Online tuition allows a person to learn skills or knowledge at a time and place that is suitable for them. They can still benefit from all the positive aspects of personalised one-on-one tuition through instant messaging, voice chat (VoIP) or even online video conferencing. You could also critique their projects or assignments via e-mail. This business would be ideal for a retired teacher looking to earn some extra income.  

Skills needed: You must have tutoring experience in a specialised subject and good communication skills. Basic web publishing skills would be useful so that you can keep your website updated.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  The international potential for this start-up varies depending on the value of your skills in other countries. There is also a language barrier that will prevent you from tutoring to a high standard in many countries. If you already have your own computer, printer, scanner and fax machine then your only other cost will be developing and hosting your website. The overall start-up cost will range from £1,000 to £2,500 (1,500 - 3,000 EUR, 2,500-5,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Make your website easy to find via the major search engines by optimising it with keywords
• Place reciprocal links to your website at places related to learning, such as university and academic websites
• Use viral marketing to encourage your clients to recommend your service to their friends
• Ask clients to provide a testimonial that you can put on your website
• Operate a mailing list to keep clients informed about your services and availability
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: You could sell appropriate advertising space on your website if you generate high traffic levels, or you could become a re-seller of educational products and software.  

Notes: There is a lot of competition in this sector, but there are fewer specialised tutors around. It may be useful if you can provide tuition in a niche subject.  

Online examples & resources:  

• Tutor.com – A big company specialising in offering online tuition to students
• Liveperson.com – A method of chatting live to professionals
• Private Tuition Guide – A useful guide to the do’s and don’ts of private tuition

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here  

If you have a talent for comedy then there is potentially a market for you on the Web. Although it can be difficult to translate a skill like this into money, there are opportunities available. If you can build up enough of a following through a mailing list or website then there is the possibility of attracting sponsorship deals. You can also earn freelance money on the side by providing custom work for clients.  

Skills needed: You need to have a talent for creating cartoons or joke writing.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  Your work has international potential but probably only in countries with a similar culture to your own, because humour is a very subjective thing and what is funny to one group of people may be offensive to another. Start-up costs for this business will likely be low because you will presumably already own the equipment you need if you are seriously considering this as a career. However, you will need to spend money on developing a website and on a marketing campaign to generate traffic. The overall start-up cost will range from £1,500 to £3,000 (2,000- 4,000 EUR, 3,000-6,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Participate in the pay-per-click schemes of the popular search engines
• Become involved in newsgroups and forums related to online advertising or the industries targeted by your ad network, using a clickable banner as a signature that links to your website
• Place links to your website at web directories related to comedy
• Write contributions to periodicals and release online press release to promote your work
• Form partnerships with popular e-zines and provide them with exclusive content
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: Once you develop a loyal following then there is the potential for a large range of tie-in merchandise.  

Notes: Make sure your work does not infringe copyright.  Also, if you are licensing your artwork out to clients then it is important to have clear contracts in place which dictate the terms of the agreement and usage rights.  

Online examples & resources:  

• ‘How Web Comics Work’ – Step-by-step guide to creating a web comic
• Pixia – Powerful free cartoon drawing software
• Google Sketchup – A free tool from Google that allows you to draw 3D models

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here  

An ad network is an effective method of effectively delivering online advertising to a target market. Your responsibility as manager of the network would be to sell adverts and find appropriate high-traffic websites on which to place adverts for your clients. This is not unlike traditional ad agencies in that your priority is to identify target demographics for the client and your revenue comes from a percentage of the overall marketing budget you are managing.  

Skills needed: You will need to know how the online advertising business operates. If you have graphic design skills then you will be able to create your own banner advertisements for clients – this will eliminate the cost of outsourcing this service.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  Due to the nature of online advertising, there are no real barriers to you working for overseas clients. You will need all the standard computer hardware and will need to get your website developed and hosted. The main expense will be the software required to run the network, as it needs to be powerful enough to serve the correct adverts to website visitors and provide your clients with reports on the traffic and trends it records. The overall start-up cost will range from £1,500 to £5,000 (2,000- 6,000 EUR, 3,000-10,000 AUD/USD), however the sky is the limit as far as advertising software is concerned and therefore the most sophisticated and highly targeted software can cost up to £50,000 (65,000 EUR or 100,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Participate in the pay-per-click schemes of the popular search engines
• Become involved in newsgroups and forums related to online advertising or the industries targeted by your ad network, using a clickable banner as a signature that links to your website
• Place links to your website at online advertising directories
• Use your own ad network to place targeted banner advertisements for your services
• Run an affiliate program to generate referrals and increase awareness of your business
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: If you have graphic design skills then you can offer additional advert design services  

Notes: Make sure that the software you purchase is the right one for your level of business – this will require some research on your part as to how sophisticated it will need to be. Be readily available for your clients via phone or e-mail and be prepared to offer them last-minute volume discounts to get rid of excess capacity ad space.  

Online examples & resources:  

• ValueClick Media – One of the largest ad networks
• iMedia Connection – A list of the major internet ad networks

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here 

Many people enjoy collecting things, especially rare music or books. The life of a collector has become far easier since the Internet age began. If you have a passion for collecting something then you can set up a website devoted to it. You will earn money from offering an auction-style trade system that will charge a listing fee and commission.  

Skills needed: All you will need is an in-depth knowledge about the memorabilia you are focusing on. This includes how much they are worth and where to find them.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  You are likely to get a lot of overseas custom because often items are highly desirable for foreign collectors due to the added difficulty of obtaining them in their country. The start-up cost will vary for this business depending on how much of the computer equipment you already have. You may wish to pay to have someone develop and host your website for you. In addition, you may decide to purchase an inventory of items to sell yourself. A digital camera would be useful to take pictures of these items. The overall start-up cost will range from £1,500 to £5,000 (2,000- 6,000 EUR, 3,000-10,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Become involved in newsgroups and forums related to collecting the memorabilia you will be selling, using a clickable banner as a signature that links to your website
• Place reciprocal links on sites related to collectables
• List your website in cybermalls and web rings
• Pay for print advertisements in trade or collectors magazines
• Put a ‘Tell a Friend’ link on your website and use permission marketing to allow your customers to be informed if a product becomes available
• Launch a mailing list for your website with interesting content, and keep customer informed about new products
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: Think of additional services related to the memorabilia you will be selling e.g. toy collectors may want some items restored, so either provide this service or partner with someone who can.  

Notes: Ensure that your auction service is both efficient and secure or else customers will go elsewhere in future.  

Online examples & resources:  

• The Card Collector – An example of this type of business
• Eli.com – A large collector store

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here 

For someone who is fluent in more than one language, starting an online translation service is a good business idea. There are numerous automatic translation engines online but they can be inaccurate and extremely literal, making them fairly useless for a company wishing to write copy in another language.  Personal translation services are therefore in high demand amongst companies wishing to expand to other countries.  

Skills needed: You need to be highly fluent in the languages involved in the translation, both orally and in writing. It will be helpful if you are familiar with writing professional copy and have basic web publishing skills to keep your website updated.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  You will have high international potential in countries that speak your languages. If you already own basic computer hardware and software then you will not have high start-up costs. You will need to pay someone to professionally design and host your website. The overall start-up cost will range from £1,500 to £2,500 (2,000- 3,000 EUR, 3,000-5,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Participate in the pay-per-click schemes of the popular search engines
• Use keywords and other techniques to optimise your website for search engines
• Place online links to your business at websites, directories and cybermalls related to conducting international business
• Pay for banner advertisements at websites related to conducting international business
• Become involved in newsgroups and forums related to conducting international business. Make sure you attach a signature to your posts with a clickable link to your website
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: You could partner with companies selling translation software to earn commission.  

Notes: If sensitive material is to be translated, privacy of the information may concern the company. It is important for you to provide secure transfer of the finished product, whether it is a hard copy (via registered mail) or digital (using encryption).  

Online examples & resources:  

• Wise Translations – An example of this type of business
• SDL Free Translation – An example of this type of business (with a free text translator)
• Yahoo! Babel Fish – The most popular free translation tool

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here 

The competitive job market makes it important for applicants to have a résumé that stands out from the pile. Many people have trouble writing a successful CV or cover letter, so if you have excellent writing skills and know how to effectively create a résumé then this business may be for you.  

You will operate through your website and have a number of options (e-mail, fax or phone) about the way you collate personal data (such work experience and qualifications) from your client. Another option would be to develop a questionnaire page on your website which would allow the client to enter all the details you will need. This would save time and cut down on the level of involvement you would need to have in the process.  

Skills needed: The only essential skills for this business are knowledge of CV writing and the ability to write well.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  Other than language, there are no major barriers to this business being successful internationally. You can easily attract clients from all over the world if you are good enough. However, do first make sure that the conventions of writing a résumé are not different in the other country. If you already own all the necessary computer equipment, scanner and printer then your only start-up cost will be the design and hosting of your website. It may also be wise to invest in very high quality paper. The overall start-up cost will range from £1,500 to £2,500 (2,000- 3,000 EUR, 3,000-5,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Participate in the pay-per-click schemes of the popular search engines
• Place online links to your business at websites, directories and cybermalls related to job-finding and recruitment
• Pay for banner advertisements at websites frequented by university graduates and job seekers
• Become involved in newsgroups and forums related to job-seeking. Make sure you attach a signature to your posts with a clickable link to your website
• Have a ‘blog’ section to your website that offers advice to job-seekers, as this will encourage repeat traffic
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: Partnering with employment websites to allow them to advertise vacancies will generate an additional revenue stream.  

Notes: It seems obvious, but do not deliver the finished product until you receive payment. Take extra care with regards to packaging if you need to physically ship the product to them.  

Online examples & resources:  

• CV Service – A good example of this type of business
• The CV Centre – A large UK CV consultancy

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here

A lot of companies choose to purchase targeted mail lists to aid their marketing campaign. These lists are highly desirable because they can greatly improve the accuracy of a direct mailing campaign. Your income will come from renting your lists to clients and charging a premium for the most highly targeted or largest. It is up to you how involved you become in the business – you could simply rent the list or you could work alongside your clients to help with their entire campaign. As an alternative, you may decide to make mailing lists of your own which are devoted to a specific topic. These should not be rented out and instead you should sell advertising space on there.  

Skills needed: It will be necessary to have some experience of database management along with knowledge of online marketing techniques. Basic web publishing skills will be helpful to allow you to update your website easily.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  There are no barriers to this business being successful internationally.  This is an inexpensive start-up, especially if you already own your own computer equipment. The main cost will involve the design of your website and the purchase of database management software. The overall start-up cost will range from £1,500 to £3,000 (3,500- 5,500 EUR, 5,000-8,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Participate in the pay-per-click schemes of the popular search engines
• Place online links to your business at websites, directories and cybermalls
• Become involved in newsgroups and forums related to online advertising. Make sure that you have an attractive signature with a clickable link to your website
• Consider buying banner advertisements at the websites your target market frequent
• Offer a discount to clients who agree to include your clickable logo at the bottom of their messages
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: You may be able to charge for additional services such as data mining reports. 

Notes: This is a very competitive market so you will need to excel in order to be successful. Make sure it is easy for your clients and prospective clients to contact you.  

Online examples & resources:  

• Mailing Lists Online – A good example of this type of business
• Your Mailing List Provider – Email marketing software

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here  

Organising a party can be time-consuming and stressful for many people. This is why there is a big demand for people who are able to plan and execute parties on their behalf, especially in the corporate world.  You will be paid on commission for your services but could also earn extra money by selling party supplies through your website.  

Skills needed: You need to be a creative person who is able to design an amazing experience for your clients. It will be helpful if you have basic web publishing skills to maintain your website.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  There is not much international potential for this business because you will have to work closely with clients. You could sell party supplies internationally but the high shipping rates will probably make this unfeasible. The set-up costs for this business are mainly related to computer equipment (including a printer, scanner and digital camera) and software, along with the cost of paying a professional to develop your website. In addition, you will need an initial inventory of party supplies in preparation for your first customers. The overall start-up cost will range from £1,500 to £5,000 (2,000- 6,000 EUR, 3,000-10,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Participate in the pay-per-click schemes of the popular search engines
• Place online links to your business at websites and directories relating to your target market
• Use testimonials from your previous clients that describe the service and experience you provided them
• Get permission from clients to take photographs of the parties that you have put on in the past, as visual proof of a great party will be an excellent sales tool
• Consider paying for banner advertising on websites appropriate to your target market
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: You may wish to expand your services to provide general event planning.  

Notes: Make sure that the work you are going to undertake is set out in a contract between you and the client, specifying any requests or conditions that are critical to the event. This way the client cannot refuse to pay you as long as you satisfactorily complete the contract.  

Online examples & resources:  

• My Party Planner – An excellent US database of everything party related
• Party Delights UK – A UK wholesaler specialising in party gear

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here

This is the first in a weekly series of lists with the aim of inspiring people to start their own business.  

The first list is a selection of business ideas that can be started with almost zero capital. 

20 Small Budget Start-Ups 

1. Assembly Service – If you are good with tools, provide a service that offers to assemble flat-pack furniture. Ask local furniture stores to hand out your business cards.
2. Pet Walker – If you love animals, taking other people’s pets for a walk or looking after them for some time would be a fun way to earn extra money. Distribute a flyer advertising your service.
3. Start a Website – If you have a subject that you are passionate about then start a website dedicated to it. Once you have a readership you can make money through advertising or merchandise.
4. Mail Order – Find a product to sell and offer it via mail order. Advertise your services online.
5. Parking Lot Pickup – Offer to clean the car parks of local businesses at the weekend or overnight. Charge an hourly fee or per lot.
6. Move-In Service – Partner with moving companies to offer a cleaning service that goes into a house that is about to be moved into and leaves it looking spotless.
7. Errand Service – Offer a general service that runs errands for anyone - from over-stretched small businesses to busy single parents.
8. Junk Disposal – Offer a service that removes unwanted items from people’s homes or gardens and disposes of them at the local recycling centre. This will be useful for anyone who does not have a car and needs to get rid of large items.
9. House Cleaning – There is always demand for cleaning services. Once you have generated good word-of-mouth about the work you do your customer base will soon expand.
10. Delivery Service – Work with small businesses to handle the logistics of a delivery service. They will likely not have one of their own and will be very happy to outsource it because it helps them compete with larger stores.
11. Sell Something – Find a product you want to sell at a wholesaler and concentrate on marketing it. There are numerous ways to sell products ranging from street trading to door-to-door sales.
12. Sell Something Online - Find a product you want to sell at a wholesaler and use online marketing techniques to shift large quantities of it.
13. Garage Cleaning – Many people have very untidy garages and lack the time to properly clear it out. You could offer a service that would do this for them.
14. Garden Services – If you are green-fingered offer a gardening service to clients which will cut lawns and remove weeds. You could even offer a landscaping service.
15. Concierge Service – Local businesses and community groups may need the help of a temporary concierge for special events. You could be responsible for organising a day out for a retirement home or arranging the travel plans of a busy small business owner.
16. Inventory Service – It can be important to make a full inventory of possessions for insurance reasons but many people do not have the time to do it. You can provide this service to people for a fee.
17. Boat / Car Detailing – If you have a love of automobiles or boats then you could start your own detailing business.
18. Holiday Decorating – If you have a passion for decorating you could offer a seasonal decoration service to small businesses
19. Meal Delivery – Many people would pay to have their food collected from local restaurants. Make sure that you are able to keep the food insulated somehow.
20. Vacation Filling – Some SME owners feel they can never take vacations because there is no-one to run the business while they are away. You could cover for the owner so that they can take a holiday and be available to answer the telephone and deal with emergencies.

This business caters mainly for young, single professionals moving to your local area in need of somewhere to live. Your clients will fill out a detailed form on your website and you will find them somewhere to live on the basis of their specifications. If you are in a big city or town there will certainly be demand for this type of service. 

Your income will come from referral fees from the rental office once the client signs a lease. There is a potential to make extra income by allowing classified advertising on your site as well. This could even take the form of a searchable database that would allow site visitors to sort through the advertisements. 

Skills needed: If you have a background in real estate this business would be ideal for you as a lot of liaising will need to take place with estate agents and property letters in your local area. Good communication skills are essential and you would benefit from some basic knowledge of Web publishing so that you can easily keep the website updated.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  If your business is successful there is potential for you to widen beyond the range of your local area. The only real international potential comes from people moving to your local area from abroad, so this is not likely to be lucrative. Aside from web design, there are very few costs associated with starting this type of business. The cost will rise based on the complexity of the website – for example, implementing a database will cost more but you could generate extra revenue. The overall cost will range from £500 to £3,000 (600- 4,000 EUR, 1,000-6,000 AUD / USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Participate in the pay-per-click schemes of the popular search engines
• Place online links to your business at websites and directories relating to your geographic area
• Become actively involved in participating on message boards and mailing lists appropriate to your local area. Design an eye-catching signature linking to your website that can be attached to the end of your contribution
• Pay for banner advertisements on websites that someone moving to the area might be looking at - such as a site dedicated to the local nightlife
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: You may wish to form partnerships with or allow advertising from local businesses that can provide services for someone who has just moved into a new apartment, ranging from handymen to furniture stores. Local restaurants and bars may also be interested in attracting the custom of people who are new to the area.  

Notes: Your website must be kept updated constantly and once an apartment is let it should be removed immediately. It is important that rental offices do not just use your website as free advertising. Do not allow the exact address of an apartment or any contact details appear on your site unless some fee has been paid. If some of your business will be conducted through referrals with estate agents then you must have contracts in place to make sure you are reimbursed for your work.  

Online examples & resources:  

• Leasing Luxury – An example of this type of business
• Apartment Guide – A very large US apartment database

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here