10 New Business Services Startup Ideas

Do you have a skill that you can spin into a small business?

 

Starting a business that provides services to other businesses can be an easy, low-cost way to become an entrepreneur. Maybe you can provide skills or expertise that you’ve learned in previous jobs—or maybe you can take a course to become even better at a new skill.

 

Companies both large and small often outsource professional services to freelancers, so starting a business service-based firm can be a natural way to generate income around your skills. While you might be a one-person show in the beginning, you could have the opportunity to add employees as your business takes off.

 

Here are 10 in-demand business services ideas worth considering:

 

With the rise of remote and hybrid work, more and more companies today are outsourcing administrative tasks. This can include fielding phone calls and emails, handling data entry or posting on social media. Many outsourced administrative assistants now work from home, thanks to high-speed internet and cloud-based business applications that make it easy to do so. The biggest requirements? You must be highly organized and personable, since you’ll likely be dealing with customers at some level. It helps if you have experience using modern business applications like video conferencing software, project management platforms and financial and customer relationship management platforms.

 

Startup needs: Strong understanding of how to use modern business applications, a computer, friendly personality, great organizational skills

 

Calling all wordsmiths. More companies today are seeking professional storytellers—people who are experts at turning customer experiences, product offerings or business practices into engaging, well-crafted narratives that people want to read. An English or journalism degree may bolster your résumé, but you can also gain experience by taking on assignments from small or local businesses or publications. There are also many ways to get business online, from signing up for LinkedIn Premium to creating a portfolio on Contently to searching for projects on Upwork and ProBlogger’s jobs board. Startup costs are low because all you really need is a phone and a computer.

 

Startup needs: Writing and/or editing experience, a phone and a computer

Video has become a popular way for companies to market their services. That includes formal, highly produced video campaigns and informal videos made for social media. But many companies hire out their video production, especially if it’s not something they need all the time. To get started as a video producer, you’ll need experience producing videos—whether at a former job or just as a personal passion—and you’ll need to know how to use video editing tools. You can also take a video production course at a local community college. You might be able to build your portfolio by initially offering your services for free or at a low cost.

 

Startup needs: Expertise in video production, video equipment and editing tools, a strong portfolio of work

 

Similarly, podcasts have become a key form of business marketing and can be a great niche for someone with audio production experience. It all comes down to having a portfolio of existing work to sell your expertise to new clients. A professional website with examples of your best work is a must.

 

Startup needs: Expertise in interviewing, managing podcasts, and podcast production; editing software, a strong portfolio of existing work displayed on your website, a computer

Are you a “neat freak”? Many companies need reliable cleaning services that bring their own equipment and supplies and usually work in the evening or overnight. This can be a great opportunity for someone who enjoys cleaning and is willing to work nontraditional hours. You can get professional experience by working for another cleaning service or by checking the “wanted” ads on sites like Angi or TaskRabbit. You could also start by offering housecleaning services to build up your resume. Start by gathering the essentials you’ll need to thoroughly clean for clients such as a vacuum, mop, microfiber cloths and disinfecting products. If your business grows, you can invest in tools to help you market your cleaning business and communicate with your clients.

 

Startup needs: Cleaning equipment, supplies and products; business liability insurance

 

Small businesses and nonprofits seek people who understand how to create engaging content that bolsters their reputation—and ultimately, their revenue. To start a business in this space, you should be a strong communicator and have experience as a professional content marketer. You could also show that you’ve achieved content marketing success on your own by running a successful blog or website. Social media expertise is essential. Online courses can teach you current best practices for creating and distributing compelling content and building an online audience. Also consider joining at least one networking organization, such as the Content Marketing Institute.

 

Startup needs: Content management experience, a computer, content production and management tools

 

You’ll need to know all the latest trends and tricks for building and engaging an audience through social media—whether on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or elsewhere. You’ll also need to be able to use analytics to track how your social campaigns perform. Being active and building a large following on your own social media accounts is a good first step. Working as a social media manager for another company can also give you a strong background for launching a business as a social media guru. If you don’t have that, consider taking a course like those offered by Coursera or the HubSpot Academy. Sign up for email newsletters on the latest social media marketing strategies, such as those offered by MarTech and Social Media Examiner.

 

Startup needs: Social media management experience or expertise, a computer

 

If your social media following is large, you might be able to earn money as an influencer—someone companies pay to tout their brand on personal social media pages. Some influencers earn $50,000 or more—though many earn far less. To be successful, you must have a large social following and be someone others look to for advice or recommendations. You also must be talented at creating unique or inspiring social media posts. The most effective influencer posts are not brand-forward, but rather engaging and subtle. Some influencers build a niche, such as posting about food or fashion, while others are broader. You might be able to launch your influencer business by engaging with local businesses that pay less but help you build your portfolio. Setting up a creator account on Instagram allows you to showcase your account to potential brands that will pay for you to create branded content for them.

 

Startup needs: Large social media following, the ability to create inspiring and engaging social media posts, a computer

Even if you have a degree in design—or just ample design experience—you’ll want to stay current on all the latest design programs and trends. If you need a refresher, graphic design courses at local colleges can help. Designers with animation and web development experience typically have the most opportunities. Develop an attractive website with samples of your best work to show off to prospective clients. You can meet potential clients through business networking groups and in places where businesses look for graphic designers, such as Upwork and LinkedIn.

 

Startup needs: Design software, portfolio of work, a computer

 

For someone who knows how to manage financial records, this can be a solid business opportunity requiring minimal startup capital. Plus, you can often work from home. You can familiarize yourself with bookkeeping best practices through online courses, but it might make sense to pursue a one- or two-year degree in bookkeeping or accounting. Many colleges offer online degree programs. It can also help to gain on-the-job experience before striking out on your own. Certification from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers can enhance your credentials.

 

Startup needs: Associate degree or certificate in bookkeeping or accounting, on-the-job experience, accounting software

Earning a living through a business services endeavor can be life changing – and it is generally one of the easiest and most affordable businesses to start. That’s because you’re relying on your own experience and skills and don’t typically need real estate or equipment. If you want to be your own boss and work in a job that you’re most passionate about, starting a business service could be the way to go.