21 Business Ideas For Homebodies [2024]
In 2024, there are plenty of business opportunities for those who love the comfort of their own home. If you prefer staying in, you could start a successful venture without ever setting foot outside. The key is to find the right ideas that align with your skills and interests.
You could explore online businesses that require minimal physical interaction, such as e-commerce or digital marketing. Remote consulting services are another option, allowing you to use your expertise to help others from your home office. With the rise of technology, these possibilities are more accessible than ever.
Additionally, creative homebodies might consider starting a home-based craft or art business. Platforms like Etsy or Shopify provide an easy way to sell handmade goods to a global audience. No matter your passion, there's likely a way to turn it into a home-based business in 2024.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other homebody businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog can be an excellent opportunity to supplement your income, make extra money, or even establish a side business from the comfort of your own home. For homebodies, it offers the chance to engage with a passionate online community by sharing your expertise on a specific topic. Whether you're fascinated by fashion, video games, or cooking, identifying a profitable and underserved niche can set the stage for a successful blog.
To monetize your blog, you could focus on gaining visibility and followers, providing affiliate links, growing a YouTube channel, collaborating with relevant brands, or speaking at events. With dedication to creating unique and informative content, such as how-to guides, top product lists, and video interviews, and consistently engaging with your followers, you could turn your passion into a lucrative venture while never having to leave your home.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could turn your passion into profit by creating content about a topic you love.
- Niche blogging allows you to work from anywhere, making it perfect for homebodies.
- There are multiple monetization methods available, such as affiliate marketing and brand collaborations.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
2. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Starting a niche website could be a fantastic endeavor for any homebody looking to make extra money or even build an entire business. A niche website is focused on a specialized topic and targets a specific audience, making it a relevant choice if you have a particular passion or expertise. Through dedicated content creation and strategic SEO, you could build a loyal following and monetize your site through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products.
Building a niche website involves a substantial initial investment of time in research and content creation, but it has the potential to become a steady source of passive income. Check out these niche website success stories for some first-hand accounts of entrepreneurs who have thrived in this space.
Why start a niche website?
- You could work from home and maintain a flexible schedule, making it ideal for homebodies.
- It offers creative freedom while focusing on a topic you are passionate about.
- Over time, once your site gains traffic, you could enjoy passive income with minimal ongoing effort.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
3. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
If you have a knack for creating compelling video content, starting a YouTube channel might be your next big move. This platform offers the opportunity to share your expertise, passions, or hobbies while potentially earning revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. You could focus on anything from how-to guides and vlogs to educational content and entertainment — it's a versatile space where creativity meets opportunity.
Building a successful YouTube channel requires consistency and quality, necessitating that you regularly plan, shoot, edit, and engage with your audience. Despite the hard work involved, the payoff can be significant. From the flexibility to share your unique voice to the potential for financial reward, this venture could be incredibly fulfilling if you’re ready to dedicate the time and effort.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could reach a global audience from the comfort of your home.
- It's a flexible platform that allows you to explore various topics and types of content.
- You have the chance to generate multiple revenue streams, such as ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
For more detailed insights, you can check out success stories of others who have thrived with their YouTube channels here.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
4. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Creating and selling online courses could be an excellent venture for homebodies looking to supplement their income or start a side business. You could monetize your passion and knowledge by teaching topics such as music, cooking, coding, and more. With the e-learning market expected to be worth over $645 Billion in the next few years, there's plenty of potential for passive income with relatively low initial investment.
Why consider an online course sales business?
- You could create a steady stream of passive income. Once the course is made, it can continue to generate revenue with minimal ongoing effort.
- Flexibility is key. You could set your schedule, work from home, and choose the subjects you're most passionate about.
- Impact on others is rewarding. Sharing your knowledge and skills can help others while also building your reputation as an expert in your field.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
5. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business could be an ideal opportunity for homebodies looking to earn a passive income. As an affiliate marketer, you will promote other companies' products and services online and receive a commission for each sale you generate. This business model allows you to work from the comfort of your home, providing flexibility and the potential for long-term earnings.
To get started, learn how to find the right product and brand to partner with. For instance, you may choose to become an affiliate for an eCommerce store, where you promote and market their products for a commission. You can find more about starting an affiliate marketing business and its profitability here.
Why start an affiliate marketing business?
- It requires minimal upfront investment, allowing you to get started without significant risk.
- You can work from anywhere with an internet connection, making it perfect for homebodies.
- You could earn a passive income by promoting products that align with your interests and expertise.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
6. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business could be particularly enticing for homebodies as it allows you to operate an online store without the need to manage physical inventory. This means you can run your business entirely from the comfort of your home, focusing on customer service and marketing efforts while third-party suppliers handle the logistics of shipping products directly to your customers. By choosing a niche, setting up an online store, and finding reliable suppliers, you could establish a profitable business with relatively low startup costs.
Why consider dropshipping?
- Low overhead costs reduce financial risk.
- Flexibility to work from anywhere allows you to maintain a comfortable home-based lifestyle.
- Focus on marketing and customer service while suppliers handle logistics means you spend more time on strategic growth.
For more insights, check out successful dropshipping business stories on Starter Story here.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
7. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an eCommerce reselling business makes sense for homebodies looking to generate extra income or a full-fledged side business without the need to develop or produce their own products. By purchasing goods for resale, you eliminate concerns about production costs and can even begin without a website—social media platforms are adequate for starting and growing your business initially. As your venture grows, you may eventually create a more formal online store, making this a flexible and scalable option.
Consider the advantages and possibilities this business model offers. According to Starter Story, there are many success stories and valuable marketing ideas that can guide you through starting and expanding your ecommerce reselling business.
Why opt for an ecommerce reselling business?
- Low startup costs and no need for product development make it highly accessible.
- Social media platforms can serve as your initial marketplace, reducing the need for an immediate website.
- Offers flexible scaling, allowing you to start small and grow your business over time.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
8. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business is a practical and exciting option for homebodies looking to supplement their income, make extra money, or even establish a full-fledged business from the comfort of their own living room. With the rising popularity of niche subscription boxes offering exclusive products and personalized experiences, there's a significant market demand that you could tap into. All it takes is a keen understanding of your niche, quality product selection, and effective marketing to build a loyal subscriber base.
Why start a subscription box business?
- You could work entirely from home, managing everything from product curation to customer service without the need to leave your house.
- Subscription boxes offer a recurring revenue model, providing a consistent income stream.
- They cater to various niches, giving you the flexibility to focus on something you’re passionate about or have expertise in.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
9. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast is a fantastic way for homebodies to share their passions and knowledge with the world while remaining comfortably at home. Podcasting allows you to dive into topics you love, build a community of listeners, and potentially monetize your content without the need for extensive travel or face-to-face interaction. With the right equipment, a niche audience, and effective promotion strategies, you could turn your podcast into a lucrative side business or even a full-time endeavor by attracting sponsors and advertisers.
Why consider starting a podcast?
- It allows you to express your creativity and passion from the comfort of your home.
- Podcasting offers flexible scheduling, perfect for balancing with other home-based activities or jobs.
- There are multiple monetization avenues, such as sponsorships and ad revenue, enabling potential passive income.
For a deeper dive into the profitability and success stories of podcasting, you can explore these insights on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
10. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Interested in supplementing your income or starting a side business from the comfort of your home? Consider diving into an AI-based business solution. By leveraging artificial intelligence, you could optimize various business processes, from customer service and inventory management to data analysis and personalized marketing, all without needing a background in tech. With user-friendly platforms and growing demand, this path offers a competitive edge for homebodies looking to innovate.
By integrating AI tools, you could significantly enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and make data-driven decisions, allowing your business to thrive. AI can automate repetitive tasks, provide valuable customer insights, and predict market trends, making your business operations smoother and more intelligent. For more ideas on how to get started, explore this comprehensive guide on AI-based business solutions from Starter Story.
Why consider starting an AI-based business solution?
- You could work entirely from home using user-friendly AI platforms with robust support systems.
- The demand for AI solutions is growing, providing a lucrative market opportunity.
- Automating tasks with AI could save you time, allowing you to focus on scaling and innovating your business.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
11. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Starting a stock investing business could make sense if you enjoy analyzing market trends and making calculated decisions from the comfort of your home. This business revolves around buying and selling stocks to generate profit, requiring dedication, continuous learning, and a keen eye on market movements. For homebodies intrigued by finance and numbers, this avenue offers the potential to turn passion into profit while strategizing for long-term growth. For more insights on starting a stock investing business, explore these success stories.
Why consider a stock investing business?
- You could operate entirely from home with access to trading platforms and educational resources online.
- There's potential for significant financial returns if you're diligent and strategic.
- You can set your own hours and work at your own pace, making it ideal for a home-based lifestyle.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
12. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Starting a health and wellness app could be a fantastic business idea for homebodies passionate about fitness and technology. By creating an all-encompassing virtual coach, you could help users achieve their health goals through personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises. This business not only has the potential to generate income but also to positively impact lives by providing expert advice and motivation right in users' pockets.
Building this app would involve market research, partnering with health professionals, and developing a user-friendly platform. With the growing market for health and wellness tools, this venture presents a compelling opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful contribution while establishing a thriving business. Discover more about starting your own health and wellness app and see real-world success stories here.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- You could tap into a booming market with increasing demand for digital health solutions.
- As a homebody, you could easily manage and operate the business entirely from home.
- It allows you to combine your passion for health and technology, creating a fulfilling and purposeful business.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
13. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
Starting an online survey tool is an excellent fit for homebodies looking to supplement their income or build a side business. This venture allows you to help businesses gather valuable customer feedback right from the comfort of your home. With a growing demand for data collection, this business can offer a convenient and cost-effective solution for companies seeking to understand their clients better.
For instance, an established tool like Typeform has seen significant success, showing the potential profitability and demand in this market. They reported surpassing $70 million in annual recurring revenue in 2021 after tripling over the preceding three years (source). Their survey builder, data collection tool, and reporting system are key features that can inspire your own service offerings.
Why consider developing an online survey tool?
- Low overhead and flexibility. You can develop and manage this business entirely from home, minimizing startup costs.
- High demand for data collection. Businesses need insights to make informed decisions, creating a steady market for your service.
- Scalability potential. As more businesses turn to online surveys, your tool can grow alongside the rising demand.
For more inspiration, explore these success stories of others who have started their own online survey tools.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
14. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business could be an excellent fit for homebodies looking to supplement their income, make extra money, or launch a side business entirely from home. This business involves creating tools and services to efficiently manage social media accounts, automate posts and interactions, and analyze data to drive engagement and growth. With the growing need for consistent and strategic social media management, clients ranging from small businesses to social media influencers will pay you to save them time and enhance their online presence.
Why consider launching a social media automation business?
- You could operate entirely from home, utilizing your tech-savvy skills to automate tasks across multiple social platforms.
- There is a high demand for social media automation services, offering a steady stream of potential clients.
- You could create a scalable business model, allowing you to increase your income as your client base grows.
For more insights on the profitability and startup ideas of a social media automation business, visit this page.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
15. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business is a fantastic opportunity for homebodies interested in web development or problem-solving. By identifying specific issues and creating plugins to address them, you could earn money online through sales on platforms like CodeCanyon or your own website. This business model allows you to work entirely from home, at your own pace, while tapping into a vast market of WordPress users.
Why start a WordPress plugin business?
- The startup costs are low, allowing you to begin with minimal investment.
- You could generate passive income from plugin sales long after the initial development.
- Working on plugins allows you to leverage your technical skills and creativity to offer solutions that many website owners need.
For more insights and tips, check out some success stories on starting a WordPress plugin business.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
16. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Starting a cold email service business is a viable option for homebodies who want to leverage their creativity and marketing skills from the comfort of their own space. By focusing on crafting and sending targeted email campaigns, you could help businesses reach new clients and generate leads. If you enjoy persuasive writing and are familiar with email marketing tools, this business model could be both practical and financially rewarding.
For more insights, check out this page on cold email service business success stories on Starter Story.
Why starting a cold email service business?
- You could work entirely from home with just a computer and an internet connection.
- There's high demand for effective lead generation services, making your business essential and scalable.
- You could utilize your creative and analytical skills to build a fulfilling business, especially if you have a strategic mindset and enjoy writing compelling emails.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
17. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Creating a mobile app can be a fantastic venture for homebodies looking to supplement their income, make extra money, or start a side business. With the rise of smartphones and tablets, there's a growing demand for mobile applications that cater to various user needs—from productivity tools to gaming. If you have a clear vision and basic coding knowledge, or the ability to hire a skilled developer, you could launch an app that solves a problem or provides entertainment, potentially generating substantial revenue.
Developing a mobile app involves planning the user experience, designing engaging interfaces, and testing for functionality and bugs. Marketing your app effectively is crucial to attract users and achieve downloads. For entrepreneurial-minded individuals who enjoy working from home, this could be an excellent opportunity to turn a brilliant idea into a profitable business.
Why create a mobile app?
- Work from your own space. Developing an app allows you to work entirely from home, minimizing daily commutes and giving you the comfort of your own environment.
- Low overhead costs. With minimal physical requirements, starting an app development business has lower overhead costs compared to traditional businesses.
- Potential for high returns. If your app is successful, it could attract a large number of users and generate significant revenue through ads, in-app purchases, or subscription models.
For more insights on how to launch a mobile app, you can check out success stories of entrepreneurs who have already done it on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
18. Start an exam app business
Starting an exam app business could be a perfect fit for a homebody looking to supplement their income. With an ever-growing need for educational tools and test preparation resources, you could develop an app that helps students and professionals prepare for exams from the comfort of your home. This business allows you to utilize your skills in app development, education, or marketing without the need to leave your residence, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a home-based setup.
Why start an exam app business?
- You could leverage the increasing demand for online learning and test preparation, ensuring a steady stream of potential users.
- Working from home allows for flexible hours and a comfortable work environment, perfect for homebodies.
- The overhead costs are relatively low, as you mainly need a computer and internet connection to get started.
For further insights on the pros and cons of starting an exam app business, you can visit Starter Story's detailed overview here.
19. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business is an excellent way for homebodies to earn a steady income from the comfort of their homes. By creating and uploading high-quality images to stock photography websites, you could build an impressive portfolio and generate passive income as businesses use your photographs for their marketing needs. Investing in good photography gear and perfecting your craft can help you ensure that your stock photos stand out and sell faster, potentially at profitable margins. Learn more about starting a stock photography business.
Why should you start a stock photography business?
- You could build a source of passive income by continuously earning from your photos after the initial upload.
- Working from home reduces overhead costs and allows for a flexible schedule, ideal for homebodies.
- There is a growing demand for diverse stock photos, given the expansive online presence of businesses needing visuals for websites, blogs, and marketing campaigns.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
20. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Running a print-on-demand business is an excellent opportunity for homebodies looking to supplement their income, make extra money, or start a side business. Without the need for upfront inventory costs, you could focus your efforts entirely on creating trendy and unique designs from the comfort of your home. Utilizing online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy allows you to showcase your work to a global audience while managing everything from your living room.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- Minimal startup costs. You won’t need to invest in inventory until after your product sells.
- Flexible schedule. You could work at your own pace and design whenever inspiration strikes.
- Worldwide reach. Online platforms make it easy to access customers from around the globe.
You can learn more about the potential and opportunities in running a print-on-demand business through this resource.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
21. Start a SEO & lead generation service ($60K/month)
Providing SEO and lead generation services from the comfort of your home is a lucrative way to supplement your income or even start a full-blown business. By helping businesses attract and convert prospects into customers, you could leverage your expertise in digital marketing to make substantial gains. Plus, with the increasing need for specialized digital services, there's a growing demand for professionals who can navigate these complex areas.
Why consider starting an SEO & lead generation service?
- You could work from anywhere with an internet connection, making it ideal for homebodies.
- There's a high demand for these skills, allowing you to charge premium rates.
- You can scale your business over time, offering a range of digital marketing services.
Explore more about the profitability of SEO & lead generation services here.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
A link building company co-founded by Justas Markus has grown to make an average of $35k per month in recurring revenue with a focus on delivering high-quality services through manual processes and focusing on fewer markets.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
