Here are a list of some business ideas to earn extra money on the side.
The thought of starting a business sounds attractive to a lot of people. However, the startup costs deter most from actually going through with the idea. It’s true that some businesses do require a lot of capital to start up, but not all of them are like that. In fact, some businesses cost very little money to start up. All you will need is a good website and decent marketing skills. Here are eight low cost business ideas you should consider.
Content Writer
Have you always had a knack for writing? If so, consider being an online content writer. All you really need to get started is a computer and internet connection. There are tons of companies out there that need good writers to write content for them. Whether it is a landscaping or plumbing company, they can always use someone to write blogs, web content and press releases. Good content can attract more business for companies, so there will always be a need for talented content writers. In addition to writing skills, you should also know a little bit about search engine optimization so that you can create content that gets picked up by search engines.
Social Media Consultant
Do you know everything there is to know about Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites? If the answer is yes, you might do well as a social media consultant. While large companies often hire firms to handle all of their social media, smaller businesses might not be able to afford it.
There’s where you come in. You can offer your services to small businesses that need help with their social media. As a consultant, you can help these businesses figure out the best social media practices to help grow their customer base.
Event Planner
If you are highly organized and have always been great at planning parties, event planning might be in the cards for you. Whether it’s a wedding or graduation party, an event planner takes care of all the details of an event such as catering, invitations and booking venues.
If you want to succeed as an event planner, you have to be very detail oriented and a people person. You will have to build relationships with different vendors, so it will help to be friendly and relatable. You can also seek guidance from reputed and informational blogs.
Good event planners are aware of everything that goes into carrying out a successful event. For example, you might have to arrange for an appearance by an inspirational keynote speaker. It will surely help if you know exactly where to locate speakers for all different types of audiences, as this will ensure that you have the ability to plan an event for any group in your local area.
Once word gets out that you are able to bring in well-known speakers to the events that you plan, your business is sure to grow very quickly.
Translator
If you are fluent in another language, you can find a lot of work as a translator. There is an increase of non-English speakers in the United States, so there will always be a need for translators. You can easily start your own translating business with little to no startup costs and market yourself to hospitals, businesses, schools and even courtrooms.
Dog Walker
Do you love dogs and have a lot of experiencing walking them? If so, think about starting your own dog walking business. A lot of people who have dogs don’t always have time to walk them regularly. They work long hours and can’t take Fido for a walk every day.
Since daily walks are good for a dog’s health, many people are willing to hire others to walk them regularly. Although this job can be very rewarding, realize that it will not always be fun. For example, sometimes you will be required to walk dogs on rainy and cold days.
House Cleaner
Everybody loves a clean house, but some people don’t have the time or desire to do it themselves. That is why the cleaning industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. If you don’t mind cleaning up dirt and stains, you might have a future in the cleaning business.
The best part is that it requires very little money to get started. If you already have a vacuum and cleaning products, you can start tomorrow. In addition to houses, you can offer to clean offices, restaurants and even hospitals.
Tutor
If you received good grades in school, you should think about starting a tutoring business. Getting into a good college is more competitive than ever these days, so many students are looking for tutors. Whether you were really good at math or English, you can find a lot of students who will use your services.
The great thing about being a tutor is that you can work out of your own home or the student’s home.
Tour Guide Operator
If you live in a touristy city and know a lot about it, consider becoming a tour guide operator. You can advertise your services through Facebook and even Yelp. When visitors come into your city and don’t know their way around, they can contact you for a complete tour.
Whether you start your own tutoring or dog walking business, you won’t have many startup costs to deal with.
I have some experience with tutoring as a side gig. It works well if you can find some reliable clients. It can also be a lot of fun to help someone else work on their skills. The hustling part of it can be a bit of a challenge, but once you’ve got some quality clients that subsides.