Start a small business at home: 61 Ideas and top tools to get started

Starting a small business from the comfort of your home isn’t just a dream for the ambitious. It’s actually a practical, achievable reality for anyone with a bit of drive and creativity. 

Whether you’re looking to ditch the 9-to-5 grind, pursue a passion, or simply earn some extra cash, the opportunities are there for those willing to put in the work. With the right tools and a bit of determination, you can find the best online business to start right from your home and work your own hours. 

It gives you the freedom to work on your own terms, tap into markets worldwide, and, let’s not forget, the commute is unbeatable. So, if you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I could do this”, now’s the time to turn that thought into action. 

Let’s take a look at 61 of the best small business ideas that can get you started, along with the top tools that’ll help you hit the ground running.

Imagine an online space where you’re not just opening a store — you’re crafting a fully-owned, customized shopping destination. And it’s all yours. That’s the power that WooCommerce provides. 

Built on the flexible, robust foundation of WordPress, it offers full customization and control, making it a solid choice for businesses of all sizes across all industries. That means you can benefit whether you’re selling handcrafted jewelry, offering consulting services, or launching a full-scale ecommerce empire.

Use cases are off the charts, too. You want to sell digital downloads? Done. Subscriptions? It can handle it. Physical products that need shipping? You’re covered. 

And it grows with you, too. 

Start small with the basics, then as your business venture expands, tap into the huge library of WooCommerce extensions to add new features like appointment booking, membership management, or automated tax calculations. 

It could cost you thousands to build all of that from scratch, but this ecommerce platform has it all ready to go. That means you get to focus on what you do best: running your successful business.

Now it’s the part you’ve been waiting for. Let’s explore 61 small business ideas that you can start right away. 

1. An online tutoring business 

The demand for personalized education is skyrocketing, making an online tutoring business a lucrative business option for anyone with expertise in a particular subject. From math and science to language arts, you can share your knowledge right from your living room. 

It’s a fantastic at-home business idea because it requires minimal setup — just a computer, a good internet connection, and your expertise. WooCommerce comes into play by simplifying the administrative side of things. 

It can handle bookings, payments, and even automate reminders for your upcoming sessions, making the process seamless for both you and your students. This way, you can focus more on teaching and less on the logistics.

Tutoring Chicago offers a solid example of this in action. The site is straightforward and includes an enrollment form, donation button, and more. 

2. A car detailing business

Starting a car detailing business from home can turn your passion for cars into a profitable business. It’s perfect for those who have an eye for detail and enjoy making vehicles look their best. With just your garage, some high-quality cleaning supplies, and a bit of marketing, you can attract clients looking to improve their cars. 

An informative website is essential for a car detailing business. And with WooCommerce on deck, you can manage appointments and payments with ease. Potential clients can visit your site, see the range of detailing packages you offer, and book their appointment right then and there. They can choose a date and time that works for them, and you get to manage your schedule and finances all in one place.

3. A landscaping business

If you’ve got a green thumb and a knack for transforming outdoor spaces, launching a landscaping business from home could be your calling. This home business idea taps into the desire for beautiful, functional outdoor areas, appealing to homeowners, businesses, and even local governments. 

Whether it’s garden maintenance, landscape design, or hardscaping, your services can dramatically enhance a property’s curb appeal and value. 

Here’s where WooCommerce helps your landscaping business flourish: by setting up a website with detailed service offerings, you can offer online booking and payment options, making it convenient for clients to hire you. 

Marbia Landscape Design uses WordPress to great effect, with strong service listings shown in a portfolio style and a prominent call-to-action contact button.

4. An affiliate marketing business

Affiliate marketing is another at-home business idea you could pursue. It allows you to earn income by promoting other people’s products or services. It’s perfect for those who have a knack for marketing and a platform (like a blog, social media account, or website) with a dedicated audience.

WooCommerce sweetens the deal for an  affiliate marketing business by offering powerful tools to integrate affiliate products right into your own website. With extensions like Amazon Product Importer & Affiliate, managing and displaying affiliate products from Amazon is a quick process. 

Plus, tracking your commissions and managing payouts becomes much simpler, giving you more time to focus on content creation and audience growth. 

5. A dog grooming business

Starting a dog grooming business from home is a fantastic way for animal lovers to blend their passion with entrepreneurship. The pet industry is stable and grooming is a service that’s always in need. From baths and haircuts to nail trimming and ear cleaning, dog grooming services can vary widely, offering something for every pup out there. 

Dirty Paws is a full-service dog grooming business with an attractive WordPress website and integrated click-to-call buttons to entice pet owners.

6. A dog walking business 

Another option is to start a dog walking business from your home. It’s another solid choice for dog lovers looking to get some exercise while earning income. This business caters to busy pet owners who want to ensure their furry friends get their daily walks, socialization, and exercise. You’ll also be providing peace of mind to owners and joy to pets. 

If you opt for WooCommerce, you can use an extension like WooCommerce Points and Rewards to thank clients for booking your services and provide discounts and other benefits for return visits.

7. A pet sitting business 

Launching a pet sitting business from your home offers a heartwarming opportunity to care for animals while their owners are away. This business is all about trust and providing peace of mind to pet owners, ensuring their furry, feathered, or scaled friends are in good hands. Whether it’s for a day, a week, or longer, pet sitting goes beyond mere supervision and offers a more personalized and attentive alternative to traditional kennels.

Setting up your services on a WooCommerce-enabled website allows pet owners to book stays, view detailed descriptions of the care you provide, and make payments — all in one place. You can also offer additional services, such as grooming or training sessions, during their pet’s stay, creating a comprehensive care package. 

Laura the Pet Nanny is a Florida-based pet sitting business with a fun and engaging WordPress website with prominent booking and contact information. 

8. A dropshipping business

Another option is to start a dropshipping business from your home. This business model means that you get to sell products without ever having to stock inventory or handle shipping. Instead, when you sell a product, you purchase it from a third party and have it shipped directly to the customer. This drastically lowers the barrier to entry for aspiring entrepreneurs.

And with the right extensions, you can easily integrate with suppliers, automate order fulfillment, and manage your online store within WooCommerce. 

WooCommerce Dropshipping and AliExpress Dropshipping for WooCommerce are great options for integrating your drop-shipped products into your store with a few clicks.

9. A print on demand business 

Or, you could go the print on demand route. This type of business is straightforward to set up from home and allows you to turn designs and ideas into physical products without having to handle production, inventory, or shipping. Create and sell custom designs on everything from t-shirts and hoodies to posters and books and the items are only printed after an order is placed. 

There are several WordPress plugins available that directly integrate POD companies like Printify for WooCommerce and Printful Integration for WooCommerce so you don’t have to handle any aspect of this process manually. 

10. A freelance writing business

Kicking off a freelance writing business from your cozy home office is another great choice. It’s ideal for anyone with a knack for storytelling, a passion for research, and a desire to make an impact through the written word. This can be turned into a business through blogging, copywriting, or crafting engaging articles for clients. 

With WooCommerce, you can create custom product pages for different types of freelance writing services, allowing clients to purchase packages or book sessions directly online. 

11. An event planning business

If you’re naturally good at planning things, launching an event planning business from your home could be a solid option, especially if you thrive on organization and creativity. Whether it’s weddings, corporate gatherings, or intimate birthday celebrations, being an event planner allows you to create memorable experiences for people.

Use your website to display a portfolio with prominent testimonials and a booking system so potential clients can reserve time to speak with you. WooCommerce Bookings is a useful extension to install for this purpose.

12. An interior design business 

Have a knack for making interior spaces shine? Starting an interior design business at home is another option worth thinking about. It calls for a keen eye for design, a deep understanding of spatial dynamics, and the ability to communicate and realize a client’s vision. 

And you can use WooCommerce for this business idea, too. Showcase your portfolio and readily display your services, their costs, and other details about your offerings. Because your business is visually-oriented, it’s all the more imperative that you present your work in a visually-appealing way. Categorize your services clearly — from full home renovations to room makeovers — and let clients book consultations directly. 

Satin & Slate Interiors uses WordPress effectively, with an eye-catching design, an interactive portfolio, and a straightforward consultation form.

13. A house cleaning service 

Starting a house cleaning service business from home is a solid business idea for those who take satisfaction in clean spaces and bringing order to chaos. This service caters to a wide audience, from busy professionals to large families, all seeking the comfort of a well-maintained home without the time or ability to do it themselves. 

The best part here is that you can start this business small. All it takes is you, some cleaning supplies, and your time. It could eventually expand to a team as your client base increases, too. A simple website is all you need to market your business effectively. Set up a booking form so people can reserve a time slot for your house cleaning service and you’ll be good to go. 

14. A catering business

If you like to cook, a catering business is another option you could start from your home kitchen. Catering offers convenience and can be an integral part of creating experiences for your customers. Your client base could be targeted (corporate events only, let’s say) or more broad and include every event type from seminars to weddings to intimate dinner parties. 

If you opt for WooCommerce, you can use your site to display your service offerings, package deals, and a booking form. An extension like WooCommerce Bookings Availability allows potential customers to see if you’re available on the day of their event before even reaching out, which saves everybody time. 

15. A social media management business

Launching a social media management business from your home permits you to take advantage of the digital marketing industry, where every post, tweet, and share is an opportunity to build brands and connect with audiences. 

This business is perfect for those with a knack for storytelling, an eye for engaging content, and the ability to analyze trends. Social media management involves things like posting company updates, crafting strategies, engaging with communities, and driving measurable results for clients across various platforms.

Being a social media manager also means staying on top of trends and tapping into your creativity. 

16. A photography business

Or, you could start a photography business from home. If you have some photography knowledge already, even better. But even without, if you have a passion for capturing moments and a bit of creativity, you can set up a photography business that stands out. Using WooCommerce, you can easily manage bookings for photo shoots, sell prints or digital copies of your photographs, and even offer photography-related products or services directly from your website.

Photography for WooCommerce is tailor-made for photographers looking to efficiently manage and sell their images, whether for events or as artwork. Its key feature is the batch photograph uploader, which simplifies the process of adding new photos to your store, making it possible to swiftly upload large quantities of images. 

17. A search engine optimization or digital marketing business

An SEO or digital marketing business is still another solid option to consider when you want to start a business from home. List your SEO and marketing services on your website, offer consultations, or sell your services in packages people can outright buy. 

You could even combine this business type with others like affiliate marketing, or you could sell an online course or ebooks discussing some of the knowledge you’ve acquired.

18. A video production business

Starting a video production company from the comfort of your home is another exciting prospect. This type of business includes things like the creation and production of various types of video content, such as films, documentaries, TV shows, commercials, and music videos. And it appeals to those with a knack for storytelling and visual creativity, offering the flexibility to work on projects that resonate with your interests and skills. 

You can use a WordPress video plugin to feature videos prominently on your site to create a portfolio and promote your services. Or, you could even sell pre-made videos or video assets by using an extension like Product Video for WooCommerce. 

19. A virtual assistant business

A virtual assistant business offers a tremendous opportunity to work remotely, offering administrative, creative, or technical support to businesses and individuals. As a virtual assistant, you’ll have the flexibility to work from anywhere, tailor your services to your skills, and decide on your work hours, making this career path highly customizable and appealing for those with strong organizational, communication, and project management skills. 

The range of services you can offer is vast, including email management, social media management, content creation, and bookkeeping, which allows for specialization in areas that best match your expertise and interests​.

An extension like WooCommerce Subscriptions can facilitate recurring payments for ongoing client engagements, making it easier to manage your finances and maintain steady income streams. 

20. An online store 

Another idea you can pursue from your house is to start an online store. We’ve covered this a bit already with the dropshipping and print on demand business ideas, but it’s important to note that you can sell products that you make as well. Things you’ve designed, produced, and manufactured can be listed on your purpose-built store. 

You can sell on your own website or through online marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay. You can even use an extension like Etsy Integration for WooCommerce to get the best of both worlds. 

Should you opt to sell on your own site, you’ll appreciate WooCommerce’s flexibility in payment options. 

21. A business consulting company

Another option is to become a consultant for other businesses. If you have expert knowledge about HR, strategy, technology, and other business aspects, you could charge others to learn from your experience. 

As many businesses strive to improve and grow, your consulting business could offer the insights and solutions they’re looking for. 

Dynamic Edge Consulting is a firm that appeals directly to sales and marketing departments. 

22. An online education business

Selling online classes is another brilliant way to share your expertise while capitalizing on the growing e-learning market. While you can offer your courses on sites like Coursera, you can also sell them directly from your site (and save on the commissions). If you use WooCommerce, you can set up, manage, and sell courses directly from your website, especially if you pair it with the Sensei Pro extension. 

With it, you can create engaging and educational courses that students can enroll in, track their progress, and even take quizzes to assess their knowledge. The integration allows for a seamless student experience from signup to completion, offering a variety of question types for quizzes and the ability to add multimedia elements to lessons.​

23. A web design or development business

Or, you could sell web design or development services. People need a digital presence created and maintained for them for a variety of reasons, so it’s an in-demand business. You’ll need to create your own website to promote your services and can take bookings for consultations, sell packages, or just have people reach out to you through an engaging CTA. 

As you prove your skills, you could even become a certified WooExpert and build sites for top clients in a variety of industries.

24. A data entry company

Offering data entry services is a solid business model, too, and allows you to cater to a wide range of industries needing data digitization, organization, and analysis. Data entry encompasses tasks from simple text entry to complex information management like transcribing handwritten documents, product data entry, survey data entry, and more. 

25. A voiceover service 

Becoming a voiceover artist combines the art of acting with the unique use of your voice to bring scripts to life across various mediums like commercials, video games, and audiobooks. It’s a field that values diversity and versatility in vocal skills, encouraging artists to explore different tones, accents, and styles. 

This career not only suits those with a passion for performance but also offers flexibility in terms of project variety and working hours. With the rise of digital media, the demand for voice over artists is growing, making it a promising career choice for those interested in leveraging this skill. 

For instance, Glen Holtzer offers voiceover coaching demo production, which is a solid way to put his voiceover experience to work in a different way. And his website is simple but includes prominent testimonials, which help increase its appeal.

26. A digital product store 

We’ve already established you could start your own online store selling physical products. But you can also sell exclusively digital products, if you wish. Sell anything from ebooks to software to digital art. The primary advantages here are the low overhead costs due to the absence of physical inventory management and higher profit margins from the ability to sell unlimited copies without additional production costs.

There’s some solid WooCommerce integrations at your fingertips, too. Besides those already mentioned, you can use WooCommerce Subscription Downloads to offer digital products to subscribers.

27. A homemade craft business

Kicking off a crafts business venture from your own home not only taps into your creative side but also helps keep traditional crafting techniques alive. It’s a great fit for artists and crafters looking for a cost-effective way to reach customers around the world. 

If you plan on taking this route, your initial investments would likely be minimal, since you likely already have the tools to perform the craft anyway. Just set up a website, figure out shipping, and you’re set. You could sell through marketplaces like Etsy, too. 

Coco’s Leather Goods has a simple website with an enticing product gallery that encourages people to get in touch for custom products.

28. A reseller business

Reselling is another business model that offers flexibility, a low initial investment, and the chance to tap into various markets. It’s essentially about buying products at a lower price and selling them at a higher price, but without the need to hold significant inventory or invest heavily in product development. 

The beauty of becoming a reseller lies in the quick setup. You can literally launch your business in a few days with minimal upfront costs. 

29. A content creation business

This business type revolves around producing and distributing valuable and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly-defined audience. And ultimately, the goal here is to drive customers to take action. Content creation allows businesses to establish credibility and authority, engage with their audience on a deeper level, and significantly improve their SEO and online visibility. 

Taking the time to create content that resonates with your audience, whether it’s through blog posts, videos, podcasts, or infographics, can make your brand a thought leader and a go-to resource in your chosen niche​. 

30. A subscription-based newsletter 

Or you could start a subscription-based newsletter. This home business option allows you to offer niche, valuable content directly to an engaged audience. The model thrives on the principle of delivering consistent value, be it through in-depth articles, exclusive updates, or personalized content. 

Unlike ad-supported content, a subscription newsletter gives you the freedom to focus solely on content that benefits your audience, without the need to cater to sponsor demands or dilute your message with advertisements.

You can use the MailPoet to create and manage your paid newsletter subscription service.

31. A transcription company

Starting a transcription service is a solid business idea, too. This is especially the case for those with a keen ear and fast typing skills. It involves converting audio and video content into written text and you can target many business owners and sectors, including legal, medical, and education. 

This business type offers the flexibility of working from anywhere, provided you have the necessary equipment like a computer, reliable internet, a good headset, transcription software, and potentially a foot pedal for efficiency. And a website, too. Metaphrasis is a transcription service that has an attractive website, clear service descriptions, and forms to request a quote. 

32. A makeup artist

Another business model you can start at home is a makeup artist service. It’s a great choice for those who excel in creativity, personal expression, and desire a connection with people. This profession isn’t limited to a single path. You can work on theater productions, help with weddings, partner with influencers, contribute to fashion shoots, and more. 

The key to thriving in this field lies in continuous learning, investing in quality supplies, and effectively marketing your services to build your portfolio and client base. You can also integrate your makeup artist services with an ecommerce platform like WooCommerce, using extensions like Booking Filters for WooCommerce, which helps people book sessions with you and filter your availability based on date, time, and other factors. 

33. A music studio

If you have a passion for music and teaching, offering private music lessons can be an excellent home-based business idea. You can provide lessons for various instruments, such as guitar, piano, violin, or even voice training. The beauty of this business is that you can work from the comfort of your home, and your students can come to you for their lessons.

To get started, you’ll need a dedicated space in your home for teaching, whether it’s a spare room or a sectioned-off area. Ensure that the space is soundproofed to minimize distractions and provide a conducive learning environment. You may also want to invest in quality instruments, music stands, and other necessary equipment. And you can market your business through a well-designed website.

You can look to Gray School of Music as a great example of a website done right with upfront info and intuitive contact forms. 

34. A subscription box business 

Starting a subscription box business from home is another option to tap into a growing trend. People enjoy the convenience and surprise of regular deliveries, so if you come up with an interesting subscription box idea, this could work for you. 

You’ll want to begin by identifying a niche that resonates with specific consumer interests or needs, which could range from gourmet foods, beauty products, or even niche hobbies like knitting. Ensuring your products are well-curated and matched to your audience’s preferences is key for success with a subscription box business.

35. A livestreaming channel 

Becoming a livestreamer involves not just having the right gear but also building a presence and connecting with an audience on platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook. Start with essential equipment like a reliable computer, a quality microphone, and a webcam. These tools will help ensure your stream runs smoothly and your target market can hear and see you clearly. 

Then, engage with your viewers by interacting during streams and on social media platforms to build a community that supports your content. To further build your brand, creating a website to keep all of your stream info in one place is ideal. You can even monetize some exclusive videos and host them on your site using Jetpack VideoPress.

36. A podcast

Another way to monetize your expertise is to start a podcast. You’ll need to plan content, choose the right equipment, and decide on a distribution platform. Initially, focus on defining your podcast’s niche and format. This could range from interviews and discussions to storytelling or educational content. 

Essential equipment includes a quality microphone, headphones, and audio editing software to ensure clear sound quality. Current top platforms include Simplecast, Buzzsprout, and Spreaker.

Once your podcast is up and running, integrating it with WooCommerce can enhance monetization and audience engagement. Extensions like Audio Player for WooCommerce allow your visitors to listen to a clip of your episodes before purchasing them or signing up for a membership.

37. A personal training gym 

You could also start a home-based personal training business. This can be a flexible and rewarding business model that allows you to share your fitness knowledge. First, define your target market and training niche to tailor your services to specific client needs, whether it’s for weight loss, strength training, or wellness. 

Then, take advantage of the home environment to provide schedule flexibility for your clients, which can be appealing for those looking for a convenient setting compared to a public gym​. 1 Body Strength and Conditioning is a strong example, offering personal training and small group training.

38. A professional organization business

Becoming a professional organizer means you build a career out of helping others declutter and systematize their spaces. Initially, while formal education is not mandatory, gaining knowledge in related fields such as business, psychology, or interior design could be beneficial. 

Many successful professional organizers enhance their credentials by obtaining certification from recognized bodies like the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO). Creating a strong online presence with a professional website is important, too, as is using social media to showcase your work. 

39. A bookkeeping company

Another option is to start a bookkeeping business. You do need some technical skills and a bit of strategic planning, but getting started isn’t that difficult. While a degree in finance or accounting is helpful, certifications such as those from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers or National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers can also add credibility when teaching about about personal and business finances.

Set up a dedicated office space in your home — even if only working with clients virtually — along with necessary technology like cloud-based accounting software and a solid website. You can offer your online services on a recurring basis using the Prepaid for WooCommerce Subscriptions extension and allow customers to pay for your bookkeeping services.

40. A book launch

Writing and selling a book is another way to start a home business with minimal upfront costs. Express yourself creatively and potentially reach a broad audience. What’s not to love about that?

You can sell your book on Amazon Kindle Direct or right from your website by setting up an online store. Chunka Mui has an excellent author website with a stylish design and an easy way to get a free book excerpt.

41. A monetized blog

You could always start a blog from home and monetize it, too. To get started, you just need to select a niche that aligns with your passions and is also viable in terms of audience interest. Tools like Google Trends can help you gauge the popularity and profitability of your chosen topic​.

Monetizing your blog can be approached in several ways once you have established a consistent stream of content and started to build an audience. Popular methods include affiliate marketing, sponsored content, selling digital products or services, and Google Adsense.

42. A jewelry shop 

We’ve touched on this idea a bit already in the homemade crafts section, but jewelry is always in demand, too. Whether you create the jewelry yourself, dropship it, or have it printed on demand, this business type has solid profit potential.  

Developing a compelling online store and using platforms like Instagram and Etsy can enhance your visibility and sales. These platforms not only allow you to showcase your products through appealing photography but also provide direct sales channels​. And you can cross-promote by listing products directly on your website, too. Fred Meyers Jewelers offers a great example of this kind of cross-promotion at work.

43. A tour guide website

Becoming a tour guide from home is another viable business idea, especially if you have a deep knowledge of your local area and a passion for sharing it with others. The first step is to decide what type of tours you want to offer. This could range from historical walking tours, specialty tours like food or winery tours, or even city biking tours. Local business owners can consider what their area is known for and use that as a starting point for offerings. 

You can then use platforms like Viator or TripAdvisor to help you reach a broader audience. These platforms allow tour guides to offer their online services to travelers from around the world, and they handle much of the marketing and booking process for you. You can also set up your own website where you accept bookings. 

44. A handyman service

Another option is to start a home-based repair service. If you have skills in fixing things around the house, this is an obvious choice. To get started, you’ll need to decide on the specific types of repairs you will offer, such as electrical, plumbing, or general handywork. It’s essential to obtain the necessary tools and equipment, and depending on the scope of your services, you might also need to get relevant certifications or licenses to operate legally and build trust with your clients.

Do Right, Right Now Handyman Services uses WordPress for an effective website loaded with CTAs, testimonials, and social proof.

45. A home daycare

Starting a home daycare is a rewarding endeavor, particularly for those with a passion for childcare and education. You’ll need to comply with your area’s licensing requirements, of course, which often include safety inspections and background checks to ensure a secure environment for the children.

And you’ll also need to consider the physical setup of your daycare. This includes creating a safe play area, a quiet nap space, and ensuring that all toys and materials are child-safe and conducive to learning and play. Adequate insurance coverage is also necessary to protect your business and provide peace of mind. 

46. A home staging business 

Or you could start a home staging business — from home. Besides the basics like a business plan and proper licensing, you’ll also need to effectively network with real estate agents and build a compelling portfolio of your staging projects to attract clients. 

Your marketing efforts should leverage both digital and traditional platforms, emphasizing visually appealing content on social media to showcase your work and attract a broader audience. You could even use an extension like CartMagician PRO for WooCommerce Augmented Reality to allow customers to see what various changes would look like directly in their homes before booking.

47. A property management company

Another thing you could do from home is start a property management company. You’d be helping property owners manage the leasing and renting process as well as facilitate upkeep. It’s a relatively low overhead operation, as you’re delegating a lot of tasks to qualified providers.

You’ll need software for tracking accounts, rent payments, and documents. A couple of popular options include Buildium and Yardi. Having a solid web presence is important as well for marketing your services. And you can use that to eventually scale up operations just like McCaw Property Management has done in Fort Worth, TX. 

48. A hair salon 

Starting a home-based hairstyling business allows you to flex your creative skills in a personal setting. Before opening your doors, you’ll need to secure the necessary licenses and permits, which typically include a cosmetology license, a general business permit, and possibly a zoning permit depending on your local regulations​. 

Setting up a dedicated area within your home that mirrors the professional feel of a traditional salon can make a positive impact on how your own business is perceived, too. This space should be equipped with a professional-grade chair, a washing station, and styling tools to ensure client comfort and satisfaction​.

You could use the Square WooCommerce extension to accept payments in-person from your clients as well. 

49. A proofreading business

Or you could start a home-based proofreading business if you have a keen eye for detail and a passion for language. To launch this type of business, it’s important to establish a professional online presence that showcases your services, expertise, and rates. Building a website and maintaining active social media profiles can help attract clients who are seeking high-quality proofreading services​.

When setting up your business, consider focusing on a specific niche, such as academic papers, marketing materials, or technical documentation, which can enhance your marketability and allow you to charge higher rates. 

50. A travel planning service

Of course, if you’re passionate about travel and know your way around obscure cities, you could become a travel planner from your home. You don’t need much to get your business started, though some states in the U.S. (like California) require a Seller of Travel license. 

For those using a WordPress site for their business, integrating WooCommerce is a smart idea because you can use it to book sessions with clients. You could even sell package deals using something like the Composite Products extension. Customers can add-on features they want included in their travel plan, like accommodations booking, guided tours, wine tastings, and so forth. 

51. A language instruction or tutoring hub

If you’re fluent in more than one language, you could start a language instruction or tutoring business. Put those linguistic skills to good use! Decide on your target audience and niche first. Will you offer academic tutoring for students, conversational practice for adults, or specialized language training for professionals? 

To run this business from your house, get what you need to provide online tutoring. This includes a reliable computer, high-quality webcam, microphone, and a stable internet connection. Video call software like Zoom or a virtual whiteboard application like Lucidspark can come in handy.

52. A graphic design studio 

A home-based graphic design business is another potential option worth pursuing. Put your creativity to work while helping other businesses realize their vision. You can opt to be a generalist or to have a niche focus like branding, web design, or motion graphics to help set you apart from competitors​.

Your website needs to really stand out and will actually serve as your most important portfolio piece. If you wish to display your pricing, the Product Tables for WooCommerce extension could be particularly useful. It allows you to create a sortable, filterable table of your design services or digital products and would be great for letting potential clients add on features or services to their design order.

53. A smartphone app 

You could always develop a smartphone app from home and sell it. You need to know what you’re doing, first of all, but if you have the tech skills, this can be a profitable choice. Decide on the type of app you want to develop, such as a native app, a progressive web app (PWA), or use an app builder for a no-code development approach. 

Tools like Sketch and Adobe XD are beneficial for creating detailed wireframes and designing an intuitive user interface​. And for the actual development, you can choose which coding language is relevant to your app platform — Swift for iOS or Kotlin for Android.

An app development business like TechAhead creates apps for clients across numerous niches and illustrates this through a cohesive portfolio organized by industry. 

54. A resume critique and consultation business 

Another business you could start from your kitchen table is a resume critique and consultation service. A computer and internet connection is all you really need here, alongside an online presence that highlights your services, client testimonials, and provides a booking system.

Marketing your services effectively is essential for attracting clients. This could include engaging potential clients via social media like LinkedIn, or through content marketing strategies like blogging about career and resume tips. 

You can also network with career centers, colleges, and job fair organizers to reach a wider audience. Let’s Eat, Grandma offers a unique website design for their resume critique and freelance writing services.

55. A massage therapy clinic 

You could also start a massage therapy business from your home. It’ll require careful planning and compliance with legal standards, of course, which typically involves completing an accredited program and passing a licensing exam like the MBLEx. And you’ll need to set up a dedicated space in your home that is comfortable and private, ensuring it is equipped with a professional-grade massage table and relaxing decor.

Your website will need to capture the mood of your business, too. Select a theme that’s pleasing to look at and ensure your credentials, testimonials, and pricing are listed upfront. 

56. A yoga studio 

Another possibility is to start a yoga instruction business. After getting proper certification and selecting a specific yoga niche (like prenatal yoga, power yoga, or therapeutic yoga), you can set about creating classes that meet your target audience’s needs.

To effectively reach and teach your students, establishing a strong online presence is a must. A professional website serves as your virtual studio where students can learn about your classes, schedule, and unique teaching approach. And by adding WooCommerce to your site with Jetpack VideoPress integrated, you can manage and display high-quality instructional videos — and monetize them at the same time. 

One Down Dog offers a variety of options, including in-person classes in a studio or your home, as well as online classes that can be group sessions or private. 

57. An existing business that needs improvement

Buying and improving an existing business is a strategic move that offers several advantages. In some cases, it’ll come with an established customer base, existing supplier relationships, and immediate cash flow. However, this route also comes with potential challenges like inheriting outdated processes or hidden liabilities.

A quick way to acquire a business is to purchase a website on an online platform like Flippa. Select one within your industry of choice at a price that makes sense to you then you can work on improving the site, adding more features, and better targeting its content to your intended audience. 

58. A tech support helpdesk 

You could also offer tech support from your home. If you’re technologically-inclined, this could be a good option for you. Just decide on the specific tech support services you plan to offer, such as 24/7 helpdesk support, network security management, data backup and recovery, or cloud services management and market accordingly.

You can use an extension like Customer Support for WooCommerce to add live chat to your website or you can even set up a booking plugin or extension to allow your customers to set a time to speak with you about their tech issues. 

59. A market research business

Offering market research services is another business you could start from your living room. There’s a lot of ground you could cover here, so niche down as much as possible. Consumer behavior studies or product feedback surveys are two good options. Then customize your offerings to meet what your target market expects.

A well-designed website that highlights your expertise and services is a must, as always. Qualtrics offers market research services and gathers feedback across all niches, which is a potential avenue you could explore as your business grows. 

60. A sustainability consultancy

Still another option is to become a sustainability consultant from home. This would involve a combination of education, experience, and strategic marketing. It would likely benefit you to have a degree in a related field like environmental science, sustainable development, or business sustainability. And building up experience through internships or junior roles in sustainability-focused organizations can also help you establish authority.

But once you’re ready to launch your consultancy, setting up a home office and developing a strong online presence are key steps. Your website should look professional and outline your services, expertise, and past projects. Green Econome offers a simple website that works. The services offered are clear with social proof built in. 

61. A cybersecurity company

Lastly, you could offer cybersecurity services. Make sure you get the required qualifications and certifications like becoming a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) to establish credibility and demonstrate your capability to handle complex security issues. You should also stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies to offer up-to-date solutions for your clients.

Then define the cybersecurity services you’ll offer, like risk assessment, network security management, or incident response. And your website should accurately convey your expertise. A great WooCommerce extension you can use is All Products for WooCommerce Subscriptions, which turns all standard products listed in your store into ongoing subscriptions. This would be a convenient way to offer your services outside of using a booking plugin.

Once you’ve selected the home business idea you’d like to pursue, the next logical step is to collect the tools, services, and platforms you need to get this business up and running. 

Here are a few tools you’ll need to get started:

WooCommerce 

Once you’ve settled on launching your home business, WooCommerce is an exceptionally valuable tool to get your online store up and running. 

WooCommerce, as you likely already know, is a powerful ecommerce plugin for WordPress that allows you to sell anything, anywhere, in an attractive way. It’s the top choice for entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes.

Key features to know about:

• The ability to sell anything. WooCommerce makes it straightforward to sell a wide range of products including physical goods, digital products, or even subscriptions and appointments, directly from your WordPress site.
• A variety of payment gateways. It supports a multitude of payment gateways and options, including major credit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, and cash on delivery. Additionally, WooCommerce is compatible with over 140 region-specific gateways such as Stripe, Amazon Pay, and Square.
• Customizable store designs. With access to tons of Woo-enabled themes and the ability to customize every aspect of your ecommerce experience, WooCommerce allows you to create a store that fits your brand without being a tech expert.
• Extensions and plugins. There are hundreds of free and paid extensions available in the WooCommerce Marketplace that — as we’ve already established — add features like bookings, memberships, dynamic pricing, and more. You can also add more features through WordPress plugins from the plugin directory or through other premium developers. 
• Inventory management tools. WooCommerce comes equipped with tools to help you manage your inventory, including setting stock levels, backorders, and hiding out-of-stock inventory.
• SEO and marketing tools. It also has SEO tools built in that can help your website rank higher in search engine results. And you can add marketing features via plugin or extension to integrate email campaigns and social media accounts.
• Analytics and reporting capabilities. The built-in analytics makes it easy to track sales, reviews, and store performance from your WordPress dashboard.

Jetpack CRM

When setting up a home business, especially one that involves managing multiple customer interactions and sales processes, integrating a customer relationship management (CRM) system isn’t a step you’ll want to skip. Jetpack CRM is one of the standout choices for WordPress users. 

It’s designed to be lightweight and straightforward to use, making it ideal for small business owners who need efficient customer management without the complexity of larger CRM systems.

Key features to know about:

• Contact management. Manage customer details including contact information, purchase history, and interaction notes all from within your WordPress dashboard.
• Invoicing and quotes. Jetpack CRM allows you to create and send invoices directly to your customers. You can also prepare quotes and convert them into invoices upon customer approval.
• Customer segmentation. Group your customers based on various criteria like purchase history, location, or last contact date to tailor your marketing efforts more effectively.
• Extensions and integrations. While robust on its own, Jetpack CRM can be extended with a variety of add-ons that integrate additional features.

MailPoet

If you want to engage directly with your customer base, email marketing is still one of the best ways to do that. It allows for targeted communication where you can promote offers and build long-term customer relationships. MailPoet is a powerful option for those using WordPress, as it allows you to control your email campaigns directly from your website.

Key features to know about:

• Easy integration with WordPress. MailPoet is designed to work with WordPress directly, so you can manage your email lists and campaigns directly from your familiar WordPress dashboard.
• Automated emails. Set up welcome emails, post notifications, and WooCommerce transactional emails automatically.
• Segmentation and personalization: Customize your messages based on user behavior and preferences to improve engagement and conversion rates over time.
• Responsive templates. MailPoet also offers a good selection of customizable templates that look great on all devices.

Google Ads and Google Analytics 

Google Ads and Google Analytics are critical tools for anyone looking to optimize online visibility and track website performance. Using these tools can enhance your marketing efforts and provide valuable insights into your audience’s behavior. 

Google Ads

Google Ads is an advertising platform that lets you run ads across the Google network, which includes in search results, on YouTube, and on thousands of other websites participating in Google’s Display Network. Setting up targeted campaigns here can help you attract more visitors to your website or store when they’re searching for products or services like yours.

Google Analytics

Google Analytics is another essential tool within the Google ecosystem used for tracking and understanding your website’s performance. It provides detailed data about your visitors, including how they found your site, how long they stay, what content they engage with, and their conversion patterns. This info, as you can imagine, can help you to make informed decisions about your digital marketing strategies and optimize your website accordingly. 

For those with WordPress sites with WooCommerce installed, integrating these tools can be streamlined using extensions like Google for WooCommerce. This extension helps you connect your WooCommerce store directly with Google to:

• Sync your products with Google Merchant Center effortlessly.
• Create and manage Google Ads directly from your WooCommerce dashboard.
• Measure the performance of your listings and ads through integrated Google Analytics insights.

Another good option is Google Analytics for WooCommerce, which can help you track user sessions and events to better optimize for conversions. 

A payments provider 

The last key tool we’ll discuss here is the importance of choosing the right payment provider, particularly when it comes to managing transactions. WooPayments is known for its reliability and seamless integration, catering to both online and in-person payment needs.

It offers a streamlined solution designed for WooCommerce specifically and supports various payment methods, including credit cards and digital wallets, and handles multiple currencies. It also facilitates in-person payments, making it a versatile choice.

Integrating WooCommerce Payments can provide real advantages worth noting, like:

• Centralized management. Handle all your payments, refunds, and other transactional activities directly within your WooCommerce dashboard.
• Simplified reconciliation. Keep track of your finances easily with integrated accounting features.
• Enhanced customer experience. Offer a smooth and fast checkout process, which can help increase conversions and customer satisfaction.

Starting a home-based business is a way to bring your entrepreneurial dreams to life in a realistic way. With the flexibility and control that comes from working within your own space, you can harness your creativity and drive toward success — on your terms. Central to this journey is choosing the right platform to build and scale your very own business. 

A WordPress website with WooCommerce integrated stands out as a scalable solution tailor-made for those who want to launch a successful business and manage everything — from processing orders to maintaining inventory to booking appointments — all within the WordPress dashboard.

WooCommerce provides a powerful, accessible framework that supports a variety of business models, including physical and digital products as well as services. And its versatility allows you to customize your online store to your exact needs and preferences. Add in enormous extensibility and you have the recipe for a platform that will serve your home-based business, even if it scales past your living room. 

Looking for more inspiration? Check out these online business examples.

About

Kathryn Marr