Have you been thinking about what it is like to be an entrepreneur and what the best business idea should be? If you want to make this happen, the following article is meant for you. We collected some of the best small business ideas and created a list to help future entrepreneurs decide on what would be profitable for them to do.
Finding the best small business idea might require more time and effort than you might think at first. There are many factors to consider before settling on an idea. First, you would like to find something that matches your professional skills, so you need only a little additional training or none at all. The best small business ideas require only a small investment and are usually based online. Make sure to look for a business model that you are able to run on your own, later you can scale your business and hire more people to make your job easier.
In this article, you will find a number of great business ideas, that are easy to implement and have been proven to be successful, and if done well promise a high profit. Without any further ado, let’s see the list of the best small business ideas compiled by Syncee.
15 Best Small Business Ideas to Start
There are a great number of business models to choose from. When compiling the following list we seek to describe the best small business ideas that can be launched online. Depending on your own interest and preferences, we are sure you will find the most suitable business form to start.
1. Create a Dropshipping Website
One of the best small business idea to get involved in is dropshipping. It is a business model for online merchants, that requires a low cost to start. Retailers do not have to invest money in product inventory, they do not have to stock products in a warehouse, and there are no worries about shipping inventory. They just fill their online store with their supplier partners’ product data, so they will have “virtual stock”. When a customer orders a product, the supplier sends the package directly to the customer.
Expanding on dropshipping, it’s essential to delve deeper into selecting the right suppliers. Not all suppliers offer the same terms, quality assurance, or delivery times. Research and establish partnerships with suppliers that align with your brand’s values and quality expectations. Additionally, developing a robust marketing strategy is crucial for standing out in the competitive ecommerce landscape. Utilize tools like social media ads, email campaigns, and SEO to drive traffic to your store. Dropshipping also allows for niche customization, so carefully curating a unique product selection can set you apart from generic offerings.
2. Join an Affiliate Marketing Program
Affiliate marketing is still a popular best small business idea. However, as with any other business it takes time and effort. You have to find the right niche that also matches your interest to be successful and gain a reliable income. There is a large selection of affiliate programs, easily accessible to everyone. Syncee also offers an affiliate program you can check out. By spreading the word about our service you can gain a reasonable, recurring commission. You can promote your chosen affiliate partner through a blog, video, or social media.
To take affiliate marketing to the next level, invest time in creating high-quality content that resonates with your target audience. Whether it’s through in-depth product reviews, engaging videos, or helpful how-to guides, the key to success lies in providing genuine value. Monitor analytics regularly to understand what type of content performs best. Many successful affiliate marketers also collaborate with influencers or cross-promote through partnerships, enhancing visibility and trust. Over time, building a loyal following will ensure sustainable growth in your affiliate revenue.
3. Become a Freelance Writer
The next one on our list of the best small business ideas is freelance writing. It is pretty easy and cheap to start. First research the market, decide on your writing niche, and find a topic you are interested in and has some background knowledge of. Then you can start to look for partners to create content for websites, write blog articles or become a copywriter.
As a freelance writer, consider diversifying your offerings. Explore niches such as technical writing, ghostwriting, or even scriptwriting for videos. These specialized areas often pay more than general blog writing. Creating a portfolio website showcasing your best work and testimonials can significantly enhance your credibility. Networking through platforms like LinkedIn and attending virtual writing workshops can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities. If you excel, you might eventually transition from freelancer to owning your own content agency.
4. Sell Handcrafted Goods
If you like making unique products as a hobby, why not take them to the next level and launch a business? The popularity of handmade goods among buyers is increasing. People tend to support creative best small businesses. It might not be as easy as a dropshipping business, as you have to care about production, shipping, and inventory management, but you can start as small as you wish to, let’s say you offer 10 different products. Don’t forget, dropshipping is still a great way for you to extend your existing store’s product selection anytime.
When scaling a handcrafted goods business, think about collaborations with local boutiques or participating in artisan markets. These can give your brand a physical presence and attract loyal customers. Additionally, leveraging platforms like Etsy, which cater specifically to handmade goods, can simplify your initial setup and increase visibility. Keep an eye on trends to update your product line and consider eco-friendly or customizable options, as these are highly sought-after in the handmade market.
5. Create Online Courses
Think about your skills, and a topic you are an expert on, and share your knowledge with others online. If you feel like teaching is something you would be good at, the best small business idea for you is to build an online course and sell it to help others. There is plenty of websites dedicated to online courses, like Udemy, edX, Coursera, and others. You can get an idea of what is in demand, what people are interested in and also launch your courses. However, it is also possible to create your own website for your courses.
To create engaging online courses, invest in quality production. Clear video and audio, visually appealing slides, and interactive elements like quizzes or assignments can make a significant difference. Promote your course on platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit communities, or Facebook groups relevant to your niche. Running limited-time discounts or offering free trials can also help attract initial students. If your course gains popularity, you can expand into subscription models or create follow-up courses for returning customers.
6. Offer Translation Services
Knowledge of foreign languages is one of the most important skills you can gain throughout your life. In addition, it is also a great idea to leverage your language skills to create your own translation service business. High-quality translators are much sought after. Advertise your services through social media, and build an exceptional portfolio to reach more and more clients.
Scaling a translation business involves embracing technology. Consider investing in translation tools like CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) software to handle larger projects efficiently. Specializing in industries like medical, legal, or technical translations can significantly increase your rates and demand. Expanding your services to include transcription, subtitling, or localization can attract a broader client base. Partnering with agencies or offering tiered pricing packages are other strategies to grow your venture.
7. Sell Print-on-Demand Products
One of the best small business ideas is creating and selling print-on-demand products. Create your own designs for daily use products, like mugs, t-shirts, phone cases, or tote bags. The business model is similar to dropshipping, a third party will handle the production and shipping for you, the focus is on customizing. You can find print-on-demand sites and apps, that are free to start and would make your job much easier, like Printful and Printify.
8. Develop Apps & Build Websites
The next best small business idea is website building and app development. It is one of the most profitable and sought-after side hustles. It is best if you already have the technical skills, but you can also invest in courses to train yourself. Start with competitive prices to reach more customers, once you have a great portfolio you can transform it into a more lucrative business model.
To maximize profits in this field, consider specializing in specific platforms like Shopify or WordPress, which are in high demand. Additionally, keeping up with trends like AI integration or responsive design for mobile users can make your services even more appealing to businesses. These approaches make this one of the most adaptable small business ideas available.
9. Tutor Students Online
Let’s jump to our next best small business idea. Besides creating and selling courses, you can try to offer online private lessons. Some people prefer to learn directly from a teacher, instead of watching tutorials and reading texts about a topic. Decide on your target audience and compile study materials, then start promoting your service through social media. It can be also a great idea to offer a 30-minute free lesson so your customers can have a tryout.
To stand out as an online tutor, offer flexible options, such as group classes for reduced rates or personalized 1-on-1 sessions for premium clients. Expanding your teaching services to include exam preparation or language learning for professionals can also open doors to more customers. Tutoring is the best small business idea because it accommodates both full-time entrepreneurs and side hustlers.
10. Become a Stock Photographer
As you might have already noticed, a lot of free time activities, like writing can serve as a side business, if you are doing it right, photography is also one of them. You need proper equipment and editing skills to create high-quality pictures. For starting you can upload your photos to stock photography websites, such as Pexels, Shutterstock, or iStock. You will get paid by the number of downloads. Later on, you can create your own website to sell your photos.
If you’re passionate about photography, expanding into niche areas like food, lifestyle, or travel photography can make your work more marketable. Partner with small brands to provide exclusive visuals, which can be a profitable offshoot of the best small business idea. Additionally, offering presets, photo-editing services, or even photography workshops could further monetize your skills
11. Become a Freelance Graphic Designer
The next one on our list of best small business ideas is freelance graphic designing. Every company needs a brand image and an expert who can help create the design of their dreams. You can design logos, banners, landing pages, or even merch products. For creating quality works you need to get access to graphic designing softwares and tools, like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, and BeFunky.
To thrive as a freelance graphic designer, staying updated with trends like minimalism, 3D design, or augmented reality experiences can keep your work fresh and in demand. Joining freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can help you build initial credibility. Later, transitioning to your own portfolio website can establish you as a leader in this small business idea category.
12. Become a Virtual Assistant
Do you like paperwork and organizing, but do not want to work 9-5 in an office? Consider launching your own business and being a virtual assistant. Working as a virtual assistant become more and more popular throughout the years and it is a highly in-demand profession nowadays. It is very flexible, easy to start and you do not really need any investment.
Expanding this best small business idea could mean offering specialized virtual assistant services, such as managing eCommerce stores, handling bookkeeping tasks, or overseeing social media campaigns.
13. Start a YouTube Channel
If you ever watched a creator on YouTube thinking you could run a channel as well, why not give it a try? The best thing is that it is completely free to start a YouTube Channel, so there is no risk. That’s why it’s one of the best small business ideas to consider. Find a topic you would like to focus on throughout your content, do some research, watch videos of your potential competitors and create a plan. You also need the proper equipment for recording and editing tools to create quality content for your followers. Video content remains king in digital marketing, making this a highly lucrative and creative and best small business idea.
14. Start a Podcast
If you like the idea of sharing your content while talking about different topics, but you are not comfortable showing your face, podcasting is the best small business idea for you. You can choose to have a channel for educational purposes or just for entertainment. Talk about music, movies, news, entrepreneurship, or marketing; the list of topics you can cover is endless. Starting a podcast is one of the fastest-growing small business ideas, ideal for individuals passionate about storytelling or education.
15. Become a Freelance Social Media Manager
Our list of the best small business ideas has come to an end. Help other businesses grow as a social media manager. Every company needs marketing in order to be successful, often they choose to work with marketing agencies and experts to handle the promotion for them. If you have a great experience with all the major social media channels, create exciting content, and know how to run an advertising campaign, do not waste your time and start working as a freelancer. This small business idea is scalable—you can eventually turn it into a digital marketing agency.
Do You Want to Start a Dropshipping Business?
Have you decided that dropshipping is the best small business idea for you? Are you looking for dropshipping products to start your online store? Check out Syncee, find your new best-selling products and long-term supplier partners.
Collective Dropshipping Explained
Sell high-quality products from other local brands in the US, Canada, Europe, UK, and worldwide, or take your own products global. Whether you’re a retailer looking to build your inventory or a dropshipping supplier aiming to reach a broader audience, Syncee provides the tools and connections to help you build lasting partnerships. With its centralized marketplace, you can effortlessly manage products, orders, and supplier relationships, all from one intuitive platform.
Sell as a retailer, supplier, or both
Choose how you sell with Syncee’s flexible platform. Be a retailer who curates the perfect inventory, dropshipping suppliers connecting with retailers worldwide, or both! Syncee allows you to switch roles seamlessly with just a single click, providing unmatched convenience in a unified, centralized marketplace.
Through Syncee you can upload the chosen dropshipping suppliers’ products to your online store and can have them updated every day, automatically. The order data synchronization is also automated.
Fully integrated with Shopify
Simplify Shopify dropshipping and wholesale without leaving your store admin. Control everything in one place with our built-in app, and manage all your tasks conveniently.
Access the app via Shopify admin or Syncee.com. Both views offer the same features, but Syncee.com provides an extended version.
Earn commission by inviting partners
Invite new partners, simplify and automate your workflows, and earn commissions by referring them to Syncee. Benefit from our referral rewards by introducing Syncee to more retailers or suppliers.
