For some businesses 2020 was one of the hardest years they had ever faced. A lot of those businesses suffered great losses. Some had to furlough employees. Some shut down temporarily. And sadly some closed their doors permanently. Yet there was a faction of companies that thrived during shutdowns from the impact of COVID-19. In fact, Statista.com estimates that in the United States, more than 800,000 new businesses were launched.
I was one of those 800k new businesses, as I launched my copywriting business right in the heart of the COVID shutdowns. As we are moving forward into the new year entrepreneurs and small business owners are rethinking former strategies and many are looking to start new ventures. Yet with any new business, there is uncertainty, risk, especially with the recent events that occurred last year. However with the litany of voices saying that this is not the time to start any new business, now is an excellent time to do so. Reasons like an abnormally high focus on eCommerce, virtual services (coaching, consulting), and less competition across verticals, 2022 is as good as time as any to launch.
Here are some ideas for new small businesses that you should consider starting this year.
- Freelance Copywriter
For some business owners, writing is a problem that they are unable to find the time to solve. There is enough to do in launching a business, that many struggle to find the time to slow down enough to write. Blog posts, website content, or even email marketing campaigns, represent a few of the categories where writing help is needed. With a bit of wordsmithing and solid marketing, copywriting is a very viable business that you can do from the comfort of your own home.
- Pet-Sitting
Most homes in America, have a pet. Those pet owners work, go on vacations, and weekend getaways. Those of us who have or have had pets know that figuring out what to do with our four-legged family members is a chore in and of itself. There are pet boarding shops but for me, I just don’t tend to trust that they will care for my pet the way I would want them to. Not to mention adopting the other pets’ fleas – no thank you! Pet sitting is a viable option since the pets are cared for in their own houses.
- Online Bookkeeping
Technology is being used in ways we never thought possible. Virtual bookkeeping services are a way for accountants and bookkeepers to serve clients. With services like Dropbox and Google Drive, it is rarely necessary to meet face to face. Clients who have a need for financial assistance that are looking to outsource, are finding that virtual accountants are a key part of their teams.
- Consulting
With the right amount of knowledge and passion about topics like – life coaching, social media, leadership, etc., starting a business as a consultant could be a very lucrative option. If the business grows, you can even hire other consultants as independent contractors to work with your firm.
- Online Retailing
If you have the right skills, you can create and sell products online over great sites like Etsy. Woodturners, painters, fashion designers, and leather craftsmen are some of the tradespeople who are offering their one-of-a-kind, truly handmade products. If there is a product that you make well, selling it online makes a lot of sense.
Clearly, this is not an exhaustive list of ideas. We do hope though as you are considering what makes sense for you, that you will consider working with us as your marketing agency. We would love to partner with you!
