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  • 10 beauty business ideas for every aspiring entrepreneur

    Your business ideas deserve a website, secure your domain to begin →   When it comes to starting a beauty business , choosing the right business idea is everything. With this in mind, we’ve put together 10 popular and potentially profitable beauty business ideas to help you make the shift from beautician to entrepreneur and start a business , all while doing what you love. Showcase your services with stunning beauty website design . Got a business idea? Lock down your brand’s domain before someone else does. Wix makes it easy to get your domain, email, hosting and SSL all in one place. Plus you'll get 24/7 support every step of the way. 10 beauty business ideas to start today If you're passionate about the beauty industry, there are many diverse business opportunities to explore. From providing specialized services like makeup artistry and nail care to selling beauty products or offering consultations, these ten business ideas cater to different aspects of the beauty world, offering a range of paths for budding entrepreneurs. Makeup artist Beauty blogging Nail care Beauty salon Beauty reseller Eyelash care Beauty subscription business Beauty consultant Homemade skincare products Hairdressing Tip: Learn how to start a service business  with our guide. 01. Makeup artist Makeup artists skillfully apply makeup to suit various occasions, such as weddings or special events. They select products and techniques based on a client's skin type and preferences. While understanding skin tones is essential, effective communication is equally important, as artists collaborate with clients to meet their expectations and ensure satisfaction with the final look. Be inspired by these makeup beauty examples: Micka Makeup Makeup by Anike Natalie Lucas Studio The advantages of starting this beauty business beat include: Creativity: makeup artistry allows for creativity and self-expression. Talented makeup artists have the opportunity to work on diverse projects and create stunning looks. This creative aspect can be highly fulfilling for those passionate about makeup. Flexibility: as a makeup artist, you can enjoy flexibility in your work. You can choose to work as a freelance artist, be employed by a salon or spa, or even offer mobile services. This flexibility can enable you to balance work with other commitments and tailor your business to your lifestyle. It could even be started as a side hustle or part-time business idea. Growth potential: skilled makeup artists often build a loyal client base through word-of-mouth and referrals. Over time, you can expand your business, offer additional services such as makeup tutorials or product sales or even launch your own makeup product line. Learn more: How to start a makeup line Lower startup costs : compared to many other businesses, the startup costs for a makeup artist are relatively low. You'll need quality makeup products, brushes and tools, but you can gradually build your kit as your business grows. Diverse and interesting client base: makeup artists can cater to a broad range of clients, from brides to models to actors. This diversity in clientele keeps the job interesting and allows you to specialize in different areas if you wish. To succeed as a makeup artist and turn it into a thriving beauty business, it's essential to build a strong portfolio and focus on improving your makeup skills. Additionally, staying updated with the latest beauty trends and products is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge in this dynamic industry. 02. Beauty blogging Beauty blogging is a popular and engaging beauty business idea where individuals share their passion for cosmetics, skincare and various beauty products. Learn more: How to start a beauty blog Beauty bloggers review and recommend beauty products to help readers make informed choices. They earn through affiliate links when readers purchase recommended items. These bloggers offer tutorials on makeup and skincare techniques through detailed videos, images and written content. Engaging with the audience through comments and social media, they foster a community of beauty enthusiasts who share tips and experiences. Here are some advantages of this type of beauty business idea: Passion-driven business: starting a blog is an ideal business for individuals who are genuinely passionate about makeup and skincare. Your love for the subject matter is the foundation of your content, which can resonate with and attract followers. Creative expression: beauty blogging allows for a great deal of creative expression and experimentation. You have the freedom to explore different makeup looks, styles and products with your community of readers. Influence and monetization: with this business idea, you have the potential to become an influencer in the beauty industry. With a sizable and engaged audience, you can collaborate with beauty brands for sponsored posts, affiliate marketing or product endorsements. These collaborations can be monetized. Low startup costs: starting a beauty blog typically requires minimal investment and can be started for free with the Wix Blog Maker . This also makes it a great business idea for students looking to earn extra income around their studies. Scalability: as your blog grows and attracts more readers, you can expand your business into other avenues, such as creating and selling your beauty products, launching online courses or offering personalized consultations. However, it's important to note that the beauty blogging industry can be highly competitive and building a substantial following and monetizing your blog will take time plus consistent effort. 03. Nail care A nail technician, also known as a manicurist or a nail artist, is a beauty professional who specializes in the care and decoration of nails. Learn more: How to start a nail business Nail technicians offer manicures and pedicures, which involve the cleaning, shaping and maintenance of fingernails and toenails. This typically includes trimming, filing and cuticle care. Manicures and pedicures are often complemented by nail polish application and sometimes nail art. Nail business example we love: Alluring Nails Some main advantages of this specific beauty business idea include: Steady demand : nail care is a popular and recurring beauty practice. Many people regularly visit nail salons to maintain the appearance and health of their nails. This creates a consistent and steady demand for nail services, making it a resilient business idea. Creativity: nail technicians have the opportunity to express their creativity through nail art and design. Clients often seek unique and personalized nail styles, providing a platform for artistic expression. Client loyalty : building a loyal clientele is common in the nail care industry. Clients often return for regular maintenance and to try new designs, allowing nail technicians to establish long-term relationships and secure repeat business. Flexible work hours and locations: nail technicians can work in various settings, including nail salons, spas or as independent freelancers. This flexibility allows you to choose a work arrangement that suits your lifestyle and other commitments. Upselling opportunities: in addition to nail services, you can offer additional products and services such as nail care products, nail art tools and retailing nail polish. These supplementary offerings can increase and diversify your revenue. Tip: How to create a nail salon business plan 04. Beauty salon Running a beauty salon requires multifaceted responsibilities. As an owner, you'll manage a team of beauty professionals, ensuring they're well-trained and provide top-notch service. Handling financial aspects, such as budgeting, setting service prices and ensuring smooth operation scheduling, are crucial to maintaining profitability and customer satisfaction. It's about fostering a great work environment, managing finances effectively and streamlining customer appointments for a successful beauty salon business. Beauty salon examples we love: Speak Salon offers hair cuts, highlights and hairstyles for special occasions DG Beauty Salon offers hair and coloring services, eyelash care, nails, waxing and makeup Then there’s the need to create marketing strategies to attract and retain clients. This can involve advertising, social media marketing and special promotions to boost salon visibility. Despite the challenges the following are some of the advantages of starting a beauty salon: Steady demand : beauty services are consistently in demand for a wide range of services, including haircuts, hairstyling, nail care and skincare both for special events and in the day to day. Recurring revenue: satisfied clients typically return for haircuts, color, nails and other services every few weeks, ensuring a steady flow of income. Diverse client base: beauty salons serve a diverse clientele, ranging from young adults seeking trendy styles to older individuals in need of classic grooming. This diversity allows beauty business owners to build thriving businesses. Upselling : salon owners can increase revenue by offering retail products such as haircare and skincare items, styling tools and cosmetics. These products can be upsold to clients, enhancing the overall income of the salon. While owning a beauty salon can be a rewarding business idea, it's essential to be prepared for the challenges involved and the responsibility of managing a team and the day-to-day operations. Learn more: How to make a beauty logo , what is a beauty slogan 05. Beauty reseller A beauty reseller purchases beauty products from manufacturers or wholesalers and then sells them to consumers or retailers. They manage inventory, ensure products are stored well and market/sell to their target audience through pricing, marketing strategies and distribution channels. Here are the advantages of starting this type of beauty business idea: Low startup costs : compared to starting a beauty salon or manufacturing beauty products, becoming a beauty reseller typically requires a lower initial investment. You don't need to develop and produce your own products, which can be costly. Instead, you can start with a relatively small inventory and scale your business as it grows. Focus on making an eCommerce website to sell and then go from there. Learn more: Beauty website examples Consistent demand: the demand for beauty and cosmetic products remains consistently high. People regularly purchase these items for personal grooming and self-care, making it a stable and potentially profitable business. Flexibility : as a beauty reseller, you have flexibility in terms of where and how you sell your products. You can operate online via eCommerce , have a physical store, or even distribute products through partnerships with salons and spas. Industry knowledge: running a beauty reselling business allows you to gain valuable insights into consumer preferences and trends in the beauty industry. This knowledge can be advantageous if you decide to expand your business or create your own beauty brand in the future. While beauty reselling offers several advantages, it's important to research and understand the beauty industry, including regulations, trends and competition. Building strong relationships with suppliers and providing excellent customer service are also essential for success in this business. Looking to sell online ? You might also want to consider beauty dropshipping . 06. Eyelash care An eyelash business specializes in providing products and services related to eyelash enhancement and care. One of the primary services offered by an eyelash business is the application of eyelash extensions. In addition to extensions, eyelash businesses may offer lash lift and tint services. A lash lift involves perming natural lashes to give them a lifted appearance, while a lash tint adds color to the lashes for a more dramatic look. These services are popular among clients looking for a low-maintenance yet eye-enhancing option. Eyelash businesses to be inspired by: Lash Up Beauty Bar Glam Lash Lounge Blacklash Many eyelash businesses also retail a range of lash products, including mascara, eyelash serums, cleansers and other accessories. Providing clients with aftercare and maintenance products is a common practice. Why is it a good beauty business idea? Potential for repeat business: eyelash services often require regular touch-ups and maintenance appointments, which means a consistent stream of repeat business. Clients typically return every few weeks for touch-up services, ensuring ongoing revenue. Upselling possibilities: in addition to providing services, you can sell related products to clients, such as lash serums, cleansers and aftercare kits. These additional sales can boost your income and provide clients with the tools to maintain their lash extensions or lifts. Low barrier to entry: starting an eyelash business typically requires modest startup costs, primarily for training, supplies and equipment. You can start small and expand as your client base grows. Flexible work model and schedule: eyelash businesses can operate in various settings, from home-based or mobile services to standalone lash studios or working within established beauty salons. This flexibility allows you to choose a work arrangement that suits your lifestyle and career goals. While an eyelash business can be a profitable venture, it's crucial to invest in high-quality training and products, maintain hygiene and safety standards and stay updated with industry trends and techniques. 07. Beauty subscription business A beauty subscription business is where customers subscribe to receive beauty products regularly, often on a monthly basis. Beauty subscription businesses then carefully curate and select a range of beauty products to include in their subscription boxes. This involves identifying trending or high-quality beauty items such as skincare, makeup, haircare, fragrances and tools. The selection process is crucial to make sure subscribers receive valuable and appealing products. Learn more: How to start a subscription box business Beauty subscription businesses manage the subscription process, including acquiring new subscribers, processing payments and coordinating the shipping and delivery of subscription boxes. They may offer different subscription tiers or customization options to cater to a more diverse customer range. Why is it a good beauty business idea? Recurring revenue: beauty subscription businesses enjoy a steady stream of recurring revenue as subscribers pay for the service on a monthly or quarterly basis. This model can provide some degree of financial stability and profitability with enough subscribers. Strong customer engagement : beauty subscription businesses have a direct line of communication with their customers, enabling them to gather feedback, tailor product selections and build a community of beauty enthusiasts. This can help with promoting the business and growing the number of subscribers. Scalability: beauty subscription businesses can scale their operations by acquiring more subscribers and expanding their product offerings. As the subscriber base grows, the business can explore customization options and premium tiers to cater to different client segments. While a beauty subscription business offers several advantages, it's important to stay competitive by consistently delivering value, maintaining high-quality product selections and providing excellent customer service. Responding to subscriber feedback and adapting to changing beauty trends is also crucial for long-term success. For Mai Dinh, Founder of House of Suppliez , subscription boxes have proven to be a tried and tested business idea. "A lot of our growth has to do with our subscriptions. We have 7,000 subscribers and every month people, all across the world, are getting our products. Our customers are the best—over 70% are returning customers." 08. Beauty consultant A beauty consultant offers personalized guidance on skincare and makeup. They evaluate a client's skin and suggest skincare products or makeup, such as colors and application techniques, based on the individual's needs. They typically work in stores, spas, or independently for beauty brands, providing advice and product demonstrations. Why is it a good beauty business idea? Long-term client relationships: beauty consulting is built on providing personalized recommendations and guidance, which clients appreciate. This regular one-on-one interaction fosters trust and can lead to loyal, long-term client relationships and a profitable business. Industry growth : the beauty industry is continuously evolving and consumers are increasingly interested in skincare and makeup products. The demand for expert advice and guidance in navigating the vast array of products available makes beauty consulting a valuable service. Diverse work options: beauty consultants can work in various settings, including salons, retail stores, or as independent consultants. The flexibility in your work arrangement allows you to adapt to your lifestyle and goals. While beauty consulting offers many advantages as a beauty business idea, success in this field requires building a strong client base, staying updated with beauty trends and maintaining excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Building a reputation as a knowledgeable and trustworthy beauty consultant is key to a thriving business. 09. Homemade skin care products The core activity of a homemade beauty product business is creating beauty products. This includes selecting natural ingredients, researching and testing recipes and ensuring that the final products are safe, effective and meet quality standards. Entrepreneurs often spend time experimenting with different ingredient combinations to create unique and beneficial products. Homemade skin care business examples we love: Once Upon A Time Soaps homemade soaps, as well as lip and foot balm Cass Style Soaps vegan soaps, candles and bath bombs made from locally sourced ingredients The Bare Bar artisan, environmentally friendly and vegan soaps Fresh and Bubbly handmade soaps Why is it a good beauty business idea? Growing demand: there’s a rising demand for natural and organic beauty products as consumers become more conscious of the ingredients they apply to their skin and hair. Homemade beauty product businesses can tap into this trend by offering clean and natural alternatives to commercially produced items. Creativity: Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to be creative and craft unique products that cater to specific skincare or haircare needs. Homemade beauty product businesses often offer personalized or customized products. Niche markets: Homemade beauty product businesses often target niche or specialized markets, such as customers with specific skin conditions or unique preferences. This targeted approach can result in a loyal customer base. When starting this type of beauty business idea, entrepreneurs should ensure they comply with all legal and regulatory requirements related to cosmetics and skincare. This includes ingredient safety, labeling and adherence to local and national regulations. Additionally, product quality, consistency and safety should always be a top priority when starting a skincare business . 10. Hairdressing A hairdressing business offers various services such as haircuts, coloring, styling and treatments. They may also sell haircare products like shampoos and styling items. This additional retailing of products can generate extra income for the business. Why is it a good beauty business idea? Steady demand: haircare is a consistent and essential aspect of personal grooming for many people. Clients require regular hair services to maintain their appearance, making the demand for hairdressing services steady and reliable. It also tends to be something of a recession-proof business idea , as hair care is always prioritized. Creativity: hairdressing offers a creative outlet for individuals with a passion for hairstyling. Hairdressers can experiment with different cuts, styles and colors and they often enjoy the satisfaction of helping clients look and feel their best. Upselling : in addition to providing hair services, hairdressing businesses can earn additional income by recommending and selling haircare products to clients. Upselling can significantly contribute to the overall revenue. Work flexibility: hairdressers can choose to work in various settings, including salons, spas or as independent stylists. This flexibility allows them to tailor their work arrangement to their lifestyle and career goals. While starting a hairdressing business has numerous advantages, it's essential to invest in high-quality training and adhering to hygiene and safety standards is crucial to ensuring the well-being of clients. Building a reputation as a skilled and trustworthy hairdresser is key to success with this beauty business idea. Tip: How to create a hair salon business plan Other business ideas to consider Consider these service business examples  for service business ideas  and inspiration. Service business ideas Businesses to start with little money Unique business ideas Online business ideas Low-cost business ideas Side business ideas Outdoor business ideas Home-based businesses Mobile business ideas Clothing business ideas Kidswear business ideas Business ideas for teens Family business ideas Part-time business ideas Business ideas for kids Business ideas for teachers Dropshipping business ideas Food business ideas Small town business ideas

  • 29 outdoor business ideas

    Your business ideas deserve a website, secure your domain to begin →   If sunshine and fresh air are always calling your name, then starting an outdoor business is an ideal way to generate revenue while doing what you love. An outdoor business is one that’s conducted either fully or partially outside. Sure, you will need to spend some time indoors completing invoicing or sifting through other administrative tasks, but you’ll spend the majority of your working hours in nature. Even better, outdoor businesses represent some of the least expensive ventures to launch. With many, you only need a limited amount of equipment, a little bit of training and a knockout business website that will draw potential new customers to your company. Where to begin? The possibilities are nearly endless. So, we’ll narrow them down for you. Here’s a look at the top 29 business ideas to give you inspiration for your outdoors business. Looking to take your business online and outside? Try Wix’s website builder on for size. Got a business idea? Lock down your brand’s domain before someone else does. Wix makes it easy to get your domain, email, hosting and SSL all in one place. Plus you'll get 24/7 support every step of the way. 29 outdoor business ideas Outdoor cleaning service Dog walking or training Handyperson service Food truck Event planning Photography Lawn care Landscape architect Mobile car wash Pool cleaning Delivery or courier service Pest control Roofing Carpentry or woodworking Organic farming Solar business Gutter cleaning Drone business Garden center Mushroom farm Beekeeper Outdoor activities guide Outdoor equipment rental Outdoor fitness classes Ski lessons/snowmobile guide Dumpster rental business Junk hauling Sealcoating Board-up services 01. Outdoor cleaning service People and businesses face an ongoing need to keep their homes and companies tidy. You can turn that need into a profit by starting your own outdoor cleaning service. It’s one of the easiest outdoor business ideas to launch. All you need is some basic equipment, such as squeegees, an extension pole or a pressure washer. You can then choose the services you want to offer. You can, for example, offer pressure washing services for sidewalks, siding and stucco. Or, you can start a window washing business. Either way, you can earn a decent living. The average window washing business makes $95,000 in annual revenue , with an 8.4% profit margin. This can also be a great family business idea . Learn more: How to start a cleaning business 02. Dog walking or training As of 2023, 66% of U.S. households (roughly 86.9 million homes) own a pet, with dogs being the most popular choice. This creates a tremendous opportunity for people who love working outdoors and spending time with Fido. Take Los Angeles-based Walk on the Wild Side , for example. Dog walking is arguably one of the best businesses to start with little money . It also creates a quick path to profitability. One study shows that pet owners will pay an average of about $22 for every 30-minute walk , and you can grow your business by adding services like dog training or pet sitting. While not all your training or sitting gigs will be outdoors, you’ll still get the chance to enjoy some fresh air as you earn a living. This also works well as a small town business idea or as a part-time business idea during the weekends and evenings. Learn more: How to start a dog walking business Business ideas for teens 03. Handyperson service In nearly half of all U.S. families, both spouses work full-time . That means they have precious little time to handle small repairs inside and outside their homes. By starting a handyperson service, you can market your fix-it talents to homeowners and help them ease their stresses. When it comes to outdoor handyperson work, you can do deck repairs, patch and paint exterior walls, or work on irrigation systems. You can also split your time outdoors and indoors, offering everything from plumbing and drywall repair to electrical work and tile installation. The average self-employed handyperson can make between $51,000 and $110,000 per year after expenses, with some specific tasks fetching up to $200 per hour. Learn more: How to start a handyman business 04. Food truck Imagine never having to miss your favorite outdoor festival or carnival again. That’s the power of starting your own food truck business. You can set up shop anywhere—in a bustling business district, at a popular street fair or at a beloved community event. Food trucks offer amazing flexibility. You choose your own schedule and the type of food you serve. You can run a coffee cart, offer tasty treats like cupcakes or ice cream, or offer unique and delicious African or Indian dishes. It’s a potentially lucrative business as well, with 50% of all food trucks generating $150,000 or more in annual revenue . You will need some cash to start, however, with used trucks generally costing between $40,000 and $80,000 . Learn more: How to start a food truck business 05. Event planning Let’s say you don’t just want to attend a memorable party. Instead, you want to be the one who throws the party. Event planning allows you to do just that. In this role, you’ll select the right venue, order the food and manage every aspect of an event. You can plan outdoor weddings (like Oh the Details, Darling ), children’s birthday parties, painting classes—almost any type of gathering you can imagine. You’ll need an eye for detail and a knack for management in order to make this type of business successful. At the high end, wedding planners can earn up to $85,000 a year . Startup costs range from around $2,000 to $7,000 . Learn more: How to start a party planning business 06. Photography Even in a day and age where nearly everybody has a high-resolution camera on their smartphone, people still hire professional photographers to mark major milestones in their lives—births, weddings and graduations among them. With a photography business, you can help people choose the right outdoor venue and deliver stunning pictures that will create lifelong memories. You could work as a resort or wildlife photographer. Or you could take photos at weddings and other outdoor events. You will need to buy a high-quality camera and supplies, which could run as high as $15,000 . Many photographers pay themselves a salary between $25,000 and $75,000 . Learn more: How to start a photography business 07. Lawn care That grass outside never stops growing, so it seems. But neither does the lawn care market, which is expected to reach an astonishing $65.36 billion by 2028 . That’s why starting a lawn care business is one of the best outdoor business ideas in 2026. One estimate shows that a startup should make a minimum of $50,000 in revenue, while established lawn care businesses average close to $300,000 a year . Startup costs generally range between $10,000 and $50,000 . If you have a single mower and live in a densely populated area, you could start your business relatively inexpensively. But as you expand your market beyond your neighborhood, you’ll need to buy additional equipment, along with a truck and trailer to haul your tools to your clients’ properties. 08. Landscape architect An ideal way to add value to your lawn care business—and grow your profits—is to add landscape architecture services, which alone earns a median salary of $98,300 in the U.S. This unique niche includes designing the front yard and backyard paradises of your clients’ dreams. Landscape architects help with grading and stormwater management. They also design treelined beds and rock gardens, and they plan the location for sidewalks and pathways. As a landscape architect, you can sell your unique services to businesses, individual homeowners or municipalities. Be sure to include stunning photos of the beautiful yards you design on your website to attract more customers. 09. Mobile car wash How can you combine your love of the outdoors with a passion for high-end automobiles? Consider opening a mobile car detailing business. You travel to your customers’ homes or businesses, wash their cars in their parking lots and driveways, and then head off to the next job. One of the most compelling reasons to start a mobile car wash business is the low cost of entry, which can be as little as a few hundred dollars. Revenues can start around $25,000 in your first year and grow to $75,000 per year or more as you expand your business. Need help keeping track of your mobile car detailing jobs? When you build a website with Wix, you can use Wix scheduling software to manage your calendar and book appointments. Learn more: How to start a car wash business 10. Pool cleaning What do hotels, apartment complexes, resorts and homes all have in common? Swimming pools. And because both guests and property owners love the look and feel of clear, blue water, they’re always on the lookout for high-quality pool cleaners. So, if you live in a warm climate, starting a pool cleaning business will let you absorb plenty of sunshine and keep you busy. Top-notch pool cleaners can make $80 to $100 per hour . You can also grow your income by adding pool maintenance services. Most pool cleaning companies cost around $2,000 to start . You can grow your pool cleaning business with an attractive website—see the No Bull Pool Guys for an example—and integrate Wix Payments to accept payments online. 11. Delivery or courier service If you have a reliable and insured car, you can earn money quickly by starting your own delivery or courier service. You can hook up with an app like Grubhub , DoorDash or Instacart and deliver food or groceries to customers in your area. Or, you can deliver products for local companies as a hired contractor. While making deliveries is one of the most popular side business ideas , you can grow it into a full-time pursuit by adding vehicles, drivers and routes, too. 12. Pest control Termites, rodents and insects aren’t just creepy. They can also cause serious damage to homes and businesses. That’s why pest control companies are always in high demand. Most treatments involve spraying pesticides both inside and outside a facility, which means you’ll still get to spend time outdoors while doing your day-to-day-work. You can start a pest control business for around $12,000 , which will include the cost of equipment and chemicals you’ll need to eradicate pests. The industry brings a healthy average profit margin of about 60% . 13. Roofing As long as you’re not afraid of heights, being a roofer is an excellent outdoor business to start. For one, you’ll be outside nearly 100% of the time. For another, every single building needs a roof, so there will be a constant demand for your services. Most roofing contractors make between $50,000 to $100,000 annually , although about a quarter of them earn as much as $200,000. You’ll need to obtain a contractor’s license to get started. Startup costs run between $6,500 and $13,000 . 14. Carpentry or woodworking If you have a talent for turning a block of wood into a beautiful house or a stunning bed frame, you have what it takes to start a business. You can work as a carpenter, which means you’ll be outside framing new construction or preparing wood for installation. Or you could start a business as a woodworker and make your own chairs, tables and kitchen cabinetry. It takes an average of $10,000 to acquire the tools and equipment you’ll need to succeed as a carpenter or woodworker. Self-employed carpenters make about $81,000 on average , while woodworkers’ incomes are typically based on the amount of products they sell each year. 15. Organic farming Are you ready to put your green thumb to good use? Then starting an organic farm might be the best outdoor business idea for you. The organic food and beverage market is worth $208 billion , with double-digit growth predicted over the next seven years. Which makes it a great way to make money as a farmer. Of course, you will need at least some land to make this business a reality. You’ll also need to decide what types of organic fruits or vegetables you’ll want to grow, and you’ll need annual certification. But grants are available to help you get started. You can begin with a small farm and sell your products at local outdoor farmers’ markets, or even offer farm memberships like Catskill, New York-based The Lo Farm . Or set about making an eCommerce website and sell your produce from there. Organic farmers can expect to make between $30,000 to $120,000 per year. Learn more: How to start a farming business , Eco-friendly products 16. Solar business Growing concerns about climate change has led home and business owners worldwide to investigate renewable and sustainable energy sources. This has created an increasing demand for solar energy, a $189.5 billion market expected to grow at a 15.7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2030. If you’re wondering how to start a business that cashes in on the solar craze, you can consider selling solar panels on commission. Solar sales representatives make about $65,000 on average . You can then expand your business by adding installation services to your solar panel offering. However, solar is one of the more expensive businesses to start, with costs running between $45,000 and $140,000 . 17. Gutter cleaning Experts recommend that homeowners clean their gutters at least twice a year . But not everyone has time to do it on their own, and if a homeowner doesn’t have an extension ladder in their garage, it may be impossible. When you start a gutter cleaning business, you can serve this market and generate regular income, all while enjoying the outdoors. Relatively low startup costs (often less than $2,000 ) make this an attractive option for entrepreneurs on a budget. The amount of revenue you’ll generate will depend on how many jobs you book, with some gutter cleaning companies making $200 to $300 per day depending on the season. 18. Drone business One of the more unique business ideas when it comes to spending time outdoors is starting a drone-related company. Skilled drone pilots can offer their services in numerous ways. You could offer commercial or residential building inspections. Alternatively, you could sell drone photography and advertising services. Your startup costs will depend on how many drones you expect to use, with professional drone prices ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 each . Drone pilot salaries average between $60,000 and $100,000 . 19. Garden center If you’d rather grow flowers and plants in your garden instead of fruits and vegetables, then you can still make money with an outdoor business idea. Starting a garden center or nursery brings a wealth of options. You can sell your flowers and plants to customers at an outdoor market or farm stand, or you can sell them directly to other florists. Startup costs range widely from $2,000 to $100,000 or more . Small nurseries can make anywhere between $7,000 to $40,000 annually . As you scale your business by expanding your garden or even building a full-fledged greenhouse, you can boost your income potential exponentially. 20. Mushroom farming Did you know that mushrooms are big business? The mushroom industry is expected to reach $19.63 billion by 2028 . And they’re not just for eating: one of the biggest reasons for the industry’s growth is the increased use of white button mushrooms in medical research. You can carve out your own share of this booming market by starting a mushroom farm, like San Bernardino County-based Deep Creek Mushrooms . Equipment and supply costs average between $3,000 and $7,000 . Profit margins often hit 80%, allowing small farms to potentially bring in as much as $84,000 in annual revenue. 21. Beekeeper Talk about an outdoor business idea that generates lots of buzz. With a beekeeping business, you maintain your own beehives. You can then earn revenue by selling the honey that your bees produce. You can also consider offering other services, such as rehoming bees from businesses and houses and placing them back into nature, where they can continue their valuable work pollinating plants and flowers. A beekeeping business is one of the cheapest to start, with first-year costs averaging between $500 to $700 . Beekeepers typically make about $40,000 per year . Your income will likely depend on how many hives you manage and how much honey your bees produce. 22. Outdoor activities guide What if you could turn your favorite outdoor activity into a profitable venture? With an outdoor adventure business, you can serve as a guide for people who want to explore activities like fishing, hunting and rock-climbing. You can teach people how to canoe or kayak. Or you can show them the best hiking trails in your area. For most outdoor adventure businesses, you’ll need to obtain appropriate licenses and insurance. You may also need to buy equipment depending on the type of adventures you’ll offer. Expect to make a profit margin of around 20% . 23. Outdoor equipment rental People can’t take everything with them when they go on vacation. That’s why an equipment rental business can offer a quick path to profitability. You can consider renting almost any type of recreational equipment—from bicycles or boats to jet-skis and stand-up paddleboards. Your startup costs and revenue potential will depend on the type of equipment you choose to rent. A camping equipment business, for example, may cost about $10,000 to get off the ground, but could lead to revenues of $100,000 or more. 24. Outdoor fitness classes Yoga at the beach, anyone? Starting an outdoor fitness class allows you to offer your services in a variety of gorgeous settings and help people improve their overall wellbeing. For example, you can offer your clients circuit training, kickboxing or Pilates classes. Getting certified as a personal trainer or yoga instructor is a good way to start this type of business. Outdoor fitness classes can generate between $10,000 to $30,000 in revenue for just a couple months’ work. And while they’re a popular side hustle, they also could be a full-time business depending on the weather and demand in your particular region. 25. Ski or winter sports instructor If you live in a cold-weather area and wonder how to come up with a business idea that will let you enjoy the outdoors, winter sports might be a nice fit. You can offer ski lessons at a local resort, teaching children, adolescents and adults how to glide, turn and stay safe. You could even offer consulting services helping new skiers find the right gear, like Ski Pros Online . Ski instructors earn an average $41,000 per year in the U.S. Alternatively, you could start a snowmobile adventure tour or rental business and connect tourists with the right equipment and trails that will allow them to have fun while enjoying spectacular views of nature. 26. Dumpster rental business Starting a dumpster rental business brings a surprisingly large amount of opportunities to would-be entrepreneurs. Home builders use temporary dumpsters when building new residential neighborhoods. So do corporations that build new offices and warehouses. Homeowners and house flippers need dumpsters for major renovation projects. You will need a roll-off truck in order to start this type of outdoor business, which means you’ll likely need between $75,000 to $200,000 in startup capital . If you rent three dumpsters a week, you can potentially reach $78,000 in revenue in your first few years. 27. Junk hauling You’ve heard the phrase “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” With a junk hauling business, you can turn people’s unwanted goods into profits. You can start with just one truck and a highly functioning website, or you can choose to franchise for a national junk hauling company. An investment of between $2,000 and $10,000 can help you launch your own junk hauling business, with annual profits of $150,000 or more possible. 28. Sealcoating All those outdoor elements—sun, rain, snow—can cause wear and tear to driveways. You can help homeowners protect their pavement by starting a sealcoating business. Experts recommend that homeowners sealcoat their driveways every two years , which means you’ll have plenty of potential customers. You’ll need a sealcoating kit to start, which can run between $5,000 to $10,000 . Most sealcoaters charge $125 an hour , and the faster you scale your business, the more income you’ll stand to generate. 29. Board-up services If you’re wondering how to start a company with just a few sheets of plywood, a hammer and some nails, then board-up services might be a perfect opportunity for you. You can launch this type of outdoor business for $2,000 or less . Board-up services help protect people’s homes and businesses from vandalism after fire, water or storm damage. They also help keep properties safe during large-scale renovation projects. This can be a lucrative business, with some board-up service employees making $90,000 per year . More business ideas for inspiration : B2B business ideas Reselling business ideas Business ideas for couples Kidswear business ideas Business ideas for teens Business ideas for teachers Recession-proof business ideas

  • 20 part-time business ideas you can start anytime

    Your business ideas deserve a website, secure your domain to begin →   The idea of starting a business might seem like a daunting task, especially when faced with the demands of a full-time job or other commitments. However, there's an alternative business idea that's gaining momentum – part-time businesses. These ventures offer flexibility, freedom and a chance to turn your passions into profit. Whether it's learning how to start a website or exploring other creative outlets, you don't need to leave your day job to get started. In this article, we'll delve into 11 part-time business ideas and explore some of the most common and popular options. From creating a website to finding your niche, we’ll discuss the reasons why embarking on a part-time business venture could be the key to unlocking your entrepreneurial spirit and financial success. Learn more: How to choose a business idea Got a business idea? Lock down your brand’s domain before someone else does. Wix makes it easy to get your domain, email, hosting and SSL all in one place. Plus you'll get 24/7 support every step of the way. 20 part-time business ideas to start alongside your day job Whether you're looking to boost your income, follow your passions or simply add more excitement to your life, a part-time business might just be your ticket to a more rewarding professional life. Here are some weekend side hustle ideas to consider: Dropshipping Making and selling crafts Print on demand Tutoring Consulting Virtual assistant business Freelance writing Freelance web design Fitness services Dog walking Blogging Photography Catering Coaching Event planning Affiliate marketing Social media management Livestreaming Graphic design Personal fitness training 01. Dropshipping Dropshipping is a method of retail where an online store doesn't keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, when a store sells a product, it purchases the item from a third party and has it shipped directly to the customer. In essence, the store acts as a middleman and the product never passes through the hands of the seller. Learn more: How to start a dropshipping business Dropshipping can be a great part-time business idea for several reasons. It doesn't require a significant upfront investment because you don't need to purchase inventory. This makes it an accessible option if you’re looking to start a business on a limited budget. With dropshipping business ideas , you can run your business from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection and a computer. This flexibility allows you to work around your existing job or other commitments, making it an ideal part-time business. You also won't need to worry about storing, packing or shipping products. This means you can focus on marketing and growing your business rather than dealing with the logistics of it. It also means there is no need to invest in physical storage for inventory. Dropshipping enables you to offer a wide range of products without the constraints of physical inventory. You can adapt your product offerings easily to meet market demand or seasonal trends and pivot quickly to meet this demand or change in demand. Dropshipping allows you to test different products and niches to find what works best for your audience without a significant financial commitment. It's a great way to explore your entrepreneurial interests and find your niche. Be inspired: eCommerce business name ideas At the same time, because you don't purchase inventory upfront, you won't be stuck with unsold products. This minimizes the financial risk often associated with traditional retail businesses. Ready to run with this part-time business idea? You can set up an online store quickly and easily using an eCommerce platform such as Wix. Learn more: Automated business ideas It's important to note that while dropshipping offers several advantages as a part-time business idea, it also has its challenges both as a business idea and eCommerce model. These include often tough competition, managing customer expectations, finding reliable suppliers and ensuring a high level of customer service. Success in dropshipping often requires market research, ongoing entrepreneurial learning and a commitment to delivering quality products and services to your customers. 02. Making and selling crafts A craft business involves creating and selling handmade, artisanal products. Crafters typically make a wide variety of items, including jewelry, candles , soap, home décor, clothing and accessories. A craft business can be operated online and in physical locations such as craft fairs, markets and boutiques. If you have a passion for crafting and creating, starting a craft business allows you to turn your hobbies and creative skills into a profitable venture. It's a business that can be easily aligned with your interests and talents. Many craft businesses can be launched with relatively low startup costs. You may already have the necessary crafting supplies and tools and you can often start small and gradually invest in additional materials as your business grows. It can also be done from home which reduces startup costs. Many craft businesses are home-based, which keeps overhead costs low. You don't need a dedicated retail space and many crafters manage their inventory and orders from home. Be inspired: Craft business name ideas Craft business ideas Jewelry business name ideas Candle business name ideas Clothing business ideas Sell crafts online Crafting can be done at your own pace and on your own schedule. It's an ideal part-time business that you can operate alongside your job or family. You have the freedom to work when and where it suits you. While a craft business can start as a part-time endeavor, it has the potential to grow into a full-time business if you choose to expand. As your brand and customer base grow, you can increase your product offerings and sales channels. Listen to your customers along the way and build out your business accordingly. “As a good starting point, talk to your customers and target buyers. Ask what they like or dislike about your products. Take their feedback in stride and take the time to truly listen, as opposed to rebutting any criticisms with your own witty remarks.” Founders, Darby Pritchards It's important to remember that the success of a craft business requires more than just creativity and a love for crafting. Effective marketing, pricing and business management are also essential components of a thriving craft business. By combining your crafting talents with sound business strategies, you can turn your part-time craft business into a fulfilling and profitable venture. Crafting businesses we love: Sena Runa Artworks Handlebend Mystic Ocelot Bliss with Clay 03. Print on demand A print-on-demand business is one in which custom products, such as clothing, accessories, home decor are created and printed only when an order is placed. It’s a form of eCommerce and it allows entrepreneurs to sell a wide range of personalized and unique products without the need for inventory or large upfront investment. Learn more: How to start a print-on-demand business One of the most significant advantages of a print-on-demand business is its low barrier to entry. You don't need to invest in large quantities of inventory, equipment or a physical store. This makes it an accessible option for those looking to start a part-time business with limited funds. With a print-on-demand business, products are manufactured and shipped on demand, so you don't need to worry about storing, managing or holding inventory. This reduces the risks associated with unsold goods and means you don’t need to invest in storage. You also don't need to invest in printing equipment or machinery. The print-on-demand partner handles the printing, quality control and shipping, saving you time and resources. With this part-time business idea you can create and sell customized products, enabling customers to add their own designs, text or images. This level of personalization can set your business apart and foster customer loyalty. “And I think that the world is headed towards personalization, which I know has been a topic for a long time. But I think that the data we have available and the way we use that data to really understand what the consumer is looking for and to put the right product in front of them is going to continue to have a lot of legs.” Shanna Tellerman, Founder and CEO of Modsy, a groundbreaking interior design technology startup. Running a print-on-demand business provides flexibility in terms of working hours. You can manage your business and fulfill orders according to your schedule, making it an ideal part-time business. Get started with a print-on-demand business with Wix. While a print-on-demand business offers numerous advantages, it's always important to conduct market research, explore compelling designs and implement effective marketing strategies to succeed in this competitive space. By leveraging both your creativity and business acumen, you can turn your part-time print-on-demand business into a fulfilling and profitable venture. 04. Tutoring A tutoring business involves providing educational instruction and support to students, typically on a one-on-one basis or in small groups. Tutoring can help students improve their academic performance, gain a better understanding of subjects and develop effective study skills. Learn more: How to start a tutoring business Tutoring is a rewarding part-time business idea for those looking to make a positive impact on the lives of their students by helping them achieve their educational goals. It can be personally and professionally fulfilling to witness their progress and success. It can also be a profitable business as there’s a constant demand for tutoring services, as students of all ages seek assistance to excel in their studies, prepare for exams and overcome academic challenges. Tutoring can be scheduled around your availability, making it a great part-time business that can be managed alongside other commitments such as a full-time job, like teaching, (check out these business ideas for teachers or how to make money as a teacher ) or school commitments. It can also be started with minimal overhead costs and limited resources. It’s a part-time business idea that can be conducted in person or online and you can potentially attract students from all over the world to your services. Tutoring business examples we’re inspired by: Astute Tutors It’s Tutoring Time St. George Tutoring It's important to have a strong understanding of the subjects you plan to tutor, as well as effective teaching techniques and strategies. Additionally, consider the legal and regulatory requirements for tutoring businesses in your area. With dedication and a passion for education, you can turn your part-time tutoring business into a rewarding and profitable endeavor. Tip: How to create a tutoring business plan 05. Consulting A consulting business involves providing expert advice and guidance to individuals, businesses, or organizations in a specific industry or field of expertise. Consultants are typically experts in their respective fields, possessing specialized knowledge and experience. They use their knowledge and experience to help clients solve problems, make informed decisions, improve processes and achieve their business goals. Consultants might advise companies in their marketing, accounting or business management and human resources. Be inspired: Consulting business ideas , Consulting business name ideas Consulting offers flexibility in terms of working hours. You can take on clients and projects as your schedule permits, making it an ideal part-time business that can be managed alongside other commitments, such as a full-time job, another business or family obligations. Many consulting businesses can be launched with minimal overhead costs. You generally need only a computer, internet connection and professional liability insurance, as well as expenses for marketing and promoting your venture. Then as you gain experience, build your reputation and develop a client base, you can scale your consulting business by taking on more clients or expanding your service offerings. Consulting businesses we love: Elsey Consulting To succeed in consulting, even just part-time, it's important to have a solid understanding of your chosen field and to develop strong communication, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Additionally, you should consider legal and regulatory requirements for consulting businesses in your state. Tip: How to create a consultant business plan 06. Virtual assistant business A virtual assistant (VA) business involves providing administrative, creative, technical or support services to clients remotely. Virtual assistants usually offer a wide range of services, including email management, data entry, social media management, content creation and bookkeeping business services amongst others. Learn more: How to start a virtual assistant business There are many advantages to this type of part-time business idea. Chief amongst them is the fact that virtual assistants can work from almost any location with an internet connection, which provides the flexibility to manage a VA business alongside other commitments, such as a full-time job or family responsibilities. This type of business can be launched with minimal overhead costs. You'll need a computer, internet connection, software tools and a phone, making it a cost-effective business to start. Even with these limited resources you can offer a variety of services across different industries and markets. Then as your part-time business grows, you can choose to take on more clients, offer additional services, or hire subcontractors to handle the workload thus scaling your business to a level that suits you. Virtual assistant business examples to inspire your part-time venture: 3rd Party Virtual Assistance Innovative Virtual Assistance To succeed as a virtual assistant, it's essential to possess strong organizational, time management and communication skills. You should also consider legal and tax requirements for running a virtual assistant business in your area. Tip: How to create a virtual assistant business plan 07. Freelance writing As a business idea , freelance writing involves providing writing services to clients on a project-by-project or contract basis. Freelance writers create various types of content, including articles, blog posts, web content, social media posts, marketing materials and reports. Because freelance writers have the flexibility to set their own work hours and take on assignments that fit their schedules, it’s a popular part-time business for those with other commitments, whether work or family. It can also be done from anywhere, either from home or even while traveling. Starting a freelance writing business requires minimal overhead costs. You need a computer and internet connection, chances are you already have both and won’t need to invest in anything initially to start your part-time business idea. Freelance writers often work with clients from around the world, which broadens the potential market to a global one. To succeed as a freelance writer, it's essential to have strong writing skills, time management and effective communication. Building a diverse writing portfolio and marketing your services effectively can also help you attract clients. Freelance writing can be a rewarding part-time business for those who enjoy writing and the freedom to manage their own work schedules. Tip: Create a successful freelance website 08. Freelance web design Freelance web design involves offering web design and development services to clients on a project-by-project basis. Freelance web designers design and build websites for individuals, businesses, organizations and other clients. In today's digital age, the demand for web design services is consistently high, as businesses and individuals seek to establish and maintain a strong online presence. Freelance web designers can set their own schedules and take on projects that fit their availability, making it a suitable part-time business for those with other commitments. Most web design can be done from anywhere with an internet connection, enabling you to work from home or while traveling. Web design as a part-time business idea allows for creative expression and artistic design, making it an attractive business option for those with a passion for design and aesthetics. To succeed as a freelance web designer, it's essential to have strong design skills, knowledge of web development technologies, time management, communication and self-discipline. Building a portfolio and marketing your services effectively can help you attract clients. Freelance web design can be a rewarding part-time business for those who have a passion for web development and design. 09. Fitness services As a part-time business idea, a fitness business involves offering fitness-related services and products to help individuals improve their physical health and well-being. This business can encompass various activities and niches, including personal training, group fitness classes, nutrition coaching and selling fitness equipment or supplements. Learn more: How to start a gym business There are plenty of advantages to launching a fitness business as a part-time venture. With a growing emphasis on health, wellness and keeping fit, such services are in growing demand. If you have a genuine passion for fitness, starting a fitness business can be a fulfilling way to share your enthusiasm and help others achieve their health and fitness goals. You can offer your services according to flexible scheduling making it feasible to operate part-time and alongside other commitments. Be inspired: Fitness business name ideas Gym business name ideas Depending on the type of fitness business you choose, it may be possible to launch with minimal overhead costs, especially if you can run your services from home or public spaces. Some fitness instructors often use community facilities or parks for their classes. Some fitness services can also be conducted online, allowing you to work with clients remotely and expand your reach. To succeed in the fitness industry even part-time, it's important to have the necessary knowledge of fitness and nutrition, excellent communication and motivational skills and some understanding of business management. Whether you offer personal training, group fitness classes, or online coaching, a part-time fitness business can be a rewarding and profitable way to share your passion for fitness and help others lead healthier lives. Tip: How to create a gym business plan 10. Dog walking Dog walking is a service where individuals or businesses offer to take dogs out for walks, exercise and play for their owners. Dog walkers typically help pet owners who may have busy schedules, limited mobility or other commitments that prevent them from providing their dogs with regular exercise. Learn more: How to start a dog-walking business If you have a genuine love for dogs and enjoy spending time with them, starting a dog-walking business can allow you to turn your passion into a part-time income. It's also a great business idea for teens. Dog walking examples that we love: Walk on the Wild Side Doggone It Xtreme Dog Walking Dog walking offers flexibility in terms of working hours. You can manage your schedule and take on clients as your availability allows, making it a suitable part-time business alongside other commitments. With this, the startup costs for a dog-walking business are relatively low. You may need basic supplies like leashes, waste bags and possibly business insurance. Remember to seek legal advice before starting any type of business. Tip: How to create a dog-walking business plan To succeed with this part-time business idea, it's important to have a genuine love for dogs, an understanding of dog behavior and basic pet care skills. 11. Blogging Blogging involves creating and regularly publishing written, visual, or multimedia content on a website , known as a blog. Bloggers share their insights, opinions, expertise or interests on a wide range of topics and they often engage with their audience through comments and by sharing their posts on social media. Learn more: How to build a blog Blogging allows you to express your creativity and passion for a particular topic, while also finding opportunities to monetize it through running ads, subscription content and affiliate marketing. Blogging is the perfect opportunity for us to build trust and authority with our users. Some people may consider blogging only as a nice piece of content but I think that it goes beyond this. I believe that it’s a relationship that you're building with your readers where you can share with them useful tips, quotes from experts and your experience on a given topic. Clemence Arthur, SEO Manager at Wix.com Blogging offers flexibility in terms of when and where you work, allowing you to manage your blog alongside other commitments, such as a full-time job or family responsibilities. Many blogs are started alongside a full-time job and in a blogger's spare time. Bloggers can operate their business from home or anywhere with an internet connection, making it easy and simple to start. Get started with the Wix Blog Maker . You can blog about a wide variety of topics, from personal interests to niche subjects, making it possible to cater to diverse audiences and markets. Be inspired: How to start a Mom blog How to start a beauty blog How to start a craft blog How to start a fitness blog How to start a health blog How to start a coaching blog To succeed in blogging, it's important to consistently produce high-quality content, understand your target audience and effectively market your blog. While blogging can be enjoyable and potentially profitable, it's important to note that building a successful blog often takes time, dedication and consistency with posting and updating your content. 12. Photography A photography business involves offering photography services to clients for various occasions or purposes, such as weddings, portraits, events and commercial or artist projects. Photographers capture and create images that convey emotions, tell stories and capture moments in time. If you have a passion for photography and a creative eye, a photography business allows you to express your artistic vision while also earning an income. Photography offers flexibility in terms of scheduling, making it a suitable part-time business that can be managed alongside other commitments, such as a full-time job or family responsibilities, or studying. Check out these other business ideas for students . You can start a photography business with relatively low startup costs. While professional equipment is an investment, you can begin with the equipment you already have and gradually upgrade. As a photographer, you can operate your business from home, a home studio, or a dedicated office space, eliminating the need for physical inventory. To succeed with this part-time business idea, it's essential to invest in quality equipment, develop your technical and artistic skills and effectively market your services. Depending on your chosen niche and location, you may also need to understand legal and regulatory requirements for operating a photography business. 13. Catering A catering business involves preparing and serving food and beverages for various events and occasions, such as weddings, corporate gatherings and parties. Caterers provide a range of services, including menu planning, cooking, food presentation and sometimes event planning. If you have a passion for cooking and culinary skills, a catering business allows you to showcase your talent and creativity combined with flexibility in terms of scheduling, as you can take on events and projects that align with your availability. This is what helps make it a suitable part-time business idea. You can start a catering business with minimal overhead costs, as you may already have a kitchen and basic cooking equipment and you can start this business idea from home. Initial expenses are largely ingredient and marketing-related. As your culinary skills and client base grow, you can gradually take on more events or expand your services, such as offering cooking classes or food delivery. Examples of catering or food businesses you can start: How to start a food prep business How to start a frozen food business Food business ideas Catering business name ideas To succeed in catering as a part-time business idea, you should have a passion for cooking, culinary training or experience, good time management, strong organizational skills and excellent communication with clients. Additionally, consider legal and regulatory requirements, such as food safety regulations and licensing, in your state. 14. Coaching A coaching business involves providing guidance, support and expertise to individuals or groups seeking personal or professional development. Coaches help clients set and achieve goals, overcome challenges and improve their skills, performance and well-being. Coaching offers flexibility in terms of working hours. You can conduct coaching sessions according to your availability, making it a suitable part-time business alongside other commitments. Launching a coaching business requires minimal overhead costs. You may need a phone, computer, internet connection and marketing materials, to keep expenses low. You can operate a coaching business from home or any location with the necessary communication tools, eliminating the need for physical office space or other expenses. This also gives more freedom and ability to adapt to changing market demands and emerging trending products , addressing new challenges and opportunities without large risks involved. To succeed with coaching as a part-time business idea, it's important to have strong communication, listening, empathy and interpersonal skills. Additionally, you should consider training and certification requirements, as well as understanding any legal and regulatory requirements for coaching businesses in your state. 15. Event planning Type of business that involves the organizing and coordinating of various aspects of events and special occasions, such as weddings, parties, corporate meetings, conferences and other social gatherings. Event planners work closely with their clients to design, plan and execute events, ensuring that all details, from venues and catering to entertainment and decorations, are perfectly orchestrated. Learn more: How to start a party planning business Event planning can be a fun part-time business idea to start as it allows you to apply your creativity while using your strong organizational skills to execute memorable events for people and families within your community. For the most part event planners can choose when to work and manage their time effectively, making it a suitable part-time business alongside other commitments. You can also choose to specialize in various event types, such as weddings, corporate meetings, birthday parties, or cultural celebrations, providing a broad range of services to clients. Or hone in on a niche and become an expert planner in that. Event planning businesses to be inspired by: Pop Tier Party Solutions Social Peanut Planning The Peachtree Party Planner As your event planning skills and client base grow, you can gradually take on more projects, larger events, or additional services, such as destination events or corporate team building. To succeed with event planning as a part-time business, it's important to have strong interpersonal, negotiation, problem-solving and communication skills. Event planners should also consider legal and regulatory requirements in their area, as well as potential liability insurance. By combining your creativity and organizational skills with effective strategies, you can establish a part-time event-planning business that is fulfilling and profitable. Tip: How to create a party planning business plan 16. Affiliate marketing   Earn while you sleep—literally. Affiliate marketing is a great way to generate passive income by promoting products and earning commissions on sales. The trick is to pick a niche you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s tech gadgets, fashion or wellness. Sign up for programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale and start sharing product recommendations through blogs, social media or YouTube. To boost earnings, focus on SEO and audience engagement. Write honest reviews, create comparison guides and make tutorials that offer real value. Email marketing and social media can also help increase conversions. Authenticity is key—people can tell when a promo isn’t genuine, so only recommend products you believe in. Affiliate marketing won’t make you rich overnight, but with consistency, it can grow into a solid income stream. Start with free traffic sources like Google and social media before testing paid ads. Track your progress, make adjustments and watch your commissions grow—all without needing to manage inventory or customer service. 17. Social media management   Every business wants to be easily found and recognized on the internet. but not everyone has the time or skills to make it happen. That’s where you step in. As a social media manager, you’ll help brands create content, schedule posts, engage with their audience and grow their following. If you love crafting captions, analyzing trends and brainstorming viral posts, this could be the perfect side hustle for you. Start by building a portfolio—run your own social pages, help a small business or offer free trials to gain experience. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn all require different strategies, so focus on the one that fits your strengths. Use graphic design tools for visuals, scheduling software to plan posts and AI assistants for fresh content ideas. With the right skills, social media management can turn into a profitable business. Monthly retainers bring steady income and, as you gain experience, you can charge premium rates. Stay on top of algorithm changes, try new content styles and bring creative ideas to help your clients stand out from the crowd. 18. Livestreaming   If you love sharing your passions in real-time, livestreaming can be an awesome part-time gig. Whether you're gaming, teaching, hosting Q&A sessions or reviewing products, platforms like Twitch, YouTube Live and Facebook Gaming offer plenty of ways to earn—through ads, sponsorships, donations and affiliate marketing. Create a regular streaming schedule so your audience knows when to tune in and interact with them live to build a loyal community. As your following grows, you'll unlock more monetization options like subscriptions, super chats and brand deals. Building an audience takes time, but with a strong niche and quality content, livestreaming can turn into a reliable income stream. Invest in good lighting, a solid microphone and topics your audience loves. 19. Graphic design     From logos to social media graphics, businesses are always on the hunt for great designs. If you’ve got an eye for visuals and know how to use design tools, graphic design is a flexible and creative way to earn extra cash. Finding clients is easier than you’d think. Freelancing sites are a great place to start, but connecting through social media or word-of-mouth can lead to even better opportunities. You can offer packages for branding kits, social media templates or marketing materials. Highlight your best work in a well-crafted online portfolio. As your skills grow, you can charge higher rates or specialize in areas like UX design or brand identity. 20. Personal fitness training   Whether you work with clients in person or online, you can offer personalized workout plans, accountability coaching and expert advice to keep them on track. Getting certified through programs like NASM, ACE or ISSA can boost your credibility and help you charge higher rates. Not sure where to start? Try working with friends or family to build experience, then promote your services on social media. Share workout videos, success stories and fitness tips to attract new clients. You can offer one-on-one sessions, group classes or online coaching through platforms like Zoom or fitness apps. With more people focusing on health and wellness, the demand for personal trainers is growing. You can set your own schedule, create digital products like meal plans or workout guides and grow your brand as you gain experience. Other business ideas to consider Service business ideas Businesses to start with little money Unique business ideas Online business ideas Low-cost business ideas Side business ideas Outdoor business ideas Home-based businesses Mobile business ideas Small town business ideas Kidswear business ideas Family business ideas Rental business ideas Recession-proof business ideas DIY business ideas Cleaning business ideas Music business ideas Restaurant business ideas Black Friday business ideas Part-time business ideas FAQ What are the easiest and cheapest businesses to start? Freelancing: Offer your skills on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Consulting: Advise clients based on your expertise, even if it's within your day job domain. Blogging or vlogging: Share your knowledge and passion online and potentially monetize through ads or partnerships. Tutoring or teaching: Share your academic or professional knowledge online or offline. Selling unused items: Declutter your home and generate income through platforms like eBay or local yard sales. Can you run a business part-time? Yes. Many successful businesses started as part-time ventures. Key aspects for making it work include: Time management: Plan and prioritize tasks efficiently to make the most of your limited hours. Setting boundaries: Avoid overworking and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Utilizing technology: Leverage online tools and automation to streamline tasks and maximize productivity. Scaling gradually: Start small and grow your business steadily, reinvesting profits back into its development. How do I start a part-time business? Here's a general roadmap for launching your part-time business: Brainstorm ideas: Identify your skills, passions and available time. Research potential markets and competitors. Develop a plan: Define your target audience, value proposition and pricing strategy. Create a financial forecast and marketing plan. Get legal and financial ducks in a row: Understand local business regulations and permits. Set up a business bank account and choose a business structure. Build your presence: Create a website or online store, establish social media profiles and consider networking with potential clients. Check out these best small website builders  to get started. Start small and scale gradually: Test your idea with a limited initial investment and refine your approach based on feedback and market response. Which businesses are best for part-time? Finding the best part-time business depends heavily on your skills, interests and available time. However, some types lend themselves well to a flexible schedule: Service-based businesses: Freelancing in writing, editing, graphic design, virtual assistance or coaching allows you to set your own hours and rates. Online businesses: eCommerce stores, dropshipping, affiliate marketing, or creating and selling digital products (e.g., eBooks, online courses) can be managed remotely. Creative pursuits: Etsy shops selling handmade crafts, photography, music production or online teaching cater to specific skills and can be scaled gradually. Task-based work: Dog walking, pet sitting, house cleaning or handyman services offer quick bursts of income within flexible schedules. How much time do I need to dedicate to a part-time business? The time required to run a part time business idea varies by business type but could start from 10-20 hours week. Its best to start small and scale gradually. You'll need to really be on top of your time management and ability to prioritize. How can I turn my hobby into a part-time business? To turn a hobby into a part-time business you'll need to: 1. Assess the market demand 2. Develop a clear business plan 3. Set competitive pricing 4. Create a unique brand identity 5. Build a website 6. Start small, grow gradually 7. Network in your niche 8. Improve your business skills continuously 9. Consider all legal requirements 10. Balance your passion with profitability What are the risks associated with starting a part-time business? The main risks of starting a part-time business are: 1. Financial loss 2. Time management challenges 3. Work-life balance issues 4. Potential conflict with primary job 5. Market fluctuations 6. Competition 7. Legal liabilities 8. Burnout 9. Slow growth 10. Inconsistent income 11. Tax complications How do I scale a part-time business? To scale a part-time business: 1. Automate your processes as much as possible and as early as possible 2. Outsource tasks where you can afford to 3. Expand product/service offerings as quickly as you can manage 4. Increase marketing efforts where it works 5. Hire part-time help once you can afford it 6. Leverage technology and other tools 7. Reinvest profits back into growing your business 8. Set growth targets every step of the way How can I turn my weird hobby into a profitable business? 1.Identify your hobby's unique value Document what makes it fascinating List special skills required Note existing competition (or lack thereof) 2. Find your target audience Join online communities around your niche Connect with fellow enthusiasts on social media Look for complementary interest groups 3. Start monetizing Create tutorials/online courses Sell specialized products/services Offer consulting/coaching Host workshops/events Create content around your expertise When is being too niche actually perfect for a part-time business? So, being too niche is perfect for a part-time business when: 1.You serve a passionate micro-community willing to pay premium prices Example: Custom dice for left-handed D&D players 2.There's minimal competition due to specialized knowledge Example : Vintage typewriter repair for collectors 3.You can dominate search results for specific terms Example : "Vegan pet birthday cakes" 4.The market is small but highly engaged Example : Historical costume accessories for specific time periods

  • 11 fun business ideas for kids

    Your business ideas deserve a website, secure your domain to begin →   Starting a business as a kid is a fun and rewarding way to learn new skills and make extra money. A good business idea for a kid should be safe, age-appropriate and match their resources. It’s even better if it sparks creativity, teaches responsibility and gets them excited about being their own boss. If a kid loves painting, crafting or designing, there are tons of fun and simple business ideas for young artists. They could also try running a lemonade stand, offering dog walking services or making and selling homemade treats. From tutoring younger kids to creating handmade custom gifts, there are so many ways to turn interests into a small business while gaining valuable life skills along the way. Got a business idea? Lock down your brand’s domain before someone else does. Wix makes it easy to get your domain, email, hosting and SSL all in one place. Plus you'll get 24/7 support every step of the way. 11 business ideas for kids to start today Inspire your kids with these 11 fun business ideas. From baking to blogging, these ventures teach important life skills while making some extra cash. Encourage your young entrepreneurs to dive into the world of business. Baking business Car washing Dog walking Lawn care Craft business eCommerce business Blogging Photography Lemonade stand Party planning Cleaning business 01. Baking business A baking business involves preparing and selling baked goods such as cookies, cupcakes or brownies. This is an excellent business idea for kids because it combines creativity and practical skills. Baking encourages kids to experiment with recipes and develop their culinary talents. It's a fun and enjoyable way for kids to earn money while providing delicious treats to the community. Plus, the learning opportunities in terms of time management, money handling and customer service are valuable skills for young entrepreneurs. Learn more: How to create a bakery business plan 02. Car washing A car wash business for kids involves cleaning and washing cars, either at a customer's home or office or in a public space. This is a great idea because it requires minimal investment, primarily consisting of cleaning supplies and a bucket with sponges. Kids can offer car washing services to their neighbors or family members and grow their customers through word of mouth and referrals. It also teaches responsibility as they need to manage their time effectively to meet customer appointments. Learn more: How to create a car wash business plan 03. Dog walking A dog walking business involves taking pets, usually dogs, for regular walks and exercise. This is an ideal business idea for kids who love animals and have a responsible nature. It not only allows kids to spend time with furry friends but also teaches them valuable lessons in responsibility and time management. As an added benefit kids can develop strong bonds with the dogs they care for. This business can be low-cost to start, requiring only basic pet care equipment and it can be marketed within your local community. It's a great way for kids to earn money while staying active and nurturing a love for animals. Learn more: How to create a dog-walking business plan 04. Lawn care A lawn care business involves providing services such as mowing lawns, weeding and landscaping . This is an excellent business idea for kids who enjoy working outdoors and physical activity. Lawn care not only keeps kids active but also teaches them about basic landscaping and gardening while fostering a sense of responsibility for the environment. Kids can start small by offering services to neighbors or family members and as they gain experience, they can expand their clientele. Learn more: How to start a lawn care business 05. Craft business A craft business involves creating and selling handmade items such as jewelry , artwork, candles or other craft products. It's an excellent business idea for kids with a creative flair. Craft businesses allow kids to turn their hobbies into a source of income. Creating and selling crafts fosters skills in design and problem-solving. Crafting businesses can be started with minimal investment in supplies, making it accessible for kids and it's a great way to share their artistic creations with a broader audience. Be inspired: Craft business ideas , Craft business name ideas , Sell crafts online 06. eCommerce business An eCommerce business involves selling products or services online, typically through making an eCommerce website or via an eCommerce platform like Wix. This is a great online business idea for kids who are tech-savvy and have a passion for entrepreneurship. Be inspired: eCommerce business name ideas , Dropshipping business ideas Kids can sell a wide range of items, from handmade crafts to collectibles or second-hand items. An eCommerce business can be managed and run from home, offering convenience and flexibility. If kids have a particular grasp for the graphic design for an eCommerce business website, then it's also good to see if making money as a graphic designer is a relevant option. Learn more: How to start an eCommerce business How to start a dropshipping business How to sell online 07. Blogging Blogging involves creating and maintaining a website, known as a blog, where individuals regularly write and share articles on various topics. Starting a blog is an excellent business idea for kids who are passionate about writing, have expertise in a particular subject and want to express their creativity. Learn more: Website creation for kids Blogging can help kids develop their writing skills, research abilities and digital literacy. It's an opportunity to share their unique perspectives and insights with a broader audience, helping them learn about effective communication and audience engagement. It can also be monetized through advertising, affiliate marketing, or sponsored content, teaching kids about monetization strategies and financial responsibility. Get started with the Wix Blog Maker . 08. Photography Photography is a perfect business idea for kids who have a keen interest in visual storytelling and artistic expression. A photography business allows kids to explore their creativity and develop their skills in capturing moments and telling stories through images. Whether they’re interested in portrait photography, landscape photography or niche areas like macro photography, it offers numerous avenues for self-expression. Be inspired: Photography business name ideas Photography also encourages kids to learn about technical aspects of equipment and image editing as well. Moreover, it's a business that can be initiated with relatively low start-up costs and can eventually lead to income through selling prints, offering photography services or participating in art exhibitions. Learn more: How to create a photographer business plan 09. Lemonade stand A lemonade stand is a classic and straightforward business idea for kids. It involves setting up a small stand or booth to sell lemonade to passersby, typically in front of a home or at a local event. It’s a great and fun way to learn about budgeting, as they need to purchase supplies like lemons, sugar and cups and to gain hands-on experience with pricing, marketing and customer service. A lemonade stand also provides an opportunity to interact with the community, enhancing social and communication skills. It's a low-cost and fun way for kids to experience the basics of business and it can instill a sense of responsibility and independence. Check out these other food business ideas , some of which might work well for kids too. 10. Party planning Party planning is a business idea that involves organizing and coordinating events such as birthdays, weddings or other special occasions. While this may be a more complex endeavor for kids, it can be a good idea for older kids who are organized and creative. Party planning teaches kids important skills in organization, time management and communication as they work with clients and vendors. It allows them to express their creativity through theme selection, the choice of decor and entertainment. Kids can also develop budgeting and negotiation skills as they source and manage various aspects of the event. Although this business idea may require more parental guidance and initial investment, it can provide valuable entrepreneurial experience and encourage considerable creative thinking. Learn more: How to create a party planning business plan 11. Cleaning A cleaning business involves providing cleaning services for homes or businesses. Kids can offer cleaning services that may include tasks including vacuuming, dusting or home organizing. Kids can learn about pricing and budgeting as they set rates and manage their earnings. While safety and supervision are essential, this business can be an excellent way for kids to earn money, particularly from neighbors or family friends who may appreciate the help. Cleaning can also be a great recession-proof business idea . Learn more: How to create a cleaning business plan Other business ideas to consider Service business ideas Businesses to start with little money Unique business ideas Online business ideas Low-cost business ideas Side business ideas Outdoor business ideas Home-based businesses Mobile business ideas Kidswear business ideas Business ideas for teens Small town business ideas Family business ideas Rental business ideas Part-time business ideas What is a good business idea for kids? Any business idea  should align with your child's interests and passions. This ensures they stay motivated when it comes to their business. The business idea should also provide an opportunity for the child to learn new skills, such as money management, customer service and basic marketing. Safety should be a top priority. Make sure the business idea is safe for both the child in charge and their potential customers. Avoid ideas that involve sharp objects, hazardous materials or any potential risks to health and well-being. If they want to start a food business , parents or guardians will need to make sure they adhere to health and safety regulations and any relevant food licensing laws. Parental involvement and support are crucial, especially for younger kids. Parents can help with guidance, transportation and supervision. The child should feel like they have a reliable support system. Be mindful of keeping the start-up costs low. It's essential that the child can finance the business using their allowance or savings. Consider the local market and target audience when choosing a business idea . What products or services are in demand in the neighborhood or among friends and family? For instance, if there's a need for after-school tutoring, a child who excels in a particular subject can offer tutoring services. Encourage your child to take responsibility for their business. This should include time management, scheduling and the importance of delivering on promises to customers. It can also be a great opportunity to teach kids about ethical business practices and social responsibility. For example, they can consider donating a portion of their profits to a charitable cause or using eco-friendly materials in their products. Remember that the primary goal of a business for kids is not just to make money but also to instill valuable life skills, such as responsibility, creativity, financial literacy and a strong work ethic. From fun to profit: business ideas by age group Fun hustle ideas for young kids (ages 6–9) : At this age, simple and fun businesses are a great way to start. Kids can set up a lemonade stand, sell homemade crafts like friendship bracelets or painted rocks, help neighbors with basic chores like watering plants, or even try pet sitting for small, easy-to-manage tasks. The focus here is on activities they enjoy while learning responsibility and basic money skills. Creative startup ideas for tweens (ages 10–12) : Tweens are ready for slightly more responsibility and creative ventures. They can bake and sell cookies, offer pet sitting for family friends, or start a small business creating and selling digital artwork or stickers. This is a great age to explore their interests while learning how to manage money and time. Exciting ventures for teens (ages 13–15) : Teens can handle more complex business ideas that align with their hobbies or skills. They might babysit, tutor younger kids in subjects like math or music, mow lawns, or create content for social media platforms like YouTube or Instagram. They can also make and sell customized products like t-shirts, jewelry or handmade goods. Entrepreneurial opportunities for older teens (ages 16–18) : With more independence, older teens can tackle larger business opportunities. They can offer freelance services like babysitting, photography, graphic design or coding, or start selling their own products locally or online. At this stage, teens can focus on building real-world skills like branding, marketing and scaling their ideas into something bigger. Learn more: How to start a business , Weekend side hustles Business ideas for kids FAQ Do kids need a business plan? It's a good idea to have a simple business plan outlining the business idea, target customers, pricing and expenses. It doesn't have to be as detailed as an adult's business plan but can serve as a guide. Is parental supervision required for children who want to start a business? It depends on the age and maturity of the child. Younger kids may need more supervision, while older kids may handle more aspects on their own. Parental guidance is important to ensure safety, legality and financial responsibility. Do kids need permits or licenses for their businesses? Depending on the business and location, permits or licenses may be necessary. Check with local authorities to determine if any permits or licenses are required. Are there any legal restrictions for kids who want to run a business? Legal restrictions vary by location and state. It's important for parents to ensure their child's business complies with local laws, including labor laws and health and safety regulations.

  • 100+ best service business ideas

    Thinking about starting a business  but not sure what to sell? A service business might be the perfect fit—low startup costs, flexible options and endless opportunities. With more people outsourcing tasks and looking for convenience, demand for service-based businesses is growing fast. If you're creative, a problem-solver or a hands-on expert, there's a service business that fits your skills. From digital marketing to home organizing, pet care to personal coaching, the service industry is thriving online and offline. This guide explores some of the best service business ideas that are profitable, in demand and easy to adapt to your lifestyle. Service business ideas With consumers wanting convenience more than ever, many look to hire people whose skills and talents match their specific needs. Consider the following service business ideas  as you prepare for your big entrepreneurial break into this thriving industry and create a small business website  that will support you along the way. Personal and wellness service Academic consulting services Marketing and sales Technology maintenance and repair B2B services Event service business Home maintenance and repair Legal and financial services Health and wellness services Elderly and disability care services Childcare and family services Sustainability and eco-friendly services Creative and artistic services Customer service business ideas   Personal and wellness service business ideas 1. Fitness trainer 2. Yoga instructor 3. Meditation instructor 4. Makeup instructor 5. Hairdresser 6. Skin care specialist 7. Personal chef 8. Barbershop 9. Nail technician 10. Male salon 11. Online medical consultation 12. Professional coaching 13. Alternative medicine practitioner 14. Registered nutritionist 15. Real estate consultant 16. Baby consultant 17. Doula 18. Parenting expert 19. Children's entertainment service 20. Pet grooming 21. Bicycle repair shop 22. Cleaning service 23. Car wash service 24. Car repairs 25. Dry cleaning 01. Fitness trainer Not only do you spend all your time at the gym, you’ve also trained others and have helped them get results using your exercise techniques. With the help of a powerful fitness website , you’ll be able to manage your own classes and provide the best experience for your clients. Learn how to start a gym business and how to start a fitness business . 02. Yoga instructor From Vinyasa to Hatha yoga, you’ve already been thinking outside the mat and onto ways you can change other people's lives. Becoming a yoga instructor means that you’ll be working to enhance the well-being of those who come to your classes and watch them blossom into full-fledged yogis. Then, you can create a health and wellness website to promote your brand to get as many new clients as possible. Learn how to productize your services to make the choice easy for your customers. 03. Meditation instructor As a meditation teacher, you can work with clients one-on-one or lead meditation sessions and retreats. You will show students meditation's benefits and guide them on their own spiritual paths. This ancient service traced back over thousands of years in India, is done from the heart in hopes of bettering the world. 04. Makeup artist You’ve got boundless creativity when it comes to beauty and the skills to match it, too. Whether it’s helping a bride look picture perfect on her big day or styling models for photoshoots, you’ll always strive to make a positive impact on your client’s most important moments. Learn more about how to start a makeup line. 05. Hairdresser Among the most rewarding service business ideas, being a hairdresser lets you meet all kinds of people and even enjoy a nice chat in between the blow dryer. You can use your knowledge of hair types, coloring and hairstyles to build a fulfilling career in this industry. This also works well as a small town business idea . 06. Skin care specialist Cleansing, exfoliation, waxing and laser treatment are all part of your line of work. As a skincare specialist, you assess the condition of a client’s skin, like how to reduce the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles, and then perform relevant treatments. In most U.S. states, you’re also required to complete an esthetician program to obtain a license to practice. Learn how to start a beauty business. 07. Personal chef A personal chef cooks in private residences, dinner parties and even major events in clients’ lives. Aside from having culinary experience, personal chefs need certain skills for their service business to blossom. These qualities include creativity, time management and business acumen. Learn more about how to start a food business or how to start a coffee shop . 08. Barbershop Barbers are not only specialized in cutting hair and shaving necks and faces, they're also great at connecting with clients by paying attention to the smallest detail. 09. Nail technician For clients, having their nails done is about gaining a fun experience vis-à-vis how they are served. After all, many consider getting a manicure as a kind of indulgence. In this field, you’ll also want to stay on top of all cutting-edge nail trends to ensure that clients leave feeling chic. Learn how to start a nail business. 10. Male salon In certain locations, there is a demand for high-end male grooming that goes beyond the regular services of a barber. As a result, male salons offer a line of luxury grooming options for cosmopolitan men, including wet shaving, skincare and bronzing. You can get started by creating a salon website that is sure to wow your clientele. 11. Online medical consultation Among the most essential service business ideas today, online medical consultation lets doctors perform important duties, like giving prescriptions and using intelligent symptom-checking methods to examine their patients thoroughly while being remote. It’s a great addition to healthcare websites . 12. Professional coaching If you're trying to come up with a business idea and grow professionally, look no further. At its core, coaching is about the development of a person. Your job is to enable businesses and people to achieve their career goals using different techniques, like role-playing exercises or simulations. Learn how to start a coaching business. 13. Alternative medicine practitioner Homeopathy, traditional medicine, chiropractic and acupuncture are all different types of alternative practices that complement conventional medicine. As these forms of treatment become more mainstream, alternative medicine practitioners are finding new opportunities to reach a diverse clientele. 14. Registered nutritionist With the help of a registered nutritionist, people can lead healthier lives, which plays a significant role in our well-being. While one needs to have a bachelor’s degree to become a registered nutritionist, advanced degrees are also highly recommended and most U.S. states require licensure to practice. Learn how to start a food prep business Food business ideas 15. Real estate consultant A real estate consultant helps clients through the process of buying and selling property and offers an array of specialized services, including market analysis, lease management and assets. A real estate agent can also help property owners navigate the world of renting out their homes for investment purposes. Some estate agents, with their own knowledge of the industry, may also choose to buy and rent property as a service business idea of their own. You may also set up your practice to offer these services to clients on an hourly basis. Learn more: How to start a consulting business How to start a rental property business Rental business ideas 16. Baby consultant Every parent wants to unlock the secrets of their baby, like how to make them fall asleep and other troubleshooting issues. A baby consultant offers their expertise on the matter and coaches parents to better understand their babies so everyone wins. You could also consider supplementing this service business idea, by selling baby-related products and items with an eCommerce business model. To do this you'll need to make an eCommerce website . 17. Doula A doula acts as an educator, mentor and advocate for clients during child labor. With so many couples looking to bring their own doulas to their birth and delivery experience, this is among the fastest-growing service business ideas. 18. Parenting expert From breastfeeding to managing kids’ daily curveballs, parenting experts possess knowledge in child development, education, psychology and communication. Parenting experts can run the gamut of working with families to create personalized parenting plans, to authoring best-selling parent manuals. This can also be a great family business idea . 19. Children’s entertainment services To become a competitive and successful children's entertainer, you need to adapt your acting, puppetry, musical and dancing talents to your shows. Of course, you should also have a passion for working with children and have strong interpersonal skills. Your availability must include weekends and holidays. 20. Pet grooming Pet owners don’t just love their pets, they want to spoil them, too. Today, one doesn’t need a physical location to open a pet grooming business. Instead, groomers are taking their services to their client’s homes to ease a nervous pooch or fidgety cat in need of a cut or wash. Learn how to start a dog walking business . 21. Bicycle repair shop You’ve got to inspect, diagnose and fix your client’s bike so that they can get back on the road as quickly as possible. Your experience is built on the job, where you’ll learn how to repair even the most advanced problems. As a result, you not only know how to deal with all types of bikes, like mountain, racing or road bikes, but you’re also caught up on the latest technology in the industry. 22. Cleaning service Mopping, vacuuming and dusting are your specialties. Offering cleaning services is also a great way to make fast money with little investment to start and whip untidy homes or offices into shape. Cleaning also tends to be a great recession-proof business idea , as it's always in demand. Learn how to start a cleaning business or how to start a pressure washing business . Then create a specialized logo with a Cleaning Logo Maker . 23. Car wash service Seeing no shortage of vehicles on the roadway, there’s always a car in need of washing. With the proper equipment and maintenance, you can create a lucrative car wash service designed for your community. This can also be a great teen business idea , for teenagers wanting to start a business. Learn how to start a car wash business . 24. Car repairs “It is better to travel in hope than arrive in despair,” said the late “Car Talk” radio co-host Tom Magliozzi. This is exactly what drives a petrolhead like yourself to provide top repair service and vehicle maintenance so that no client of yours faces their own road of “despair.” Learn how to start a tow truck business or how to start a car detailing business . 25. Dry cleaning It takes a pair of serious steamers, an endless supply of stain removers and an unstoppable determination to kick off a career in dry cleaning. Today, many clients are also looking to become more environmentally friendly when it comes to choosing their service providers, so be sure to offer biodegradable plastic bags and minimize waste. Learn how to start a laundromat business . Academic consulting services business ideas 26. Homeschool teacher 27. Online tutor 28. College application consultant 29. SAT and ACT tutoring and preparation 26. Homeschool teacher Homeschool teachers’ responsibilities can include creating engaging lesson plans, educating children with special needs and teaching a subject area. On your service website, don’t forget to state your academic degrees and specialized training to stand out as a qualified candidate. 27. Online tutor Get paid to teach people your favorite subjects and passions. Tutors support student’s learning and ensure they achieve their potential in school. You can teach online from anywhere and create your own schedule. This is an easy business idea for teachers to start. Learn how to start a tutoring business. 28. College application consultant Colleges are more selective than ever—and the application process has become more stressful. A college application consultant guides students and parents through these difficult experiences. Many families are ready to hire those with invaluable insights and high acceptance rates. 29. SAT and ACT tutoring and preparation Many students need special prep for these standardized tests, and specialized tutors can provide an important service for college-bound students. From algebra to writing and reading, the SAT and ACT require familiarization and strategy to get results. Marketing and sales service business ideas 30. Website designer 31. Graphic designer 32. Technical writer 33. Content writer 34. Editor and proofreader 35. Ghostwriter 36. SEO strategist 37. Social media consultant 38. Email marketing specialist 39. Online advertising consultant 40. Brand ambassador 30. Website designer So many people want to improve their online presence and may look for a website designer to help them out. Known for being creative and technical in their craft, web designers work closely with clients to build them the most powerful tool in today’s competitive landscape—a fast-working and professional website. Connect with clients via the Wix marketplace . This also has the potential to be a very scalable business idea as you increase the number of clients you have. 31. Graphic designer Creativity is crucial for this service business idea and so is having a good eye for details. As a graphic designer, you’ll have an avenue from where to bring your best ideas to life and sharpen your problem-solving skills with the challenges that arise. 32. Technical writer Technical writing is organized by facts, research and easy-to-understand explanations. There are different types of technical writing including medical, financial and scientific document writing, as well as how-to manuals. 33. Content writer In the digital age, the demand for top-quality content is rapidly increasing. That’s good news for content writers who are deadline-driven and persistent in their goal to create the most engaging and valuable content, usually in the form of blog posts, websites, digital marketing and white papers. A great way to self-publish and get your content out there is by creating a blog . 34. Editor and proofreader As critical readers, editors offer suggestions to improve and polish writing. Proofreaders then come in with their keen eye to catch every typo that might spoil the reading experience. Both play essential roles in the editorial process, thus are always in demand. 35. Ghostwriter Generally referred to someone who writes a piece uncredited, ghostwriters can earn quite well compared to other writing freelancers. To do your job effectively, you’ll need to work out the differences between how your client’s voice sounds from how they read. 36. SEO strategist Businesses and professionals alike will benefit from having an SEO strategist at their side to help drive more traffic to their websites. SEO, or search engine optimization, is the process of optimizing web pages, so they rank better on search engines like Google. This highly profitable skill is key to creating a powerful online presence. 37. Social media consultant Serving as the voice of businesses across social networks, social media consultants run campaigns, write posts, drive sales and work to improve overall engagement on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. This service business is considered among the best jobs in the U.S. today. 38. Email marketing specialist Marketing a service can be challenging, but with an estimated 3.9 billion email accounts worldwide, businesses are now using them to reach prospective customers via their inboxes. An email marketing specialist designs emails and writes content that will nurture leads and sales for companies, digital marketing agencies and other clients. 39. Online advertising consultant The role of an internet advertising consultant is to create an advertising strategy for clients. Knowing how to advertise online is key to being able to successfully compete against other business sites. As a result, these companies are looking to hire a consultant who will help them build the right plan for them. Learn how to make money online 40. Brand ambassador A brand ambassador acts as a paid spokesperson in an attempt to sway a target audience to buy a company’s service or product. Though celebrities are usually associated with this lucrative practice, almost anyone with a large enough social media following can now become a micro-influencer and make money from it. Expert tip from Sebastian Diaz Mojica , International Growth Manager at Wix: "It’s essential to collaborate with brands in whose product or service you genuinely believe. This authenticity shines through the shared content. Don’t hesitate to ask for creative freedom to present the brand in a way that resonates with your audience, while maintaining your own personal tone of voice." Technology maintenance and repair business services ideas 41. IT support service 42. App developer 43. Computer repair service 44. Data management consultant 45. Software installation service 41. IT support service Combine your communication skills with specialized technical and computer experience and you’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Companies are always looking to hire extra hands with this kind of resume. It’s a job that can be done at any time. 42. App developer As an app developer, you’re likely to collaborate on many exciting projects or ideas. Being fluent in common programming languages is a must and knowing basic software design is a huge plus. The app business is booming with more than 592 million day apps downloaded in 2020, according to the latest app usage statistics . 43. Computer repair service Fixing faulty computers and equipment like printers and scanners, testing systems to make sure they work, is all part of the job of a computer repair technician. This valuable service is sought by businesses and individuals alike. 44. Data management consultant As a data management consultant, you’re expected to manage an organization’s data systems and networks and analyze the data requirements. Typically, jobs in the field of data management require a bachelor’s degree or training in a program on data analysis or systems diagnostics. 45. Software installation service You’ll install computer software and make sure all programs are properly functioning. You’ll also be offering support when issues arise. Duties include running diagnostic software and updates, as well as configuring various types of vital programs for your client. B2B service business ideas 46. Translator 47. Virtual assistant 48. Bookkeeper 49. Data analyst 50. Freelance researcher 51. Live chat operator 46. Translator In a highly globalized marketplace, a translator will successfully help clients overcome language barriers and improve overall communication. There’s nothing more inspiring than making sure the right message is heard. 47. Virtual assistant A virtual assistant provides clients with the extra support they need to manage emails, daily schedules and other administrative tasks. Furthermore, you'll need to be intuitive when it comes to meeting all your client’s needs and can enlist the help of online tools to streamline a number of administrative tasks. Learn how to start a virtual assistant business. 48. Bookkeeper Bookkeepers manage account records, write financial reports and monitor revenue, spending and invoices for clients. This job also involves skills like paying attention to detail, problem-solving and being highly organized. It can also qualify as a B2B business idea . Learn how to start a bookkeeping business. 49. Data analyst Your expertise is analyzing and solving hard problems. A data analyst also gathers and interprets data, knowing that employers will rely on this analysis to make important company decisions. 50. Freelance researcher This job requires being able to perform all kinds of searches—big or small—and an undeniable passion for research. From this, clients expect to be handed rich reports of what you’ve uncovered. 51. Live chat operator If you have a reliable internet connection, fast typing skills and enjoy helping others, then working as a live chat agent can be a totally satisfying home-based business idea for you. Event service business ideas 52. Wedding planner 53. Event photographer 54. DJ 55. Event catering services 52. Wedding planner Once your clients create a wedding website , you’ll take the reins. You’ll answer calls and emails from the engaged couple, hire vendors like florists and caterers, and conduct other essential tasks for throwing a successful wedding. This can be a great business idea for couples who want to work together and come with different strengths. Learn how to start a party planning business . 53. Event photographer After you build a photography portfolio website for your business, you will want to get your name out. To engage site visitors, post your best event photos, add contact information and share testimonials from former clients. Learn how to start a photography business. 54. DJ You can influence how people find new music and listen to it in new settings. You will also shape event attendees’ experience while catering to different musical interests. The biggest investment you’ll need to make as a DJ is purchasing or renting the right equipment before setting out on your own. Use these DJ and music producer templates to create your website. Learn how to start a DJ business . 55. Event catering services Event catering services depend on the occasion, but the best caterers are meticulous communicators and project managers. Previous event catering experience will attract clients, but you must also be comfortable with learning as you go, as each event will present unique challenges. Learn how to start a catering business . Home maintenance and repair service business ideas 56. Gardening services 57. Moving and packing service 58. Carpentry service 59. Handyman service 60. Home decorator 61. Lawn care 62. Flooring company 63. Home organizer 64. AC technician 65. Plumber 66. Window cleaner 67. House painter 68. Property manager 56. Gardening service With a green thumb and an exceptional understanding of growing and maintaining plants, your motivation to open a gardening service makes a lot of sense. It’s time to market your talents to those looking to recreate their own little jungle. Learn how to start a landscaping business . 57. Moving and packing service While moving can be a very trying time for most folks, you can help people lighten the load by stepping in with your amazing packing powers. Make sure to stock up on enough packing supplies, such as boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap and a trusty label maker. Learn how to start a box truck business . 58. Carpentry service As a carpenter, you'll put your mind, body and soul into everything you do. You’re not looking to sit behind a desk; instead, you want to be the person who builds it. Whether it’s crafting a table or the foundation of a house, you’ll never find yourself unoccupied for too long with this DIY business idea . 59. Handyman service Your sense of purpose comes from knowing your way around a toolbox and being able to fix just about anything thrown at you. This is work that also combines a lot of basic skills in plumbing, electricity, carpentry and even painting. Learn how to start a handyman business . 60. Home decorator From color swatches and fabrics to throw pillows, your talented eye for interior design can translate into potential big bucks—and all from doing something you love. You’re also showing people how to beautify their spaces and express themselves through decor. 61. Lawn care No lawn can ever be left untamed for too long. Thus, lawn care can become a perpetual way to generate revenue on a consistent basis, as most lawns need mowing once a week. Learn how to start a lawn care business . 62. Flooring company In each job, you’re either installing, removing or performing maintenance on a client’s flooring. You can offer your services to homeowners, shop owners, offices and any other physical location. 63. Home organizer For most people, taking the time to organize their home doesn't only not come naturally, it's painful. So if you have a talent for making sense of messes, you could be sitting on a (neatly stacked) gold mine. 64. AC technician We all can agree that finding the perfect temperature can make or break an indoor environment. But when things go awry, it’s time to bring in an AC technician to fix the ventilation system. 65. Plumber A plumber’s day-to-day operations include repairing and replacing broken pipes, water lines, faucets and more. You’ll need high technical knowledge to diagnose even the littlest plumbing problem. Learn how to start a plumbing business. 66. Window cleaner One day you might find yourself hanging from the side of a skyscraper and the next day, you’re washing windows standing on your own two feet. Window cleaning is physically intense work, but also rewarding to see results. 67. House painter A fresh coat of paint can always brighten any room. As a house painter, you’ve got to get all the details fleshed out before dipping your brush into a bucket of paint, whether you’re dealing with an exterior or interior surface and the needs of your clients. Learn how to start a painting business. 68. Property manager Property management means finding good tenants, overseeing that the property is in top condition and taking over financial responsibilities. You can create a travel and tourism website to attract prospective clients and market online. Learn how to start a rental property business. Legal and financial services 69. Tax consultant 70. Business formation service 71. Legal document preparation 72. Notary public service 73. Credit repair consultant 74. Financial planner 69. Tax consultant Tax consultants help individuals and businesses lower their tax liability by finding deductions, credits and legal tax-saving strategies. Many now offer virtual tax services, making expert advice more accessible for freelancers, small business owners and remote workers. Learn how to make money as a consultant 70. Business formation service Business formation services help entrepreneurs legally register their businesses as LLCs, corporations or sole proprietorships. They ensure compliance with tax regulations, licensing requirements and operational guidelines, helping new business owners avoid costly mistakes. 71. Legal document preparation Legal document preparers create contracts, wills, business agreements and other legal paperwork without the high fees of an attorney. Many offer online services that provide fast, affordable and legally sound documents for both individuals and businesses. 72. Notary public service Notaries verify the authenticity of important documents like real estate contracts, affidavits and power of attorney forms. With the rise of mobile and online notary services, clients can now get documents notarized quickly without making a trip to an office. Learn how to make money as a notary public 73. Credit repair consultant Credit repair consultants help clients boost their credit scores by disputing errors, negotiating with creditors and creating custom debt repayment plans. These services are in high demand as more people look for financial stability and better loan options. 74. Financial planner Financial planners guide clients on budgeting, investments, retirement savings and wealth management. Subscription-based financial planning is growing in popularity, offering affordable ongoing support to help clients meet their long-term financial goals. Health and wellness services ideas 75. Mobile massage therapist 76. Occupational therapist 77. Speech therapist 78. Virtual mental health coach 79. Physical therapy assistant 80. Holistic health coac h 75. Mobile massage therapist Mobile massage therapists bring personalized treatments directly to clients' homes or locations of choice. It's a great way to build a loyal client base without the high costs of running a traditional spa. 76. Occupational therapist Occupational therapists help people regain essential life skills after injuries, illnesses or disabilities. Services can include home modifications for accessibility and therapy sessions to improve mobility, coordination and independence. 77. Speech therapist Speech therapists work with clients facing speech, language or swallowing challenges. They offer in-person or virtual sessions, helping kids with developmental delays, stroke survivors and others recovering from conditions that impact their ability to communicate. 78. Virtual mental health coach Virtual mental health coaches provide online support for stress, anxiety and personal growth challenges. As more people seek affordable and accessible care, this service has grown in popularity. 79. Physical therapy assistant Physical therapy assistants help patients recover from injuries with rehabilitation exercises and pain management techniques. Many offer mobile services so patients can get therapy at home instead of traveling to a clinic. 80. Holistic health coach Holistic health coaches focus on nutrition, stress management and lifestyle changes to boost overall well-being. Online coaching has become a big trend, giving clients personalized wellness plans designed for their needs. Elderly and disability care services ideas 81. Senior home care assistant 82. Mobility aid consultant 83. Home accessibility modification service 84. Memory care coach 85. Transportation service for seniors and disabled individuals 81. Senior home care assistant A senior home care assistant helps elderly clients with daily activities like cooking, cleaning, medication reminders and companionship. With an aging population, the need for in-home senior care keeps growing. 82. Mobility aid consultant A mobility aid consultant helps people find the right wheelchairs, walkers and home modifications to improve mobility and accessibility. This service is key for seniors, disabled individuals and those recovering from surgery or injuries. 83. Home accessibility modification service Home accessibility modification services focus on installing wheelchair ramps, grab bars, stairlifts and other features that make homes safer and easier to navigate. This helps older adults and people with disabilities stay independent. 84. Memory care coach A memory care coach supports individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's by providing strategies to improve cognitive function and daily living skills. Families also gain valuable guidance to better care for loved ones experiencing memory loss. 85. Transportation service for seniors and disabled individuals Transportation services help seniors and disabled individuals get to medical appointments, grocery stores and social events. Many providers use vehicles that are wheelchair accessible and offer assisted support. Childcare and family services  business ideas  86. Babysitting agency 87. Special needs caregiver 88. Kids' party planner 86. Babysitting agency    Babysitting agencies connect parents with trusted pre-screened babysitters for short-term or long-term childcare. Many even have on-demand booking apps, making last-minute childcare easy. 87. Special needs caregiver    Special needs caregivers provide support for children with autism, ADHD or other developmental challenges. Services can include behavioral therapy, educational help and personal care tailored to each child’s unique needs. 88. Kids' party planner    Kids' party planners take care of themed birthday parties, from entertainment and decorations to catering. Options range from simple DIY setups to fully planned luxury parties. Sustainability and eco-friendly services business ideas 89. Solar panel installation and maintenance 90. Energy efficiency consultant 91. Sustainable landscaping 92. Upcycling and repair shop 89. Solar panel installation and maintenance This service helps homeowners and businesses switch to renewable energy with ease. As clean energy demand grows, solar panel installation and maintenance offers both long-term sustainability and cost-saving benefits. 90. Energy efficiency consultant Energy efficiency consultants assess homes and commercial properties, recommending ways to cut energy use. Services include insulation upgrades, energy-efficient lighting and smart home tech integration. 91. Sustainable landscaping Sustainable landscaping focuses on creating eco-friendly gardens using native plants, drought-resistant designs and organic gardening practices. It’s a great way for homeowners and businesses to lower water use and reduce their environmental impact. Learn how to start a landscaping business 92. Upcycling and repair shop Upcycling and repair shops give new life to old furniture, clothing and household items, turning them into unique, eco-friendly products. They’re perfect for eco-conscious consumers looking for sustainable alternatives to store-bought goods. Creative and artistic services    93. Mural painting service 94. Personal stylist 95. Calligraphy and invitation design 96. Custom furniture maker 93. Mural painting service    A mural painting service creates custom wall art for homes, businesses and public spaces. Many mural artists grow their following on social media and partner with brands for large-scale projects. 94. Personal stylist    Personal stylists help clients refine their wardrobe, pick outfits for events and develop their signature style. Virtual styling has made fashion consulting more convenient and accessible. 95. Calligraphy and invitation design    Calligraphy and invitation design services focus on creating custom wedding invitations, event signage and decorative lettering. Many businesses offer digital downloads and handmade printed designs online. 96. Custom furniture maker    Custom furniture makers design and build unique pieces tailored to each client’s space and tastes. With the growing demand for sustainable and personalized home decor, these services attract customers looking for high-quality craftsmanship. Customer service business ideas 97. Virtual receptionist service 98. Live chat support service 99. Call center outsourcing 100. Social media customer support 101. Online review and reputation management 102. Customer feedback and survey service 103. E-commerce customer service specialist 104. Tech support consultant 97. Virtual receptionist service A virtual receptionist answers calls, schedules appointments and handles basic customer inquiries for businesses. Many companies outsource reception duties to save costs while keeping their customer support professional. 98. Live chat support service Live chat support provides real-time help to customers on websites and e-commerce platforms. This service helps companies boost customer satisfaction with instant responses and no in-house staff needed. Learn about AI customer service 99. Call center outsourcing A call center outsourcing business manages customer service, technical support and sales inquiries for companies of all sizes. Businesses often choose outsourced call centers to offer 24/7 support without hiring full-time staff. 100. Social media customer support Socia.l media customer support handles customer inquiries, complaints and engagement on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. As more businesses turn to social media, dedicated support services help maintain a strong online reputation. 101. Online review and reputation management This service helps businesses manage and respond to customer reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp and Trustpilot. It ensures companies maintain a positive image and address negative feedback effectively. 102. Customer feedback and survey service This service creates and analyzes customer satisfaction surveys to help businesses gather insights. It’s a great way for companies to improve products, services and the overall customer experience. 103. Ecommerce customer service specialist Ecommerce specialists help online stores with order processing, returns and customer inquiries. Many businesses use outsourced specialists to deliver smooth support without a large in-house team. Learn about eCommerce business ideas 104. Tech support consultant Tech support consultants help businesses troubleshoot software, hardware and IT issues for their customers. It’s a great solution for companies that need expert tech assistance without a full IT department. Benefits of starting a service business For those starting a business or are in the process of entering the passion economy , you’ll find that there are many advantages to running your own service business. You can leverage your skills and focus on your passion or interests, including for entrepreneurship, while helping others. Here are some additional benefits of having a service-based business: Low overhead costs and higher profits . If you're wondering how to start a service business , you can start by building a good reputation and publishing customer recommendations to get the word out. Creating a service website is a low-investment way to make that happen. Furthermore, unlike a product-based business which sells physical goods, a service-based business doesn’t have manufacturing, packing or shipping costs. In fact, you are the commodity. Specialized services are highly valued and in demand. Choosing just one area to focus on—whether that’s teaching yoga or web design—lets you hone in on becoming an expert in your niche. This means you’ll also own an impressive set of skills most people won’t have. Customers are willing to pay more money for specialized services for the sake of convenience and efficiency. Ability to be flexible and adaptable. With a service business, you can easily adjust and tailor your services to suit a client’s wants and needs. Additionally, you can test new ideas to add to your site and see which ones catch on or don’t. Room for exponential growth. There is an undeniable scalability factor in operating a service business. You can instantly add or drop services following your target market and industry trends without having to change your entire business infrastructure. For some successful service business examples , check out our guide. Other business ideas to explore: Kidswear business ideas Dropshipping business ideas Service business ideas FAQ What is a service business? A service business is a type of business that provides intangible products or services to its customers. This means that the products or services that a service business provides cannot be touched or held. Examples of service businesses include accounting, consulting, healthcare, education, legal services, transportation, retail and hospitality. How do you start a service business? There are a few key steps involved in starting a service business: Do your research. Before you start a service business, it's important to do your research and understand the industry you're entering. This includes identifying your target market, understanding your competition and developing a business plan. Get the necessary licenses and permits. Depending on the type of service business you're starting, you may need to obtain certain licenses and permits. For example, if you're starting a business that provides legal services, you'll need to be licensed to practice law in your state. Set up your business. This includes choosing a business name, registering your business with the state and setting up your business bank account and credit card. Market your business. Once you've set up your business, you need to start marketing your services to potential customers. This can be done through a variety of channels, such as online marketing, print advertising and word-of-mouth. Provide excellent customer service. In a service business, customer service is key. Make sure you provide excellent customer service to your clients to ensure their satisfaction and loyalty. Do service businesses charge sales tax? Whether or not a service business charges sales tax depends on the laws of the state in which the business is located. In some states, all service businesses are required to charge sales tax. In other states, only certain types of service businesses are required to charge sales tax. If you're not sure whether or not your service business is required to charge sales tax, you should check with your state's tax agency. You can usually find this information on the agency's website. What is the most successful service-based business? Success depends on multiple factors, but some general indicators include: Solving a specific problem or catering to a high demand: Identify unmet needs in your community or a niche market with significant growth potential. Offering unique value and expertise: Stand out from competitors by specializing in a specific skill, providing exceptional customer service or utilizing innovative approaches. Building strong relationships and positive word-of-mouth: Focus on client satisfaction, fostering trust and encouraging referrals. Adapting to market changes and staying ahead of trends: Regularly assess market needs, embrace new technologies and refine your services to remain relevant. What services are most in demand right now? While trends can vary by location, some general areas experiencing high demand include: Technology-related services: Cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analysis, software development, etc. Healthcare services: Home care, mental health services, telehealth, specialized therapy, etc. Sustainability and eco-friendly services: Energy efficiency consulting, waste management solutions, organic farming, etc. eCommerce and online services: Delivery services, digital marketing, social media management, etc. How can I validate my service business idea before fully committing? Through a number of ways — offer your service on a freelance basis through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, create a landing page to gauge interest in your service and then promote it, conduct surveys or interviews with potential clients to see what services they need and what they would be willing to pay for them. Offer a limited-time discount for your early clients. What are some innovative ways to market a service business on a tight budget? Rely on social media for organic growth. Offer free workshops or webinars to showcase expertise. Collaborate with complementary businesses for cross-promotion. Use content marketing through blogs or podcasts. Engage in local community events. Implement a referral program. Use guerrilla marketing tactics for local visibility — flyers, posters, something funny. How can I protect my service business idea from being copied by competitors? Ideas can be tricky to protect from being copied, especially great ones. Focus first on building a strong brand and reputation as this is harder to copy than an idea. Consider trademarking your business name and logo from the start. Next always build strong client relationships to foster loyalty. .

  • 19 exciting business ideas for teens to start their own business

    Your business ideas deserve a website, secure your domain to begin →   Starting a business as a teenager is an exciting and empowering endeavor. However, it all begins with a critical step, the choice of the right business idea . Your business idea is not merely the foundation upon which your venture is built, it's also the cornerstone of your brand and reputation as a teen entrepreneur. In light of this, we’ve put together 19 teen business ideas, including why selecting the perfect one is so important. We'll uncover how your chosen business idea can shape not only how you are perceived in the entrepreneurial landscape but also how it paves the way for the future success of your enterprise. Got a business idea? Lock down your brand’s domain before someone else does. Wix makes it easy to get your domain, email, hosting and SSL all in one place. Plus you'll get 24/7 support every step of the way. What makes a business idea a good one for a teenager? A good business idea for teens possesses several key qualities that make it feasible and suitable for this age group. Interest and passion : A business idea that aligns with a teenager's interests and passions is more likely to be enjoyable and sustainable. When you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work and this is especially true for younger entrepreneurs. Low startup costs: Business ideas that require minimal initial investment or can be started with personal savings are ideal for teenagers who may have limited access to capital. So look for opportunities that don't require significant financial resources. Flexible schedule: A business that allows flexibility in terms of working hours is important for teenagers who need to balance their business with school, extracurricular activities and personal life. Learn more: Side business ideas , How to make money as a student Learning opportunities : A good business idea should provide valuable learning experiences. It should enable teenagers to acquire new skills, whether in marketing, finance, customer service or problem-solving. Sometimes the learning of these new skills might be more impactful on a teen's future than the profitability or success of the business itself. Local niche : Consider business ideas that address a local or niche market need. Understanding the specific needs of your community can be an advantage. For example, in a community with a lot of young children, a babysitting business might be a good fit for a teen. Low risk: Choose ideas with manageable risks. Teenagers often have less financial cushion to fall back on, so businesses with lower risk profiles are preferred. Legal and regulatory compliance: Ensure that the business idea complies with legal requirements and regulations, particularly any age-related restrictions for young entrepreneurs. Parents or guardians helping their teen to set up a business should check the local state and federal laws and regulations, or consult with a business expert or attorney. Learn more: Best businesses to start with little money , How to make money as a teenager 19 business ideas for teens to start today Looking to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey as a teenager? We've curated a list of 19 exciting business ideas that are not only age-appropriate but also can help you earn some extra cash while gaining valuable skills and experience. From tutoring and pet care to digital marketing and event planning, there's something here for every ambitious teen to start today (A lot of these are also great business ideas for students too. ) Tutoring Babysitting Gardening and lawn care Car washing Dog walking and pet sitting Handyman services Photography Crafts and homemade goods Baking Personal shopping Digital marketing services Reselling vintage or secondhand items Event planning Graphic design Music Lessons Fitness Coaching Blogging Home organizer Cleaning services 01. Tutoring Offering tutoring services in subjects you excel at, whether it's math, science, languages, or other academic areas is a great business to start. You can start small, from your home or your student's home. Tutoring can also be done online, allowing you to target students all over the country or world. Learn more about how to start a tutoring business . 02. Babysitting If you live in a community with large numbers of children, chances are the demand for babysitting services is high. This might include taking care of children once they’ve finished school, until their parents finish work, or in the evenings and weekends. If you plan to start a babysitting business, it’s advisable to take first aid classes designed for the care of babies and children. Babysitting is also one of several great small town business ideas . 03. Gardening and lawn care Live in a neighborhood of private houses with lawns? You can start a lawn care business that includes lawn mowing, gardening, landscaping or yard cleanup services around you. Consider practicing on your own lawn first. 04. Car washing Setting up a car washing service , either at your home or at the homes of potential customers is a great business idea for a kid or teen. You don’t need much to get started, perhaps some buckets, cleaning clothes and soap for cars. It’s also a great business idea for weekends. 05. Dog walking and pet sitting Starting a dog walking business , or pet sitting one, for busy pet owners in your area is a great teen-focused business idea. Dog walking is a business idea that you can make happen in between school hours and at weekends, it also requires no setup costs. For pet sitting, if you love animals, this is a great way to get into entrepreneurship and generally involves taking care of pets in their own homes, while their owners are away. If you have experience of having taken care of pets at home, even better. Check out these other weekend side hustles. 06. Handyman services One great business idea for a teen is starting a handyman business offering basic handyman services like small repairs, painting, or assembling furniture. These services might be in demand from elderly customers in your household or others who are not able to perform simple handyman skills for themselves. To get started you’ll most likely need a comprehensive toolbox and basic painting supplies. 07. Photography If you’re a teen with photography skills, you can offer photography services for events like birthdays, family gatherings, or portraits and start your own photography business . Practicing taking photos at your own family events is a great way to build your skills and gather photos to create a portfolio of your own, in order to market and service your business. 08. Crafts and handmade goods If you consider yourself a creative teen, why not start selling crafts online ? You create and sell handmade crafts or goods on platforms like Etsy at local craft fairs, or through your own website. Whether it's knitting, needlepoint, making homemade clothes, pottery, or something else, starting a craft business as a teen is a great way to turn a passion or hobby into a business. Learn more: Unique business ideas , Craft business ideas , How to sell online 09. Baking For teens who like to bake, baking and selling homemade treats and cakes can be a great way to start a baking business . To start small, you can bake and sell from your home but just be mindful that if your business scales you might need to find a larger location. There can be state and federal regulations when selling baked goods and food, so make sure to adhere to those. Baking business ideas for teens include cakes for birthdays and special occasions or events, decorated cookies and cupcakes. Learn more: Home-based business ideas 10. Personal shopping or stylist services Do others often compliment you on your style, do you love shopping and dressing others? One potential business idea for a clothes-focused teen is personal shopping or styling. You can offer services assisting others in shopping for clothing and accessories and provide styling tips by starting a blog . 11. Digital marketing services A potential business idea for a teen is starting a marketing business . This might involve helping local businesses with their digital marketing efforts, such as managing social media accounts or creating websites . Maybe there is someone in your family with a business who needs help managing their social media accounts, who you could build your skills up on and use to showcase to other potential clients how you can help their marketing efforts. Learn more: Online business ideas 12. Reselling vintage or secondhand items As a teen, you could consider selling vintage clothing . You can consider sourcing and reselling vintage or second-hand clothing, collectibles or furniture online. Start with your own home, or amongst extended family members, to see what they might be happy for you to sell on. Then you can check out second-hand stores or fairs around your area to find things to sell online. 13. Event planning A fun teen business idea is starting a party planning business . This could involve helping to plan and coordinate events such as birthday parties, holiday events and even post-prom celebrations. Perhaps you already help plan family events, or parties for friends and starting an event planning venture is just another step forward. You could help with just designs and concepts, or the actual setup of each event itself. 14. Graphic design If you're skilled in graphic design, one potential business idea for a teen is offering your services for creating logos, flyers, or social media graphics. If you’re looking to use this business idea to start your business, it’s worth creating a graphic design portfolio , in order to showcase examples of your work to attract new clients. 15. Music lessons For music-orientated teens, a great business idea could be offering music lessons either online, from home, or at a student's house. Focus on lessons for the areas of music you know or excel in, whether that's the piano, guitar, drums, or singing. With music lessons, you can choose to take on just a few students or build up a busy business with many more. 16. Fitness coaching One potential business idea for teens who are fit and active and love to exercise is fitness coaching -or making money as a personal trainer . Offer fitness coaching sessions or create workout plans for clients looking to stay active and healthy. You can start a fitness business from home, at the local park, online, or anywhere with space for exercise sessions. 17. Blogging A great and easy-to-start business idea for teens who love to create and write is blogging. All you need is a computer, a website, an internet connection and something to write about. Once you start writing and publishing the key is to promote and monetize your blog, turning it into a business based on your writing and opinions. You can also consider writing blog content for companies who need it. Tip: Use a blog maker to easily go live with your blog. 18. Home organizer One business idea for teens, with little to zero startup costs, is working as a home organizer. This entails helping people to organize their clothes, books and other personal effects for a tidier, more organized home. You can also take this service a step further by offering to help your client organize and run a yard sale to clear any unwanted clutter. 19. Cleaning services If you’re a teen who isn’t afraid of hard work and helping others, starting a cleaning business could be the best teen-focused business idea to get your venture started. You won’t need a lot of supplies to get started, apart from basic cleaning ones and you can start off building your business amongst family and friends. Learn more: Cleaning business ideas Can teenagers start their own business? Teenagers can start their own businesses and in most states, age is not a barrier to entrepreneurship. In fact, several successful entrepreneurs began their journeys as teenagers - Mike Mittredge of Yankee Candles was just 16 when he got his business started (learn how to start a candle business of your own) and Mark Zuckerberg was just 19 when he founded Facebook (now Meta). How to start a business as a teen? Starting a business as a teenager is an exciting venture and it's entirely possible with the right approach and determination. Here are some necessary steps to consider starting a business the right way. Identify your interests and decide on your business idea Start by identifying your interests and passions. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? What problems do you see around you that you could solve with a business idea? Do market research Research your chosen business idea thoroughly. Understand your target audience, competition and market trends. This will help you refine your concept and identify potential challenges. Create a business plan Develop a business plan outlining your idea, goals, strategies and financial projections. A business plan is crucial for clarifying your vision and attracting potential investors or lenders. Check out these best small website builders  to get started. Here are some examples of business plans to create How to create a bakery business plan How to create a party planning business plan How to create a photographer business plan How to create a car wash business plan How to create a cleaning business plan How to create a dog walking business plan How to write a tutoring business plan How to create a DJ business plan Register and license your business Depending on your location and the type of business, there may be legal requirements to consider, such as registering your business, obtaining licenses or complying with zoning regulations. Research the legalities in your area for starting a business and the different types, be it an LLC or eCommerce model. Understand the legal and tax obligations associated with your business in your state. It's essential to keep accurate records and meet your tax obligations, you may need to consult with a professional tax lawyer in order to do this properly. Finance your business Determine how you will finance your business if any at all. Teen business owners often have limited access to capital, so consider starting small or exploring options like savings, crowdfunding or seeking financial support from family and friends Create a brand and website Create a strong brand identity by establishing an online presence. Build a business website and use social media platforms to promote your business. Market your business Develop a marketing strategy to reach your target audience. You can use social media, email marketing, content marketing and other online and offline channels to promote your business. Network and seek mentorship Connect with other entrepreneurs, mentors and organizations that support young business owners. This networking can provide guidance, advice and potential partnerships. Don't hesitate to seek guidance and support from adults, mentors and organizations that assist young entrepreneurs. They can provide valuable insights and resources. What's a good business idea for teens aged 11-15? A good business idea for this age group should align with the teen's interests and passions. This not only makes the venture more enjoyable but also increases the likelihood of success. Consider business ideas that are feasible for a young entrepreneur. This might involve minimal investment, simple operations and tasks that can be easily managed with school commitments. Focus on business ideas that cater to the local community. This could involve services or products that neighbors or family friends would be interested in. Look for opportunities that allow for skill development. Whether it's learning how to manage money, market a product, or provide a service, the experience should be educational. Ensure that the business idea has the support and supervision of parents or guardians. Legal and safety considerations are crucial at this age. Opt for a business idea that offers flexibility in terms of time commitment. School and extracurricular activities should remain the top priority. Some good options for this age group include: dog walking, lawn care and landscaping and blogging. What's a good business idea for teens aged 16-19? Consider teen business ideas that address a specific problem or need. This age group is often better equipped to identify and tackle real-world issues. Encourage ideas that foster independence and responsibility. Teens in this age range are usually more capable of handling tasks like managing finances, marketing, and customer interactions. Explore business ideas that leverage technology. Teens in this age group are typically more tech-savvy and can capitalize on online platforms, social media or eCommerce . Look for business ideas that provide networking opportunities. This could involve collaborating with other young entrepreneurs, participating in industry events, or connecting with mentors. Consider business ideas that align with potential career interests. This age group may use their business ventures as a way to explore future career paths or gain relevant experience for college applications. Think about ideas that have the potential for financial growth. Teens in this age group may be thinking about saving for college or gaining financial independence. Some good options for this age group include: website design and management, social media account management, selling handmade crafts online, building eCommerce websites , or dropshipping . Business ideas for teens and young adults FAQ What skills can teens learn from starting a business? Communication skills:  Learn to effectively convey ideas and negotiate. Financial literacy:  Understand budgeting, pricing, and basic financial management. Problem-solving:  Develop the ability to find solutions to challenges. Creativity:  Cultivate creative thinking for business ideas and marketing strategies. Customer service:  Learn to interact positively with customers. How can teens balance school and business commitments? Time management:  Create a schedule that allocates time for both school and business activities. Set realistic goals:  Establish achievable business goals that won't overwhelm your academic responsibilities. Prioritize tasks:  Identify high-priority tasks and focus on them first. Seek support:  Communicate with parents, teachers, and peers about your commitments to ensure a support system. Can teens aged 11-15 start a business? Yes, it's possible for someone aged 11-15 to start a business. Age is not necessarily a barrier to entrepreneurship and there have been successful young entrepreneurs who started businesses at a young age. However, there are some considerations and limitations: 1. Legal requirements: Depending on your location, there may be legal restrictions on starting a business at a young age. You may need parental consent or supervision, and certain types of businesses may have age restrictions. 2. Financial constraints: As a young entrepreneur, you may face limitations in terms of financial resources. You might need to start with a small-scale business that doesn't require significant capital. 3. Education balance: It's important to balance your entrepreneurial pursuits with your education. Ensure that starting a business doesn't negatively impact your schoolwork or other responsibilities. 4. Support system: Having the support of your parents, guardians, or mentors can be crucial. They can provide guidance, help navigate legal requirements, and offer emotional support. 5. Simple ideas: Consider starting with a simple business idea that matches your skills and resources. This could be a small service, such as dog walking, lawn care, or tutoring. 6. Online platforms: The internet provides various opportunities for young entrepreneurs. You can start an online business, such as creating and selling digital products, offering freelance services, or starting a blog or YouTube channel. 7. Learning opportunities: Use the experience as a learning opportunity. Even if the business doesn't become a massive success, the skills and lessons you gain can be valuable for your future endeavors. What are some good online business ideas for teens to start? There are lots of online business ideas that work for teens — online business ideas are good in general for teenagers because they can be started from home and can easily fit around school and other commitments. Some good ones include: Blogging Tutoring Podcasting Digital products Gaming channel What are some unique business ideas for tech-savvy teens? Some unique business ideas for tech-savvy teens: 1. App development 2. Social media management 3. 3D printing services 4. Drone photography/videography 5. Virtual reality experiences 6. Tech tutoring for seniors 7. Website design 8. Cybersecurity consulting Can teens form partnerships or hire employees? Teens can form partnerships, often with parental consent. Hiring employees is more complex due to legal restrictions. Teens should: 1. Consult the local labor laws 2. Consider informal partnerships or collaborations 3. Explore internships or apprenticeships 4. Seek parental/guardian guidance and approval How can parents support teen entrepreneurs? Parents can support teen entrepreneurs by offering guidance and mentorship, helping with legal and financial aspects of the business, providing startup funds or resources, encouraging networking opportunities, teaching time management, providing emotional support, helping set realistic goals, modeling basic business skills, celebrating successes. What are some seasonal business ideas for teens? Seasonal business ideas for teens might include: 1. Summer lawn care/landscaping 2. Holiday gift wrapping 3. Snow removal in winter 4. Back-to-school supply kits 5. Valentine's Day card/gift delivery 6. Halloween costume rentals/makeup 7. Spring cleaning services 8. Summer car wash/detailing How can teens find mentors or resources for their business? Teens can find mentors and resources by: 1. Joining local business groups 2. Attending entrepreneurship workshops 3. Connecting with school business teachers 4. Using online platforms like SCORE 5. Networking at community events 6. Reaching out to successful local entrepreneurs 7. Exploring youth business programs Explore more business ideas    Beauty business ideas Reselling business ideas DIY business ideas Clothing business ideas Business ideas for couples Family business ideas B2B business ideas Scalable business ideas Recession-proof business ideas Rental business ideas Kidswear business ideas Dropshipping business ideas Business ideas for teachers eCommerce business ideas Part-time business ideas

  • 44 small business ideas you can start today

    Your business ideas deserve a website, secure your domain to begin →   Ready to launch a new business ? You need the right idea to get started. Whether you want something practical or unique, there are plenty of small business concepts to explore. A home-based business, online retail , app development, a coaching firm or social media marketing are some of the best ways to build a career on your own terms. Freelancers can tap into the passion economy  by offering services they enjoy, while consultants help others make smarter decisions. Technology takes the hassle out of starting an online business or setting up an eCommerce website . Try dropshipping or print-on-demand to launch your online store  fast. Check out ways to make money with AI  or sell trending products  to stay ahead. Got a business idea? Lock down your brand’s domain before someone else does. Wix makes it easy to get your domain, email, hosting and SSL all in one place. Plus you'll get 24/7 support every step of the way. TL;DR; small business ideas This guide explores a wide range of business ideas , from blogging, podcasting and YouTube to services like cleaning, bookkeeping and coaching. It also covers online models, plus home-based options like jewelry making, tutoring, baking and virtual interior design. Each idea includes what it takes to get started, how to reach clients and ways to grow. You’ll also find what makes a business idea strong—solving real problems, meeting demand, standing out and being simple enough to scale. Popular business ideas by type Types of business ideas Examples Skills and startup costs Online businesses Blogging, YouTube, podcasting, dropshipping, print-on-demand, affiliate marketing, ecommerce store Low to medium cost. Content creation, digital marketing or sales. Service-based Bookkeeping, coaching, cleaning services, tutoring, virtual assistant, event planning Mostly low cost. Organization, communication or specialized knowledge. Creative & handmade Jewelry making, baking, crafts, art commissions, photography, candle making Medium cost. Creative skills, supplies, basic marketing. Tech-focused Web design, app development, SEO consulting, IT support, cybersecurity services Medium to high cost. Technical expertise, software tools, problem-solving. AI businesses AI content generation, AI chatbot setup for businesses, AI art and design, AI tutoring tools Low to medium cost. Knowledge of AI tools, prompt engineering, creativity. Food & hospitality Personal chef, catering, food truck, meal prep services, small bakery Medium cost. Cooking skills, licenses, equipment. Health & wellness Fitness coaching, yoga instructor, massage therapy, nutrition consulting, wellness blogging Low to medium cost. Certifications or training, client relationship skills. Education & training Online courses, language tutoring, homeschooling support, kids’ activity programs Low to medium cost. Teaching skills, subject expertise. Local & home-based Pet sitting, lawn care, babysitting, handyman services, house painting Low to medium cost. Physical skills, reliability, equipment. Green & eco-friendly Eco-cleaning products, sustainable fashion, recycling services, zero-waste shop Medium cost. Eco knowledge, sourcing sustainable materials, marketing. Best business ideas Popular small business ideas Blogger Web designer Ecommerce retailer SEO consultant App developer Podcaster YouTuber Produce an audiobook Virtual assistant Social media manager 01. Blogger The vast blogging world means anyone with a passion or expertise to share can do so by simply starting a blog with a blog maker . As a blogger, you’ll need to find a niche to work with a clear purpose and create content for the right audience. Say food and cooking are always on your mind. Express yourself to other like-minded people while developing your craft and start a food blog. Once you’ve started your content creation and published some posts and can track a substantial following, you may wonder how to make money blogging. Some ways to monetize your blog include working with an affiliate marketing program or selling merchandise on your site. This is also what makes blogging a very scalable business idea . Learn more: How to make money as a travel blogger How to make money as a travel agent 02. Web designer If you’re equally creative as you are technical, then web design could be an effective business idea. Web designers plan, create and style website layouts. You can find freelance work either by soliciting companies or web design agencies, or by using a site like Wix marketplace . Run your own clientele of individuals and small businesses from home or anywhere with internet access. If working from home interests you, check out some business ideas for stay-at-home moms and our guide on how to make money from home . 03. Ecommerce retailer Are you an avid collector or creator of special things? Now is the time to turn items in your home closet or shelves into profit with this profitable eCommerce business idea . You can open an online store and start selling products, accepting secure online payments and managing order fulfillment, while making money as an entrepreneur . 04. SEO consultant Search engine optimization (SEO) is a practice all online businesses should know, as it affects whether a brand or business gets organic website traffic. As an SEO consultant, you’ll create a keyword ranking strategy for your clients and create online visibility that generates more leads. 05. App developer More than five billion people use smartphones worldwide . Consider app development as a viable business idea. As long as you have a great idea for an app, you can join forces with an experienced developer to build it. That said, before you begin investing time and money into your app, make sure to research the market and user demand for it. 06. Podcaster Podcasting is one of the most popular business ideas in recent years, according to Pew Research . The format is one of the best businesses to start with little money and lets you showcase your expertise on your choice of topics. Once you’ve recorded your interviews or conversations, you’ll want to edit your audio before publishing each new episode on a podcast-hosting site . Then you can think about monetizing your podcast by running ads throughout your show. Looking for more creative business ideas? Be inspired by: How to make money as a singer How to make money as musician 07. YouTuber Starting a YouTube channel has proven itself as one of the most lucrative online business ideas so far. YouTubers make fortunes raking up millions of views and subscribers. If you dream of becoming a successful YouTuber, remember: Good content comes from having fun, so be yourself. Start by defining what type of content you’ll offer your channel’s viewers. It can be anything from gaming to comedy, delivered in formats ranging from commentary to tutorials. " People don't want to be sold to, they want to get something for their time and attention – entertainment, inspiration, information, there's a lot of ways to give your viewer value. TikTok and YouTube Shorts are a great opportunity for creators who have something valuable to share – these are effectively the places where anyone can produce and host their own talk show, mini reality show, or even more narrative-driven content." Lindsay Thomson, Head of social media for Wix 08. Produce an audiobook Dear book lovers and self-publishers, you might have found the perfect business idea in producing an audiobook. Many readers now prefer audiobooks to visual book formats. Recording your own audiobook does not have to be expensive. You can record it yourself or pay for production. Either way, make sure you record high-quality audio files and find an audiobook distributor that sells to your target audience. 09. Virtual assistant If you’re trying to come up with a business idea , are highly organized and enjoy a balanced lifestyle, you may want to become a virtual assistant. You can support other businesses or entrepreneurs remotely and deal with an array of daily tasks, like content creation, bookkeeping, social media and emailing. 10. Social media manager As a social media manager, you'll oversee how a company interacts and engages with the public. Depending on the company’s goals, this may mean increasing brand awareness via social media outlets such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Your duties will likely include researching social media trends, incorporating them into a digital marketing strategy and setting key performance indicators (KPIs) for all social campaigns. You'll probably also have to manage influencer marketing efforts. Low-cost small business ideas 11. Professional organizer 12. House cleaner 13. Pet sitter 14. Translator 15. Child care provider 16. Home caregiver 17. Music teacher 18. Doula 19, Event planner 20. Personal chef 21. Photographer 22. Freelance graphic designer 23. Copywriter 24. Fitness trainer 25. Massage therapist 26. Bookkeeper 27. Life coach 28. Meal delivery service 11. Professional organizer If tidying and decluttering is not only your personal mantra, but you can also help others see the big picture amid the madness, then consider becoming a professional organizer. You’ll help each of your clients invest in themselves, using your services to transform old habits into more efficient ones. When it’s time to promote your business, you can show off before and after images of your work on your service website . 12. House cleaner When it comes to cleaning a home, the key is to roll up your sleeves and get straight to work. However, seeing this plan through seems to get harder every week for those who can’t deeply clean their kitchens and bathrooms due to time constraints. As a professional cleaner, you’ll bring all your creative hacks and effective tips to clients and leave them feeling happier about their households. Once you start a service business , you can begin accepting bookings and payments via online scheduling software . House cleaning tends to be a great recession-proof business idea , as cleaning as a service is always in demand and considered a necessity. It's also often popular as a business idea for students as it can be arranged around a busy college schedule. 13. Pet sitter The number of U.S. households that own pets is in the millions, according to the APPA National Pet Owners Survey . If you’re an animal lover, a pet-sitting service could be the right home-based business idea for you. Pet owners away on vacation or working long hours in the office will rely on you to care for their pets—whether that’s walking them multiple times a day or playing fetch in the park. You can start advertising your pet care side hustle to neighbors, friends and family. Make sure to keep an organized schedule to track each new booking. As your business grows, you may need to hire extra help. Got a teen looking for work? Pet sitting is a great business idea for teens to earn money, learn a sense of responsibility and get bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. 14. Translator Do you speak other languages fluently? Marketing your translation services is easier than ever. First, create an online resume and post it on job boards or reach out to established translating companies and institutions. If you can fill a niche, such as medical or legal translations, you’ll have a better chance of finding and working for your target clients. 15. Child care provider In recent years, child care and how it relates to the economy has become a hotly debated topic—not just among parents, but in society as a whole. The childcare industry is now open to many new qualified candidates who can not only gain a stable income source of income, but also fulfillment in this essential sector. This can also be a great family business idea . 16. Home caregiver Serving as a home caregiver can be a rewarding experience. You help older people, veterans and those living with a disability carry out their day-to-day activities. Additionally, if you want to advance your caregiving career, you can enroll in medical certification training to boost your credentials and potential earnings. Keep in mind that the work becomes physically and emotionally demanding over time. When you’re ready to make this business idea actionable, read some caregiving tips to reduce burnout. This can also work as a business idea for couples wanting to work together. 17. Music teacher This small business idea not only requires musical talent, but also teaching skills. You will most likely need a teaching certificate to work at a school or university. But if you’d like to teach music independently, research what qualifications you’d need and compare the going rates for private and group music lessons, online and off. With advancements in educational tech, there are now also options to take even music teaching online. Are you a teacher looking to start a business? Check out these business ideas for teachers . 18. Doula Doulas professionally train to help expectant mothers during their pregnancy, from the first trimester to the delivery. These highly educated and informed professionals provide their clients with invaluable emotional support as well. To become a doula, you must take a few essential steps: First, take a certification training course. Second, have a basic marketing strategy to connect with clients and build experience. This may include placing ads or creating a business card for potential clients. 19. Event planner Event planning lets you meet new people and sharpen your negotiation and communication skills—with the majority of day-to-day work taking place in your home office. Planners often start working in one part of the special event industry, such as catering, entertainment, or styling. These self-starters can multitask, think creatively, and solve problems under pressure. This is also a great small town business idea . 20. Personal chef As more people outsource their meals with food delivery and curbside pick-ups, the demand for culinary services continues to rise, making it a good mobile business idea . A personal chef business will give you more autonomy and independence than working in a restaurant kitchen. You can also experiment with different cuisines as you maintain an ever-changing menu based on your clients’ wants and dietary needs. Be inspired by these food business ideas . 21. Photographer If you like attending weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs and birthdays and have some photography experience, consider starting a photography business. Or if session photography is more your thing, turn your home space into a small studio and offer headshots for local actors and other professionals. In this case, you’ll want to invest in extra lighting and a high-quality photo printer. While purchasing the right equipment helps you establish some credibility right away, don’t forget to put in the hours to create a portfolio that speaks for itself. In that case, you can make a free photography portfolio website to establish your business in a few steps. 22. Freelance graphic designer What is freelancing but a way to gain freedom in what you do and how you do it? That said, you’ll also need to search for your next opportunity. Thanks to online marketplaces for designers , you can now connect instantly with potential clients and get hired. 23. Copywriter This business idea requires strong writing skills and creativity. Copywriting uses words to inspire people to take the next step and buy a company’s product or service. 24. Fitness trainer Exercise is good for the mind, body and soul. As a fitness trainer, you will reinforce this motto to your clientele and help them strengthen their bodies and boost their confidence. You may also want to create a fitness website . Having a strong online presence can help manage your day-to-day operations and offer consultations, fast bookings, easy payment options to your clients, as well as a direct channel to communicate with you. 25. Massage therapist Massage therapy is not only a rewarding way to help others, but is also an in-demand business idea, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . In some U.S. states, you’ll have to demonstrate a completed 500 hours of massage therapy courses and hold a certification or licensing before opening a business. Check your local government website for more information. 26. Bookkeeper Small business owners hire bookkeepers to help them complete financial tasks like data entry, bank reconciliation and monthly reports. This line of work is always in demand, and starting a business to provide bookkeeping services for other business owners can be a very profitable idea. This can also be considered a B2B business idea . 27. Life coach Life coaching has been around since the early 1970s , but the methods continually evolve. Today, you can offer your expertise and experience in areas such as business, dating, fitness, finance and health. By understanding what your client wants, you can empower them to reach their goals. In this vein, learn more about how to make money as a therapist or coach. 28. Meal delivery service Often based out of a private home or rented kitchen, meal delivery services offer a great business opportunity for those looking to offer quality, accessible and convenient food options in their community. As people choose to stay home and avoid commuting, the demand for services offering easy online ordering and fast delivery continues to surge. Profitable small business ideas 29. Dropshipping business owner 30. Print on demand business owner 31. Create digital products 32. Affiliate marketer 33. Webinar host 34. Ride-sharing driver 29. Dropshipping business owner Dropshipping is a great way to start a business on a budget. This retail fulfillment business doesn’t require upfront inventory. Instead, you collect orders, forward them to your suppliers and then they ship directly to your customers. All you have to do is market and sell your products on your eCommerce website or build a dropshipping website . Clothing, for example, is a popular dropshipping business idea . You can specialize even further, into kidswear for example. Check out these kidswear business ideas or these clothing business ideas for more inspiration with your dropshipping business idea. 30. Print-on-demand business owner Running a print-on-demand business means you design your items and then work with a supplier who prints them on blank items, such as t-shirts, mugs and tote bags. Once you have an idea of things to make and sell , open a website and showcase your merchandise. 31. Create digital products Another good online business idea is to create and sell digital products like ebooks, online courses, downloadable templates, software and even audio recordings. First, you’ll want to see if there’s a market for your digital product idea. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback—from family, friends, social followings and even relevant online forums before getting started with this form of self-publishing. Once you've found your niche, you can also try to sell subscriptions to your digital content. 32. Affiliate marketer With a growing online audience behind you and your content, you may want to look into affiliate marketing . As an affiliate marketer, you market another business’s products, services or brand in your content. Each time someone makes a purchase through your affiliate referral link, you earn a commission. When choosing an affiliate program, look for one that aligns with your audience, topics and values. Start by checking out popular marketing platforms like ShareASale and the Wix Affiliate Program . 33. Webinar host To start a webinar business, first focus on an expertise that will draw in a significant crowd. Then you can plan and create paid webinars around topics, inviting influential guests to speak on the panels. 34. Ride-sharing driver Whether you’re looking to earn more cash on the side (see our guide on side business ideas ) or become your own boss, consider becoming a ride-share driver. All you need to start with Lyft or Uber in the United States is a valid driver's license, a car and insurance. Small business ideas you can start from home 35. Crafting and selling jewelry 36. Handmade soap or skincare product creator 37. Online language tutor 38. Custom t-shirt designer 39. Voice-over actor 40. Home-based bakery 41. Personalized gift maker 42. Online personal shopper/stylist 43. Online notary services 44. Virtual interior designer 35. Crafting and selling jewelry Starting a jewelry business from home is simple. You can find materials online or locally to create custom pieces that match trends or cater to specific niches. Platforms like Etsy help you showcase your work and social media makes it easy to connect with customers. Success comes down to quality craftsmanship, unique designs and smart marketing to reach your audience. 36. Handmade soap or skincare product creator  Handmade soaps are popular for their natural ingredients and personal feel. Playing around with scents, textures and ingredients lets you create beauty products for different needs or preferences. Starting a skincare business and selling online through your site or other platforms helps you reach more customers, especially if you offer custom options. Sharing the benefits of your ingredients and what makes your products special on beauty blog  can help your business stand out. 37. Online language tutor Teaching languages online is a great way to connect with students worldwide. Whether it’s English or another language you’re fluent in, platforms like iTalki and Preply make it easy to find clients. Offering personalized lessons for different age groups or skill levels and flexible scheduling can help attract more students. Using social media or a personal website is a good way to promote your tutoring business . 38. Custom t-shirt designer Print-on-demand services like Printful or Teespring let you focus on creating designs without dealing with inventory. Targeting niche markets like fandoms, causes or hobbies can help your products stand out. Think gamer communities, eco-conscious shoppers or fitness enthusiasts. By focusing on specific interests you can connect with your audience in a more meaningful way. Social platforms are perfect for showcasing your t-shirt business designs and building a following. 39. Voice-over actor    Voice-over work is booming in industries like gaming, audiobooks, e-learning and advertising. Start by building a portfolio and demo reel, then list your services on freelance platforms or voice-over websites. Setting up a home studio with quality recording equipment is key to producing professional sound. With consistent quality and good networking, you can grow a solid client base. 40. Home-based bakery   Starting a home bakery doesn’t need much equipment to get going. Focusing on unique flavors, custom cakes or event catering can help set you apart. Prioritize great quality and offer local delivery to build a solid reputation. Share your creations on Instagram and think about partnering with food delivery apps or selling at local markets to reach more customers. 41. Personalized gift maker Personalized gifts like custom portraits, engraved jewelry or monogrammed decor are always popular. People love meaningful and unique items, and you can easily tap into this market by selling on Etsy or your own website. Adding customization options like names, dates or messages gives your products a personal touch that customers appreciate. 42. Online personal shopper/stylist An online personal shopper or stylist helps clients find clothes and accessories that suit their style, body type and preferences, all without leaving home. You can offer customized shopping experiences, put together wardrobe suggestions or even shop for special events like weddings or vacations. Social media or your own website is a great way to attract clients. Adding virtual consultations or styling tips through video calls makes your service more personal. To succeed, you'll need a good grasp of fashion trends and strong communication skills to keep your clients happy. 43. Online notary services If you're certified in your state, offering online notary services is a flexible business idea. With more people needing documents notarized for real estate, legal or financial transactions, demand is growing. You can provide quick and reliable notarization through video calls and market your services locally or on online platforms. 44. Virtual interior designer    Virtual interior designers help clients refresh their spaces by offering online consultations, creating mood boards and suggesting products. Adding AR tools to your services can make it easier for clients to visualize your designs and see 3D models in real time. This makes the process more engaging and interactive. A solid interior design portfolio is important. It shows what you can do and helps potential clients see your skills. By sharing your best work, you make it easier to connect with people. Explore these interior design portfolio ideas for inspiration. What are good business ideas? A great business idea solves real problems people need help with and are willing to pay for. The best ideas balance passion, practicality and profitability. They bring value to customers and stand out in a busy market. To succeed, your idea should be relevant, doable and sustainable—something that meets customer needs while offering a fresh perspective or unique advantage over competitors. Before jumping in, check if there's real demand in your market and a clear way to stand out. Having passion and experience in your field can keep you motivated and help you navigate challenges. Instead of chasing short-lived trends, focus on ideas with lasting power, growth potential and room to adapt over time. A great business idea is one that creates impact, lasts and gets you excited to make it happen. Here’s what makes a business idea truly good: It solves a real problem:  Great businesses start by fixing something frustrating, inconvenient or inefficient. If people are complaining about it, there’s a chance to step in and make it better. People are already looking for it : The best ideas meet an existing demand. Do some research to see if people are searching for solutions your idea offers. It stands out : Your idea should offer something different and better than what’s currently out there. This could be in quality, price, speed or convenience. It’s simple to explain : If your idea is too complex to sum up in a couple of sentences, it might be time to simplify. The best ideas are clear and easy to understand. You can start small and grow : Look for ideas that can launch with minimal investment and scale over time. Test the waters with a smaller version before going all in. It fits your strengths : Successful businesses are often built by people who know the industry, have the right skills or bring a fresh perspective. Play to what you’re good at. It’s financially sound : Passion matters, but a business also needs to make money. Be realistic about pricing, costs and how you’ll turn a profit. It encourages repeat customers : The best businesses don’t rely on one-time sales. Think about ideas that bring customers back again and again, like subscriptions or regularly needed products. It has long-term potential : A strong idea isn’t tied to short-lived fads. Think about how it could grow and adapt as customer needs evolve over time. It’s flexible : Markets change fast, so your idea should have room to grow, pivot or move in a new direction if needed. It inspires buzz : If your idea excites people, they’ll talk about it. Businesses that naturally encourage word-of-mouth are a big win. It’s straightforward to launch : Avoid ideas that require huge funding, years of development or overly complicated setups before you can get started. A clear, achievable launch plan is key. It aligns with shifting consumer habits : Pay attention to trends in how people shop, work and live. Ideas that tap into growing changes like remote work, sustainability or convenience have a better shot at succeeding. It connects emotionally : Businesses that spark emotions—excitement, nostalgia or a sense of belonging—build loyal customers. If your idea makes people feel something, they’re more likely to support it. How to come up with business ideas Start by spotting problems in everyday life—things that frustrate people or could be done better. Look at trends, explore growing industries, and find gaps in existing products or services. Brainstorm based on what you’re good at and what excites you. If you’re organized, starting a professional decluttering service could be a great option. If social media is your thing, you could help small businesses grow their reach. Pay attention to what people are talking about—what they’re struggling with, what’s popular, and where needs aren’t being met. Test your ideas on a small scale. Start a social media page, create a simple landing page, or offer your service for free to a few people to see if there’s real interest. Talk to potential customers, join communities, and research what competitors are doing. Some of the best ideas come from improving existing businesses instead of starting from scratch. Stay flexible—great opportunities often come from industries shifting or new tech emerging. Testing your business idea It’s important to do your research and testing before committing to any specific business idea. Market research can give you an idea of the potential for success given the current business climate and customer demand. You should also test out different business models, pricing strategies, and marketing strategies to see which works best. It's also a good idea to conduct full competitor research before choosing your idea, so you understand what you're competing with but also so you can understand how to do things, better and differently. Once you have a business concept in mind, it’s important to create a business plan outlining your goals and objectives. This will give investors an idea of what you are trying to accomplish, as well as help you stay organized and on track with the business development process. Additionally, testing out different business ideas can also help you decide which one may be best for your business. How to start a small business with your idea Now that you have an idea of what type of business to pursue, here are three quick tips on getting your online small business off the ground. If you want more in-depth information, read our complete guide on how to start a business . 01. Refine your business idea Before you release your business idea into the world perfect it. Take a step back to really think about the reasons behind your choice. Ask yourself, “ Why is this business idea important to me?” and “Will it be important to someone else?” Create a proof of concept to determie the feasibility of your business idea, whether it's a rental business idea or something else, and test it out with surveys or interviews with members of your target market. 02. Choose a business name Once you've decided on your business idea, choosing a business name is an important part of getting started with your venture. Think about the type of business you're starting, how you want to kickstart your brand messaging and get creative. Tip: Need help finding a business name for your new venture? Use a small business name generator for inspiration. 03. Write out your business plan When starting a business, an organized business plan must lead the way. Use a business plan template to define a roadmap for your company’s structure, business model, financial analysis and management. While business plans can differ, all include an executive summary, expected investment, mission statement, market analysis and financial projections. 04. Create a business website Having a business website is a major advantage for you, your brand and your customers. To begin creating yours, you’ll want to choose a business website template and customize it to fit your specific needs. Then, you’ll have to pick a free web hosting platform and connect it to a registered domain . Finally, you’ll want to optimize your website for search engines to increase organic web traffic. You can hire a search engine optimization (SEO) consultant to help you with your strategy. You can also browse bakery website examples for inspiration. 05. Register your business To do this you need to check the laws and regulations in your country or U.S. state depending on whether you plan to start an LLC or not. You can read more about how to register your business with our guide. Small business ideas FAQ What is the most successful small business? Successful small businesses thrive by tapping into high-demand markets and keeping up with trends. Popular options include eCommerce stores, home services like cleaning or handyman work, digital marketing agencies, unique food businesses like bakeries or food trucks and online courses or coaching programs. Can you run a successful business with no experience? You can start a successful business without experience by beginning small and focusing on industries that need minimal expertise, like freelancing, reselling or offering cleaning services or pet care. Pick something that aligns with your interests or skills and use free resources like tutorials or courses to learn basics such as marketing and budgeting. How do I know if my business idea is viable? To determine if your business idea is viable you'll need to: 1. Conduct market research to assess demand 2. Analyze your target audience and competition 3. Create a detailed business plan 4. Estimate startup costs and potential revenue 5. Test your idea with a minimum viable product (MVP) 6. Seek feedback from potential customers 7. Evaluate your personal skills and resources 8. Consider the scalability of your idea 9. Assess the regulatory environment 10. Consult with mentors or industry experts What industries or markets are currently trending for small businesses? Some trending small business ideas include: E-commerce: 14.2% industry growth in 2021 Health tech : the market is projected to grow to market volume of US$258.30bn by 2029. Sustainable products: 78% of consumers prefer eco-friendly goods How can I find funding for my small business idea? To secure funding for your small business idea consider: Using personal savings or assets Seeking loans from banks or credit unions Applying for SBA loans or grants Trying out crowdfunding platforms Pitching to angel investors or venture capitalists Considering peer-to-peer lending Looking into micro loans Investigating local business grant programs Explore more business ideas Part-time business ideas Craft business ideas Beauty business ideas Reselling business ideas DIY business ideas

  • I want to buy a domain name: do this first

    The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain →   Your perfect domain is out there—but so is a sea of taken names, hidden fees and confusing registrars. One wrong step and you could lose your brand, waste money or spend weeks hunting for a name no one remembers. Let’s cut through the noise and get your domain right from the start. TL;DR: I want to buy a domain name This guide helps you choose a domain name that fits your brand, secure it with a trusted registrar, connect it to your website and email and keep it safe for the future. Here's what you'll learn:   How to set your domain goals.   How to pick a reliable registrar and TLD.   Tips for brainstorming and choosing a memorable domain name.   How to register your domain securely.   How to link it to your website, email and social media.   Strategies to protect your domain long-term. Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place—custom website, business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. I want to buy a domain. What should I do first? Decide your domain goals Choose a domain registrar Choose your domain name Choose your domain extension (TLD) Register your domain name What to do after buying your domain 01. Decide your domain goals Before you jump to buy a domain name , think about its purpose. Your goals will define the domain type you pick, the extension you choose, how you brand it and build a website . For example: Business website:  If you're opening a boutique or consultancy, your domain should reflect your brand name, be easy to spell and feel professional—like LunaDesigns.com  or BrightPathConsulting.com . Blog or personal project:  You might get more creative with a fun memorable name—like CoffeeAndCode.com  or WanderWithMe.net . E-commerce store:  Think about keywords that describe your products so people can find you easily—like EcoGearShop.com  or TinyTotsToys.com . Portfolio or side hustle:  Short memorable domains work best—like AlexWrites.com  or PixelBloom.com . Knowing your goal also helps you decide if you need multiple domains. For instance you might register yourbrand.com  for the main site and a few variations like yourbrand.store  or common misspellings to protect your brand. 02. Choose a domain registrar Choosing the right domain registrar means considering its reputation, pricing and included features. Go for a well-established ICANN-accredited domain registrar like Wix. Look for value-added services such as WHOIS lookup , privacy protection (free with Wix) DNS management and email forwarding. You'll want to make sure your registrar offers an intuitive dashboard for managing domains and supports your desired top-level domain TLD . Depending on your type of brand and business you might also want to check your registrar offers a variety of TLD's. Learn more: What is a domain registrar  (and why do you need one) Comparison of free vs paid domain services When buying a domain name you might notice some registrars offer free domains often bundled with website builders or hosting plans. Free domains can be appealing if you’re starting small or testing an idea but they usually come with limitations. You might have restricted DNS control limited privacy protection or subtle branding from the provider on your domain. Paid domain services give you more control and flexibility. You can fully manage DNS settings enable privacy protection and retain complete ownership of your domain name. Paid domains often look more professional and make it easier to transfer your domain if you ever switch registrars. Learn more: Best domain name registrars Customer support reliability for your domain When you're managing a domain name, reliable support is crucial. Technical issues can pop up, like registration errors, DNS misconfigurations or transfer delays. With responsive support, these problems get sorted fast, saving you time and preventing website downtime. Look for registrars offering live chat, phone support and email support, plus detailed help centers or tutorials. Always check reviews to gauge support quality. Some registrars offer 24/7 help, while others operate only during limited hours. Picking a registrar with dependable support means if your domain hits a snag, you can fix it quickly. Learn more: Is Wix a domain registrar? Hidden costs to watch for when buying a domain name While the initial price for a domain name might seem low watch out for hidden costs that can pop up later. Renewal fees are often higher than the first-year price and services like privacy protection email or domain transfers can add to the bill. Some registrars also sneak in extra charges like ICANN fees or setup costs that can surprise you. To avoid these unexpected expenses compare the total cost over several years not just the introductory price. Always read the fine print to understand what’s included. If you’re planning to bundle with hosting or email, choose a registrar that offers reliable integration with these services — with Wix, for example, web hosting comes with every website you create. Learn more: Does Wix have email too? 03. Choose your domain name Your domain name is the first thing people see, so it needs to be clear, memorable and a good fit for your brand. A few basic tips for doing this: Your name should be simple and memorable Make sure it can reflect your brand long term It should be short, where possible Remember to avoid cultural sensitivities Start by listing words that describe your business, products or style. Try combining words, using rhymes or keeping it short and catchy. Learn more: How to buy a domain name When choosing a domain, prioritize one that aligns with your brand and is easy for customers to remember. A domain should reflect your business and make it simple for people to find you online. Einat Shafir, product manager at Wix When your ideal domain is taken Check if your domain name is available using a domain name search tool . If your first pick is already taken, don’t sweat it. Say you sell eco-friendly bags and GreenCarry.com  is gone. You could add a word like get , shop  or my  ( GetGreenCarry.com ), try a different extension like .store or .co or even tweak the spelling so it's still easy to type ( EkoTote.com ). You could also see if the current owner is willing to sell it. Lots of domains are owned but not used, and some people are happy to negotiate a price. Find their contact info with a WHOIS lookup or domain broker service. Be aware that some domains, especially short or popular ones, can be pricey. But it's worth a shot if the name is perfect for your brand. Even if you don't buy it, just reaching out might spark new ideas for similar names or other available options. You can also learn more in our guide to how to choose a domain name , or see what 23 business owners consider their worst domain naming mistakes . 04. Choose your domain extension (TLD) A domain extension, or TLD (like .com domain , .net or, .store), might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference. The trusty .com is familiar and trusted by most visitors, making it often the safest choice for a business or professional website. But don't count out newer or niche extensions. They can work really well, especially if they clearly describe what your site is all about. For instance, a store could use .shop, a tech startup might try .io and a creative portfolio could go for .design. TLDs can also have subtle SEO and branding effects. While search engines treat all TLDs similarly, people are more likely to trust and remember certain extensions, which can improve clicks and recognition. Niche or country-specific extensions, like .co.uk or .ca, can signal your focus area to your audience. Learn more: .ORG vs .COM vs .NET What is .ai domain Can you buy a domain name forever? 05. Register your domain name Once you find an available domain with your chosen domain registrar, add it to your cart. During the checkout process, you’ll be prompted to enter your contact information, which is needed for WHOIS registration. Learn more: How to register a domain name Choose your registration term, the standard is usually one year, though multi-year options are available and you should consider turning on auto-renewal to avoid accidental expiration of your domain. Submit your payment securely and confirm your registration. If you have a paid Wix account, your domain name will be free and there's no payment necessary. After purchasing, you’ll receive an email confirmation and you may need to verify your contact email. Once verified, the domain is yours and can be connected to your website or reserved for future use. If you build a website with Wix connection to your website is automatic once your domain name is registered. Learn more: What's the easiest way to get a domain? 06. What to do after buying your domain Buying your domain is just the first step—now it’s time to put it to work. Start by connecting it to your website so visitors can find you. If you’re using a website builder like Wix it usually happens automatically. If not, you’ll need to update your DNS settings—don’t worry, most registrars have step-by-step guides. Set up a professional email with your domain and link your domain to your social media. Once everything's connected, think about protecting your domain long-term. Turn on auto-renewal so you don't lose it by accident and enable WHOIS privacy to keep your contact info safe. Consider buying common misspellings or alternative extensions to stop competitors from snatching them. Keep your login info secure and update passwords regularly. New domain checkup: Get connected:  Point your domain to your website. Professional email:  Set up emails like you@yourbrand.com . Social media links:  Update your profiles with your new domain. Auto-renew:  Turn this on. You don't want to accidentally lose your domain simply because you forgot to renew. Privacy protection:  Use WHOIS protection to keep your personal details private. Secure alternatives:  Register common misspellings or other domain extensions. Protect your login:  Use strong passwords and update them regularly. How do I buy a domain name from Wix? Buying and managing your domain is a breeze with Wix. Right from the start, you get instant domain name search results and an AI-powered generator to help you find names that suit your brand industry or style. Once you’ve found a winner, Wix offers quick domain registration with a wide range of domain extensions for any industry or geo. To buy a domain name from Wix, follow these steps: Go to Domains in your Wix account, or start here Click on 'Get a New Domain' Enter your chosen domain name and extension in the search field, then click 'Search' If the domain is available, confirm you want it Select your registration period (1-3 years) Enter your contact information If necessary, choose your privacy and security options Select your payment method and submit your purchase. If you have a paid Wix account, your domain name will be free. When you build your site on Wix, your domain connects automatically to secure scalable web hosting. No extra setup needed. You can also create a professional inbox with Google Workspace business email, all tied directly to your domain. Everything stays in one place, saving you time reducing typical domain confusion and making getting online feel a lot simpler. I want to buy a domain name FAQ Which is the best site to buy a domain? The best place is a domain registrar, like Wix, that’s ICANN-accredited, transparent with pricing and easy to manage. Domain registrars like Wix are popular because they bundle privacy, support and simple dashboards. Choose the one that fits how you plan to build and manage your site. Do I need an LLC for a domain? No, you don’t need an LLC to buy a domain name. Anyone can register one with basic contact details. But if you already run a business, registering under your LLC keeps your brand ownership cleaner and avoids mixing personal and business info. How do I permanently buy a domain name? You cant buy a domain permanently but you can keep it as long as you renew it. Most registrars let you register for up to 10 years at a time and offer auto-renewal so you never lose it. Owning the domain long-term is simply about staying on top of renewals. How to get a 100% free domain name? Some website builders or hosting plans offer a free domain for the first year. But you'll still have to pay for the service itself. Completely free domains with standard extensions like .com don't really exist and "free" TLDs can look unprofessional. How long does it take to register a domain? Domain registration is almost instant. You search, choose your name, pay and it’s yours within minutes. DNS changes might take a little longer to update but the domain is activated right away. Can I change my domain later? You can buy a new domain anytime and connect it to your website. Just remember you'll need to update links, emails and SEO settings, so it's smart to choose carefully upfront. You don’t "edit" a domain — you replace it with a new one. What happens if I forget to renew my domain? Typically, your domain enters a grace period where you can still restore it. If you wait too long it can enter auction or be released back to the public. Turning on auto-renew is the easiest way to avoid losing it. Can I buy a domain anonymously? Yes, if your registrar provides WHOIS privacy. This feature keeps your personal details out of public databases and many registrars offer it for free. You'll still share your real information privately for verification. Are premium domains worth buying? Premium domains can be worth it if the name has strong branding power, trust or search value. They’re often short, recognizable and easier for customers to remember. Just weigh the cost against how important that exact name is to your brand’s growth.

  • How to buy a domain name (+ tips if it’s taken)

    The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain →   Your domain name is one of the first decisions that sticks with your website long term. Pick the wrong one and you’re dealing with awkward names, trust issues or costly changes later. With taken domains, confusing prices and too many extensions to choose from, it’s easy to feel stuck before you even start. This guide will help you buy a domain name with clarity and confidence so you don’t regret your choice after launch. TL;DR: How to buy a domain name To buy a domain name, start by choosing a trusted registrar and searching for names that fit your brand. You'll learn how to check availability, pick the right extension and explore alternatives or negotiate if your ideal name is taken. The guide also covers verifying ownership, protecting your domain with privacy and security features, managing renewals and understanding pricing, registrar fees and bundled services so you can make a confident, informed choice before creating a website . Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place: business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. You’ll learn how to: Choose a domain name that’s memorable, trustworthy and built to last Find and register a domain through a reliable registrar Check availability and handle cases where your ideal domain is taken Pick the right domain extension for your website goals Understand domain pricing, including registrar fees, promotions and renewal costs Protect, manage and renew your domain over time Safely buy an already owned domain and avoid common mistakes What is a domain name? A domain name is your website's unique address on the internet, similar to a business's physical address. It's what users type into their browser to find your site. Typically, it has two parts: the name and the extension (or top-level domain, TLD). For example, in the URL  "www.example.com", "example" is the name and " .com " is the extension. Learn more about  what is a domain name and how does it work. How domain ownership works When you buy a domain name, you’re not purchasing it forever. You’re renting the rights to use it for a set period—usually one to ten years—through a domain registrar. As long as you keep renewing it, the domain stays yours to use. Behind the scenes, domain registries control each extension like .com or .net while registrars handle the signup and renewal process for you. This setup keeps the system organized and consistent worldwide. That’s why renewals are so important. If a domain expires and isn’t renewed on time, it can enter a grace period then be released back to the public. Keeping your registration details accurate and your renewal active protects your name long term and avoids costly recovery later. Buying a domain name starts with choosing a reliable registrar, searching for available names and picking one that fits your brand. Once you find the right domain, you complete the registration by providing your contact info and payment then set up privacy and security options. After purchase, you can connect it to your website and start using it right away. How to buy a domain name in 7 steps Choose a reliable domain registrar Brainstorm your domain name Check domain name availability Purchase and register your domain name Verify ownership of your domain Protect your domain Manage and renew your domain 01. Choose a reliable domain registrar A domain registrar is a company that manages the registration of domain names on behalf of individuals or businesses. While the  Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)  manages all domains worldwide, a registrar deals with ICANN on your behalf. When choosing among the  best domain registrars , consider these factors: Domain pricing :  Compare the costs of different registrars, including the initial registration fee, renewal rates and any additional charges for services such as domain privacy protection. Customer support:  Opt for a registrar that offers robust customer support, including various means of contact like live chat, email or phone and ensure their availability matches your needs. Management tools:  Look for registrars that provide a comprehensive suite of domain management  tools, including easy DNS management, transfer locks and bulk editing capabilities. Add-ons:  Some registrars offer additional services, such as email hosting, SSL certificates and website building tools, which can be convenient if you want to manage everything in one place. Learn more: Does Wix have email for my business? Transfer policies:  Check the registrar’s policy for transferring your domain to another registrar. Ensure it’s straightforward and doesn’t come with excessive costs or delays. Security features:  Choose a registrar that provides website security  features like two-factor authentication, domain locking and professional monitoring to protect your domain from unauthorized transfers or attacks. Learn more about how you can secure a domain name . Registration period:  Determine how long you can register your domain name for. Some may provide discounts for longer registration periods, while others might automatically renew your domain annually. When choosing a domain registrar, look for a provider with a strong reputation and transparent pricing including renewal rates. Consider the features and tools they offer, the range of TLDs available and the quality of customer support. Bundled services and easy integration with website builders or email can make managing your domain smoother and more convenient. For a premium domain name, you might want to consider using a domain broker . However most businesses will be able to seamlessly choose and register a domain name with a domain registrar like Wix. Learn more: What's the easiest way to get a domain? Is Wix good for business email? Answering 12 web domain-related questions you’re probably too shy to ask 02. Brainstorm your domain name According to Cary Byrd, the Founder of CinchLocal: Run the "mom test"—if you tell your domain to someone's mom over a noisy phone connection, can she spell it correctly and remember it an hour later? If not, keep looking. Your domain will be spoken aloud more often than you think. Your domain name is a huge part of your brand. It should be memorable, reflect what you do and connect with your audience. Consider these tips when choosing a domain name : Make it relevant:  Your domain name should reflect your brand and what you do. Avoid using vague or misleading names that may confuse visitors. Keep it short and simple:  A shorter name is easier to remember, type and share. It also reduces the risk of spelling errors. Include keywords:  Consider incorporating relevant keywords in your domain name to improve search engine optimization (SEO). Avoid numbers and hyphens:  These can make a domain name harder to remember, appear spammy and increase the chances of typos. Use a domain name generator :  If you're struggling to come up with ideas, this tool can spark creativity based on your inputted keywords and preferences, helping you find a name that fits your brand and is available for registration. You can learn more about how to check if a domain name is available with our guide. Domain extensions There is a vast array of domain extensions  available, each serving different purposes and audiences. Choosing the right domain extension can enhance credibility and relevance, making it easier for users to identify the nature of your website at a glance. Here are most common types of domains  available: Generic top-level domain (gTLD) :  These are the most common and include extensions such as .org, .com and .net  as well as .co  and .info . They can be used for virtually any website. Country code top-level domain  (ccTLD) :  These are specific to a country or geographical region, such as .nl  for the Netherlands and .ca for Canada. Sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) : Designed for specific entities.  For example, .edu for educational institutions and .gov for government organizations. New top-level domain (ngTLD ) : These are more specific gTLDs that cater to various industries or interests, such as .biz for businesses and .photography for photographers. One extension growing in popularity is .ai , originally the country code for Anguilla, but widely adopted by companies and startups in the artificial intelligence space. If you're building a tech-forward brand or targeting a developer or investor audience, .ai can signal innovation and expertise. For more in-depth examples, check out the most popular domain extensions  and learn more about what a TLD is . 03. Check domain name availability Once you've narrowed down a few potential domain names, it's time to check their availability. You'll want to ensure the name you choose is not already registered by another individual or business. Looking to understand how to find a domain name owner ? Check out our guide. Use a domain name search  tool where you can enter your desired domain name and see if it’s available.  If your desired name is unavailable, the tool will come up with additional ideas. Find the domain owner and registration details for a website with a  Whois domain lookup .  04. Purchase and register your domain name Once you've confirmed the availability of your desired domain name, it's time to purchase and register it through your chosen registrar. The process usually involves creating an account, entering your contact and payment information and choosing a registration period. Be sure to double-check all the details before finalizing the purchase. Once completed, you'll officially own the rights to your new domain name. To register a domain name , find a registrar you trust and search for your desired name. Choose an extension then review the costs and any extras like privacy or business email . Complete the purchase with your contact and payment information. Verify your ownership through the confirmation email and connect the domain to your site. Make sure to turn on security features and auto-renewal to keep it active and protected. Here’s how to register a domain name  with Wix: Visit the domain registrar. Enter your desired domain name and click Search . If the name is available, click Get It  to continue. If not, explore additional suggestions or enter a different option in the search bar. Once you find a suitable domain name, click Get It . Choose whether to register for one, two or three years. Longer registration periods save you more money annually. After making your selection, click Continue  and proceed to checkout. Connect the domain name to your site  and share it with your intended audience, whether it's friends, family or a specific online community. Expert tip from Ofir Gvili, domains PMM at Wix: “Think of your domain as the headline of your brand. It’s often the very first thing people see, even before they land on your website. A strong domain builds trust instantly and sets the tone for your entire online presence.” 05. Verify ownership of your domain After registering your domain, it’s important to verify that you are the rightful owner. This step helps officially link your new domain to your account and ensures no one else can claim or access it. Most domain registrars require this verification as part of the process, and acting quickly will help you avoid delays in activating your domain. Why this step matters: Verifying ownership not only secures your domain but also complies with regulations, such as those outlined by ICANN (the organization that oversees domain registrations). Without verification, your domain might become inactive or remain unlinked to your account. How to verify ownership: Check the email address associated with your registrar account. Look for an email with a verification link. Click the link and follow any instructions provided. This might involve logging into your account or confirming specific details. Complete the verification within the required timeframe. Many registrars allow a grace period, but if the verification isn’t completed on time, your registration may be suspended. Wix makes domain transfer  easy, with free SSL, reliable hosting, privacy options and 24/7 support. 06. Protect your domain name Once you've registered your domain, it's crucial to protect it from potential threats.  Your registrar may offer additional services, such as domain locking and professional monitoring, to ensure your domain is secure. It's also essential to regularly review and update your contact information to avoid losing ownership of your domain due to expired or incorrect details. Recent updates from ICANN, the organization that oversees domain registrations, make this step even more important. As of August 2025, new rules standardize how registrars manage registration data to improve accuracy and privacy . One key change affects who legally owns a domain: if a business name appears in the “Organization” field during registration, that business—not the individual who registered it—is recognized as the owner. Reviewing your details ensures your domain stays under the right name and prevents future disputes. Consider implementing the following measures: Enable domain privacy  protection:  This feature keeps your personal information hidden from the WHOIS public databases, reducing the risk of identity theft and unsolicited emails.. Keep contact information up-to-date:  Ensure your registrar has your current email address on file so they can reach out regarding any issues or important updates. Turn on auto-renewal  to prevent your domain from expiring and being released to someone else. 07. Manage and renew your domain Once your domain is set up, maintaining it is just as important as registering it. Proper domain management ensures your website stays secure, active and easy for your audience to find. Staying on top of renewals also prevents the risk of losing your domain due to expiration. Tips for managing your domain: Enable auto-renewal before domain expiration :  Enable auto-renewal to avoid accidentally letting your domain registration expire. Losing ownership of a domain can be costly to retrieve and damage your online presence. Learn more about domain lifecycles . Set reminders:  If you prefer to handle renewals manually, create a reminder to renew your domain well before the expiration date. Missing this step could result in extra fees or, worse, losing the domain altogether. Review your domain's settings: Spend some time reviewing your domain’s settings to check for any unnecessary add-ons or security upgrades that you might need to enable. Keeping everything organized and current will allow you to focus on your website instead of worrying about the technical details. It's common to ask can I buy a domain name permanently?  We explain why that isn't an option and how to use a domain long term. Step What to do Choose a reliable domain registrar Start with a trusted provider like Wix that offers security, transparency and easy setup Brainstorm your domain name Think about keywords, your brand identity and names that are short and memorable Check domain name availability Use a domain search tool to see what’s available and explore similar options Purchase and register your domain name Buy your domain through your registrar and register it under your name or business Verify ownership of your domain Confirm your domain is officially registered and associated with your contact details Protect your domain Add privacy protection and consider locking the domain to prevent unauthorized changes Manage and renew your domain Set up auto-renewal and keep your info current to avoid losing your domain Learn more: what is domain protection? How much does a domain name cost? While you can get a free domain , buying one might be a better choice. Free domains include the registrar's prefix, making them suitable for temporary sites or initial online presence. However, to make your website stand out professionally and grow with your brand, invest in a domain name. The cost of a domain varies depending on a few factors: Standard domains : An unregistered .com, .net or .org typically costs between $10–$20 per year. Promotional first-year rates can be lower, but always check the renewal price, as it may increase in later years. Premium domains : Short, brandable names are in high demand and can sell for hundreds, thousands or even millions of dollars. Free domains : Some website builders or hosting platforms include a free domain for the first year when you purchase a plan. Domain prices depend on a few things . Popular extensions usually cost more while specialty or country-specific ones vary. Short memorable or keyword-rich names also tend to have higher prices. The length of your registration your region aftermarket availability and any extras the registrar includes like privacy or email services also affect the final cost. Understanding domain pricing Domain prices vary based on the type and popularity of the extension: Generic top-level domains (gTLDs):  These include .com, .org, .net and similar. Popular names, especially short or brandable .coms, tend to be more expensive due to high demand. Less common gTLDs like .info or .co are usually cheaper. Industry-specific or new gTLDs (ngTLDs):  Extensions like .tech, .photography or .shop might have a higher price tag than standard gTLDs but they do a great job of making your brand clear and memorable. Country code domains (ccTLDs):  Domains tied to a country like .uk, .ca or .de vary in price based on local rules, demand and registration requirements. Some are highly affordable while others come with a premium price tag. Premium domains:  These domains have high commercial value because they’re short, memorable or keyword-rich. They can sell for hundreds, thousands or even millions regardless of the extension. Promotions and first-year deals Many registrars will hook you with a sweet first-year deal. It’s tempting to grab a domain for just a few bucks but be sure to check the renewal price. It can sometimes be a lot higher than the initial cost. Before you commit make sure you know the full price so you can budget for the long run and avoid any surprises when your renewal comes up. Registrar fees Registrars don’t all charge the same amount. Some add markups to the base price or include extra fees for services like WHOIS privacy or DNS management. It's good to understand how your registrar sets prices so you can avoid hidden fees and pick a provider that’s transparent and fair. Domain services included with Wix When you buy a domain through Wix your domain is automatically connected to Wix name servers. You get to choose private registration to keep your contact info hidden and add DNSSEC for extra security against cyberattacks. You can also manage everything like renewals and privacy settings right from your account plus create custom business email addresses. The price of a Wix domain depends on a few things: The extension you choose (for example, .org  or .net domains  vs .info )   Your local currency The number of years you register for If you add privacy protection Your local tax or VAT laws To give you an idea of what to expect you can read more about how much a domain name costs  in detail. The good news is that selected yearly or multi-year Premium or Studio paid plans  come with a domain voucher for the first year. This adds extra value and makes getting started even easier. Expert tip from Ofir Gvili, domains PMM at Wix: “Domain pricing isn’t just about finding the lowest number, it’s about understanding the value behind it. With Wix, your domain comes with instant reliability, easy management and smooth integration with your site. That means you’re not only paying for a name, you’re investing in a stress-free experience that helps your brand look polished and professional from the start.” Learn why some business owners are wiling to pay $100+ a year for a premium domain . How to buy a domain name that is already owned There may be instances where you want to purchase a domain name that is already registered by someone else. In such cases, you can try reaching out to the current owner and negotiating a price for them to transfer ownership of the domain to you. It's important to note that purchasing a registered domain may be more expensive than registering a new one. However, it can be worth it if the domain name aligns with your brand and has established traffic or revenue potential.  It's also essential to ensure all legal aspects of the transaction are covered to avoid any disputes in the future. Here are the steps to complete a purchase. 01. Discover the current use of the domain Before reaching out to the current owner, it's essential to understand how they are using your desired domain. This can give you an idea of its value and potential for your own website. You can check this by entering the domain name into a browser and seeing what appears. If the domain is connected to an active website, the owner might not want to sell it. The best chance to secure a web address is when it points to a placeholder site on a parked domain. Domain flipping  is common, with resellers often buying parked domains  to resell them for profit. These sellers are generally easier to negotiate with as they're not attached to the domain. 02. Determine a fair price Before making an offer, research the domain's market value to avoid overpaying. Consider the following factors: Domain history :  Older domains are usually more valuable as they have higher credibility and may rank better on search engines. Relevance and popularity:  Short, specific and memorable names tend to be worth more than longer or obscure ones. Traffic and revenue potential:  If a website is generating significant traffic or profit, it will likely have a higher price tag. 03. Contact the domain owner You can find the contact information of a domain owner through the WHOIS database, which contains public records of registered domain names. The owner may also have provided their contact details on their website or social media profiles. Once you have the contact information, reach out with a polite and professional email expressing your interest in purchasing the domain. Another option is to use a domain broker to facilitate the purchase on your behalf. 04. Complete the sale using escrow services To ensure a safe and secure transaction, consider using an escrow service to facilitate the sale. This service verifies your payment and ensures the seller transfers the domain before releasing funds, protecting both the buyer and seller from potential scams or issues. 05. Complete the transfer of ownership Once the purchase is complete, the current owner will initiate a process called domain transfer. This involves releasing the domain from their account and providing you with authorization codes or access credentials. Once you have these details, you can proceed with registering the domain through your chosen registrar to officially own and manage your new web address . Important tips for buying a domain name When it comes to securing the perfect domain name for your website, a few smart choices can make all the difference. Here are some key factors to keep in mind before hitting "buy": Pick the right domain extension : You’re probably familiar with ".com" domains—they’re popular for a reason. But depending on your website’s purpose, extensions like ".net" or ".org" might fit just as well. If you’re feeling creative, newer extensions can also help define your brand in a unique way. Protect your privacy : Some registrars offer WHOIS privacy protection, which can keep your personal contact details out of the public database. It’s a small investment that adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind. Keep it short and memorable : A shorter domain name is easier for people to type, remember and share. Avoid complicated words or long strings of text—they’ll only cause headaches for your visitors. Use relevant keywords : If it makes sense, consider including keywords that reflect your business or site’s focus. Not only can it help with search engines, but it also gives visitors an idea of what to expect before they even click. Learn more: What is domain authority Wix’s domain experts This article was created by Wix’s in-house domain experts, with years of experience helping people choose, register and secure the perfect domains for their businesses and online projects. The guidance, tips and best practices shared here come directly from real Wix projects, so you can be confident they’ll help you find a domain that represents your brand, stays secure and supports your long-term goals. At Wix, we’ve guided millions of entrepreneurs, creators and small business owners in establishing a strong online presence. Our team keeps up with the latest in domain management, security and branding, making sure the advice you get is practical and backed by proven results. A Wix domain gives you a secure hassle-free start. It includes a free SSL certificate, automatic SEO-friendly URLs and easy management of subdomains and redirects. You can set up custom business emails, transfer your domain smoothly and handle renewals and settings all from your account with a free domain for the first year on select plans. Claim your perfect domain. More on how to manage your domain How to get a free domain name How to change a domain name How to transfer a domain name How to buy a domain name FAQ What do I do once I have bought my domain name? Once you have successfully purchased your domain name, you will need to connect it to a hosting website . This involves setting up DNS records and pointing your domain to the correct web server . Your chosen registrar should provide instructions on how to do this or you can seek help from a web developer or technical support team. Learn more: Web host vs domain registrar . How soon can I use a domain name?   After purchasing a domain name, it may take up to 48 hours for it to become active and accessible to the public. This is due to the time it takes for DNS changes to propagate globally. Can I change my domain name after purchasing? In most cases, once a domain is registered and purchased, it cannot be changed. You would need to purchase a new domain and redirect domain  traffic from the old one if you wish to change your website's address. Is there a limit on how many domains I can buy? There is no specific limit on how many domains an individual or business can own. However, excessive purchases of multiple domains may result in additional fees and maintenance costs. It's recommended to only purchase the domains you need for your brand or business. Does the country I live in affect my domain name? Yes, the country you live in can affect your domain name as some country-specific extensions may only be available to individuals or businesses located within that country. For example, .mx  is only available for residents and companies in Mexico. It's essential to research which extensions are available in your country before purchasing a domain.  Additionally, some countries have specific regulations or restrictions on certain domain names, so it's important to familiarize yourself with these laws before making a purchase.  You can also use this information to tailor your domain name to reach your target audience effectively.  Can I buy a domain name without hosting? Yes, you can buy a domain name without hosting. However, your website will not be accessible to the public until it is connected to a hosting service or website builder . It's recommended to have both a domain name and hosting in order to have a fully functional website. You can purchase hosting through your chosen registrar or choose a separate hosting provider.  How can I buy a domain name permanently?  In general, domain names are purchased for a set period of time and will need to be renewed before the domain expiration date. However, some registrars offer the option to purchase a domain name for a longer duration, such as 10 years. When should I buy a domain name?  It's best to purchase a domain name as soon as you have decided on your brand or business name. This ensures that the domain is available and prevents someone else from purchasing it before you do. Additionally, buying a domain early allows you to start building your online presence and establishing your brand. Can I transfer my domain name?  Yes, you can transfer your domain name to a different registrar at any time. This may be necessary if you change hosting providers or want to manage all your domains under one account. The process for transferring a domain varies between registrars and typically involves obtaining an authorization code from the current registrar and initiating the transfer with the new one. It's important to note that some registrars may charge a fee for transferring your domain. Can I buy a domain name from a web host?  Yes, many web hosting services also offer domain registration services. This can be convenient if you are purchasing both a domain name and hosting for your website. However, it's important to research the prices and features offered by different registrars before making a decision to ensure you get the best deal for your needs.  Additionally, consider how easy it is to transfer your domain if you decide to switch hosting providers in the future. How do I buy a domain name for business emails? To get started with how to create a business email , the first step is purchasing a domain name that aligns with your brand. Choose a reliable domain registrar, search for your desired domain and complete the registration. Once you have your domain, you can set up professional email addresses like info@yourbusiness.com or sales@yourbusiness.com. This is also a great time to explore unique email name ideas that represent your team roles or company values, helping to create a cohesive and professional identity.

  • Can you buy a domain name forever? All you need to know about domain ownership

    The perfect domain is just a click away:   claim your domain →  If you're wondering 'Can you buy a domain name forever?', the short answer is no—but also, sort of yes. Say you’ve just come up with the perfect, catchy, memorable name for your website. Naturally, you want to lock it down so no one else can snag it. But realistically, can you buy a domain name forever? Technically, when you create a website , you can’t buy a domain name outright in the same way you buy a house or a pair of shoes. It’s more like a lease. However, with the right strategy and auto-renewals, you can essentially keep that domain for as long as you want (or as long as the internet exists). In this article, we’ll break down exactly how domain registration works, why "forever" isn’t really an option and the smart ways to make sure your domain stays yours for the long haul. Secure your perfect domain in just a few clicks with Wix. Get everything you need in one place: business email, reliable hosting, SSL protection and full privacy. With 24/7 support and no hidden fees, getting your site live is simple and worry-free. TL;DR: can you buy a domain name forever? Short on time? Here’s what you need to know about keeping your domain name for the long term: Feature The reality Ownership You rent the domain from a registrar; you don’t own it permanently. Max registration Most domains can be registered for up to 10 years at a time. "Forever" plans Some registrars offer "lifetime" deals, but in practice they just automate renewals for you. The solution Set up auto-renewal and keep your payment info updated. Risk factor If you miss a renewal payment, your domain could go back on the open market. What is a domain name? Think of a domain name as your address on the internet. If your website is your house, the domain name is the street address people type into their GPS (or browser) to find you. For example, wix.com  is a domain name. Behind the scenes, computers use complex strings of numbers called IP addresses to communicate. But because humans aren't great at remembering strings like 192.0.2.1 , we use domain names instead. When you "buy" a domain, you are registering that specific address with an organization called ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). They manage the central database of all web addresses. You pay a registrar (like Wix) to reserve that name for a specific period, usually between one and ten years. Learn more: Why do I need a domain name? How to choose a domain name How much does a domain name cost How to check if a domain name is available Benefits of holding on to the same domain name While you can’t technically buy it forever in one transaction, keeping the same domain for decades is incredibly valuable. Stability matters for a number of reasons: 01. Builds brand authority If you change your business name or URL every few years, it’s hard for customers to trust you. A long-standing domain signals that you are established and reliable. It’s a stamp of legitimacy that tells visitors, "I'm here to stay." “If we were a smaller company, we probably would have been encouraged to look for a new domain, but the costs of change and potential traffic loss weren't worth it. The value of our domain is purely from the branding perspective. We could move the whole content, redirect all the SEO value and links we have, but the branding is what makes the domain name important to us.” - Kacper Rafalski, Demand Generation Team Leader at Netguru Learn more: what is domain authority? 02. Strengthens SEO rankings Search engines like Google tend to trust older domains that have a history of good content and steady traffic. If you switch domains, you essentially reset the clock on your SEO efforts, losing the "juice" you built up over the years. Sticking with one URL helps you climb the search results and stay there. You may also be interested in: Is .shop a good domain? How to get a .org domain 03. Consistent traffic Direct traffic, i.e. people typing your URL directly into their browser, is gold. If you’ve printed your URL on business cards, shared it on social media or have it linked on other websites, changing it means all those potential visitors hit a "404 Error" page. Keeping your domain ensures you catch every single visitor. Learn more: what is a URL? Can you buy a domain name forever? Common challenges explained Since true "forever" ownership doesn't exist, you need to be aware of the hurdles that could cause you to lose your domain: Expired credit cards This is the number one reason people lose their domains. You register a domain for five years, forget about it, and in that time, your credit card expires. When the renewal date hits, the payment fails and the domain eventually drops back into the public pool. Learn more about domain expiration . Registrar bankruptcy It’s rare, but it happens. If the company you registered your domain with goes out of business, complications can arise. Usually, ICANN steps in to transfer domains to a new registrar, but it can be a headache you don’t want to deal with. Learn more: how to transfer a domain . Missing renewal emails Registrars send plenty of warnings before a domain expires. But if you used an old email address you no longer check, or if those emails go to spam, you might miss the memo entirely. You may also be interested in: Dropped domains Parked domains Examples of domain names with longevity Most domain names are only registered for one year at a time, with 60% of .com domains lasting no more than one year before expiration or renewal. Moreover, under current policies, the maximum registration period for any domain is 10 years at a time before it must be renewed again. However, some domains have been around almost as long as the public internet itself. These examples prove that while you can't buy "forever," you can certainly hold on for a lifetime. Symbolics.com:  Registered in March 1985, this was the very first .com domain ever registered. It is still active today. IBM.com:  Also registered in 1986, showing that big brands understood the value of digital real estate early on. Wix.com:  We’ve held onto our domain since 2006, building a reputation and authority that helps millions of users create their own sites today. These sites prove that with simple management, a lease can effectively become permanent ownership. Learn more about the domain lifecycle . Can you buy a domain name forever? Let's find out Ready to secure your name for the long haul? Here is the step-by-step game plan to get as close to "forever" as possible. Choose a reliable registrar Max out your registration period Turn on auto-renew Keep your contact info current Add a backup payment method 01. Choose a reliable registrar Start with a trustworthy registrar that is accredited by ICANN. You want a company with a solid track record, good support and transparent pricing. Wix offers easy domain name search and registration, making it simple to find and lock down your ideal name. Learn more: how to choose a domain registrar . 02. Max out your registration period Most registrars allow you to register a domain for up to 10 years at a time. If you are serious about this business, don’t go year-to-year. Pay for the full decade upfront. It saves you the hassle of annual renewals and locks in the price. “Changing domains down the road can be costly and confusing, so it pays to choose thoughtfully from the start. A well-chosen name grows with you, making every step of your brand journey feel consistent.” - Ofir Gvili, Domains PMM at Wix 03. Turn on auto-renew This is non-negotiable. Go into your account settings and ensure "Auto-Renew" is toggled on. This grants permission for the registrar to charge your card automatically when the time comes. Learn more about best domain registrars . 04. Keep your contact info current Make a calendar reminder to check your domain settings once a year. Ensure your email address and phone number are up to date so you receive renewal notifications. 05. Add a backup payment method Don’t rely on a single card. Add a secondary credit card or PayPal account to your file. If your primary card fails, the system can try the backup, saving your domain from accidental expiration. You may also be interested in: What is domain protection? Domain flipping Domain history How to buy a domain name that lasts with Wix When you buy a domain name with Wix, you get a simple, secure foundation for your online presence from day one. Wix simplifies domain registration for your business, making it easy to find, register and manage your domain in one place. With secure domain registration backed by SSL certification, your site and visitors are protected from the moment you go live. Plus, Wix offers quick domain registration, so you can lock in your web address fast and focus on building, growing and protecting your website with confidence. Learn more: How to get an SSL certificate How much does an SSL certificate cost? Can you buy a domain name forever FAQ Can I buy a domain name permanently? No, you cannot buy a domain permanently in a single transaction. The domain name system works on a renewal basis, similar to renting an apartment. However, you can renew it indefinitely. As long as you keep paying the renewal fee, the domain is yours. What happens if I forget to renew my domain? If you miss the renewal, your domain enters a "grace period" (usually about 30 days) where you can still renew it without penalty. After that, it may enter a "redemption period" where retrieving it costs extra. If you still don't act, the domain is released back to the public, and anyone else can register it. Are there "lifetime" domain registration services? Some companies market "lifetime" domain registration. Be cautious with these. Usually, you pay a large upfront fee, and the company promises to handle the annual renewals for you. The risk is that if the company shuts down, your "lifetime" deal disappears with them. It is generally safer to manage the renewals yourself through a reputable registrar.

  • How to create a professional website: step-by-step guide

    Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix →   A professional website can simultaneously operate as a marketing tool, a store platform, a display of talent, a communication channel, and an engine for branding. Essentially, it opens up the entire world to you and your business, giving you a unique platform to accomplish nearly anything. In this post, we will provide a step-by-step guide explaining how to make a Wix website and walk you through the technicalities and details of building your own professional site, which may differ from building a personal site. We will also focus on branding and marketing essentials to guarantee your site is as effective as it is beautiful. Or get started by understanding more about creating a website with AI from these best AI website builders . How to create a professional website Strategize your brand Master the web design Prioritize website usability Optimize for search engines Professionalize your site Optimize for mobile Launch a content marketing plan Test and maintain your professional website 01. Strategize your brand Start with outlining a clear and consistent brand strategy that will impact each touchstone of your site, from the overall website purpose to the guiding visual philosophy and tone of voice. All of these should become clear as you pursue the following: Identify your target market : Who are they? Which demographic groups do they belong to? What do they like to do? How do your target audience see themselves? How will your business or website influence their lives? Research your competitors : Do some market research to get a feel on what the competition is doing, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and how you can carve a niche for yourself in the field. Define your brand identity : If you had to describe your brand in three words, what would they be? What is the vision that motivates your brand? Think of your brand’s personality and extract from it tangible traits like brand colors, vocabulary and style. Prepare consistent branding material : Now it’s time to get practical and prepare the materials that will soon be featured on your site and across your other branding assets. Make sure to create your own logo , as well as images, slogans, videos, textual content and more. These elements should all correspond to your brand identity and serve your branding strategy. Learn more: Website name ideas 02. Master the web design From choosing the right website color scheme to crafting the right layout for your site, you have to take into account many aspects of professional website design . If you already know how to build a website from scratc h and have some previous experience, you can build your site starting from a blank website template , deciding whether you want to create a static website or a dynamic one. If you're worried about how long it takes to build a website , and want to save some time, you can also create a professional website with Wix's HTML website creator in the following three steps: Choose a template or start with AI : Using a website builder with What You See is What You Get (WYSIWYG) software, like Wix, you don't need any code to create your site—it's already built into the interface. The platform provides customers with customizable website templates as a solid foundation for designing their sites from scratch. There is a vast selection of professional website templates for a range of themes, styles and purposes. Whether you’re creating a personal website , using an online store builder or any other type of site, find the template that best suits your vision. Ideally, the one you pick will already be structured according to your needs and in line with your business goals (Learn more about starting a business ). Alternatively, you can let Wix's AI website maker design your site for you, and then customize it later on. This means you don't need to be well-versed in HTML , CSS or other web development lingo. Simply chat with AI and let Wix's artificial design intelligence work its magic. Learn more about how to create a website with AI . If you are an expert, check out Wix Studio for features such as responsive AI and a web creation platform built for agencies. Customize your template : It’s time to turn it into your very own site by customizing and editing. Add in all your content, including text, videos, links and images. Wix recommends using JPEG, PNG and GIF files for images to ensure they appear their best on your site. Next, refine the design using the editor's site and theme design to easily align your site design with your brand. Customization can be as basic or as elaborate as you want it to be. For inspiration, take a look at this selection of striking Wix websites , created from three different templates. Notice how the original simple website templates have been adapted to result in unique, individually-designed sites. Read also: I built a Wix website for my mom—here's how it went "Once you pick the right layout or the right template for you, I think it's really important to first make sure you customize all the content." - Dafna Rabin, Wix Template Design team lead Tweak the look : There is much more to creating a website than just choosing the best fonts, colors and images. You can incorporate a variety of media features to enhance your overall aesthetic. Try adding background videos or animation to your website design for added movement, or parallax scrolling to craft a sense of depth. But, be careful not to fall into the trap of overdesigning , too. Waste no time and create your site from start to finish with Wix's website builder . 03. Prioritize website usability Your website needs to catch the eye of any potential customer but to ensure that visitors will keep browsing, you must also provide a positive user experience. A beautiful website that does not function properly will not get you far. As you create a professional website, pay attention to these important points: Navigation flow : For optimal website navigation, make sure the site structure is clear and intuitive. Visitors should be able to easily navigate between pages and subpages using the main menu or internal links. "When it comes to making a website it's worth considering building a plan for all your website pages from the start of the process. This means creating a clear website plan that includes your planned and potential future pages. This allows you to then build a url structure for your site that is clean and consistent. This in turn can also mean you avoid having to make fixes to your url structure later, with redirects and manually having to update our change your internal linking." - Nitsan Eiges, Technical SEO team lead at Wix Content hierarchy : Hierarchy is one of the seven principles of design, which is why you should pay extra attention to it. Your aim is to guide visitors through your site in the order that best suits your interest. When thinking through how to plan a website , make sure that the most crucial layout elements are the most prominent. Reflect this hierarchy in your design, emphasizing the most important elements through size, color and placement on the page. For example, if you want people to subscribe to your service, make sure your ‘Subscribe’ button stands out on the page. This landing page explaining how to create a blog with a blog creator, clearly demonstrates content hierarchy done right, with large headers and eye-catching buttons. Calls-to-action : CTAs are the short messages that invite site visitors to take direct action. They can encourage visitors to “Register Free,” “Get Yours Today” or “Subscribe.” In short, they tell the visitors explicitly what you want them to do and make it easy for them to trust what will happen after clicking a button. Readability : Readability is a basic principle in typography. Make sure to use clear fonts and comfortable font sizes, that your text colors contrast well with the background colors, and that you have enough empty space (whitespace) around your written content. Check out our guide for more details on how to make website accessible . Footer : The bottom part of your site is known as the website footer (the top is the header). Footers are not immediately visible to site visitors, but they can be used in a number of ways to enhance usability. Consider adding your contact information to the footer, including buttons linking to social media channels and your privacy policy . You could also display a simplified site map that links to all your pages, as well as a brief explanation of who you are, or a site disclaimer text. Learn more: What makes a good website , website vs. CMS , Homepage design examples 04. Optimize for search engines Getting your site to rank prominently on search results is one of the most valuable ways to increase your traffic. This is why it’s so important to prioritize search engine optimization ( SEO ) in the early stages of creating your professional website. A key part of online marketing, SEO is a science in its own right. Its key elements are: Keyword research : Put yourself in the shoes of your potential site visitor or client. Which questions or phrases might they search for on Google that could lead them to your website? The keywords within their search queries will guide your SEO strategy. Using keyword research tools, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on which keywords you should be targeting. This can also be helpful for choosing a domain name that's relevant and searchable. Text : Every piece of text on your website, from your menu to your FAQ page, blog, footer or bio section, should be written with SEO in mind. While there are many SEO tips to boost your website, the general idea is to find subtle and elegant ways to integrate your keywords into your site’s textual content without compromising on quality. Search engine crawlers are smart, and they could down-rank you if they think you sound too much like an ad. Meta tags : Search engines like Google read your metadata. It’s up to you to control what it is that they see and how they present your site in search results. It is well worth it to take the time to add custom meta tags to your site with the goal of optimizing your content and helping search engines understand what your pages contain. Alt text : Images also play a prominent role in your SEO efforts. Every image that you upload to your website should have alt text (short for alternative text) added to it. Alt text is a very short line that explains to search engines what the image depicts. In turn, this allows your images to be ‘found’ in search results, which is why it’s important to write SEO-friendly alt text for all your images. Link building : Broadly put, your ranking on search engine results is likely to improve if you have other websites linking to your site. You can start by submitting your professional website to directories, making sure that all your social media profiles link to your site, and encouraging site visitors to share your content as well. Keep in mind that SEO is a long-term process that does not end once your website launches. You will need to continue to refine it as you go along in order to achieve sustainable results. "Don't be afraid to start small with your SEO content strategy. Focus on basic on-page optimizations and best practices, such as keywords in headings, first. Once you're sure your audience can be found on organic search, you can start planning a more advanced content strategy, involving clustering and advanced SEO techniques." - Rebecca Tomasis, Blog SEO team lead at Wix 05. Professionalize your website In addition to acting as the online face of your business or service, you should ask yourself how your website can further enhance your professional success. Depending on your industry or field, your site could be offering a number of features that will make it more appealing to your target market: Scheduling software : This is an ideal solution for managing appointments online and helps you take bookings and get payments more efficiently, as well as showcase your services in their best light. Online store : It’s never been easier to create and manage an eCommerce website, which includes professional features such as advanced marketing tools, secure online payments and multiple sales channels. You can start building your website from scratch or pick one of these online store templates . Fitness website : As you build a fitness business, you need an all-in-one solution with gym management software, online booking and payments, and convenient staff and scheduling options. Music portfolio website : Sell your music directly on your website with Wix, and keep 100% of the profits. You will also be able to expand your audience while maintaining total creative freedom. Essential apps : The Wix App Market holds a large selection of apps that will help you fulfill your website’s potential to the max. Consider, for instance, a tool to track your visitor analytics , a countdown timer to help increase your sales, and sophisticated text animation to impress your visitors. Read more: Check out Josh Harmon's professional website . 06. Optimize for mobile Making sure your website functions just as well on mobile as it does on desktop is crucial in this day and age. In fact, mobile usage stats indicate that mobile devices account for over 50% of web page views worldwide . Not only that, but since Google implemented mobile-first indexing, websites are ranked on search results predominantly by their mobile versions. Clearly, it’s worth investing your time in optimizing your mobile website . When you create a professional website with Wix, the mobile editor automatically converts your desktop design into a mobile-friendly site. You can then adjust the layout and design to suit mobile devices, paying particular attention to readability, text sizing and navigation. You can even make your website an app for users to download to their smartphones. For users who are looking for full control over breakpoints, Wix Studio is an advanced creation platform built exclusively for designers and agencies. It combines cutting-edge, responsive design with intuitive drag-and-drop on a flexible new canvas. This gives you absolute design control, so you can design your site at any viewport size. You can also create a responsive website. 07. Launch a content marketing plan Once your professional website goes live, you will see that the main challenge shifts to attracting and maintaining visitors. You can prepare for this task by developing a content marketing strategy, or the nuts and bolts of creating, publishing and promoting content that builds brand loyalty and trust. Here are a few ways to launch a content marketing plan: Make newsletters : Marketing emails, like a newsletter, can generate traffic using relevant and enticing content that makes a reader want to click. You can make your own successful email marketing campaign with Wix using fully customizable layouts, marketing automation tools, easy-to-read stats tracking, and more. Start a blog : There are many reasons why blogging is well worth your time and effort. Besides the fact that you can use it to monetize a website , having a blog can positively impact your site’s traffic. By covering a wide array of topics, you can draw in more readers and in turn more users to your product or service. Blog articles can also be repurposed and shared on social media. Add other compelling content: Expand your site’s appeal with engaging formats like infographics, white papers or case studies. Infographics can share complex ideas visually, while white papers and case studies establish credibility in your industry. Combining these diverse content types builds a richer experience for your audience while helping your business stand out. Content-wise, having your own blog will let you communicate your message and ideas in a more personal tone, as well as demonstrate your level of professionalism in your field. "I can definitely say that blogging is not only relevant nowadays, it's crucial. It's the perfect opportunity for us to build trust and authority with our users. Some people consider blogging only as a nice piece of content, but I think that it goes beyond this. It's a relationship that you're building with your readers where you can share with them—useful tips (they can apply to themselves) quotes from experts your experience on a given topic (which will show them your level of expertise on specific topics)."- Clemence Arthur, International SEO manager at Wix Social media is another great way to reach a wider audience. When you update your website, you can share the news on your social media channels. However, don't just promote your website. Engage with your audience in a genuine way, too. 08. Test and maintain your professional website As your professional website grows traffic and attracts more site visitors, you’ll need it running like a well-oiled machine. While website maintenance can feel like a big chore, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are some easy steps you can take to stay on top of your site with little investment. These include updating your content, like on your contact form, responding to customer reviews, checking online inventory and removing broken links or updating your privacy policy . Maintaining helps keep your audience engaged and your site looking professional. Test your site frequently to ensure all links, forms and features function seamlessly across different browsers and devices. Identifying technical issues early allows you to fix them before they impact user experience, helping your site maintain a polished and reliable image. Equally important is to keep your platform and plugins updated. Outdated software can pose serious security risks and slow down performance. Scheduling regular updates ensures your site is protected, operating at peak efficiency and meeting the latest web standards. Use website analytics to gain valuable insights into how visitors interact with your site. This data reveals opportunities to improve user experience, optimize engagement and boost conversions, helping your site reach its full potential. It's also important to check your software and add-ons for updates at least monthly. Outdated software can be a security risk, even if you have strong website security measures in place. Tip: Need a catchy title for your website's domain or subdomain ? Use a website name generator for inspiration and ideas. When it comes to creating a professional website you'll want to make sure you use a website builder, whether do it yourself or headless, that comes with advanced website infrastructure. This means with web hosting provided automatically, the chance to choose and connect a domain name and security that delivers 24/7 monitoring. . Related reading : Learn how Roni Sagi , runner up from America's Got Talent made her site. How to create a professional website FAQ Can I build my own professional website? Yes. All you need to do is choose a website builder, like Wix, find the right professional website templates and get creating. With Wix, your web hosting and web security are taken care of, so you can focus on the design and content of your site. Learn more about the advantages of Wix in this comparison guide: Wix vs Squarespace . Can I create a professional website for free? Absolutely. With Wix you can build a site for free or choose a premium package for more functionality. Learn more about is Wix really free ? How much does it cost to build a professional website? The cost of creating a website varies, depending on if you choose to work with a web developer and designer, or if you choose to use a CMS and build it yourself. You can create a professional website for free, or choose from a premium package that will include your domain name and other features. How can I create a professional website as a beginner? As a beginner you'll want to make sure you choose the right website builder to get you started with making your professional site. Opt for a platform that allows you to quickly and easily create a site, and which will allow your site to grow and scale with your professional career or business. As a beginner creating a site its always a good idea to work first with templates for your site pages. What is a personal professional website? A personal professional website is an online site where individuals showcase their skills, achievements and work experience. It serves as a dynamic digital resume, allowing users to display portfolios, highlight expertise and provide contact information. This centralized online hub enables personal branding, making it easier for employers, clients or collaborators to learn about one's professional background and accomplishments. It often includes a bio, portfolio section, resume and contact details for networking and career opportunities. How to spot a professional website? A professional website is characterized by a clean, modern design with intuitive navigation. High-quality visuals and well-organized content enhance user experience. The site loads quickly, and the URL is secure (https://). Contact information and a clear call-to-action are easily accessible. Professional websites prioritize functionality, showcase a cohesive brand identity and credibility with error-free content and attention to detail. Why should I create a professional website? Creating a professional website gives you a strong online presence, which builds your credibility and visibility. A website provides a centralized hub for potential employers or clients to learn about you, fostering networking opportunities. It also allows you to control your personal brand, express your unique identity and allow for easy communication. A professional website is a crucial tool for career advancement and personal branding in an age where everything and everyone is online. How to make a professional website in just 10 minutes? You can create a professional website quickly with Wix’s intuitive drag-and-drop website builder . Choose a template from the extensive library that fits your business needs, then customize it with your text, images and branding. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to arrange elements and get your site online in minutes. Wix empowers you to build a fast, professional and polished online presence—no technical skills required. How can I make my website look professional? To make your website look professional, focus on a clean and consistent design with a cohesive color scheme and typography. Use high-quality images and organize your content so it's simple to navigate. Additionally, make sure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly, as these factors make a big difference in building trust and leaving a strong impression.

  • How to make a business website, with expert insight

    Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix →   Every great business idea deserves—and requires—a great business website. And while there was a time when learning how to build a website was a complex, time consuming and expensive process, those days are long behind us. Now, website creation is accessible to everyone, no matter how tech savvy (or tech averse) you might be. With an intuitive, user-friendly website builder like Wix, anyone can learn how to make a business website complete with fully customizable features, AI tools, enterprise-grade security and built-in options for managing and growing your business. All it takes is 10 simple steps. Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. We’re all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. TL;DR: how to make a business website You can build a complete, professional business website with Wix in 10 simple steps—no coding needed. Start with one of 2,000+ customizable templates, get free secure hosting and connect your domain. Add essential pages like Home, About, Contact and Store, then fill them with content that works—blogs, testimonials and visuals. Make your site mobile-friendly, easy to navigate and optimized for SEO. Use built-in tools like AI text, CRM, analytics, email marketing and social integrations to grow your business. Try a one-page site or dedicated landing page if you're just starting out, and experiment with AI features to speed up the process. Add legal pages like a privacy policy and keep things fresh with regular updates so your site stays relevant, trustworthy and ready to scale. Types of business websites and what they need Type of website & examples Key pages and features to include Basic website features (included in all sites) Homepage, About page, Contact page, Privacy policy, Terms and conditions, Calls to action (CTAs), SEO basics, Mobile-friendly design, Social media links Service business (consultants, lawyers, coaches, freelancers) Services page, Testimonials, Online booking or inquiry form, CRM or lead capture forms Online store / eCommerce (retail shops, boutiques, handmade goods sellers) Shop and product pages, Cart and checkout, Payment options, Return and refund policy, Inventory management, Customer reviews Local business (restaurants, salons, gyms, repair shops) Menu or Services page, Map and phone number on Contact page, Online booking or reservation system, Testimonials Portfolio or creative professional (photographers, designers, artists, writers) Portfolio or work samples, Blog (optional), Newsletter signup, Testimonials Blog or content site (personal bloggers, industry news, influencers) Blog page, Categories and tags for posts, Newsletter signup, Comment system Nonprofit or community organization (charities, clubs, advocacy groups) Mission and values page, Events page, Volunteer or donation page, Donation/payment options How to make a business website in 10 steps Pick a business website template Choose a web host and domain name Optimize for SEO Focus on the user experience Build relevant pages Fill your site with rich content Implement a strong CRM Include a privacy policy Promote your site Track web performance 01. Pick a business website template Start by taking a look through our top picks for some of the best business websites and best business website examples . This will give you some inspiration ahead of creating your own. If you’re just starting a business , Wix offers hundreds of professionally designed, fully customizable business website templates based on industry research, from finance to farming and everything in between. (There’s a reason it’s lauded as one of the best website builders for small businesses .) Choose a template that works for your business As you set out to choose a template, browse through the different categories to find the best match for your business goals and personality. It could be a tech startup site, a construction company website or something else entirely—but the look and feel should match your style. Think modern, minimal, bold or even retro. Also consider what pages and features your business needs most. Dafna Rabin, template design team lead with Wix, suggests making this your first step. Next, Dafna suggests thinking about the kind of content you plan to add to your site and choosing a template that supports it. Are you planning to write a blog? Do you want a big image or video at the top of your homepage? The story your content tells about your business should shape the layout you go with. Create your site from start to finish with Wix's website builder . “Think about the flow of the content and the story that you want to tell your users,” Dafna recommends. “What is the first thing they see? What is the second? What is the main call to action (CTA) that you need on your website? What is the most important information that you want your users to see?” Finally, your template should accurately reflect your brand. “Make sure you fit the website to your brand colors and that your logo is well positioned,” Rabin advises. Learn more: Website vs CMS 02. Choose a web host and domain name To get online, you need a web hosting provider for others to discover your website. If you’re looking for the best website hosting for small businesses , Wix offers free web hosting that’s protected and reliable, with 24/7 security monitoring and integrated SSL certificates to keep customers safe. It also boosts an impressive 99.9% uptime, meaning your site will stay up and running on secure and stable networks. Next, you’ll need to get a domain name , also known as your website address, and connect it to your hosting provider. Selecting a strong domain name will add credibility to your business site and provide visibility for your brand. Ideally, it should match your business name for consistency. If you’re stuck on the naming front, try Wix’s free Business Name Generator and domain name search tool to see what’s available. Need help finding a catchy title for your domain name? Use Wix domain name generator  for inspiration and ideas that will help your business site stand out. Best practices when picking a domain name: Make it easy to pronounce and spell : Your domain name should be easily shareable and understandable. Keep it brief : Shorter names are user-friendly and easier to remember. Typing a lengthy name into the address bar is more susceptible to typos than a short name. Be unique and consistent : You want to stand out against the crowd. It’s also a good idea to keep your domain name in line with your brand, paving the way for a cohesive online presence. Avoid numbers and hyphens : These are often too confusing (is it 5 or five?) or difficult to remember. Hyphens, in particular, are easy to misplace when typing. Consider what domain extension you want to use: .de domain .xyz domain .co domain .store domain .info domain Build your business website  today with Wix. 03. Optimize for SEO SEO, or search engine optimization, helps your website show up when people search for things related to your business. As Rebecca Tomasis, SEO expert for Wix Blogs, puts it: “The higher you rank in search, and the more keywords you rank for—the greater your visibility, traffic and potential for conversions or sales.” You don’t need to know everything right away, but you can start with a few basic strategies to help your site get found on Google: Find relevant keywords : You’ll need to do keyword research to better understand what your potential customers search for—the exact phrases or words they use to find specific products, services and solutions. Implementing these keywords naturally on your website, from the page heading and content to the image alt text, will help improve your rank in relevant search results. "Make sure your content is helpful and answers the intent behind the search term as directly and as clearly as possible," advises Rebecca. Improve your website performance : Website performance impacts your site’s position on search engine results. Your web pages should fully load or display in both desktop and mobile browsers in one to two seconds. Some ways to improve your website performance include uploading correct image sizes, for example, using JPEG files over PNG, and avoiding overloading your web pages with content. Add a meta description : This is the short summary of your website that appears below your URL in search results or social shares. Having strong, keyword-optimized meta description copy can enhance your website’s click-through rate, boosting your chances of ranking higher in search engine results. There are a number of robust Wix SEO tools you can use to start optimizing your website right out of the box, including customized structured data markup, a flexible URL redirect manager and integration with Google Search Console and Semrush. 04. Focus on the user experience An effective website design will influence how your customers perceive you and your brand. Moreover, creating a good user experience can help your visitors feel satisfied with your business and can positively affect your website’s traffic, conversion and bounce rates. When you're done editing your website, check how it feels live. “You need to check it in the browser; check how it looks and scrolls,” says Dafna. “Check it on mobile (which a lot of times people forget to do). Check it in other screen resolutions and make sure everything is visible, everything is accessible and people can read it.” Mobile devices account for more than half of web traffic worldwide , so it you’ll definitely want to consider how visitors view this version of your site. Wix’s mobile editor will show you how your site design looks on mobile view so you can optimize your pages accordingly. Additionally, you’ll want to pay attention to the following: Navigation menu : Website navigation can make or break a user’s experience. To optimize navigation and satisfy visitors, choose the right menu for your audience and site. A classic menu sits at the top of every page (the site’s header), while mobile navigation design often uses a hamburger icon as a mobile menu to keep things clean and easy to tap on smaller screens. Calls to action (CTA) : A CTA button is an element with the goal of getting people to take a certain action, such as “contact,” “buy,” “subscribe” or “submit.” An effective CTA depends on the text, color, size, shape and even placement on your site, all of which entice a user to click and move towards making a purchase or filling a contact form. For help writing CTAs that get clicks and choosing the right style for your button, check out how to write a CTA that converts . You can also see real CTA examples  to find what fits your site best. Social media links : The social media icons or links displayed on your site can affect the user experience. You can add X (formerly Twitter), Facebook or Instagram icons in your copy to help visitors further engage with your business. Place them prominently in headers and footers as reminders to visitors, or integrate live social media feeds. Additionally, you can implement a social bar to your site, linking visitors directly to any of your social channels. If you need additional features and functionality, the Wix App Market offers hundreds of solutions for third-party integrations for your business. And, if you need different—or more—visual assets, you don’t have to turn farther than your Wix site editor. “We have this huge content library that you can go to and find thousands of assets: images, videos, stickers, icons, everything you need for many different types of businesses and industries,” Dafna notes. And, all assets are available in resolutions that work across multiple screens. Wix user spotlight : Serving people throughout North and South Carolina, The Law Office of David McWilliam specializes in family law, estate planning and mediation. The firm’s website features a clean, user-friendly design with clear navigation and call-to-action buttons that are easy to read and find. 05. Build relevant pages In learning how to create a website , you’ll discover that having multiple pages is a must for your business. This allows you to cover a broad range of content, products or services and nearly every nut and bolt of your venture. Consider these essential pages when deciding what to include on a business website: Homepage : Think of your homepage like the front door to your business—it should be clear, welcoming and give people a reason to stick around. Use strong visuals, easy-to-read text and simple navigation. Add call to action buttons in the right spots to help visitors know what to do next, like explore your services or get in touch. Be inspired by these homepage examples About : People want to know who they’re doing business with. Use your About page to share your story—what you do, what sets you apart and why it matters. Include your values, mission and a bit about your background. If you run a small business, adding a short professional bio can also help build trust. Not sure where to begin? Wix's AI text generator can create an "About" page for you in seconds. Our guide to how to write a bio can also help. Contact : A contact page is the best way for potential customers to get in touch with you. This page should include all your contact information, such as location, business phone number , social media links, business email address and a short contact form. Learn more: Does Wix have email for my business? Online store : With online sales on the rise , it has become essential for many businesses to adapt to an eCommerce model. Building an online store comes with several benefits, as advanced web tools can help you manage and scale your small business. These include everything from managing order fulfillment and creating a customized checkout experience for customers to accepting payments . Once you’ve decided how to make your eCommerce site , you’ll be able to streamline all your operations from a single powerful dashboard—on desktop and mobile. Bookings page : If you’re a service provider, you know that extending convenience and efficiency to potential clients is a crucial part of your business. Adding an online scheduling software to your site will allow you to seamlessly accept bookings and payments. An all-in-one booking solution lets you manage your calendars for clients and staff, plus sell membership plans, subscriptions and open trial sessions. It also allows you to host sessions via Zoom, enabling you to reach larger audiences and build your clientele. Legal pages : As a business website you'll need to include several important pages on your site. You should also check in the country your business is registered in to make sure you're not missing anything you should have. You'll need a privacy policy page (explaining how you collect, use and protect user data on your site), a terms and conditions page, a page or section on your privacy page concerning your cookie policy and how you use cookies on your site, a disclaimer limiting your liability, a GDPR compliance statement (if you have or target EU customers), a copyright notice and clear contact information. All legal pages should be easily accessible and written in clear, understandable language. Wix user spotlight : Next Door Alliance offers comprehensive customer support and administrative services for businesses, including reputation management, human resources, quality control and more. NDA’s business website features a top navigation with key pages of interest: "Home," "About NDA," "Our Services," "Our Vision," "Contact" and "Career Opportunities." From this navigation, potential clients can learn valuable information about the company’s history, experience and offerings. 06. Fill your site with rich content Having quality, fresh content on your website not only encourages visitors to return to you, but also signals to search engines that your site includes up-to-date information. As you start thinking about incorporating or writing website content that drives traffic and engages your target market, consider these forms of content on your website: Blog Many businesses create business blogs, providing insights into their field of expertise and sharing content with their clients. Bloggers write and post articles—dedicated to specific subject matter—that often serve as a platform for active online discussions. You’ll want to prioritize and choose relevant blog post topics that resonate with your audience and can establish you as a voice in your industry. Compelling blog content can also draw new audiences to your brand. For example, if you make and sell wine, a blog post about “How to store wine at home” can capture new audiences and introduce your brand in the process. Wondering how to make a blog ? Wix has got you covered with hundreds of blog templates , built-in SEO features and marketing tools that will allow you to scale your content, your brand and your business. Give the Wix blog maker a spin to see for yourself. Testimonials Testimonials usually come from customers, peers or anyone who has benefited from your offerings or work. Incorporating testimonials into your website helps boost your business’s credibility and build trust among clients. This is crucial, since potential clients can assess if you will meet their needs based upon others’ experiences. With different testimonials out there, most businesses use customer quotes as they’re easy to obtain. Just ask a customer directly for one. You can place testimonials in just about any section of your website, including the home page, product or service page, or even a dedicated testimonial page. Here are some tips to help you plan your content: Engage with customers to identify relevant topics: Talk directly to your customers and pay attention to their questions, feedback and concerns. Observe social media platforms to uncover trending topics and discussions relevant to your industry, then craft content that addresses these interests. Answer common search questions: Think about the questions your audience is likely typing into search engines. Create content that provides direct, helpful answers and positions your website as an expert resource they can rely on. Collaborate with industry experts: Partner with professionals in your field to generate guest content or share fresh insights. This not only boosts credibility but introduces your business to a broader audience through the expert’s connections. Use analytics to fine-tune your strategy: Monitor your content’s performance using analytics tools. Pay attention to metrics like visitor engagement, time spent on pages and conversion rates to identify what’s working and where adjustments are needed. Target evergreen and trend-driven content: Focus on a mix of lasting topics that provide continuous value and trendy subjects that attract immediate attention. This balance keeps your audience engaged, whether they’re seeking timeless advice or up-to-date industry news. Wix user spotlight : Registered dietician Nathalie Rhone owns and operates Nutrition by Nathalie throughout the Greenwich, Connecticut and New York City areas, offering everything from refrigerator makeovers to functional lab testing. Nathalie’s blog adds engaging content to her website by sharing healthy recipes and photos, while her “Success Stories” page features client testimonials praising her services. 07. Implement a strong CRM Once you realize that your business needs a website , you’ll also discover that you need solid customer relationship management (CRM) to build long-term rapport and capture more leads. Once connected to your website, a CRM provides you with marketing and sales force automation, as well as customer contact and project management. Wix offers a complete, powerful and free CRM software that can be easily integrated with your website. The tool includes a wide range of advanced features, such as forms to collect key contact details like emails, leads and testimonials. You might also want to consider using AI agents to improve how you run your business through your website. Wix's AI Custom Agent is a no-code platform that lets you create personalized AI assistants aka agents without technical expertise. Your custom agent will work autonomously to drive growth and can be built to automatically send targeted coupon codes to win back inactive customers or to monitor inventory levels to prevent stockouts or it can be built to implement dynamic pricing for underperforming products. You can setup an AI agent tailored to your business requirements and free yourself to focus on strategic decisions while your digital assistant handles routine but critical tasks. 08. Include a privacy policy Many countries around the world require businesses to disclose how they collect, handle and process visitor data. In turn, users have become more protective of their personal data and concerned about how companies use it. As a result, it’s crucial that you write a privacy policy for your website explaining how and why you gather visitor information. This transparent, upfront communication will establish trust with your users. You can also install a permission banner for cookies. 09. Promote your business site After you build a business website, you’ll notice that you’ve also created a hub of all your digital marketing efforts. You can use your site to increase your business’s exposure to prospective clients by applying a couple of these low-investment and effective marketing strategies: Email marketing : This targeted communication generates conversions and develops relationships with customers. Additional benefits include building engagement with your brand, driving traffic to your site and promoting your business. A robust email marketing service, like the one from Wix, allows you to create and send various types of email campaigns and customize them for your target audience. A Hubspot study in 2024 found that 43% of marketers believe email brings the highest ROI from their efforts with the medium. Social media marketing : Today, many businesses leverage the power of social media and reach out to mass audiences from across the world through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest and X. With social media marketing, you can regularly promote and share content around your business in the form of live streaming, user generated content, stories or posting in specific groups. What’s more, you can create and manage both Facebook and Instagram Ads from your Wix eCommerce dashboard. The same Hubspot study found that 63% of marketers believe that social media drives the highest ROI on their marketing efforts. 10. Track web performance To fully understand your site’s performance, turn to web analytics tools and dive deeper into your site’s traffic trends. Visitor behavior can clue you into where your users come from, how they got to your site and which pages they stay on for longer periods of time. Wix Analytics is a useful tool for gleaning these insights, providing an in-depth look into your site’s traffic trends, content performance and visitor behavior. Once you have a better understanding of your visitors—first time or returning—you can make data-driven decisions on what your site needs in order to improve overall performance. How AI can speed up building your business website Many website builders now include AI assistants that ask you a few questions about your business and automatically create a website layout, color scheme and even write some of the content for you. For example, a small florist could answer questions about their style, services and favorite colors then get a ready-made website to customize instead of starting from scratch. Beyond design, AI can help generate blog posts, product descriptions, social media captions and more, saving hours of writing and brainstorming. Imagine a personal trainer using AI to quickly create workout program descriptions or a craft shop owner generating unique product listings without struggling over every word. If you want to test the waters, start by trying an AI-powered website builder or content generators and see how much easier it makes your launch. AI won’t replace your unique touch but it’s a powerful helper that can get your site live faster and with less hassle. Learn more : How to create a website with AI Landing page vs full business website: Which one should you choose? Not every business needs a full website with multiple pages. Sometimes, a landing page is all you need. A landing page is a simple single page designed to focus on one goal like collecting email addresses, promoting a new product or driving sign-ups for an event. For example, if you’re launching a new fitness coaching program and want to gather interested clients quickly, a landing page with a clear offer and signup form can do the job. It’s fast to build, easy to update and great for testing ideas without investing too much time or money upfront. On the other hand, a full website is better for businesses that need space to tell their story, showcase services, share customer reviews or run a blog. Think of a bakery that wants to show its menu, share baking tips and sell cakes online—that requires multiple pages to cover everything well. If your goal is long-term growth, SEO visibility and building trust with visitors, a full website is the way to go. For many small businesses, starting with a landing page and upgrading later works well. Learn more : Landing page vs website How to create a landing page Best landing page builders Can a one-page website work for my business? Yes, a single-page website can be a powerful and simple way to get online—especially if you want to keep things straightforward. These sites present all the key info visitors need on one scrollable page. For example, a freelance photographer might use a one-page site with a strong headline, a gallery of photos, client testimonials and a contact form. The key to a successful one-page website is to organize your content well and use anchor links so visitors can jump smoothly between sections like About, Services and Contact. This type of site works best for businesses or personal brands with a clear, focused message such as consultants, artists or small cafes with a simple menu. One-page sites aren’t perfect for businesses with lots of products or complex services but if your offering is simple and your goal is to get visitors to take one main action, this can be a smart, budget-friendly choice. Learn more : Website vs. one-page website How to create a one-page website Best one-page website builders One-page website examples How much does it cost to make a business website? The cost of making a business website can vary a lot depending on your needs and who builds it. If you use a website builder like Wix, you can get started for free or with a low monthly fee to cover your domain, hosting and premium features. This option works great if you want to build the site yourself using templates and drag-and-drop tools. It’s affordable and lets you scale your site as your business grows. If you hire a professional web designer or developer, costs can jump from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. This investment makes sense for businesses that want a fully custom look, complex features like online stores, booking systems or membership areas. Learn more: How much does a website cost? What are some emerging website design trends for businesses? Website design trends are constantly evolving, and businesses that stay ahead can create a stronger connection with their audience. One emerging trend is minimalist design with bold visuals. Clean layouts with plenty of white space help users focus on your content, while striking images or videos make a lasting impression. This combination keeps websites modern, professional and easy to navigate. Another growing trend is interactive and immersive experiences. Elements like micro-animations, scroll-triggered effects and interactive product showcases make browsing more engaging. These features help your visitors feel more connected to your brand and encourage them to spend more time exploring your website. Personalization and AI-driven content are also becoming essential for businesses. By tailoring recommendations, content or even navigation based on user behavior, websites feel more relevant and useful to each visitor. Combined with mobile-first design, fast loading times and accessibility best practices, these trends help businesses create websites that are not only visually appealing but also deliver a seamless and memorable user experience. How to build a business website FAQ How long does it take to create a business website? A simple website can be created in a few hours, while a more complex website may take several weeks or even months to complete. If you're building the website yourself, you can expect to spend at least a few hours on the design and layout. You also need to create content for your website, which can take some time, especially if you are writing all of the content yourself. Learn more: Small business website statistics How do I choose the right business website template? When choosing a website template, it's important to consider the following factors: The type of business you have The target audience for your website The overall style and tone you want to convey The features and functionality you need It's also important to choose a template that is responsive, meaning it will look good and function well on all devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. What should you include on your business website? The specific content of your business website will vary depending on the type of business you have. However, there are some general elements that all business websites should include: A homepage that introduces your business and what it does A contact page where visitors can get in touch with you About page that tells visitors more about your business and its team Services page that lists the services you offer Portfolio page that showcases your work Blog page where you can publish articles and other content related to your business You may also want to include additional pages on your website, such as an FAQ page, a pricing page or a careers page. How much does a business website cost? The cost of a website can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size and complexity of the website, the features you need and who you hire to build the website. If you make the website yourself, that will cost less than hiring a web designer or developer. Do businesses really need a website? Yes, businesses really need a website in today's digital world. A website is a valuable marketing tool that can help businesses to reach new customers, increase sales and build a strong brand identity. Here are some of the benefits of having a website for your business: Increased visibility: A website makes your business visible to potential customers all over the world. People can easily find your website by searching for keywords related to your business on Google or other search engines. Credibility: A well-designed website gives your business a professional and credible image. This is important for building trust with potential customers. 24/7 availability: Your website is always available, even when your business is closed. This means that potential customers can learn more about your business and make purchases at any time. Lead generation: Your website can be used to generate leads by collecting contact information from visitors. This information can then be used to follow up with potential customers and promote your products or services. Sales: You can sell your products or services directly through your website. This can be a great way to increase sales and reach a wider audience. How do I create a free website for my small business? Creating a free website for your business is simpler than you might think, especially with platforms like Wix. Wix offers a user-friendly interface where you can select from a variety of templates, customize them to your liking and add your business content. Even if you're not tech-savvy, you can navigate the platform easily. How easy is making a website for my business? It will depend on what you need your business for. If it's to represent your business online or to serve as a marketing asset, you can get started by creating a website with Wix from a selection of pre-designed templates which is relatively easy. If you need a website to sell for your business, best to choose an ecommerce website builder and how easy it will be will depend on which platform you choose and how advanced you need your business website to be. Should I build a business website myself or hire a professional? Consider these points when deciding: DIY with Wix: User-friendly drag-and-drop editor Numerous customizable templates Lower cost Suitable for most sites Hire a professional: - Time-saving for you What's the best platform or CMS for building a business website? Wix is an excellent platform for building a business website and here's why: User-friendly drag-and-drop interface 800+ customizable templates for various industries Mobile-responsive designs Built-in SEO tools E-commerce capabilities App market for extended functionality Secure hosting and SSL certificate included Regular updates and new features 24/7 customer support Scalable plans for growing businesses What content should I include on my business website? Essential content for a business website can include: Clear homepage with value proposition "About Us" page detailing company history and mission Products/Services pages with descriptions and pricing Contact information and form Customer testimonials or case studies FAQ sections Blog for industry insights Team/Staff profiles Privacy policy and terms of service Call-to-action buttons throughout How can I make my website secure? To secure your Wix website you don't need to do anything initially due to it's enterprise grade security infrastructure which includes enabled HTTPS with free SSL certificate and auto backups, as well as 24/7 security monitoring. You can help your site security by implementing strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, limiting admin access and monitoring your site. How often should I update my business website? Regularly updating your business website is crucial, here's how you can go about doing it: Review content monthly for accuracy Update product/service information immediately when changes occur Add new blog posts weekly or bi-weekly Refresh design elements annually or in line with new branding efforts Update team/staff information as needed Check for broken links monthly Update testimonials/case studies quarterly Revise FAQs as new questions arise Seasonal updates for promotions/events

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