Eight Business Ideas for Beginners

Updated on 7 August 2024

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Starting a business can be daunting for most entrepreneurs, yet rewarding in the end. If it’s your first time starting a business, it can be riddled with uncertainties and challenges, though there are many chances for growth and success. Even if it is a side hustle or a full-time entrepreneurial dive, it is hard to find that one business idea for beginners that best fuses your skills, interests, and market demand.

Here are some beginner-friendly business ideas that can help you kickstart your journey in entrepreneurship.

1. Freelance Services

Offering freelance services is one of the easiest ways to start a business with minimal investment. If you have skills in writing, graphic design, web development, social media management, or any other in-demand service, freelancing can be a great option. You will be able to offer your services to many potential clients by using platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.

Why Freelancing?

  • Low start-up cost
  • Flexibility in working hours
  • This can be done remotely

2. e-Commerce Store

With the rise of online shopping, it has never been easier to set up an e-commerce store and sell tangible products, intangible digital goods, or even dropship from suppliers without holding any inventory. Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy make it pretty easy to get started and set up your store online.

While it’s helpful to study the general trends, broad categories can be crowded with competitors. As one example, health and personal care is slated for growth to over 13% of the e-commerce market through 2027, but trying to compete with major drug chains or beauty retailers can prove difficult for new players.

Steps to Get Started

  1. Decide upon a niche or type of product to sell.
  2. Source or create a product to sell.
  3. Set up your online store.
  4. Sell products through social media and online advertisements.

3. Blogging and Content Creation

Start and monetise a personal blog by providing relevant information to your niche, becoming an affiliate, or selling products to your audience. You can also help meet the demand for copywriting services by offering freelance content writing services to other companies.

Tips for a Successful Blogger:

4. Pet Services

Pet services encompass any service related to pets. This can be grooming services, pet sitting, or even dog walking. A dog grooming business does not require a lot of skills, but you have to be able to work with animals. Furthermore, you can run this service over weekends and even make it a mobile service

Getting Started

  • Accreditation and/or training in specific fields may be necessary.
  • Advertise locally, using word-of-mouth to attract clients.
  • True passion for animal welfare must be obvious, with a reputation already in place for being trustworthy and reliable.

5. Personal Fitness Training

If you have a background in fitness and see people working hard for health-related goals, then personal training is one business idea you could put into action. This may be one-on-one training, group training, or even online programs.

How to Succeed

  • Obtain necessary certifications.
  • Develop a training program based on the skill levels of the clients.
  • Marketing, particularly on social media, local gyms, and other centres, focused on physical fitness.

6. Handmade Crafts and Art

If you’re creative and practical, selling small, handmade crafts is always a good business idea for a beginner. You can create things like jewellery, candles, pottery, or unique artwork. Of course, this all depends on your skills, as you’ll want to sell items that are unique and personalised. However, you can also resell crafts produced by other people.

Steps to Launch

  • Prepare a portfolio of products.
  • Open an e-store or participate in local markets.
  • Advertise through social media and networking.

7. Tutoring and Educational Services

There is a growing need for private tutoring services targeting primary, high school, and university students. There are countless options to explore in tutoring, including peer-to-peer tutoring, examination preparations, and other academic support services.

How to Start

  • Identify areas of your expertise.
  • Offer in-person and online tutoring sessions.
  • Advertise in local schools, community centres, and on online platforms.

SME PARTNER

Company Partners

  • Company Registrations

Let the experts handle the paperwork while you focus on growing your business.

8. Cleaning Services

This business idea needs you as an entrepreneur need to start by cleaning houses in your area and when the clientele grows, you can hire agents to cover more clients’ houses in a day. This is an easy and cheap business idea to do during your spare time, especially if you love hygiene and tidiness.

Tips to Succeed

  • Quality cleaning materials and equipment should be bought.
  • A reliable team should be formed if required.
  • Advertise locally and through word-of-mouth.

It is always difficult to start a business, especially when one is a beginner, but if the idea is right and there is a plan, then making the entrepreneurial dreams real will not be impossible. The key is to choose a business that conforms to your skills and interests, understands your target market, and is ready to put in all the hard work and dedication. Whether it is freelancing, e-commerce, blogging, or any other business idea for beginners, the journey is rewarding and loaded with learning experiences.

Get Personalized Advice from Experts on the Same Topic

Thenjiwe Morule
Founder of Nomaza Business Development Services
Achmad Joseph
MD at Ulwazi Business Management
Steven Nicholls
Co-Founder of Tholo Leads the Way
Aretha van der Merwe
Founder of Potential Unlimited
Trudie Swanepoel
Business Branding Expert
Sindi Vilakazi
Founder NOVILS Consulting
Thabo Ncalo
Managing Partner at 8th Season Capital

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