staying connected to friends and family and creating new connections.
The iPhone app market is an ever-changing landscape of innovation: it’s not just about making something that works well; it’s about creating something that stands out from the crowd.
It would help if you had something that appeals to your audience to succeed in this market. This can be as simple as ensuring your app has a catchy name or as complex as developing an entire brand identity around your app’s functionality.
How much you can make: $150 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.
2. Start a career coaching business
A career coach is an experienced professional who helps people adjust and improve their career paths through one-on-one guidance and advice. The career coach guides people on:
- Goal-setting
- Resume building
- Interview practices
- Overcoming career anxiety
- Starting a business.
To become a career coach, decide the industry you want to serve, and earn relevant qualifications. It would help if you gain professional experience in that career line and develop the skills you need to run the business. Earning a professional certification will help you in attracting clients.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Wall Street Oasis, the largest online community focused on careers in finance, has over 100 million visitors during its 14-year history and is currently receiving over 2 million visits per month, offering interview courses and mentorship services, in addition to building and investing in a thriving online community.
3. Start a jewelry making business
The global jewelry market size was valued at $278B in 2018 and is expected to reach $292B by 2025.
The industry comprises manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and jewelry designers. Unlike many other industries that have gone through leaps in technology, the jewelry industry has remained untouched for over 40 years.
If you know how to make jewelry, then this might be a great way to make some extra money.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Miami-based sisters launch a handmade flower and resin jewelry business in 2017, selling over 5,000 products and earning $65,000 in revenue within one year on Etsy alone, using social media and SEO to attract and retain customers.
4. Start a website development business
Website developers create websites for their clients. as a website developer, your responsibility is to ensure a website is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Web developers also focus on improving the website’s performance and capacity.
To become a website developer, learn different web programming languages. Your customers can be eCommerce business owners or brick-and-mortar businesses looking to have an online presence.
How much you can make: $200 — $350,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
How a founder turned his passion for marketing and technology into a successful Boston-based web design and SEO company, generating over $20k in sales each month by focusing on serving the niche market of small businesses through affordable and personalized services, while establishing his reputation through B2B networking and online initiatives.
5. Start an online video editing business
Video editors manage camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, graphics, and special effects to produce the final film or video product. To become an online video editor, you must have media production and communication knowledge and the ability to work with others.
To start a video editing business, you can outsource video editing skills from an experienced professional. Your role will be to pick video footage from the customers and upload them for the video editor to do the magic.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $208,000/month
How long does it take to build: 110 days (?)
VEED.IO, a London-based start-up co-founded by Sabba and her partner, offers a simple online video editing platform using batch job cloud architecture to help social media managers across the world auto subtitle, filter, rotate videos and much more, earning the company $5,300 MRR and the founders Ramen profitability within just a year of starting.
6. Start a moving company
Moving companies help people move their belongings from one location to another. The services can involve packing and shipping household items to physically moving them from one place to another. The moving can include anything from local moves to long-distance relocations.
Moving companies typically charge by the hour or job, so you’ll need to price your services accordingly. You’ll also need to invest in moving equipment, such as trucks and dollies.
How much you can make: $60,000 — $2,500,000/month
A 23-year-old founder started a moving company that now averages $115,000 a month in revenue and has record monthly sales of $158,000 by prioritizing customer service and using simple, common sense practices like friendly movers and a transparent pricing structure.
7. Start a dog walking business
Are you a dog lover? If so, you can turn your passion for animals into a profitable side hustle that allows you to earn extra income for your mortgage, a vacation, or paying off student loans.
As a dog walker, sitter, or boarder, you can earn an average annual income of between $10,000 and $30,000 by offering your services to dog owners in need of a caregiver for their furry friends.
To get started, register on a credible dog-walking app and create a compelling profile that showcases your experience, skills, and love for dogs.
With your dedication and expertise, you can help dog owners ensure their pets receive the care and attention they need while building a thriving business that fulfills your passion for animals.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $54,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC is a successful pet sitting and dog walking business that brings in over half a million dollars in sales per year, boasts 3,500-4,000 social media followers, employs 42 individuals and has been voted in the top 3 pet sitting/dog walking companies in the RI/MA area for eight years in a row.
8. Start a boutique
You may consider opening a boutique if you are passionate about the fashion and textile industry.
A boutique is a shop that sells clothes. Opening a boutique is a dream for entrepreneurs who want to experience the joy and freedom of owning a cash business. Starting a boutique is easy and can be managed by a single individual. In addition, a boutique requires a comparatively smaller capital to start.
To succeed, the boutique owner must coming creativity and passion.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $25,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
Boutique Rye is an online-only women's clothing and accessories boutique that has grown to 3,200 Facebook Group members and a successful website through organic customer sharing, live sales, and open communication with customers.
9. Start a catering business
A catering business is responsible for providing food & beverage-related services for vast types of events.
Catering businesses are known to be more flexible than other businesses because they don’t have to worry about location or pricing and can even work 24/7. They can cater anywhere and offer any price point that they want.
However, starting a catering business requires a lot of planning.
To start a successful catering business , you'll need to plan and prepare menus, manage budgets, handle clients, and more.
In addition, catering allows you to meet more people and show off your cooking skills.
How much you can make: $3,750 — $48,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Elegante Catering founder, Nestor Nidome, details his journey from failed DJ business to a $20k/month catering company, emphasizing the importance of online marketing and customer feedback as key contributors to his success.
10. Start a clothing boutique
If you have an eye for fashion trends and retail experience, opening a clothing boutique can be a great opportunity for you to tap into the lucrative fashion retail industry and be your own boss.
To succeed in this venture, you need to identify your target customers, curate your inventory to match their style and leverage social media marketing to build a loyal following and grow your business rapidly.
Focusing on specific customer segments, such as petite, plus-size, budget-conscious customers, or underserved groups instead of competing with major chains can further help you stand out in the market.
Opening a specialized clothing boutique lets you monetize your passion while serving customers that traditional stores often ignore.
How much you can make: $500 — $11,750,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Boutique Rye is an online-only women's clothing and accessories boutique that has grown to 3,200 Facebook Group members and a successful website through organic customer sharing, live sales, and open communication with customers.
11. Start a food delivery business
In today’s busy lifestyles and schedules, cooking is no longer a priority to many. People like to order-in food from their nearest restaurants or food joints and enjoy a meal in the comfort of their homes.
The food delivery business is like a courier service through which restaurants deliver food to their customers.
You can offer retail food delivery services to restaurants within your locality if you have a truck. Customers order through a restaurant or grocer’s website, and the owners contact you to deliver.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $83,333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Food Fleet grew over 160% in just one year and managed over 20 million in sales for its clients, securing multiple contracts with the likes of Sodexo, Levy Restaurants and more, due to its understanding of catering client needs and its advanced turnkey and design services.
12. Start a consulting business
Consulting businesses are booming, more so than ever before, and seeing year-over-year growth. With an accumulated value of about $250B, the global consulting industry is one of the biggest markets within the professional services sector.
If you want to start your own consulting business with valuable insights from industry experts, reading about their entrepreneurial journey will help you decide how you should go about it.
How much you can make: $100 — $2,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Cybersecurity consulting firm Eden Data, launched in March 2020, scaled to four team members and generated over $45k MRR without large startup costs through their unique Virtual CISO offering, which outsources cybersecurity and compliance needs for a flat monthly price, rather than charging by the hour or for long-term commitments.
13. Start a tutoring business
Starting a tutoring side hustle is a great way for teachers and students to earn extra monthly income.
If you are considering becoming a tutor, find an ideal tutoring niche, and craft a tutoring website.
Then, find your tutoring clients and market your side hustle online. You can choose to offer online tutoring as a part-time or full-time engagement.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $375,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
A 22-year-old entrepreneur started an online SAT/ACT tutoring company from his bedroom which has seen a linear increase in student sign-ups each month, currently bringing in an average revenue of $15,000 a month and plans to triple in 2020.
14. Start a scavenger hunt business
How much you can make: $7,500/month
How long does it take to build: 25 days (?)
Constructed Adventures, a company that creates custom-tailored adventures for special occasions, charges a flat rate for adventures and expects a profit of around 60k in 2019, having learned valuable lessons about pricing structure for events, always being open and transparent, and using Google Drive to organize expenses and schedules among other tips.
15. Start a freelance writing business
Freelance writing can be a good career choice if you are looking for a flexible online job.
Working as a freelancer gives you the flexibility to define your work schedule. You can work from home at any time. Freelance writers work across various niches, writing about various topics assigned by the client,
To earn good money as a freelance writer, you need the following personal qualities:
- Strong writing skills
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Stay on the cutting edge
- Be a self-starter
- Be up-to-date with the current writing tools & writing trends
- Proper communication skills
How much you can make: $700 — $320,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $400 (?)
How long does it take to build: 53 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
16. Start a sewing and alteration business
Do you have sewing skills and looking for an entrepreneurship opportunity? You can start your sewing and alteration business.
A sewing and alteration business offers customers clothing repair, custom tailoring, button replacement, and other alterations. You can start a sewing and alteration business at home or set up a retail location.
To start a sewing and alteration business, you will need a commercial-grade sewing machine and a marketing strategy, so target customers learn about your business.
How much you can make: $1,000/month
ALTRD is a clothing alteration service launched by two socially oriented entrepreneurs that connects customers with skilled immigrant women tailors in New York who work from home and has already built an impressive team of 25 experts while making an effort to offer convenient and quality tailoring solutions as well as opportunities for women in need of work.
17. Start a landscaping business
A landscaping business is engaged in maintaining lawns and gardens, trimming trees and shrubs, and providing landscape maintenance and beautification services. Landscaping costs vary depending on the size and location.
For small jobs such as taking care of the lawn and trees, the cost can vary from $50 to $100 per hour. The average wage of a landscape designer is $70,000 to $90,000, and a landscape architect makes around $50,000 to $100,000 per year. For basic maintenance and mowing services, a single person who runs a landscaping business can get started with as little as $5,000 or less. However, a proper landscaping business will require a large investment. The average start-up cost is between $15,000 to $20,000.
Once the type of service is decided, the list of tools and equipment can be purchased. The best way to succeed in a landscaping business is to provide quality service. This will not only retain existing clients but also promote and attract new customers.
How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
18. Start a mobile photography business
Want to start your own photography business? You're not alone. With the rise of social media and photo-sharing, blogging, and online retailing, it's never been easier to start making money behind your camera.
There are photographers shooting weddings, creating images for ad campaigns, freelancing for magazines, touring the world, taking photographs of destinations — the list is endless!
To start mobile photography , research the target audience and determine which specialization area is more lucrative. Invest in high-quality, professional cameras, lenses, and a computer with professional software photo-editing software.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Photobooth Supply Co. offers a profitable business opportunity through their sleek and portable photo booths, with up to 97% satisfaction rate and a focus on customer experience, in a fast-growing event industry where photo booths are exploding.
19. Start a woodworking business
While many see woodworking as a hobby to pass the time, it is a profitable blue-collar business with growth potential. If you are skilled, passionate, and looking for a blue-collar side hustle, consider starting a woodworking business.
Starting a woodworking business allows you to work from home. Besides, you can scale the business easily and enjoy unlimited earning potential. Some opportunities you can go for include building custom wood pieces, teaching others about woodworking, starting a woodworking blog, and flip furniture.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 204 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Sasha Weekes, owner of Timber Grove Studios, turned her fine arts and cabinetmaking education into a successful home-based woodworking business that grew from a side project to netting 20-50% profits month-to-month and up to $10,000 in sales during peak periods through Etsy, with her company's growth continuing to increase through other social media outlets.
20. Start an ecommerce store
An eCommerce business is a company that sells products or services online. Ecommerce businesses have many advantages over brick-and-mortar businesses, including lower overhead costs, increased flexibility and reach, and the ability to reach a wider audience.
eCommerce is booming right now because of the convenience and efficiency it offers consumers. Consumers can buy products from their favorite brands on a platform that makes the whole process easier than ever. They don't have to leave their homes or go out in public, they can just sit down at their computer, tablet or smartphone and browse through all of the options available to them.
To start an ecommerce business, you'll need to set up a website where customers can browse your inventory and purchase items, as well as payment processing software that allows you to accept credit card payments. You'll also need to choose a shopping cart software and manage inventory tracking software.
How much you can make: $450 — $62,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
21. Start a content writing company
Content writing involves writing, editing, and publishing content in a digital format. Examples of content include a blog post, product description, and podcast script—eBooks, press releases, or landing page content.
Becoming a content writer allows you to work as your boss. Therefore, you choose whatever working schedule suits you and take a manageable workload. Moreover, content writing helps you develop essential skills you may not obtain from regular writing.
Content writing is a highly-on-demand service, as companies compete for the online audience who often begin their shopping journey by searching for relevant and educative content online. Therefore, a content writing company is an excellent source of passive income.
To start a content writing company, research the market and choose a suitable niche. Sketch a proper business plan and create a website. Hire a pool of talented writers and leverage modern technology to streamline operations.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $250,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Scribly.io, a subscription-based copywriting service providing high quality content that helps businesses scale at roughly 50% of the cost of hiring in-house, created by Dani, a first-time entrepreneur who started with just a few hundred dollars worth of projects and with the help of three other writers; as of last month, Scribly.io topped $14K monthly revenue.
22. Become an online dating consultant
An online dating consultant is a person who provides advice to people in the world of Internet dating. An online dating consultant can help you direct your profile, help you write your first message to an online match, and help you make a great impression on your date.
Online dating can potentially be one of the world’s most remarkable customer service industries.
How much you can make: $5,200 — $11,250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
The Match Artist helps singles take amazing photos for their online dating profiles through a 3-hour executive shoot, coaching, and email course, pioneering a new genre of photography, with an average monthly revenue of $5,000-$6,000 and a plan to double down on paid ad campaigns in the future.
23. Become a mobile personal trainer
Do you love helping people through their fitness journey? If you want a great side hustle to earn extra income, consider becoming a personal trainer.
The fitness trainer side hustle can be an adamant industry to earn good money. However, once you develop a reputation as a good trainer, you can get more clients through referrals. You need to register for the certification course to start offering personal trainer services .
To attract your first clients, consider online advertising, and seek referrals from every customer.
How much you can make: $600 — $8,333,333/month
How long does it take to build: 532 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 4 hours/week
Live Fit, a personal training company founded in 2011, grew from earning $80,000 in their first year with two trainers to earning over $760,000 in 2019 with 12 trainers and two locations, thanks to a focus on building trusting relationships and providing a variety of services to clients.
24. Start a life coaching business
Life coach helps people in various areas of their lives using a combination of emotional intelligence, professional knowledge, and experience.
Life coaching is a popular industry worth over $2.85 billion, and the number of life coaches has increased by 33% between 2015-2019.
This is a very profitable business and can be started at virtually no cost. You’ll need a computer, a high-speed Internet connection, and a LinkedIn account to start. Then, you can begin coaching part-time in your spare time until you build up your clientele.
How much you can make: $100 — $660,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.
25. Build an iPhone app
The iPhone is the most popular mobile device in the world. It has changed how we interact with information, entertainment, and communication.
The iPhone has also changed the way we interact with each other. Since its release in 2007, it has become a staple in most people’s lives. It is more than just a phone; it is a tool for staying connected to friends and family and creating new connections.
The iPhone app market is an ever-changing landscape of innovation: it’s not just about making something that works well; it’s about creating something that stands out from the crowd.
It would help if you had something that appeals to your audience to succeed in this market. This can be as simple as ensuring your app has a catchy name or as complex as developing an entire brand identity around your app’s functionality.
How much you can make: $150 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.
26. Start a career coaching business
A career coach is an experienced professional who helps people adjust and improve their career paths through one-on-one guidance and advice. The career coach guides people on:
- Goal-setting
- Resume building
- Interview practices
- Overcoming career anxiety
- Starting a business.
To become a career coach, decide the industry you want to serve, and earn relevant qualifications. It would help if you gain professional experience in that career line and develop the skills you need to run the business. Earning a professional certification will help you in attracting clients.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Wall Street Oasis, the largest online community focused on careers in finance, has over 100 million visitors during its 14-year history and is currently receiving over 2 million visits per month, offering interview courses and mentorship services, in addition to building and investing in a thriving online community.
27. Become a software developer
A software developer is a person who creates computer programs. They design, test, and oversee the creation of software for a variety of purposes including businesses, personal use, or social networking.
If you have strong technical skills and experience in programming, you can start a software development business. You should also have a good understanding of how the software works.
The average salary for software developers is $110,140. The best-paid 25 percent earn an annual income of up to 140K dollars while the lowest-paid workers make just under 84K dollars.
The recent trends in software development are moving towards mobile apps and cloud-based solutions. Businesses are providing a variety of programming languages and tools to create software that meets the client's needs.
Starting a software development company is the perfect way to explore in this exciting industry. This type of business is growing in popularity as businesses are looking for ways to offer their customers a convenient way to access their data and applications.
How much you can make: $1,700 — $465,583,333/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
SkyVerge, a software company, has grown rapidly with revenue of $350,000 per month, over 100,000 eCommerce customers, and a globally distributed team of 30 people, all through starting with consulting projects and building focused and solutions-based products, acquiring small products from other developers, and focusing largely on content marketing and providing excellent customer support.
28. Become a graphic designer
Graphic designing involves creating sketch designs and materials for corporate clients, advertising agencies, public relations firms, and publishers. Besides, graphic designers provide visual solutions to specific company images, log design, and branding problems.
Graphic design is an excellent career for creative thinkers who enjoy using their talent and artistic skills combined with technology and communication abilities to come up with unique solutions for their clients.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $81,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
Draftss.com is a productized graphic design and front-end code service on subscription that made $66k ARR in 2019, has an MRR of $9.6k as of July 2020, and offers add-ons such as designers being added to team in interacting tools and front-end code services on WordPress using various page builders like Elementor and Divi.
29. Start a handyman business
A handyman business covers a wide range of home repair and maintenance services, making it an easy entry into the industry.
You can start with minimal resources, and by providing valuable assistance to customers, you'll quickly establish yourself as a trusted professional in the field.
To start a handyman business on a budget, identify your skills and the services you can offer confidently.
Then, create a basic business plan outlining your services, target market, and pricing.
Next, obtain any necessary licenses or permits, and invest in basic tools and equipment.
Finally, promote your services through word of mouth, local advertising, and online platforms to attract customers and gradually grow your handyman business.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 8 hours/week
Learn how a third generation business owner started a profitable pool service and installation business in Southern Ontario, earning an average of $8000/month net revenue during peak season and growing from servicing 0 to 350+ pools since May 2016 by doing things that don't scale, such as manually talking to customers and focusing on the ideal customer.
30. Become a garden designer
A garden designer business involves creating and planning outdoor spaces for residential or commercial clients.
The business can include services like selecting plants, arranging pathways, and designing features like patios or water elements.
To start this business on a budget, begin by gaining basic knowledge of plants and garden design through online resources, books, or local classes.
Next, offer your services to friends and family to build a portfolio.
Keep startup costs low by purchasing plants and materials as needed and gradually expanding your inventory as your business grows.
Finally, market your services through social media, local advertising, and networking to attract potential clients.
How much you can make: $700/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 37 days (?)
Ann Remo turned her love for urban gardening into a profitable blog, Blooming Anomaly, which earns her around $700 a month through Mediavine ads, Amazon affiliates, and other affiliate programs. She recommends focusing on writing great posts with keywords, and investing in SEO and social media through courses.
31. Start a home inspections business
Starting a home inspection business can be a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs with a background in construction or engineering.
The business involves conducting thorough inspections of homes, typically before they are put on the market or before a potential buyer makes a purchase.
To start a home inspection business, you’ll need to become certified by a professional organization such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). This typically involves completing a course and passing an exam. In addition, you’ll need to obtain liability insurance to protect your business from potential claims.
To conduct inspections, you’ll need to thoroughly understand a home’s various systems and components, including electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, roofing, and foundation.
You’ll also need to be able to identify potential issues and provide recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
Running a successful home inspection business requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. You’ll need to be able to provide clear and concise reports to clients, including photographs and detailed descriptions of any issues or concerns.
To market your business, you can reach out to local real estate agents and offer your services to them. You can also create a website and social media presence to showcase your services and attract potential clients.
With hard work and dedication, starting a home inspection business can be a rewarding opportunity for those passionate about construction and helping people make informed decisions about their home purchases.
32. Become a videographer
A videographer uses his video camera to record footage for different events.
Examples of events where videographers are common include weddings, documentaries, training videos, commercials, TV shows, infomercials, live events, corporate promotions, etc. Videographers are not only responsible for operating the camera. They must have the skills required for the production of a video, which includes the following:
- Lighting
- Sound
- Maintenance
- Equipment repair
- Video editing
To become a videographer, pursue a videography education, and attend internships to gain experience. Build a portfolio, so your target audience finds you online and starts hiring your services.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Results Imagery co-founders Kyle Nelson and Eli Libby launched their digital agency that focused solely on media creation for brands and product companies, helping clients monetize their conversion-centric media, with their current monthly revenue at $45,000.
33. Become a personal chef
If you’re looking for a career that allows you to work within your own schedule, look no further. Becoming a personal chef means setting your own hours, planning your own schedule, and taking on as much or as little work as you want.
Not everyone has the time to prepare meals for themselves. If you love cooking, you can start a personal chef business in your area and earn a good income from the side gig. The side hustle can fit into your schedule easily, and you can offer delivery and pick-up or curbside options to ensure more people are buying your services.
Personal chefs can work at various locations, including their client’s homes or restaurant kitchens. They may have regular clients who call on them to prepare meals for them weekly, or they may get called in to prepare meals for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.
How much you can make: $5,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $50 (?)
How long does it take to build: 360 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 15 hours/week
Chef David Buchanan generates over $6,000 per month through his website Chefs-Resources.com, which provides professional chefs with free and paid access to detailed culinary information and kitchen management resources such as Excel sheets, resulting in gross revenue of $46,000 to date and a subscriber growth rate of over 1300% from 2015 to September 2021.
34. Start a residential cleaning business
How much you can make: $416,666/month
Bright & Beautiful is a UK-based professional housekeeping franchise with over 50 locations, founded by Rachel Ray in 2007 after quitting her consulting job to meet a need for eco-friendly cleaning products.
35. Start an auto detailing business
Starting an auto detailing business is a great way to start your own business and get in on the action. Auto detailing is one of the fastest-growing industries in America, and it’s only going to get bigger as people want their cars to look like they just came off the showroom floor. Plus, you’ll be satisfied knowing that you’re helping people take care of their most prized possession: their car!
Auto detailing business is a low barrier to entry entrepreneurship opportunity and can be mobile or operate from a physical location. To start an auto detailing business, find a strategic location and invest in modern equipment and technology.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $20,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 8 hours/week
Learn how former tech salesman, Matt Paskow, left the industry to start Fresh Look Mobile Auto Detailing, a profitable mobile auto detailing business generating around $5k per month that focuses solely on SEO, Google AdWords, and Google My Business for marketing.
36. Start a craft business
If you have artistic passion and the skills to make unique art, consider starting a craft business. Craft businesses make jewelry, clothing design, card making, painting, sculpting, ceramics, among others.
According to research, the global handicraft market size will reach over $1252 billion in the next decade.
The best websites to sell your crafts include:
How much you can make: $1,000 — $80,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 20 days (?)
DIY Lifestyle blog owner, Theresa, turned her passion for crafting and writing into a side income source, attracting hundreds of thousands of global visitors, with her blog generating $400-$500 a month and her online Etsy store bringing in an additional $200-$300 a month, showcasing her unique, all-natural, one-of-a-kind polymer clay earrings, home decor, and huts inspired by Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, reading and home decorating.
37. Start a packing business
A packing business focuses on designing, creating, and labeling packages. The business ultimately protects the products for sale, transportation, distribution, storage, and use.
To start a packaging business, get clear on the services you offer. Design the packages, test, and research if the packaging works for your customers. You may need to refine the packaging to keep the customers satisfied.
38. Become a massage therapist
Massage is a growing industry, and as such, many business options exist for those who want to enter this field. The most typical form of massage therapist business is an independent operation. This can be either out of one's home or a massage studio rented on an hourly basis.
Building a successful massage therapy business is not as difficult as you might think. Massage therapists offer much-needed services to communities and clientele. If you are looking for a new career or want to increase your income while delivering an important service, then starting a new massage therapist business can be an excellent choice.
Turn your massage therapy practice into a successful business by applying core business skills that lead to success.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $275,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Professional cuddler, Sam Varnerin, developed her successful one-to-one cuddle service, Snuggle with Sam, as a result of recognising the universal human need for connection and touch, which also led to her opening Sam’s Snuggle School, a course for aspiring professional cuddlers.
39. Start a tour guide business
Can you offer a native perspective of a town you know well? If yes, starting a tour guide business can be a significant business venture. Tour guides charge tourists per tour and provide visitors with an area with local tour narration and navigation.
To start a tour guide business, choose an area you know, and study its history. Visitors will often ask questions and expect you to answer them. Therefore, you have to be well-versed in the areas you will cover.
You can partner with a tour & travel company or a game park near you and offer the visitor's tour guide services.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $43,300,000/month
Intrepid Travel is the biggest adventure tour operator that generates $43 million in annual revenue, offering more than 1,150 sustainable and experience-rich trips worldwide and, since 2002, raising over AUD 12 million for 135 charities worldwide through The Intrepid Foundation.
40. Become a bed and breakfast owner
Bed and breakfast is a sort of hybrid between a luxury hotel and a private home. The host offers the guests affordable accommodation featuring a bed and breakfast at the room's price. B&Bs offer affordable accommodations and are becoming popular among travelers who prefer a private setting.
If you have realistic expectations, B&B can be a profitable and enjoyable business. To start, you can renovate and turn your home into an inn. Alternatively, you can build or buy a ready house and convert it into a modern B&B.
41. Become an interior designer
Interior designing involves making indoor spaces safe, functional, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential & decorative items such as colors, lighting, and materials.
The global luxury interior design market is growing at a CAGR of 9.0%. The growth metrics show there is great potential for entrepreneurs targeting households.
If you are starting a luxury interior design business, focus on style and specialty. Add valuables with creative professions, such as interior design, so you stand out from the rest. Ensure you hire the right people and hone the brand identity.
How much you can make: $100,000 — $415,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Mother and daughter duo turn passion for antiques and design into a boutique design firm with over $1 million in annual revenue and hundreds of trophy projects, showcasing the importance of grit, determination, and passion in building a successful business.
42. Become a property manager
A property manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a property. This can include tasks such as marketing and leasing units, collecting rent, and maintaining the property.
To succeed in this business, you’ll need to have strong people skills and be comfortable working with various clients. You’ll also need to be organized and detail-oriented. If you have these skills, starting your own property management business can be a great way to make money in the real estate industry.
The average property manager's salary in the United States is $54,183/year. The low-end range falls between 36k at 12% below to 79K+, which represents 24%.
With the recent craze of people wanting to invest in real estate, property management has never been more popular than now. Property managers often have the opportunity to work from home, making it an excellent option for those who want the flexibility of being their own boss.
The property management business is a great way to make money if you’re familiar with the real estate market and have strong people skills. You can make a lot of money by managing properties for investors.
How much you can make: $200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 362 days (?)
Casa Mia Coliving, a sustainable and modern co-living and property management company in Singapore offering affordable accommodation, has an annualized revenue of $2.5M with 150 bedrooms across popular neighborhoods, attracting young professionals and boasting a 10x LTV/CAC ratio, all while focusing on unit economics and profitable growth.
43. Start a specialty food shop business
44. Become an event planner
Event planners arrange the details of various events, including weddings, anniversaries, reunions, and large social gatherings.
As an event planner, you get to explore your creative vision and see an idea turn into reality from the conception stage to the execution stage.
How much you can make: $108,000 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)
A successful ticketing platform that grew from a side project into a business that issues over 5 million tickets annually, using a combination of cold calling, word of mouth, and partnerships to attract and retain customers while navigating the challenges of COVID-19.
45. Start a boat equipment shop
Boat owners require different equipment to keep their boats safe and to comply with maritime laws and regulations. Essential boat equipment includes:
- Safety accessories
- Personal floatation devices
- Basic first aid kits
- Visual and sound signaling devices
- Fenders and docking equipment
- Water skis, etc.
You can start an online boat equipment and accessories shop or open a physical shop within the coastal region or where canoeing is popular.
46. Start a personal assistant business
How much you can make: $66,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Learn how Mary Marsh founded virtual assistant services company, Aim2Assist, which has grown over 75% since its launch in 2014, with monthly revenue currently at $66k, offering premium services primarily to C-level executives.
47. Start a daycare
Daycares provide educational, medical, and social services for the children of working parents either during school hours or when the parents are out of the home for an extended period of time. This can be a lucrative enterprise if you start a daycare in an area where it is needed.
As the growth of families has become dependent on two incomes, the need for quality daycare has skyrocketed. Starting a daycare business is challenging but rewarding. You will face many challenges but can overcome them as long as you are ready to make the sacrifices required.
48. Start a gym
Over the last decade, more people across the globe have become self-aware of the importance associated with living a healthy lifestyle.
As a result, the gym has become a trend for millions of people, leading to a rapid increase in the size and popularity of the global fitness industry. According to statistics, the global fitness club industry is worth over $96 billion.
Therefore, starting a gym could be a great business opportunity.
How much you can make: $20,000 — $1,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 227 days (?)
Live Fit, a personal training company founded in 2011, grew from earning $80,000 in their first year with two trainers to earning over $760,000 in 2019 with 12 trainers and two locations, thanks to a focus on building trusting relationships and providing a variety of services to clients.
49. Start a coffee shop
Starting a coffee shop is an exciting and rewarding venture. It's a business that can be started with relatively little capital, and there are many ways to make it profitable. Coffee shops feature a low-cost stock but are profitable businesses.
If you plan to open a coffee shop, you may purchase a franchise, buy an existing business, or start from scratch. Whichever the decision, ensure a strategic location and renovate the space to create an inviting atmosphere. Develop a fantastic offering and begin marketing the business even before you open.
How much you can make: $15,000 — $52,500/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
This case study follows the co-founder of Camper Cafe, a mobile coffee van business which started as a hobby and now has 6 units that supply the UK's biggest sporting events, commercial and film shoots, generating around £150k from working only 70 days of the year.
50. Start a dog grooming business
Dog Grooming is the process of cleaning, bathing and grooming the dogs. There are many types of dog grooming businesses that you can start in order to make a good amount of money.
If you want to get started in this business, you have to know what to do and how to do it. In addition, You need to choose the right platform where your customers will be able to find information about your products and services easily.
You will need plenty of patience and some basic skills in order to successfully run this type of business, but it could be worth it if you enjoy interacting with pets and helping people look after them properly.
As of June 2022, self-employed dog groomers earned an average of $59,286 ($29 per hour), with a range from $14,500 to $141,000.
How much you can make: $1,833,333/month
iHeartDogs is a lifestyle store and blog with over 25 million members in its Facebook communities, which sells products for pet dogs and donates to specific programs that rescue animals, totaling over 1.5 million pet heroes served.
51. Start a home staging service
A home staging service can quickly turn into a full-time business if you have a knack for making homes look beautiful and inviting. Home staging is all about using furniture, art, and other decor to enhance the appeal of a property.
If you're interested in starting a home staging business, you'll need to be creative, organized, and have a good eye for design. You'll also need to be comfortable working with clients and be able to manage your time effectively.
A home stager visits clients' homes, assesses the space, and then makes recommendations on how to improve the look of the property. Once they made their recommendations, it's up to the client to decide whether or not to follow through with them.
Lead staging assistants and home stagers alike work hard to make sure the property looks its best. While the average salary for a lead stager is $49,616 per year with some earning as much at 80k or more annually.
The current trend of selling houses online is making the home staging business more popular than ever. In order to make a property stand out online, it needs to look its best. This is where home stagers come in! By preparing properties for sale and making them look their best, home stagers are able to help sellers get the most money for their property.
Starting a home staging service is a great idea because it's a low-cost business to get into and has the potential to be very profitable. Additionally, it's a business that you can easily scale according to your own time and resources.
How much you can make: $1,700,000/month
Home stager Meredith Baer turned a $500,000 sale into a thriving business with Meridith Baer Home, expanding operations from California to Connecticut, New York, Florida, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and even Cabo San Lucas.
52. Start a social media management business
Similar to virtual assistants, social media managers offer various services, including but not limited to:
- Developing a marketing strategy based on clients’ goals
- Setting up social media accounts
- Posting on behalf of their clients
- Coming up with strategies for increasing client’s social media following
- Marketing analysis.
To become a social media manager, know the various platforms and understand how they work so you can develop strategies that help clients reach their goals.
The beauty of working as a social media manager is that you can define your work schedule and choose what niches to work on.
How much you can make: $15,000 — $166,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $251 (?)
How long does it take to build: 3 days (?)
A social media manager turned entrepreneur created a program that has brought in almost $100,000 in one year, designed to teach women how to run successful social media businesses in less than 30 days.
53. Start a vending machine business
Starting a vending machine business in a crowded, busy city is an easy way to make money. Whether you want to run your own business, start a side hustle, or generate an income while at the office, this is the best business.
There are many advantages to starting a vending machine business, such as: low startup costs, simplicity, all cash-based transactions, and flexibility.
Here are the steps on how to start a vending machine business.
- Buy a franchise
- Find a location
- Secure all licenses and contracts
How much you can make: $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
iKrave Vending founder Lakinya started her vending machine business after observing the lack of consultants who specialize in vending machine operations, and now offers online training courses and mentoring to help others achieve success in the billion-dollar industry.
54. Start a music lessons business
How much you can make: $45,000 — $70,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
This case study follows Brooke Schrager's journey of starting a customized in-home music lesson business with only 10 students in January 2016 and growing it to over 200 students with monthly revenue of $20,000 in May 2021.
55. Start a party clown business
56. Become a youtube personality
YouTube personalities produce videos on YouTube and post them on their channels. YouTube personalities make money through the following:
- Advertising revenue - Ads revenue from the display, overlay, and video ads
- Channel Memberships – members earn recurring revenue in exchange for special perks they offer
- Merch Shelf – When channel fans browse and purchase official branded merchandise, you showcase it on watch pages.
- Super Chat & Super Stickers – Fans pay to get their messages highlighted in chat streams
- YouTube Premium Revenue – Get part of a premium subscriber’s subscription fee when fans watch your content.
You can start earning money through either or all of the above options, so long as you meet their YouTube-defined criteria and they are available in your location.
If you want to make money on YouTube, you must apply and be approved for the YouTube Partner Program, which gives creators greater access to YouTube resources and features.
How much you can make: $3,055 — $4,500,000/month
This case study details how Kirsty Partridge grew her art YouTube channel to over 1.3M subscribers and 81,296,486 views, and expanded her business by launching an art tutorials website and personalized art course which has taught 21K+ students.
57. Start an e-book writing business
An eBook business is profitable and flexible, letting you start a business from anywhere, while it is a low-cost business that is easy to start. You can make a living self-publishing and selling eBooks online as long as you are ready to invest your time and money in it.
Anyone can start an eBooks business! Just choose a niche that interests the target audience, and ensure in-depth research.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $42,857/month
How much does it cost to start: $67 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Content-Whale, a content curation agency, has achieved a Rs. 4 crore ($514k/year) turnover 4-5 years after being started with just Rs. 2500 ($35), and has a pool of more than 500 writers, aiming to become a market leader in the global content market.
58. Become a dance choreographer
Dance choreographers create compositions and plans and arrange dance movements and patterns for dances, especially ballets. Choreographers also develop different interpretations of existing dances for an individual or group of dancers.
To become a dance choreographer, you will need to take training lessons. You may pursue a degree in musical theater and take relevant dance coursework. The training enables you to master different dance types and learn how to create dances.
How much you can make: $8,400/month
Learn how a belly dancing coach turned her passion into a six-figure business using digital marketing strategies, with hundreds of women on TheBellyDanceSolution.com achieving positive body goals, confidence, and self-esteem.
59. Start a copywriting business
A copywriter creates clear, compelling copy to sell products and/or educate and engage consumers.
To become a copywriter, focus on covering the basics, plan your copywriting business and choose the services you intend to offer.
To develop your brand, establish a marketing strategy, and offer quality services to your audience. Email marketing, newsletters, and other digital marketing tools can help you create a successful copywriting business.
How much you can make: $700 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 41 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
60. Start a hot air balloon ride business
61. Start a bicycle repair service
Heightened interest in environmental conservation and the surge in exercise have contributed to increasing cycling. More people prefer cycling to work over using public and private vehicles.
As the use of bikes becomes more popular, the demand for bike repair is getting higher. People will take their bikes to a repair service for a regular tune-up and keep the bicycles safe and steady throughout.
Thus, if you are mechanically inclined and are interested in cycling, you can earn good profits from a bicycle repair service. To start, you can open a workshop in your home or serve people door-to-door.
How much you can make: $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Tower Electric Bikes is a direct-to-consumer eBike brand co-founded by Stephan Aarstol and Mark Cuban, which has done over $36 million in sales since its $150,000 investment in 2012, and produced and sold everything from paddleboards to electric bikes for half the retail price, with the aim of creating the world's first famous eBike brand.
62. Become a celebrity hair stylist
According to research, the salon industry is growing steadily and not slowing anytime soon. Experts estimate that the global spa and beauty salon market will reach over USD190 Billion in the next few years.
Therefore, becoming a celebrity hairstylist is a fun and profitable business opportunity. To start your business, it would help if you took the time to gain experience in the hair salon industry. Then, focus on understanding the current trends in the hair industry, and choose the right niche.
To grow your business, focus on creating an active social media presence. platforms like Instagram, Facebook and YouTube can help you reach a wider audience.
63. Start a bakery
Everyone loves baked goods, be it sweet items like cakes, muffins, and cookies or savory baked food like pizzas, buns, bread, and puff pastry. Baking takes a lot of effort and patience, which is why many people buy baked items from stores or restaurants instead of baking them at home.
Starting a bakery can be a rewarding business opportunity if you have a passion for baking. If you plan to start a bakery, consider that happy customers often become repeat customers. Therefore, always focus on quality and work on customer satisfaction.
To start a bakery , pick an ideal format. Some options include:
- Counter-style bakery
- A hybrid bakery with a cafe,
- Food truck with a bakery
- Home bakery.
Write a suitable business plan and choose the correct location.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $25,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
French chef and founder of online bakery Pastreez, Anthony Rosemond, shares keys to success including validating ideas with the market, focusing on SEO and organic growth, building customer relationships through email and SMS, never offering discounts but offering freebies, and diversifying the business with new products and content on social media.
64. Start a furniture upcycling business
Furniture upscaling is when old or discarded furniture is converted into something usable. Repurposing old furniture is not only a fantastic approach to handling unused items, but it can also be a profitable business venture.
To start a furniture upscaling business, find a great location and advertise your business. Clients will bring their unloved furniture to your store, where you will add style to make it look new and a great addition to their homes.
65. Become a florist
Floral designers arrange live, dried, and silk flowers for decorative displays. Florists also help customers select flowers, containers, ribbons, and other accessories. Florist services can be fun and highly profitable. However, a florist must be creative and ready to work hard to see the business flourish.
How much you can make: $9,600/month
How much does it cost to start: $250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Milla Rose, a boutique online flower arrangement business based in Melbourne, Australia, started as a side project in a bedroom and has grown into a nearly $10k a month business, with monthly revenue doubling since last year, selling almost 3000 arrangements to all corners of Australia.
66. Start a fruit jam selling business
The fruit jam-selling business involves creating and selling homemade or commercially produced fruit jams. Depending on the production scale, this business can be run from a home kitchen or a commercial kitchen.
To start a fruit jam-selling business, you will need to research and source high-quality fruit, create a unique jam recipe, and determine the target market for your products. You will also need to consider the cost of ingredients, packaging materials, and labeling requirements.
To sell your jams, you can use various channels such as farmers’ markets, online marketplaces, or wholesale distribution to stores and restaurants. Establishing a solid brand identity and creating visually appealing packaging to stand out in the market is essential.
To run a successful fruit jam-selling business, it is crucial to have a strong understanding of food safety regulations and adhere to them. You should also be willing to continually innovate and diversify your product range to meet changing consumer demand. Building relationships with customers and suppliers and investing in marketing will also be key to growing your business.
67. Start a tie dye artistry business
Are you interested in starting a low-barrier-to-entry artist business? Tie-dye is probably the most promising opportunity you can start from home. You can start dyeing clothes in the comfort of your home and sell them to passionate fashionists online or locally.
Starting a tie-dye business can be a rewarding opportunity if you have a keen interest in tie-dye and have a sense of business.
68. Start a non-profit fundraiser
A nonprofit fundraiser is an ongoing process of soliciting donations or voluntary funds to help organizations grow and to meet the community's needs. The faith-based fundraiser focus on helping the members of the community. Within which the organization serves.
To start a not-for-profit fundraiser, you must register the nonprofit organization and show the causes you intend to support. Popular causes supported through nonprofit fundraisers include:
- Animals
- Children & Youth
- Cultural & Education
- Disabilities
- Disaster Relief
- Elderly
- Environment
- Global – Locale Based
How long does it take to build: 272 days (?)
69. Become a glass blower
A glass blower designs and shapes a mass of glass that has been softened by heat by blowing into it using a tube to create various shapes and designs. To become a glassblower, you need basic fine arts skills.
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