When I started my first business in 2020 during COVID, it was with inspiration from an article like this one. The main difference was I was only given an idea, and figuring out how to make it happen was something I had to figure out myself. I spent countless hours researching and figuring out what to do, with negative feedback telling me “There are thousands of bookkeepers out there already why would someone come to you?” Had I listened to those voices, I probably would have never started my business, which made me $80K after tax and expenses in its first year after an $800 initial investment, and helped me reach financial independence today. The truth was and still is it doesn’t matter how many people are doing what you’re about to set up, the only thing that matters is putting yourself out there when someone is looking for a service, and I’m going to teach you how to do just that.
I made this guide to give you ideas for businesses you can start right now, and step-by-step instructions on how to get started and where to focus your energy. These instructions can be followed with any of the ideas listed below, but only if there is demand for these services in your area or country. I will also show you how you can check which services are in demand with the help of an app you’ll be using to start getting clients from the day you are legally allowed to provide services.
List of 13 Side Hustles you can Start with this Method:
1. Accounting & bookkeeping
Embarking on the journey of starting an accounting or bookkeeping business from home offers the flexibility to shape your own professional path. With the rise of remote work, setting up a bookkeeping enterprise in the comfort of your home not only reduces overhead costs but also allows you to cater to a diverse clientele. Armed with a reliable computer, accounting software, and a dedication to accuracy, you can seamlessly provide essential financial services while enjoying the benefits of a home-based business.
2. Business Consulting
Launching a business consulting venture from the comfort of your home provides a unique blend of autonomy and professional impact. You can offer strategic insights, problem-solving, and guidance to clients seeking to enhance their business performance. The flexibility of a home-based consulting business allows you to tailor your services, connect virtually with clients, and build a thriving consultancy from the heart of your own workspace.
3. Software Development
Starting a software development business from home allows you to leverage your coding expertise and create custom solutions for clients. You can offer a range of services, including software development, mobile app creation, and web design. The flexibility of a home-based operation enables you to connect with clients globally, providing tailored and innovative technological solutions.
4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist
Launching an SEO business from home provides an excellent opportunity to help businesses enhance their online visibility. With a strong grasp of search engine optimization techniques and a dedicated home office, you can offer services such as keyword optimization, content strategy, and website analysis. The convenience of operating from home allows you to provide personalized SEO solutions, assisting clients in improving their digital presence and driving organic traffic to their websites.
5. Social Media Marketing
Starting a social media marketing business from home enables you to leverage your digital prowess for client success. With a dedicated home office, you can curate engaging content, craft effective campaigns, and analyze metrics to enhance online visibility for businesses. The flexibility of a home-based setup allows you to stay agile in adapting to social media trends, providing personalized marketing solutions and fostering client connections from the comfort of your own workspace.
6. Web Design
Starting a web design business from home offers the flexibility to turn your passion for design into a thriving career. With a well-equipped home office, you can provide services such as website development, graphic design, and user experience optimization. The convenience of a home-based setup allows you to collaborate closely with clients, creating visually stunning and effective digital solutions while enjoying the benefits of a personalized and flexible work environment.
7. Catering
Establishing a catering business from home lets you transform your culinary passion into a thriving enterprise. Utilizing a well-equipped home kitchen, you can offer personalized catering services, ranging from intimate gatherings to special events. The flexibility of a home-based operation allows you to craft unique menus, foster strong client relationships, and deliver exceptional dining experiences, all within the comfort of your own kitchen.
8. Personal Trainer
Setting up a personal trainer side hustle from home empowers you to inspire others on their fitness journeys. Utilizing a dedicated home workout space, you can offer personalized training sessions and wellness guidance. The flexibility of a home-based operation allows you to accommodate diverse schedules, fostering a dynamic and supportive fitness community.
9. Landscaping
Launching a landscaping business opens the door to transforming outdoor spaces into vibrant havens. Armed with a passion for greenery and a commitment to meticulous care, you can offer services such as lawn maintenance, garden design, and tree care. The entrepreneurial journey in landscaping involves creating lush, inviting environments that enhance the beauty and functionality of residential and commercial properties.
10. Cleaning
Starting a cleaning side hustle allows you to turn a knack for tidiness into a flexible and profitable venture. With a keen eye for detail and the right cleaning supplies, you can offer services such as house cleaning, organizing, and sanitation. The simplicity of a cleaning side hustle permits you to cater to a diverse clientele, from residential spaces to small businesses, while enjoying the autonomy of setting your own schedule.
11. Tutoring (English/Math/Music/Singing/General)
Launching a tutoring side hustle provides an avenue to share your expertise and help others succeed academically. Whether specializing in a particular subject or offering general academic support, a well-planned tutoring business can thrive. With a personalized approach, a quiet study space, and a passion for education, you can empower students to reach their academic goals while enjoying the flexibility of a side hustle.
12. Photography
Starting a photography business opens the lens to capturing moments and creating visual stories. Equipped with a passion for imagery and a keen eye for composition, you can offer services ranging from portrait sessions to event photography. The entrepreneurial journey in photography involves not just taking pictures but creating timeless memories, leveraging creativity, and establishing a unique visual identity in a competitive market.
13. Dog & Pet Grooming, Training, Walking or Sitting
Setting up a pet services business allows you to combine a love for animals with entrepreneurial spirit. With offerings such as pet sitting, dog walking, and grooming services, you can cater to the diverse needs of pet owners. The rewarding journey of a pet services business involves creating a reliable and compassionate service that ensures the well-being and happiness of furry companions while providing peace of mind to their owners.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Launch Your Side Hustle or Business:
On a side note, if you know investing time in the business is going to be a struggle, I would advise you to go for the free options where possible to keep your overhead costs low, because investing less time in your side hustle is more likely to produce slower revenue growth.
Step 1: Research
This step shouldn’t cost you anything.
Before I describe this step, I’d like to warn you about “Analysis Paralysis”, you don’t want to spend too much time here because chances are it’ll break any momentum you’ll build up and you might just never end up making your dream a reality.
Take some time to understand the legal and business requirements of your business. The following checklist is a good starting point, but you may need to add or delete items depending on local regulations:
- Do you need any license(s)? Are there eligibility requirements to provide the service legally?
- Are there any skills you need to learn? (try taking an online course on Udemy.com)
- Is there demand for your proposed services in your area or country? (try Bark.com to see if anyone is looking for services in your area, or virtually in your country)
- Who are your competitors? Where do they advertise?
- How do your competitors price their services? How should you price yours?
- What is the cost of you providing services?
- Do you need liability insurance?
- How would you like to structure your business?
Step 2: Legal
This stage should cost you approximately $50-$500 depending on your business structure and local state or provincial fees.
Once you’ve completed your preliminary research, it’s time to begin setting up your business. Whether you’ve decided to set up a corporation or register as a sole proprietor, it’s important to register your business properly and set up a separate bank account for your business or side hustle. This will make your life a lot easier a year later when it’s time to file your taxes.
Swyftfilings.com is a great resource for US residents, while Ownr.co is an alternative for Canadian residents. These service providers will help you register your business in no time, without the three-week headache it took me to register my business myself. It’s possible to do it yourself, but these service providers make the entire process a lot simpler, and the time saved is worth the slight extra cost, if any at all.
Once you have your business documents, it’s time to open your business bank account. Consider signing up for a zero-fee business account with an online bank to keep your overhead costs low. It’s also a good idea to set up any sales tax accounts you may need with the IRS (US Residents) or CRA (Canadian Residents).
Step 3: Software
This stage could be free or cost you money depending on the software you need.
Once you’ve set up your business and bank account, it’s time to set up your software so you can effectively provide services to your clients without them or yourself feeling frustrated.
Some software you will require (you may need to expand or shrink this list depending on your own research):
- A CRM tool: Zoho CRM is a great free tool you can use to start with for keeping track of leads and clients you have an ongoing relationship with. You can continue to use this as you grow or find one that better fits your needs when you’re up and running.
- Accounting software: Wave Accounting is free and great to get started, but you might soon find yourself needing to migrate your data to another software since most accountants and bookkeepers only work with QuickBooks Online, which has a monthly subscription. I would recommend starting with QuickBooks Online if you can afford the monthly subscription cost since data migration isn’t always an easy process.
- Office suite: Zoho Mail and Libre Office are great free tools to get started, but if you have the budget, consider opting for Google Workspace. Having an official email with your domain name and well-formatted proposals and documents makes a huge difference in your professional appearance.
- Project Management Software: Trello is a wonderful free tool to get started with, but you may be able to find something better suited to your needs once your business is up and running.
- Calendar: Calendly is a helpful tool for clients to book appointments if you need that.
Step 4: Website
This step could cost you nothing, or a few hundred dollars.
Since you’ll be spending money on client acquisition (if you do it the way I’m suggesting), having a website is going to save you money since potential clients will be more likely to pick you over competitors than if you didn’t have a website. To build a website there are three things you’ll need:
- Domain: you can buy one from namecheap.com for as little as $10-20 per year. Make sure your domain is short and easy to remember. A free alternative is freenom.com, but the domain extensions you get from this site will reduce your business credibility. Buy the domain after you buy your hosting or website builder, because some packages come with a free domain for one year.
- Website template or builder: This article has a list of 11 free website builders that allow you to connect a custom domain. Another alternative is bootstrapmade.com if you would like to avoid using a website builder since it’s free and you won’t be reliant on a vendor. You will need very, very basic coding skills to change the text in the template, but it shouldn’t take you more than an hour to figure out if you put your mind to it. Consider using “command + F” to find the text you’d like to change in the template by opening up the index.html file or watching a few YouTube videos on what you’re trying to change in the template. Using a template instead of a website builder can save you thousands of dollars in the long run if you don’t plan on doing much with your website, except keeping it up for potential clients to find you after you approach them.
- Web Hosting: Awardspace is the perfect tool for your web hosting. They have a free plan which should be enough for a basic website, but they have value-added services available if you’re looking for more functionality.
Step 5: Client Acquisition
This step will cost you $200-400 depending on the package you select. I highly recommend that you buy this service, as client acquisition is critical for your business, and will start bringing money in that you can reinvest elsewhere to grow your business or keep for yourself.
Use Bark.com to contact people in your area, or country (if you can provide services virtually), to start acquiring your first clients. Be careful not to call old leads, since it’s likely they’ve already found someone. Instead, focus on fresh leads that have left their information in the last few hours at most.
If you aren’t able to secure a client with the first set of credits you buy, Bark refunds your credits to make sure you get hired at least once with the credit pack you buy. It’s very likely that you’ll at least make your money back and get some project experience under your belt which will be a huge milestone for your business.
It is important to be honest about your position as a new business, do not pretend like you’ve been in business forever since your business reputation is important, and misrepresentation can give you a bad name. It’s okay if not every client is looking to work with a new business, some clients, especially those who have less demanding work to be done or are looking to save a few bucks will be more than willing to get their work done from a new business. It’s okay to give discounts initially to build your professional network and gain project experience.
You can also invest in other avenues for client acquisition like ads on Craigslist or Kijiji, or set up an account with freelance websites.
That’s all it takes! All you need for a side hustle or a business is clients coming in and paying you. This method is easy and is how I started my business. As you grow, your needs will change, but we’re going to keep adding more content that will help you better your financial health. Please subscribe if you would like updates when we have new content, and if you’re going to purchase any of the services we mentioned, please be sure to use our links to support us in bringing more content like this.
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