You are tired of being bossed around all your life. Do you want to start your own business? Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have a revolutionary idea that will turn the whole market around. You can always start with something already known and add a bit of personal touch. Micro business ideas are all around you, and you just need to pick the right one for your preference.
The first thing you need to do is to pick the right niche and ask yourself, who will be your customers. When creating a micro startup, you need to think about what the product or service you are going to offer will do for your customers. Do they need it regularly or occasionally? And how will you differentiate from your competition?
When we are talking about competition, you need to research their business and how they implement their ideas. And then, pick the most successful ones and implement them into your micro business.
Remember, you can start small, but always think big. You don’t know when an opportunity will present itself. Just be patient and ready to grab it at the right moment.
When we are talking about microbusiness ideas, the XXI century gives you a bunch of different opportunities that will suit your skills, preferences, and mindset.
Online microbusiness ideas
We will start with logical micro enterprise ideas – an online microbusiness. Technology shaped the world around us, and it even changed the way we are doing business. Doing things online can be a part-time or full-time job. You only need to have basic knowledge of using the computer and a stable internet connection for communication. These are some of the most profitable micro business ideas you can start online:
Freelancing – The best way to start earning money is to offer skills you use on your everyday job to the online community. A lot of people are looking to outsource some of the work, like bookkeeping, graphic design, data entry, or copywriting. There is a variety of sites you can do this, and some of them are Upwork and Fiverr (registration is completely free).
Virtual assistant (VA) – Assisting in administration tasks is a job in high demand these days. Scheduling tasks, making calls, and organizing can be done for several clients at once.
Affiliate marketing – If you have enough marketing skills and enough free time to advertise products or services online, you can profit by becoming an affiliate to some brand. You will earn a portion of the sale for every purchase made through you.
Expert consultant – You can earn a lot of money by counseling others regarding business moves. But you must be highly knowledgeable and experienced in a given field and provide in-depth analysis and advice on specific areas, such as strategic planning, policy development, market research, and problem-solving. Expert consultants help companies develop and execute effective strategies, assess risks, and identify opportunities.
Tutoring – Many kids need additional lessons, so that can be your side job. You can work with elementary or high school kids in the area that you are familiar with. All teaching lessons can be done via Zoom or Skype.
Blogger – If you are passionate enough about something and like to write engaging content, you should consider starting a blog and try earning money through an ad system
Copywriting – This is practically the same micro business idea as blogging, except that copywriting means you are employed by someone and don’t work for yourself.
Vlogger – A Vlogger is a person who creates video blogs, or video logs, for public consumption. The best way to monetize this type of micro business is to create your own YouTube channel. Some of the niches you can try include lifestyle, travel, cooking, music, or technology.
Translator – If you are native or bilingual in some other language than your mother tongue, you can offer to translate texts online.
Proofreader – If you are highly skillful in reading and grammar, this is a dream job for you. A proofreader checks written content for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
CV service – many people think that a CV isn’t important. And that is where they are wrong. Well-written CV helps you differentiate from other candidates. If you have excellent writing skills, this job can be a good place to start earning money online.
Social media posting/management – companies usually outsource their social media management. If you start working as a social manager your job will be to create, schedule and publish content to social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram. This could include creating engaging posts, responding to comments and messages, monitoring conversations, and creating content for campaigns.
Forum moderator – Although there are fewer forums these days, you can have some success in applying for the role of the forum moderator. The role of a forum moderator is to ensure that all members of the forum follow the set rules and guidelines.
Ecommerce microbusiness ideas
If you are a creative and skillful person, you can sell your homemade products. You don’t need to rent a physical store but use already established online platforms, such as Shopify, eBay, or Etsy. You only need to register, create your online store, and start advertising your micro business. Pro tip: after setting up an online store, connect it to your social media accounts and use them for promotion.
Selling crafts online – If you are into crafts, you can also sell them online. Things like jewelry (rings, bracelets, trinkets, necklaces), home decorations, baby equipment, etc., can be personalized and sold.
Clothing design – Designing prints for T-shirts and hoodies can be the best starters. As we said, you can use an online platform or make your own e-commerce website with a webshop.
Making and baking – If you are into making cakes, cookies, chocolates, or sweets, you can use that to start your micro business. You can sell them for various events, from birthday parties to weddings. You can even include delivery service.
Creative skills microbusiness ideas
Creative people can turn their hobbies into income. All they need to do is set up a micro business and start reaching out.
Offer workshops/courses – If you have advanced knowledge of the software (Photoshop, Excel, Power BI data visualization tool) or you are great at knitting or sewing, you can organize workshops/courses. You can do this at your home or at your local community center.
Selling art online – If you are an artist, you can sell your work on the Internet. You can publish your portfolio and start doing art by order. It is very important to post as much of your work as you can so people can see just how good you are.
Photographer – You have various opportunities when offering your services as a photographer. You can shoot different events (weddings, baptisms, birthdays), or you can collaborate with sites that are selling stock photos and earn commission from them.
Compose music – Just like artists or photographers, music producers can work across many different industries. You can compose music for games, create jingles for advertisements, or copyrighted music for brands.
DJ – If you own DJ equipment, you can put it to use and start earning by performing at different social events. Every party needs at least one DJ, right?
Domestic service microbusiness ideas
One more industry that is on the rise these days is domestic services. People don’t have time or will to do this by themselves, so they are ready to pay for the company to do it for them. Before starting your own business, you will need all the necessary equipment, so be sure you are well prepared.
Cleaning services – Cleaning services include anything from window washing to upholstery cleaning. Also, it is a very popular so-called “deep cleaning” to remove stains from furniture. If you are going into this business all alone, start with something small before taking on more complicated jobs.
Handyman repairs – This micro business is top-notch. Handymen are wanted all the time. If you are skillful with your hands, you can make a lot of money by doing house repairs.
Painter/decorator — When you finally buy your own place to live, you will want everything to be perfect. Some people like to do painting jobs by themselves, but many others would rather acquire a professional. Starting a painting and decorating business can be very profitable if you have enough spare time.
Gardening– Gardening can be relaxing, but only if you have much time. For those who like to have a beautiful garden, but cannot do that all by themselves, there is always a micro business that will help. You can easily tap this niche, but be careful about time management.
Childcare services – Every couple with kids needs a nanny. If you don’t mind working with children, you can even start a daycare club.
PC/mobile phone repairs – You can earn a fair amount of money by repairing people’s PCs, tablets, laptops, and mobile phones in your spare time. You can do this at your own home, you don’t need to own a shop.
Supper clubs and pop-up catering – Supper clubs and pop-up catering are two of the hottest trends in the food industry right now. Both of these trends offer guests a unique, one-of-a-kind dining experience, and that’s why there are so popular. Keep in mind that you need to be very good in the kitchen to make this work.
Flat-pack furniture assemblers – To cut costs, many companies (like IKEA) are selling non-assembled furniture. That is where you can step in with your micro startup. You can offer services of assembling into a finished product.
Retail microbusiness ideas
If you are passionate about your hobbies and your crafts look nice, you can try selling them. It is very easy to start with a retail micro startup, but not so easy to differentiate from the competition, so you must do a thorough market analysis before starting. Luckily, there are many platforms where you can sell your products, so you just need to pick the right one.
Car boot and yard sales – If you are knowledgeable about everyday items, you can use that to your advantage (just look at Storage Wars). Car boot sales are events where people buy and sell goods from the back of their cars. These events usually occur on weekends and involve many sellers setting up stalls and selling their items.
Upsell used goods – Giving a new look to used or second-hand goods can be beneficial in so many ways. You can keep them for yourself or resell them to the highest bidder at the local flea market or online.
Wedding stationery – Almost every couple is looking for a way to personalize a wedding. That’s where you can step in if you are creative enough. Wedding stationery includes a variety of items such as invitations, save-the-date cards, response cards, thank-you cards, direction cards, table numbers, menus, place cards, programs, and favor tags.
Greetings cards – Selling handmade greeting cards with personalized messages can be a good way to gain profit.
Making & selling jams, chutneys, and preserves – Homegrown food is much appreciated today. If you are making stocks for your own household, maybe you can think of making some more and selling it? You can even mix flavors and create catchy labels to add a breeze of uniqueness.
Candle making – Don’t be fooled, making a candle isn’t hard. Anyone can do it, you just need to follow the instructions step-by-step. Besides making money, you will surely enjoy the whole process.
Delivery services microbusiness ideas
If you have your own car, moped, or bike, you can apply for delivery services. This is not a job where you will earn a lot of money, this is just a side hustle to do in your free time. But you will get your money the same day.
Delivery company driver – There are a lot of delivery companies these days, like Deliveroo or Glovo!. To start working with them, you don’t even need a car, you can make deliveries on your bike or moped.
Uber – You can become a freelance taxi driver. You are deciding when you are working and with whom. Be professional and kind to keep your rating high and don’t worry.
Moving service – For this type of job, you will need a van. If you don’t want to purchase one, you can always rent it per day. You will be surprised how much job you can have if you are going with this micro business idea. Maybe you will soon hire your own crew and make it a permanent job.
Beauty microbusiness ideas
The availability of items needed for a manicure, pedicure, hairdressing, and make-up gave a lot of people an opportunity to work from home, without the need to own a beauty salon. That makes beauty niche one of the best micro startup ideas.
Hairdresser – If you cannot find a reputable hair salon where you can work, you can always start your own business. You just need a chair (optional) and a pair of scissors with a hair cutter. You can even cut the hair of your customers in their homes.
Make-up artist – This is one more business you can do in your own or in your client’s house. You will need a proper make-up kit to start making your magic. Some make-up artists specialize in certain areas, such as weddings, special effects, or professional photography.
Nail artist – You can earn some cash by decorating nails. You need to be well-trained in nail art design. It is advisable to use special tools and products to create unique nail designs.
Health and fitness microbusiness ideas
Health and fitness enthusiasts can be a very profitable niche. And, even if you don’t earn much, you will still lead a healthy life and have fun. Because there is a lot of competition, you need to make a clever marketing campaign that will include online and offline presence. It is advisable to try offering partnerships with local gyms to send their clients to you for a fee.
Personal trainer – Personal trainers may work with clients one-on-one or in small groups. They must assess clients’ physical fitness levels, design individualized programs, and help clients with proper exercise techniques. They also must be knowledgeable about nutrition, anatomy, and physiology. But, it’s paid well!
Fitness instructor – First of all, you will need to obtain all the necessary certifications. You don’t want to be sued for neglect or similar. Apart from exercising, you can teach yoga, Zumba, dancing, etc. You can work with groups or individuals. Everything is up to you.
Pet services microbusiness ideas
If you look around, you will see how many people own pets. That is a clear sign of how much the pet industry is growing these days. If you are a pet lover as well, you can use that to make money. We prepared several easy-to-setup micro business examples for pet services. You will just need a marketing campaign which can be done online, or by putting up posters and flyers over your neighborhood.
Pet sitting – Although there are pet hotels, their services can be very expensive, and that’s why pet owners need someone to take care of their pets when they are away. That’s where you step in. Advertise your services online, on sites like TrustedHousesitters, and wait for your customers.
Dog walking – A lot of people are too busy to walk their pets, and that especially refers to dog owners. You can do that for them for a small fee. You can even walk several dogs at once and increase your income. And you will also do a small workout for better condition.
Pet grooming – Just like humans, pets need haircuts every now and then. Pet grooming includes cleaning, brushing, bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and styling a pet’s fur, claws, and teeth. If you are handy with scissors and razors, you can take this micro business idea into consideration.
Aquarium cleaning – This is one more thing that needs to be done regularly, but many people hate doing it and would rather pay someone to do it instead. A regular aquarium cleaning schedule should include water changes, filter cleaning, algae scrubbing, glass cleaning, and water changing. You can form a partnership with local pet stores so they recommend you to their customers.
Miscellaneous microbusiness ideas
We will present several more micro businesses ideas that don’t belong to the abovementioned categories. That doesn’t mean they are paid any less than others, or they are more difficult for implementing.
Custom trips, tours, and walks – You can position yourself as a local guide for tourists. Explore what your city has to offer that is interesting and create visiting tours. But before starting anything, check with local authorities what you need to get into this micro business.
Become a campaigner – Do you want to spread the word about some cause or a charity? Become its advocate.
Bed & Breakfast — If you haven’t heard about B&B, it is one of the most popular types of accommodation. Bed and breakfasts are typically family-run micro startups that offer visitors a room with a bed and breakfast. Guests can expect a comfortable and cozy stay, with personalized hospitality, and home-cooked meals. You can try this micro business if you have enough space in your house.
This is the end of our list. We mentioned just the tip of the iceberg, the opportunities for a microbusiness are countless.
If you feel inspired and ready to make a first step, we would be happy to hear about your experiences. Or if you have any more micro startup ideas you implemented on your own, share them with us below.