Our Top Small Business Ideas for Women

Are you thinking of starting your own business? Women-owned businesses are on the rise and there has never been a better time to start one. Whether you are a stay-at-home-mum, simply want to change your career path or just want to earn a bit of extra income to help pay the bills then we have some small business ideas for women to help get you started.

Start your own Ladies Club

If tech really isn't your strong suit or you are just not interested in using it then why not set up your very own ladies club? If you are enthusiastic, sociable and friendly then this might be the best small business idea out of this entire list.

It can have a large amount of time investment to get things up and running but can be more rewarding than any other type of business, at Live Laugh Love Ladies Club we can provide you with everything you need through our Business Opportunity page that will best describe what you will get in terms of support and what's included in your starter pack.

Blogging

Making money through writing about your ideas and words to some is an absolute dream, it's a wonderful concept and if you are someone who enjoys writing about a topic for paragraphs on end.

If you are someone who likes to share their thoughts with the world and would love to get paid for it, then why not check out this fantastic beginners guide to setting up a blog, it will run you through the basics you need to know in order to set everything up.

Past this beginners guide you will need want to know how to actually make money from your newly found blog, we recommend this guide to help get you started in understanding the whole process of getting paid from your own blog.

Become a Freelance Writer

Again this is something that is very specific to a type of person who enjoys to write content, however saying that it is one of the fastest ways to make money. The best part about becoming a freelance writer is that there are plenty of marketplaces out there to advertise your services on. Popular ones like freelancer.co.uk and peoplerperhour.com come to mind where you can set up a profile for yourself in literally minutes.

This is a great small business opportunity to tie in alongside running a blog as you are practically doing the same work so any experience gained will benefit both sides of your business.

Take an Online Course

If you're not sure which small business idea best suits you then going onto an online course website could be the answer you are looking for. Sites like treehouse.com and lynda.com offer a wide range of courses that could very well give you the skills you are looking for.

A popular industry that women are becoming more and more involved in is software development, if you have an idea for a piece of software or a mobile app then why not learn how to create it and profit from your creativity.

You could even look at courses from another angle and create your own! If you are really passionate about something and think you would be a great teacher then there is a great small business opportunity in that.

Sell Arts and Crafts

If you're more of a hands on person and wish to get physically involved in your new business opportunity then why not start creating handmade products and sell them etsy.com. People are willing to pay top dollar for products that are one of a kind and made by a real person and not just a machine.

Setting up a profile takes just minutes and you could simply start off by creating one product to test the waters, for the right person it really is a wonderful business opportunity.

Affiliate Marketing

This is another business opportunity that nicely ties in with running your own blog, if you start to build a large user base with your newly found blog then you can always take the route of affiliate marketing whereby you provide a link to a purchasable product on a third party website and when someone clicks through and purchases something you will receive a percentage of that sale. It really is that simple!

If you wish to learn more about affiliate marketing then you can find a helpful guide here.

Create eBooks

Packaging up your skills and knowledge into an eBook can be a great form of self-expression and very profitable. There are plenty of people out there looking for a new skill to learn, and even more who find eBooks the best way to learn.

Many successful entrepreneurs start off by writing about eBooks to get their business running as it's simple to start and the only investment required is time.

Virtual Assistant

Do you have a gift for keeping everything organised and consider yourself to be a jack of all trades? You might just want to consider becoming a virtual assistant for a company.

Like many freelance business opportunities it's quite easy to get started, the best place to start would be on a website such as People Per Hour which can help promote your skillset to all types of businesses.

Being a virtual assistant can allow you to network with important people which might end up being incredibly valuable in the future.

Social Media Manager

If you like to spend a large amount of time on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram then this could be the best small business idea for you.

More companies are now referring to social media as their primary source of work and contact with customers. This is why there is an ever growing demand for people to manage the social media accounts of these companies as frankly it's incredibly time consuming.

You can find great opportunities for being a social media manager on sites like people per hour, however our personal choice for finding a position like this would be on

Start Offering Fiverr Gigs

This is quite an open ended small business idea as you can pretty much do anything you like with this. Fiverr is a fantastic website to dip your toes into the entrepreneurial pond, it's a quick and simple way to gain experience in any field of work which you specialise in.

Wedding Photographer

Are you an avid photographer who can take your hobby to the next level? Then becoming a wedding photographer should be a serious consideration as it's something that will always be in high demand and couples are willing to pay premium rates to capture important moments in their life.

There are many ways to kick-start this small business idea, starting up a website and marketing it is the best long term strategy however simply networking with people through social platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn can be a great starting point.

Become an Uber Driver

Although you will need a passion for driving, this can be one of the most lucrative and flexible business ideas on the market. You will primarily be making money on evenings and weekends but there are no contracts so you can simply work when you want. To find out more please visit the Uber site.

Freelance Proofreading

Until we transition to visual content for everything there will always be a need for proof-readers. Helping companies and individuals with proofreading can be very profitable and also can give you something interesting to read about.

It's also a very flexible and can fit around any timetable, a great place to start would be on a website like Upwork which hosts a wide range of job opportunities.

Become an Airbnb Host

Do you have a spare bedroom simply going to waste? Then why not make use of it by renting it out on the popular site Airbnb. It's great for turning a profit and you will get to meet new people who might turn into great friends.

Personal Trainer

If you fancy yourself as a fitness fanatic then why not become a personal trainer? It can be the most physically and financially rewarding small business idea out of this list. It can prove to be a bit tricky getting started but once you build up a reputation for yourself with a few clients then you might just find yourself with a fantastic business opportunity.

Start a Popup Shop

While it can be quite a time and money consuming venture to open up your own high street retail shop, one way to keep costs low but still live out your dream is to open up a popup shop during the weekends. It's not always highly profitable but if you can efficiently source products to sell or have a lot of unused items in your house then this could be a fantastic business idea for you. If this is something you could consider then why not check out this amazing guide from the people over at Shopify on how you can get started.

Become a Part-time Data Analyst

If you are good with numbers and want to make some money from that skill then why not become a data analyst for a company, there are plenty out there who are looking for someone very analytical. The best place to start would be to look for work on a site such as Upwork or Digiserved.

Filling Out Online Surveys

Arguably one of the less interesting options on this list but it can be a great way to pass time if you find yourself with plenty spare. Although there is quite a bad reputation with regards to online surveys, you will be surprised to learn there are plenty of opportunities that actually pay out.

Become a Property Appraiser

Becoming a real estate appraiser can be a great part-time business opportunity. This is yet another great option for anyone who still wishes to keep their main job but would like to earn a bit of money on the side. You don't need a university degree to get started, but you will have to obtain the appropriate certifications for running a business like this on the side.

A good amount of knowledge within the property sector will be crucial if you are to maintain a high level of credibility. Strong social skills are a key for this industry as you will need to network with big players in the property industry to start building your list of connections that will prove invaluable in the future.

Purchase an Existing Website

Although this option can require a considerable amount of money to begin with but if you fancy yourself as a savvy marketer then it can be the easiest and most effective way to start generating passive revenue. There are two approaches you can take when purchasing a website.

Use it as a long term revenue model - This is arguably the most difficult of the two options but it can provide the best results. This approach will require you to take and own the brand/website you purchase and make it your own. You will have to be up to date with all of the latest marketing practices and emplore a long term marketing strategy that will stand the test of time.

Use it as a quick win business opportunity - This is a slightly different approach in the sense that you are going to run short term marketing strategies that will bolster the number of users and visitors to the site and then simply flip the site for a higher price than what you paid for it. There are major risks associated to this type of marketing and revenue model so we would always suggest to buy a website if you intend to build it up over a long period of time and turn it into an actual brand. To get started we recommend using a website like Flippa.

Become a Wedding Planner

Marriages are a great avenue for generating passive reveue, simply because most people will at some point get married. Planning a wedding can be extremely stressful for the couple to be, this presents a fantastic business opportunity for someone who has built up a connection of relevant contacts to step in and offer to organise everything.

The process of organising someone elses wedding can actually be quite fun for some people and the pay isn't bad either.

Complete Surveys and Offers

Although this type of part-time business has a lot of bad reputation and you have to be very careful with what websites you use to complete surveys. However you might be surprised to find that there are actually a lot of reputable survey sites out there who will pay a fair price for your time and it all does add up to a considerable amount of extra money per month. One of the best sites for completing surveys is Swagbucks, this would be our personal recommendation if you require a desktop solution. If you are quite active and need to make money on the go then we suggest downloading and using a cash reward app on to your smartphone. A popular choice is Viggle which actually pays you to watch TV!

Start your own Espresso Cart

An average cup of coffee can generate up to 61% profit! This is a huge margin that should taken advantage of where possible. Starting your own espresso cart is a simple small business idea and requires just a bit of planning to get started. All you need to do is rent out an espresso cart and just attend concerts or sporting events where you can start to make some comfortable income.

Become a Personal Chef

If you see yourself as a culinary wizard then perhaps becoming a personal chef might be right for you. Creating home-cooked meals for busy professionals can become a fun and rewarding part-time business. There is a growing demand for this type of service and all you really need to do is start networking and create menu plans that you can repeat for various customers.

Become a Yoga or Tai Chi Instructor

In a fast paced and overworked world, everyone needs to try and find some sort of release to help stress levels. This has in effect created a large demand for tai chi and yoga instructors that can provide the stress relief with classes focused around deep-breathing and relaxation. A great way to get started as an instructor would be to offer your services to the local gyms, parks and other venues that offer similar classes.

Babysitting

This type of side business is not suited to everyone as there is a lot of responsibility involved but if you enjoy looking after children then this could be an incredibly lucrative business opportunity. Parents need time away from their children to spend some quality time together, so if you have a couple of spare evenings then why not offer your time to someone who needs their children looked after. Couples are willing to pay a considerable amount of money for childcare in the evenings.

Become a Consultant

To become a consultant you must first become an expert in a field of work which will provide you with credibility that you can use to sell your services. The beauty of consultancy is that it can be in any industry as there are always people and companies looking for an outside opinion when needed.

Become a Sports Coach

This is not a business idea for everyone as you will need good social skills and a passion for your sport of choice. Visiting local sports clubs is a great way to introduce yourself to the community and see what opportunities are available. You can even use the time spent coaching potentially for networking purposes. Golf is a prime example where business people go to relieve stress and use the time to develop relationships outside the office.

Instagram Marketing

This can be one of the most lucrative business ideas that has been created over the last few years. You simply have to build up a following on your Instagram account and this could expose you to a lot of large companies and brands that wish to promote their products to your audience. If you manage to acquire hundreds of thousannds of followers then you could quite easily charge companies anywhere from £500 - £5,000 for just one post about their product range. To help get you started we recommend checking out this link for the basic concept behind how making money on Instagram works.

Create a Podcast Series

If you can create and retain a regular audience for a podcast you create then this is a great way to get sponsored by companies and large brands. It does help if you already have an audience from a previous business venture however it's not entirely necessary. For more information about how to make money from podcasting we recommend checking out this guide on how to make money with podcasting.

Become an Art Collector

This may sound interesting to many people but it must not be confused with simply buying every piece of art you can get your hands on. Becoming an art collector takes a lot of time, patience and passion. A great place to start would be the art department at your local university. There are many students who would happily sell their art for a very low amount, however in a few years there is always a chance that their work could be worth thousands making your investment worthwhile.

Drop-Shipping

Creating a drop-shipping business is similar to affiliate marketing, the whole idea behind it is to be able to source a product to sell without actually handling it. Essentially you will act as a lead generation for a company with a warehouse full of stock who will process all of the handling and shipping for you direct to the customer. This can be a very profitable small business but it requires a lot of research and time taken to understand which product you should sell. There is a great tutorial which can be found on shopify.

Bicycle Repairs

This is quite a seasonal business opportunity, however it can be quite profitable as the overhead costs don't equate to a lot. All you really need to do is hire out a small storage unit and offer drop in bicycle repairs and tune ups. This can be done as a side project over the summer period for a bit of extra cash.

Cleaning Services

The beauty of creating a business that offers cleaning services is that it's incredibly versatile and can grow at your own pace. You can choose if you would like to offer your services to commercial or domestic clients and you can easily manage your workflow from the amount of contracts you have in place. There is also very little in the way of start up costs, marketing is usually irrelevant in this line of work as you will mostly get clients from word of mouth recommendation.

Computer Repairs

This may require experience and appropriate certifications

A computer repair service is one of the more profitable small business ideas however it can also be incredibly time consuming due to the amount of information you will need to learn. No issue is ever the same when it comes to computers breaking down, that's why you will need to study and learn about a wide variety of software and hardware to make sure you are prepared for any customer. Acquiring certain qualifications such as the Level 4 Diploma for ICT Professionals offered by the Chartered Institute for IT can add a lot of credibility to you as a technician and can help you acquire new business opportunities.

Dog or Cat Breeder

Experience and licensing may be required

Pets are exceptionally popular in the UK and while many are starting to adopt from animal shelters, there is still a huge business opportunity for breeding specific breeds of animals. Marketing will play a crucial role in getting your name out there and establishing your business with the right image. This type of business can be quite demanding as your customers will have high expectations and will know what to look out for when prospecting potential pets.

Landscaping

Experience can be advantageous

If you have a natural talent for this line of work then you will not require any qualification to start generating business. Typically speaking this type of business will be affected by seasons and more opportunities will be present throughout the summer months.

Develop an App

Coding experience is advantageous

At times it may seem that there is a mobile app for every problem. However you do constantly see new apps popping up on your news feed and making quite a considerable amount of money. If you take some time and perform some market research you will be surprised what opportunities you will discover.

There are two ways to create an app, the first is by learning the code yourself and creating it from scratch. This method is especially useful for time rich, money poor entrepeneurs. However if you find yourself in the opposite situation and have very little time but a considerable amount of money then we would recommend hiring a freelancer to create an app to your requirements.

Boat Cleaning

This can be quite a seasonal business venture, during the winter months boats are usually pulled out of the water and into storage.

This presents a great opportunity to have the boat cleaned and repaired if need be. A great place to start marketing your business would be to start approaching homes which have a boat sat outside.

An end goal for any boat cleaning business would be to obtain a cleaning contract with a marina or a business that will provide you with a steady and consistent income.

Event Planning

Amazing Growth Potential

Being an event planner can be a very profitable business idea, however the main struggle that beginners face is getting the right contacts to help make a consistent income.

Getting into good terms with the right people takes a lot of hard work and effort but it is very much worth it in the long run. The first thing to do is visit every potential event location that you would like to work with.

Contacting the marketing manager of each site is a great idea to find ut what's possible at each location.

Once you understand the limitations of each venue you can start to plan an event with a client of yours and find out what key parameters they require and try to suggest three to four venues that would suit the purpose so they have a wide selection to choose from.