There are many reasons why starting a home-based business might be ideal. You get to ditch extra costs like rent, operate close to family (which is especially great for new parents), and it’s a low-risk way to test out a passion or make a career switch. While it does come with a lot of perks, your home-based business idea could fail—unless you set it up the right way. That’s why you need to have your arsenal ready, from choosing the right business idea to knowing exactly what you’re getting into, so you give yourself the best shot at success.
In this article, we’ll share 12 unique business ideas that can put you in a solid position to succeed. We’ll run these ideas through the CENTS framework by entrepreneur and author MJ DeMarco. We’ll also break down the framework so you can use it to assess any other ideas you’re thinking about.
Finally, we’ll give you a few marketing tips and highlight common mistakes to avoid when running your home-based business.
In essence, this article will cover:
- What Makes a Home-Based Business Idea Worth Pursuing?
- What are some good home-based business ideas?
- How Can I Market My Home-Based Business Effectively?
- What are the signs that it’s time to hire help or outsource tasks?
- What common pitfalls should I avoid?
Let’s dive straight into it!
What Makes a Home-Based Business Idea Worth Pursuing?
If you just want to work from home, there are many options, like freelance writing, offer ingdesign services, or leveraging online marketplaces to sell homemade products. In fact, if you google “online business ideas”, you will find literally hundreds of them online.
But, what makes a home-based business idea worth pursuing? To be truly rewarding and sustainable, your goal should go beyond just earning an income. Ask yourself: does this resonate with your core motivation and purpose? Does it meet key success criteria like control, demand, time leverage, and scalability (if growth is part of your goal)? We explain this further below.
It Should Address Your Core Motivation and Purpose
When choosing a business to pursue, one of the most important steps is getting clear on your core motivation, and what truly matters to you. For example, starting a gardening blog when you don’t even enjoy being outside is a recipe for burnout. If your idea doesn’t align with your real interests or values, it’s much harder to stay committed or get others to believe in what you’re building.
In the book Start With Why, author Simon Sinek explains that the reason some individuals and organisations are more influential, innovative, and profitable than others is because they understand their why. He argues that when you know your purpose and why you want to bring something to life, you create a shared sense of meaning and belonging with the people who walk the journey with you—whether that’s your team, clients, customers, or even family.
As he famously says, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” So ask yourself the following when pursuing a home-based business:
- What personal values do I want my business to represent?
- What change do I hope to create through this work?
- What experiences or passions in my life naturally connect with this idea?
- Who do I want to serve, and why do they matter to me?
If you’d like more insight on the importance of finding your why in business and leadership, you can check out our Start with Why book summary.
It Should Meet the 5 Criteria in the CENTS Framework
In addition to assessing whether your business idea resonates with your purpose, you also need to assess whether your business idea has real potential for success. And, “success” goes beyond just earning an income.
In the Millionaire Fastlane, M.J. DeMarco presents a framework that helps you evaluate if your business idea will end up being just another job—or if it could potentially give you real freedom, wealth, and fulfillment. It digs into 5 core principles, Control, Entry, Need, Time, and Scale, that determine whether a business can grow sustainably and withstand competition.
Control: DeMarco emphasizes the importance of owning your business systems, brand, pricing, and customer relationships. The key question to ask yourself is: How much control do I actually have over my business operations? For example, if you’re building an online business that relies entirely on a single platform like Amazon, YouTube, or Google Search, you’re vulnerable. These platforms can change their rules, restrict your access, or even shut down your account — instantly cutting off your income.
That’s why Control matters. A business you truly own is one where you’re not at the mercy of someone else’s algorithms or policies. Ideally, choose a model where you own the platform (e.g., your own website and email list), or at least diversify your channels to avoid total dependence on one source.
Entry: DeMarco advises assessing how easy or hard it is for others to enter the same market or replicate your business. If just anyone can start the same kind of business with little skill, money, or time, then the barrier to entry is low, and competition will be fierce.
For example, selling generic drop-shipped products or handmade crafts with no brand differentiation is easy to replicate. On the other hand, a business that requires specialized knowledge, a unique product, or proprietary systems is harder to copy.
Need: This pillar asks: Does your business idea solve a real and meaningful problem? DeMarco warns against building “cool” ideas that no one actually needs. Just because you’re passionate about something doesn’t mean there’s a market for it. A strong business solves a pain point or fulfills a desire that people are willing to pay for.
Time: Time is about separating your time from your income. If your business can’t make money without your constant involvement, you’re still trading hours for dollars – which DeMarco says is just a job in disguise. For example, if you’re a freelance graphic designer, your income stops when you stop working. But if you sell a digital course or run an automated e-commerce store, the business can keep earning while you sleep.
Scale: Scale asks: Can your business reach a lot of people without a significant increase in cost or effort? If your business only works locally, or one-on-one, it might be limited in how much it can grow. For example, a local tutoring service has limited scale, you can only teach so many students. But an online tutoring platform or pre-recorded course can serve thousands with the same effort.
What are some good home-based business ideas?
Below is a list of 12 profitable business ideas to start in 2025.
Content Creation
What is it
Content creation involves producing and sharing information, ideas, or entertainment through online videos, images, blogs, or posts.
Why is it a good choice
According to 2025’s Creator Economy Statistics, the content creator economy is worth $104.2 billion, with its market size expected to double by 2027. With content creation growing exponentially, and plenty of room still available for new creators, it’s become a popular home-based business choice. The startup costs are super low; in most cases, all you need is a smartphone, internet access, and a social media platform to start creating image or video content.
Once your content gains traction, you can earn money through affiliate marketing, partnerships and ads. That said, there’s a wide range of topics to explore, from sharing your expertise, travels, or even taking people behind the scenes of a home project like Klea Turner’s viral TikTok videos of her DIY home project. As long as you’re producing high-quality content and solving a real pain point for your audience, you’ve got a real shot at making it.
CENTS Breakdown:
Control: You control your brand, message, and how you make money. You decide what to post, how to grow, and when to pivot.
Entry: It’s easy to start with just a phone and internet, but standing out is harder because many others are doing the same.
Need: People are always looking for helpful, entertaining, or inspiring content, especially in niche areas.
Time: Once your content is posted, it can keep getting views and making money without you being there.
Scale: You can reach people all over the world and grow your audience through shares, search, and social media.
Microgreens or Herb Farming
What is it
Microgreens or herb farming is the practice of growing small edible greens (like kale, radish, or basil) or herbs (like mint or rosemary) from home and selling them to customers.
Why is it a good choice
People are becoming more health-conscious and want fresh, organic, locally grown food. According to PwC, consumers are willing to pay 9.7% more for sustainably produced goods. Hence, getting into selling microgreens and herbs that are nutrient-packed, fast to grow, and can be farmed in small spaces could be a good option. The initial costs are low – you just need trays, soil, seeds, and some sunlight or grow lights. You can sell your greens at farmers’ markets, to health-focused restaurants, or even through a small subscription service to local customers.
CENTS Breakdown:
Control: You control the crops, the harvest schedule, the prices, and where you sell.
Entry: Easy to start on a small scale with basic supplies, but quality and freshness matter.
Need: There’s growing demand for clean, locally grown food, especially in cities.
Time: Growing cycles are short (7–21 days), and once you set up a routine, it doesn’t take all day.
Scale: You can expand by adding more trays, delivering to more restaurants, or offering kits or classes (if you want to grow big).
Online Courses
What is it
Online courses are classes you can take online to learn a specific skill or subject.
Why is it a good choice
By 2029, the number of people using online platforms for learning is estimated to hit 995.9 million, according to Statista.com. Which means if you have something valuable to teach, there’s someone out there who’s going to want to learn from you. Whether you want to teach art, fitness, interior styling, a skill you’ve learned, or how you overcame something, there’s no limit to what you can share. A bonus is that the initial investment isnt high. All you need is a computer and the internet, and you’re good to go.
CENTS Breakdown:
Control: If you use your own platform, you own the course, your content, and how it’s shared.
Entry: It takes some skill and time to create, but you don’t need a big team or budget to start.
Need: People always want to learn new things or solve problems, so good courses are in demand.
Time: Once your course is made, it can keep selling without needing you to be there.
Scale: You can sell to unlimited people online without needing extra stock or effort.
Website Flipping
What is it
Website flipping is when you buy or build websites, improve them (like fixing design, adding traffic or monetization), and then sell them for a profit, kind of like house flipping, but online.
Why is it a good choice
Just like homes, websites can go up in value when they’re improved. Some people don’t want to start from scratch and are happy to pay for an existing, ready-to-earn website. You can buy underperforming websites cheap, improve the SEO, design, or monetization (like adding affiliate links or products), and flip it for a higher price. If you enjoy problem-solving, design, or digital marketing, this can be a fun, creative hustle.
CENTS Breakdown:
Control: You own the site while working on it, and you decide how to grow and sell it.
Entry: Medium barrier – you’ll need to learn a few skills (like SEO or web design), but you can start small with low-cost sites.
Need: Businesses and creators want websites that are ready to go, this saves them time and effort.
Time: It takes time to improve the site, but once it’s sold, the money comes in one go.
Scale: You can flip one site at a time or build a system to manage and flip multiple sites (if you’re in it for the long run).
Pet-sitting Business
What is it
Pet-sitting is temporarily looking after someone’s pet for some time.
Why is it a good choice
Pet owners need to know their pets are in good hands when they can’t be there, which is why many go the extra mile to find a trustworthy pet sitter. In 2024, the global pet sitting market was valued at $2.9 billion, showing just how big this industry has become.
While there aren’t exact global numbers for the amount of people that use pet sitting services, research by GlobalPETS across Canada, France, the UK, and the US found that 62.8% of respondents used some form of pet care service, with 58% using it multiple times a year. In the UK alone, 37% reported using dog walking services – a good indicator of growing demand.
CENTS Breakdown:
Control: You decide your rates, services (e.g., walking, overnight stays, medication), your schedule, and which pets you accept.
Entry: Moderate—you don’t need a degree or fancy equipment, but you’ll need basic pet care knowledge, patience, and possibly business insurance or certifications
Need: Pet ownership is growing fast, and people increasingly treat pets like family
Time: Pet sitting isn’t passive. You’ll need to feed, walk, play with, and clean up after pets. You can automate bookings and reminders using apps
Scale: With service-based businesses of this nature, it’s hard to scale if it’s just you. To grow, you’d need to hire other sitters.
Airbnb Hosting
What is it
Airbnb hosting involves renting out a room, guest house, or entire home to travelers using platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.
Why is it a good choice
People love the homey, unique feel of Airbnb stays. If you’ve got extra space (or even a property you want to turn into a side income), hosting on Airbnb is a great way to earn money from something you already own. It can also work as a flexible business—you host when you want, and block off time when you don’t.
CENTS Breakdown:
Control: You choose your pricing, house rules, and when you host guests.
Entry: Moderate, you need a space that’s clean, safe, and well-prepped, plus some hospitality skills.
Need: Travelers want affordable, comfortable, and personal lodging options all over the world.
Time: While you’ll spend time managing bookings and cleaning (or hiring cleaners), much of the business can be automated.
Scale: You can start with one property, and scale by managing multiple listings or helping others host (only if you want to grow it big).
Virtual Assistant Services
What is it
Virtual assistant (VA) services involve providing remote support to businesses or entrepreneurs. This can include tasks like email management, scheduling, customer service, and more.
Why is it a good choice
With more businesses operating online and solo entrepreneurs juggling everything themselves, the demand for virtual assistants has grown. Many small businesses prefer hiring freelance VAs over full-time employees because it’s more affordable and flexible. According to A Team Overseas, 62% of companies hire Virtual Assistants with specialized skills to improve their efficiency. Plus, becoming a VA is a great option for people looking to build a service-based business with minimal startup costs. All you need is your expertise, a dedicated workspace, and your laptop.
CENTS Breakdown:
Control: You choose your clients, set your hours, and define your service offerings.
Entry: All you need is a laptop, internet, and skills like communication, organization, and basic software knowledge. However, this mean competition is high.
Need: Strong: Businesses are outsourcing more admin work to save time and focus on growth.
Time: It’s active work, but with time, you can niche down or package services for better efficiency.
Scale: You can start solo and grow into an agency by hiring other VAs or offering specialized services.
Online Event Planning
What is it
The virtual event planning business involves organizing and managing online events such as webinars, virtual conferences, product launches, or team-building sessions using digital tools and platforms.
Why is it a good choice
The demand for virtual events spiked during the pandemic and has continued to grow as businesses recognize the cost-effectiveness and global reach of going digital. According to Grand View Research, the global virtual events market was valued at $98.07 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $297.16 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 20.0% from 2025 to 2030. Companies now host online training, meetings, and networking events now regularly, and they need professionals to help plan, coordinate, and run them smoothly.
CENTS Breakdown:
Control: You set your rates, choose your clients, and decide what types of events you want to focus on.
Entry: Moderate, you’ll need good communication, project management, and some tech skills to work with event software and platforms.
Need: Businesses, schools, and organizations are all using virtual events as part of their strategy.
Time: Event planning requires coordination and attention to detail, especially close to the event date. Some parts can be streamlined with templates and tools.
Scale: You can grow by offering full-service packages or building a small remote team to handle multiple events.
DayCare
What is it
Daycare is a service that looks after children during the day, typically while their parents are at work.
Why is it a good choice
Parents need reliable childcare, especially with busy schedules and limited support. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 66.5% of families with children have both parents working. That’s a huge demand. If you enjoy kids and can provide a warm, structured space, daycare is a powerful way to help families and earn steady income.
CENTS Breakdown:
Control: You run the daycare how you want, your policies, your hours, your structure.
Entry: You may need licensing (depending on your location), but setup costs are relatively low if done from home.
Need: Working parents are always looking for trustworthy, safe childcare options.
Time: You’re trading time for money at first, but you can scale with help or expand to a full center.
Scale: While initially local and limited to a set number of kids, word-of-mouth can fill up slots fast and allow expansion.
Virtual Dance Workshop
What is it
A virtual dance workshop is an online class where you teach people how to dance.
Why is it a good choice
The dance and fitness industry has seen a major shift toward online platforms, especially since 2020. People want fun, social, and creative ways to stay active at home. Whether you specialize in hip-hop, salsa, Zumba, or even kids’ dance, there’s an audience out there waiting to move with you. It’s also a high-energy way to share your passion and build a personal brand.
CENTS Breakdown:
Control: You decide the format, style, price, and platform, your workshop and your rules.
Entry: You need dance skills and a camera. If you offer lessons in a specialized dance form, competition becomes less.
Need: People want movement, fun, and community, especially from home.
Time: Live classes need your time, but recorded ones can be sold anytime.
Scale: You can sell unlimited spots online or offer replays/memberships to grow fast.
Software/Tech Education
What is it
This type of business involves teaching people how to use software tools or learn technical skills, like coding, app development, graphic design, or using popular tools like Excel, Canva, Notion, or AI tools.
Why is it a good choice
The world runs on software, and not everyone knows how to keep up. Whether it’s professionals trying to skill up or beginners starting fresh, there’s a massive demand. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy have shown that tech education is one of the hottest niches. If you’re good with software and can explain things clearly, this is a high-value skill you can monetize in many formats, courses, coaching, templates, or ebooks.
CENTS Breakdown:
Control: You own your content and how you deliver it.
Entry: Low cost to start; just your knowledge, a mic, and a screen recorder. It can also be low competition depending on your depth of expertise.
Need: High demand, everyone from teens to execs wants tech fluency.
Time: Build once, sell forever, or offer live training at premium prices.
Scale: Teach 10 or 10,000 people. Digital products don’t run out of stock.
Niche Cleaning Services
What is it
A specialized service cleaning items that people want to keep fresh, safe, and well-maintained, anything from luxury sneakers, collectible teddy bears, and wigs to fine jewelry.
Why is it a good choice
Consumers are more conscious about preserving their investments. Item-specific cleaning delivers better results than generic services. For example, PramWash in Singapore has built trust by caring for baby gear with techniques like steam sanitization, stain treatment, and antimicrobial coatings, cleaning over 25,000 items since 2017.
CENTS Breakdown
Control: You set pricing, target specific items (e.g., designer sneakers, heirloom jewelry), define cleaning protocols, and select your clients.
Entry: Requires cleaning expertise, item-specific supplies, and possibly training or certifications.
Need: Consumers increasingly seek trustworthy, professional cleaning for items with sentimental or monetary value.
Time: Each item needs manual attention or machine-based care. Some services can be streamlined or partially automated (e.g., booking, labeling, batch processing).
Scale: You can grow from a solo venture to a branded service with pick-up/drop-off or DIY kits.
How Can I Market My Home-Based Business Effectively?
Okay, so now you have this great business idea that you want to start. To begin making a profit from it, your potential customers need to know it exists. And it’s so much harder to get the word out when you’re running your business solo, or maybe with a small group, and don’t have a huge budget.
Thankfully, even with a small budget and a small team, you can still market your home-based business effectively by focusing on four things: use your personal story to connect, show up where your audience hangs out, build trust by offering value, and keep your target audience engaged.
Use your story:
In the book Crushing It!, Gary Vee suggests that you use your personal story to build your brand. He emphasizes that people will be more open to connecting with you if you’re real and consistent about your journey, including its ups and downs. This message echoes Simon Sinek’s ideas in Start With Why, that if you understand why you’re starting a business and share that with your stakeholders and target audience, they’re more likely to connect with you.
Choose the right platform:
Don’t try to market your business everywhere at once. You’re probably already a one-person business and don’t have the resources to stretch that thin. Find the one platform where your target market is most likely to spend time, and show up there.
Build trust over time:
People are only going to support you once they trust you. And when they trust you, that’s when you start to build a loyal customer base. So focus on building trust first. Don’t always think about pitching to potential buyers. Share valuable content, helpful tips, and honest stories.
Engage, respond:
Respond to every comment and message like it matters, because it does. People remember how you make them feel.
These tips will help you attract your target audience’s attention, connect with them, and gain credibility. For more insight into creating a bulletproof marketing plan that includes advertising, promotional strategies, and campaign ideas, check out our Solopreneur Guide.
What are the signs that it’s time to hire help or outsource tasks?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by running the business, spending too many hours on low-value tasks that don’t really matter, or simply want to grow your business faster, then maybe it’s time to get some help.
You can assess exactly what’s missing and which areas you need help with using the DEAL framework from Tim Ferriss’ financial self-help book, The 4-Hour Workweek.
The DEAL framework helps us identify what we should actually be doing to generate more money, mobility, and time, so we can focus on the things that matter most. Here’s what the acronym stands for:
D = Delegate: Can someone else do this better or faster than you?
E = Eliminate: Is this task even necessary? If not, stop doing it.
A = Automate: Can a tool or software handle this for you?
L = Leverage: Can you use outside help (like freelancers or agencies) to save time and grow faster?
If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, then it’s probably time to shift your energy elsewhere — and get support with some of the tasks required to keep your business running smoothly.
If you’d like more info on the DEAL framework, along with tips and insights on how to get more done in less time, check out our free, detailed summary of The 4-Hour Workweek.
What common pitfalls should I avoid?
Starting a business no one actually needs, relying only on online platforms you don’t control, pricing too low just to get clients, and not thinking about how you’ll grow (or avoid burnout). These can mess with your business goals, hurt customer service, and make it harder to run a profitable business, even if your startup costs are low. We explain further below.
Choosing ideas that aren’t built on real need
Just because something sounds fun, or is your passion, doesn’t mean there’s market demand. A successful business usually solves a problem or meets a clear need, otherwise, you’ll struggle to hit your business goals, no matter how hard you work.
Relying 100% on platforms you don’t own (e.g., just TikTok)
It’s risky to build your whole business on borrowed space. If that platform changes or crashes, so does your income. Always have a backup plan, like an email list or website, so customer service and communication don’t take a hit.
Under pricing your services
Trying to compete by being the cheapest can backfire. It doesn’t cover your overhead costs or reflect the value you bring. Low prices might get attention, but they won’t help you run a profitable business in the long term.
Not planning for scale or burnout
When things pick up, you don’t want to feel stuck or overwhelmed. Home-based businesses may start with minimal startup costs and low upfront investment, but without a plan to grow sustainably, burnout can sneak up fast, and slow everything down.
