46 business ideas to launch in 2021

NewsReading time: 16'59''January 19, 2021Are you looking to become more independent, make ends meet or boost your income in 2021? Or did you realize during the pandemic that remote workers seemed happier and more fulfilled and you want to start a new activity? This list is made for you.SHARE REPORT AN ERROR SAVE PDF / EXPORT Translation of an article by Adam Enfroy originally published on Maddyness UK.

At the start of 2021, it may be time to start your own business. Don't worry, we won't tell your boss that you don't plan to come back to the office tomorrow. In this article, we have analyzed 46 job ideas that you can do anywhere. So get yourself a cup of tea or coffee and dive into this list of ideas.

1. Start your own blog

If you think blogging is more of a hobby than a business, think again. A good number of bloggers manage to achieve six-figure annual revenue and this trend is not expected to change this year. While not all blogs bring in fortunes, you can improve your income by positioning yourself in the right sector and writing with passion. You do not believe me ? I started my own blog in 2019, it has 500,000 readers and $80,000 in revenue per month.

Feel free to check out my guide full of tips for starting your own blog.

2. Give online lessons

If you have solid knowledge in a particular discipline or sector, you can supplement your income by offering online courses. Tech skills, including WordPress coding and management, are in high demand. The e-learning market is expected to reach $300 billion by 2025, so there will be room for anyone who wants to take advantage of it to increase their income.

3. Cybersecurity consultant

Cybersecurity needs have never been greater as threats multiply. As a cybersecurity expert, you can be paid to proactively detect flaws and vulnerabilities in organizations' IT systems before hackers find them. Knowing that 81% of hacks are due to stolen, weak or default passwords, having a thorough knowledge of password security is essential to excel in this profession.

4. Buying and selling domains

In a society as internet-centric as ours, any entrepreneur, business or freelancer needs a website.

Owning your domain name and a perfect site are two priorities for which companies are often ready to pay exorbitant sums. Ask Tesla, which owns one of the most expensive domain names, bought for $11 million.

The value of domain names and websites is based on revenue, traffic, age, and many other metrics. According to Flippa, which buys and sells companies online, buying and selling domain names requires a lot of luck and guesswork. But the cost of acquisition being very low, it only suffices to succeed in creating a few domain names and selling them at high prices to succeed.

5.YouTuber/Vlogger

Do you have the ability to create engaging, fun and informative content? Turn your outgoing personality into income by developing your own YouTube channel. It is advisable to follow YouTube's guidelines for creating your own videos and to invest in good editing tools: a decent camera and a microphone to be able to create high-quality video content that will entice your subscribers to to come back.

6. Start a podcast

A recent study by Edison Research reveals that the number of Americans who listen to a podcast each week has increased by 120% over the past four years. The key to earning revenue from a podcast is to come up with a unique concept that will attract listeners. The podcast can also be embedded on YouTube where you can monetize the videos.

If you have already created YouTube videos, you can also extract the audio from them and turn it into a podcast. Pay attention to choosing the right tools to upload your files to iTunes and other podcast directories.

7. Instagram Influencer

Instagram influencers have an established audience and the ability to influence their followers to purchase a specific product or service. The most famous of them, like Kylie Jenner, managed to turn their popularity into a source of income.

Keep in mind that as an influencer, you should run your account like a business. Your success will depend on the growth of it. The likes, the number of followers and the engagement rate will be your main KPIs.

However, brands are starting to work more with smaller influencers – micro-influencers – who have lower follower counts but higher engagement rates. This is particularly the case of @gemtakesfoodpics who started his blog to talk about his passion for food and now works with brands.

8.Dropshipping

Do you have a knack for finding good deals? Dropshipping is another solution to increase your income without having to reinvent the wheel. With e-commerce growth exploding by 295% over the past five years, now is a great time to take the leap.

The concept behind dropshipping is simple: find products at a low price from a supplier and resell them to consumers at a higher price. Being a good drop shipper requires careful monitoring of current trends and consumer needs. If you manage to decipher their desires and predict which products will be in demand, you can achieve great added value.

9. Launch an electric scooter brand

In 2018, the National Association of Public Transport Officials reported that 3.8 million trips were made using electric scooters, making it the most popular shared mobility transport. In 2020, demand continues to rise, and it's not just companies like Bird and Lime that are reaping the benefits.

Many independent companies also manage to make it their business.

10. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is the process of generating income by promoting other people's services or products. You can use affiliate marketing to earn money by putting in a modest amount of work. In reality, this business is all about embedding proper affiliate links in your own blog posts. It is a perfect activity, inexpensive and easy to reconcile with a blog.

Here is a complete guide to over 105 affiliate programs.

11. Personal Virtual Assistant

Despite what the name suggests, personal virtual or remote assistants handle many tasks, from managing social media to accounting. Setting up your own remote personal assistant business can be quite lucrative. Some can thus earn up to 25 dollars per hour. This activity is all the more interesting as you will not have to invest a large initial capital. Your good organizational skills will be your main working tool.

12. Graphic Designer

Graphic design can be a good source of income for freelancers and telecommuters who want to make ends meet.

Businesses of all shapes and sizes are constantly looking for graphic designers to design new logos, visuals and even help them create their brand identity. You can create your own site to offer your services or use platforms like Flexjobs to find clients. According to expert Hailey Lucas, the best way to succeed as a freelancer is to choose a specific niche rather than aiming for a mass market.

13. Become a Wix Partner

While it is true that DIY sites (Do it yourself, editor's note) have made it possible to create your own website without having to be a computer whiz, a large majority of customers who prefer to relegate this task to a professional developer.

Having knowledge of HTML code is beneficial, but if you have the time, invest in training to learn how to create websites on Wix, for example. This can provide you with a good income.

14.Social Media Manager

Social networks are part of our daily life and can be excellent marketing tools to boost business development.

As a social media manager, you will be responsible for spreading the messages of the brand you work for on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. If you have good people skills and know how to interact with prospects and clients, you could be aiming for an annual salary of $51,000 in a very short time.

15. Online travel agency

Do you love to travel? Why not turn your passion into a source of income by starting your own online travel agency from home?

This job requires great organizational skills, logic and a lot of research, but it's worth it.

16. WordPress Consulting

WordPress consultants are in high demand due to the platform's unprecedented success and emerging content management needs. In fact, almost one in four sites are powered by WordPress. Many people who use it do not know how to fully exploit the potential of its CMS. As a WordPress consultant, you can provide them with support. The only thing you will need is a solid knowledge of how WordPress works, internet access and a computer.

17. App Development Agency

Our smartphones are quickly taking over from our computers as work tools. Application development demands have never been higher. There are several ways to generate income by developing applications, but to do so, you absolutely must know how to code.

Luckily, you can learn these skills through online courses, YouTube videos, and a lot of determination.

18. Freelance Writer

The Internet works thanks to the content it offers. Why not create one? This business can be lucrative. All you need to get started in this industry and find your first client are writing skills, a computer and an internet connection.

According to payscale.com, content creators can earn up to $40,000 per year. Experienced writers can pay themselves six-figure annual salaries.

19.Data Analyst

Much of today's business depends on data. Many companies need someone who can understand and analyze these streams of data.

As a data analyst, you can help companies better understand their data while earning a more than reasonable salary. You must have strong math skills and strong reasoning skills to succeed in this job.

20. Translator

Due to the number of existing languages, there is always a need for translators. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, requests for professional translators has increased 19% over the past eight years.

If you speak two or more languages ​​perfectly, you can turn this asset into a source of income by working from home.

21. Virtual Tour Guide

It's a great option for anyone who lives in big tourist towns.

The virtual guides make videos of the city and its neighborhoods which they then publish on their YouTube channel to which everyone will have access. To make an income from it, you will need to monetize your videos. A good example is the Joolz Guides channel on which guide Julian McDonnel explores the city of London.

22. Content Marketing

Content marketing is an industry that will be worth $412 billion in 2021. Now is the perfect time to use your writing and marketing skills to get started in this business.

The main job of a content marketer is to build awareness of a brand or company by creating high-quality content to showcase its products and services. If you have a gift for writing, this is an opportunity not to be overlooked.

To be taken seriously, make sure you have all the tools and knowledge of the system.

23. Contract Customer Service (CSR)

The traditional role of customer service, particularly that of agents responding to consumers, is increasingly being performed by remote workers. According to the US Bureau Of Labor Statistics, this demand should remain stable as companies aspire to move their customer service off-site.

Becoming a customer service agent will allow you to organize your time and work from home for an average salary of $14.17 per hour.

24. Start a creative agency

Creative agencies provide a variety of services including product marketing, SEO optimization, graphic design, and digital marketing. If you are a multi-talented creative person, opening your own creative agency might be a good idea because it will allow you to address several sectors of activity. The digital revolution shows no signs of abating, interest in creative agencies is unlikely to wane in the years to come.

25. Offer online courses

The online education market has grown significantly over the past few years and predictions estimate it will reach $350 billion by the end of 2025.

Giving language lessons – especially ESL (English as a second language) – is a great way to increase your income. The majority of English teachers (ESL) start their careers by offering online courses. This channel won't earn you a big salary initially but you can earn a lot more once you become recognized as an ESL tutor and offer private lessons.

26. Dog sitter

As the name suggests, this activity will allow dog lovers to earn money while spending time with their favorite animal. A dog sitter receives around 14.69 dollars per hour but it is important to specify that this salary depends on the reputation of the dog sitter. If it is really excellent, the earnings can amount to 25 dollars per hour.

It's probably not a job that will turn you into a millionaire, but you can probably reconcile it with an active life by offering your services in your free time.

27. Computer Repairman

Are you a computer whiz? Why not turn your technical skills into income by performing computer repairs.

With over a billion computers in use around the world, it's obvious that some will fail. At that time, we will need the skills of a good repairman to put things back in order. Computer repair businesses can grow into large, highly profitable corporations if they are determined.

28. Independent Publisher

It is a solution for people with excellent language skills who want to stay home to work. The role of an independent publisher ranges from publishing complete manuscripts to publishing copies for major brands.

The salary you can earn will depend on your experience and reputation. You can also choose to specialize in a particular type of publishing to increase your income.

29. Tailor

The attraction for trendy and elegant clothes remains important, which is why becoming a tailor can be a good choice.

In addition to making alterations, you can also make new pieces for your customers. Although opening a tailor's workshop requires financial capital upfront, you can expect a fairly quick return on investment.

30. Write e-books

Generally, you won't make a fortune writing e-books, but if you have free time, you can try to increase your income.

Thanks to the development of free publishing platforms, getting started as an author is easier than ever. If you gain notoriety, you can even earn some money.

31. Investor

This option offers you a good way to supplement your income without too much effort, but requires having some starting capital to make your first investments.

If you have money sitting in an account, you better invest some of it in stocks that will give you a better return on your investment. Savvy investors who know the market well have made their fortunes by betting on the right companies at the right time.

32. Carpet Cleaner

The only thing people love less than a dirty carpet is cleaning a dirty carpet, which is why the carpet cleaning products market reached $1.4 billion in 2018.

To get started in the carpet cleaning business, you will need to invest in an effective vacuum cleaner and the right products.

33. Make Custom Furniture

Custom-made furniture is in vogue and more and more consumers want to acquire it to give a special and unique atmosphere to their interior.

The main requirements to succeed in this medium are carpentry skills, a strong sense of creativity and great attention to detail.

34. Wedding Planner

Organizing a wedding can be a very stressful experience for a couple, making it a great money-making opportunity. The wedding industry is an estimated $298 billion market and it's growing every year. You could therefore turn your organizational skills into a very lucrative business by becoming a wedding planner.

35. Home Chef

With our increasingly busy schedules, we have less and less time to cook balanced meals. Why not become a personal chef at home?

Personal chefs are in high demand and you could make a living doing your passion. Some even ended up opening their own restaurants or specialty food stores.

36. Childcare

Do you like children? Many families need childcare due to work obligations.

Getting a childcare degree can really boost your income, although the average entry-level salary is usually around $10 an hour, according to payscale.com.

37. Interior designer

Who wouldn't like to live in a well-appointed apartment? Many of us, moreover, the requests for interior designers are exploding. If you have a great sense of style and know how to improve space management, this job may be for you.

Although getting into this business can be daunting at first, you will be able to make a decent living once your customer base grows.

38. Create unique t-shirts

It is one of the ideal solutions to express your activity, have fun while getting paid.

T-shirts are clothes that are part of our daily lives and a number of people prefer unique pieces compared to the standardized products that can be found in conventional stores. Indeed, the global market for customized t-shirts should reach 10 billion dollars in 2025 according to projections.

39. Photographer

Pursuing a career as a photographer is not new in itself, but it is an excellent solution for anyone who wants to increase their income while indulging in their passion.

To get started in this activity, you will need to invest in good photo equipment and above all to have photo editing skills.

40. Uber Driver

Uber is another way to quickly earn extra income. Uber drivers must meet certain requirements, but if you own a car and enjoy driving, you already meet certain criteria to become a driver.

41.Airbnb

Renting an unused apartment on Airbnb is an easy way to supplement your income without requiring too much effort. As an Airbnb host, you may also meet interesting people.

Whether you're renting an apartment or an entire house, you could be earning a solid monthly income.

42. Ghostwriting

If becoming a pen for another author will not make you famous, you can enjoy good income.

Online platforms such as Flexjobs, Fiverr and Freelance list this type of proposal and are a good way to launch your career in this field.

43. Baker

If you are passionate about baking and have the equipment to make sweet treats, you can make a good living using these skills.

Generally, people are willing to pay more for high quality products, select your target well to maximize your profits.

44. Personal Wellness Coach

Wellness coaches help their clients feel better and enjoy their lives.

Although a certificate is not necessary to practice this profession, obtaining a diploma can increase the price of your services.

45. DJ

DJs are always in high demand. If you know a mix or two, you can try your luck in this sector. Generally, DJs earn around $300 a night, but the best-known DJs can easily earn six-figure annual salaries.

46. ​​Game tester

Would you like to be paid to play video games? As a tester, you will have to analyze the game and give your impressions, positive and negative, to the developers so that they can improve it.

Sounds like the perfect job, right?!

Conclusion

This is not an exhaustive list but it is a good start.

Don't forget that the majority of the jobs offered consist of offering a service to others. To guarantee the legality of this exchange, it is important to make a contract. This is not only to guarantee your payment but to save you from any legal problems. Once the administrative paperwork is done, you can focus on launching and starting your business.

This is a translation of an article by Adam Enfroy originally published on Maddyness UK. Adam Enfroy teaches new generations of entrepreneurs how to develop their influence and that of their startup quickly.