How to Start a Home Business

From freelancing to e-commerce, find out which businesses will allow you to work on your own schedule and earn money simultaneously.

Ready to start your business? Plans start at $0 + filing fees.

Trustpilot star rating bar
top businesses you can start at home

Contents

Updated on: November 8, 2022
Read time: 3 min

Nearly 31 million new businesses have started up in 2020 according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that just over 804,000 are small businesses like the one you might be dreaming of launching.

woman-sitting-on-counter-using-laptop

 

Look for real opportunities

The key to creating a successful home-based business is to first look for what's missing in the marketplace. What do people need or want? That's your opportunity.

Next, ask yourself some key questions: “What are my strengths?" “What do I excel at?" “What do I enjoy doing?" “What do I have an aptitude for?"

“The best businesses to start from home right now leverage the individual's expertise, skill, or passion," says business and branding consultant Clara Fairbanks, CEO of Clarafy. "Look at what you can do for others. How can you add value to your community? Once you know the answers, then you ask how you can get paid for your information or services."

Paige Arnof-Fenn, founder and CEO of Mavens & Moguls, sets a good example. “I started a global branding and digital marketing consulting business out of my home 19 years ago," she says. "Setting up any type of consulting or coaching business is possible because all you need is some prior experience, a website, logo, name, email address, business cards, online stationery for proposals and invoices, cell phone, and a good idea to get going."

Arnof-Fenn notes that if you want to incorporate, that process will add some expense, but most of what you need can be done “on the cheap until you sign up some clients and choose to invest more."

If you don't have professional-level skills like marketing but enjoy landscaping or cleaning, you could develop a home-based business around those interests. “If you're good at cleaning and have a basic knowledge of cleaning tools and chemicals, you can start offering housecleaning services in your neighborhood," says David Cusick, chief strategy officer for House Method. Those working from home may not have the time or the will to do these things themselves, and that's where you can step in.

Likewise, Cusick says, “if you're into design and love to work outdoors, many homeowners and realtors can use your help to add curb appeal to yards."

Go with your expertise

If you have expertise in marketing, human resources, coding, or similar high-level skills, consulting could be the best type of home business for you. Chelsea Baldwin, founder of Business Bitch, has helped hundreds of new entrepreneurs and freelancers start and grow their companies.

“Creatives are facing layoffs or being furloughed, and that means a lot of companies are dealing with not having those people to go to on their teams," Baldwin says. "When push comes to shove, they look to freelancers to fill that void."

Baldwin says you can operate from your LinkedIn profile to start until you decide to go full-time. When you're able to position yourself as a freelance professional with a track record of achievement, you'll have an easier time getting contracts.

So, what are the top businesses you can start from home? “If you're thinking about taking the leap, pause, take a deep breath, redirect your focus on serving others with the expertise you have, and you will find a path to monetize it," Fairbanks says. “Whether it is consulting, building an online course, starting an e-commerce store, or mowing people's lawns, if you see an opportunity to help others, take it."

Ready to start your business? Plans start at $0 + filing fees.Start My LLC
Twitter logoFacebook logoLinkedIn logoReddit logo

This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

34 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

The request I made for formation…

The request I made for formation documents was taken care of immediately and professionally. They were very helpful in getting me what I needed.

Bruce Fleishaker
111 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

I had the absolute pleasure of working…

I had the absolute pleasure of working with Maria as my business formation specialist at LegalZoom, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her support throughout the process of creating my LLC. From start to finish, Maria was patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly thorough. She took the time to answer every one of my questions—no matter how small—and walked me through each step with clarity and confidence. Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but Maria made the entire experience smooth and manageable. Her dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for her clients truly stood out. Thanks to her guidance, I felt supported and well-informed every step of the way. Thank you, Maria, for your outstanding service and for going above and beyond. You are truly an asset to the LegalZoom team!

Diego Louis
146 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Using Legal Zoom made my business…

Using Legal Zoom made my business formation very easy. The program is user friendly and explains every step clearly.

Anna Silvia Mejia
175 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Legal Zoom is a true one stop shop

This is the second company I have formed using Legal Zoom. They say what they are going to do and they do it. Legal Zoom provides all the tools and services you will need to quickly start your company, allowing you to focus on your business. The business formation specialist I spoke with, Juan was great; extremely knowledgeable and professional while giving me the feeling that I was talking with an old friend.

Steve Robbins
179 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

The agent was extremely helpful and…

The agent was extremely helpful and gave me the info that I was looking for. As soon as I got off of the phone with her, I got the official acceptance of my business formation!

Joshua Roberts
190 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Seamless Support from Day One

I was impressed by how quickly Alan, my Business Formation Specialist, reached out to me. Having support from day one is incredibly reassuring, especially as I navigate starting my first business. I look forward to seeing how my relationship with LegalZoom and my experience with their services evolve.

Rosemart Aoki
204 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

ClarisseTravel Wine Tourism Agency

I recently utilized LegalZoom's services. The platform was user friendly, making the complex process of business formation straight forward and accessible. The customer service team was knowledgeable and responsive, promptly addressing all my inquiries. The efficiency and professionalism demonstrated by LegalZoom have provided me with confidence and peace of mind. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable business formation assistance.

ClarisseTravel LLC
204 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

The business formation specialist…

The business formation specialist Ramses Cardenas understood my needs and articulated well the company's product. I chose the pro package because it was my best option based on the information Ramses supplied. The process was quick easy and to the point.

Aaron Kinney
Rated4.6out of 5 based on23,759+ reviewson

Showing our favorite reviews