Business Ideas

If you’re excited about starting your own business but not quite sure about which path to follow, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together our list of some of the most rewarding business ideas that actually work. Perfect for beginners, thanks to little to no startup costs and high earning potential, here are some of the best business ideas to fill that piggy bank.

1. Virtual assistant

Virtual assistance is a very simple but very savvy small business idea, especially among businesses that prefer to outsource their administrative work rather than hire full-time staff. Setting up a virtual assistant business from home requires only a small amount of investment, and depending on your tactics, it can very quickly pick up steam and become a lucrative business.

Usual tasks include things like managing emails, scheduling meetings, booking travel, and handling customer enquiries, so to excel, you’ll need to have great communication and organisational skills. To get started, you’ll need to establish a strong presence online, build a business website and use social media platforms to connect with potential business owners and build your client base.

2. Catering

If you have a passion for cooking and a decent amount of kitchen equipment, a catering business could be your ticket to small business success. As a business model, it has lower overhead costs since you would usually hire staff on a casual basis, such as during events or parties.

Building a profitable business will come down to identifying your niche (e.g. corporate events, weddings, private parties) and marketing your unique selling point. Exceptional food paired with excellent customer service will leave clients feeling satisfied and hopefully plenty of repeat business. Digital marketing strategies, including social media and content marketing, can help you reach local businesses and private clients.

3. Website design

Almost every business these days relies on a strong online presence. So if you’re technically savvy, why not make web design your new entrepreneurial adventure? The startup costs for this online business idea are fairly low, as you really only need reliable internet and design software.

Creating your own website first is the best way to showcase a portfolio. Here you can demonstrate your design skills to potential clients, and combining them with complementary digital marketing services like SEO and social media management can help you establish a steady income stream and make your business more attractive.

4. Freelance writing

An oldie but a goodie. Freelance writing is still one of the greatest small business ideas thanks to a never-ending demand for high-quality content, especially in the age of poor AI writing. Starting a business in freelance writing is cheap and easy since you only need a computer, internet access and the ability to tap on a keyboard for a few hours at a time.

Of course, there’s plenty of competition out there, so to establish a profitable business, it’s a good idea to specialise in a niche area (e.g. finance, technology, health, travel writing). Build your online presence by setting up a professional website, then join freelance marketplaces and groups on social media where you can connect with other freelancers and find businesses looking for writers.

5. Tutoring and online courses

Tutoring or selling online courses can be a highly lucrative business if you have expertise in a particular subject. The best part? This business idea can operate as either an online business or through one-on-one in-person tutoring.

Leverage your educational background and credentials to build quality online courses or tutoring services. Market your services on social media platforms and community groups to get your name out there. If your online courses build a positive reputation, it could also result in passive income to support your direct tutoring services.

6. Business consulting

If you have lots of experience in a specific sector, then starting a consulting business could be your ticket to being your own boss. Consulting has low overheads and pretty much just involves using your professional knowledge to help small businesses or larger corporations.

The best way to establish credibility is to put together a solid business plan that outlines your expertise and services. Smart use of social media marketing and networking will also help you attract potential clients. Don’t forget to develop engaging marketing materials to highlight how your skills can solve different business problems.

7. Graphic design services

Every business will need graphic design at some point – logos, marketing materials, websites and more. A graphic design business uses your creative skills and proficiency with design software to make something visually engaging.

The first step to having a successful graphic design business is to create a portfolio (i.e. a website) that shows off your best work. You can then promote your graphic design services via social media and digital marketing. Given the competition out there, pricing your services a little lower than others could be a good way to get your foot in the door.

8. Pet services (pet sitting, dog walking)

With close to 30 million pets in Australia, a pet services business is an excellent small business idea that could be anything from a small side gig to a full-time hustle. Pet sitting, dog walking, grooming and kennelling are all services that appeal to busy fur-baby owners.

Low startup costs and a large pool of potential customers in your local area could make this an appealing option. It’s quick and easy to advertise locally and online through community boards and social media groups. Facebook Marketplace can also be helpful here. The most important thing is to highlight your passion for animals and excellent customer service to differentiate your business.

9. Cleaning and handyman services

Starting a cleaning business or handyman service has very few startup costs and can quickly snowball into a profitable business. With countless people and local businesses needing reliable and trustworthy service providers, there’s always demand in these areas.

Start with a business plan that breaks down your offering (i.e. cleaning services), as well as pricing and any marketing strategies you might have. Then it’s time to build a robust online presence, including your own website, to attract local clients. You can also do a simple letterbox drop around your neighbourhood to get the word-of-mouth going. Positive reviews from satisfied clients on social media and service review websites will help grow your customer base over time.

Honourable mentions for a great small business idea

• Food truck business: Lower overhead costs than traditional restaurants. Research council regulations and settle on your preferred cuisine.
• Event planning business: Are you organised and creative? You could specialise in corporate events or weddings, and establish partnerships with local venues and suppliers.
• Dropshipping business: A great online business idea with minimal upfront investment. You will, however, need to master the art of digital marketing and SEO to bring in customers.
• Personal trainer or life coach: With a little training before starting this business, you could end up maximising your earning potential while helping people be better versions of themselves. Keep in mind that you may need professional indemnity insurance and licenses to operate.
• Photography business: From weddings to portraits and everything in between, this is a popular business idea for the creatives among us.
• T-shirt design and online store: Use an ecommerce platform to sell your own creative t-shirt designs – all from the comfort of your home.

Getting started

Before diving into your new business venture, do your due diligence with market research and get your budget in order. Lock in on your target market, write a solid business plan with clear goals and timelines, and take advantage of the power of social media and online marketplaces to promote your business.

With dedication and exceptional customer service, these profitable business ideas could be the jumping-off point for you to become a successful entrepreneur running your own business.

Which marketing methods actually work? Check out our Small Business Advertising report.