As a result of the pandemic, we have globally been forced to work from home. For the people who lost jobs or were previously unemployed, this left a huge impact and has led many to start businesses. Working from home hails many benefits such as flexibility, customisable work places, less commuting, more sustainability and the opportunity to be financially independent.
The flexible work hours that cater to each individual offers women the potential to earn money from home and still fulfill their roles, such as a mother who needs to care for her kids.
So, without any more delay, let’s get into some home business ideas you can start planning today!
Tutoring
Tutoring is a method of income that people of a wide range of ages can look towards. From helping with an A Level topic, teaching a language or a subject such as Math or History. There is a wide range of things you can tutor someone in.
Some platforms for online tutoring that are available for the public are Zoom, Teams, Google Hangouts, Skype (for video calls) TutorMe and MyTutor (where the companies are middlemen).
Virtual Assistant
Have you always been the organised one? On time? A person to be relied on? Someone who takes pleasure in making plans with colours and sticking to them? If so, becoming a virtual assistant might be the thing for you.
With a rise in small businesses who require management or aid, the virtual assisting job pool has grown just as quickly as the tech it uses.
The role generally entails working as an independent contractor as is similar to a personal assistant, simply virtual. Especially if you are looking at small businesses, experience and specialised training isn’t necessary. All you need is a stable computer and a good internet connection.
In-home Takeout
An essential part of starting a home business is utilising a skill or talent you have, which may be cooking! Being humble is an important part of being a Muslim but there is nothing wrong in acknowlegding a skill and using it to help yourself financially.
We all know home cooked food both tastes better and is often more healthy than the food they plate up for us in expensive restaurants. Why do people pay so much for something their mum could make way better? This gap in the market could be your spot to shine in.
Take it dish by dish, getting your family and friends to help advertise and review your food. You never know where it could lead you!
Halal Inn
This is a business that requires more to start off with but can become a steady source of income. If you have some pretty spare rooms, acceptable cooking skills and an abundance of hospitality, this could work for you.
You can advertise towards Muslim travellers easily by emphasising on your halal food and Islamic environment so that they don’t have to worry about encountering inappropriate situations.
While you can find methods to advertise your business, sites such as AirBnB may also be helpful to increase the chances of being found.
Editing/ Proofreading
If you’re someone who’s always been a member of the grammar police or loved fixing typos, then editing or proofreading may be an idea for you. From editing articles or websites, proofreading manuscripts or online posts, there is an array of jobs you can do.
To clear any confusion: “A proofreader will look for misspellings, incorrect/missed punctuation, inconsistencies (textual and numerical), etc. Editing, on the other hand, corrects issues at the core of writing like sentence construction and language clarity. A thorough editing will help improve the readability, clarity, and tone of the text.”
Home Bakery/Desserts
This is similar to the takeout idea but revolves around desserts and baked goods more than meals.
Throughout the last few years, I have seen quite a few friends expand into dessert businesses from macarons to trifles and cakes. Each specialising in a particular type of dessert but inventing new flavours or decorating them in a unique way. Never underestimate the power of a pretty looking brownie with chopped strawberries and cream on top.
Stickers/Art Prints/Pins
I can’t lie, a few months ago my youtube recommendation was flooded with “how to make stickers” and “come package with me” videos. To be honest I still watch them. Using sites such as Etsy, if you have the skills you can make some good money.
All it takes is a decent drawing device, some creativity and a small budget to get your initial designs made. To save money, post initial designs or singular productions to see whether what you’ve made will sell (depending on engagement) and go from there.
Using other social media such as tiktok and youtube as a form of marketing is something I would highly advise to increase traffic to your products.
And remember, people are suckers for aesthetic or cute packaging!
Freelance Writing
Freelance writing and journalism is a job many of us have imagined ourselves in at some point in our lives, so why not make it a reality?
The beauty of freelance is you can write anywhere, at any time about anything! It is an incredibly flexible source of income that you can plan around your responsibilities and current lifestyle without making too many adjustments.
Find yourself a niche or two and focus on them to start off with. It’s perfectly fine to write about other things from time to time, but if you want a consistent audience then it is vital to find a niche such as travelling, restaurants, fashion or tv shows.
Platforms such as Fiverr, LinkedIn, ProBlogger and Upwork are some sound places to start and look for businesses. Don’t be afraid to get help from your friends and family either when starting out.
Make a portfolio that you can show to potential future employers but also don’t forget to have fun. If you don’t enjoy what you are writing, it will show through the words.
Remember, if you start with good intentions and belief in Allah, you will eventually be guided to the right path.
