Entrepreneurs eat what they kill. This sounds glamorous, but it’s easier said than done.
Around half of businesses fail within the first five years. One of the leading reasons is choosing a business concept that doesn’t work for your resources.
Service business ideas tend to offer more flexibility in startup capital and scalability. The risk of a service business is much lower than that of a brick and mortar business.
Take a look at these top 10 service business ideas before getting started on your next venture.
1. App Developer
One of the fastest-growing careers in the country is mobile app development. With the heavy demand for cutting edge apps, app developers can launch businesses creating all kinds of content.
Consider finding a template of an app that works for a variety of businesses. Sell the app framework to help clients to cut back on coding time.
App development companies can scale up or down depending on the size of the client project. Developers commonly work remotely, making it easy to outsource as needed.
2. Home Health
Home health is also a fast-growing market as one of the largest demographics in the U.S. is beginning to transition into retirement. The baby boomer generation includes a wide range of aging people in need of medical support.
In-home health services are a great way to profit while helping families transition. Services range from providing light housekeeping services to hospice care.
This business option requires certification and licensing that varies by state. As the business owner, you may opt to become licensed or simply outsource the work.
3. Bookkeeping
No business can operate without managing its money. Bookkeepers are the lifeblood of an accounting system.
If you have a background in finance, consider starting a bookkeeping business to help companies remain compliant. Companies allow bookkeepers to set their own hours as long as financial reports are available when needed.
4. Web Design
Every business needs a web presence. A web design agency is a good venture for helping businesses grow.
Whether you’re an HTML expert or not, you can use online resources to help build client websites. Use your graphic design skills to build memorable web pages using stock photography and creative copy.
Begin growing your portfolio by working with nonprofits. Nonprofits often work with volunteers to build marketing materials.
Though you might not get paid for the volunteer work, you get the chance to showcase your abilities, which will eventually lead to paying customers.
5. Social Media Management
In addition to websites, companies often want to have their brand presence on social media. Small companies won’t always have the staff available to manage multiple social media outlets.
Creating fresh, engaging social media content for businesses is an option for most entrepreneurs as it requires no capital to get started. Tutorials on using each social channel for business are abundant.
6. Mosquito Franchise
No one’s favorite animal is a mosquito. A mosquito franchise is a great way to help homeowners prepare their lawns for spring and summer.
As a recurring service, mosquito franchises can offer repeat customers who rely on your business half the year.
7. Translation Services
Growing non-English speaking populations mean more opportunities for translation services. Statistics show that Spanish speakers will soon outnumber English speaking Americans.
Start a business translating important documents like legal contracts or business proposals to build a clientele.
8. House Cleaning
House cleaning businesses are plentiful, but always in demand. With population growth comes the construction of new homes.
Your home cleaning business is sure to grow with competitive pricing and consistent outreach to new customers. Work in concentric circles when promoting your cleaning business.
Focus on a core area where you can easily pass out flyers, get involved in local events, and connect with a homeowners association. Building a cleaning clientele is a long game and not an overnight event.
Starting in a small area gives you a chance to build relationships and concentrate your marketing efforts. Once you’ve solidified relationships in a neighborhood, branch out to nearby areas.
9. Personal Trainer
Around half of Americans want to lose weight. That’s millions of potential customers available to the fitness industry.
With a personal training business, you can help Americans achieve their fitness goals. Specializing in a specific kind of fitness helps set you apart from your competitors.
For example, if you have a proven cross fit or boot camp regime, stick to this one tactic to attract customers. It helps customers identify your brand among competitors.
When a customer wants to refer you to a friend, they know exactly how to present your business.
10. Massage Therapist
Massage therapists are always in demand. Americans are among the most stressed people in the world.
As research proves that stress can lead to long term illness, people are looking for ways to take charge of their mental health. One way to do this is through massage therapy.
Massage therapy businesses can be mobile or available at a set location. When just starting out, some massage therapists opt to rent a suite in a shared office space or work from home.
A massage therapy business requires training and equipment to get started. Still, these are one-time fees that pay for themselves once you get your first few clients established.
The Best Service Business Ideas
Businesses are successful when owned by curious, driven entrepreneurs. The best service business ideas allow you to take control of the business early in the growth process.
New employees and partners that come on board later must adapt to the culture you start. This means that how you start your business can become how you finish it.
Use your go-getter attitude to create a service-based business that reflects your business values while returning a profit for yourself and investors. For more information on personal finance, check our blog for updates.