Starting a business is an action that requires finding the right offer, on the right activity, in the right sector. Not so easy, is it?
Many people prefer to canvass for promising sectors and activities that will be popular in the coming months.
For this year, we have selected 10 profitable activities or business ideas that should be started. Although some of these activities are not new, they will get a boost in the coming year.
1- Starting a dropshipping business
Dropshipping is an easy business to start and the first of our business "good ideas". Dropshipping is a fulfillment model where a third party supplier stores and shipsinventory to customers on your behalf. It is one of the best businesses to start as it is low cost, hands-off and scalable. The cost is mainly in ads, although you can think of other channels (SEO for example).
You do not need to manage the products yourself. You just make the sales and place the orders with your supplier. In fact, it is one of the fastest and cheapest businesses to start.
You can organise products from one or more suppliers in your own online shop under a theme that focuses on a specific niche (called a niche), such as equipment for yoga enthusiasts or water bowls for dog owners.
When a customer buys a product from you, the order is sent to your supplier, who executes it on your behalf. However, you are still responsible for your own marketing and customer service.
Dropshipping is a low-investment way to test the product's suitability for the market and to start a business before investing in your own original products (moving from dropshipping to e-commerce).
Just make sure you always order a sample for yourself to ensure that your supplier is reliable and that the quality of the products is suitable for sale to your customers.
2- Design and sell custom printed t-shirts
Unlike the dropshipping idea above, the emphasis here is on customising products with your own designs to create something original. Whether it's t-shirts, hats, phone cases, hoodies, skirts or tote bags; all these things become canvases for your creativity.
You can think of witty slogans for developers or references that resonate with cat owners. If there is passion and pride in a community, there is a potential t-shirt business you can start.
Even if you are not a designer, you can find one to work with using independent sites.
With many print on demand services, you pay per product. The basic price per unit will be more expensive than if you were to order in bulk. The advantage is that if a certain t-shirt design does not sell, you have not yet paid for the item (only the design, if you have outsourced it).
3- Launch your own book
A book is just another type of product when you think about it. There is nothing new in this, yet reading (including digital) has been booming since the first containment and the trend is still upwards. You can create a book to meet a particular market demand.
This may include :
- Cookbooks ;
- Picture books ;
- Comics ;
- Poetry books ;
- Photo books ;
- Table books ;
- Novels and even e-books.
If you have the knowledge or creativity, there are a variety of original books you can bring to the market. The options are endless, which is why this is one of the best businesses to start.
Print-on-demand publishing is a relatively safe way to test the waters and get into self-publishing. It also allows you to control the quality and appearance of your book.
Launching your own book can be a great way to monetise a blog if you have one or want to start one.
4- Starting a charitable business
Starting a non-profit organisation is not the only way you can help fund a better world.
Having a mission to accompany a business and set aside profits for a cause is also an excellent method. It gives entrepreneurs a unique way to position their business in the market while addressing the issues that matter most to them.
While many social enterprises offer their own original products, you can also take one of the small business ideas above and partner with a non-profit organisation. You can also run this social good with your own hands, as long as you are transparent about how it works.
As part of your marketing, you can share the impact of your customers supporting your business. You can do this as a blog post covering your work in the community or a real-time impact calculator on your website.
5- Starting a pet business
The pet industry is full of opportunities for all kinds of small business ideas.
Your pet business can be product or service based. You can sell accessories, food or toys.
On the service side, pet sitting is increasingly sought after by the owners of our animal friends. We will devote a whole idea a little further down in the article.
Other services are available: grooming, walking, training...
6- Selling homemade products
If you are a manufacturer, either :
- Soaps;
- Candles;
- Sauces ;
- Pottery.
You are in a unique position to find an online business idea. Product development and procurement are literally in your hands.
Unlike many of the other ideas on this list, you will need to consider shipping and inventory management. You can start simply by order or with a small batch until you start generating consistent sales.
In fact, many makers on Shopify started with a home business idea. The goals were achieved by selling on Etsy or eBay or to friends and family through word of mouth. They became full-time small business owners after establishing demand for their products.
Just be aware of all the regulations for your product category, especially for anything that customers will eat or inhale.
7- Childcare and pet sitting
As travel increases, the need for home and pet care also increases when people are away. With the increase in long-distance working, long-term holidays are becoming more common. So even if you can leave your home unoccupied for a weekend, a month-long trip may require more care.
House sitting and pet sitting are good business ideas. Start them if you feel comfortable looking after a stranger, potentially with their pets.
You can create your own website on Shopify to market and sell your services. There are also websites and apps dedicated to home care and pets that you can use.
8- Create an online fashion shop
If you love fashion, you may want to consider starting your own online fashion shop. You don't need to become a fashion designer. You can simply organise items from other suppliers in your own online shop. You can sell :
- Dresses;
- Shoes (if you want to create your own brand);
- Swimwear;
- Accessories.
You can create your own fashion brand using one of the many product finder apps for Shopify. You will then model them in your own product photos and social media posts. This will create an online following as a trend setter.
9- Join an affiliate marketing programme
Affiliate marketing refers to a performance-based marketing tactic in which a company pays people. This means an affiliate company, to promote and sell products for them. Every time the affiliate brings in a new customer, they receive a commission from the company.
Affiliates can promote products on their blogs, social network accounts, website or in communities. For many, affiliate marketing is a low-cost side business that turns into a profitable venture over time.
10- Build an audience that you can monetize
In today's connected world, the ability to capture and hold the attention of others is an asset. It's a business that many companies are even willing to pay for.
Whether you choose to build your audience on YouTube, Instagram or a blog; there are many ways to monetise your audience.
Taking an audience-based approach to your small business idea means that you play the game for the long term (it may take months before you get it right). You don't need millions of subscribers to do it.
If you want to share your own ideas for businesses to start this year, go to the comments. We look forward to hearing from you.
