Brainstorming business startup ideas is one way to start planning and we’ve got your back! Since you’re here, you know that choosing to start your own business can be an incredibly personal choice; some individuals seem to love it, while some absolutely despise it. One is not better than the other – it all comes down to what kind of person you are and what kind of life you want to live.
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” – Henry Ford.
Exploring Business Startup Ideas is Exciting; Here Are Some Things to Consider When Getting Started
By starting your own business, you will have
1.More Freedom
You are the boss, and you can easily choose when you want to work. For many individuals, this means working up to 60 hours a week, but a lot of entrepreneurs do not mind putting the work in because they are passionate about their business.
2.More Responsibility
If someone on your team isn’t doing his or her job well or if a client falls through, all of the blame will be on you. It is your responsibility to ensure that your business is doing well. Similarly, the success of your startup also depends on you, and you will receive the credit when due.
3.The Ability to Earn More Money
Yes! You will be able to earn a lot more money, very quickly. If your business takes off, you will start making money in no time.
4.To Do High-level Multitasking:
There will be many tasks that you will have to do; it is your decision if you want to delegate those tasks or multitask.
Now that you’re aware of the benefits of having your own business, you might be thinking about starting one too. We’re sure that one of the first thoughts that may have crossed your mind was, “What should my business be about?”
If you’re trying to think of a business idea, take some advice from Mark Zuckerberg’s commencement speech at Harvard:
“Ideas don’t come out fully formed. They only become clear when you work on them. You just have to get started.”
Thus, to help you out in your journey, we have compiled a list of the 30 best business startup ideas.
We hope this article provides you with innovative ideas and a bit of insight into the different segments you could dive into. Let’s get started!
Best Business Startup Ideas
Is starting your own business one of your resolutions for 2022? If you’re curious about what a good business to start in 2022 is, you’re in the right place.
Keep on reading to explore our list of innovative business ideas that will make you money within the next year.
Ideas for Home based Businesses
According to Fundera, approximately 50% of all small businesses in the US are home-based businesses and the number is continuously on the rise due to the pandemic.
Several individuals resorted to starting their own home-based businesses as these businesses followed the social distancing guidelines while still generating income.
Below is a list of some ideas for home-based businesses that you can take advantage of from the comfort of home.
1.Dropshipping
Dropshipping, in simple terms, is an order fulfillment method that doesn’t require you to stock products and is one of the best home-based businesses that you can start.
Here is how it works:
- The customer places an order with your business.
- You inform your dropshipping partner who packages and ships the order to the customer.
- The dropshipping partner charges you for the service, and you charge the customer.
Dropshipping doesn’t require a significant investment to start. You don’t have to worry about buying products in bulk or carrying inventory. You don’t even have to worry about shipping orders since the supplier handles that for you.
Since you don’t have to purchase products you sell, you can offer a massive variety of products, such as clothing, beauty products, baby products, ice cream, car accessories, and more.
2.Handcrafted Products
Were you one of those kids who would make the best crafts in school? Are you still fond of creating handmade items? You can maximize your skills and talent to successfully start your own online handmade business.
There are several online marketplaces and platforms, such as Etsy, Shopify, eBay, Instagram, and Facebook, where you can sell your art.
Selling on an online platform will help you save the cost of opening your own site and save you the stress of marketing it.
There are several handmade business ideas that you can consider, based on your skills, such as handmade jewelry and accessories (handmade coin rings, clay rings, beaded necklaces, scrunchies, etc.), crocheted trinkets, crafted furniture, knitted clothing, etc.
3.Printing-on-Demand
Whether you’re a designer, artist, or brand, printing-on-demand is an excellent home-based business idea. It involves working with a supplier to customize products, such as t-shirts, tote bags, mugs, stickers, wall art, accessories, etc., with your own designs.
All you have to do is make a good design and upload it on any of the print-on-demand websites you like, such as Redbubble, Merch by Amazon, Printful, or GearLaunch.
Once you upload your design, write a good title and description and add tags. Just like dropshipping, you don’t have to buy in bulk or hold any inventory.
4.Thrift Store
Approximately one in five Americans will shop at a thrift store at least once during the year, according to the Association of Resale Professionals. That figure is continuously increasing as people are getting to know the harms of fast fashion and are trying to be sustainable.
Thrift stores are extremely easy to start – you don’t even have to go to a thrift store to buy some pieces. If you have some unwanted clothes in the back of your closet, you can turn them into one of the most profitable businesses online.
Let’s take the example of women’s fashion retailer brand, Nasty Gal. It started as an eBay thrift store where the founder resold cool thrift store finds. The life of Sophia Amoruso, Nasty Gal’s founder, was chronicled in a Netflix show called Girlboss about her journey of setting up the fashion store.
5.Video Game Streaming
Video game live streaming appeals to many due to its ability to transform the hobby of playing video games into a profitable career of streaming them.
According to Streamer Facts, a small streamer with approximately 10 average viewers can earn about $50 per month on average, while a streamer with about 100 average viewers can earn up to $1,500 a month.
So, if you like video game streamers like Pewdiepie, Corpse Husband, Pokimane, Sykkuno, and Valkyrae, you too have the opportunity to earn money by live streaming on a platform like Twitch or by starting your own YouTube channel.
One surprising thing about Generation Z is that they are more entertained by watching others play games than by playing themselves. So, remember to interact with your audience, or they will get bored.
6.Subscription Boxes
If you’re not into the idea of crafting your own products to sell, you can curate them.
Well-executed subscription boxes with products that have a specific theme are one of the most profitable businesses out there. According to SaveMyCent, in 2020, the worldwide subscription box market value reached $18.8 billion, with the highest-paid subscription box category being meal kits and food.
Subscription boxes are a great business startup idea because you get recurring customers. Online consumers are either loyal to the service or to the lowest price. Since you can’t guarantee the lowest price, focus on providing excellent service to get loyal customers.
One of the best things about subscription boxes is that you can create them for several niches out there, for example, pets, skincare, yoga — the possibilities are pretty much limitless.
7.Dating Coach
Let’s face it, dating in this fast-paced world can be difficult.
Many of us are single and looking for an authentic connection. However, many people need a push in the right direction to find their soulmate. This is when people approach a dating coach!
Becoming a dating coach is one of the most profitable and innovative business ideas. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a dating coach is approximately $45,467 in the United States.
New York Post also stated that dating gurus charge anywhere between $300 an hour to $50,000 a year.
You don’t need specific certification to become a dating coach if you have the right motivation, work ethic, and confidence. However, taking a certification course or having a degree in psychology or social work can make you more credible.
8.Online Teaching
During the pandemic, the world completely changed and online learning platforms became the only source of education due to the lockdown.
If you possess teachable skills, you can turn them into online classes. There is an audience for every desirable skill out there – whether it’s learning how to speak English, digital marketing, or hairdressing training.
Here are some key things you need to consider:
- What subject/skills do you have teachable knowledge in?
- What level do you wish to teach: beginner, intermediate, or advanced?
- What price do you want to set?
- Will you offer live tutoring calls or recorded videos?
- How many hours per day will you invest in teaching?
Once you have thought about all of the factors mentioned above and have planned your lesson in detail, you are ready to go!
9.Content and Copywriting Services
Writing to make money at home requires a laptop/computer, a reliable internet connection, and written conversational skills.
You must also have the skills to research a broad range of topics, because as you take writing offers, you will have to write about topics that you may have absolutely no experience in.
According to DemandMetric, content marketing costs about 62% less than traditional marketing and generates approximately three times as many leads.
Social Media Examiner also reported that about 58% of marketers believe that original written content is the most important type of content, outdoing videos and visuals. Thus, it is safe to say that content and copywriters are always in high demand.
10.Pet Influencer
Pet influencers are all over social media. They feature in several promotions to influence their audience and get millions of likes due to their cuteness.
If you have a pet of your own, an innovative idea is to turn them into social media influencers and work with companies to promote their products online.
You might have heard of Doug the Pug. He is the most followed pug on the internet with over 6 million Facebook likes, 3.9 million Instagram followers, and 2.6 million Twitter followers.
Doug has made appearances with various celebrities, such as Justin Bieber, BTS, Shakira, Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish, John Legend, Cole Sprouse, PewDiePie, and the Stranger Things cast.
We also have other examples such as the famous Grumpy Cat, Bodhi the Menswear Dog, Jiff Pom, Nala the Cat, and Juniper the Fox.
Tech Startup Ideas
Tech businesses include companies that manufacture electronics (such as Apple), create software (such as Intuit), provide services related to information technology (such as Google), and more.
If you want to start a business, in some way, it has to be a technology company, or it will be displaced or disrupted by an entrant who is a tech company. Think about the taxi industry – it was heavily disrupted by Uber.
Here are some of the most profitable tech startup ideas that can make you money in 2022.
11.Food Tech
Whatever food item (especially the packaged ones) you come across while grocery shopping has had some contributions from a food technologist, food scientist, or food engineer.
Careers in food technology require significant formal education as food scientists and technologists conduct experiments and tests to optimize food production.
Here are some of the top startups in the food tech industry based on the spaces in which they operate.
Food Discovery and Ordering
- Uber Eats: Online platform for ordering food for delivery from partnered restaurants.
- DoorDash: On-demand food delivery marketplace.
- NatureBox: Subscription-based healthy and clean snacks provider.
Beverages
- Suja Juice: An organic juice company producing cold-pressed juices, drinking vinegars, and water.
- Drizly: On-demand delivery platform facilitating the delivery of alcohol.
- Lot18: Online retailer of wine.
Enterprise Solutions
- Revel Systems: iPad-based POS restaurant management system.
- Tillster: SaaS-based online restaurant ordering, marketing, and analytics solutions.
- Adentro: A WiFi-powered marketing platform for brick-and-mortar stores.
Novel Foods
- Impossible Foods: Develops substitutes for animal-based food.
- Ripple Foods: Develops dairy-free milk and other milk products.
- Beyond Meat: Develops substitutes for animal-based food products.
12.Streaming Platforms
Currently, platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ get a lot of attention when it comes to streaming tv shows and movies, but there are still plenty of opportunities to start a streaming platform for other niches, for example, a streaming platform explicitly designed for children’s content.
According to Statista, as of 2021, 78% of consumers in the US use some type of subscription service, and the demand for it is on the rise. Thus, starting your own video-on-demand platform will prove to be profitable for you.
13.3D Printing
3D printing allows you to build three-dimensional objects from a computer-aided design model. The general formula is “3D printing + X = Business”, which means that you have to do something in addition to the 3D printing.
Most startups find a niche; for example, a 3D printing service in a wedding niche can make 3D printed wedding rings, floral crowns, wedding invitations, cake toppers, decoration pieces, etc.
According to Statista, the 3D printing market, in 2020, was valued at approximately 12.6 billion USD worldwide, making it one of the most profitable businesses that you can start.
14.Fitness Tech
We’ve seen technologies like FitBit, Tempo, Peloton, and Strava change how people exercise, and more innovation is currently on the horizon, making it a great business startup idea you could look into.
However, remember that the fitness industry is highly saturated, and finding competent partners and funding for a filled niche can be pretty tricky.
One of the ways you can succeed within the industry is by introducing something unique. You would have to find a niche that hasn’t been tapped yet or create a product/service that already exists, but better, faster, cheaper, or all three.
15.Drone Photography/Videography
Drone photography/videography is a fantastic business idea. If you own a drone and have basic knowledge of operating video cameras, you can produce in-house short films, documentaries, montages, and video snippets.
It is extremely easy to start a drone photography/videography business:
- Get certified to fly a drone
- Purchase the right drone
- Get drone insurance
- Practice flying
Many industries, such as real estate, events, agriculture, civil engineering, oil and gas, and other sectors, rely on drones for aerial mapping, data collection, and assets management.
16.Domain Name Broker
Being a domain name broker is quite similar to being a stockbroker; however, you sell domain names instead of stocks.
Everyone needs a domain name, so there will always be a market for this service. To get started, buy some domain names. Different brokers specialize in different niches, so you would have to do your research and educate yourself.
Service-based Startup Ideas
Service-based businesses involve a form of rental, offering benefits without transferring ownership.
According to Statista, as of 2019, services accounted for approximately 65.04% of the GDP worldwide, and the importance for service-based businesses is continuously growing.
Here are some service-based innovative business ideas that you can look into.
17.Graphics Design
There is a lot of demand for graphic designers today. If you possess the knowledge of platforms such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Sketch, then you can just sign up to a platform like Upwork or Fiverr or find remote jobs on websites such as Indeed.
The first step towards a graphic designing career is to pick a niche. From logo designing to working with a media company, choosing your niche will help determine the type of customers you need to pursue.
18.Presentation Design
There are many individuals who are not well-versed in technology or do not quite understand Microsoft PowerPoint; thus, for them, creating a presentation can be pretty challenging.
But, wherever there’s a problem, there is a solution. So, believe it or not, there are several businesses set up for people to hire someone else to create their presentations.
To widen your customer base even more, familiarize yourself with other different types and formats of presentations, such as Prezi, Canva, Pitch, Google Slides, and more.
19.Social Media Management
Some people think providing a service such as social media management is a fancy way of saying, “I know how to tweet and post something on Instagram.”
But honestly, a social media manager does a lot more than that. Following are some of the things you need to keep in mind:
- Know your clients and their brand values and unique value proposition inside and out.
- Have an in-depth and solid understanding of how social media works and how to leverage specific platforms.
- Be a strategic thinker and map out strategies for clients and know how to measure the success of that strategy. (For instance, measurements include an increase in brand awareness, brand loyalty, conversions, lead generation, etc.)
- Have an excellent grasp of SEO, consumer service, consumer behaviors, etc.
- Come up with a social media calendar consisting of your content plan, mapping out which platforms to use, what to post, when to post, and how often.
- Monitor trends, new opportunities, competitors’ movements, and changes in consumers’ preferences and tastes.
- Engage people and get them talking.
Before deciding to start your own business as a social media manager, know if you want to do more instrumental work (such as copywriting, designing, posting, etc.) or more strategic work (such as planning, stewarding, etc.).
20.Beauty and Lifestyle Service Provider
If you are obsessed with all things beauty and lifestyle, your career options are no longer limited to going to cosmetology school and then getting employed by a salon.
If you are considering a career as a beauty and lifestyle service provider, there are many creative business ideas, almost all of which you can do virtually or in-home, such as the following:
- Makeup Artist: The average salary for a makeup artist in the US is $31.44 per hour as per Indeed.
- Nail Technician: In 2019, the median salary of a nail technician was $25,770 as per U.S. News.
- Hair Stylist: In 2021, the average salary of a hair stylist is $14 per hour or $29,779 per year as per .
- Personal Stylist: In the US, the average salary for a personal stylist is $35,588 as per Glassdoor.
21.Online Dating Profile Editor
Yes! Believe it or not, there are several online dating profile editors out there who craft other people’s online dating accounts for different dating platforms, such as Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, OkCupid, etc.
Besides writing (or rewriting) bios and other personalized information, you would also have to choose and edit their photos and provide them with a complete makeover.
Need a tip? Add photos that show you mid-activity: cooking, painting, running, skydiving, or playing sports. Pictures like that can help spark meaningful conversations!
22.Infant and Toddler Care Services
If there is one thing we have learned by watching The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix, it is that there is a growing opportunity for business ideas that meet the needs of career-minded couples.
So, if you like the idea of working with children (and their parents), consider whether one of these creative business ideas would be a good option for you:
- Birth coaching services
- Doula services
- Birth photographer
- Lactation consultant
- On-demand babysitter
- Nanny and au pair services
- Baby proofing consultant
- Kids’ party planner
- Costumed character appearances and entertainment services
23.Senior Care Services
Senior care services are one of the most profitable businesses you can start, even without cutting corners on maintenance or care.
However, before starting the business, it is crucial for you to know the needs of aging individuals in your area and whether you can provide that kind of care.
Ask yourself if you can meet the physical and emotional needs of senior individuals. Can you provide care around the clock? If not, then when are you available? Are those the hours when your services would be most needed?
If the answers are in your favor, your business will be profitable and successful.
Following are some senior care services that you can provide:
- Home health aide
- Driver
- Eldercare and companion provider
- Private nurse
- In-home physical therapist
24.Pet Care Services
Pet owners love their pets like children and want them to be well treated and cared for.
Pet care includes a lot of things that a responsible pet care service provider needs to know. A pet’s hair needs to be periodically brushed, cleaned, and trimmed as the need arises. Its claws may need to be trimmed. A pet’s minor health problems need to be addressed. Other obvious needs are providing a pet with proper food, water, and safety.
So, if you love animals and want to turn that into a full-time business, consider picking one of these innovative ideas.
- Pet sitting
- Dog walking
- Pet grooming
- Pet training
- Mobile veterinary services
Product-Based Startup Ideas
If you’re an individual who is eager to burn the midnight oil with a new product-based business venture, we have a few creative business ideas for you; keep on reading!
25.Seasonal Decorations
Seasonal decorations can prove to be one of the most profitable businesses for you. Many individuals think of Christmas when they hear the term “seasonal decorations,” but it includes other holidays as well, such as the following:
- New Year’s
- Valentine’s Day
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Easter
- Mother’s Day
- Father’s Day
- Fourth of July
- Halloween
- Thanksgiving
These are just the ones celebrated in the west! There are also other occasions, such as Hanukkah, Chinese New Year, Diwali, Holi, and Eid. Then there are birthdays and so many other special days on the calendar, and we know that your year and bank account will be quite busy.
26.Slime
Who doesn’t like playing with this ooey-gooey mucus-like substance? There is just something about playing with slime, right?
So, how do you take something like slime and turn it into a product that kids simply must have? Below are some ideas:
- First and foremost, ensure that the product is safe.
- Once you come up with a recipe, think about how you can turn it into different versions. For example, add food-safe coloring and oils for different colored and scented slime. Add in other products, such as confetti, glitter, and trinkets.
- Choose suitable packaging and remember to add a disclaimer that the slime is not for consumption. Provide an ingredient list so that parents can avoid allergic reactions in children.
27.Candles
According to Thriving Candle Business, candles are used in about seven out of 10 households in the United States.
In the last few years, the usage of candles has seen a sharp increase, with restaurants, spas, and massage places using them for soothing effects and creating an aromatic environment.
One of the most significant advantages of having a candle business is the variety of candles you can offer:
- Soy candles
- Scented candles
- Aromatherapy candles
- Vegan candles
- Decorative candles
With the right tools and knowledge, you can easily create and sell your homemade candles.
28.Socks
Yes, you read that right! Socks are one of those evergreen products that are widely used on a daily basis and on different occasions.
Socks are an essential part of everyone’s daily wardrobe and help express personal style. Socks can also be classified as a gift item.
Think about it – socks are one of the most crucial articles of clothing, but their function, importance, and aesthetics are often overlooked.
So, before starting your very own sock business, know that there are several types of socks that you can sell:
- Fun socks that will add style to a person’s look.
- Quality socks that will last users a lifetime.
- Cozy socks for lounging.
- No-show socks to wear during summer.
29.Lip Glosses
Are you also currently obsessed with the super shiny, y2k-inspired lips that you get by swiping on a good gloss?
If yes, then you know how difficult it can be to find a high-quality lip gloss that isn’t too sticky, has the right amount of shimmer, and comes in a complementary shade for your skin tone.
According to Statista, in the United States, 122.62 million women used lipstick and lip gloss in 2020. Thus, it is a good idea to start an online lip gloss business for aspiring entrepreneurs.
30.Press on Nails
If you are passionate about making marvelous nail art and are looking to earn some cash, then creating and selling press on nails can be a fantastic business opportunity for you.
Having a passion and love for beauty products is great, but it is not enough. First and foremost, you must find a niche in the market that you want to pursue. For example, you can sell:
- Products with genuine creativity.
- Press on nails that follow a certain aesthetic (anime, movies, etc.).
- Products made with cruelty-free and environmentally friendly ingredients.
- Customized nails.
According to Deals on Health, the worldwide artificial nails market is predicted to grow by 4.5% from 2019 to 2024.
Just ensure that the nails you’re creating are trendy – keep on checking sites like Pinterest and Instagram and see the type of nails people are searching for and getting.
Always keep an eye on the latest trends to have a head start on what will be popular in the upcoming seasons.
Creative Business Ideas – Deciding Which One to Pick
There you have it, 30 innovative business ideas that can make you money in 2022!
With so many choices spanning across different segments (such as ideas for home-based businesses, tech startup ideas, service-based startup ideas, and product-based startup ideas), it can be hard to choose. Select the idea that appeals to you the most, spend some time researching the opportunity, develop the business model, promote it, and turn it into a money-making machine.