IDEAS for Small Business at Home
With the economy taking a downturn, many couples find they need two incomes to run their household and maintain their lifestyle. But for some parents, returning to work is often not an option, whether for personal or financial reasons. Fortunately, many businesses can be operated from home and can bring in some extra cash. Here are some proven business ideas for stay-at-home parents.
Freelance Writer
Freelance writing is a great opportunity for stay-at-home parents, as you only need a computer and internet connection, as well as a bit of creativity. You will end up writing on a variety of topics, but it is a good idea to start by writing about subjects with which you already have a good deal of interest or knowledge.
It is a simple business to set up with very little overhead, and it also gives you lots of flexibility to create your own work schedule, if you adhere to your clients’ deadlines.
Grant Writing
A specialized variation on freelance writing is grant writing. Grant writers usually work for non-profit organizations and companies to generate funds for research and development, and it can often be a more lucrative writing business.
There are an enormous number of different types of grants that companies need to apply for, but most businesses won’t have an in-house writer to assign the grant writing projects. Grant writers generally do not need any special qualifications, but it is a good idea to do your research, learn some specific grant writing techniques and source funders.
Freelance Editor
Like freelance writing, freelance editing allows you the freedom to work at your own pace. However, you may need a little more specific knowledge of grammar and referencing types, depending on the kind of editing work you find.
You will need to understand the different types of editing, such as developmental editing and copy editing. However, if you have a good eye for detail and a thorough knowledge of English grammar, freelance editing can be a successful and rewarding stay-at-home business.
Website Consultant
Websites are essential for any business, but often business owners don’t know how to construct or maintain a website. A website consultant must possess the ability to manage web content, so an understanding of SEO and a knowledge of links and affiliate programs is necessary. A basic understanding of graphic design, copywriting and marketing is also desirable, however, as your business grows, you could always opt to outsource these tasks to other freelancers.
Transcriptionist
A transcriptionist is required to transcribe audio, and in some cases, video tracks. There are several specialized transcription niches, such as legal and medical transcription, which are more lucrative than standard transcription services.
Though you don’t need any specific qualifications for the job, most transcription companies have minimum typing speed requirements and require you to undergo tests to assess your suitability.
If you plan to make this your primary source of income, it’s worth it to buy some specialized equipment for the job, such as noise-canceling headphones and a transcription pedal so you can pause tracks without stopping typing.
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants have become increasingly popular as big businesses try to cut unnecessary costs. A virtual assistant performs many duties including administration, marketing and social media, and in some cases, technical support. You will need to be an incredibly organized person because you will be dealing with multiple schedules and clients daily.
Bookkeeping
Bookkeeping from your home is a great business idea for qualified accountants. However, you do not have to be a certified accountant to work as a bookkeeper, although you will need to have the appropriate knowledge and bookkeeping software.
You should focus on advertising your services to small businesses in your local area, because they generally can’t afford to keep a permanent bookkeeper on staff. Then build up your client base until you have enough clients to create a full-time workload.
Graphic Design
Companies are always in need of graphic designers to create visual content for websites, posters and advertisements. A formal graphic design qualification is a bonus if you want to become a freelance graphic designer. Many of the fundamentals of graphic design can be learned online, and graphic design software is becoming increasingly user-friendly.
Tutoring
Tutoring can be done from your own home, you can travel to students’ homes or you can work remotely, so it offers some measure of flexibility. Depending on the subject matter, you may need to have a college degree. Or, you may have a musical passion you can share, so you could be a vocal coach or piano instructor.
However, some tutoring jobs, such as remote English tutoring, require only that you have a fast internet connection and good conversational skills. Many ESL students are simply wanting to practice their English with a native speaker.
Blogging
Blogging has fast become a popular form of communication on the web. Anyone who has a passion for something can blog about it. However, it does take some time and dedication to monetize your blog.
You will need to find a niche in which to write, and dedicate time to networking with other bloggers in your niche. You will also need to familiarize yourself with affiliate marketing, and various techniques for increasing your blog traffic.
