With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to rage worldwide as we’re getting well into 2021, people are looking for ways to make some extra money. It can be because you’ve lost your job, gotten hours cut back at work, or simply have some more free time all as a result of the pandemic. Whatever your reason, this is a great time to start a small business that you can operate out of your home. Keeping reading for eight ideas that most people can start with right away.
1. Transcription service
If you can type at a decent speed (better than 60 words per minute), you can succeed as a transcriptionist. All it takes is an ability to type accurately and a keen eye for detail. Medical transcriptionists typically get the most attention in the industry, but with audio and video media continuing to grow in popularity, podcasters and YouTubers are looking for people to transcribe episodes to help with SEO. Some are willing to pay handsomely for transcription services because it means they don’t have to do it themselves.
2. Online store
These days, it’s pretty easy to sell just about anything you want online. If you’re a DIYer and love to craft, you can sell handmade items via an online store like Etsy. You can also host your own shop with a platform like Shopify, which allows you to integrate a drop shipping service or sell on your own. Shopify offers free themes and hosting so you can run your shop before you even have any capital built up.
3. Sell designs
If you like to draw or toy around with graphic design, t-shirts and sweatshirts are an easy way of selling designs. People are always searching the internet for unique clothing items that can’t be found in stores.
You’ll want to start by testing the material and quality of clothing items because you won’t build a customer base if your items don’t last. Search for durable materials and union made shirts that you know come from factories that hold higher quality standards.
4. Freelance graphic designer
If you’re not interested designs yourself but have an ability in graphic design, freelance as a graphic designer. Companies will pay good money to have website banners, social media graphics, and logos made up that are professional quality. To get started, use sites like Fiverr where creators and small businesses are looking to hire freelancers to provide myriad services like graphic design.
5. Affiliate marketing
There are a lot of businesses out there that will pay you a commission by driving sales. In fact, more than you might think. This is called affiliate marketing. It requires no purchase on your part (unless you want to do a product review on YouTube or a personal blog) and you get a piece of the pie with every sale. In most cases, you do need to have a website to drive traffic to the company, but a blog is typically sufficient. There is a number of affiliate marketing software that will help you to track referrals, conversions and revenue.
If you’re not sure where to start, simply search a company that has products that you feel comfortable pushing as an affiliate and “affiliate marketing.” Even major companies like Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Amazon have affiliate programs. If you’re willing to push the products, you can eventually have your own online business you operate from home.
6. Create postcards
If you love to create art in any form, you can sell it on postcards. Anything from photographs to paintings to simple sketches can be put on postcards and people will buy them. Once you have your designs, you can use a free online tool like Canva to create a digital version of the postcard then either print it from home or a local store. These can be sold via an online shop or you can take them to a local boutique to sell them.
7. Take stock photos
Marketing agencies and blogs use stock photos all the time. If you have any sort of skill with a camera or even the camera on your phone, you can set up items around your house or go for a walk and take photos. Once you have a batch that you like, upload them to a website like Photobucket and you’ll get paid as people download your images. The more photos you take the more money you can bring in.
8. Cleaning service
Everyone has been more aware of cleanliness with the ongoing pandemic. This has made the demand for professional cleaning services at a new high. Offer your cleaning services in homes or commercially to help rid homes and offices of potential COVID-19 exposure. While a cleaning service might not feel like it offers much flexibility, you have the ability to provide as many services as you’d like. From specializing in windows to general house cleaning to full sterilization, it’s up to you the type of services you want to provide.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
