writing business ideas

45 Creative Business Ideas For Entrepreneurs Who Love To Write

Seeking to start a business with writing skills but not quite sure what to start?



The good news is, there are so many opportunities to become an entrepreneur and build a creative service in this line of work.



If you're looking to start your own business with writing skills, there are several low-capital options you can choose from.



We put a list together below of the most profitable business ideas for entrepreneurs who love to write, that you can start today!



Here they are:



1. Build an iPhone app

The iPhone is the most popular mobile device in the world. It has changed how we interact with information, entertainment, and communication.

The iPhone has also changed the way we interact with each other. Since its release in 2007, it has become a staple in most people’s lives. It is more than just a phone; it is a tool for staying connected to friends and family and creating new connections.

The iPhone app market is an ever-changing landscape of innovation: it’s not just about making something that works well; it’s about creating something that stands out from the crowd.

It would help if you had something that appeals to your audience to succeed in this market. This can be as simple as ensuring your app has a catchy name or as complex as developing an entire brand identity around your app’s functionality.

How much you can make: $150 — $2,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.

2. Start a content writing company

Content writing involves writing, editing, and publishing content in a digital format. Examples of content include a blog post, product description, and podcast script—eBooks, press releases, or landing page content.

Becoming a content writer allows you to work as your boss. Therefore, you choose whatever working schedule suits you and take a manageable workload. Moreover, content writing helps you develop essential skills you may not obtain from regular writing.

Content writing is a highly-on-demand service, as companies compete for the online audience who often begin their shopping journey by searching for relevant and educative content online. Therefore, a content writing company is an excellent source of passive income.

To start a content writing company, research the market and choose a suitable niche. Sketch a proper business plan and create a website. Hire a pool of talented writers and leverage modern technology to streamline operations.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $550 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Scribly.io, a subscription-based copywriting service providing high quality content that helps businesses scale at roughly 50% of the cost of hiring in-house, created by Dani, a first-time entrepreneur who started with just a few hundred dollars worth of projects and with the help of three other writers; as of last month, Scribly.io topped $14K monthly revenue.

3. Start a film production company

A film production company is responsible for producing video content for social media, corporate promotions, television programs, commercials,s or other media-related fields. Ideally, the responsibilities of a video production company include scripting, location scouting, and also logistics to ensure a successful film.

Starting a film production company can be a daunting task. However, you can set up your business for success with proper guidance. Here are important steps for creating a video production company:

• Determine the company niche
• Choose a suitable company name
• Draft a solid business plan
• Hire an advocate to lead all legal matters of starting a company
• Fund your business
• Acquire video production equipment and skills
• Create a website and market your film production company

If you are starting a video production company from scratch, consider creating some proof-of-concept projects so you can market the business. Alternatively, you may buy a franchise or an existing business.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)

Lemonlight CEO, Hope Horner, co-founded an on-demand video production company that has produced over 7,000 videos for more than 3,000 brands, generating over $6 million in sales and growing to a 45-person team, all without taking any outside capital and being recognized in Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 360 for three years in a row.

4. Become an author

Becoming an author is an exciting journey that involves creating and publishing written works, such as books, novels, or articles that reflect one’s ideas, stories, or expertise.

You can establish yourself through traditional publishing routes or self-publishing, utilizing your literary skills to connect with readers and potentially earn revenue from book sales.

Traditional publishing involves submitting a manuscript to a publishing house or literary agent who will review and decide if it is suitable for publication.

On the other hand, self-publishing gives authors complete control over the publishing process, allowing them to publish their work independently and market it on their own.

You can generate income through book sales, royalties, and opportunities such as speaking engagements or workshops.

How much you can make: $200 — $9,259,259/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

This case study follows full-time thriller and action-adventure author Nick Thacker who earns between $10k to $20k per month from writing, predominantly through Amazon Kindle Unlimited sales, and goes in-depth into his self-publishing strategy which maximizes sales and minimizes costs, such as developing a mailing list and utilizing print-on-demand services.

5. Start an amazon business

How much you can make: $3,000 — $1,175,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Felony Case, a Toronto-based company designing unique iPhone cases, started as a small shop on Etsy and has grown to become an internationally recognized fashion iPhone case brand sold in top tier retailers like Nordstrom, Holt Renfrew, Indigo, Urban Outfitters, Revolve, Free People, and made over half a million dollars in revenue last year.

6. Start a freelance writing business

Freelance writing can be a good career choice if you are looking for a flexible online job.

Working as a freelancer gives you the flexibility to define your work schedule. You can work from home at any time. Freelance writers work across various niches, writing about various topics assigned by the client,

To earn good money as a freelance writer, you need the following personal qualities:

• Strong writing skills
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Stay on the cutting edge
• Be a self-starter
• Be up-to-date with the current writing tools & writing trends
• Proper communication skills

How much you can make: $700 — $320,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)

How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.

7. Start a journal brand

A journal is a newspaper or a magazine that covers a particular subject or a professional activity based on the author's thoughts and feelings. The beauty of journaling is there is no right or wrong way to start.

The approach depends on your personal experience and can take many forms.

Find a journaling habit that works for you and create a writing routine. Get creative and journal about anything that comes to mind, so long as it interests your target audience.

How much you can make: $200 — $150,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.

8. Start a niche blog

Starting a niche blog can be a great way to engage with a passionate online community by sharing your expertise on a specific topic.

The first step is to identify a profitable and underserved niche, such as fashion, video games, film reviews, cooking, and more.

Find your niche and create unique and informative content, such as articles, commentary, news, how-to guides, top product lists, convention coverage, video interviews, and spotlights.

To monetize your blog, gain visibility and followers, provide affiliate links, grow a YouTube channel, collaborate with relevant brands, and speak at events.

To succeed in niche blogging, you need to have a passion for your topic, create engaging content, and regularly engage with your followers.

How much you can make: $200 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and $500,000 in annual revenue, and offers frameworks for growing your own site.

9. Become a proofreader

Proofreading business is a service that helps customers review their written work and ensure it is ready for publication. Typically, a proofreader corrects grammatical errors and provides the written piece meets any relevant style guide.

As a proofreader, you can work online, allowing you to choose what time to work.

If you plan to start a professional proofreading business, make sure you possess the following skills:

• Have an excellent grasp of grammar
• Ability to correct mistakenly capitalized words
• Familiarity with the proper use of capitalization
• Use spell-checkers to flag misspelled words

Proofreading is a great way to enhance content quality. With the increased use of written content marketing to reach a broader market, the demand for professional proofreaders has grown tremendously. Professional proofreaders earn an average of $12/hr. And $30/hr.

Therefore, consider proofreading as a business if you are looking for a great side hustle idea or simply looking for ways to increase your income.

How much you can make: $2,000/month

A proofreader was able to build a consistent income of ~$2,000 per month from scratch with zero experience in the field, no expenses, and barely any upfront costs by targeting bloggers and content creators who want their content to be copy edited and proofread.

10. Start a fashion columnist business

A fashion columnist business involves providing fashion advice, tips, and commentary to a specific audience through various mediums such as articles, social media posts, or podcasts. The business owner acts as a fashion expert, offering guidance on current trends, how to style different looks and general fashion advice to their followers.

To run a successful fashion columnist business, it is essential to understand the fashion industry, including current trends and emerging designers. A unique and distinct voice and perspective is also necessary, as this will set the business apart from other fashion experts.

To gain and retain a following, it is important to provide valuable and engaging content consistently. This may include staying current on fashion news and events, collaborating with other fashion industry professionals, and engaging with followers on social media.

Marketing is also an essential aspect of running a successful fashion columnist business. Utilizing social media platforms and building relationships with fashion brands can help increase visibility and reach a larger audience.

Overall, running a fashion columnist business requires a passion for fashion, an understanding the industry, and consistently providing valuable and engaging content to followers.

11. Start a screen writing business

12. build an online research software.

As the business world grows more complex, the need for reliable and effective online research software becomes more important. Online research software can help businesses save time and money by providing access to a wealth of information.

This type of software is used for a variety of purposes, such as academic research, market research, or competitive intelligence.

For example, Trello is powerful online research software that can help you organize and keep track of your research projects. With Trello, you can create custom boards to track your progress on specific projects, set deadlines, and collaborate with other researchers. Trello's estimated annual revenue is currently $15.8M per year .

Online research software is a great tool for businesses looking to better understand their customer base. The data collected by this process can be rich and informative, as it includes insights that help you grow your business in ways other methods may not address as accurately or completely.

How much you can make: $5,000/month

How long does it take to build: 635 days (?)

AcademicInfluence.com helps parents and students find colleges that are a good fit with their revolutionary machine learning system to identify and track the influence of the faculty and alumni, resulting in over 100,000 organic search visits per month.

13. Start a speech writing business

Starting a speech writing business can be a lucrative and fulfilling career for those passionate about language, public speaking, and crafting compelling narratives.

The business involves writing custom speeches for clients in various industries, including corporate, political, academic, and personal events. These speeches can range from formal presentations to wedding toasts and may be delivered to small or large audiences.

To start a successful speech writing business, it is vital to have strong writing skills and an ability to understand the needs and goals of each client. Researching and understanding current events and relevant industry topics can also be beneficial in crafting appropriate and engaging content.

In terms of marketing and building a client base, networking and relationships with event planners and public speaking coaches can be helpful. An online presence, including a professional website and social media accounts, can also help attract potential clients.

To succeed in this business, it is essential to meet tight deadlines and have excellent communication skills to collaborate with clients and deliver high-quality work effectively.

A willingness to continuously learn and improve writing skills is also essential in staying competitive in the market.

Starting a speech writing business can be a rewarding and flexible career for those with a love of language and a desire to help others effectively communicate their ideas and messages.

14. Start a pr consulting business

15. start an e-book writing business.

An eBook business is profitable and flexible, letting you start a business from anywhere, while it is a low-cost business that is easy to start. You can make a living self-publishing and selling eBooks online as long as you are ready to invest your time and money in it.

Anyone can start an eBooks business! Just choose a niche that interests the target audience, and ensure in-depth research.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $62,500/month

How much does it cost to start: $67 (?)

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

Content-Whale, a content curation agency, has achieved a Rs. 4 crore ($514k/year) turnover 4-5 years after being started with just Rs. 2500 ($35), and has a pool of more than 500 writers, aiming to become a market leader in the global content market.

16. Become a ghost blogger

A ghost blogger is simply a writer who specializes in producing blogs for other people.

As a ghost blogger, you can earn between $300 and $1,500 per week, depending on word count and topic.

Ideally, the ideas and knowledge contained in the article originate from the publicly named author.

Therefore, as a ghostwriter, your role is to put the ideas into words.

How much you can make: $450 — $24,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $125 (?)

How long does it take to build: 62 days (?)

Content strategist Lacy Boggs leveraged her love of blogging and desire for a more flexible schedule to grow her business from a solo "Ghost Blogger" to a full agency with four writers and a cabal of contractors that helps businesses create bespoke content strategies and consistent traffic, yielding over a ($300k) year in revenue.

17. Start an online newsletter writing business

An online newsletter is sent to subscribers’ emails regularly to keep them informed about the latest news and updates about their product or brand. You can send the newsletter weekly or monthly depending on the content and your objective.

To start an online newsletter service, choose the email newsletter tool and define the newsletter’s goal. Then, choose the best template for your newsletter and personalize it to meet the reader's expectations.

With a professional strategy, an online newsletter can be a successful business.

How much you can make: $500 — $3,333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $350 (?)

The Mallorcan is a local media brand in Mallorca, Spain generating $2.5k per month revenue, offering a weekly newsletter supported by web and social content, attracting over 2.5k subscribers across its website, newsletter, and Instagram.

18. Start a direct mail service consulting business

Direct mail is a form of marketing that involves sending physical pieces of promotional material through postal service or other courier services to a home or business.

The consulting service provider understands the complex nature of direct mail marketing and, as the expert, works collaboratively with the client to create and implement the direct mail strategy that guarantees results.

Therefore, to become a direct mail consultant, you must understand how direct mail works.

To start your business, choose a niche and identify target customers. Then, market your services to your target customers, compelling them why your service is important to their business.

How much you can make: $40,000 — $100,000/month

Concept Marketing Group, a full-service marketing company, started by Barb Ferrigno in 1978, has grown to 6 employees and 8 subcontractors, with 8,000 clients globally and $480k in revenue annually, offering services such as Email Marketing Lists, Consulting, Social Media, PR services, and Business Coaching for the Executive Staff.

19. Start a content marketing business

Content marketing is developing and distributing relevant, helpful content to convert the target customer to take the necessary steps. Businesses with a content marketing strategy get 67% more leads than other companies.

Therefore, the demand for content marketing services is high than ever before. Starting a content marketing service can be a significant business venture.

To start a content marketing business, you need a good understanding of SEO and social media. You can hire content creators to help you develop relevant and valuable content.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $416,666/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

20. Start a business plan writing business

A business plan writing business is a service that helps entrepreneurs and small business owners create well-structured and comprehensive business plans.

These plans serve as roadmaps for their businesses, outlining goals, strategies, and financial projections. Starting a business plan writing business involves skills in research, analysis, and writing.

You’ll work closely with clients to understand their vision and then translate it into a professional document that can be used to attract investors, secure loans, or guide their business growth.

This low-cost business idea requires minimal initial investment, mainly for marketing materials and a basic online presence, making it an accessible option for aspiring entrepreneurs.

How much you can make: $62,500/month

How much does it cost to start: $35 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

21. Start a social influencing business

22. start an online ad creation business.

How much you can make: $2,797 — $100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 183 days (?)

Viewst, a no-code ad design and automation tool, achieved an impressive $56k in just two months and is projected to reach an annual revenue of $1M later this year.

23. Start a writing workshop teaching business

A writing workshop teaching business is a venture where you help aspiring writers improve their skills and become better at expressing themselves through words.

The writing workshop business involves organizing in-person or online classes, where you guide participants through various writing exercises and provide constructive feedback on their work.

You don't need a fancy setup or expensive materials to start this business – just a passion for writing and a willingness to share your knowledge. With minimal costs for marketing and some basic materials, you can turn your love for writing into a low-cost and rewarding business opportunity.

How much you can make: $30 — $208,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $75 (?)

Merrative, a community-driven marketplace for publishing talent, generates an average of $1,500 per month in marketplace transactions from their 5,000+ strong community of readers, writers, journalists, and scholars.

24. Start a social media management business

Similar to virtual assistants, social media managers offer various services, including but not limited to:

• Developing a marketing strategy based on clients’ goals
• Setting up social media accounts
• Posting on behalf of their clients
• Coming up with strategies for increasing client’s social media following
• Marketing analysis.

To become a social media manager, know the various platforms and understand how they work so you can develop strategies that help clients reach their goals.

The beauty of working as a social media manager is that you can define your work schedule and choose what niches to work on.

How much you can make: $20,000 — $166,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $251 (?)

How long does it take to build: 3 days (?)

A social media manager turned entrepreneur created a program that has brought in almost $100,000 in one year, designed to teach women how to run successful social media businesses in less than 30 days.  

25. Start a grant writing business

Starting a grant writing business is a fantastic idea for those skilled in research and writing. This business involves helping organizations, non-profits, and individuals secure funding from various sources, such as government agencies, foundations, and corporations.

To start a grant writing business, you will need to have excellent research skills and be able to write well. You should also understand the grant application process and be able to communicate the needs and goals of your clients effectively.

One of the critical components of running a successful grant-writing business is building a solid network of connections. This includes developing relationships with funding sources, organizations, and individuals needing grant funding.

You must invest in some essential equipment and resources to get started. This includes a computer, printer, office supplies, and a website to showcase your services. You may also want to consider investing in grant writing software to streamline the process and make it easier to keep track of your projects.

As a grant-writing business owner, you will be responsible for researching potential funding sources, writing grant proposals, and working closely with your clients to ensure their successful grant applications. You can build a successful and rewarding business with hard work and dedication, helping others secure the funding they need to achieve their goals.

How much you can make: $62,500 — $180,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $142 (?)

How long does it take to build: 163 days (?)

Learn how a UK-based bid writing and management consultancy grew to sales over $130,000 per month by focusing on their niche market and providing exceptional customer service to clients ranging from startups to multinationals.

26. Start a magazine publishing business on amazon kindle store

27. start a playwriting business, 28. start a copywriting business.

A copywriter creates clear, compelling copy to sell products and/or educate and engage consumers.

To become a copywriter, focus on covering the basics, plan your copywriting business and choose the services you intend to offer.

To develop your brand, establish a marketing strategy, and offer quality services to your audience. Email marketing, newsletters, and other digital marketing tools can help you create a successful copywriting business.

How much you can make: $700 — $160,000/month

How long does it take to build: 41 days (?)

29. Start a novelist business

How much you can make: $10,000/month

How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)

"How this founder created a successful novel-writing software now earning over $60k a year through her passion for writing and background in software, growing from just a few sales a month to over 1000 free trial sign-ups and 100 new subscriptions per month."

30. Start an online course creation business

Starting an online course could be perfect if you want a passive income. Whatever your background, you could start teaching online and earn a passive income.

All you need to start an online course is patience, imagination, and an enabling eLearning platform where you can connect with the relevant audience.

Online courses may take time and require a lot of effort to start selling. However, once your audience finds the content resourceful, they start sharing and recommending it through their network. Remember, creating an online course could take longer than expected, so remain focused and give your best.

How much you can make: $1,666,666/month

Prep Expert's founder built a test preparation platform from his dorm room with just $900 that has since accumulated over $20 million in sales and attracted billionaire Mark Cuban on Shark Tank, due to doubled yearly sales from word-of-mouth marketing and hundreds of points of improvement in students' SAT scores.

31. Start a letter writing business

32. start a zine publisher business.

Zine publishing is an alternative publication by people who want to distribute their ideas without the limitations of traditional magazines. Zine publishers determine the layout, choose images and content, and can take the zine publication in any direction they wish.

Since zine publications are deliberately low-tech, low-cost publications, you can begin the business without particular expertise in a news publication.

How much you can make: $800,000/month

Flipsnack is an online tool that allows anyone to create digital flipbooks and has increased its business revenue by over 50% year over year, with YoY growth rates between 50% - 84%, shifting from a B2C approach and focusing more on B2B.

33. Start a short-story writing business

Are you passionate about writing but not sure which business you can start? If you are creative enough, you could start writing short stories and selling them via online platforms.

Short stories refer to a content category with less than 100 pages comprising approximately 20,000 words.

Starting a short story business takes a lot of legwork and dedication. Choose a niche, and focus on creating attractive and entertaining content. With a serious commitment to your business, you could be on your way to earning a six-figure profit monthly.

34. Start a podcasting business

Podcasting businesses often start as a hobby. You publish a few episodes and posts, and soon you will start getting engagements from interested parties.

However, to earn money from your podcasting business, you need to put a lot of effort and time into producing quality shows that address your audience's concerns.

To grow your podcast business, ensure regular publishing, which brings better growth, more listeners to your channel, and a higher income.

Here is a list of steps to help you transition the podcast from a hobby to a full-time podcast business:

• Ensure a focused effort and adjust the tone of each podcast episode
• Make podcasting your priority
• Focus on building
• Grow a mailing list
• Aim at building a trusted brand
• Develop a long-term growth and marketing plan

How much you can make: $5,000 — $349,983/month

How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)

Empire Flippers is a thought leader in brokering online business deals, having brokered over $50 million worth of deals and grown their pool of potential buyers by hundreds every month through a focus on content marketing and middle-of-funnel content.

35. Start a gaming storyboard creation business

36. start a market researching business.

Market research analysts research, compile, and analyze information on products and market conditions. The experts identify potential new markets, sales opportunities, and effective marketing strategies.

The employment of market research analysts is projected to grow rapidly over the coming years.

If you love helping businesses reach strategic decisions to excel and beat the competition, then starting a market research business can be fun and rewarding.

How much you can make: $15,000/month

How long does it take to build: 550 days (?)

This case study is about Abhishek Kumar, the founder of Deep Research, a boutique market research agency that helps startups gather customer insights and guide their product and growth strategies. With revenues consistently growing over the past 10 months, they have achieved their highest revenue of $15,000 last month through continuous service evolution and increased value.

37. Start a comic writing business

How much you can make: $62,500 — $90,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,517 (?)

38. Start a marketing consulting business

Marketing consulting is a business that helps other businesses and organizations improve their marketing strategies and tactics. The improvement involves conducting market research, analyzing data, developing marketing plans, and offering guidance on effectively reaching target audiences.

To start a marketing consulting business, you will need a strong understanding of marketing principles and how to apply them in a business context. Marketing consultancy requires formal education or training in marketing or a related field and experience working in the industry. You will also need strong communication and problem-solving skills to consult with clients effectively.

To operate a successful marketing consulting business, you will need to be able to effectively assess a client’s marketing needs and develop a plan to address those needs. Managing clients’ needs involve market research, analyzing data, and creating marketing materials such as brochures, websites, and social media campaigns. You will also need to be able to communicate your recommendations to clients and work with them to implement the marketing plan.

In addition to these technical skills, you will also need to be able to manage your business effectively. Managing a business involves setting fees, marketing your services to potential clients, and managing your finances.

Overall, a marketing consulting business can be a rewarding and challenging career for those passionate about helping businesses succeed through effective marketing strategies.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $3,100,000/month

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.

39. Start a SEM business

40. become a song writer.

A songwriter is a musician who composes musical compositions and writes lyrics for songs. To become a songwriter, you must start writing songs regularly and improve your creativity.

41. Start a website editing service

A website editing business involves helping individuals and businesses improve their websites’ look, functionality, and content.

The website editor business involves tasks like fixing broken links, updating outdated information, improving the layout, and enhancing the overall user experience. You can also offer services like proofreading and editing content to ensure it’s clear and error-free.

To start this business, you’ll need basic knowledge of website platforms and editing tools, which can be acquired through online resources and tutorials. With minimal upfront costs, such as a computer and internet connection, you can launch this venture and provide valuable services to clients seeking to enhance their online presence.

How much you can make: $6,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $50 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

This case study is about an engineer who developed a free online HTML editor that generates a passive income of $6K per month and owns over 40 websites with a total of roughly 8-10 million monthly visitors.

42. Start a product description writing business

A product description writing business is a service where you create compelling and informative descriptions for products that are being sold online.

This type of business involves using your writing skills to craft engaging content that helps potential customers understand the benefits and features of a product.

You can start this business with minimal investment, mainly requiring a computer and internet connection.

To get started, you can offer your services on freelance platforms or reach out to e-commerce businesses directly, offering to write product descriptions for their online store.

As your business grows, you can expand your services to include additional writing tasks and potentially hire other writers to help meet the demand.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

Apna Writer is a content writing service that has seen exponential growth from 1-2 new clients a month to at least 20 new clients a month, all due to providing reliable and quality content writing services that help clients achieve their business goals.

43. Start a story blogging business

A story blogging business is a venture where you write and share engaging stories online.

It involves creating content that captivates readers and keeps them coming back for more.

To start, you'll need a computer or smartphone, internet access, and a platform to publish your stories, which can be a free blog or social media.

You can generate income through methods like ads, sponsored content, or even selling merchandise related to your stories.

This low-cost business idea relies on your creativity and writing skills to build an audience and turn your passion for storytelling into a profitable venture.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $75,000/month

Michelle Schroeder-Gardner earns $100,000 a month from Making Sense of Cents, a personal finance and lifestyle blog where she writes informative and fun articles about financial freedom and her life on the road, thanks to a diversified traffic approach and monetization strategies, such as affiliate marketing, sponsored partnerships, and course sales.

44. Start a transcribing service business

How much you can make: $3,000 — $200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,050 (?)

A South African entrepreneur started a transcription and typing service business from home in 2005 with a few basic marketing strategies and solid service, despite challenges in a tough economic environment and the pandemic, and is making a success of virtual working with versatile services.

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Small Business Trends

26 business ideas for writers.

If you have good writing skills, that can be the base for a successful business. There are many industries and niches that require strong writers. Consider the following ideas for writers if you’re looking to start your own business.

Why You Should Use Your Writing Skills to Start a Business

If you’re looking for a way to put your good writing skills to use, here are some reasons to consider business ownership:

• Work from anywhere: Writing can often be done virtually. So you can connect with companies around the world or even travel while running your business.
• Enjoy time flexibility: Even if you stay in the same location, you can generally make your own schedule.
• Share your expertise: There are tons of ways to help others through your writing, from marketing other businesses to helping job seekers or university students with their resumes.
• Grow a marketable skill: Since writing translates to so many industries and careers, starting a small business can be a great way to try something new. Then you can grow your business or pivot if you want to try a new career path.
• READ MORE: Small Business Ideas for Beginners

How to Choose the Perfect Business Ideas for Writers: Our Methodology

To assist writers in finding entrepreneurial opportunities that capitalize on their strengths in writing and communication, we employ a specific set of criteria. These criteria are designed to identify ventures where writing skills are central and creativity is valued. Each criterion is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 signifies the least importance and 5 the highest importance in our review process:

• Importance: 5
• We prioritize business ideas that directly leverage writing skills, such as content creation, copywriting, blogging, or publishing.
• Importance: 4
• Opportunities for creative and artistic expression through writing are highly valued, as they align with many writers’ passion for storytelling and content creation.
• We assess the market demand for written content or writing-related services and the potential for generating sustainable income.
• The business idea should offer flexibility in terms of work hours and location, allowing writers to work independently and manage their own schedules.
• Importance: 3
• We consider the potential for scaling the business, expanding its reach, or diversifying services over time.
• Business ideas that allow for networking with other professionals, collaboration on projects, or participation in writing communities are considered advantageous.
• Leveraging digital and online platforms for marketing, distribution, or providing writing services is crucial in the modern marketplace.
• We value business ideas that offer intellectual stimulation and opportunities for continuous learning and development in the field of writing.

By applying these criteria, our aim is to guide writers towards business ideas that not only utilize their writing skills and creativity but also offer flexibility, market viability, and opportunities for professional growth.

Profitable Business Ideas for Writers

If you’re ready to turn your writing skills into a new venture, here are some of the most profitable business ideas for writers.

1. Freelance Writing

A freelance writer can work for various publications or companies on a contract basis. You simply offer your writing services on a per-project basis and set up a freelance business to get paid as an independent contractor. There are tons of opportunities in various niches, so you can utilize current skills or continue to learn about new subjects.

2. Social Media Marketing Business

Start your own business writing social media posts for small business owners. This is a highly in-demand service that is constantly evolving and offering opportunities for growth.

3. Business Proposal Writing

Business proposals are documents that businesses use to try and gain new business. Offer your services to local businesses looking to outsource this step.

4. Publishing Company

Start your own publication online or in print. You can even work with other writers to publish a variety of content under one brand.

5. Writing Workshop Business

As a writing workshop teacher, you can offer workshops that dive into various writing skills. Some may focus on professional skills like copywriting, while others may go into fiction writing.

6. Start a Blog

Starting your own blog is an ideal business idea to make passive income through advertising or affiliate links. You can also be a freelance blogger that writes for other blogs and websites.

• READ MORE: 4 Tips for Using Your Blog to Start a Writing Business

7. Business Plan Writing Business

Help new entrepreneurs get their ideas and steps on paper as a business plan writer for hire. This is ideal for writers interested in collaborating with other business owners.

8. Creative Writing Business

As a creative writer, you may publish books of your work or offer your creative writing work online and earn money through advertising.

9. Advertising Campaign Development

Advertising requires strong writers to consider everything from snappy headlines to search engine optimization. If you’re a successful copywriter, offer your services to online businesses.

10. Song Writer

Work with musicians to create songs or release your own tracks through a label or your own YouTube channel and social media accounts.

11. Self-Publish Ebooks

If you’ve always wanted to write a book, online platforms like Amazon allow you to self-publish your own work in ebooks. This is an entirely flexible opportunity that you can scale as you create more work.

12. Market Research Service

If you have research skills, offer your services to small businesses, creating well-written summaries of your findings.

13. Ghostwriting Business

Authors and entrepreneurs often hire ghostwriters to create their content. Your work would be published under another name, but you’d be paid for your writing abilities.

14. Newsletter Business

Start a newsletter that people can sign up for via email. Often, this is a free weekly newsletter that simply includes affiliate links, ads, or links to merchandise that supports your business. However, there are also online platforms that allow you to monetize this content directly.

15. Content Marketing Service

Help small businesses create digital content in various forms, from website copy to social media posts. There are tons of niches that are highly in demand, and you can also scale with new services over time.

16. PR Company

You can also specialize in press releases, which are generally sent to publications to gain attention for a company or its products or services.

17. Resume and Cover Letter Service

Help people looking to enter the job market create well-written resumes and cover letters.

18. Speech Writer

Collaborate with politicians, entrepreneurs, or speakers to create speeches that they can deliver verbally.

19. Online Writing Courses

Create courses that people who enjoy writing can take to hone their skills. For example, you may teach techniques for making money through writing or turning an idea into a novel.

• READ MORE: Brush Up with These Online Copywriting Courses

20. Podcaster

Podcasts are audio, but they usually require writing during the planning stages. Start your own, or work with podcasters to create scripts or outlines.

21. Social Media Influencer

Start your own social media influencing business by creating and promoting your own accounts. Then, you can work with brands for sponsored campaigns. This type of business often requires well-written captions along with strong photos and design skills.

22. Travel Writer

If you especially love travel, start a travel blog or freelance for online publications that focus on this niche. This can be especially lucrative for those who live near travel destinations that are in high demand by consumers.

23. Comic Book Writer

Comic books require strong stories and snappy writing, along with quality illustrations. Many writers handle both the story and visuals, but you could also partner with an illustrator if that simplifies the process.

24. Technical Writer

A technical writing business focuses on a specific area of expertise. For example, you may be a professional writer with a law background who can write legal disclaimers. There are also technical writers who can write instructions or safety guides for specific types of processes or equipment.

25. Screenwriter

Turn your words into compelling stories with a screenwriting business. This specialty used to require partnering with large film studios. But today, you can transform scripts into web series or independent films.

Though self-publishing is extremely popular, there are still traditional publishers that can help authors get books to a wide audience. This involves submitting proposals and meeting with multiple publishing houses.

Start Your Writing Business Today

If you’re a good writer, there’s no shortage of business ideas available to you. In fact, many startups and self-employed businesses require strong communication skills. Browse the list above to find the perfect writing business idea for you.

• Small Business Ideas for Beginners
• 4 Tips for Using Your Blog to Start a Writing Business

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should i consider using my writing skills to start a business.

Leveraging your writing skills for a business venture offers several advantages. You can work from anywhere, connect with global companies, and even travel while managing your business. Moreover, you’ll enjoy time flexibility and the ability to set your own schedule, regardless of your location. Your writing expertise can also be shared to help others, such as assisting businesses with marketing or aiding job seekers and students with their resumes. Additionally, starting a writing business allows you to cultivate a marketable skill that spans across various industries and careers, providing opportunities for growth and exploration.

What are some profitable business ideas for writers?

There are numerous lucrative business ideas for writers, each catering to different niches and interests:

• Freelance Writing: Offer your writing services on a contract basis for publications and companies.
• Social Media Marketing Business: Write engaging social media posts for small business owners.
• Business Proposal Writing: Assist local businesses by creating compelling business proposals.
• Publishing Company: Start your own publication, collaborating with other writers for diverse content.
• Writing Workshop Business: Teach writing workshops on various skills like copywriting or fiction writing.
• Start a Blog: Create a blog for passive income through advertising and affiliate links.
• Business Plan Writing Business: Help new entrepreneurs shape their ideas through professional business plans.
• Creative Writing Business: Publish your creative work online or in print, earning through advertising.
• Advertising Campaign Development: Provide strong writing skills for advertising materials and campaigns.
• Song Writer: Collaborate with musicians to create songs or release your own music.
• Self-Publish Ebooks: Publish your books online through platforms like Amazon.
• Market Research Service: Offer research services to small businesses, summarizing findings effectively.
• Ghostwriting Business: Ghostwrite content for authors and entrepreneurs, getting paid for your skills.
• Newsletter Business: Start a newsletter that includes affiliate links, ads, and merchandise.
• Content Marketing Service: Help small businesses generate digital content, from website copy to social media posts.
• PR Company: Specialize in press releases to gain attention for businesses.
• Resume and Cover Letter Service: Assist job seekers in crafting effective resumes and cover letters.
• Speech Writer: Create speeches for politicians, entrepreneurs, and speakers.
• Online Writing Courses: Teach writing techniques or monetizing writing skills through online courses.
• Podcaster: Develop scripts or outlines for podcasts.
• Social Media Influencer: Use strong writing, photos, and design skills to collaborate with brands.
• Travel Writer: Write about travel experiences for blogs or online publications.
• Comic Book Writer: Craft stories for comic books, collaborating with illustrators.
• Technical Writer: Write guides or instructions for specific processes or equipment.
• Screenwriter: Transform scripts into web series or independent films.
• Author: Self-publish or collaborate with traditional publishers to release books.

How can I start my own writing business?

To start a writing business, consider these steps:

• Choose your niche or specialty based on your interests and skills.
• Research potential target audiences and competitors.
• Create a business plan outlining your goals, services, and strategies.
• Choose a suitable business name and register your business.
• Set up a professional website and social media profiles.
• Develop a portfolio showcasing your writing expertise.
• Establish pricing structures for your services.
• Promote your business through networking, content marketing, and social media.
• Provide excellent customer service and deliver high-quality work.

Can writers make a good income from their business?

Yes, writers can earn a substantial income through their writing businesses. Depending on your niche, skills, and marketing efforts, you can generate significant revenue. Many writers have turned their businesses into full-time ventures, enjoying financial stability and flexibility.

How do I choose the right writing business idea for me?

Consider your interests, expertise, and target audience when choosing a writing business idea. Focus on a niche that aligns with your skills and passion, ensuring you can provide valuable content to your clients or audience. Additionally, research the demand for your chosen niche and evaluate your competition to find a unique angle that sets you apart.

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Business Writing Ideas: 11 Topics Any Business Can Use in Its Writing

Most people do almost all their reading and research online. Businesses need to constantly create content that speaks to their customers to increase awareness, build trust, and drive revenue.

However, one of the most challenging issues with business writing ideas is narrowing down a topic to write about. Having a topic is essential to good writing so you don’t ramble on about unrelated issues.

With that in mind, here’s a list of 11 business writing ideas for the next time you need content but can’t think of anything to write about.

In a rush? Get this article as a PDF guide so you won’t miss these tips!

1. Help the Reader Solve a Problem

Helping your readers (hopefully your customers or potential clients) solve their problems is the best way to engage them with your business.

Many people are also interested in ways to improve their lives. By freely sharing information about your business and looking out for the customer, you’re helping to build trust between your readers and your brand.

Every business sells a product or service. Think about all the ways your product or service helps make people’s lives easier and write them down.

• Now you can turn that into a blog post .
• Or stretch it out into an insightful white paper .
• Or create a series of emails , each detailing a specific way your business makes your customers’ lives more enriched, fun, or easier.

Don’t Miss: Expert Tips for Creating Better Educational Content for Your Marketing Efforts

2. Review a Product, Service, or Book

People love reading reviews of things before they buy them. According to Oberlo , 89% of consumers read a review about a product or service before buying.

Find a product or service that is relevant to your business and critique it.

• Provide a fair and honest assessment, which means highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses .
• Explain how the product or service fits into the broader landscape of your industry and what sets it apart from other options. This will help your readers understand why they should care about the product or service and how it might benefit them.
• Use your review as an opportunity to showcase your expertise . Share your insights and opinions on how the product or service can be used effectively in your industry.
• If you have any tips or tricks for using the product or service, be sure to include them in your review.

Book reviews are also popular. Write a review of a book related to your industry and publish it on your site. Reviewing a book is an excellent way to help people understand your business philosophy and culture.

• Consider the key takeaways from the book and how they relate to your business. Summarize the main points of the book and explain how they can help your readers improve their own businesses.
• If there are any particularly relevant or interesting passages , consider quoting them in your review to provide concrete examples of the book’s value.

Overall, a review of a product, service, or book is a great way to showcase your expertise and provide valuable information to your readers. By offering a fair and honest assessment, you can help your readers make informed decisions about the products and services they use in their own businesses.

3. Write About a Business Event

If you have recently attended a business event, seminar, or industry conference, you should have a lot to write about, and people love reading about these events.

Discuss what you learned at the conference —new techniques, technology, or products. Write about who spoke at the seminar and the ideas they shared.

Although the event may have been just another run-of-the-mill experience for you, many people would love to read about your experience. Good business writing ideas are about finding a connection, no matter how big or small your audience is.

Don’t Miss: 6 Brainstorming Techniques for Writing: Try These Now and Start Writing Faster

4. Interview an Industry Expert or a Customer

Interviewing other people can generate fantastic business writing ideas. Not all of your writing has to come from within yourself.

• Find someone with vast experience or knowledge on a topic related to your business, and ask them insightful questions. Most industry experts love to talk about what they do and why they are passionate about their business.
• For a different perspective, talk with some of your customers and get their take on your business, product, or service. Seeing your company from the other side of the street is not only a great business writing topic but also an opportunity to grade yourself and see where you need to improve.

The key to a successful interview for your article is to ask good questions in simple, conversational language. Prepare by doing your homework and researching the person you will be interviewing. Come up with a list of open-ended questions that will allow the subject to share their thoughts and insights.

By asking non-generic, well-researched questions, you will create a more interesting and engaging conversation, and ultimately produce a better piece of writing.

5. Write a Q&A or FAQ

Question-and-answer pieces and frequently asked questions are great business writing ideas because they engage your customers and help build trust. You should always try to help your customers, and answering their questions is a top priority. (For reference, here’s our own FAQ page .)

Furthermore, writing Q&As or FAQs will alleviate some of the constant answering of emails and phone calls about your business. Once you publish your Q&A or FAQ piece, many of your customer questions can be directed there.

With all these new business writing ideas, you’ll need to ensure your content is proofread and edited to perfection. Super Copy Editors can correct all spelling and grammar mistakes as well as adjust the tone of your writing to match its intended audience and purpose. Get a proofreading quote for your document today.

6. Revisit the History of Your Company or Products

There’s a good chance most people know your business only from the products or services they receive from it. After all, how many people actually research the company that makes all the products they buy or services they use? Not many.

Take this opportunity to tell your customers about your business, how it came to be, and what highs and lows you experienced along the way . People love origin stories (the adventure of how you started and grew your business), which is another way to build trust with clients.

Or how about writing the story of how you came up with the idea for some of the products or services your business provides? Was it a problem you had yourself and solved? Did you see a gap in the market and find a way to fill it?

The more people know about your offering, the more they’ll trust it—and the more willing they’ll be to buy.

7. Tell a Business Success Story

Like origin stories, people love to read success stories because they are positive, inspirational, and educational.

Write about how your business overcame a downturn in the economy, or how you pivoted a marketing plan and the product became popular.

Additionally, you can write about how your product or service helped a specific customer—essentially telling the customer’s success story . Just remember to get permission from the person to use their story and have them approve it before publishing.

Don’t Miss: How to Make Your Writing Inspirational to Supercharge Your Marketing Efforts

8. Write About Your Employees

Tell your customers more about the human side of your product or service.

Chances are most of them know your business only through whatever they are buying. It’s easy to forget there’s a whole host of living, breathing, amazing people coming to work every day to bring those products and services to customers.

Writing a piece about your employees, the owners, shareholders, founders, affiliates, subcontractors, or anyone else who helps bring your business to life can help you develop excellent business writing ideas and is yet another way to better connect with your customers.

9. Discuss Your Business’s Future

What’s next for your business?

That’s always an interesting question that everyone wants to learn more about.

• What are your plans?
• What new products or services do you want to roll out in the next month or year?
• Are there upgrades coming to existing products?

These are all fascinating questions for your readers and customers. You don’t have to give away the whole story, either. Giving the readers a hint or a teaser will pique their interest, add an element of mystery to your writing, and keep them coming back for more.

Write about the human side of your business —your management team, employees, subcontractors, or anyone else who helps bring it to life.

10. Listen to Your Customers

Check out the customer comments section in your online reviews . People love writing reviews almost as much as reading them. The Oberlo study cited above found that nearly half of internet users post a review every month.

Not only will you learn about how your customers view your company and where you need to improve, but customers will also share their ideas about what they want to hear more about.

Instead of using just your mind to generate writing ideas, tap into the many minds of your customers and use some of their business writing ideas.

11. Repurpose Your Content

Last but not least, business writing ideas can come from putting a different spin on pieces you’ve already written about. Many trends are cyclical, so you never know when an old article might suddenly become relevant again.

• Update your older writing and republish it with newer facts and more relevant data. This will make it more relevant and appealing to a current audience.
• Analyze your content and identify top-performing pieces. If you have an older post that is still generating a lot of traffic or leads but is no longer up to date, consider updating or repurposing it. This can help you get the most out of your existing content and maximize its potential impact.
• Turn video, webinar, and podcast transcripts into blog posts. This can be an effective way to create new content quickly and easily, as you already have the information and can simply repackage it in written form. By doing this, you can reach a different audience who may prefer to read rather than watch or listen, and you make your content more accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Additionally, publishing transcripts as blog posts can help improve your search engine optimization efforts, as they provide additional written content for search engines to index.

Bonus! 10 More Business Writing Ideas

Sorry, I couldn’t stop there. I’m on a roll!

Here are 10 more ideas to help you write useful content:

• Write about the biggest controversy in your industry and present your opinion on the issue.
• Share your predictions for the future of your industry and discuss how you are preparing for these changes.
• Check your website stats. Are there any keywords and search queries that are bringing people to your website that you don’t adequately cover in your content? Generate new writing topics based on this research.
• Discuss your organization’s charitable work, donations, or sponsorships.
• Highlight your eco-friendly initiatives.
• Give some insider tips and tricks for getting the most out of your products or services.
• Write about the one thing you wish people knew about your company, your offerings, or your industry.
• Share your top productivity tips, tools, and tricks.
• Create a roundup post of your favorite articles on a specific topic, with brief commentary on each.
• Give a behind-the-scenes look at a typical workday for you.

Don’t forget! Download “Business Writing Ideas: 11 Topics Any Business Can Use in Its Writing” to keep it handy and take action on it. Click here to download it now .

Final Thoughts

Content creation is a vital part of marketing, and ensuring your business consistently puts out fresh business writing pieces can significantly improve your image and sales .

Additionally, keeping your customers in the loop on your business ideas and informed about your products builds trust , a critical element of repeat business and lifetime customers.

So keep churning out great content, and if you’re ever stuck on what to write about, look at this list and go from there.

Now that you have all these great business writing ideas, you’ll want to ensure your writing is grammatically correct and error-free before you post it. At Super Copy Editors , our skilled team of proofreaders will polish your content and have it ready for publication in no time. Get a quote to have your next writing project reviewed by Super Copy Editors.

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The Science of Strong Business Writing

• Bill Birchard

Lessons from neurobiology

Brain scans are showing us in new detail exactly what entices readers. Scientists can see a group of midbrain neurons—the “reward circuit”—light up as people respond to everything from a simple metaphor to an unexpected story twist. The big takeaway? Whether you’re crafting an email to a colleague or an important report for the board, you can write in a way that delights readers on a primal level, releasing pleasure chemicals in their brains.

Bill Birchard is an author and writing coach who’s worked with many successful businesspeople. He’s drawn on that experience and his review of the scientific literature to identify eight features of satisfying writing: simplicity, specificity, surprise, stirring language, seductiveness, smart ideas, social content, and storytelling. In this article, he shares tips for using those eight S’s to captivate readers and help your message stick.

Strong writing skills are essential for anyone in business. You need them to effectively communicate with colleagues, employees, and bosses and to sell any ideas, products, or services you’re offering.

• Bill Birchard is a business author and book-writing coach. His Writing for Impact: 8 Secrets from Science That Will Fire Up Your Reader’s Brain will be published by HarperCollins Leadership in April 2023. His previous books include Merchants of Virtue, Stairway to Earth, Nature’s Keepers, Counting What Counts, and others. For more writing tactics, see his website .  

Partner Center

How to Build a Creative Writing Freelance Business

The problem with creative writing jobs is that they can be unpredictable.

Think about it.

You apply for dozens of screenwriting or technical writing jobs, and you finally receive an offer! You spend days negotiating a fair price and learning how to write in the format and tone of your new client.

But that creative writing “job” is nothing more than a short-term writing project. Every few months, you’ll find yourself starting the cycle all over again.

Search. Apply. Negotiate. Work. Repeat!

Are you ready to turn your passion for writing into a consistent living with a steady stream of clients and income?

To build a freelance creative writing business, you should:

1. Become a Student of the Craft 2. Develop a Business Plan 3. Create a Blog, Website, and Online Profiles 4. Dedicate Your Time to Lead Generation 5. Consider Hiring Subcontractors

Become a Student of the Craft

When those creative juices flow, you’re unstoppable.

You’re a natural creative writer. Your words connect seamlessly, and your short stories are convincing enough to provide readers a long-anticipated mental escape.

But there’s always room for growth.

Whether you have a bachelor’s degree in creative writing, some high school English courses, or none of the above, you should step back into the “student” role and:

Sharpen Your Research Skills

Nothing will ruin your credibility quite as much as inconsistencies, plot holes, and unreliable sources.

So, practice your research skills in your free time.

For example, you can vet sources for accuracy when you read blog posts or articles.

Or even research historical concepts in film and TV and look for scenes that don’t quite add up (like the lack of accurate Spartan armor in the movie 300 ).

Decide on Your Favorite Niches

When it comes to marketing your creative writing business, you’ll find that your ads generate more organic traffic when you have a specific niche.

For example, a director looking to develop a new television pilot is more likely to search for a “screenwriter” than a generic “creative writer.”

So, select a genre that puts your writing skills on full display, like:

• Screenplays
• Newspaper journalism
• Magazine writing
• Public relations
• Short stories
• Pop culture
• Website content writing/blog posts

Of course, it won’t matter how engaging your content is if you don’t have the necessary tools to bring those pieces to fruition.

So, make sure you’re up-to-date on your technological resources (i.e., proofreading tools like Grammarly or Hemingway , high-speed internet, a laptop, and a printer).

Related: 11 Mistakes Freelancers Should Avoid

Develop a Business Plan

The biggest shock of becoming a business owner is … well … the “business” part.

As a freelance writer, your only concerns were submitting projects before the deadline and waiting for the check to clear 24 hours later.

Now, you have much more on your plate:

Business expenses , legal contracts, invoicing, and lots more.

So, your business plan should take into account:

There’s an ongoing debate regarding the best way to bill clients.

But if you want to ensure you never accidentally undercharge for your services, charging by the hour is the unofficial “gold standard.”

How to Set Your Rate as a Freelance Writer

Take out your calculator. Let’s do a little math:

• Choose an ideal annual income: We’ll say $72,000.
• Decide how many hours you’d prefer to work per week: Let’s go with 40, the standard for a decent work-life balance.
• Multiply your number of weekly hours by 52 weeks: 2,080 hours
• Take your annual income and divide it by the product of #3: $34.60/hour

Hold on! Keep that calculator out!

You’ll also want to factor in overhead costs, like your Grammarly subscription, virtual office fees, or bookkeeper wages.

So, if those additional costs total up to $2,500 a year, divide that by 2,080. This calculates out to an extra $1.20/hour to secure your desired $72,000 annual income.

Your Business Name and Logo

The average person sees over 5,000 ads per day .

So, you want to make sure that your ideal client sees your ad and remembers it after they click to another page.

The best place to start?

Choosing a memorable and creative business name and a matching logo, which you should have no problem with considering your career path!

But you must be careful not to use names or logos being used by another entity because doing so can result in trademark lawsuits. Trademarks are a brand’s or product’s identifiers, including brand names, slogans, logos, sounds, and symbols. However, it will help to first understand the meaning of various trademark symbols for you to identify what names or logos are trademarked

How to Choose a Name for Your Freelance Business

Look for words related to your niche and see how you can piece them together to convey your writing (i.e., “ScreamPlay” if you specialize in penning horror flicks).

Come up with a dozen or so, and jot them down on paper in order of your favorites. Starting at the top of the list, Google them to see if each one is taken. If someone already uses that name for their business, move on to the next.

The last thing you want is to choose a business name that someone’s already using!

Your Business Finances

Until recently, the only thing you had to worry about was earning enough monthly income to keep the lights on and pay your rent.

But now, the money will flow from your account in both directions. And that can be a scary thought if finances aren’t your strong suit.

To best manage the financial aspects of your creative writing business:

Establish Business Accounts

The one thing that’ll make tax season even more of a nightmare is having to thumb through piles of receipts and paperwork to separate personal and business expenses .

Never commingle your money!

Instead, open up a bank account and credit card strictly for your business venture!

Choose How You’ll Invoice Clients

You went through all that effort to determine a fair hourly rate. Now, you have to figure out how you’ll send your clients the bill when you finish their next order.

Our favorite invoicing tools are:

• PayPal : Anyone who’s ordered from Amazon or DoorDash probably has a PayPal account up and running. Just be aware that there’s a 2.9% + $0.30 flat fee on all invoices you send (though we have a few workarounds ).
• Wave : You can easily send professional invoices to clients while also tracking your receipts and business expenditures in one easy-to-use app!
• Bloom : Okay, we’re biased because this is our product. But starting at $9/month, you can send unlimited invoices to clients while also streamlining client contact and your business’s workflow!

Since most invoicing tools require small fees, condensing multiple articles or batches into a single invoice can reduce your overhead.

Try Bloom for free today!

Your Legal Protections

Every business owner’s worst nightmare is facing a lawsuit or having a client go AWOL before paying their dues.

So, you want to pursue legal protections like:

Business Insurance

Accidents happen, even in the writing world.

So, when the USB drive holding your latest manuscript winds up in the washing machine or a client isn’t satisfied, a $100,000 lawsuit will put you underwater.

You need business insurance to provide ongoing legal protection for as little as $20/month!

A limited liability company (LLC) might be a little costly to set-up, but it’s the best way to protect your new business if you happen to get attorney papers in the mail.

Any lawsuit will be directed toward your LLC, not your personal bank account!

Legal Contracts

As much as you want to trust your best-paying client, there’s no guarantee you’ll receive payment unless you require it legally.

So, a legally-binding contract —fit with an e-Signature—is an absolute “must.”

Don’t begin working on a project until the client signs the contract, agrees to the price, and, in an ideal world, puts the money into escrow!

Learn more about protecting your business in case of broken contracts: How to Write a Force Majeure Clause

Create a Blog, Website, and Online Profiles

The best part about being a creative content writer is that your clients don’t have to put blind trust in your business.

That’s because your best work is already available online via social media, an up-to-date blog, or a professional website.

At least it should be!

Here’s what you need to know about honing your online presence:

Publishing Your Work Online

The best way to ensure your clients leave 5-star reviews on Yelp is by giving them a good sense of your tone, voice, and research style before they hire you.

So, publish regular writing samples on:

• Wattpad (for stories, preferably)

Not only will your publications reach a far wider audience (which may include potential clients), but you can also garner feedback from your loyal readers!

Creating a Professional Website

You don’t need to hire a web designer or an SEO expert (although it certainly doesn’t hurt), but your business’s website should have an air of professionalism.

On top of regularly-scheduled blog posts, be sure to include:

• SEO keywords related to your niche that your ideal client will find organically on Google (like “fictional story writer”)
• Up-to-date contact information
• Landing pages with gated content and a client intake form (collect those email addresses!)
• A scheduling tool for planning out first meetings with new clients
• A simple website domain (nothing screams “I put this together last night” quite like a .wordpress.com or .weebly.com domain)

And don’t forget that all of your online advertisements and social media profiles should link potential clients to your website!

Creating Social Media Profiles

Social media can be a little trickier for a writer than for a photographer, as people are far more inclined to look at an image than read a 5-minute article.

So, it’s all about using your online handles strategically.

For example, Tumblr is a unique artistic community that appreciates short stories, fanfic, and poetry.

Instagram and Twitter either have a cap on character count or prioritize images.

In that case, putting an excerpt from your latest work on a white background and turning it into an image will generate more interactions and shares!

And if your screenwriting, playwriting, or speech writing have been videotaped, add them to your YouTube profile so that potential clients can see your work in action.

A Note on Pen Names:

One of the best parts about being a creative writer is that you can pursue anonymity by using a pen name. It can also do wonders for your career if your real name is something common like John Smith.

That’s completely fine!

However, consistency is key.

So, make sure to post all of your work under the same name, whether that’s a Tumblr blog, Facebook profile, or your website.

Where to Find Freelance Creative Writing Jobs Online

Sure, it may take time for your website to show on the first page of search engines like Google, but it doesn’t have to take months or even years to start a blog and make money. 

Additional jobs for creative writing experts on:

• Freelancer.com
• Writers Work

The trick is creating these profiles on all or most of these sites so that you don’t have to actively apply for jobs once you get your business running.

If you set your preferences to let the platform know what kinds of work you enjoy, then complete a few jobs to show them you do quality work, they’ll send you job alerts whenever they have a posting that might interest you.

Dedicate Your Time to Lead Generation

Now that you’ve ironed out the kinks and gotten your business off the ground, it’s time to secure even more work through lead generation .

We know what you’re thinking: “But I don’t know anything about marketing.”

No worries!

Here are a few tips to turn your freelancing career into a thriving business:

Reach Out to the Right People and Businesses

Take a second to think about who your ideal client is, where they are, and how you can get in contact with them.

If you’re a scriptwriter or playwright, reach out to local performing arts facilities like theaters and studios.

If you’re more of a copywriter, pay a visit to downtown businesses that might need advertising content.

Phone your local magazine and newspaper editors to find out if they’re looking to hire essay writers.

And if lyrics or speechwriting are more your things, local politicians or up-and-coming musicians might need your services.

Make a Sales Pitch

Ask yourself: Why should a client place an order with my creative writing business?

Is it your years of experience writing persuasive essays ?

Have you had publications in national magazines?

Do you fulfill all orders within four weeks?

Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. If you can’t fit it into an easy to skim email or brief phone call, you have a little work to do!

Start Marketing Online

Nothing beats talking to people face to face. But when you’re a creative writer, you might be working for people in New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, even if you don’t live in those places.

In other words, most of your business will be virtual!

So, begin marketing your services online for a much broader reach.

The obvious starting points on the marketing front are Google PPC ads and Facebook Ads . But it’s your approach to marketing that makes the biggest difference.

Get creative by:

• Putting your best work on display (i.e., boosting Facebook posts of your samples, rather than just ads).
• Automating your marketing efforts through regular email campaigns, advertising discounts, deals, and incentives!
• Joining LinkedIn groups related to your niche and participating in conversations.
• Submitting samples of your work into competitions that’ll give you exposure and more relevant search results.
• Using relevant hashtags to get your content on your ideal client’s screens without having to spend a dime.

Soon enough, you’ll have referral clients knocking down your door and a fully-automated sales funnel to keep you busy and your bank account full.

Consider Hiring Subcontractors

The whole purpose of transitioning from a solo freelancer to a business owner was to get more clients and expand your earning potential.

But now, it feels like you’re spreading yourself too thin.

With a strict hourly rate, the only way to make more money is by sacrificing your free time and allowing your business to consume your entire life.

Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way!

It might be time to think about hiring subcontractors and creating a team of other skilled freelancers, like:

Other Writers

Short stories might be your forte, but you can’t seem to find your “salesperson hat” when you get a copywriting project.

Consider hiring creative content writers that thrive in your weaker niches to create an all-inclusive creative writing business!

Virtual Assistant

You may be stepping into the shoes of a “business owner,” but you’re maintaining an active role in your company as the head writer.

Think about hiring a virtual assistant to handle the behind-the-scenes tasks (lead generation, client communication , etc.).

You’ll never understand the financial aspects of running a business until you begin adding others to your payroll.

Bringing a part-time bookkeeper on board can help you track your ongoing business expenses and better prepare for tax filing.

Editor or Proofreader

Nobody said that your writing quality wasn’t on par, but it’s easy to let errors slip through the cracks.

Enlisting the help of a sharp-eyed proofread can ensure your writing is always top notch!

Where to Hire Subcontractors

Writers are more likely to scour job boards like Upwork , ProBlogger , or Fiver than to look at listings on Indeed or Monster.

So, those sites are the best place to start.

When writing listings, create clear job descriptions that detail precisely the type of person you want to join your “team,” like:

• Number of hours per week
• Starting pay (ensure your budget allows you to still profit)
• Skills needed to be successful
• Required technology (Grammarly, Hemingway, laptop, etc.)
• Deadlines and flexibility requirements

Most of all, don’t forget to factor in these new overhead costs when you deliver project estimates to new clients.

So, if it costs you $1,000/month to pay your new hires and you average 200 orders a month, consider adding an extra $5 flat fee to every contract!

Now that you’ve proven your knack for writing and escaped the vice of entry-level creative writing jobs, it’s time to start working on building a business.

No matter where you envision your new business heading in the next few years, keep your sights on the most important thing:

Creating engaging content.

The more satisfied your clients are, the better reviews they’ll leave online. In the next six months, this “crazy” creative writing startup will be a lucrative business!

And to think you started as a part-time freelance writer!

Learn more about how Bloom can help you manage your business!

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24 of My Favorite Sample Business Plans & Examples For Your Inspiration

Published: February 06, 2024

I believe that reading sample business plans is essential when writing your own.

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As you explore business plan examples from real companies and brands, it’s easier for you to learn how to write a good one.

But what does a good business plan look like? And how do you write one that’s both viable and convincing. I’ll walk you through the ideal business plan format along with some examples to help you get started.

Table of Contents

Business Plan Format

Business plan types, sample business plan templates, top business plan examples.

Ask any successful sports coach how they win so many games, and they’ll tell you they have a unique plan for every single game. To me, the same logic applies to business.

If you want to build a thriving company that can pull ahead of the competition, you need to prepare for battle before breaking into a market.

Business plans guide you along the rocky journey of growing a company. And if your business plan is compelling enough, it can also convince investors to give you funding.

With so much at stake, I’m sure you’re wondering where to begin.

Free Business Plan Template

The essential document for starting a business -- custom built for your needs.

• Outline your idea.
• Pitch to investors.
• Secure funding.
• Get to work!

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

Fill out the form to get your free template.

First, you’ll want to nail down your formatting. Most business plans include the following sections.

1. Executive Summary

I’d say the executive summary is the most important section of the entire business plan. 

Why? Essentially, it's the overview or introduction, written in a way to grab readers' attention and guide them through the rest of the business plan. This is important, because a business plan can be dozens or hundreds of pages long.

There are two main elements I’d recommend including in your executive summary:

Company Description

This is the perfect space to highlight your company’s mission statement and goals, a brief overview of your history and leadership, and your top accomplishments as a business.

Tell potential investors who you are and why what you do matters. Naturally, they’re going to want to know who they’re getting into business with up front, and this is a great opportunity to showcase your impact.

Need some extra help firming up those business goals? Check out HubSpot Academy’s free course to help you set goals that matter — I’d highly recommend it

Products and Services

To piggyback off of the company description, be sure to incorporate an overview of your offerings. This doesn’t have to be extensive — just another chance to introduce your industry and overall purpose as a business.

In addition to the items above, I recommend including some information about your financial projections and competitive advantage here too.:

Keep in mind you'll cover many of these topics in more detail later on in the business plan. So, keep the executive summary clear and brief, and only include the most important takeaways.

Executive Summary Business Plan Examples

This example was created with HubSpot’s business plan template:

This executive summary is so good to me because it tells potential investors a short story while still covering all of the most important details.

Image Source

Tips for Writing Your Executive Summary

• Start with a strong introduction of your company, showcase your mission and impact, and outline the products and services you provide.
• Clearly define a problem, and explain how your product solves that problem, and show why the market needs your business.
• Be sure to highlight your value proposition, market opportunity, and growth potential.
• Keep it concise and support ideas with data.
• Customize your summary to your audience. For example, emphasize finances and return on investment for venture capitalists.

Check out our tips for writing an effective executive summary for more guidance.

2. Market Opportunity

This is where you'll detail the opportunity in the market.

The main question I’d ask myself here is this: Where is the gap in the current industry, and how will my product fill that gap?

More specifically, here’s what I’d include in this section:

• The size of the market
• Current or potential market share
• Trends in the industry and consumer behavior
• Where the gap is
• What caused the gap
• How you intend to fill it

To get a thorough understanding of the market opportunity, you'll want to conduct a TAM, SAM, and SOM analysis and perform market research on your industry.

You may also benefit from creating a SWOT analysis to get some of the insights for this section.

Market Opportunity Business Plan Example

I like this example because it uses critical data to underline the size of the potential market and what part of that market this service hopes to capture.

Tips for Writing Your Market Opportunity Section

• Focus on demand and potential for growth.
• Use market research, surveys, and industry trend data to support your market forecast and projections.
• Add a review of regulation shifts, tech advances, and consumer behavior changes.
• Refer to reliable sources.
• Showcase how your business can make the most of this opportunity.

3. Competitive Landscape

Since we’re already speaking of market share, you'll also need to create a section that shares details on who the top competitors are.

After all, your customers likely have more than one brand to choose from, and you'll want to understand exactly why they might choose one over another.

My favorite part of performing a competitive analysis is that it can help you uncover:

• Industry trends that other brands may not be utilizing
• Strengths in your competition that may be obstacles to handle
• Weaknesses in your competition that may help you develop selling points
• The unique proposition you bring to the market that may resonate with customers

Competitive Landscape Business Plan Example

I like how the competitive landscape section of this business plan below shows a clear outline of who the top competitors are.

It also highlights specific industry knowledge and the importance of location, which shows useful experience in this specific industry. 

This can help build trust in your ability to execute your business plan.

Tips for Writing Your Competitive Landscape

• Complete in-depth research, then emphasize your most important findings.
• Compare your unique selling proposition (USP) to your direct and indirect competitors.
• Show a clear and realistic plan for product and brand differentiation.
• Look for specific advantages and barriers in the competitive landscape. Then, highlight how that information could impact your business.
• Outline growth opportunities from a competitive perspective.
• Add customer feedback and insights to support your competitive analysis.

4. Target Audience

Use this section to describe who your customer segments are in detail. What is the demographic and psychographic information of your audience?

If your immediate answer is "everyone," you'll need to dig deeper. Here are some questions I’d ask myself here:

• What demographics will most likely need/buy your product or service?
• What are the psychographics of this audience? (Desires, triggering events, etc.)
• Why are your offerings valuable to them?

I’d also recommend building a buyer persona to get in the mindset of your ideal customers and be clear on why you're targeting them.

Target Audience Business Plan Example

I like the example below because it uses in-depth research to draw conclusions about audience priorities. It also analyzes how to create the right content for this audience.

Tips for Writing Your Target Audience Section

• Include details on the size and growth potential of your target audience.
• Figure out and refine the pain points for your target audience , then show why your product is a useful solution.
• Describe your targeted customer acquisition strategy in detail.
• Share anticipated challenges your business may face in acquiring customers and how you plan to address them.
• Add case studies, testimonials, and other data to support your target audience ideas.
• Remember to consider niche audiences and segments of your target audience in your business plan.

5. Marketing Strategy

Here, you'll discuss how you'll acquire new customers with your marketing strategy. I’d suggest including information:

• Your brand positioning vision and how you'll cultivate it
• The goal targets you aim to achieve
• The metrics you'll use to measure success
• The channels and distribution tactics you'll use

I think it’s helpful to have a marketing plan built out in advance to make this part of your business plan easier.

Marketing Strategy Business Plan Example

This business plan example includes the marketing strategy for the town of Gawler.

In my opinion, it really works because it offers a comprehensive picture of how they plan to use digital marketing to promote the community.

Tips for Writing Your Marketing Strategy

• Include a section about how you believe your brand vision will appeal to customers.
• Add the budget and resources you'll need to put your plan in place.
• Outline strategies for specific marketing segments.
• Connect strategies to earlier sections like target audience and competitive analysis.
• Review how your marketing strategy will scale with the growth of your business.
• Cover a range of channels and tactics to highlight your ability to adapt your plan in the face of change.

6. Key Features and Benefits

At some point in your business plan, you'll need to review the key features and benefits of your products and/or services.

Laying these out can give readers an idea of how you're positioning yourself in the market and the messaging you're likely to use. It can even help them gain better insight into your business model.

Key Features and Benefits Business Plan Example

In my opinion, the example below does a great job outlining products and services for this business, along with why these qualities will attract the audience.

Tips for Writing Your Key Features and Benefits

• Emphasize why and how your product or service offers value to customers.
• Use metrics and testimonials to support the ideas in this section.
• Talk about how your products and services have the potential to scale.
• Think about including a product roadmap.
• Focus on customer needs, and how the features and benefits you are sharing meet those needs.
• Offer proof of concept for your ideas, like case studies or pilot program feedback.
• Proofread this section carefully, and remove any jargon or complex language.

7. Pricing and Revenue

This is where you'll discuss your cost structure and various revenue streams. Your pricing strategy must be solid enough to turn a profit while staying competitive in the industry. 

For this reason, here’s what I’d might outline in this section:

• The specific pricing breakdowns per product or service
• Why your pricing is higher or lower than your competition's
• (If higher) Why customers would be willing to pay more
• (If lower) How you're able to offer your products or services at a lower cost
• When you expect to break even, what margins do you expect, etc?

Pricing and Revenue Business Plan Example

I like how this business plan example begins with an overview of the business revenue model, then shows proposed pricing for key products.

Tips for Writing Your Pricing and Revenue Section

• Get specific about your pricing strategy. Specifically, how you connect that strategy to customer needs and product value.
• If you are asking a premium price, share unique features or innovations that justify that price point.
• Show how you plan to communicate pricing to customers.
• Create an overview of every revenue stream for your business and how each stream adds to your business model as a whole.
• Share plans to develop new revenue streams in the future.
• Show how and whether pricing will vary by customer segment and how pricing aligns with marketing strategies.
• Restate your value proposition and explain how it aligns with your revenue model.

8. Financials

To me, this section is particularly informative for investors and leadership teams to figure out funding strategies, investment opportunities, and more.

 According to Forbes , you'll want to include three main things:

• Profit/Loss Statement - This answers the question of whether your business is currently profitable.
• Cash Flow Statement - This details exactly how much cash is incoming and outgoing to give insight into how much cash a business has on hand.
• Balance Sheet - This outlines assets, liabilities, and equity, which gives insight into how much a business is worth.

While some business plans might include more or less information, these are the key details I’d include in this section.

Financials Business Plan Example

This balance sheet is a great example of level of detail you’ll need to include in the financials section of your business plan.

Tips for Writing Your Financials Section

• Growth potential is important in this section too. Using your data, create a forecast of financial performance in the next three to five years.
• Include any data that supports your projections to assure investors of the credibility of your proposal.
• Add a break-even analysis to show that your business plan is financially practical. This information can also help you pivot quickly as your business grows.
• Consider adding a section that reviews potential risks and how sensitive your plan is to changes in the market.
• Triple-check all financial information in your plan for accuracy.
• Show how any proposed funding needs align with your plans for growth.

As you create your business plan, keep in mind that each of these sections will be formatted differently. Some may be in paragraph format, while others could be charts or graphs.

The formats above apply to most types of business plans. That said, the format and structure of your plan will vary by your goals for that plan. 

So, I’ve added a quick review of different business plan types. For a more detailed overview, check out this post .

1. Startups

Startup business plans are for proposing new business ideas.

If you’re planning to start a small business, preparing a business plan is crucial. The plan should include all the major factors of your business.

You can check out this guide for more detailed business plan inspiration .

2. Feasibility Studies

Feasibility business plans focus on that business's product or service. Feasibility plans are sometimes added to startup business plans. They can also be a new business plan for an already thriving organization.

3. Internal Use

You can use internal business plans to share goals, strategies, or performance updates with stakeholders. In my opinion, internal business plans are useful for alignment and building support for ambitious goals.

4. Strategic Initiatives

Another business plan that's often for sharing internally is a strategic business plan. This plan covers long-term business objectives that might not have been included in the startup business plan.

5. Business Acquisition or Repositioning

When a business is moving forward with an acquisition or repositioning, it may need extra structure and support. These types of business plans expand on a company's acquisition or repositioning strategy.

Growth sometimes just happens as a business continues operations. But more often, a business needs to create a structure with specific targets to meet set goals for expansion. This business plan type can help a business focus on short-term growth goals and align resources with those goals.

Now that you know what's included and how to format a business plan, let's review some of my favorite templates.

1. HubSpot's One-Page Business Plan

Download a free, editable one-page business plan template..

The business plan linked above was created here at HubSpot and is perfect for businesses of any size — no matter how many strategies we still have to develop.

Fields such as Company Description, Required Funding, and Implementation Timeline give this one-page business plan a framework for how to build your brand and what tasks to keep track of as you grow.

Then, as the business matures, you can expand on your original business plan with a new iteration of the above document.

Why I Like It

This one-page business plan is a fantastic choice for the new business owner who doesn’t have the time or resources to draft a full-blown business plan. It includes all the essential sections in an accessible, bullet-point-friendly format. That way, you can get the broad strokes down before honing in on the details.

2. HubSpot's Downloadable Business Plan Template

We also created a business plan template for entrepreneurs.

The template is designed as a guide and checklist for starting your own business. You’ll learn what to include in each section of your business plan and how to do it.

There’s also a list for you to check off when you finish each section of your business plan.

Strong game plans help coaches win games and help businesses rocket to the top of their industries. So if you dedicate the time and effort required to write a workable and convincing business plan, you’ll boost your chances of success and even dominance in your market.

This business plan kit is essential for the budding entrepreneur who needs a more extensive document to share with investors and other stakeholders.

It not only includes sections for your executive summary, product line, market analysis, marketing plan, and sales plan, but it also offers hands-on guidance for filling out those sections.

3. LiveFlow’s Financial Planning Template with built-in automation

This free template from LiveFlow aims to make it easy for businesses to create a financial plan and track their progress on a monthly basis.

The P&L Budget versus Actual format allows users to track their revenue, cost of sales, operating expenses, operating profit margin, net profit, and more.

The summary dashboard aggregates all of the data put into the financial plan sheet and will automatically update when changes are made.

Instead of wasting hours manually importing your data to your spreadsheet, LiveFlow can also help you to automatically connect your accounting and banking data directly to your spreadsheet, so your numbers are always up-to-date.

With the dashboard, you can view your runway, cash balance, burn rate, gross margins, and other metrics. Having a simple way to track everything in one place will make it easier to complete the financials section of your business plan.

This is a fantastic template to track performance and alignment internally and to create a dependable process for documenting financial information across the business. It’s highly versatile and beginner-friendly.

It’s especially useful if you don’t have an accountant on the team. (I always recommend you do, but for new businesses, having one might not be possible.)

4. ThoughtCo’s Sample Business Plan

One of the more financially oriented sample business plans in this list, BPlan’s free business plan template dedicates many of its pages to your business’s financial plan and financial statements.

After filling this business plan out, your company will truly understand its financial health and the steps you need to take to maintain or improve it.

I absolutely love this business plan template because of its ease-of-use and hands-on instructions (in addition to its finance-centric components). If you feel overwhelmed by the thought of writing an entire business plan, consider using this template to help you with the process.

6. Harvard Business Review’s "How to Write a Winning Business Plan"

Most sample business plans teach you what to include in your business plan, but this Harvard Business Review article will take your business plan to the next level — it teaches you the why and how behind writing a business plan.

With the guidance of Stanley Rich and Richard Gumpert, co-authors of " Business Plans That Win: Lessons From the MIT Enterprise Forum ", you'll learn how to write a convincing business plan that emphasizes the market demand for your product or service.

You’ll also learn the financial benefits investors can reap from putting money into your venture rather than trying to sell them on how great your product or service is.

This business plan guide focuses less on the individual parts of a business plan, and more on the overarching goal of writing one. For that reason, it’s one of my favorites to supplement any template you choose to use. Harvard Business Review’s guide is instrumental for both new and seasoned business owners.

7. HubSpot’s Complete Guide to Starting a Business

If you’re an entrepreneur, you know writing a business plan is one of the most challenging first steps to starting a business.

Fortunately, with HubSpot's comprehensive guide to starting a business, you'll learn how to map out all the details by understanding what to include in your business plan and why it’s important to include them. The guide also fleshes out an entire sample business plan for you.

If you need further guidance on starting a business, HubSpot's guide can teach you how to make your business legal, choose and register your business name, and fund your business. It will also give small business tax information and includes marketing, sales, and service tips.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of starting a business, in addition to writing your business plan, with a high level of exactitude and detail. So if you’re in the midst of starting your business, this is an excellent guide for you.

It also offers other resources you might need, such as market analysis templates.

8. Panda Doc’s Free Business Plan Template

PandaDoc’s free business plan template is one of the more detailed and fleshed-out sample business plans on this list. It describes what you should include in each section, so you don't have to come up with everything from scratch.

Once you fill it out, you’ll fully understand your business’ nitty-gritty details and how all of its moving parts should work together to contribute to its success.

This template has two things I love: comprehensiveness and in-depth instructions. Plus, it’s synced with PandaDoc’s e-signature software so that you and other stakeholders can sign it with ease. For that reason, I especially love it for those starting a business with a partner or with a board of directors.

9. Small Business Administration Free Business Plan Template

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers several free business plan templates that can be used to inspire your own plan.

Before you get started, you can decide what type of business plan you need — a traditional or lean start-up plan.

Then, you can review the format for both of those plans and view examples of what they might look like.

We love both of the SBA’s templates because of their versatility. You can choose between two options and use the existing content in the templates to flesh out your own plan. Plus, if needed, you can get a free business counselor to help you along the way.

I’ve compiled some completed business plan samples to help you get an idea of how to customize a plan for your business.

I chose different types of business plan ideas to expand your imagination. Some are extensive, while others are fairly simple.

Let’s take a look.

1. LiveFlow

One of the major business expenses is marketing. How you handle your marketing reflects your company’s revenue.

I included this business plan to show you how you can ensure your marketing team is aligned with your overall business plan to get results. The plan also shows you how to track even the smallest metrics of your campaigns, like ROI and payback periods instead of just focusing on big metrics like gross and revenue.

Fintech startup, LiveFlow, allows users to sync real-time data from its accounting services, payment platforms, and banks into custom reports. This eliminates the task of pulling reports together manually, saving teams time and helping automate workflows.

"Using this framework over a traditional marketing plan will help you set a profitable marketing strategy taking things like CAC, LTV, Payback period, and P&L into consideration," explains LiveFlow co-founder, Lasse Kalkar .

When it came to including marketing strategy in its business plan, LiveFlow created a separate marketing profit and loss statement (P&L) to track how well the company was doing with its marketing initiatives.

This is a great approach, allowing businesses to focus on where their marketing dollars are making the most impact. Having this information handy will enable you to build out your business plan’s marketing section with confidence. LiveFlow has shared the template here . You can test it for yourself.

2. Lula Body

Sometimes all you need is a solid mission statement and core values to guide you on how to go about everything. You do this by creating a business plan revolving around how to fulfill your statement best.

For example, Patagonia is an eco-friendly company, so their plan discusses how to make the best environmentally friendly products without causing harm.

A good mission statement  should not only resonate with consumers but should also serve as a core value compass for employees as well.

Patagonia has one of the most compelling mission statements I’ve seen:

"Together, let’s prioritise purpose over profit and protect this wondrous planet, our only home."

It reels you in from the start, and the environmentally friendly theme continues throughout the rest of the statement.

This mission goes on to explain that they are out to "Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, and use business to protect nature."

Their mission statement is compelling and detailed, with each section outlining how they will accomplish their goal.

4. Vesta Home Automation

This executive summary for a smart home device startup is part of a business plan created by students at Mount Royal University .

While it lacks some of the sleek visuals of the templates above, its executive summary does a great job of demonstrating how invested they are in the business.

Right away, they mention they’ve invested $200,000 into the company already, which shows investors they have skin in the game and aren’t just looking for someone else to foot the bill.

This is the kind of business plan you need when applying for business funds. It clearly illustrates the expected future of the company and how the business has been coming along over the years.

5. NALB Creative Center

This fictional business plan for an art supply store includes everything one might need in a business plan: an executive summary, a company summary, a list of services, a market analysis summary, and more.

One of its most notable sections is its market analysis summary, which includes an overview of the population growth in the business’ target geographical area, as well as a breakdown of the types of potential customers they expect to welcome at the store. 

This sort of granular insight is essential for understanding and communicating your business’s growth potential. Plus, it lays a strong foundation for creating relevant and useful buyer personas .

It’s essential to keep this information up-to-date as your market and target buyer changes. For that reason, you should carry out market research as often as possible to ensure that you’re targeting the correct audience and sharing accurate information with your investors.

Due to its comprehensiveness, it’s an excellent example to follow if you’re opening a brick-and-mortar store and need to get external funding to start your business .

6. Curriculum Companion Suites (CSS)

If you’re looking for a SaaS business plan example, look no further than this business plan for a fictional educational software company called Curriculum Companion Suites. 

Like the business plan for the NALB Creative Center, it includes plenty of information for prospective investors and other key stakeholders in the business.

One of the most notable features of this business plan is the executive summary, which includes an overview of the product, market, and mission.

The first two are essential for software companies because the product offering is so often at the forefront of the company’s strategy. Without that information being immediately available to investors and executives, then you risk writing an unfocused business plan.

It’s essential to front-load your company’s mission if it explains your "Why?" and this example does just that. In other words, why do you do what you do, and why should stakeholders care? This is an important section to include if you feel that your mission will drive interest in the business and its offerings.

7. Culina Sample Business Plan

Culina's sample business plan is an excellent example of how to lay out your business plan so that it flows naturally, engages readers, and provides the critical information investors and stakeholders need. 

You can use this template as a guide while you're gathering important information for your own business plan. You'll have a better understanding of the data and research you need to do since Culina’s plan outlines these details so flawlessly for inspiration.

8. Plum Sample Business Plan

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300 Examples Of Business Ideas To Help You Start A Successful Business Are you looking for a business idea? But you want to make sure it's profitable first? You can learn from these 300 businesses to ensure your start-up launches on the right foot.

By Nicole Crampton • Aug 1, 2019

You're reading Entrepreneur South Africa, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Starting a business is tough, and not a lot of start-ups make it. To ensure your business is as competitive as possible, you'll need to do lots of research into your competition and see what other innovative businesses are doing.

This can take a significant amount of time, so we've compiled a directory of 300 innovative business and insights you can gain from them. These 300 businesses are divided into the following categories – choose a section you feel best applies to what you're doing and gain a much needed competitive advantage:

1. Examples of Food Business Ideas

So, you've decided to start a food business, but how do you differentiate yourself? What are successful food businesses doing to put themselves a topping or two above their competitors? When starting your food business ensure you incorporate the lessons from these companies to ensure your food business idea is a success.

2. Examples of Home Service Business Ideas

Everyone is busy these day. After work, no one wants to have to climb up on a ladder to try and fix a hole in the roof or a shorting light fitting. This creates a business opportunity for you. Here are 10 home service business ideas and examples of successfully operating businesses:

3. Examples of Personal Trainer Business Ideas

There is a growing number of people looking for an interesting way to get their daily/weekly dose of exercise in. You can offer an innovative personal trainer business idea to capture their interest and continue to engage them. Before you launch, it's always beneficial to find out what your competition are up to. Find some examples of personal trainer business ideas here:

4. Examples of Childcare Business Ideas

Parents sometimes need help looking after their children, no matter what age. If you have experience with children and a youth development, education or caretaking qualification, you can start your childcare business idea. Here are 10 examples of childcare business ideas you can use to get your business off the ground:

5. Examples of Educational Business Ideas

There is a growing emphasis on students to improve and increase their education and on adults to continue improving their education. With this solid demand in the educational industry, you can launch a business either improving on skills or teaching brand new skills.

6. Examples of Writing Business Ideas

You can start your writing business from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a solid internet connection. However, there are tips and tricks to ensuring your writing business remains profitable, here are 10 examples of writing business ideas you can use to launch the best possible version of your writing business:

7. Examples of Film-Related Business Ideas

The film industry continuously to grow year-on-year increasing its opportunities for film entrepreneurs. You could start a business doing voice-over work, scriptwriting and even costume design. Before you launch your start-up, here are 10 examples of film-related businesses you can gain insights and strategies from:

8. Examples of Photography Business Ideas

If you have the right equipment and experience you can offer your photography services to both local and international customers. There are a lot of opportunities for someone with a good eye for images. Before you get going here are 10 examples of successful photographic business ideas you can learn from:

9. Examples of Business Consultancy Business Ideas

A business consultant offers advice to companies in their area of expertise. You can consult businesses on everything from leadership development to stress management. Here are 10 examples of business consultancy businesses you can learn from to help give your consultancy a competitive advantage:

10. Examples of Personal Services Business Ideas

Personal services can be anything from housesitting to personal shopping, if you think you have a particular talent for helping others manage their lives, then this could be the business opportunity for you. Before you launch your business here are 10 examples of personal services businesses you can use to ensure you remain competitive within the industry:

11. Examples of Pet Business Ideas

Pet owners are happy to spend money on their pets, whether it's training, boarding or day-care, there are a lot of opportunities in the pet space. If you're an animal lover and want to work with them all day, here are 10 successful examples you can use to ensure your business remains competitive:

12. Examples of Clothing Business Ideas

There is always a demand within the clothing industry, whether you're helping someone to improve their look or repairing their fabric-covered furniture. If you have the talent and the experience you can start a clothing business. Before you get started here are 10 examples of clothing business ideas you can learn from:

13. Examples of Retail Business Ideas

Do you want to sell finished products directly to consumers? The retail industry could be the business opportunity for you. You could open anything from a clothing shop to a gaming parlour but before you get started you will need to know what strategies to employ and what you should offer.

14. Examples of Online Business Ideas

Advancements in technology have enabled entrepreneurs to create businesses that are wholly operated in a digital environment, resulting in decreased overheads and the freedom to run a business on the move. Before you launch your business learn a few strategies from these examples of online businesses:

15. Examples of Manufacturing Business Ideas

There are many small-scale manufacturing business ideas that can you can convert into a sustainable and profitable business. There's a market for you whether you're launching a manufacturing business that makes shoes, wigs or cosmetics. Here are 10 examples of manufacturing business ideas that can give you insights into starting your own manufacturing business:

16. Examples of Social Media Business Ideas

Social media enables businesses to directly reach and engage with their customers and target markets. If you have the right skills, you can launch a successful social media business.

Before you start your new business, you'll need to see what is happening in this industry. Here are 10 examples of social media businesses to give you a snapshot of this industry:

17. Examples of Tourism Business Ideas

Since South Africa is known for its natural beauty, tourism will always hold numerous business opportunities, especially if you live in a popular tourist destination. Your business can offer everything from tours to accommodation and experiences.

18. Examples of Party Business Ideas

You can offer your services to ensure your clients have the best possible party experience. Starting a party business doesn't mean you have to be at every event, you can help clients find vendors or rent party supplies.

Here are 10 examples of party business ideas that you can use to gain insights into the entertainment industry and strategies to ensure your business' success:

19. Examples of Cannabis-related Business Ideas

Selling cannabis itself is still illegal, but you can launch a business to support this growing industry. Since users are allowed to use weed within the comfort of their homes, there is the opportunity for support businesses to grow and offer users services. Here are 10 examples of cannabis-related business ideas:

20. Examples of Transportation Business Ideas

Transportation is vital to the progress of every city. There's always something or someone that needs transportation, and someone willing to pay for this to happen. There are numerous potential transport business ideas you can start; from Uber driving to specialised medical transportation.

Before you launch your transport business you can gain some strategies from these 10 transport business ideas:

21. Examples of Environmentally-Friendly Business Ideas

There is a growing demand by consumers to be more environmentally-friendly. This has created a growing number of green business opportunities. You can open any business from services helping others to be more eco-conscious or offering environmentally friendly products.

22. Examples of Rooibos Business Ideas

Rooibos naturally has numerous antioxidants and natural benefits. This has made it the cornerstone of several product lines. If working with a natural and beneficial ingredient is exactly what you're looking for then these could be the rooibos business ideas for you:

23. Examples of Drone Business Ideas

Drones and their various applications continue to grow in popularity as entrepreneurs find more and more uses for them. If the idea of running a drone business and offering very niche, specialised services appeals to you, this could be the business idea for you.

24. Examples of Sharing Economy Business Ideas

The sharing economy continues to grow in high demand as consumers look for more cost-effective ways to fund, purchase and find items. You can launch anything from a jewellery rental business to an errand running platform. Before you start here are 10 examples of sharing economy business ideas you can learn strategies from:

25. Examples of Home Décor Business Ideas

Not every person is gifted with the skills and talent to decorate and furnish their homes and gardens. There are customers that will need your help to create the perfect home. If you're passionate about home décor, then this could be the business idea for you.

26. Examples of Film-Related Business Ideas

27. Examples of Vegan Business Ideas

Veganism continues to grow in demand across the world, with more people than ever choosing a plant-based diet. You can tap into this market by starting your own vegan business idea. Before you start researching, here are 10 potentially lucrative vegan business ideas you can learn from to ensure your start-ups success:

28. Examples of Elder Care Business Ideas

There are numerous business opportunities available for someone looking to support the elderly community. If this is a passion close to your heart, then this could be the business idea for you.

Before you can start a business, you first need an idea, here are examples of 10 elder care business ideas you can gain insights and strategies from:

29. Examples of Design Business Ideas

Creating and designing something new, innovative and interesting continues to be exciting in numerous industries. If you're good at creating something from scratch or designing something never before seen, then this could be the business idea for you.

Here are 10 examples of actual design businesses you can learn from to ensure your company has a competitive advantage:

30. Examples of Financial Services Business Ideas

You can use your financial experience to start your own business for private individuals or businesses. You can offer numerous services from bookkeeping to expense reduction analyst and tax accountant. Before you launch your business here are 10 examples of financial services businesses you can gain strategies from:

Extra: 10 Examples of Businesses That Could Inspire Your Next Business Idea

Whether you're interested in starting an online life coach business or developing technology for virtual reality or offering a decluttering service. Before you launch your business, here are 10 examples of different kinds of businesses you can gain insights and strategies from:

Entrepreneur Staff

Sales Enablement - Content Developer

Nicole Crampton is an SEO specialist who contributes to Entrepreneur.com/za. She has studied a BA Journalism at Monash South Africa and has continued her studies with a Creative Writing degree from UNISA. Nicole has completed several courses in writing and online marketing, and continues to hone her skills and expertise in digital media, digital marketing and content creation.

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40 Startup Business Ideas to Try in 2024

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Aspiring entrepreneurs are often one brilliant startup business idea away from becoming their own boss. Of course, brilliance is easier said than done when starting a business .

The best startup ideas have business plans that solve a problem, meet an unmet demand or improve upon something already on the market — if not all of the above. Here are 40 ideas to help get your wheels turning as you look to bring a company to life.

40 best startup business ideas

Even startup ideas that seemingly come out of left field can yield incredible success. Read through this list for instant inspiration.

1. Create educational content or activities

Parents are always looking for tools and activities to keep their kids entertained and engaged. Printable activity guides for different age groups, home-school lesson plans or even virtual nature walks or story time could all be viable startup ideas.

2. Offer virtual team-building

Companies need new ways to boost morale and build camaraderie among remote and hybrid teams. Enter the virtual team-builder. Cheesemongers, mixologists, chefs, magicians, artists, historians, master gardeners — almost anyone can create and offer bonding experiences for virtual companies.

3. Start a meal-prep business

The U.S. market for meal kits is expected to grow 14.2% annually between 2023 and 2030, according to market analysis by Grand View Research [0] Grand View Research . Meal Kit Delivery Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Offering (Heat & Eat, Cook & Eat), By Service (Single, Multiple), By Platform (Online, Offline), Meal Type (Vegan, Vegetarian), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030 . Accessed Feb 21, 2024. View all sources . Tap into that market and start a meal-prep service to make people’s lives easier and cater to specialized diets (keto, vegan, Whole30).

4. Create a food waste solution

Creating a startup focused on reducing food waste could not only earn you some serious funding, but also positively change the food system and help save grocery stores and restaurants money.

5. Capitalize on plant-based foods

The U.S. plant-based market was worth $8 billion in 2022, with sales of plant-based foods projected to climb 44% over three years, according to the most recent annual report from the Good Food Institute [0] Good Food Institute . U.S. retail market insights for the plant-based industry . Accessed Feb 21, 2024. View all sources . Creating a vegan supermarket or making meat-free versions of traditional foods could be the ticket to success for aspiring entrepreneurs.

6. Start a dropshipping business

The e-commerce business model of dropshipping is especially attractive because it doesn’t require you to purchase inventory upfront. Selling higher-end products with low shipping costs could become profitable quickly if you do thorough competition research.

» MORE: 25 low-cost business ideas

7. Curate subscription boxes

Subscription boxes were a $32.9 billion business globally in 2023 (up from $22.7 billion in 2021), and the industry is still set to grow, according to a market research report by the International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group [0] International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group . Subscription Box Market Report by Type (Replenishment Subscription, Curation Subscription, Access Subscription), Gender (Male, Female), Application (Clothing and Fashion, Beauty, Food and Beverages, Pet Food, Baby Products, Health and Fitness, and Others), and Region 2024-2032 . Accessed Feb 21, 2024. View all sources . Pick a niche, and then curate a collection of specialized goods to deliver unique experiences to consumers. Some subscription boxes focus on a mix of products, like makeup or dog toys; others focus on a single item or theme, like shaving or sustainability. Find the right starting point for you and run with it.

Ready to get started? Here's what to do next

Open a business bank account.

Start keeping the books.

Build your website.

Protect yourself from liability.

8. Create an airport-centric app

Creating an all-in-one app that allows travelers tonavigate unfamiliar airports with real-time information is a relatively untapped startup idea. Though various travel applications exist, an app that shows amenities, TSA line wait times, ground transportation options and airport maps could be useful to passengers.

9. Become a destination wedding planner

Planning a wedding is stressful; planning a wedding from afar could fray any couple’s nerves. That creates a niche for a destination wedding planner who can advise on venue and vendor selections, as well as manage wedding and travel logistics for the bridal party and guests. If you love exploring, have expertise in a popular wedding locale and are great under pressure, this could be the startup idea for you.

10. Make local guides

Even if you don’t consider yourself a local expert, creating local guides can get you familiar with your surroundings and help tourists enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences in your area. Make themed guides, highlight attractions and partner with local businesses for advertising opportunities.

» MORE: 25 side business ideas

11. Create a local grocery delivery service

A grocery delivery startup can come with minimal setup costs — you only need a vehicle and a cell phone to get started. Help older people or others who are too busy to shop by offering this community-friendly service. You can even approach grocery stores in your area to see if they're willing to partner with you to get the service off the ground.

12. Start a virtual event planning company

Virtual event planning is a new booming business as in-person gatherings go online or take a hybrid approach. A skilled planner who can ensure all attendees are engaged, regardless of location, will be in high demand for years to come.

» MORE: Best business credit cards for LLCs

13. Sell zero-waste products

Starting a zero-waste company is more than just a trendy thing to do; it can be an ethical, environmentally conscious decision. Selling sustainable products such as reusable bags, bamboo toothbrushes or products with zero-waste packaging could appeal to a growing number of sustainability-focused consumers.

14. Make products for pets

Create innovative pet products to take advantage of the fact that 66% of U.S. households (about 86.9 million households) have at least one animal companion, according to the annual pet ownership survey by the American Pet Products Association [0] American Pet Products Association . Industry Trends and Stats . View all sources . Developing toys, accessories or clothing for furry friends can help you tap into that expansive market. You can also go the service route and offer pet sitting, walking or virtual dog training. Or develop an app or tech solution that makes pet parents’ lives easier.

15. Create custom clothing

Selling custom clothing or offering a tailoring service could be your winning startup idea. The custom clothing industry is gaining popularity and offers room for long-term growth.

» MORE: How to open an Etsy shop

16. Sell vintage clothing online

Demand for sustainable fashion has helped propel second-hand clothing into a $39 billion industry in the U.S. with projections to hit $70 billion by 2027, according to an annual resale report by online consignment company ThredUp [0] ThredUp . ThredUp Resale Report 2023 . View all sources . Consider selling thrifted, vintage or upcycled clothing on social media, an ecommerce platform or an app such as ThredUp or Poshmark.

17. Begin niche blogging

Find a niche (think e-sports or urban farming) and create engaging content around it. You can earn money through advertising, affiliate links and even product sales once you build an audience.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

18. Become an e-book writer

If you’ve got a way with words, consider becoming a self-published author and selling e-books on virtual platforms.

» MORE: 14 profitable e-commerce business ideas

19. Start ghostwriting

Create content for busy professionals who don’t have the time or the skill to write themselves. If you don’t mind not attaching your name to your writing, ghostwriting is a great way to earn money with little to no startup costs attached.

20. Become a resume writer

Everyone needs a resume, but few people are skilled at or enjoy writing their own. If you’ve got writing experience and are looking to launch a startup with no setup costs, creating a resume-writing service could be the path for you.

21. Open a coworking space

Capitalize on the rising popularity of remote work by creating a modern coworking space that addresses pain points of entrepreneurs. Pick a convenient location and build it out with highly sought-after amenities.

» MORE: 35 businesses that every community needs

22. Become an online coach

If you enjoy helping others achieve their goals and are a people person, this startup idea could be fulfilling for yourself and for your clientele. You can provide wellness, business or life coaching.

23. Flip failing websites

Buy an existing website, make improvements on it and sell it for a profit. You’ll need to understand the market well and have some web development skills, but this can be a profitable pursuit.

24. Become a web developer

The need for custom websites isn’t ever going away, and if you know your way around WordPress or know a programming language or two, you can start a profitable website development startup.

25. Start a podcast

If you’re deeply knowledgeable or passionate about a subject, consider getting into podcast production or hosting. Building an audience takes time, but once established, podcasters can earn money through affiliate marketing, donations and sponsorships.

26. Be a social media influencer

Once you find a niche and build a personal brand, amassing a large following on Instagram or YouTube can lead to a solid source of income through influencer marketing.

» MORE: 30 Instagram business ideas

27. Create online courses

Obscure hobbies can lead to lucrative business ideas if you make them easy for others to learn. If you’d like to teach others but aren’t interested in the coaching route, creating an online course could lead to reliable passive income.

28. Become a marketing consultant

If you’ve got digital marketing chops, help small businesses reach their target audiences by providing SEO, social media or copywriting services.

29. Develop an app

If you’ve got a unique idea and the necessary technical skills, creating an app could be your gold mine. It’s also possible to build an app without extensive coding skills, and once it launches, it can bring in passive earnings.

» MORE: 25 tech business ideas

30. Make a smart appliance

Smart accessories and home appliances are all the rage and becoming an important part of daily life for the average consumer. For inspiration, take note of daily tasks at home or at work that would be easier with a smart appliance.

31. Tap into virtual reality experiences

VR is the future, and the future is now. Create virtual reality experiences or accessories to tap into a global industry that’s projected to grow to a $165.91 billion market by 2030, according to a report by Fortune Business Insights [0] Fortune Business Insights . The global virtual reality market size was valued at $19.44 billion in 2022 & is projected to grow from $25.11 billion in 2023 to $165.91 billion by 2030... Read More at:- https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/virtual-reality-market-101378 . View all sources , a market research firm.

32. Make a niche dating site

The stigma around online dating has decreased over the past decade, so take the opportunity to help others find love. With various dating sites targeted to everyone from sea captains to farmers, there is market demand for specialty dating options.

33. Develop a chatbot

Create a chatbot — which uses artificial intelligence to communicate with people — to help businesses improve their communication. Chatbots have become more popular in recent years, and you can create one without knowing how to code.

34. Offer matchmaking skills

This is like creating a dating site but with a personal touch. If you have a knack for knowing what types of people and which personalities get along well, you might be the perfect person to start matchmaking. You can do this online or meet clients in person as well.

35. Be a virtual assistant

Being an online assistant for someone, or starting a company of virtual assistants, can be a huge success. Everyone could use a little extra help, and creating a startup focused around getting people that help for the administrative tasks in their lives, professional or personal, can be a huge moneymaker.

» MORE: Home-business ideas: 40 remote jobs to explore

36. Reinvent exercising

If there's one thing people get bored with, it's doing the same type of exercise day in and day out to stay healthy. Plenty of people have turned the exercise industry on its head, with businesses like CrossFit and Peloton popping up. You can do the same if you have an idea for a new regimen or activity for exercise enthusiasts.

37. Create eco-friendly, health-friendly makeup and beauty products

As people become more aware of the impact their personal choices have on their health and on the environment, they're looking for more health and beauty products that are also eco-friendly. Creating safe and eco-friendly products could be a great startup idea.

38. Open a food truck or restaurant pop-up

Opening a food truck or restaurant pop-up is a great startup idea for entrepreneurs with a knack for cooking. Both options are easier to launch than a full-scale restaurant and allow you to get started with a smaller staff and menu. You can open a food truck that only sells french fries with crazy toppings, for example, or launch a breakfast sandwich pop-up in your neighborhood coffee shop.

39. Start an organization business

Shows like "Tidying Up With Marie Kondo" and "The Home Edit" put professional organizing on the map, exposing millions to the magic of a tidy home. If you have a knack for making order out of chaotic spaces, you could start a business offering those services to those who need them. Organizing kitchen pantries, closets, bookshelves and more are all options you could offer customers at your new business.

40. Do interior design for young professionals

Have an eye for decorating? Start an interior design business, offering your services at an hourly rate virtually to young professionals looking for inspiration. It can be as simple as them uploading some images of their new space to your site and you sending back a few links with furniture in their budget and example images of what the room might look like when it's finished.

Start Your Dream Business

How to choose a startup idea

Do your homework before diving headfirst into a startup idea. First, make sure there's demand for the business you want to start, where you want to start it. More than 35% of businesses fail because there isn't a market need for their services or product, according to research from CB Insights [0] CB Insights . The Top 12 Reasons Startups Fail . View all sources .

You also need to write a business plan , which should include your company’s objective, sales plan, market analysis and financial projections. A good business plan can help to keep your business on track. Lenders will also want to see your business plan when considering you for a startup business loan . You should also consider the skills you already have and see how those align with any of the startup business ideas you might go with.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

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Copyblogger

A Framework to Start the Writing Business of Your Dreams: 15 Tips for Entrepreneurial Writers

You might have started your writing business because you love to write.

You might get a lot of positive feedback on your writing.

And you might have even picked up many great writing gigs over the years, solidifying your status as a professional writer .

But something is missing.

It’s difficult to balance writing for your existing clients and attracting new clients. Consequently, your writing income varies at different times throughout the year and the work you love to do never quite feels sustainable.

TET: the backbone of a sustainable writing business

Whether you’re just starting your writing business, or you’ve been building it for a while and are hoping to make it more financially secure, I have 15 tips that support a healthy, productive solopreneur venture.

To make the advice manageable, I’ll list five tips under three important categories for anyone working for themselves: Technology, Education, Tools (TET).

The success of a writing business depends on so much more than your ability to write.

Educating yourself on the business of writing and content marketing gives you a huge advantage over other (directionless) writers.

My Writing Business TET Talk below — not to be confused with a TED Talk 😉 — will show you how the right knowledge combined with the unique value you offer clients can create a powerhouse business that allows you the freedom to be yourself and do work you care about.

Want us to scale your traffic?

For the first time, The Copyblogger methodology is now available to a select few clients. We know it works. We’ve been doing it since 2006.

Writing Business Technology

Technology makes most modern writing businesses possible.

And getting set up with the right digital services doesn’t require a ton of technical knowledge. Instead, this section will focus on core business logistics that depend on some sort of technology.

My goal is to help you feel thankful for easy access to these solutions, rather than overwhelmed by a bunch of new things to learn.

As you’ll see, the main components you need are pretty simple.

1. Set up your internet, email, and phone accounts

We’re really starting at the beginning here, but I don’t want to skip the basics.

Intermittent, possibly not secure, internet access at a coffee shop just doesn’t cut it when you’re ready to get serious about your writing business.

Having a reliable internet connection at a place where you can always work — whether that’s at home or an office space — will give you peace of mind that you can communicate with your clients whenever you need to.

I also suggest having an email address and phone number for your business.

While you’re passionate about your work, separating business from personal communications is one step that can help prevent burnout.

Rather than having your entire day be one mix of business and personal tasks, you can get in the habit of managing business and personal items at different times.

2. Invest in hardware and software

This one is all about asking yourself questions to find out what you need to do your job well.

You can have a first-priority list with absolute necessities and a second-priority list for possible additions in the future.

To create your first-priority list, you may ask yourself:

• Is my computer able to perform every function needed for my business?
• Does the camera still work if a client requests a video call? What about my microphone and speakers?
• Is the writing software I use sufficient? How about my accounting software?

To create your second-priority list, you may ask yourself, what would I need if I wanted to:

• Start a podcast as a content marketing channel for my writing business?
• Make YouTube videos?
• Host live events?

3. Build a beautiful, secure website for your writing business

If you were setting up a brick-and-mortar business, you’d be checking out real estate at different locations.

One of the perks of a digital writing business is that you don’t necessarily need to rent or buy a physical space in order for you to do your work.

What you do need, however, is a beautiful, secure website that’s fast and easy to use. Then you’ll have a professional place to welcome prospects.

4. Prioritize your social media accounts

To complement your digital home, you’ll have social media accounts.

But attempting to have a presence on every site can be time-consuming and distracting.

Find out where your prospects hang out online and focus your social media efforts on those sites. Ultimately, you’ll share content on those platforms that will bring visitors back to your website.

5. Select a payment processor

What’s the best way for clients to send you money?

You don’t want to use a system that’s super easy for you but a pain for your clients, or vice versa.

Envision how your ideal scenario would play out once someone wants to hire you, and then select a digital payment processor, like PayPal or Square. That’ll be your standard procedure.

More on outlining your terms of service and payment policy below.

Writing Business Education

If you’re using content marketing and copywriting to build your writing business, you’ve probably already realized an unpleasant truth:

We live in a day and age when there is plenty of outstanding content to consume.

Your ideal customers and clients have multiple lifetimes worth of content to consume, right at their fingertips.

So it begs the question:

Why should an audience choose your great content over the competition?

That’s where having a broad understanding of digital marketing comes into play.

The good news is that we’ve narrowed down this range of competence to three core areas we teach inside Copyblogger Academy .

It’s what we call the trifecta of core skills

Writers with a good understanding of these three skills end up with higher-quality clients who are happy to pay a premium. These clients are also more likely to give you ongoing work.

This makes growing and scaling your writing business far easier.

Interested in mastering these three core skills?

Find out more about joining us inside Copyblogger Academy here .

Since ongoing education is crucial for writing business owners, let’s look at entrepreneurial actions you’ll need to learn about and perform.

1. Draft a budget

This is another one that helps you separate business activities from your personal life.

How much money do you need to run your business?

When you set aside funds for business expenses, you’ll have a realistic picture of what you can spend money on now and what you might need to hold off on until a later time. Then you’ll have an idea of how much money you need to save for certain items you eventually want to invest in.

Review your budget on a regular basis, since you may need to adjust how much money you spend on certain things.

For example, if an emergency expense comes up, you may have to borrow money from the amount you typically spend on social media ads, and pause those ads until you’re able to replenish the social media ads portion of your budget.

2. Determine your prices

Every project you work on will have different factors that affect how much you charge for your work, but the right type of preparation makes negotiating fees with clients much easier.

Check out our article 5 Stress-Free Steps for Pricing Your Services by Beth Hayden.

You’ll learn how to:

• Perform research and determine your hourly rate
• Estimate how many hours the project will take
• Add some margin to cover additional expenses, overhead, and surprises
• Communicate the price clearly to your client
• Track your hours and adjust future pricing accordingly

3. Outline the terms of service and payment policy for your writing business

While “terms of service and payment policy” may sound like boring business details, I consider them a fun opportunity for you to stand out as a professional .

If you want to have an exceptional service business, you cannot casually respond to any form of business communication or informally agree to any business transaction.

Check out my article Service Business Fundamentals: Impress and Score Your Next Client .

You’ll learn:

• How to become a master of assessing, communicating, and managing expectations
• The “service business as go-to collaborator” model
• How to present terms of service that help you convert prospects

4. Become the Editor-in-Chief of your website

You knew this one was going to be here.

Remember that beautiful, secure website that you built? That’s your publishing company, so make sure you manage it like an Editor-in-Chief.

My article Why Marketers Need Content Editors will show you how to become your own content editor, and you can pick up blog editing essentials in 40 Quick Editing Tips .

5. Avoid this common marketing mistake

I’m especially enthused about sharing this one with you because it will save you a lot of time.

Many new service providers (myself included, back in the day) create marketing materials that try to convince someone that they need a certain service.

For example, writers would speak to someone “who doesn’t know they need a professional writer” and try to persuade that person into thinking that hiring a professional writer is better than writing your own content and copy .

It’s a reasonable starting place for business newbies, and not a terrible mistake, but think about creating marketing materials for those who are already looking for a professional writer.

Prospects who already value professional writers are much easier to convert to clients.

Your job is convincing them that you’re the right person to hire. You don’t have to first convince them that they need to hire someone like you.

Writing Business Tools

Our final section will help you with the day-to-day activities of being self-employed .

These are practices that help you become more creative, productive, and confident.

Small changes to your writing habits can make a big difference when something unexpected happens and you have to roll with the punches.

Let’s roll …

1. Have an idea notebook

You’ll write down way more ideas than you’ll actually use, but it’s smart to document your thoughts about:

• Content ideas
• Marketing experiments
• Potential business partners
• Social media communities
• Books you want to read
• Your ideal clients
• Extra value you can provide

The pages can look messy and only make sense to you, but the notebook is a resource you can open if you ever feel stuck and don’t know where you should put your effort next.

2. Break down writing business tasks into lists

I wish I could sell lists as my own product called “Overwhelm Begone!”

There are often many different parts to a project or many different steps you need to complete before you can finish a task or achieve a goal.

My simple method to immediately avoid overwhelm is listing out every step that needs to happen. If you need to delegate tasks to other people, map out their roles in a sublist.

I include even the tiniest tasks because once they’re written down, they’re out of my mind and I can use that portion of brainpower for something else.

If you only had one thing to do at all times, I understand that breaking down that one thing into a list would be unnecessary. But when you have a lot going on, lists help ensure that everything gets done properly.

3. Use systems and processes

Like lists, systems and processes help you swiftly take care of business.

Here are some examples:

• A spreadsheet can help you monitor the stages of every project you have or organize your content marketing ideas.
• Your email policy can inform clients upfront about how quickly you respond to emails, so you can prioritize your workload.
• If you have trouble remembering to do a weekly task, assign it to a certain day of the week and stick to that routine.

4. Create a sample workday

Working for yourself gives you a lot of freedom, but it’s also stressful if you don’t manage your time properly. It will feel like you’re working all the time, and you’ll lack that balance I mentioned earlier.

So, if you keep the items you need to tackle on any given workday in mind, it’s a reminder that there’s a time to hustle and a time for leisure later in the day.

Your sample workday may include:

• Responding to work emails
• Writing for practice
• Writing for clients
• Meeting with clients
• Reading blogs about writing, content marketing, and your industry (if you write for a specific niche )

5. Filter out unsolicited criticism

They mean well, but sometimes they’re just mean.

I’m talking about the people you interact with who will make negative comments about your professional writing services. You know, the ones who know nothing about your industry or actually being a professional writer.

I don’t want to get too snarky, because a lot of them likely just want to protect you.

It’s difficult for many people to understand how writers make a living, so it’s a lot easier to discourage a writer from going down a path of uncertainty.

But you’re smarter than that. You know you don’t have to do this alone, and you don’t have to go down a path of uncertainty.

If you want to start the writing business of your dreams, you’ve come to the perfect place.  Copyblogger has helped accelerate the careers of writers just like you since 2006.

Enter your email address below to stay in touch …

Stefanie Flaxman

Stefanie Flaxman is an editorial director . Get her best tips for new writers at StefanieFlaxman .COM. Previously, Stefanie was Copyblogger's Editor-in-Chief for 9 years.

• Copyblogger Academy - The Copyblogger Academy is a premier membership program that gives you the tools and skillset to turn your writing into income. Join 1300+ members inside.
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Reader Interactions

Reader comments (18).

May 2, 2017 at 8:43 am

Good advice. I really need to start carrying a notebook with me for ideas as I’m like a goldfish at the moment.

May 3, 2017 at 5:09 am

As a fellow goldfish, I can attest that this is a useful practice. 🙂

May 3, 2017 at 12:40 pm

I could have called it a “focus” notebook too. 😉

Once you have your ideas written down in one place, it’s much easier to narrow down your top priorities and select one to focus on.

May 2, 2017 at 9:26 am

I loved this article Stefanie – give yourself a pat on the back!

I started carrying an idea notebook around a year ago and like you, I would recommend to anyone. It’s amazing how many ideas seem to pop into your head when you are relaxed and away from your workstation!

May 2, 2017 at 1:36 pm

It’s so simple, but so helpful. 🙂

May 2, 2017 at 3:48 pm

Simple clear advice. Thank you, Stefanie. I love lists and they are definitely a way to move forward when you are wondering what next.

May 2, 2017 at 4:15 pm

Nice article.

Speaking of secure sites (per the Technology point #3), does Copyblogger have any plans to switch to HTTPS?

May 3, 2017 at 3:03 pm

We’re looking at SSL for all of our site properties and any transactional portions are already secure.

May 2, 2017 at 5:59 pm

I love the part about creating marketing materials for those who are already looking for a professional writer. That must be one of the best demonstrations of the 80/20 rule there is. Rather than spend your time marketing to people who resist your service, wouldn’t you rather just be writing?

May 3, 2017 at 12:43 pm

I’m glad you liked that one, Michael! I remember how beneficial that shift was for me.

May 3, 2017 at 3:11 am

Lists always are the best way to manage all the tasks and perform to the fullest. Thanks for the article. Good Read!

May 3, 2017 at 3:35 am

Are these your secrets based on your experience, Stefanie? Because they sound so good – well planned and mapped out. I always believed that writing would be a great business; whether you build your own website or start as a freelance writer to gain experience and exposure. Sadly, some of those who go for freelance writing are often paid so badly (and cheap) by other companies that it discourages them in the long run. This article would surely encourage them to push on.

May 3, 2017 at 1:05 pm

Thanks, Brooke. The tips are based on my experience.

I’m glad you pointed out how writers can get discouraged if they are paid poorly.

I think a common theme throughout the post is having professional standards for your writing business. One standard I didn’t explicitly mention is knowing your worth and avoiding clients who aren’t a match for your services and don’t have the budget to pay for your high-quality work.

Our Certification program helps writers provide more value to their clients, so they don’t have to get stuck working for low rates. 🙂

May 3, 2017 at 6:17 pm

Good read! Thanks for the sharing! The ideas are all very practical! I once did a personality test and find out am actually a ESFJ personality. Surprisingly, I found myself maybe not a good fit for writing stuffs. Well, after reading this, I think I will find a way to figure out how to keep myself writing.

May 5, 2017 at 4:06 am

Thank you for all this infos. I usually have trouble breaking down tasks into lists, but i will try it and hope it will improve my work.

May 6, 2017 at 6:31 am

Great article!

I am a big fan of Copyblogger, you guys simply post great content on each topic. The article very well explains and the sub points are just amazing and very much useful.

Great work, Thanks!

February 23, 2023 at 12:02 pm

Point number 5 right on spot Stefanie. Whoever is looking for a good author/content creator will know who to hire by reading their content. If you are good they will come to you.

February 23, 2023 at 3:31 pm

I hardly breakdown tasks into a list and I usually end up mixing things up. Thanks for sharing.

This article's comments are closed.

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87 Advanced Business Writing Tips [That Actually Work]

Table of Contents

1. know your audience, 2. prime questions, 3. think first, 4. most time is planning, 5. drafting is easy, 6. editing time, 7. plan first, then draft, 8. woody allen is right about writing, 9. concept maps are essential for business writers, 10. develop headings, 11. start where it's easiest.

• 12. How to jump in and out

13. Back up when you get stuck

14. hire a coach, 15. paragraphs seven lines or less online, 16. dangling expressions are funny but avoid them, 17. use regular words to avoid non-sexist writing, 18. headings will allow your readers to scan easily, 19. make it easy for your reader to scan, 20. use format to indicate hierarchy, 21. write to express, not to impress, 22. concise writing is skilled writing, 23. use short words, 24. use staccato short words to grab attention, 25. winston churchill wisdom, 26. verbs = energy, 27. use precise verbs, 28. don't smother verbs, 29. verbs used right bring clarity, 30. how to cut 20%–25% of bloat, 31. "take" near a verb is smothered, 32. "give" near a verb is smothered, 33. "have" near a verb is smothered, 34. "make" near a verb is smothered, 35. "conduct" near a verb is smothered, 36. "come" near a verb is smothered, 37. "-ion or -ment" near a verb is usually smothered, 38. avoid wimpy verbs, 39. avoid redundancy, 40. don't start sentences with "there is" or "there are.", 41. active voice is better than passive voice, 42. use reader-focused wording, 43. avoid jargon, 44. be polite. it echoes., 45. own your work, 46. use standard grammar, even when challenging, 47. how to dodge awkward his or her dilemma, 48. the right amount of information helps the reader and writer, 49. equal respect matters, 50. avoid exclusionary words, 51. confident tone tip, 52. take a course, 53. an exclamation point is already superlative.

• 54. Use clear words rather than emphasis punctuation

55. Editing first step

56. editing second step, 57. editing third step, 58. break paragraphs frequently, 59. paragraph length is varied, 60. designate an editor for group documents, 61. planning eases editing, 62. editing can't compensate for poor planning, 63. how to proofread a colleague's document, 64. punctuation matters, 65. avoid run-on sentences, 66. avoid sentence fragments, 67. use hypens correctly, 68. me, myself and i, 69. use clause commas correctly, 70. grammar errors are individual, 71. wide-ranging grammar training won't help, 72. best grammar resource, 73. best grammar analysis, 74. best business grammar resource, 75. oxford comma yes or no, 76. grammar rules are inflexible, 77. grammar rules are flexible, 78. my recommendation on the prescriptivist vs. descriptivist divide, 79. best grammar and editing tool, 80. cut the bloat, 81. best tool you already have, 82. tone analyzer, 83. jargon detector, 84. free concept mapping tool, 85. how to easily learn concept mapping, 86. hire the better writer, 87. subscribe to our blog, bonus: 19 actionable writing tips infographic.

I'm excited to share these top 87 business writing tips with you. They were honed while I studied English Literature and Rhetoric, taught writing at the university level, and worked with thousands of individuals and hundreds of companies to help people write better at work. Many of these tips come directly from our award-winning online business writing courses . 

My hope is these tips help you enjoy writing, improve your business communications, get ahead in your career, and grow your business!

Business writing is all about your reader. Your reader is your focus point, not what you know.

Before you write anything, ask yourself these two questions:

1. Who is my reader? 2. What do I want this reader to know or do?

If you can’t answer these two questions, stop. Don’t write the document because it has no purpose.

Business writing is just as much about thinking as it is about writing.

You should spend approximately 50% of your time planning a business document or email.

Drafting a document is the easiest part and should require approximately 20% of your time.

Allocate 30% of your time to editing.

Accept that you want to draft more than you want to plan a document or email. Everyone does. Drafting gives us a (sometimes false) sense of accomplishment. And, drafting is easier than planning.

Woody Allen calls the planning portion of writing the “pace the floor” part. If you are an analytical thinker, which many business writers are, this is natural for you, but accept that sometimes it makes your brain hurt as your mind has to figure out all the interconnections.

Mapping the structure of a complex document will make both planning and drafting much easier.

When you plan your documents, write a heading for each main section of your document. Don’t worry about the wording of the heading as you are planning to document, but verify that you can encapsulate the content of that section into a heading. If you can’t, your content is murky so fix it now before you waste time editing the language when the real problem is disorganization.

You don’t have to begin writing a document or email at the first sentence. The first sentence is often the hardest sentence to write. Instead, look at your document headings and write the section that is easiest or most interesting for you. Once you begin writing, the interconnectivity of thoughts will ignite, and the rest of the document will be easier to write.

12. How to jump in and out  

In real life, business writers don’t have the luxury of a half-day of uninterrupted writing time. To maximize your efficiency, refer to the map or outline you created, decide which section you can tackle in the time you have, and start drafting. Having a map and headings will prevent you from having to re-engage your thinking all over again each time you exit and enter the document.

The best recommendation given to me during my years of rhetorical studies was: “The secret of writing is knowing when to back up. Don’t try to edit and polish before something is fully drafted. Don’t try to draft before your thoughts are clear. When you get stuck, back up!” As a business writer, this has saved me lots of frustration.

Hire a business writing coach and receive personalized feedback. One-on-one sessions will help you gain confidence in your writing and communication skills.

In email or other documents that will be read online, be certain your paragraphs aren’t longer than seven lines. (Lines, not sentences.) Any longer than that and readability studies show that your readers just see a big block of text and jump over it.

Dangling expressions commonly creep in documents in bullets and when copying and pasting. 

Example: David Corcoran wrote the project plan while traveling to Atlanta on the back of an envelope.  (Who knew one could travel on an envelope?)

Get practical instructor feedback that takes your business writing to the next level.

Enroll in our Effective Business Writing Techniques course, and master your bedrock business writing skills today.

Avoid awkward non-sexist constructions like his/her and s/he. Instead, write out the actual words - his or her.

Using headings in email to highlight the organization will allow readers to scan the email more efficiently.

Add white space to your documents by using numbered and bulleted lists .

Indent paragraphs to visually indicate it is a subset of the information above.

Related: How to Format Your Business Document

In business writing, your goal is to easily transmit ideas and information, not to flaunt a big vocabulary. 

Concise writing is harder to craft than writing that has no length limit. Blaise Pasqual stated, "I apologize for the length of my letter. I did not have time to make it shorter."

I’ve long admired Richard Lederer’s writing on language. In his 1991 book, The Miracle of Language , Lederer sings the praises of the short word:

When you speak and write, there is no law that says you have to use big words. Short words are as good as long ones, and short, old words— like sun and grass and home—are best of all. A lot of small words, more than you might think, can meet your needs with a strength, grace, and charm that large words do not have.

Two tips on clarity I always highlight in our business writing courses : 

• Never use a big word when a small word will do.
• Any time a word is not truly needed, cut it.

To grab your reader’s attention at pivotal moments in a document, such as the recommendation or conclusion, deliberately shift one or two sentences to all single-syllable words. A break in varied syllable length has the same effect on reading a document that staccato notes have when listening to music. The short, staccato words subconsciously alert your reader that something has shifted, causing them to pay more attention.  

Winston Churchill wisely stated, “Big men use little words, and little men use big words.”

Verbs are the pivot point of a sentence. Strong verbs have real punch. Compare:

The famous strong verb example by Julius Caesar: “Veni, vidi, vici.” I came , I saw , I conquered .

Business-speak: I was in attendance, and I conducted a review of the situation and culture, and I made recommendations for acquisition.

To bring clarity to your writing, use precise and evocative verbs. Business writers tend to muddle verbs because imprecise verb use is so common in business writing that it sounds normal to our ears.

A common clarity problem in business writing is “smothered verbs,” which are verbs that were changed to nouns (called “nominalization”). For example, the verb decide is nominalized into the noun decision . These nominalized verbs require helping words around them that smother their impact, muddle the clarity of a sentence, and increase sentence length.

Enhance clarity by using a specific verb, instead of a smothered nominalized word.

Example: The core verb in this sentence is “decide:" We need to make a decis ion about hiring either Kevin or Kira. - smothered verb We need to decide about hiring either Kevin or Kira. - unsmothered verb

Cutting smothered verbs reduces document length by 20–25% in most business documents. None of the smothering words have any value. Unsmothering verbs is a very powerful clarity technique.

Watch out for the word take near the verb in a sentence or sentence clause . If take is next to a verb or nominalized verb phrase, it is smothered. 

Example: We need to take the data findings into consideration if we expand the product line. We need to consider the data findings if we expand the product line.

Watch out for the word  give near the verb in a sentence or sentence clause . If give is next to a verb or nominalized verb phrase, it is smothered.

Example: Let me give consideration to your muddled writing. Let me consider your muddled writing.

Watch out for the word have near the verb in a sentence or sentence clause . If have is next to a verb or nominalized verb phrase, it is smothered.

Example: I have a suspicion some of your verbs are smothered. I suspect some of your verbs are smothered.

Watch out for the word make near the verb in a sentence or sentence clause . If make is next to a verb or nominalized verb phrase, it is smothered.

Example: We promise to make an adjustment to your account by tomorrow. We promise to adjust your account by tomorrow.

Watch out for the word conduct near the verb in a sentence or sentence clause . If conduct is next to a verb or nominalized verb phrase, it is smothered.

Example: We’ll need to conduct a review of the data before the decision can be made. We’ll need to review the data before deciding. (Two smothered verbs corrected)

Watch out for the word come near the verb in a sentence or sentence clause . If come is next to a verb or nominalized verb phrase, it is smothered.

Example: We came to the conclusion that prices had to increase. We concluded that prices had to increase.

Look for words ending in -ion and -ment near the verb in a sentence or sentence clause . If -ion or -ment is next to a verb or nominalized verb phrase, it is likely smothered.

Example: Are we i n agreement that clarity matters? Do we agree that clarity matters? Extend an invitation to Karen and Sunita. Invite Karen and Sunita.

Avoid wimpy verbs that need a helping word to enable the verb to do its job in the sentence. 

Example: 

Dolores walked into the room slowly and quietly with her head averted, hoping no one would notice she was late.

Dolores slinked into the room, hoping no one would notice she was late.

Evan planned and worked on the technical aspect of the project plan.

Evan engineered the project plan.

Avoid redundant verb modifiers.

Example: Damian shouted loudly at Clarrisa after she missed the deadline. Damian shouted at Clarrisa after she missed the deadline. (Shouting, by definition, is loud, so no modifier is needed.)

Weak sentences frequently start with “ There is ” or “ There are .” Instead, cut to the chase. Find the real subject and start there.  Read more about There, Their and They're here.

Example: There was a strong disagreement between the divisions about the reorganization structure. The two sides strongly disagreed about the reorganization structure.

Active voice is more dynamic and lively than passive voice, typically.

To increase reader engagement, shift appropriately from writer-focused wording to reader-focused writing. Be judicious. An entire document written with reader-focus wording can feel smarmy or too much like a marketing pitch. Used judiciously, it’s very effective.

Example: We have decided to upgrade the features of our training course. You will automatically receive updated features in your training course.

Jason Fried, the CEO of 37 Signals , stated: “Jargon is insecurity.” I agree.

So often, I hear people within an organization parrot each other with phrases that have been used so much they have become meaningless.

• Lots of moving parts
• Think outside the box
• View more jargon examples to avoid

Bonus Tip: You can also use our free Jargon Grader to check your writing for over 700 jargon words and phrases.

Everything we write at work has a larger echo. This echo is both a worry and an opportunity to advance your career. For example, you may have to deny a funding request to present research at a conference, but the larger echo requirement is maintaining the drive to innovate and research at your company. Don't win a battle and lose the war.

Avoid “I think …” or “I suggest …” or “I wonder if we should …"

Instead, confidently write “I recommend ...” or omit the “I” lead statement and simply write “Merge the divisions.”

Subjects and verbs need to agree in number. In an attempt be non-sexist, some business writers recommend writing, “Each person did their work quietly.” Each is singular. Their is plural. It’s grammatically incorrect.

To dodge the awkward his or her dilemma, shift the subject to plural when possible: A manager is trained to support his or her employees. Managers are trained to support their employees.

A little extra information provided can resolve repeated questions: As noted on page four of the instruction booklet, photocopying on both sides requires two steps.

Use consistency naming people. Mr. Jones and Arlene Kelly should be referred to consistently as David Jones and Arlene Kelly or as Mr. Jones and Ms. Kelly.

Use neutral job titles that do not imply gender - chairperson, not chairman or chairwoman.

To instill a confident tone to your writing, shorten your sentences and avoid the common overuse of “, and” in sentences. Which statement sounds more confident to you?

Training with us is easy , and you can hand us the job and just walk away.  You won't worry about a thing , and you can get back to what you do best.  Relax knowing your project is moving seamlessly to completion , and you can simply calculate the savings. OR Training with us is easy.  Hand us the job and just walk away.  You won't worry about a thing. Get back to what you do best.  Relax knowing your project is moving seamlessly to completion. Simply calculate the savings.

Do you hear the difference in confident tone? The second statement sounds much less out-of-breath or desperate to please and more confident and competent. It is calmer and assuring.

Continue to hone your skills by taking an effective business writing course . A structured course can help you develop effective business writing techniques [ Learn More ].

Never use more than one exclamation point at the end of a sentence.

When I studied rhetoric in graduate school, my favorite professor shared this funny statement about using too many exclamation points in general.  “Too many exclamation points make a document feel as if it has been written by an unfocused over-caffeinated cheerleader.”

54. Use clear words rather than emphasis punctuation  

Exclamation points are often used in business writing to generate enthusiasm when the real problem is imprecise information. More accurate, clear information will generate reader engagement far better than trying to spice a murky document with exclamation points.

The first step in editing is verifying that content matches reader needs - not too much, and not too little.

The second step in editing is making sure the document is as easy to scan as possible. Add headings, bullet lists, appropriate bold text, and lots of white space.

The third step in editing is correcting grammar, sentence structure, and eliminating bloat.

Every new thought needs a new paragraph. When in doubt, break the paragraph.

A one-sentence paragraph is both correct and emphatic. Don't be afraid to write a one-sentence paragraph.

When a group writes a document, designate one writer as the final editor to ensure a coherent voice.

If you are spending too much time editing, you probably rushed the planning of your document.

Editing should need a dusting, not an editorial massacre.

If a colleague asks you to edit their document, you must ask them about both the purpose of the document and about the audience. Without this information, you can only clean grammar.

A woman without her man is nothing. A woman: without her, man is nothing.

The most common grammar error we see in client writing during business writing training is fused or run-on sentences.

The second most common grammar error we see in client writing is sentence fragments.

The third most common grammar error we see in client writing is hyphen errors.

The fourth most common grammar error we see in client writing is me, myself, and I errors. 

The fifth most common grammar error we see in client writing is introductory clause comma errors.

Everyone makes different grammar errors. Therefore, to improve grammar, the first step has to be an accurate diagnosis of an individual’s entrenched grammar errors.

A review of many grammar rules is ineffective in actually improving business writing sentence structure. More effective is focusing on what is incorrect.

By far, the best grammar resource on the Internet is Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab . It includes explanations and exercises. 

Grammar Girl is an excellent resource for current grammar use and rationale.

Instructional Solutions’ Business Grammar category in their Business Writing Info blog is an excellent resource for business-specific grammar use.

Grammarians will never agree about whether or not to use the Oxford Comma (also called a Serial Comma). I recommend that business writers use it because of its consistency and clarification advantages.

Grammarians who believe a grammar rule should never be broken are called prescriptivists.

Grammarians who believe language is more flexible, and grammar rules may be broken, are called descriptivists. 

In business writing, it’s best to stick with established grammar rules because a client or potential customer could see what they perceive as an error and believe your work is simply sloppy.

For all the best business writing tools check out our full article here . 

Grammarly is our top business writing tool recommendation. Use it as the last check before you send anything. It will also detect plagiarism. Don't forget plagiarism applies to text as well as images.

Hemingway is a free app that detects bloat in your writing.

Microsoft Readability Measurement Tool, already embedded in Word and Outlook, provides helpful  business writing clarity measurements . Grammarly is better.

Tone Analyzer assesses the tone of your business writing .

Unsuck It is a rude, but useful, tool that assesses business writing jargon .

Freemind is free mind mapping software that is very easy to use.

This tutorial will teach you to use Freemind in ten minutes.

In his insightful book, Rework , Jason Fried stated:

All things being equal, hire the better writer. Good writers know what to include and what to omit. They understand people and motivation. They can express complex information in a way it can be shared. Whether the position is sales, engineering, software development, or HR, always hire the better writer.

I agree with Jason Fried. However, business writing is a skill that can be honed. Since 1998, my company, Instructional Solutions, and I have helped thousands of individuals and hundreds of companies write better at work.

We wanted to add one last tip! If you liked this article you can subscribe to our blog here . We often write articles focused on helping you become a better professional writer. 

For a deeper dive into business writing and for even more tips, read our full Guide to Business Writing .

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Written by Jesse Sumrak | March 12, 2024

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Can there really be that many good business ideas? Yes, there can. This is actually our filtered-down list—you should have seen how many other almost-good ideas nearly made the cut.

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or brand new to the scene, we’ve compiled the best-of-the-best business ideas for you to bring to life in 2024. These range from freelance writing to career coaching to dog walking and everything in between.

Ready to find your next big idea? Keep scrolling.

What Makes a Business Idea Good or Bad?

It’s not always just the idea you need to think about. Sometimes it’s you, the situation, market circumstances, or industry trends.

One business idea can be good today and bad tomorrow. It all depends on various factors (both predictable and unpredictable). Not every good business idea will be right for you, and that’s OK.

Fortunately for you, you don’t need 50 good business ideas—you really just need one. Here’s what to keep in mind when finding the right startup idea :

• Personal Interests: Don’t start a freelance writing business if you hate writing. Align your interests with your business. That’s the freedom you get when starting your own business—don’t throw it away from the get-go.
• Bandwidth: Some business ideas require more input and investment. For example, opening and managing a new Italian restaurant will be more time-consuming than launching a restaurant consulting business. Neither is better than the other—just under your capacity and limitations.
• Budget: Starting a business isn’t free. Some ideas cost less than others, though. Keep in mind your budget constraints when planning your venture.
• Trends: You want to be on the climbing side of a trend curve—not the decline. Thinking of starting a business centered around Pokémon GO? You’re only about 6 years too late.
• Problem-Solving: Find a business idea that solves a problem. Start with the issue, then find a product or service solution.
• Renovation: A good business idea doesn’t need to be innovative—it can be renovative. Fix a broken idea or build upon an already successful one.

Once you’ve found the right business idea, don’t quit your day job (yet). Test it first.

Don’t Skip: How to Start a Business from Scratch (Step-By-Step Process)

54 Good Business Ideas in 2024

We’ve broken down these good business ideas into a few different sections. Here’s how they’re categorized:

Types of Good Business Ideas

Low-Cost Startup Ideas

Online Business Ideas

Remote Business Ideas

Freelance Ideas

Business Ideas for Women

Side Hustle Ideas

Recession-Proof Business Ideas

7 Good Low-Cost Startup Ideas

Starting a business can be expensive. Rent, wages, inventory, advertising, web hosting, marketing—it all starts to add up quickly.

Fortunately, not every good business idea costs a fortune. You can find plenty that cost little to no cash to launch. Let’s start with these low-cost startup ideas first :

1. Freelance Writing: Turns words into income as a for-hire freelance writer . Find an industry that interests you and start writing. This could be thought-leadership articles, SEO-driven content, email campaigns, social media posts, or web pages.

2. Consulting: Freelancers tend to provide deliverables, while consultants provide advice, strategy, and expertise. If you’ve been in an industry for quite some time, there’s a good chance businesses will pay for your wisdom as a consultant . Develop expertise in emerging industries, like AI, to be an early adopter in a niche agency.

3. Course Creating: Have lucrative know-how? Bundle it all up into a well-designed online class and sell it as a course creator . We’re all for it—that’s what we do at Foundr.

4. Podcasting: Total podcast listeners are growing 20% each year . Jump in on the action by creating your own audio-based show. Here’s how to make your podcast stand out from the rest .

5. Blogging: Everyone likes blogs—you’re reading one right now. If you like to write, drive traffic to a website with blogging . Once you have an audience, you can monetize your visitors with ads, ecommerce, sponsorships, donations, and affiliate marketing. Speaking of affiliate marketing…

6. Affiliate Marketing: Instead of selling your own products, sell other businesses’ goods. You’ll make a commission every time someone clicks through your links and makes a purchase. Learn how Catena Media’s Erik Bergman used affiliate marketing to launch an IPO (initial public offering) his consultancy firm.

7. Website Building: Over 627,000 new businesses open each year in the US, and every single one of them needs a website. If you have a knack for building them, sell your services as a website builder. Here’s how to build sites quickly .

6 Good Online Business Ideas for Beginners

We won’t pretend starting a business is easy. It comes with a suite of challenges that bring even the best entrepreneurs to despair, headaches, and tears.

However, it’s worth the challenge.

Lucky for you, some business ideas are easier to start than others. If you’ve never dabbled in launching a business, then these online business ideas for beginners are a great place to start.

8. Ecommerce: Ecommerce is just selling stuff on the internet. Find a product , sell it online, and make a killing. That’s easier said than done, but our guide on how to start an ecommerce business will walk you through the entire process.

9. Virtual Assisting: Help businesses, executives, and freelancers schedule appointments, make phone calls, submit invoices, and manage basic finances as a virtual assistant .

10. Social Media Managing: Many businesses don’t have the bandwidth to manage social networks across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok ( yes, TikTok ). If you’re a savvy social media marketer, you can provide management services across paid and organic channels.

11. Branding: Designing a top-notch logo is hard. Writing a clever tagline is a challenge. Tying it all together into one cohesive brand—that’s the struggle of a branding expert. If you have a talent for it, sell your services in a freelancing or consulting capacity.

12. Domain Flipping: Instead of building websites from scratch, buy existing sites from domain marketplaces. They could be in great, semi-rough, or poor condition—your job is to polish them up and sell them for a profit.

13. Subscription Box Curating: Create a subscription box for a niche in need. There’s a lot of competition in this space, so you’ll need to be clever with your offering and targeting—but Henrik Werdelin built a 9-figure subscription box business just for dogs .

4 Good Remote Business Ideas

New business ideas have blossomed due to the acceptance of remote work. Give these remote work ideas a try to launch a business and help alleviate unexplored problems.

14. Wellness Programming: Remote work isn’t great for everyone—some folks struggle with stress and isolation. As a wellness programmer, you can provide ways to relax, decompress, and focus on mental and emotional wellbeing. This could be in the form of yoga, meditation, stretching, training, or just healthy habits.

15. Remote Work Services: Provide remote-empowering solutions to businesses in need. While it feels like remote started decades ago, some companies are still learning to adapt and cope. Offer services to boost collaboration or fill holes left open by work-from-home policies.

16. Virtual Fitness Training: Peloton doesn’t have a monopoly on online fitness—some people want other forms of exercise, and others prefer a more local community feel. Become a hyper-specialized fitness trainer in specific niches, such as ultramarathon training, rowing, ski mountaineering, or rock climbing.

17. Content Marketing: Upstart brands and corporations alike are looking for help to churn out content for their organic channels. As a content marketer , you can offer to create pieces like newsletters, website articles, social media copy, or short-form videos, all from the comfort of a home office.

7 Good Freelance Job Ideas

Freelancing has been on the up and up in recent years, and the pandemic has only been a catalyst for the movement. Especially with the Great Resignation upon us , companies need freelancers to step up to the plate and take over heaps of work.

If you have the right skill set, you can fulfill that need with one of these freelance job ideas .

18. Video Shooting and Editing: Video content is all the rage, but it’s not easy for busy businesses to produce. If you know your way around a camera and video editing software, you can find plenty of work as a freelance video specialist.

19. Career Coaching: Help clients find their way through their dream careers. You might guide them towards a more appropriate, fulfilling job, or you could give them the tools they need to negotiate their next big promotion.

20. Public Relations: Help businesses land press coverage with media kits, networking, press releases, and storytelling. It’s a demanding job, but it’s right if you like working in a non-stop, fast-paced environment.

21. Marketing: Use content marketing, email, social media, and advertising to market your clients’ products and services . Marketing is all-encompassing, and you’ll likely choose to niche down to a specific channel or strategy down the road.

22. App Developing: Apps are becoming a must-have part of most businesses’ products and services. However, finding an available engineer to build an app is near impossible. If you know your way around Java , Swift , or Kotlin , you’ll be in high demand for mobile app development.

23. Integrating: Some leaders inspire, others innovate, and a few dream. Integrators get things done. They take dreams and aspirations and turn them into reality. It’s a hands-on job, but it’s high-visibility and high-reward.

24. AI Consultant : With so many AI tools available , businesses are struggling to know how to implement them. Be someone’s go-to for AI implementation and consulting.

12 Good Business Ideas for Women Entrepreneurs

There are 114% more women entrepreneurs now than 20 years ago. Women are looking for more autonomy, work-life balance, and financial freedom—and they’re finding it on their own rather than waiting for the corporate world to change.

If you’re looking for a good business idea that promises location flexibility and work schedule independence, we have a few thoughts. Plus, these business ideas for women entrepreneurs are typically in women-dominated industries—helping you escape the gender discrimination more prevalent in male-dominated sectors.

25. Etsy Shop: Esty is the go-to marketplace for creative entrepreneurs. Want to make one-of-a-kind products? This is where to go to sell them.

26. Interior Designing: Have an eye for design? Become a residential or commercial interior designer. Ergonomic setups and feng shui (arranging furniture for balance) are becoming more of a priority in the business world, meaning more opportunities for you.

27. Graphic Designing: Logos, landing pages, websites, hero images, email campaigns—anything with pixels needs a graphic designer’s touch. While tools like Canva are growing in popularity, they’ll never replace a need for graphic design experts.

28. Dropshipping: Sell products without storing them in your home or a warehouse. It’s the perfect anti-Lula Roe way to sell goods without risking inventory issues.

29. Life Coaching: Coaching isn’t just for career advice. Sometimes, people need life advice. It’s less therapy and more guidance.

30. Tutoring: Online course instructing is when you want to teach the masses—tutoring is for more private 1:1 teaching. Have an in-demand skill? There’s a good chance someone will pay you to teach it to them.

31. Real Estate: Purchase investment properties, find a tenant to pay rent (hopefully covering the monthly mortgage), and sell the property after it appreciates substantially. That’s real estate for you.

32. Wedding Planning: A wedding is the most important day of two partners’ lives. If you can navigate all the moving parts and piece together something beautiful, you’ll be on everyone’s contact list come springtime.

33. Personal Chef: You don’t need to own a restaurant to be a chef. More individuals and families are hiring personal chefs to cook in private settings.

34: Event Planning: Conferences, parties, meetings, conventions, trade shows—they need talented event planners to come together. If that sounds like you, you’ll always have a job in event planning.

35. Makeup Artist: Makeup isn’t as easy as it looks in the commercials, and that’s why makeup artists are killing it on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok showing people how it’s done.

36. Cleaning Business: Everyone needs cleaning: commercial and residential. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty (or managing the business), you’ll find plenty of messy people begging for your help.

14 Good Side Hustle Ideas

Some ideas start better as a side hustle until they bloom to maturity. Side hustles (for better or worse) are less committing than full-time ventures. You can often grow them on the side while maintaining your 9-to-5 until the timing is right .

You also have the option to keep them as a side hustle. Not everyone wants to quit their full-time job and become an all-in entrepreneur, and that’s OK. These are the perfect side hustle jobs for pursuing a passion, making an extra buck, or laying the roots for your next business.

37. Ghostwriting: If you don’t mind trading credit for income, ghostwriting can be a lucrative business idea.

38. Podcast Editing: Some people thrive doing podcast interviews, but they can’t navigate the editing process. That’s where you come in.

39. Influencer Marketing Specialist: Most businesses are hesitant to start with influencer marketing simply because they don’t know how. Tell them what they need to know and hold their hand through the process.

40. Lead Generation Consulting: Sales aren’t always the root of the problem—sometimes, it’s lead generation. Guide a client through how they can build and optimize their lead funnel.

41. Browser Extension Developing: Mobile apps are nice, but sometimes a built-in browser extension is more appropriate.

42. Data Scientist: Know your way around numbers? Businesses have more data than they know what to do with. Help them understand the stories behind the numbers.

43. Quality Assurance Testing: There’s a lot of pressure for apps to be built quickly, but that doesn’t mean quality assurance isn’t a priority. Your job is to break apps so that developers can fix them before they go public.

44. Public Speaking Coaching: Public speaking will likely always be a struggle for a large number of individuals. If you can help executives and would-be presenters overcome their fears and step up to the stage, you’ll have a job in public speaking coaching.

45. Media Training: Don’t put an executive in front of a microphone until they’ve been trained on what to do (and more importantly: what not to do). It’s your job to make sure they don’t screw up.

46. Contract Writing: Know your way around legalese? Help businesses write up contracts.

47. Translating: If you’re bilingual, there’s a good chance you can find gigs for translating the two languages.

48 Dog Walking: Just because more people are working from home doesn’t mean they don’t want a dog walker. Sometimes, they don’t want to leave the house, and other times they can’t with illness or kiddos.

49. Pet Sitting: People want to travel and see the world, but they can’t always bring their furry friend. Keep them company for payment.

50. Travel and Experience Host: If you live in a major metropolitan city or somewhere that’s a destination for travelers, it’s easy to take advantage of platforms like Airbnb to host guests in your home or plan custom experiences that only a local can provide. Whether it’s a food tour in your neighborhood or a guided historical hike, travelers will fork out cash to experience your home like you do.

4 Good Business Ideas During a Recession

Sketchy economic times require backup plans. With 9 to 5 jobs in flux, starting a business during a recession is a secure way to make side income and take advantage of shifts in the market.

51. Finance Coach: With a tightening economy comes tightening budgets. As a finance coach, you can help families objectively adjust their monthly budgets and offer suggestions on cutting costs to free up cash.

52. Content Creator: Making entertaining and engaging content for platforms like TikTok, Twitch, or YouTube doesn’t seem like a stable idea, but it meets two criteria of a recession-proof business. First, it’s low-cost to start. All you need is a phone, ideas, and your personality. Second, it meets consumers’ demands during tight economic conditions—escapism and low-cost entertainment.

53. Home Repair: No matter what’s happening with S&P 500, pipes will burst, lights will flicker, and furnaces wig out. Starting a home repair business will keep you in demand no matter the economic climate because what can go wrong will go wrong with a house.

54. Cleaning Services: Almost half the families in America have both parents employed, meaning there’s not much time to make the house squeaky clean for a hosting. It doesn’t matter if the economy is up or down; people are willing to pay for a cleaning service on the regular or in a pinch before their in-laws come from the weekend.

Keep Learning: How to Start an Online Business

Bring Your Good Idea to Life

Once you’ve zeroed in on your good business idea, it’s time to make it a reality. However, you need more than just an idea—you need skills and know-how.

That’s where we can help.

Download our 500 product idea guide to jumpstart your business.

About Jesse Sumrak

Jesse Sumrak is a writing zealot focused on creating killer content. He’s spent almost a decade writing about startup, marketing, and entrepreneurship topics, having built and sold his own post-apocalyptic fitness bootstrapped business. A writer by day and a peak bagger by night (and early early morning), you can usually find Jesse preparing for the apocalypse on a precipitous peak somewhere in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

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How to Come Up with an Innovative Business Idea

• 21 Jul 2020

Entrepreneurship is the pursuit of opportunity beyond currently controlled resources. By definition, entrepreneurs seek to fill a need in a new way.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, however, generating strong, novel business ideas can be challenging.

If you’re interested in being an entrepreneur , brainstorming ways you can satisfy needs and solve problems is a good place to start.

Remember the golden rule of brainstorming: There are no bad ideas. As your thoughts flow, jot them down so you can later prune the list to focus on your strongest concepts.

Here are some thought-starters for coming up with innovative business ideas and examples of how entrepreneurs have used them to build successful companies.

Access your free e-book today.

How to Come Up with a Business Idea

Is there an easier way.

One place to start brainstorming potential business ideas is by asking yourself, “What task can I make easier?”

A common denominator for successful businesses is their ability to fulfill customer needs . In this case, the need is to create a product or service that makes people’s lives easier.

Related: How to Identify an Underserved Need in the Market

The most innovative businesses have flourished from simple ideas. For example, HelloFresh has taught people how to cook and provided tools to prepare meals more efficiently. It started with a need to make meal planning and grocery shopping easier. By preparing meal kits that directly fulfill busy people’s needs, this idea has seen major growth.

Check out our video on how to come up with innovative business ideas below below, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more explainer content!

This method of creating a product to fill a need can be viewed through the lens of Harvard Business School Professor Clayton Christensen’s jobs to be done theory , which he presents in the online course Disruptive Strategy .

“A ‘job to be done’ is a problem or opportunity that somebody is trying to solve,” Christensen says. “We call it a ‘job’ because it needs to be done, and we hire people or products to get jobs done.”

Look for these kinds of opportunities in your own life. Every “job” presents an opportunity to create an easier way to get it done.

By centering your business plan on a particular need, you can increase your chances of building a profitable business.

Related: Jobs to Be Done: 4 Real-World Examples

Can I Make This More Accessible?

There are many useful products and services that aren’t readily available to the entire market, creating an opportunity to produce a similar, more accessible product offering.

The founding of Airbnb by Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia is an example that HBS Professor William Sahlman uses in the online course Entrepreneurship Essentials .

“Chesky and Gebbia observed how hard it was to find housing during big local events,” Sahlman explains. “They decided to list online three air beds in their apartment for people coming to San Francisco for a design conference.”

From there, they added a third member to their founding team, Nathan Blecharczyk, who built the platform for connecting people with spare rooms to travelers needing a place to stay. They called it AirBed and Breakfast, which later became Airbnb .

Chesky and Gebbia noticed hotel rooms weren’t easy to book during large events, recognized a business opportunity, and devised a solution to fulfill a need for accessible, short-term lodging.

There are countless industries and companies whose offerings are inaccessible to certain market segments or during specific periods. Consider how you might fill those needs.

Related: 10 Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs

What Can I Improve About This?

For every successful product offering, there's a multitude of ways to make it better. Think of companies you admire and imagine how you could improve their products. As you do so, consider the following four factors.

1. Delivery Process

Your business idea doesn’t have to be entirely new—it just has to fill a need. If you can identify a more convenient way of delivering an existing service, it could be an opportunity for your business.

Uber is used as an example in Entrepreneurship Essentials . Taxis have existed for decades, but Uber delivered its services in a new, innovative way by linking drivers in their own cars to customers via an app.

This example also shows there are no limits to what type of business you can create. Your business’ ability to fulfill a need will matter more than whether it’s a brick-and-mortar or online business.

Related: 3 Effective Methods for Assessing Customer Needs

2. Location

One of the simplest improvements to a product or service is bringing it to a new location.

Returning to the Uber example in Entrepreneurship Essentials , ride-sharing company Didi was founded in China—a location Uber hadn’t yet reached. Didi used a similar platform and model as Uber but filled a location gap Uber had left open.

What products, services, or concepts have you experienced in other places that you’d like to bring to your community?

One improvement that can make a significant impact is cost. Determining how to make a high-quality equivalent to a leading product and offer it for a fraction of the price has great potential.

Home security brand Wyze was founded using this logic. After four ex-Amazon employees discovered they could produce high-quality security cameras and sell them for one-tenth the cost of leading competitors, they sold one million security cameras in their first year as a company.

It takes testing to ensure product quality isn’t sacrificed for a lower price, but finding a way to reduce the cost of an in-demand item could jumpstart your entrepreneurial journey.

4. Customer Experience

Taking an existing offering and improving the customer experience for all or a segment of the market can be a valuable way to fill a need.

One example of an organization that’s done this well is Wanderful , a platform that, similar to Airbnb, connects travelers to locals who can offer lodging and travel advice—with the provision that all users are women.

Beth Santos, founder and CEO of Wanderful, noticed that female solo travelers made up 11 percent of the travel industry , which failed to take into consideration the safety, gender norm, and cultural concerns of women traveling alone.

She improved this experience by creating a network of women that can be tapped into for lodging, travel advice, or just a friendly face in a new location. Wanderful has since expanded its mission to give female and non-binary travelers voices in the travel industry through conferences, communities, and recognition programs.

If there’s an opportunity to improve the experience of a specific group of people, act on it and see where the opportunity leads.

Related: 6 Questions to Ask Before Starting a Business

Is It Time to Pivot?

When starting a business, you may need to pivot from your original idea as new needs arise in the market.

For instance, Jebbit , a tech startup that originally offered a platform to pay students for the advertisements they watched, saw a rising need for privacy and consent in the consumer data space. It pivoted to create a platform for secure, declared customer data.

Another instance in which it makes sense to pivot is during technological evolution.

In Disruptive Strategy , Christensen explains that technological advancements can be either sustaining or disruptive innovations , depending on how they impact your company.

Take Netflix : The service was created to allow people to watch movies without going to the video store and accomplished this by mailing DVDs to customers’ homes with prepaid return envelopes.

When streaming came on the scene in 2007, Netflix implemented the new technology into its business model and has continued to adapt as it’s evolved. Because Netflix was able to adopt new technology to continue serving its customers, streaming was a sustaining innovation.

In the case of video store Blockbuster , streaming was a disruptive innovation that it tried but couldn’t affordably adopt. It ultimately led the business to shut down.

When technological advancements arise, think of how your current business model could shift to use innovation as a sustaining force.

More Examples of Innovative Business Ideas

As you think of ideas for businesses, take inspiration from the world around you. Analyze the foundational needs other businesses have fulfilled for society and how they’ve adapted to what customers want.

Remember: As a future business owner, it’s critical to understand your company’s core mission. Focusing on that can help align your startup ideas and provide a greater chance for success.

To gain even more insight and inspiration, consider the following examples, which show how diverse your business model and mission can be.

Notarize , the first online platform for legally signing and notarizing documents is just one example of an online startup that discovered an overlooked need. For many, it’s a hassle to find a notary public to sign a document in person. This prompted Pat Kinsel, founder and CEO of Notarize, to make this difficult, but necessary, task more convenient.

"It really struck me that notarized documents are often some of the most important things people sign, and yet, we have this system that’s 100 years old," Kinsel said in an interview with Inc .

Kinsel designed the Notarize app to connect people to licensed notary publics via video chat so they can see their documents signed in real time.

This need for notarized documents seemed to be a common, but overlooked, need for many professionals. By thinking outside the box, Notarize seized a business opportunity and brought it to its fullest potential.

The development of Starbucks under former chairman and CEO Howard Schultz is another example that highlights how to efficiently choose locations for your brick-and-mortar.

“Schultz admired the sidewalk coffee shops he’d visited in Italy and decided he would introduce the same basic idea in the United States,” Sahlman says in Entrepreneurship Essentials. “That venture became Starbucks.”

Now, it’s rare to walk a few blocks without seeing a Starbucks on a corner. Strategic locations within high traffic routes created a customer base that’s made Starbucks an essential part of their lives.

Perhaps one of the most well-known companies in the world, Amazon is a prime example of fulfilling people’s need for convenience.

This e-commerce business made it the norm to buy items online—including books, music, movies, housewares, and electronics—and have them quickly and conveniently delivered.

Think Like an Entrepreneur

Coming up with an innovative business idea isn’t difficult if you’re observant. By asking yourself key brainstorming questions, you can generate a list of business ideas that fill market needs, improve existing products, and make daily life easier and more enjoyable.

Do you want to turn an idea into a viable venture? Explore our four-week Entrepreneurship Essentials course, six-week Disruptive Strategy course, and other online entrepreneurship and innovation courses to discover how you can harness the power of innovation. Download our free course flowchart to determine which best aligns with your goals.

This post was updated on September 19, 2022. It was originally published on July 21, 2020.

About the Author

How to Start a Freelance Writing Business

Freelance writers generate written content about a variety of topics for readers of websites, newspapers, journals, magazines, books, and other publications.

You may also be interested in additional side hustle ideas .

Learn how to start your own Freelance Writing Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a freelance writing business by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Freelance Writing Business
• Form your Freelance Writing Business into a Legal Entity
• Register your Freelance Writing Business for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Freelance Writing Business
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Freelance Writing Business
• Get Freelance Writing Business Insurance
• Define your Freelance Writing Business Brand
• Create your Freelance Writing Business Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your freelance writing business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Freelance Writing Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your freelance writing business?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a freelance writing business.

You must have a computer, a high-speed internet connection, a desk, and possibly a printer. A laptop, depending on the brand you choose and the word processing software that you use, purchasing a computer can cost up to around $1,500. Wireless internet connect costs an average of $50/month, but the cost can be significantly higher or lower depending on the wifi provider that you use and the speed of the connection that you desire. A desk and a printer are both optional purchases that can be bought at your preference. 

What are the ongoing expenses for a freelance writing business?

Writers must pay for high-speed internet. This costs between $30 and $60 per month. Computer maintenance, repairs and replacement are also necessary. Budget at least $50 per month for these expenses. Ink for a printer will likely cost $20 to $50, depending on how frequently it is used. Certain online content mills force writers to pay fees to obtain access to clients. If you take this route, you will spend between $10 and $50 or more per month to gain access to clients.

Who is the target market?

The ideal client type is an organization that requires a steady stream of written content. Examples of such clients include online content mills, newspapers, magazines, and owners of small to medium-sized businesses who need online content optimized for search engines.

How does a freelance writing business make money?

Freelance writers make money by charging clients for the creation of content. The price of a piece is usually based on cents per word. Alternatively, it is possible to charge a client a specific price for an individual project regardless of its length.

You can charge a wide range of prices per word or project. The exact price hinges on the client's budget, the nature of the piece, your experience level and your desire to write about the project in question. In general, a 1,000 word article will pay between $25 and $175.

How much profit can a freelance writing business make?

A freelance writer can make upwards of $20,000 or more in his first year. Stick with the business and you can earn $30,000 or more in subsequent years. Continue to add clients and you might reach the $50,000 mark or higher after several years of hard work.

How can you make your business more profitable?

If you work for an online content mill that gives clients the option of rejecting pieces, do not delete those articles. There are other online content mills where you can post such rejected articles for purchase. Some busy freelance writers decide to outsource certain projects to other writers and skim a percentage of the pay off the top as a “finder's fee” of sorts.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your freelance writing business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a freelance writing business.  Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Freelance Writing Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Freelance Writing Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a freelance writing business

Press the flesh with local business owners and managers as well as those who are involved with local newspapers, magazines and other publications. Pass out your business cards to these individuals. Offer to write an initial piece at a reduced rate to prove your merit as a content creation specialist. If you work for online content mills, be sure to fill out your profile from beginning to end. Many of these profiles can be searched by clients who are on the prowl for new writers with specific talents, interests, and specialties. It will also help to establish social media accounts where you can post links to your published pieces. A friend in your social media circle just might pass on your link to someone who requires online or offline content for his business, website, or other endeavor.

How to keep customers coming back

Take every opportunity to show potential clients examples of your work. Build profiles on social media platforms, online content mills, and other online venues to show off your writing prowess. Retaining customers is as simple as generating thoughtful content that is free of spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. Be sure to submit each piece before the deadline to keep your clients happy.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

This business is right for an individual who has an affinity for the written word and language in general. If you are a voracious reader, enjoy expressing yourself, and have a way with words, you should give consideration to working as a freelance writer. This line of work is also ideal for those who enjoy autonomy. The typical freelance writer does not have to deal with an overbearing boss. However, freelance writers must meet tight deadlines, satisfy clients' nuanced demands, and create captivating content.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a freelance writing business?

This individual reviews assignments for acceptance or rejection. He researches subject matter for the assignments he accepts. Freelance writers craft intriguing and informative content based on their research, personal opinions, existing knowledge, interviews, and other sources of information. Part of the day is spent interacting with clients. Another portion of the day is spent deep in thought, brainstorming content that will appeal to readers. Freelance writers are also tasked with finding new clients and searching out online platforms for writing opportunities. Most of the day is spent writing.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful freelance writing business?

You should have an expansive knowledge base that empowers you to write insightful content about all different subjects without performing time-consuming research. However, some topics will require a considerable amount of research. If you are an excellent web sleuth who enjoys uncovering information, whittling it down to what matters the most and subsequently crafting completely unique content, you will thrive as a freelance writer. You should also have excellent time management skills as this is a deadline-based business. A formal degree in English or writing can help you gain the skills necessary to succeed at being a freelance writer; however, you can also take classes online or at a local community college if you are looking for a more affordable, less time-consuming writing education. 

It will also help to type at a fast rate of speed. The best freelance writers are able to express themselves in an efficient manner. These professionals typically type between 80 and 100 words per minute. As with writing, there are many affordable online options for training your typing skills. The bottom line is that you will be paid according to the quality  and  quantity of your output.

What is the growth potential for a freelance writing business?

This business has plenty of upward momentum. Freelance writers who specialize in producing online content have the opportunity to grow their business quite rapidly. As time progresses, people are consuming more and more web-based news, editorials, reviews, and other online material. Yet, there are also opportunities for traditional freelance writers who create offline content for newspapers, magazines, journals, scripts, books, etc. If you have an expansive vocabulary, a unique tone of voice, and a willingness to work hard, your freelance writing business will grow quite rapidly.

Not sure if a freelance writing business is right for you? Try our free Business Idea Generator and find your perfect idea.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a freelance writing business?

Establish a presence on multiple online content platforms. This way, if one platform lacks a steady flow of work, you can secure new writing projects on the other platforms. Get a set of business cards to pass out to those you meet. All sorts of businesses can benefit from an alliance with a freelance writer. The online content you produce for a new friend's blog, social media page, website homepage, or print publication just might end up paying a portion of your monthly rent. Establish as many relationships as possible. You never know if a friend, colleague, or other acquaintance will befriend someone who requires the services of a freelance writer. The quality of your work is of critical importance. Focus on generating high-quality pieces and submitting them by the deadline. A track record of successful pieces submitted in a timely fashion will convince clients that you are worthy of subsequent projects.

How and when to build a team

There is no need to build a team unless you are so successful that you become overloaded with work. Though it is possible to outsource writing projects to others, it is not advisable. The bottom line is that your name is attached to your submissions. If you outsource the work and the writing is low in quality, you probably won't receive repeat business from the client.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• Editorial Freelance Association
• National Association of Independent Writers and Editors
• Learn about more Online Business Ideas
• List of Writers association

Real World Examples

• Fine Point Writing

Further Reading

• So you want to be a freelance writer
• How anyone can become a freelance writer
• The complete guide to freelance writing

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

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WEEKLY WRITING PROMPTS

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Your teacher tasks you with writing a story based on an eavesdropped conversation. when the story is published, your subject isn’t happy..

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Write a story in which someone can only hear one side of a conversation and must piece together the meaning of what they’ve heard.

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Write a story about a tennis match between two rivals., write a story that begins with someone dancing in a bar., write a story around someone (literally) bumping into someone else., write a story about a character running late for a job interview., subscribe to our prompts newsletter.

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Creative Writing Prompts

When the idea to start a weekly newsletter with writing inspiration first came to us, we decided that we wanted to do more than provide people with topics to write about. We wanted to try and help authors form a regular writing habit and also give them a place to proudly display their work. So we started the weekly Creative Writing Prompts newsletter. Since then, Prompts has grown to a community of more than 450,000 authors, complete with its own literary magazine, Prompted .  

Here's how our contest works: every Friday, we send out a newsletter containing five creative writing prompts. Each week, the story ideas center around a different theme. Authors then have one week — until the following Friday — to submit a short story based on one of our prompts. A winner is picked each week to win $250 and is highlighted on our Reedsy Prompts page.

Interested in participating in our short story contest? Sign up here for more information! Or you can check out our full Terms of Use and our FAQ page .

Why we love creative writing prompts

If you've ever sat in front of a computer or notebook and felt the urge to start creating worlds, characters, and storylines — all the while finding yourself unable to do so — then you've met the author's age-old foe: writer's block. There's nothing more frustrating than finding the time but not the words to be creative. Enter our directory! If you're ready to kick writer's block to the curb and finally get started on your short story or novel, these unique story ideas might just be your ticket.

This list of 1800+ creative writing prompts has been created by the Reedsy team to help you develop a rock-solid writing routine. As all aspiring authors know, this is the #1 challenge — and solution! — for reaching your literary goals. Feel free to filter through different genres, which include...

Dramatic — If you want to make people laugh and cry within the same story, this might be your genre.

Funny — Whether satire or slapstick, this is an opportunity to write with your funny bone.

Romance — One of the most popular commercial genres out there. Check out these story ideas out if you love writing about love.

Fantasy — The beauty of this genre is that the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Dystopian – Explore the shadowy side of human nature and contemporary technology in dark speculative fiction.

Mystery — From whodunnits to cozy mysteries, it's time to bring out your inner detective.

Thriller and Suspense — There's nothing like a page-turner that elicits a gasp of surprise at the end.

High School — Encourage teens to let their imaginations run free.

Want to submit your own story ideas to help inspire fellow writers? Send them to us here.

After you find the perfect story idea

Finding inspiration is just one piece of the puzzle. Next, you need to refine your craft skills — and then display them to the world. We've worked hard to create resources that help you do just that! Check them out:

• How to Write a Short Story That Gets Published — a free, ten-day course by Laura Mae Isaacman, a full-time editor who runs a book editing company in Brooklyn.
• Best Literary Magazines of 2023 — a directory of 100+ reputable magazines that accept unsolicited submissions.
• Writing Contests in 2023 — the finest contests of 2021 for fiction and non-fiction authors of short stories, poetry, essays, and more.

Beyond creative writing prompts: how to build a writing routine

While writing prompts are a great tactic to spark your creative sessions, a writer generally needs a couple more tools in their toolbelt when it comes to developing a rock-solid writing routine . To that end, here are a few more additional tips for incorporating your craft into your everyday life.

• NNWT. Or, as book coach Kevin Johns calls it , “Non-Negotiable Writing Time.” This time should be scheduled into your routine, whether that’s once a day or once a week. Treat it as a serious commitment, and don’t schedule anything else during your NNWT unless it’s absolutely necessary.
• Set word count goals. And make them realistic! Don’t start out with lofty goals you’re unlikely to achieve. Give some thought to how many words you think you can write a week, and start there. If you find you’re hitting your weekly or daily goals easily, keep upping the stakes as your craft time becomes more ingrained in your routine.
• Talk to friends and family about the project you’re working on. Doing so means that those close to you are likely to check in about the status of your piece — which in turn keeps you more accountable.

Arm yourself against writer’s block. Writer’s block will inevitably come, no matter how much story ideas initially inspire you. So it’s best to be prepared with tips and tricks you can use to keep yourself on track before the block hits. You can find 20 solid tips here — including how to establish a relationship with your inner critic and apps that can help you defeat procrastination or lack of motivation.

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Adventure Writing Prompts ⭢

Angst Writing Prompts ⭢

Character Writing Prompts ⭢

Christmas Writing Prompts ⭢

Dark Writing Prompts ⭢

Dialogue Writing Prompts ⭢

Dramatic Writing Prompts ⭢

Dystopian Writing Prompts ⭢

Fall Writing Prompts ⭢

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5 Consequences of Skipping a Business Plan

9 min. read

Updated May 10, 2024

You’ve got a great business idea, something that could be truly special. 

You’re ready to dive in, ditch the day job, and build it yourself.

But you keep being told you need to write a business plan .

It feels like an unnecessary roadblock when all you want to do is go, and you’re tempted to skip it entirely.

After all, what’s the worst that could happen? 

That’s the question we’re tackling in this article. 

I spoke with seasoned planning experts Tim Berry , Sabrina Parsons , and Noah Parsons to uncover the consequences of starting a business without a plan. 

1. An idea isn’t always a business

That initial rush of excitement when a business idea hits is intoxicating. You imagine the possibilities, the potential…but the journey from concept to reality is where things get tricky.

“Without a business plan, you won’t know if your idea can be turned into a business,” Sabrina cautions. “To transform an idea into an actual business, you need to test if it’s viable .”

The problem? Most people lack a framework for that testing. 

The idea remains trapped in your head. You lack answers to critical questions, like:

• Does it solve a real problem ? Who are your ideal customers, and what pain point are you addressing?
• Is there a market? Are enough people willing to pay for your solution?
• How will you make money? What’s your basic business model for turning a profit?

Creating a one-page plan gives you a structured way to answer these questions. It could save you from wasting time and resources chasing a dream that was never meant to be a business. 

Or it might just reveal that your idea has potential and deserves more research.

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2. If you build it, they don’t always come

Even a seemingly good idea may not actually work . 

It could be too expensive to execute, face overwhelming competition, or simply not appeal to enough customers. 

“If you build it, they will come” is one of the biggest myths in business,” says Sabrina. “You need to attract people who actually want to buy what you are selling.”

This means finding product-market fit—the sweet spot where your solution meets a real customer need.

“It’s the single most important factor in the early stages of a business,” explains Noah. “If your product doesn’t solve a problem for your customers, you don’t have a business.”

True product-market fit requires testing. It means getting out there, talking to potential customers, and getting honest feedback:

• Do they truly need what you offer?
• Is the price point appealing?
• Are you even targeting the right audience?

You can’t meaningfully ask these questions without first outlining the assumptions baked into your idea. Who are your customers? What problem do you solve? What’s your basic business model?

Again, creating a one-page plan forces you to address these assumptions from the start. It lays the groundwork for the kind of testing that separates successful startups from those that fizzle out because they misread the market.

3. You won’t know how much money you need

You hear about bootstrapping success stories—entrepreneurs building empires from scratch. But the reality is every business requires some investment, even if it’s your own .

“You need to know how much it will cost to start and keep the business running—and then what it will take to become profitable,” Noah stresses. 

If you lack a business plan, you’ll have no idea of your revenue and expense categories. These are the starting points for creating sales, expense, and cash flow forecasts that help you understand:

• Startup Expenses : How much cash do you need to make your business operational?
• Operating Costs: How much will it take to run your business for the first year?
• Hidden Fees: Have you considered every potential expense, from licenses to marketing?
• Cash Flow : How long will it take for enough money to come in to cover your ongoing expenses?

Trying to figure this out in real-time is a recipe for disaster. 

As Sabrina puts it, “It’s like playing high-stakes poker blindfolded. You’re risking everything without a clear picture of what you’re working with.”

A plan brings clarity. It helps you determine whether you have the funds to succeed, how quickly you might become profitable, and how to allocate your cash wisely. 

Without it, you risk running out of money before your business has a fighting chance.

4. You won’t know what is and isn’t working

“Tracking your business performance— reviewing how your actual results measure up to your plan—is the key to running a successful business,” Noah emphasizes. 

Without a business plan and financial forecasts, you’ll lack the foundation to build a business strategy. That ‘blindfold’ that Sabrina mentioned before will stick with you throughout the life of your business.

Here’s what that means:

• Inefficiencies bleed profits: You won’t be able to identify the areas where you’re losing money.
• “Big decisions” are risky: You won’t know when it’s the right time to make critical decisions (like hiring team members or expanding).
• Profitability is a mystery: Without tracking towards specific business goals, “what it will take to be profitable” remains unknown.
• No data for decisions: When do you need to change course? Without the clarity a business plan provides, it’s impossible to say.

“Managing your business against your plan leads to better decisions,” says Sabrina. 

It doesn’t have to be complicated—again, with a simple one-page plan, you’ll have a tool “to better understand your financial drivers and revenue opportunities.” 

This plan becomes your roadmap. It lets you make data-driven decisions, minimize risk, and proactively steer your business toward success. With this knowledge, surprises become fewer, and your understanding of your business will grow deeper.

• 5. You will struggle to raise money

Investors and banks live in the world of business and financial plans . 

As Tim states, “Don’t get caught thinking investors just want pitches and summaries. They expect a plan and will want to go over every detail.” Without these documents, you’ll face serious hurdles in securing funding. Tim adds: “I’ve seen investors reject a startup from just summaries without reading a business plan document. But I’ve never seen them invest without having seen a plan.”  

Think of it this way: If you don’t have a plan, you either scramble to assemble one or walk into investor meetings unprepared. 

“I’ve seen it countless times in actual investor pitches,” Tim recounts. “Things seem promising until investors start digging into specifics like marketing spend or administrative costs. Those without a well-thought-out plan freeze up. Investors can smell that a mile away.”

The very process of creating a business plan primes you for the questions investors will undoubtedly ask. “The planning process forces you to answer questions about your business that you may not have thought to ask yourself,” explains Noah. 

This includes the critical question: How much funding do you truly need?

“Getting the right amount of financing for your business will save you heartache and money,” says Sabrina. “Do yourself a favor and create a full financial forecast to understand exactly how much funding you need.” Otherwise, you risk under or overestimating, damaging your credibility with investors.

TLDR: If you’re seeking outside funding, a formal business plan isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. While a more detailed plan is likely necessary, the one-page plan we’ve discussed will form the foundation.

• Failing to plan is planning to fail

Writing a business plan will make you a better business owner.

It’s not just about avoiding pitfalls; it’s about unlocking your business’s full potential. The planning process forces you to dig deep, examine your ideas, and refine them into a powerful strategy built for long-term success.

The best part? You don’t need a complex, time-consuming document to reap these rewards. 

“We’re talking about a lean one-page plan to run your business,” Tim emphasizes. It’s easy to develop, keep updated, and build on bullet points, lists, and tables. If you know your business, you can do it quickly.”

So, whether you’re a new or existing business—don’t face the consequences caused by skipping out on your business plan.

Download our free one-page business plan template and write it in as little as 30 minutes . You and your business will be glad you did.

What are the consequences of not having a business plan?

Skipping the business planning process can lead to several negative consequences:

• Your idea might not be viable: You risk wasting time and money on a product or service that nobody wants or isn’t profitable.
• You could miss your target market: A plan helps you understand your ideal customer and ensure you’re offering something they truly need.
• You’ll be financially unprepared: You won’t know your true startup and operational costs or how to reach profitability.
• You’ll lack a roadmap: Without a plan, it’s difficult to track progress, identify problems, or make strategic decisions.
• You’ll struggle to get funding: Investors and lenders rely on business plans and financial statements to assess the potential of your venture.

Remember, even a simple one-page plan can help you avoid these pitfalls and set your business up for success.

Can a business survive without a business plan?

Technically, yes, a business can survive without a plan. There are examples of businesses that found success without traditional planning—but they are the outliers.

The reality is that businesses without a plan face significantly greater obstacles. They’re more likely to:

• Make costly mistakes due to a lack of foresight.
• Miss out on opportunities due to a lack of direction.
• Struggle to obtain funding from investors and lenders.
• Fail to understand their full financial picture.

While survival is possible, a business plan dramatically increases the odds of not just surviving but thriving.

See why 1.2 million entrepreneurs have written their business plans with LivePlan

Kody Wirth is a content writer and SEO specialist for Palo Alto Software—the creator's of Bplans and LivePlan. He has 3+ years experience covering small business topics and runs a part-time content writing service in his spare time.

Table of Contents

• 1. An idea isn’t always a business
• 2. If you build it, they don’t always come
• 3. You won’t know how much money you need
• 4. You won’t know what is and isn’t working

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Business Writing

All writing you do in a business context should be focused on audience needs and expectations. The rhetorical strategies you have learned in first-year composition or its equivalent will be very helpful for you in a business context. However, the forms and expectations (the genre conventions) of business writing can make effective business communication appear very different from the writing you may be familiar with from your other coursework. This handout provides several key tips and considerations for bridging between your previous writing preparation and the expectations of the business professions and majors.

Audience and Rhetorical Situation

• Remember that many different parts make up a whole document: you are a writer using a text to convey knowledge to your audience for some purpose . All communication exists within the constraints of this rhetorical situation, or context, as represented by Aristotle's triangle to the right. Considering the rhetorical situation of your particular communication—the particular relationships of these parts—will help you craft an appropriate, rhetorically savvy communication.
• Identify your audience (s) and their important characteristics (the business environment, values and goals, communication practices, relationship to you, relationship to the topic, relationship to your purpose).
• Identify your purpose and how best to achieve it. What do you want readers to know, do, or feel after reading your document? Align your tone, organization, and content to bring about what you intend.
• Focus on what your audience needs to know and on what your audience has asked you to supply—not on everything you have done or learned about the topic.
• Make sure you understand your task and/or do what you've been asked to do. If your manager asks you to summarize and analyze market trends, make sure to include both summary and analysis. Demonstrate to your reader that you are in control of the information.
• Consider your writing thoroughly public. What are the potential ways your document might be used and who are the potential audiences that could read your writing? Consider how those audiences would react if they read your document. Is this the response you intend?

Form and Format

• Think about genre. What form of writing is most appropriate for the rhetorical situation? An email? A memo? A report?
• Front load your topic, theme, claim, overriding conclusion in the first paragraph or sentence. Don't save the best for last.
• Though you will need to provide some context for the reader, a long introduction is not usually necessary.
• Use headings to group, organize, and quickly communicate. Take your cue from the project assignment or instructions. If your boss asks you to write a report detailing the history, ramifications, and potential changes of a trend, include headings titled "History," "Ramifications," and "Potential Changes."
• If writing a memo or email, strategically use the "Subject" or "Re: " line—particularly important in the era of e-mail when a person may base his or her decision to read further on that one line.
• A narrative of your research process is an inefficient way to communicate your findings. The document should present a developed idea, not a record of how your idea developed.
• Break up long paragraphs; the shorter the better. Consider using bullet points introduced by a short paragraph or phrase for context.
• Use clear and precise wording to avoid misinterpretation or confusion.
• Make sure connections are readily apparent. Although smooth flow isn't imperative, your audience should quickly see how the points you raise relate to the topic at hand.
• Eliminate as many throw away words as possible ("that," "really," "very").
• Use strong verbs (avoid "be," "is," "am," "are," "was," "were," "been" "being"). Edit to revise passive voice.
• Remove unnecessary phrases such as "It is important to note that," or substitute a single word for wordy phrases such as "because" for "due to the fact that."
• Consider your tone. Provide the reader with the information he or she needs, but don't be condescending, demanding, or overly critical. Also, be wary of the use of "we" or "I." Is it appropriate for the subject, audience, and rhetorical situation?
• Proofread carefully. Misspelled words and simple grammar mistakes are simply unacceptable and will damage your credibility in the eyes of your reader.

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RIP Metaverse

An obituary for the latest fad to join the tech graveyard

The Metaverse , the once-buzzy technology that promised to allow users to hang out awkwardly in a disorientating video-game-like world, has died after being abandoned by the business world. It was three years old.

The capital-M Metaverse, a descendant of the 1982 movie "Tron" and the 2003 video game "Second Life," was born in 2021 when Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg changed the name of his trillion-dollar company to Meta. After a much-heralded debut, the Metaverse became the obsession of the tech world and a quick hack to win over Wall Street investors. The hype could not save the Metaverse, however, and a lack of coherent vision for the product ultimately led to its decline. Once the tech industry turned to a new, more promising trend — generative AI — the fate of the Metaverse was sealed.

The Metaverse is now headed to the tech industry's graveyard of failed ideas. But the short life and ignominious death of the Metaverse offers a glaring indictment of the tech industry that birthed it.

Grand promise

From the moment of its delivery, Zuckerberg claimed that the Metaverse would be the future of the internet. The glitzy, spurious promotional video that accompanied Zuckerberg's name-change announcement described a future where we'd be able to interact seamlessly in virtual worlds: Users would "make eye contact" and "feel like you're right in the room together." The Metaverse offered people the chance to engage in an "immersive" experience, he claimed.

These grandiose promises heaped sky-high expectations on the Metaverse. The media swooned over the newborn concept: The Verge published a nearly 5,000-word-long interview with Zuckerberg immediately following the announcement — in which the writer called it "an expansive, immersive vision of the internet." Glowing profiles of the Metaverse seemed to set it on a laudatory path, but the actual technology failed to deliver on this promise throughout its short life. A wonky virtual-reality interview with the CBS host Gayle King , where low-quality cartoon avatars of both King and Zuckerberg awkwardly motioned to each other, was a stark contrast to the futuristic vistas shown in Meta's splashy introductory video .

The Metaverse also suffered from an acute identity crisis. A functional business proposition requires a few things to thrive and grow: a clear use case, a target audience, and the willingness of customers to adopt the product. Zuckerberg waxed poetic about the Metaverse as "a vision that spans many companies'' and "the successor to the mobile internet," but he failed to articulate the basic business problems that the Metaverse would address. The concept of virtual worlds where users interact with each other using digital avatars is an old one, going back as far as the late 1990s with massively multiplayer online role-player games, such as "Meridian 59," "Ultima Online," and "EverQuest." And while the Metaverse supposedly built on these ideas with new technology, Zuckerberg's one actual product — the VR platform Horizon Worlds, which required the use of an incredibly clunky Oculus headset — failed to suggest anything approaching a road map or a genuine vision. In spite of the Metaverse's arrested conceptual development, a pliant press published statements about the future of the technology that were somewhere between unrealistic and outright irresponsible . The CNBC host Jim Cramer nodded approvingly when Zuckerberg claimed that 1 billion people would use the Metaverse and spend hundreds of dollars there, despite the Meta CEO's inability to say what people would receive in exchange for their cash or why anyone would want to strap a clunky headset to their face to attend a low-quality, cartoon concert.

A high-flying life

The inability to define the Metaverse in any meaningful way didn't get in the way of its ascension to the top of the business world. In the months following the Meta announcement, it seemed that every company had a Metaverse product on offer, despite it not being obvious what it was or why they should.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella would say at the company's 2021 Ignite Conference that he couldn't "overstate how much of a breakthrough " the Metaverse was for his company, the industry, and the world. Roblox, an online game platform that has existed since 2004, rode the Metaverse hype wave to an initial public offering and a $41 billion valuation. Of course, the cryptocurrency industry took the ball and ran with it: The people behind the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT company conned the press into believing that uploading someone's digital monkey pictures into VR would be the key to "master the Metaverse." Other crypto pumpers even successfully convinced people that digital land in the Metaverse would be the next frontier of real-estate investment . Even businesses that seemed to have little to do with tech jumped on board. Walmart joined the Metaverse. Disney joined the Metaverse.

Companies' rush to get into the game led Wall Street investors, consultants, and analysts to try to one up each other's projections for the Metaverse's growth. The consulting firm Gartner claimed that 25% of people would spend at least one hour a day in the Metaverse by 2026. The Wall Street Journal said the Metaverse would change the way we work forever . The global consulting firm McKinsey predicted that the Metaverse could generate up to "$5 trillion in value," adding that around 95% of business leaders expected the Metaverse to "positively impact their industry" within five to 10 years. Not to be outdone, Citi put out a massive report that declared the Metaverse would be a $13 trillion opportunity .

A brutal downfall

In spite of all this hype, the Metaverse did not lead a healthy life. Every single business idea or rosy market projection was built on the vague promises of a single CEO. And when people were actually offered the opportunity to try it out, nobody actually used the Metaverse.

Decentraland, the most well-funded, decentralized, crypto-based Metaverse product (effectively a wonky online world you can "walk" around), only had around 38 daily active users in its "$1.3 billion ecosystem." Decentraland would dispute this number, claiming that it had 8,000 daily active users — but that's still only a fraction of the number of people playing large online games like "Fortnite." Meta's much-heralded efforts similarly struggled: By October 2022, Mashable reported that Horizon Worlds had less than 200,000 monthly active users — dramatically short of the 500,000 target Meta had set for the end of 2022. The Wall Street Journal reported that only about 9% of user-created worlds were visited by more than 50 players , and The Verge said that it was so buggy that even Meta employees eschewed it . Despite the might of a then-trillion-dollar company, Meta could not convince people to use the product it had staked its future on. 

The Metaverse fell seriously ill as the economy slowed and the hype around generative AI grew. Microsoft shuttered its virtual-workspace platform AltSpaceVR in January 2023, laid off the 100 members of its "industrial metaverse team ," and made a series of cuts to its HoloLens team . Disney shuttered its Metaverse division in March, and Walmart followed suit by ending its Roblox-based Metaverse projects. The billions of dollars invested and the breathless hype around a half-baked concept led to thousands — if not tens of thousands — of people losing their jobs .

But the Metaverse was officially pulled off life support when it became clear that Zuckerberg and the company that launched the craze had moved on to greener financial pastures. Zuckerberg declared in a March update that Meta's "single largest investment is advancing AI and building it into every one of our products." Meta's chief technology officer, Andrew Bosworth, told CNBC in April that he, along with Mark Zuckerberg and the company's chief product officer, Chris Cox, were now spending most of their time on AI. The company has even stopped pitching the Metaverse to advertisers , despite spending more than $100 billion in research and development on its mission to be "Metaverse first." While Zuckerberg may suggest that developing games for the Quest headsets is some sort of investment, the writing is on the wall: Meta is done with the Metaverse.

Did anyone learn their lesson?

While the idea of virtual worlds or collective online experiences may live on in some form, the Capital-M Metaverse is dead. It was preceded in death by a long line of tech fads like Web3 and Google Glass. It is survived by newfangled ideas like the aforementioned generative AI and the self-driving car. Despite this long lineage of disappointment, let's be clear: The death of the Metaverse should be remembered as arguably one of the most historic failures in tech history.

I do not believe that Mark Zuckerberg ever had any real interest in "the Metaverse," because he never seemed to define it beyond a slightly tweaked Facebook with avatars and cumbersome hardware. It was the means to an increased share price, rather than any real vision for the future of human interaction. And Zuckerberg used his outsize wealth and power to get the whole of the tech industry and a good portion of the American business world into line behind this half-baked idea. 

The fact that Mark Zuckerberg has clearly stepped away from the Metaverse is a damning indictment of everyone who followed him, and anyone who still considers him a visionary tech leader. It should also be the cause for some serious reflection among the venture-capital community, which recklessly followed Zuckerberg into blowing billions of dollars on a hype cycle founded on the flimsiest possible press-release language. In a just world, Mark Zuckerberg should be fired as CEO of Meta (in the real world, this is actually impossible ). 

Zuckerberg misled everyone, burned tens of billions of dollars, convinced an industry of followers to submit to his quixotic obsession, and then killed it the second that another idea started to interest Wall Street. There is no reason that a man who has overseen the layoffs of tens of thousands of people should run a major company. There is no future for Meta with Mark Zuckerberg at the helm: It will stagnate, and then it will die and follow the Metaverse into the proverbial grave.

Ed Zitron  is the CEO of  EZPR , a national tech and business public-relations agency. He is also the author of the tech and culture newsletter  Where's Your Ed At .

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