Want to start a business, but don’t have any ideas?
Here are a load of profitable business ideas that you can start today!
Accountancy
Become a certified account, start your own accountancy firm and sell your services to businesses.
Name Ideas: FinanceBuddy, Accusafe, CapitalFinanceServices
Example: https://howladerandco.com/
Business Type: Services, Saas
Resources: https://tax.thomsonreuters.com/en/insights/articles/how-to-start-an-accounting-firm
Airbnb
Get paid to offer short-term accommodation in your house. Airbnb is an online marketplace that connects people who want to rent out their homes with people who are looking for accommodation.
Name Ideas: On Airbnb you use your own name.
Example: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/d/setup
Business Type: Services
Resources: https://www.fastcompany.com/3021179/secrets-of-running-a-six-figure-airbnb-business
Bicycle Repairs
If you know how to fix bicycles, why not offer it as a service. Set up a website and social media pages then get the word out that you can fix bicycles for a fee.
Name Ideas: BikeShed, CycleAway, Push-n-Pedal
Example: https://www.havebike.co.uk/
Business Type: Services
Resources: https://www.resilience.org/stories/2009-11-19/how-set-and-run-bicycle-repair-company/
Board Games
This one is for board game fanatics. Set up an e-commerce store and sell board games. You can get stock in, or drop ship your orders.
Name Ideas: CheckMateGames, ScrabbleCentral, GameWarehouse
Example: https://rulesofplay.co.uk/
Business Type: eCommerce
Resources: https://www.starterstory.com/how-to-start-board-game-business
Book Subscription
Each month, send your subscribers a new book. You could even integrate a book club for your repeat customers.
Name Ideas: MonthlyBookClub, Books&Books, BookSubscribe
Example: https://teatimebookshop.co.uk/
Business Type: eCommerce, Saas
Resources: https://www.cratejoy.com/sell/guides/how-to-start-a-subscription-box/
Brand Reputation Management
Manage the reputation of other brands, they pay you a monthly fee, and you improve their reputation. This can involve earning them more reviews, running their social accounts, and ensuring they look good.
Name Ideas: RepuRestore, BrandRep, BizReputation
Example: https://www.igniyte.co.uk/
Business Type: Services, Saas
Resources: https://neilpatel.com/blog/guide-to-reputation-management/
Brew Beer
If you have a good taste for beer, you may want to brew your own. This can be tough to start, but once you’re setup, you just need to promote your beer.
Name Ideas: FirstRound, BetterBeer Co, HoundBrewery
Example: https://www.stewartbrewing.co.uk/
Business Type: eCommerce
Resources: https://squareup.com/gb/en/townsquare/start-a-micro-brewery
Read More: How to Build an On-demand Alcohol Delivery App like Drizly.com?
Build & Repair Computers
Start by selling computer repair services, then when you have raised your funds you can build and sell bespoke PCs.
Name Ideas: PCMechanics, ComputerWarehouse, PCFIX
Example: https://rebootthat.com/
Business Type: Services, eCommerce
Resources: https://thinkcomputers.org/the-easiest-computer-repair-business-startup-checklist/
Business Consultation
Some entrepreneurs are able to do the service that they are offering, but they don’t know how to create a business strategy, engage in technology, or become an industry leader. By offering business consultation to these people, you can assist them to improve the business side of their business.
Name Ideas: BizConnect, AllianceAdvice, ExpertConsultation
Example: https://centricconsulting.com/
Business Type: Services, SaaS
Resources: https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/consulting
Cakes & Bakes
Do you enjoy baking delicious cakes? Starting a cakes & bakes business could be for you. You could even start by selling postal bakes!
Name Ideas: CakeLand, BrownieShack, CrazyCupcakes
Example: https://www.lolascupcakes.co.uk/
Business Type: eCommerce, Services
Resources: https://www.mumsbakecakes.co.uk/blog/how-to-start-a-cake-business-from-home
Candle Making
Create homemade candles and sell them online.
Name Ideas: DivineCandles, SouthernScent, SimpleCandles
Example: https://terrasimply.com/
Business Type: eCommerce
Resources: https://www.cottonwickcandle.co.uk/blog/candle-making-as-a-side-hustle
Candy Subscription Box
Create a subscription box filled with different candy each month.
Name Ideas: MonthlyCandyClub, Sweets&Treats, Sweets4Weeks
Example: snacksurprise.com
Business Type: eCommerce, Saas
Resources: https://www.cratejoy.com/sell/guides/how-to-start-a-subscription-box/
Catering
If you are a good cook, and an organised person, you could cater for weddings, parties, cooperate events, and so on.
Name Ideas: TakeaBite, FoodWise, InfiniteCatering
Example: https://deborahmillercatering.com/
Business Type: eCommerce, Services
Resources: https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Catering-Business
Cleaning
Clean homes, cars, offices, etc. The key to a successful cleaning business, is landing a big client, for example schools or offices.
Name Ideas: EverClean, CleanBean, 247Clean
Example: https://thehappyhousecleaning.co.uk/
Business Type: eCommerce, Services
Resources: https://getjobber.com/academy/cleaning/how-to-start-a-cleaning-business/ 403
Coffee Subscription Box
Create a subscription box for coffee lovers. Do some research to find out which types of coffee will be the most popular.
Name Ideas: CoffeeExpress, CoffeeBox, CaffeineClub
Example: https://www.bluecoffeebox.com/
Business Type: eCommerce, SaaS
Resources: https://www.websitebuilderexpert.com/building-online-stores/how-to-start-a-subscription-box-company/
Dog Walking
Walk dogs for busy people that don’t have the time to do it their self.
Name Ideas: WalkLikeChamps, Fetch!, ActivePaws
Example: https://www.kensingtonhounds.co.uk/
Business Type: Services
Resources: https://www.petbusinessinsurance.co.uk/news/how-to-start-a-dog-walking-business/
Dropshipping
Source trending products, and sell them online. With dropshipping, the supplier will ship the product to the customer, so you don’t need to hold stock.
Name Ideas: BambooBargins, ToolShack, DroneCentral
Example: https://notebooktherapy.com/
Business Type: eCommerce, Publication & Media
Resources: https://www.shopify.co.uk/blog/how-to-start-dropshipping
Read More: How Much Does an Online Multi-Vendor Shopping Cart Owner Make?
Etsy
Sell hand made products to people all over the world. On Etsy you could sell candles, cake toppers, personalised products or even digital downloads – it’s up to you.
Name Ideas: Julie’sJewels, CraftedGoods, GoldenJewels
Example: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ChicSignsTO
Business Type: eCommerce
Event Planning
Plan events (weddings, birthday parties, Christmas parties, etc). Make your events stand out and memorable for everyone that attends.
Name Ideas: BestDressedEvents, BlueRiverEvents, UnforgettableMoments
Example: https://brillianteventplanning.com/
Business Type: Services
Resources: https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/start-event-planning-business
Fitness Blog
If you know a lot about weight lifting, fitness, or exercise, start a blog and publish regular content to it. Once you have an audience you could sell fitness routines or eBooks!
Name Ideas: FitnessFreaks, FitOrFat, Strength&Stamina
Example: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/
Business Type: Publication & Media
Resources: https://origympersonaltrainercourses.co.uk/blog/how-to-start-a-fitness-blog
Fiverr
On Fiverr you can sell digital services, including graphic design, video editing, article writing and so much more.
Name Ideas: MarketingGuy, WordPressExpert, DigitalGenius
Example: https://www.fiverr.com/mariaxcreations
Business Type: Services, Publication & Media
Resources: https://www.codeinwp.com/blog/how-to-make-money-on-fiverr/
Flip Websites
Buy websites from marketplaces like Flippa, and then sell them. You can even grow the sites and improve them to get a larger profit.
Name Ideas: Site2Profit, WebDiscovery, SiteTrader
Example: https://flippa.com/ 403
Business Type: eCommerce, Publication & Media
Resources: https://exchangemarketplace.com/blog/website-flipping
Franchise Owner
Purchase a franchise allows you to start a business with large parts of the work already done for you. Popular franchises include: McDonald’s, Domino’s, and Starbucks.
Name Ideas: The name is the name of the franchise that you purchase.
Example: https://www.whichfranchise.com/
Business Type: eCommerce, Services
Graphic Design
High level graphic designers can start their own agency selling design services to other businesses.
Name Ideas: BlueSquareDesign, DoveDesigns, CreativeElements
Example: https://www.kimp.io/
Business Type: Services
Resources: https://justcreative.com/how-to-start-your-own-graphic-design-business/
Interior Design & Decorating
Design & Decorate houses, offices and stores. If you are work is high quality & efficient, you will get lots of work.
Name Ideas: DecoDesign, EliteDecor, ElegantHomes
Example: https://www.baileylondon.com/
Business Type: Services
Resources: https://www.2020spaces.com/blog-start-an-interior-design-business/
Landscaping
Are you looking for a career that involves working outside 99% of the time? Depending on which services you decide to offer, landscaping can involve garden maintenance, fence installation, paving, decking, and so on.
Name Ideas: EcoLands, Gardscape, LawnLove
Example: https://www.kiwilandscapes.com/
Business Type: Services
Resources: https://www.freshbooks.com/hub/startup/how-to-start-a-lawn-care-or-landscaping-business
Man With a Van
If you have a Van, people will pay you to help move house, take rubbish to the tip, deliver furniture, and so on.
Name Ideas: SimpleVanServices, 24/7Van, ShipSmart
Example: https://www.amanwithavanlondon.co.uk/
Business Type: Services
Resources: https://www.falkirkvanhire.com/articles/starting-man-and-van-business/
Meal Planning
Plan meals for people to help them lose weight, or gain muscle. It is important that you understand nutrition if you want to do this.
Name Ideas: WeeklyMealPlan, HealthyMeals, MuscleMeals
Example: https://emeals.com/
Business Type: eCommerce, Services
Resources: https://blog.thatcleanlife.com/how-to-sell-meal-plans-and-recipe-books-online/
Online Courses
Create online courses and sell them online. Popular online course categories include: Fitness, Marketing, Graphic Design, Baking & Web Development.
Name Ideas: PandaCourses, Edustation, DigitalAcademy
Example: https://www.robpercival.co.uk/
Business Type: eCommerce, Publication & Media
Resources: https://www.learnworlds.com/online-course-business/
Personal Trainer
Know a lot about fitness, weight loss, cardio and muscle building? Become a personal trainer, and train others to reach their fitness goals.
Name Ideas: PTExpert, CardioCoach, FitnessGuru
Example: http://www.edinburghpt.co.uk/
Business Type: Services
Resources: https://www.ptdirect.com/business-planning/how-to-start-a-personal-training-business
Pet Products
Build a pet products eCommerce store, and sell pet food, toys, etc to pet owners and animal lovers.
Name Ideas: PetEmpire, All4Pets, PuppyProducts
Example: https://www.petplanet.co.uk/
Business Type: eCommerce
Resources: https://www.shopify.co.uk/blog/pet-business
Pet Sitting
If you are an animal lover, and experienced at caring for pets, pet sitting may be for you. Services you can offer in a pet sitting business, include dog walking, cat sitting, dog home boarding, etc.
Name Ideas: AnimalHouse, PetPlayground, WoofHotel
Example: https://www.edinburghpetservices.co.uk/
Business Type: Services
Resources: https://www.protectivity.com/knowledge-centre/starting-a-pet-sitting-business/
Phone Cases
Buy phone cases in wholesale, or dropship them. Phone cases are always needed, so there is always space if you build a unique brand.
Name Ideas: PhoneProtect, iCase, ShatterStop
Example: https://www.casetify.com/
Business Type: eCommerce
Resources: https://www.shopify.co.uk/blog/how-to-make-phone-cases
Podcasting
Pick a niche that you enjoy, and record yourself talking about it. If you can, find a good co-host to create a podcast with.
Name Ideas: HearMeOut, TrueCrimeStories, SportsDaily
Example: http://podcasts.joerogan.net/
Business Type: Publication & Media
Resources: https://anchor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast
Pool Cleaning
Learn how to properly and efficiently clean pools, then start selling your services. You’d be surprised to see how much people pay to have their pool cleaned and maintained.
Name Ideas: PoolClean, CleanTide, PoolMagic
Example: https://www.fastklean.co.uk/swimming-pool-cleaning-services/
Business Type: Services
Resources: https://broadly.com/blog/start-pool-cleaning-business-2019-broadly-com/
PPC Agency
If you know how to run PPC ads, small businesses will hire you to run their ad campaigns.
Name Ideas: PPCManage, RocketAds, AdsExpert
Example: https://absolute.digital/
Business Type: Services, SaaS
Resources: https://www.workshopdigital.com/blog/10-steps-to-your-first-new-ppc-client/
Print on Demand
When you sell your own custom designs on a variety of different types of clothing, this is known as Print on Demand. T-shirts, hoodies, hats, are some of the most popular print-on-demand items.
Name Ideas: UrbanHarbor, RetroGarms, BridgeClothing
Example: https://iconspeak.world/
Business Type: eCommerce
Resources: https://www.printful.com/start-online-tshirt-business
Renovate Houses
House renovation, or property development involves purchasing houses that need to be renovated, putting in all of the necessary renovation work, and then either selling it for a profit, or renting it out.
Name Ideas: RefurbHomes, LondonRenovations, LuxuryPropertyDev
Example: https://homehealersltd.co.uk/
Business Type: Services
Resources: https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/how-to-renovate-for-profit
Security Installation
Install security systems for homes and businesses in your area.
Name Ideas: Lock&Key, SecureHome, HomeSafe
Example: https://broadswordsecurity.com/
Business Type: eCommerce, Services
Resources: https://www.99businessideas.com/cctv-camera-business/
SEO Agency
Help other websites increase their search engine rankings by selling SEO services.
Name Ideas: SEOsurge. RocketSEO, FlyHighSEO
Example: https://www.thehoth.com/
Business Type: Services, SaaS
Resources: https://seo.co/start-seo-company/
Soap Making
Soap making can start as a hobby, and then turn into a business. I suggest focusing in on a specific niche, for example luxury soaps, scented soaps, coloured soaps, etc.
Name Ideas: SoapSoapSoap, Soap&Water, CraftedSoaps
Example: https://www.thesoapkitchen.co.uk/
Business Type: eCommerce
Resources: https://www.creativehiveco.com/how-to-start-a-soap-business/
Social Media Management
Are you good with social media? Start a social media management agency, and manage social media for brands.
Name Ideas: PlatformManager, KangarooSocial, SocialSpark
Example: https://www.giraffesocialmedia.co.uk/
Business Type: Services, SaaS
Resources: https://www.sendible.com/how-to-start-a-social-media-marketing-agency
Sports Coaching
Are you exceptionally good at football, cricket, golf, rugby, or any other sport? Start a sports coaching business, and coach others to help them get better.
Name Ideas: TritonCoaching, SportCoach, CoachStamina
Example: https://sgsport.co.uk/
Business Type: Services
Resources: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/coach-blog/10-ways-to-kick-start-your-coaching-business/
Teach Music
If you can play instruments, teach others and earn money teaching.
Name Ideas: ToTheBeat, TuneCoach, MusicTutor
Example: https://www.londonmusicacademy.com/
Business Type: Services
Resources: https://www.tonara.com/blog/how-to-start-a-music-lessons-business/
Travel Agency
Make travelling easier, create an all in one package that includes flights, hotels, experiences, food, etc.
Name Ideas: CaribbeanGetaway, CottageHoliday, LondonTours
Example: https://sackvilletravel.com/
Business Type: Services
Resources: https://informi.co.uk/starting-business/how-to-start-a-travel-agency
Travel Blog
Travel the world, and blog your experiences. Get paid to have ads on your blog, promote affiliate product, or add a paid subscription.
Name Ideas: DailyTraveler, AroundTheWorld, GlobeExplore
Example: https://www.nomadicmatt.com/
Business Type: Publication & Media
Resources: https://www.neverendingfootsteps.com/8-simple-steps-to-starting-a-travel-blog/
Video Production
Start a video production company. Produce video for your clients, this includes content planning, filming, editing, and publishing.
Name Ideas: WatermarkProductions, PyramidStudios, LionAnimations
Example: https://wooshiivideoagency.com/
Business Type: Services, Publication & Media
Resources: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-start-a-production-company
Window Cleaning
Clean windows in your local area for a free. You could even set up a subscription model business where you clean a customer’s windows periodically.
Name Ideas: SparklingClean, WindowWashers, HomeClean
Example: https://www.jjwindowcleaning.co.uk/
Business Type: Services
Resources: https://www.profitablewindowcleaning.com/starting-a-window-cleaning-business-in-6-easy-steps/
WordPress Management
Manage WordPress websites for small businesses, services can include: Backups, Security, Updates, etc.
Name Ideas: WP365, AssistWP, WPZebra
Example: https://wpbuffs.com/
Business Type: Services, SaaS
Write eBooks
Write eBooks in a niche that you are knowledgeable in, then promote and sell them.
Name Ideas: Bookmarked, Informatiiive, DoubleBooked
Example: https://gumroad.com/l/seoguide
Business Type: Publication & Media
Resources: https://yaro.blog/618/how-to-start-an-ebook-business-in-5-easy-steps/
Let me know if you end up using one of these business ideas!
Read more: The 6 Best Platforms for Selling Digital Products + Bonus
