27 Small Business Ideas Experts say are Highly Profitable

Looking for profitable small business ideas to start with high returns?

When the pandemic first hit the world last year, it threw many people out of their daily jobs. While most simply filed for unemployment benefits, some dived into small businesses, and found themselves not just getting by, but smiling to the bank. If you are looking on walking the path of entrepreneurship, you need to choose the ideal business that is profitable, and sustainable.

Because I know how difficult it is for people with entrepreneurial spirit to find that one business idea that would make them scream “Yes, this is it”, I have made a list of 27 most profitable small business ideas to inspire you.

On this list of ideas are businesses you can start with low investment if you are someone who wants to go into business but has little or no capital, businesses you can run online at the comfort of your home if you probably can’t afford an office space now, and businesses you can do on the side if you are a student or someone who has a full-time job but wants to increase the source of her income.

As you take a look at the list, keep in mind that these business ideas have proven records of success. I have included suggestions of what you can do and how you can go about any of these business ideas you decide to choose.

Here are the 27 Most Profitable Small Business ideas:

1.Cartoon Animation /Video Creator

Cartoon Animation and video creation did not rank number one on this list for nothing. It is one of the most profitable small business ideas in 2021. As you know, Cartoon Animation is currently in vogue now. Hardly will a day go by without you coming in contact with a video animation jingles on Instagram and YouTube. Business owners are constantly creating videos to promote their products online on channels like YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. It is a known fact that users find this kind of advertising not only informative but entertaining thus are compelled to view them why they skip others.

An interesting thing about Cartoon Animation or video creation as a small business idea is that it can be done right at the comfort of your home as a side business. Since start-up companies and small businesses often require the services of video creators to create videos, you can venture into this form of small business and start making money.

If you have video editing/ cartoon animations knowledge, you should consider doing this as a business. And if you are not skilled in this area, it is something you can easily learn within a short period of time. You would be needing a personal computer to run this kind of gig. Most cartoon Animation creators make use of apps like Plotagon and Inshot to create these videos.

Are you interested in learning how to create cartoon animations? Contact yours truly.

2. Preselling/Affiliate Marketing

Preselling also called affiliate marketing is the process of recommending products you have used, or products your friends have used to people who are considering purchasing that product. Many people go online to seek for information about a particular product or service, and would like to see proof from real users before getting the products. If you can recommend these products by writing reviews about them, then you are on the road to making money. Affiliate marketing /preselling allows you to earn a commission by promoting other people’s products through an affiliate network.

The good thing about preselling is that you don’t need to have the physical products. It is a small business you can start without any capital and sometimes with low capital/investments. However, it requires you to market these products through some channels either through social networks or through a blog. There are some affiliate programs that allow you to promote these products through social media while others strongly frown against such methods of promotion.

A friend of mine who started this as a side business created a page on Facebook where she recommends skincare products she has used and she has been doing quite well for herself. Perhaps it is something you should try.

So, if you are interested in affiliate marketing, there are a number of affiliate programs out there to try. I will advise that you make some research about these programs before you register. Some affiliate platforms pay up to $50 as commission, others pay as little as 0.16$ depending on the products.

3. Invest your Money

How much do you get as interest when you keep your money in a savings account? Nothing. Rather than leaving your money in the bank where it does not appreciate, why don’t you invest it in real estate, in the stock market or by trading Forex or Cryptocurrencies? These are opportunities for you to grow your wealth.

Too risky you might say, then why don’t you start by learning how these things actually work, and what influences the markets.

I will recommend that you also consult experts in the industry to guide you.

Investing in your money could be a good side business you know.

4. Mini Importation Business

Mini Importation is the process of importing goods from China or the US in small quantities. It is one of the newest profitable small business that you can start with low investment. With a little as $45 which is approximately in Naira, you can start shipping goods down to your country from China through sites like 1688 or Alibaba.com. China as you know has a big market. This small business is a good side business opportunity for students and those who although already working want to increase their income.

There are tricks involved in this form of business. You can start by learning about the importation business from those who are well into it if you think it’s something you want to try your hands on. Import products that are constantly on demand, look for buyers, and sell to them.

5. Dropshipping

Do you seek a low cost online business you can do on the side? I will recommend dropshipping. It is a business model you can run without having any physical products. You don’t need to keep inventory of stock. Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where a store doesn’t keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, when a store sells a product using the dropshipping model, it purchases the item from a third party and has it shipped directly to the customer.

It is a form of online business that allows you to sell products to your customers without incurring huge running cost. All you have to do is build an online store and partner with suppliers who are ready to store, package and ship orders to your clients.

There are a number of dropshipping ecommerce stores you can work with such as Shopify, Amazon, Oberlo, AliExpress and SalesHoo. You can start dropshipping for free and start selling profitable Chinese goods worldwide from the comfort of your home.

Does it sound like something you can do? Then make more research about it. You can start by reading this article on dropshipping beginners mistakes to avoid.

6. Tutor

Do you like to tutor? If yes, you can turn your passion into business. Providing tutorial service can be a fun way to start your own business. It could be an online business where you teach your skills on platforms like Google classroom, Skype or Zoom. You can also find online tutoring clients on sites like Superprof, Skooli and Tutor.com. And what if it’s offline? Perhaps, you can start by reaching out to people—parents whose children are finding a particular subject in school difficult, students preparing for SAT, IELTS, WAEC, etc. You would be a hot cake if you did well in your standardized tests or certificate examination as parents would be willing to offer you huge amounts hourly to teach their kids.

Tutoring business is one of the best profitable small business ideas to explore this 2021 as it does not only afford you the opportunity to be in charge of your own time, but requires no capital to start.

7. Social Media Marketer/Manager

Are you always on social media chatting with friends and unknown people, commenting on posts and liking photos of celebrities? You can channel that energy into starting your own small business and making money. A lot of small business owners or startup companies who want to build their brands online are finding it hard posting on social networks regularly. Of course that reduces sales, and wastes potential.

To increase sales, small businesses have moved online to meet new customers. You can manage their accounts by posting regularly and engaging with their audience.

It is important that you build your own personal brand by increasing your following either on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Those who tend to apply for this position without building their following online are not considered professionals. I have written a post that has helped many see what they can do to become a professional social media manager. When you work on your own brand, countless opportunities will come your way.

To find this kind of opportunity, you can build your profile on sites like Fiverr and Flexjobs, even on Instagram.

8. Freelance Graphic Designer

A graphic designer is an expert who creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. Graphic designing skill is constantly on demand. Big, medium and small businesses are constantly creating flyers, banners, logos, etc to promote their companies or a new products.

The services of a graphic designer are always in demand. As a freelance graphic designer, you can work from anywhere and still meet the demands of your clients. It is a form of side business that requires you to earn money without having to report in a physical location or office. This is a typical example of a home-based business idea.

If graphic designing is a skill you possess and you would like to make money from it, turn it into a side business. And if you don’t have the skills but it is something you would like to explore, you can start by acquiring the skills. Start from the basics and then move to the complex. As a Graphic designer, you will need tools like a PC and apps such as Adobe XD, Adobe IIllustrator, Firefox, Canva which makes the act of graphic designing simple and many others. There are a lot of videos that you can watch on YouTubeon graphic designing; however, it is advisable to learn from a professional who would take his or her time to teach you everything you need to know.

Build your portfolio online on sites like Fiverr where clients can see your designs and requests for your services. Fiverr is a good place to meet clients and build your portfolio especially if you are just starting.

9. Blogging

Start a blog as a side/online business if you want to make extra income. A blog is an informational website published on the World Wide Web. Blogging has evolved over the years from a platform where individuals can just share information or start a discussion to a platform where you can earn money. Thousands of bloggers are making money by simply sharing their ideas, writing contents ranging from food recipes, photography, fashion, relationship tips, skincare routine or tips, parenting advice to mention a few and recommending products through affiliate marketing programs.

So, if this is something you want to consider, you can think about a niche you are passionate about, say photography and build your own audience by writing appealing contents. People are always going on Google to seek for information about something, when they do, they are directed to sites who have written something about that topic. If you can dish out quality contents on your blog, Google will direct people to your blog when they search for information related to what you have written.

You can start a simple blog for free on Blogger, WordPress and Wix, but I recommend hiring the services of a webmaster who can create a blog for you to build your own brand if it’s something you consider doing long term.

After creating your blog, ensure you host on the best hosting company that would give you the best service that will take your blogging business career to the next level. We have hosting companies like Bluehost, HostGator and GreenGeeks. Do your own research.

As a new blogger, there are stuffs you should never do as they would affect your ranking on Google. I have put together a list of the dos and don’ts that you must follow. I recommend you reading and probably bookmarking it for future reference as it breaks the entire process of starting a blog or running a blog easy for newbies.

10. Ghost Content Writer

Looking for opportunities to get paid for your writing? Try Ghost writing. Skilled writers are making money online by simply writing contents for blogs, websites who are unable to meet the needs of their growing audience as a side business. There are a huge list of magazines, publishers and websites that pay writers like you.

Content writing is a profitable small home-based business you can start on the side if you are a good writer. I know people who make a lot of money by writing for ghost websites or writing as a ghost writer. I have ghostwritten myself in the past and I would say it was worth it. You don’t need to know the blogs you are writing for, sometimes, you are contacted by an agent to write on a number of topics and you are paid after completing the writing task.

I think it is a small business you should try your hands on if you are extremely good. Some content writers are paid up to $500 for an article. If you are not sure how to go about this kind of business, I recommend subscribing to emails like Freedom With Writing to get paid writing opportunities or joining Writing Launch, sites like BloggingPro and Remote.co.

11. Website Developer/Maintenance Provider

Developing website for companies and small businesses is a good way to earn cool money today. The field of web design is ripe. Many have had to change careers to web developers because it is lucrative. After building websites, these developers resume the responsibility of managing these websites for their clients. They charge a reasonable amount of money for maintenance.

So, if you can develop website, consider starting your own small business where you can utilize your skill. You can look for clients on social networks like Instagram and Facebook. Reach out to business owners through words of mouth and make them see reasons why their businesses have to have a website.

Interested in web development but lacks the skills? There are people whose business is to teach people willing to learn. Contact these ones and be a pro.

12. Creative Tutor

Teaching DIY skills is one of the small business ideas you can try your hands on if you are creative, If you can make simple craft like paper flowers, greeting cards, dolls, with your hands. There are schools interested in teaching their pupils or students cultural and creative arts, you can visit these schools and introduce what you do. Imagine teaching a group of children what you love doing and earning from it.

Creative tutors use simple tools like scissors, gums or glues, measuring tapes etc. Do you think it’s something you can do but you don’t have the skills? Then, you should learn it. There are a number of videos on YouTube you can watch that would you with the sufficient knowledge you need to start this small business either full-time or part-time.

13. Consultant

You can be a consultant for small business, an affiliate marketing consultant or a social media marketing consultant for businesses trying to build their online presence. Many of these business owners do not have the knowledge of how social media marketing works or which channels they can leverage on depending on their line of business. You can sell your service to these ones by giving useful tips and advice on how to market their businesses on social media.

Becoming a consultant is a lucrative small business you can do on the side. Some of the benefits of exploring this form of small business are that it’s easy to run, and it does not require huge startup capital. A good example of a low investment business. It’s a service you can render online, in your own home.

Since it is assumed that a consultant is an expert in a particular field or area, you should broaden your knowledge before you start calling yourself one. Do research, become an expert.

14. Create Courses

The next business idea on our list is of small business ideas is course creation. There are thousands of people making huge figures every month by just creating courses and selling online. Maria Coz is one example that is worth the mention. Websites like Udemy, and Alison offer people the opportunity to create courses in form of videos and sell to individuals who are willing to pay to acquire that knowledge. You can be one of them. Perhaps you are an expert in a particular field, you can create courses and sell online to people who are looking into being an expert like you in that field. Amazon also offers people the opportunity to create courses and sell in form of Ebooks.

Designing and creating courses is one of the most profitable business opportunities for you right now if you want to teach a skill you know too well.

15. Online Coaching

There are plenty of businesses you can do online. Coaching is one of them. You can teach people how to blog, start their own podcast business, how to import from China, how to create ebooks, how to write the perfect SOP, how to prepare for interviews, write CVs, how to trade forex or just a skill you are good at. These services can be offered on Whatsapp or Telegram groups at your own convenience.

Online coaching is one of the most profitable home-based business. The opportunity for businesses to strive online is just too good to miss.

16. Proofreading and Editing Services

A proofreader carefully checks for errors in a text before it is published or shared. It is the last and very important step for writers. After drafting, a writer sends his draft to a competent professional who is able to dig and correct the mistakes in his write up.

If you have a knack for editing and proofreading, you can make money by simply fixing minor spelling and punctuation mistakes, typos, formatting issues and inconsistencies for web content, ebooks, papers, books, novels, business documents.

Build up your profile on Fiverr and you could quickly be approached by major brands, writers and bloggers who need your service.

17. Baby Sitting/Nanny

Babysitting job is a good small business you can start in 2021. Working parents are willing to pay up to $10 hourly to trusted individuals who can babysit their children while they are away at work. You can consider starting a baby sitting agency or after school care if you love kids.
You might need to get a free space in an environment free from pollution to start with. However, it’s profitable but risky.

18. Dog Walking /Pet Sitting

Like the baby sitting job, you can start rendering dog walking and pet sitting services if you are a lover of pet. Many individuals who own pets are always willing to pay for this kind of service. Dog walking and pet sitting is definitely one of the most profitable small business ideas to try your hands on if you are a pet person.

19. Caregivers

Do you know that you can make a lot of money by taking care of the old, sick and infirm? I bet you don’t know. People who work as caregivers are making good money from it. In some countries where older parents live by themselves in the rural areas why their children live with their families in the cities, caregivers are always in demand. If your interests lie in business ideas with low investment, caregiving could be something to try. Plus, you don’t need to have a special certificate to run this kind of business.

20. Personal Shopper

There are people who find it difficult to do their own shopping due to the fact that they spend a lot of time working. And there are also elderly ones who can no longer do the trouble of going to the market or mall, they need a personal shopper. Also, if you have the flair for picking out good stuff or you can consider utilizing your skill. Some personal shoppers pick out clothing for clients who find it hard to. Personal shopper is a small business that requires no skill or expertise to start. Think about it. You don’t need any capital, a work space or tool. It’s a low investment business to try if you have no money.

21. Uber/Bolt Driver

While let your car sit idle when you can use it to make money? Becoming a driver for the two most popular app-centric taxi companies Uber and Bolt is one of the most profitable side business ideas you can think of right now if you have a neat car, driving license, car insurance, a smart phone and a positive driving history.

However, this form of business is quite risky because it exposes you to all kinds of people including car thieves. But what isn’t a risk? Uber car drivers these days go extra length by securing their cars with car trackers and never pick a ride to residences they aren’t familiar with. That said, it is a lucrative side business for which you can do in the evening after work and on weekends.

I have asked a number of friends who are into this form of business what their experience has been driving for Uber/Bolt and the reviews I got were quite positive. Driving for Uber and Bolt not only affords you the opportunity to be your own boss, be in charge of your own time as you work only when you want, but is profitable business venture.

22. Courier

Courier services are always on demand. Online stores for example are always needing the services of a courier company to deliver goods to their online shoppers or customers. Look around you, have you seen how much the number of courier companies have grown in the past months after the Covid-19? What does it tell you? Courier service is a lucrative small business. Although it’s not a low investment business, it’s definitely worth the trial if you have the means.

I recommend getting at least two motorcycles and one dispatch rider for a start. It is highly competitive, so you might want to study the weaknesses of your competitors and improve on them.

23. Laundromat

Laundry service is one of the oldest business ideas that have got business owners excited because it is profitable to run. Do you often receive praises from friends or acquaintances when you wash, starch and iron your shirts and trousers? If you do, you might consider starting your own Laundromat.

You don’t have to start big by getting a washing machine, drier or an office space. Start small. Start from your home and when your customers grow, you can expand.

24. Soap Making

If you can make soaps, this home-based business idea is good for you. Making of liquid and bar soaps, disinfectant for home use, industries, schools and hotels can make you a lot of money.

The process of making soaps, either bar or liquid wash and disinfectant is not difficult as some people have been made to believe. You can start by purchasing few items like a big bowl, a measuring cup, and a turner to mix the chemicals. Bottle this liquid soap into small containers and take as samples to your potential customers. If they love your soap, they might consider buying from you.

25. Wig Making

Amost every lady you see wears a wig these days. Wigs are more than just a fashionable trend right now; they are also a matter of convenience. The market for wig making is ever growing and expanding as more women are demanding for wigs either braids or human hair. As such, starting a wig making business could be one of the most profitable business ideas for you. Interestingly, no certificate is needed, and it doesn’t require huge capital.

26. Online Food Restaurants

Cooking is what you love doing but you don’t have the capital to rent a space for your restaurant? Then start an online food restaurant, and cook from home. This is one of the newest business ideas that is currently making waves since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world.

Online food restaurants are quite the profitable business venture. Many people find it hard to cook their own meals perhaps due to a whole lot of work loads or laziness. You can be their personal chef. Food are prepared when customers order for them and are delivered to their door steps. Some notable websites like Jumia and Uber Eats are giving people the opportunity to start their own restaurant. You can join the JumiaFood or Uber Eats and register your business name with them. The good thing about this business is that you don’t need to design a large commercial kitchen; your small kitchen in your home can serve.

27. Car Wash Service

The last entry on our list of small business ideas is starting your own car wash service. The business of car washing cannot be underemphasized. It is important. Not all the car owners have the time and energy to wash their cars and yet they cannot be seen going about with dirty wheels. You can start your own car wash service today and start making money. Sort for a good open space on the road side you can rent and equip it with the necessary.

Small BBusiness Ideas: The Bottom Line

As you have gone through the list of the most profitable small businesses, which of the ideas do you think is perfect for you? If you have selected one, I will advise that you make more research about the business.

Always remember that you are in the business to render a service and not to make money contrary to what people believe. If your focus is on the money, you might give up quickly as it often takes time to start making money. Most businesses which have stood the test of time are businesses rendering services, solving the problems of people. From solving people’s problems, you can build up wealth.

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