| What you do | Who pays you | Why it’s hot | Quick‑start tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social‑media management | Local shops, creators, nonprofits | Most small firms know they need a presence but hate doing it themselves. | Free trials + monthly retainer; use Canva/Buffer to keep costs low. |
| SEO or content‑marketing consulting | E‑commerce stores, professional services | Every algorithm update creates fresh pain points. | Offer a $99 “site health audit” to land clients. |
| Podcast production/editing | Coaches, authors, B2B brands | The number of branded podcasts keeps climbing. | Learn basic DAW skills; charge per finished minute. |
| AI prompt‑engineering / custom GPT builds | Agencies, educators, HR teams | Firms want domain‑specific chatbots but lack in‑house skill. | Start with low‑code tools (OpenAI Assistants, Zapier). |
| Cyber‑security “check‑up” service | Law offices, clinics, small SaaS | Insurance carriers now require annual security attestations. | Package fixed‑fee vulnerability scans + policy templates. |
| Service | Typical client | Why demand is steady | Barrier to entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawn care / landscaping | Homeowners, office parks | Recession‑proof recurring work. | Trailer + mower; license in most states. |
| Pressure‑washing & soft‑washing | Realtors, HOAs, restaurants | Curb‑appeal boosts resale value. | $1.5‑3 k for pro rig. |
| EV‑charger installation & maintenance | Property managers, hotels | EV adoption >40 % CAGR in U.S. | Electrical license or subcontract a master electrician. |
| Handyman / minor‑repair service | Renters, landlords | DIY‑averse Gen‑Z homeowners are growing. | Register, insure, build local reviews. |
| Home‑energy audits & weatherization | Eco‑conscious families | Utility rebates + tax credits through 2032. | Get BPI or RESNET certification. |
Train clients in their homes or via Zoom; upsell meal plans.
Source: Investopedia
Weekly subscription for busy professionals; commercial kitchen not required in many cottage‑food states.
Source: Investopedia
Non‑medical help (groceries, appointments) for the 65+ market.
Calendar/email management for solopreneurs; bill hourly retainers.
Source: Investopedia
Travel to signers; combine with loan‑signing agent certification for bigger fees.
Source: Investopedia
| Idea | Why pet parents open their wallets | Starter kit |
|---|---|---|
| Dog‑walking & drop‑in visits | 67 % of U.S. households own pets; hybrid workers still travel. | Wag/Rover to source leads → move to your own booking site. |
| Mobile grooming van | Convenience + lower stress for pets | Used van + tub ≈ $25 k, charge $85‑120 per session. |
| Pet‑sitting & house‑sitting | Vacation season gaps | Bundle with plant‑watering & mail pickup. |
Many freelancers hand off books once revenue tops ~$100 k.
Source: Bitrix24
Niche down (e.g., dental offices, indie game studios).
Systemize growing online stores.
Help SMEs draft emissions baselines for investors.
Success‑fee or retainer model.
| Niche | Clients | What you actually deliver |
|---|---|---|
| Drone photography & inspection | Realtors, roofers, insurers | Aerial photos, thermal roof scans, 3‑D mapping. |
| 3‑D printing & rapid prototyping | Inventors, Etsy sellers | Print short‑run parts; offer CAD tweaks. |
| IT setup & elder tech tutoring | Seniors, retirement homes | Device setup, “call‑when‑stuck” packages. |
| Smart‑home installation | New homeowners | Install and program cameras, thermostats, sensors. |
20‑ to 80‑person gatherings (micro‑weddings, corporate offsites).
Short‑form vertical content for brands.
Source: Copilot
3‑D renders for real‑estate listings.
Logos, brand kits, pitch‑deck polish.
Source: Copilot
Skills, tools, networks, licenses.
Pitch 10 potential buyers, pre‑sell at an introductory rate.
Fixed scope + flat price beats “$X/hr” when you’re unknown.
A simple trade name, basic liability insurance, and a Stripe link are enough to collect money on day one.
Templates, checklists, and simple CRMs let you scale or step back.