Last updated: Apr 10, 2024 at 03:51 pm
Are you interested in starting a home-based business without any upfront costs? If so, you’re in luck! This article will show you how to start your own business with no money required.
Many people who work jobs they don’t enjoy often dream of becoming their own boss and working from home. When I was a college student, I had similar thoughts. However, I used to believe that starting a business required a lot of money and was overly complicated.
Fortunately, with the technological advancements we’ve seen, it’s now easier and more affordable than ever to start a business from home. In fact, in many cases, you can get started with zero money upfront.
In this post, I’ll be covering 11 different home-based business opportunities you can start without any startup capital.
1. Start a Blog for Free
Starting a monetized blog can be a great option, but it can also be tricky if you try to do it for free. You have two main choices for a free blogging platform – WordPress.com or Blogger. Both offer similar features in terms of functionality and design, and both allow you to monetize your blog, but only through their own ad networks.
This means that if you use a free platform, you can make money from your blog, but you’ll be limited to using their specific advertising options, like WordAds or Google Adsense. You can also do affiliate marketing and sell your own products and services, as long as you follow the platform’s terms.
Using a free blogging platform can limit your earning potential, but it gives you a good starting point to start writing content and building an audience. Once you start making some money, you can then invest in your own domain name and hosting, and move your blog to the full, self-hosted version of WordPress. This will allow you to monetize your blog however you choose.
Another reason to get your own domain and hosting is that with the free platforms, you don’t actually own your website – the company could shut it down at any time for any reason. Owning your own site gives you more control and security.
2. Start a Cleaning Business
Starting a service-based business can be done for free using the business model mentioned earlier. For example, when I was younger, I would clean my neighbor’s house and iron her work clothes on Saturday mornings to earn some extra cash.
You can choose the services you want to offer, such as house cleaning, laundry, yard work, maintenance, repair, food preparation, or cooking. Then, let people know that you’re available for hire.
If you’re having trouble finding enough clients, you can use an on-demand app to connect with potential customers. These apps take a percentage of your earnings, but they’ll introduce you to a broader network of clients, and they’re free to get started.
3. Become a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
Pet sitting is another great service-based business idea. You can make money on your own terms by deciding which types of pets you want to watch and what services you want to offer. The average pet sitter in the US earns $15.82 per hour, according to Indeed. You can increase your earnings even further by:
- Walking multiple dogs at the same time
- Offering additional services like feeding, waste cleanup, or bathing the pets
The key is to choose the pet care services that you are comfortable providing and that your clients will find valuable. This flexibility and ability to set your own schedule makes pet sitting an appealing business opportunity.
If you’re having trouble securing enough clients, you can also use money-making apps to connect with pet owners.
4. Provide Freelance Writing Services
Freelance writing can be a great way to earn a living if you enjoy writing, and you don’t need a degree in English to become a freelance writer. The more you write, the better you’ll become.
I don’t recommend undervaluing your skills or depriving yourself of fair compensation. However, freelance job sites can be a useful resource. These sites connect freelancers and businesses, allowing you to find work, explore opportunities, and start earning money. Some of these sites may offer lower-paying gigs, but they can be a valuable way to gain experience and build your portfolio.
Freelance Job Boards:
Once you’ve been freelancing for a few months, you should have built up a good portfolio of samples, testimonials, and experience. This will give you more leverage to start seeking out higher-paying clients.
From the very beginning, make sure to establish your digital presence. Social media platforms are free to join and can be excellent tools for building your customer base.
5. Sell Stuff For Money
These days, you can sell all sorts of things online – from old clothes and books to CDs, DVDs, games, toys, printables, art, crafts, and even cars. Take a look around your home and see what you’re no longer using. Then, use the online platforms below to sell your unwanted items and turn them into cash!
Sell Stuff Online:
- Amazon – Anything
- eBay – Anything
- Poshmark – Clothing
Meet In-Person to Sell Stuff:
- Craigslist
- Facebook Marketplace
- OfferUp
- VarageSale
Design and Sell Things Online:
- Absolute Arts – Art
- Creative Market – Stock photos, printables, templates, and fonts
- Society 6 – Everything
Selling unwanted items may not seem like a business, but some people actually turn it into one. This is known as “retail arbitrage”. It involves buying products for a low price and then reselling them at a higher price to make a profit.
6. Be a Translator
If you’re fluent in more than one language and have excellent written and verbal communication skills, you can turn that into a profitable bilingual side hustle.
Many companies need documents translated from one language to another, and they’re willing to pay good money for professional translators. You can also work as a freelance interpreter over the phone. According to ZipRecruiter, freelance translators earn an average of $29.90 per hour.
So if you have multilingual abilities, you can leverage that skill set to earn some extra income on the side.
Here are some companies to go through:
7. Social Media Manager
If you’re an avid social media user, you can make good money by managing, creating, and moderating social media accounts for businesses. As a social media manager, you can create content for platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.
Many business owners don’t have the time or expertise to handle their social media effectively. That’s where you come in. By leveraging your social media skills, you can provide a valuable service and get paid for it.
Want to manage social media accounts for extra money? Check out these hiring companies:
8. Search Engine Evaluator
Search engines like Google are always trying to improve their search results, so they use search engine evaluators to assess the quality of the content that appears in search results.
These evaluator positions don’t require any formal experience, but you do need to be tech-savvy, knowledgeable about current events, and detail-oriented. The average pay for this work is $17 per hour, and the hours are usually flexible.
If you have the right skills and attention to detail, becoming a search engine evaluator can be a great side gig. It allows you to earn some extra income while helping to improve the search experience for people online.
To apply for these side jobs, check out:
- Appen
- Teemwork.ai
- TELUS International
9. Online Surveys
Surveys can sometimes get a bad reputation as a side gig, and that’s often because some surveys take too long compared to the amount they pay. However, if you use reputable survey sites and only complete surveys that are worth your time, it can be a nice way to earn some extra money.
The key is to be selective about which surveys you choose to take, focusing on the ones that provide a good return for the time investment. When done right, surveys can be a convenient way to supplement your income.
Want to make money with surveys? Check out these legitimate companies:
10. Teach English Online
If you’re a native English speaker with excellent communication skills, you can make money by tutoring others online, especially non-native English speakers.
Some companies that offer online English tutoring, like TEFL or TESOL, may require you to have a bachelor’s degree and a relevant certification. However, other platforms, such as Cambly, don’t require any prior experience.
The pay rates for online English tutoring can vary quite a bit, ranging anywhere from $10 to $26 per hour. So if you have strong English skills, this can be a great side job opportunity to earn some extra income.
The key is to find the right platform that fits your qualifications and availability. With the right approach, online English tutoring can be a flexible and lucrative side hustle.
To make money as an ESL tutor, check out these legit hiring companies:
11. Make Money Driving
Driving for a delivery or rideshare service can be a great way to make extra money on the side. These gigs allow you to deliver all kinds of items – from groceries and alcohol to takeout food and even people.
To get started, simply download the relevant app, fill out an application, and wait for approval. The requirements typically include passing a criminal background check, having a clean driving record, a valid driver’s license, and proof of car insurance.
The best part is that you can set your own schedule as a driver. Whether you want to earn a little extra cash or a significant income, the flexibility allows you to work as much or as little as you’d like. It’s a convenient side hustle that gets you out of the house and earning money.
Here are some companies to check out if you’re interested in this sort of online side job:
- DoorDash (food)
- Instacart (groceries)
- HopSkipDrive (kids)
- Shipt (groceries)
- Uber (people or food)