Businesses you can start from home
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Businesses you can start from home in 2024

5 min. read
Jan 24, 2023
Starting a home-based business is a great way to achieve financial independence and flexibility. However, it’s important to find your niche and to choose a small business idea that aligns with your skills and interests. After all, your business needs your passion to launch an amazing product that stands out and to find the right set of customers who are as passionate about your products as you are.
With the growth of the internet, it’s easier to start an online store that you can run from the comfort of your home. Whether you're an expert in fashion, cooking, art or beauty, there is a business opportunity waiting for you. All you really need to do is find your niche and start your online business.

Why think about going online?

When starting a product-based business, it’s essential to have an online presence. According to the Economic times, India has 759 million people online and this number is only expected to grow. Creating your own website is the first step in taking your business online. Having your website can help build trust among prospective customers. However, don’t worry, it doesn’t need to be complicated. SmartBiz by Amazon is a no-code website builder which can help you create your own direct-to-consumer e-commerce website within minutes- complete with easy checkout, integrated shipping and multiple payment options. All this from your mobile phone- no coding, no complicated setup needed!
Whether you're just starting or looking to expand your existing business online, SmartBiz can help make your business ideas in India come to life. With our user-friendly, easy-to-use platform, you can easily set up your online store and start selling products with ease.
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of starting a home-based business in India, as well as provide a list of the best online business ideas for first-time entrepreneurs and homemakers looking to start their businesses with minimal capital.
What is a home-based business, and why are people choosing it in India?
A home-based business is a business that doesn’t have a brick and mortar location, making it less capital intensive and easier to start. This type of business is increasing in popularity in India for a variety of reasons, including:
    The ability to have a flexible schedule and work-life balance.
    Lower overhead costs than traditional brick-and-mortar businesses.
    The abiity to start small businesses with minimal capital.
So if you’re looking to start your online business or expand your existing business online, click here.
10 online businesses you can start from home
Here is a list of 10 curated business ideas. You can start these small businesses with minimal capital at home.
  • Home-Based Cooking Business : Are you an expert in the kitchen? Do you receive endless complements on that amazing cookie you bake or that pickle you make that goes well with pretty much everything? Then it is time to consider selling the same online. Start a home-based cooking or baking business, offer meal delivery services, or host cooking classes. This doesn’t require you to setup a space for your customers to come and consume your products, with the products being delivered directly to them. The boom is such that many restaurants are shutting down spaces and focusing on cloud kitchens and delivery-only models instead.
  • Home-Based Fashion Business: Love fashion and have an eye for style? Start your own fashion business by creating and selling your designs or offering personal styling services. Now with print on demand businesses popping up, its never been easier to mass produce and distribute your designs.
  • Home décor Store: Setting up an online home décor store and selling products online is a great way to start a business from home, as it allows you to reach a global audience and sell products without the need for a physical storefront. With people scouring the internet for unique home décor that sets their space apart, your audience might be waiting for you.
  • E-commerce Drop shipping: Drop shipping is a business model that allows you to sell products without stocking inventory. Instead, you partner with a supplier who holds the inventory and ships the products directly to your customers. This eliminates the need for a physical warehouse and makes it easier to start and manage an online store. The drop shipping business model allows you to sell products without holding any physical stock. This works perfectly if you’ve got the idea and the market pinned down but you’re struggling to manufacture and distribute. Drop shipping can be extremely profitable when done right.
  • Artificial Jewelry Store: If you have a passion for jewelry-making, starting a home-based jewelry business can be a great way to turn your creativity into a profitable jewelry store. You can sell your designs online to discerning customers, offering unique and personalized pieces that reflect your style.
  • Craft Business: For those who enjoy crafting or have a passion for art, starting a home-based craft/art business is a great way to turn your passion into a profitable venture. You can sell your handmade crafts or your art online, building up a base of loyal customers that value your work.
  • Home-based Beauty Store: For those who enjoy beauty and wellness, starting an online beauty products store can be the Best Online Business to start from your home in 2023. You can offer beauty treatments from the comfort of your home or sell beauty products online.
  • Fitness Business: If you have a passion for fitness and wellness, starting a home-based fitness business can be a great way to turn your expertise into a profitable venture. You can offer fitness classes or personal training sessions from the comfort of your home or sell fitness products online.
  • Pet Store: If you have a passion for pets, starting a home-based pet business can be a great way to turn your expertise into a profitable venture. You can offer pet care services at home or sell pet products including food, toys and accessories online.
  • Online tutoring business: A skill-based business is another way to create a profitable business online. Have an in-demand skill that you’re ready to teach? Starting an online course based business will allow you to monetize your skills and help customers looking to learn skills from a reliable source.
Next steps for starting a home-based business in India
Setting up an online store can be a great way to start a home-based business, especially if you're looking to sell products. With the rise of e-commerce, it has become easier than ever for individuals to reach a global audience and sell products from the comfort of their own homes.

Here's how you can set up your online store:
  • Choose your niche: Start by identifying what type of products you want to sell. Find a niche that you are passionate about and that you know a lot about. This will help you build a strong brand and create content that will attract customers. You will be building a business from scratch, so your passion and work will directly translate into success for your business.
  • Set up your website: Once you have chosen your niche, set up your e-commerce store using SmartBiz in minutes . Add your company information, product information, and offer multiple payment options. Make sure to add high-quality images and descriptions for your products. To know more on how to create your online store with SmartBiz, click here. Already registered? Download the beginner’s guide here for step-by-step instructions on how to set up your account and start selling online directly to your customers.
  • Choose your payment gateway: Choose a payment gateway that is secure, reliable, and accepts the currency of your target market. With SmartBiz, we help you setup and complete your KYC so you can start receiving payments for your products online. To know more on enabling online payments with SmartBiz, click here.
  • Customize your store: Customize your store to reflect your brand. Choose a design template, add pages, and set up navigation. Make sure your store is easy to navigate and provides a great user experience for your customers, this step is extremely important for the success of your business. With SmartBiz, we handle setting up your store for you with the help of pre-set themes that resonates with shoppers, and a store front that’s mobile friendly from the start (83% of online shoppers shop via mobile). Learn how to customize your SmartBiz store by clicking here.
  • Launch & promote your store: Once your store is set up and ready to go, launch it and start promoting your products. Use social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and email/ chat commerce marketing and search/ social ads to drive traffic to your store and reach your target audience. You can share your SmartBiz store link on social platforms and learn more from our resources on how to market your online store.
  • Track your sales and success: Use analytics tools to track your sales and customer behavior. This will help you understand what's working and what's not and make changes to improve your website’s performance. With SmartBiz, you can get access to business reports that let you make informed business decisions.
By following these steps, you'll be able to set up your online store and start selling products from the comfort of your own home. With the right platform and marketing strategies, you can grow your business and reach the right audience all over India.
To sum it up
Starting a home-based business is a great idea. It helps you achieve financial independence with immense flexibility. SmartBiz by Amazon can be the right platform to help you start your online small business even with minimal capital. Sell with your own policies, set your rules and sell the way you’re comfortable with. Whether its payment, shipping or returns policies.
With the right online business ideas in India, it is possible to start and grow a successful home-based enterprise. However, you should weigh the pros and cons carefully before starting with an idea. Researching adequately about it can further help you. Remember, for all kinds of online businesses, SmartBiz by Amazon can provide just the right web solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start a home-based business with minimal investments?
One way to start a home-based business with minimal investments is to begin by offering your services as a freelancer or consultant rather than starting a business that may require capital to invest in inventory. Another alternative is to sell what you create. If you are a passionate creator, whether is a cookie, a wall hanging, jewellery or even a digital painting or poster, consider selling your creations online. Additionally, starting an online business can also be a cost-effective option, as it eliminates the need for a physical storefront and large-scale inventory.
How to promote/ reach customers?
Promoting your home-based business can be done through a variety of channels, including social media, online advertising, email marketing, chat commerce and networking. You will find more tips on marketing your products online here .
How to make money from home?
The primary way to make money with a home-based business is by selling products or services. This can be done through an online store, by offering to consult or coaching services, or by providing a product or service that solves a problem or fills a need for your target market
What is the best home-based business for students?
The best home-based business for students will depend on the individual's skills, interests, and resources. Some options to consider include tutoring or teaching, virtual assistance, and content creation.
Best home-based business for stay-at-home moms/ other groups?
The best home-based business for stay-at-home moms will depend on the individual's skills, interests, and resources. Some options to consider include selling your creations/ products online, content creation, and online tutoring or teaching.
Do I need to register a home-based business? What documents are required to start a home-based business?
The requirements for registering a home-based business will vary depending on the location and type of business. In general, it is a good idea to register your business with your state or local government to ensure compliance with any relevant regulations. Additionally, you may need to obtain a business license and register for taxes. It is recommended to check with your local government for specific requirements.
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