Starting a business from home can be a great way to get your feet wet in the world of entrepreneurship. It’s low-cost, easy to set up, and can be operated with minimal overhead. And if things don’t go as planned, you can always fall back on your day job.
One might encounter a few challenges when starting a small business at home. First, it can be difficult to balance work and home life. You need to be able to set boundaries and make sure you’re not working all the time. Second, staying motivated when you’re working on your own can be hard. You need to make sure you’re setting goals and staying on track.
Assuming you can overcome these challenges, here are three businesses you can start from the comfort of your own home:
App Development / Coding
IT is a booming industry, and there is a strong demand for mobile apps and other coding services. If you have coding knowledge and experience, you can start your own app development business. You can create games, productivity apps, or anything else that you think people would find useful.
Of course, you will need to learn how to code if you want to develop apps. This can be a challenge if you don’t have any prior experience. However, there are plenty of resources available that can help you learn. It can take more or less just one year to learn how to code, depending on how much time you dedicate and how serious you are in learning. Once you’ve learned how to code, you can start working on your app ideas.
Alternatively, instead of working on your app ideas, you can also simply offer your services as a programmer on a per-project basis before deciding whether you want to switch careers fully. It’s a safe way to enter the IT industry if you come from a different line of work without quitting your day job and going all-in on an uncertain venture.
Photography & Videography Services
If you have a strong passion for photography or videography, you can start your own studio in the comfort of your home. There is always a strong demand for high-quality photos and videos, so you should be able to find work. You can start by first building a strong portfolio that you can show your target and potential clients. Then, you can begin advertising your services online and through word-of-mouth.
To start, you will need to invest in some high-quality equipment. This includes a DSLR camera, lenses, lighting, and other accessories such as a green screen setup and tripods. You should also create a space in your home that can serve as your studio. Creating a semi-permanent space inside your home can be tricky, so it’s better to have a room converted into a studio that will be your permanent space dedicated to your photography or videography business.
You can also build a shed in your backyard that can serve as your studio. This is a great option if you don’t have an extra room inside your house that you can use. First, look for various shed plans online, then purchase the materials needed to build it. This option will require more work on your part, but it can be a great way to save money on renting a studio space. Building a shed will require more investment upfront, but it will be worth it in the long run. Moreover, you can also use this space to store your equipment when you’re not using it.
Freelance Writing
You can start a freelance writing business if you have a knack for writing. There’s a significant demand for content these days, so you should be able to find work. You can start by writing for online publications or copywriting for businesses. Once you’ve built up a portfolio, you can start pitching to bigger clients.
To start, you can check out job boards or contact businesses directly. Make sure you have a strong understanding of the different writing styles and can meet deadlines. Once you’ve landed a few clients, you can start setting your own rates.
As a freelance writer, an apparent hurdle is writer’s block. You can combat this by always having a list of ideas on hand and setting aside time each day to write. You should also join a community of writers to get feedback and support. You can be a successful freelance writer with constant practice and a strong work ethic.
Final Words
Starting your own business can be a great way to achieve financial independence and work on something you’re passionate about. The three businesses we’ve listed are low-cost, easy to set up, and can be operated with minimal overhead. So if you’re looking for a way to start your own business but don’t want to invest a lot of money or time, these businesses are a great option.