Are you a fanatic about footwear? Do you want to know how to start your own shoe line and make over $60k a month? Afshan Abbas, founder of Fuchsia Shoes, did it! Before Afshan started her business, she quit her job as a software engineer at Microsoft to follow her passion for artisan arts and crafts (including shoes). Over the past 4 years, she's worked to grow her business from $100k in revenue to being on track to make $1 million this year. In this article, we'll tell you how to start a shoe line step-by-step. Follow our guide and Afshan's advice to realize your passion and build your own shoe empire.

1. Get Fashion Design Training and Experience

If you're thinking of starting a shoe line, you probably already have an interest or some experience in fashion design. However, shoe design isn't a business to take lightly. It's necessary to know what you're doing (or at least partner with someone who does!). The best way to get training in the retail shoe industry is to attend a school that features a program in fashion design or retail. Even better, you can find schools devoted to fashion design with a department that focuses on shoe design and development. Here are a few to consider:

• Fashion Institute of Design and Marketing
• Fashion Institute of Technology
• Pensole Footwear Design Academy

You also should consider classes or a certification course in business and/or entrepreneurship. This will help you tremendously with the non-design aspects of your shoe line.

Work in the Retail Industry

Though helpful, degrees and certifications are not a requirement to start your shoe line. They're also not an indicator of your chances of success. However, it's best to have experience in the retail industry. Work in areas where you can gain an understanding of fashion buying and the things that drive consumers to purchase particular products (e.g. Why do people buy this shoe brand over another brand?). This experience can also help you network with others who may become key allies in your quest to start your own shoe empire.

2. How Do I Start My Own Shoe Line? Start Researching!

We spoke with Afshan to get her insights and tips on how to start a shoe company and create a profitable e-commerce business. You can watch part 1 and part 2 of our interview with Afshan to hear her story.

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1Iz4tTVrZE"]

Afshan explained that she did quite a lot of research before launching her shoe line. [su_quote]I studied the artisan market. It turns out it is a $32 billion industry.[/su_quote] Analysts project the global footwear market to reach a value of over $500 billion by 2027. And if you want a slice of that pie, you must narrow down your market and make key choices that will guide the course of your business. The easiest (and fastest) way to open a shoe store is to buy one that’s already up and running. You can check business listings to see what’s available in your area and how much you should expect to spend.

Questions to Consider When Researching

We'll help you answer some of these in the next sections, but here are some questions to research and consider before you proceed:

• What is the market analysis of the entire shoe industry?
• Are you making active, non-active, or both types of footwear?
• What is your niche in the shoe business? (See Step 3)
• Do you want to be gender-specific?
• Who is your competition?
• Are you designing your line or do you need to find a designer?
• What are the costs of your supplies and where will you get them?
• Do you intend to mass-produce your line?

3. Determine Your Niche and Sales Platform

[su_quote]When you're starting a shoe company, figure out what your niche in that shoe business would be because it's a very crowded market. And if you are going to do something that other people are doing, it will be a really hard sell.[/su_quote] To solidify Afshan's statement, here is a list of the 20 "best" running shoe brands. You can find a similar list for most styles of shoes. To gain a foothold (get it?) in the market, you must determine how your shoe line will stand out above the competition. For Fushsia Shoes, Afshan and her team ran with (I can't stop!) a luxury ballet shoe niche. Some other niche examples to research for inspiration include:

• Keen - Known for their Uneek shoe made from recycled plastic and shoes that accommodate work and outdoor activities (steel toe, waterproof, slip-resistant).
• Nobull - Marketed to the CrossFit crowd. Nobull makes stripped-down training shoes for athletes.
• Simon Miller Shoes - Luxury thick-soled shoes and boots along with designer platform and heel shoes. They also have a vegan leather collection.
• By Far - Designer shoes that are a throwback to the '80s '90s and early 2000s.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself when trying to determine your niche:

• Can my shoe line solve a problem?
• Will it market to a specific audience?
• Will my design offer a distinct improvement over other brands?
• Is there something that makes my line special?
• Is there a section of the market that is underserved?

Ecommerce is the Way

We won't tell you how to run your business. But if you haven't noticed, brick-and-mortar retail spaces are being slaughtered by ecommerce (pandemic aside). Unless you own an existing space or have access to free rent, determining the sales platform of your shoe line is an easy decision. Here's what Afshan had to say on the subject: [su_quote]We're trying to grow this shoe company by massive numbers, and getting caught up in brick-and-mortar will halt that. With ecommerce, the sky is the limit.[/su_quote] If you're not experienced with ecommerce or need to polish your skills, edX, Udemy, and Coursera offer excellent courses on the subject.

4. Write a Business Plan

Every company needs a business plan. It's an essential document that summarizes the research and decisions you made about the course of your business. It acts as a guide that lays out your ideas and serves as a quintessential document for loan applications or investor recruitment.

What's in a Business Plan?

• Market Analysis
• Mission Statement
• Startup and Operating Costs
• Marketing Plan (Target Market)
• Supply and Manufacturing Chain
• Sales Funnels

Templates

• Startup business plan template
• U.S. Small Business Administration Business Plan Guide
• 500 sample business plans
• One page business plan template

How Much Money Do You Need to Start a Shoe Line?

In order to complete your business plan, you must determine the startup and operating costs for your business. Doing so requires you to assess and decide the scale of your operation. Afshan's business started as a global venture with domestic and international customers. Her operation, though small when compared to a brand like Nike, was actually large in scale for a startup shoe line. We asked her about Fuchsia's startup costs, and she said: [su_quote]When we started, we were 4 partners. And between the 4 of us, we invested $50,000.[/su_quote] To put things into perspective, here are the average startup costs for a small, medium, and large-scale shoe line.

• Small - $30,000
• Medium - $110,000
• Large - $200,000 and up

Remember, you can always start small and scale up as you increase your revenue and streamline your operation.

5. Create Your Brand

Once you determine your market and niche, it's time to create your brand. Your brand differs from your product because it is the means by which people identify your product. For example, when you see a "Swoosh" on a pair of shoes, you know they were made by Nike.

What Makes Up a Brand?

There are many elements to consider when creating your brand, but here's a short list:

• Logo
• Colors
• Font and Typography
• Web Design
• Story

Branding Resources

Remember that your brand should be distinct, memorable, scalable, and easy to apply. It's not a simple task, but neither is designing and manufacturing a shoe, as you'll see in the next steps. To help you, here are 101 brand-building tools and a great branding resource from the experts at HubSpot.

6. Choose a Business Name

Business names are more important in some industries. The name of your shoe line is the direct connection to your brand. When choosing a name, consider what you want people to think when they hear it, and think about the following tips. If you need help to get started, try an A.I.-powered naming service like Namelix or BNG to point you in the right direction.

Avoid a Name That is Hard to Spell

Since you'll likely engage in an ecommerce business, choose a name that's easy to spell and find on a web search. Don't risk losing potential customers because they can't remember how to spell it correctly.

Don't Pick a Name that Limits Your Growth

Think big when choosing! You don't want to limit your growth just because your business name is too narrow. For example, what if "Nike" had named themselves "Nike Shoe Retailers of Oregon?" It would have limited their potential to grow into an international brand that also markets other apparel.

Secure the .com Domain

Before picking your name, do a thorough internet search and check the availability of the domain name and related spellings. If someone else has already established the name, it may be wise to reconsider. You can check the domain here and register it with Google, GoDaddy, or Namecheap.

Test it Out

Afshan and her team chose Fuchsia Shoes, and the title of her webpage is "Fuchsia Shoes: Luxury Ballet Flats." This works wonderfully with her brand considering people recognize fuchsia as a beautiful color and associate it with a flower that is equal in that respect. Once you choose your name, talk to others about it to see if it represents your ideal branding. If you need some help, you can read this article with 12 tips on how to name your business, and be sure to register your name at the federal and state levels.

7. Register Legal Entity

Once you've chosen a name, it's time to register your business for taxes and establish a legal structure. Before choosing a business structure, do your research and work with an accountant or business attorney to maximize your legal and tax benefits.

Licenses and Permits

Aside from your legal structure, you must also determine whether your business requires specific licenses or permits to operate. No worries! The SBA has a tool you can use to check.

Legal Structures

There isn't a standard legal structure to start a shoe line. You have five base options to review with your accountant or attorney: Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation, S Corporation, or Limited Liability Corporation. The IRS has a great resource to help you better understand these structures.

Limited Liability Corporation (LLC)

Though there's no standard for a shoe business, you'll most likely register your business as an LLC. This will allow you to protect and separate your personal assets from your business. Also, you can pass on profits and losses from your business as personal income without corporate taxes. However, we cannot stress enough to find a qualified attorney or accountant before choosing your legal structure.

8. Funding Your Shoe Line

Think of funding as a two-step process. First, there is funding to build your team and create initial designs, sketches, and prototypes. Then, you'll require more funding for manufacturing and larger-scale production and distribution.

How Do I Raise the Money?

As we explained earlier, there are three scale tiers of startup costs to start your own shoe line (small, medium, and large). Your funds to launch can come from a variety of sources:

• Personal funds
• Personal loan from family or friends
• Business investors (Afshan's path to launch)

The SBA also has loan programs and other funding programs to help small businesses launch. Another option, if you have good credit, is to use a credit card with an interest-free period to help launch things. Ideally, you'll make enough money to pay off the card before the interest kicks in. You can also try crowdfunding, a home equity loan, or a rollover for business funding from your retirement plan (ROBS). However you obtain your funding, be sure to understand the risks before taking on any debt. If you want to educate yourself further, the SBA has a great course on business financing.

9. Build Your Team: Sketches & Shoe Designs

If you haven't already, the next step is to bring your ideas into reality by sketching and designing your shoe line. You may think, "How can I create my own shoe line if I'm not talented at shoe design?" Don't worry! It's not a deal-breaker—you just need to build a team that can help. When Afshan started her business, she was working for Microsoft as a software engineer. [su_quote]What inspired me to start a shoe business was... I was traveling across different parts of the world when I was with Microsoft, and I would come across these beautiful, local artisan arts and crafts that I would find and bring back to Seattle.[/su_quote] She took her affinity for local artisan arts and crafts and worked with them directly to create her shoe line. You can also hire local artisans to sketch and design your shoes. NOVICA and the Unicef Marketplace are good spots to find artisan designers. Look at their products on those sites and reach out to them directly. However, if you're short on local talent, there are other options.

Freelance Designers and Software Shoe Designs

There are several freelancing sites on the web with a pool of shoe designers who can help you turn your ideas into reality. Upwork and Fiverr are two trustworthy sites where you can explain your ideas and negotiate rights and pricing before hire. If you want to design your own shoes, there are software programs to assist. Shoemaster and Romans CAD are two design options that allow you to create 2D or 3D models you can use for prototyping.

10. Create Prototypes and Analyze Materials

[su_quote]In the beginning, [our investment] was mostly spent on research [and] prototyping.[/su_quote] As Afshan explained, the prototype stage is key to developing your shoe line. You must review your designs and take into account all of the materials that go into creating the shoe. They must be financially viable for manufacturing, and you may need to alter your design for the shoe to be wearable.

The Mockup Shoe

The first version of the prototype may be a non-wearable "mockup" shoe made with low-quality materials. Create this shoe to get a full visual of the patterns and designs. It helps determine if the shoe is feasible for manufacture.

The Final Sample

Your final sample is a base production shoe and is the launch point for any shoe line. This is the shoe to bring to manufacturers for evaluation and into pitch meetings for potential investors. You'll also use your prototypes as the base for your marketing campaigns.

11. Patents and Trademarks

In the shoe line business, it's important to protect your designs and brand by filing for patents and copyrights with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This way, if someone steals your designs or logos and tries to profit from them, you're legally entitled to payment or royalties. For filing, you can find an experienced patent and trademark attorney, or the U.S. PTO has all of the information you need for patent and trademark registration on their site. They also have a search function so you can see if you're not infringing on someone else's design before you begin.

Keep Track of Everything

An important note before filing or working with an attorney: During your shoe line development, keep a record of your designs and ideas. You can use a platform like Evernote (it syncs with multiple devices) or XMind (for professional prototyping) to keep things organized and well-documented. It's important to keep your notes as a record of a claim on a patent. When you develop your prototype, photograph it extensively and store the files securely.

12. Manufacturing: How Do You Get a Shoe Made?

With your designs, prototypes, patents, and trademarks in place, it's time to secure the manufacturing arm of your shoe line. In our connected world, there are a lot of options. But first, here are some questions to answer before you go to production:

What is the Location of the Manufacturer?

Where you manufacture is a key part of your brand identity. Ever notice how some companies stamp "Made in the USA" in large print on the side of their box? Be mindful of your choice if you intend to integrate your manufacturing process into your brand. Also, if you intend to import your shoes from another country, you could face import taxes based on the country of origin. However, sometimes it's cheaper to import the item and pay the fee than to have it manufactured in the U.S. Either way, it's a calculation you must consider when choosing a manufacturer.

Does the Manufacturer Have Minimum Order Requirements?

Most manufacturers require a minimum quantity with each order, and it can cut deeply into your budget if you're not prepared to make a quick turn on revenue. Review the requirements from any manufacturer before signing an agreement.

Can Your Manufacturer Handle Growth?

[su_quote]For the last four years, I have been working on building an infrastructure on the supply chain side. We literally started from 200 pairs a month, [and] we are at a point where we can do 1,000 pairs a month.[/su_quote] Like Afshan, you'll want to start small and should research standard shoe sizes customers typically order. Ideally, your business will grow, so you want to be sure that your manufacturing arm can handle growth. This is always a work-in-process, but it isn't fun or profitable to pause due to supply issues.

What's the Price Point of My Shoe Line?

Pricing is deeply rooted in the amount of funding you have and your brand. Lower-end brands sell shoes for as low as $20 – $30 per pair because brands work to keep their materials and manufacturing price point low. However, luxury brands sell at prices starting at $250 and can increase to over $1,000 based on perceived value. Before choosing a manufacturer, you must review your branding and price point. Then you can match up with a manufacturer who can deliver in your range.

Tech Pack Submission and Manufacturing Resources

With those questions answered, you must create and submit a tech pack. It's a package that contains all the designs, specifications, and components necessary to turn your prototype into a finished product. Think of it as a blueprint for your shoe design. There are thousands of manufacturers in the world to develop your shoe line, but here are a few standouts:

• Otabo
• Italian Shoe Factory
• Modern Vice
• Alanic

13. Packaging and Distribution

A shoebox says a lot about a brand, and it's one of the top marketing opportunities in the shoe business. Top shoe lines deliver shoes in a box that prominently features their label as many people keep and reuse shoeboxes for years. To keep with this industry trend, here is a list of custom shoebox manufacturers:

• The Premium Boxes
• The Custom Printed Boxes
• The Printing Daddy
• Fantastapack

Walking Your Shoes from Point A to Point B

The last element of the fulfillment process is shipping the product safely from your site to the customer. It's important to work with various shipping agencies (UPS, FedEx, DNS, USPS) to find the lowest prices to ship your goods. Otherwise, it can cut into your profits.

14. Establish a Marketing and Sales Plan

With your supply chain in place, the last step before opening your shoe line is establishing your marketing and sales plan. Your marketing strategy is what your business will thrive on. Base it on the extensive market research put into your business plan. Forbes has an excellent resource on developing a marketing strategy. A sales strategy defines your approach to selling your product. Both plans are essential to revenue generation and should be two of your biggest investments. If you don't have experience, consider hiring a marketing and sales consultant through a freelancing site like Upwork.

Digital Marketing & Social Media

Digital marketing means engaging potential customers on digital platforms through email campaigns, newsletters, digital advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), and social media. The key to digital marketing is that it nets a higher ROI (return on investment) than traditional marketing methods.

Social Media

Your social media presence is essential to your brand and is a great way to engage with your customers. It's also the primary method you can use to obtain analytics and figure out better ways to market your product. Interact with your customers via posts and encourage them to post pictures about your shoe line! Afshan used social media to develop marketing relationships with influencers who are also sustainability advocates. Through those relationships, she was able to increase her brand's reach, directly access her target market, and turn her customers into marketers.

Website

If you're starting an ecommerce-based business like Afshan, then your website is your storefront. That means you need to invest heavily in designing and optimizing your site. If you’re not good at web design or don't have experience, there are a lot of resources to help you find a reliable web designer and webmaster to run your site. However, as an ecommerce business, work with a designer and webmaster with experience setting up and maintaining an ecommerce shopping cart.

Refine Both Strategies and Watch Your Revenue Grow

Fuchsia's revenue jumped from $150k in 2019, but they're already at $400k in 2020 and on track to do $1 million by the end of the year. We asked Afshan what contributed to the large jump in revenue and she said, [su_quote]I think we got really good at the sales funnels and our marketing and being able to run and scale that marketing with a positive ROI (return on investment).[/su_quote]

Conclusion

With these steps, you now know the essentials and have resources on how to start a shoe line. As we said, analysts expect the shoe industry to grow over the next decade. So get started now to make your presence known and take your place. To send you off, here's one final piece of advice from Afshan on how to be successful in the industry: [su_quote]Coming this far, [it] was having grit. We failed ten times, but the eleventh time it worked. So, it's about repeating the process, trying out different things, and figuring out what works for you.[/su_quote] Do you have any experience in the shoe or fashion industry? Let us know what you think!

Over 75% of small business owners with a website attribute the significant growth of their business to having one. Think about that for a minute. Businesses with a website expect and often experience growth of at least 25% within three years. Furthermore, 70% of shoppers learn about products and services by reading blogs, according to Top Digital Agency (TDA) statistics.   Sadly, many business owners think they lack the time, resources, and technical knowledge to create a website, causing them to procrastinate or avoid it altogether. Simply put, even a basic website imparts authenticity, credibility, and viability to your business.  After all: What better way to take advantage of the many hours (averaging 5 per day) people spend browsing and buying on their phones by building a destination to offer your products and services online? Keep reading. In this guide, we'll tell you how to create your own website step-by-step. And the best part is, when you get your website, it will be an excellent place for leads, prospects, and customers to learn more about your business. So let me show you how.

Step 1: Choose a domain name

Before creating your website, decide on a name. It should be simple and even strategic. Let's get into it.

What's a domain name?

Techopedia.com offers a definition, but the simple explanation is that a domain name is your virtual address on the Internet. All browsers can find it so that they land precisely on your website when a user enters your domain in a browser. In other words, a domain name consists of a term you devise, followed by a dot ("."), with an extension at the end, such as .com, .net, .co, .biz, etc. For example, www.upflip.com or printnw.net. It’s a readable representation of your Internet Protocol (IP) address. More information about web addresses is available.

Match your business name

When possible, choose a domain name that matches your business name. However, this is not a strict rule, and here's why: You might be able to leverage a better strategy for a custom domain, such as the following:

• You have different brands grouped under one company, like Coca-Cola.com.
• A more intuitive name might work better, such as Prime.com that Amazon owns, of course.

To learn more about different strategies, read this article. It offers excellent advice for dealing with challenges, such as someone snagging your dot com or confusing your domain name with another company. There's good stuff there. Here's an interesting fact: Google is a brand name for Alphabet, Inc. As the parent company, Alphabet's domain name is abc.xyz, while Google LLC uses google.com.  But wait, there's more. Review the difference between brand names, business names, and domain names.

Research multiple domain names

Register alternate spellings to capture more traffic. Learn more about why it's a good idea to register more than one domain.

Mix-ups happen

We've all been there: Searching for a website but having trouble finding it. Maybe it's that new food truck you heard about and want to see the menu and schedule.  If it's named Hot Dogs on Fire, potential visitors might select websites that show different combinations of those words or similar ones (fieryhotdogs.com, hotfiredogs.com, etc.). And misspelled words happen too. These different combinations of the same or similar words are fine, but here's the magic: They can all point to one website, serving to drive traffic to your site.  If you look at it this way, it makes sense to have multiple domain names for your business. Think of every variation of your business name and different words potential visitors might use to locate your site. Want to know the best part? Directing multiple domain names to one website is a super-easy process. Most service providers have online resources and customer support available to help you set it up. 

Can't think of a name on your own?

If you can't think of a domain on your own, name generators are available. Try GoDaddy's domain name generator. Others are available as well. Now, give it a go.

A few other items to consider 

Make sure your domain name is not difficult to spell. Also, not too long! Try to keep the number of characters at a manageable number, no more than 10, 15 maximum. Generally, don't use abbreviations, acronyms, or hyphens, but if you must, place the hyphen at a natural break or use an acronym that spells a word, not an initialization, which is just a string of letters. ICANN.org is a great example.  You can also use an abbreviation, acronym, initialization, or hyphenated name as an alternate domain name that points to your site.

Snag a dot com if you can

Create your website with a dot com in mind. Here's the truth: It’s more conventional and acceptable, and website visitors place more trust in businesses that use a dot com. In reality, the name (or names) you choose might not be available as a dot com. While it is the most popular, that doesn't mean you have to use it. Other domain extensions work well for certain businesses, such as .io for tech startups and .org for non-profit organizations. The following table lists five common extensions and their "intended" uses. Keep in mind that, except for .us, these extensions are open to anyone, regardless of the type of organization using them.

Extension	Intended use
.com	For-profit businesses, but the gold standard for extensions
.net	Internet service providers (ISPs) or networks
.org	Non-profit organizations
.co	Global businesses or startup companies
.us	Organizations and businesses in the United States only

To search for other domain extensions (there are literally hundreds), visit Name.com. Go solve it!

Check domain name availability

Check to see if the names you selected are available. Web hosting companies provide this service for free. For example, try searching on Squarespace.

What if I chose a name that's already taken?

If your name is taken or considered "premium," then the owner or your registrar might offer it for a high price.  Instead of paying for it, give thought to coming up with an alternate name or name-and-extension combination to save yourself some money. Find out who owns a domain name by searching on the Whois Lookup here, which will provide contact information, should you wish to inquire about purchasing the domain name.

Step 2: Know the terminology

Creating a website involves knowing certain terminology and working with different types of companies that provide specific services. Let me explain.

Here are some key terms

Terms you need to create your website are explained in the table below: [su_table responsive="yes" alternate="no" fixed="yes"]

Term	Definition	Explanation
Registrar	A company that manages and reserves domain names.	You will use a registrar to reserve the domain names you selected and then pay an annual fee to guarantee the reservation for a specified period.
Template	A professionally designed layout for a website that companies provide to customers to help them build their site.	Many providers in this industry understand that their average customer either can't or does not know how to create a website from scratch with code.  So, they provide predesigned templates that guide the user to design a website that includes fonts, features, colors, and functionality. Isn't that nice?
URL	A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is the complete address of a website or web page, structured as https:// (or http://) www.domain name.extension.	An example is https://www.upflip.com.
Web hosting company	A company that sells space on a server to allow customers to publish their website on the World Wide Web.	As the name implies, these companies will "host" your site and make it display on the Internet.
Website builder	An app or special software that helps you create a website.	Builders usually consist of templates that enable customers to build a website without design or coding skills. It can be PC-based software, an online app, or a mobile app.

[/su_table]

An expanded list of web terminology is available. There's good stuff there.

Let's link it all together

Many companies offer an all-in-one solution that provides domain registration, web hosting, and website design. Later in this guide, we focus on Wix and Squarespace, which provide this service.

Step 3: Ensure website security

As a business owner, you're in a never-ending battle to keep up with so many (sometimes too many) responsibilities. But, as a website owner, you also need to protect the security of your website. The secret? A lone letter "s" can do it.

Protection is simple

There are many reasons to add SSL to your website. It’s the "s" at the end of "https" in a URL. And in case you're wondering, Google uses it as a factor in ranking websites. Learn more about how Google's search algorithms work. It's worth it. Hosting providers either offer or automatically add an SSL certificate to your site, which is recognized internationally as a standard to protect data shared and transmitted via your website. Not so fun fact: Over 40% of cyber attacks are on small businesses. Consider taking the time to understand website security. It's important to know that even if you don't plan to sell anything on your website, you should still enable SSL because it accomplishes the following:

• ensures a secure connection
• encrypts data
• shows you as the verified owner of the site
• builds trust with your customers
• improves search engine optimization (SEO), which we discuss later in this guide

Protect cardholder data

While we're on the topic of having a secure online presence, let's discuss something important about accepting credit cards as payment. If you sell products and services online and accept credit cards as a payment method, comply with applicable requirements of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), which the PCI Security Standards Council established. Start by completing their self-assessment questionnaire. The purpose of these standards is to help businesses implement controls to protect cardholders' data and prevent fraud. As a business owner, you do not want to risk the consequences of not protecting your customers' cardholder data.

Step 4. Register your domain name(s)

To make registering your domain name easy for you, we've highlighted some popular options below.

Register with a web hosting company

Check this out: It’s best to register your domains with your web host rather than purchasing them separately.  This way, you won't have to transfer them later, saving you time, which is what every business owner could use more of, right? It might even influence your decision as to which web host to choose. Want to know the best part? Squarespace, Wix, Bluehost, and WordPress all offer domain name registration with their hosting service. We'll explain more about these providers later in the guide.

Explore additional options for registration

Of course, other options are available.  If you want to purchase a domain outside of your hosting company, it's okay—you don't have to transfer your domain to your hosting company if you don't want to, but it's probably easiest to buy it through the hosting company. The prices below are current at the time of writing this guide. Keep reading.

Domain

Now there's a business with a domain name that matches. Domain.com provides access to a free website builder with domain name registration. 

• Prices start at $2.99 per year.
• Dot coms start at $9.99 per year.

GoDaddy

GoDaddy is a popular domain registration platform. It offers several affordable plans. 

• Prices start at $1.99 per year.
• Dot coms start at $11.99 per year. 

Google

Google Domains is another excellent option. The main benefit here is full integration with Gmail and G Suite. Give it a go!

• Prices start at $9.00 per year.
• Dot coms start at $12.00 per year. 

Microsoft

Microsoft domains integrate fully with the Microsoft Office suite of products, including Outlook. So if you want the latter part of your email address to show your domain name instead of yourname@outlook.com, then give this option some serious thought.  Pricing information is available to subscribers.

Namecheap

Namecheap accepts Bitcoin as payment. They also offer lots of promotional pricing.

• Prices can be as low as $7.00 per year.
• Dot coms can be as low as $10.00 per year. 

Step 5. Select a website hosting provider

Website hosting gives your site a place to exist on the Internet. Let's dig a little deeper.

What is website hosting anyway?

Simply put, as the website owner, you pay a fee to your web host, and they agree to make your site available on the Internet, per agreed-upon service requirements. Learn more about service-level agreements (SLAs) with web hosts. Not all website hosting is the same, though—dropdown for more.

Hosted

Hosted platforms are the most prevalent in the market.  The reason is this: They're for business owners who don't want to be responsible for developing, coding, or designing their websites independently. Squarespace and Wix are great examples. Here’s a comparison.

Self-hosted

Self-hosted platforms simply provide a place for a site owner to house a website developed elsewhere, using whatever software and designs the owner chooses. A WordPress site hosted by BlueHost is a great example. It makes sense, right?

Step 6. Create your site

The most important features of a site builder are as follows:

• ease of use
• SEO
• ability to customize
• pre-packaged features 
• customer support 

So let's begin.

Should you DIY or outsource?

Do you have basic computer skills? Then you can create your website. Squarespace, Wix, Bluehost, and WordPress guide users through the process and offer robust user documentation and help. However, if you simply don't have time, then consider outsourcing the job to a freelancer. Advice for hiring one is available here.  Here's the best part: Some of the all-in-one providers can connect you with professional website builders and designers. Learn more about Wix's service and Squarespace's offerings.

Start with these 5 pages

A basic website should include 5 pages, but don't feel that you must limit yourself. The 5 pages described below will get you up and running, giving you a solid foundation to build upon for future additions.

Homepage

Create a clean, engaging, eye-catching home page. Also known as a "landing page," this is where your visitor "lands" when they type in your web address. Design your home page with a call to action (CTA) to encourage visitors to spend more time on your site. At a minimum, a homepage should include the following elements:

• concise headlines
• error-free grammar and spelling
• at least one CTA
• trust indicators
• discernable buttons
• links for basic navigation
• images or videos
• the most critical information within the initial view of the page (without having to scroll down to see it)

Examples of excellent landing pages include Upwork.com, The Knot.com, and UpFlip.com, of course. Read additional information about best practices to employ on your home page.

About us

Use your About us (or About me) page to provide a compelling but straightforward story or description of your background, experience, qualifications, and motivation for pursuing your business. If you have a team, then consider spotlighting each team member. Another way to approach this page is to forego descriptions of individual people and spotlight your mission, values, and accomplishments. Some great examples include Refinery29 and Humaan.com. Learn more about this topic through these templates.

Products and services

If you offer products, include a "Shop" page that lists your products and their respective prices. Learn more about creating an online store. If you offer services, provide brief descriptions and consider a "Booking" page. Many website builders offer this as a template. Or, you can integrate a scheduling app like Scheduly or Bookly.

Contact form

Dedicate a page to allow visitors to contact you. Create a form that captures, at a minimum, basic details from visitors, and configure the form to send it to your email address. Most website builders make this process super easy. The contact page is also an excellent place to include your location and hours of operation.  Finally, assess the benefits of including a "Chat Now" button on your site to allow visitors to have immediate access to you or a team member. Familiarize yourself with best practices for integrating live chat on your site. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

For questions that pop up repeatedly, be proactive by answering them on an FAQ page. According to Wix, an effective FAQ page is where you should answer your most common questions, such as, “Is a deposit required?” It can save you time in responding to the same questions over and over again, all while supporting your site’s SEO.  

Don’t forget a privacy policy

A privacy policy is likely the most important legal agreement your website will need. Let me tell you why. Any website that collects even the smallest amount of personal information is required by law to have a policy to guarantee the protection of this information. Phone numbers, email addresses, GPS location—you can’t legally collect these from web viewers without a policy in place.  The two most far-reaching laws regarding privacy policies are California’s Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA) and The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).  You might think these don’t apply to you, but make no mistake—your website will need to comply no matter your location. There’s no telling how fast your website will grow, so it’s best to have your bases covered from the Golden Gate to the Eiffel Tower.  In simple terms, if your website “collects personally identifiable information from California consumers,” then compliance with CalOPPA is required.  Similarly, the EU’s GDPR requires the same for websites or companies collecting information from EU consumers. If you don’t comply, your business can be fined dearly. Learn more. But it’s not just the law. Third parties, including Google, require your website to have a privacy policy or cookie disclaimer. It's because Google Analytics keeps track of usage data by placing cookies on users’ devices, and they require that you give users a heads up. But don’t take our word for it: Read what UpFlip’s Privacy Policy says regarding cookies. Check out the privacy policies of all your favorite websites, just for inspiration. Don’t just tell the user you’re putting cookies on their computer. Instead, tell them why you’re doing it and how it makes it easier for you to provide them with the best service and experience while they surf your page. And let’s say your website has no intention of collecting personal information at all. You’ll still want a privacy policy, and here’s why: They are ubiquitous, and you’ll want viewers to trust your page and not question its legitimacy.  So even if your policy states that you don’t collect any information, your viewers will appreciate you making that known. And that’s it.  Most web builders offer resources for creating a privacy policy on their platform. For example, Wix offers excellent guidance on creating a privacy policy and how to insert one in the footer of your site. Alternatively, get one set-up for your website with one of these reputable online generators:

• TermsFeed
• GetTerms
• PrivacyPolicies.com

Create a mobile-first website

According to Oberlo.com, as of February 2021, mobile devices account for over 56% of the traffic on the Web. That’s a lot. Hence, be sure to prioritize the mobile-friendly view of your site. While your website builder will (most likely) configure the pages automatically for mobile, you still might want to preview it because it’s not always a seamless conversion, and the results might or might not be pretty.  Learn more about the importance of having a mobile-friendly site. In addition, here are instructions on editing the mobile view of your site on Wix and Squarespace. Easy, right?

If Content is King, Consistency is Queen

Bill Gates wrote this all the way back in 1996, and content and consistency still hold their crowns today. (His essay Content is King is available here.) You need to make sure the content on your website (words, images, and videos) is engaging and flows logically. Scroll on.

Have relevant content that you deliver consistently

Content is anything on your site that contributes to the user’s experience—anything the user sees, reads, or hears of material value.  Keep your content fresh by continually adding blog content, promotions, new images, and whatever you need to keep it interesting, relevant, and popping, which is the consistency you need to keep your site ranked, fresh, and viable. Consider planning your content, taking into account the needs and interests of your target audience concerning your product or service. Udemy offers a course on content writing.

Optimize for search engines

SEO: You've heard about it, but what is it really? The truth is, it’s probably one of the most important aspects of creating a website. SEO represents actions you can take that will help your site rank higher in search results. After all, what's the point of taking the time to create a super beautiful website if no one can find it? Let me explain... Search engines utilize algorithms to rank search results on a search engine results page (SERP), which you see after “Googling” something.  In short, the content you add to your site can improve your SEO, including blogs, keywords, and original material. And the better your SEO, the more likely leads, prospects, and customers will find you.  The “SEO for Dummies Cheat Sheet” is a great resource. And while not required, consider a tool like Surfer SEO to help with identifying keywords and content for your site. Capitalize on local sources of SEO, such as online reviews and registering your site on Google My Business. After you publish your site, encourage others to link to it, which will also improve SEO. Take the next step by learning how Google's search algorithm works.

Keywords

Use relevant keywords, but don't "keyword stuff" your content by adding keywords just to have them. Your content will be hard to read, and it will negatively affect your SEO.  Learn more about keyword research and tracking.

Try these builders

In the paragraphs below, we'll explain the particulars of using the website builders we selected to feature in this guide.

Squarespace

If you need to build a website with an online store, then Squarespace is a great option. It is full of user-friendly features such as templates and drag and drop elements to help you open an online shop for your small business. Let's take a closer look.

Register a domain on Squarespace

Squarespace is a one-stop shop for creating your website. If you haven't registered your domain name and want to set up an e-commerce site on Squarespace, we recommend using this provider to choose a domain name and create your site. You might be wondering what to do if you already registered your domain with another entity.  Either connect it to your new site or use Squarespace's domain transfer service to bring everything together under one provider. Simple, right?

Pricing for domain name registration:

• $20 per year for a generic extension, (.com, .net,.org. etc.)
• $30 to $70 annually for a custom domain name that ends in a word like .dance, .digital, .ink, .engineer, .solar, etc. 

Build a website on Squarespace

Squarespace serves up a menu of cool features that make it an appealing option to create a website, such as:

• Pre-built templates with professionally designed layouts and colors that are optimized for mobile;
• A free trial;
• Knowledge of coding is not required; and 
• Functionality catering to specific businesses, such as artists, restaurants, photographers, etc. 

Building a website on Squarespace also gives you access to components such as the following:

• inventory management
• product displays that support video
• related-product suggestions to shoppers
• limited-availability labels to encourage shoppers to purchase low-stock or limited-edition items
• a product catalog
• pre-formatted email campaigns
• shipping
• uncomplicated payment and checkout
• search engine optimization (SEO) tools, and more

Creating a website with an online store is vital for many business owners, so don't place Squarespace in the sidebar without giving it a go.  

Pricing:

• Paid plans range from $18 to $40 per month.
• Transaction fees are waived for the more expensive plan options.

Read about all of Squarespace’s plans on their pricing page.

Wix

Wix is a user-friendly option for business owners who want a website solution that does not require (but can still accommodate) custom coding. It is one of the most popular website builders on the market today.

Get a domain name

If your domain name is already registered, you can connect it to your Wix site or transfer it. However, keep in mind that Wix only allows its premium members to connect a domain to their website. Otherwise, use Wix to accomplish your registration. Additional information is available here. Keep scrolling.

Pricing for domain name registration:

• $14.95 per year for a one-year plan
• $12.95 per year for a three-year plan

Make a website on Wix

Due to its simplicity and functionality, the Wix website builder is an excellent option for amateurs and professionals alike because it offers the following:

• drag and drop editors
• huge selection of templates 
• useful apps to choose from
• a robust blog full of actionable information 

Wix is a favorite choice for many who want to create and launch a site quickly due to the following reasons:

Reason	Details
You can build a free site.	The Wix logo will be visible on your site, and the word "wix" will be part of your URL.
Tons of apps are compatible and available.	Wix sells apps, but before buying, check for Wix-compatible free options. For example, you might be able to create forms for free using Magic Form Builder.
Wix has an image library.	Their decent image library is enhanced by search functionality that finds images matching your site’s color palette.

But don’t take our word for it; Wix published concrete guidance on creating a website from scratch. 

Pricing:

• $18 per month, designed for entrepreneurs and freelancers, with 10 GB of storage space
• $23 per month with online branding and 20GB of space
• $39 for the VIP plan with 35 GB of storage

Wix dedicates a page to break down all of their pricing. It’s worth your time to review it.

BlueHost and Wordpress

Bluehost might cost a little more than others, but their service has some of the highest ratings in the industry. But don't take my word for it. Check it out for yourself. WordPress is a website builder that partners with domain registration and hosting companies, like Bluehost. Wordpress offers SEO support through Yoast and is particularly suited for blogging. WordPress also provides design support through the use of themes. 

Pricing for domain name registration:

• $1.99 per year for .website
• $4.99 per year for .tech
• $12.99 per year for .com
• $14.99 per year for .co or .net
• $17.99 per year for .me
• $22.99 for .blog

Check out additional pricing info on their website.  And if you don’t want to use BlueHost, WordPress recommends other hosts that meet their requirements.

Let’s focus on WordPress for a minute

Talking about WordPress can be tricky and confusing, so let’s start by clearing things up. There are two platforms: WordPress.org and WordPress.com.  WordPress.org is free (aside from associated hosting costs) and “is owned by no one individual or company,” according to WordPress.org.  On the other hand, WordPress.com “is a hosted (for profit) blogging service run by a company called Automattic.” For a specific comparison, check out this breakdown provided by WPBeginner. For clarity’s sake, we’ll be referring to WordPress.org as “WordPress.”

WordPress

WordPress is a website builder that partners with domain registration and hosting companies, like Bluehost. Of course, you’ll have to choose between free and paid themes, so I’ll give you the run-down on your options to help you get going. If you decide on a free WordPress theme, you can simply build your site, pay for Bluehost, and go public. You can upgrade to a premium theme down the road if you’re not getting everything you need with a free theme. Another option is to get started with a premium theme and have all the advanced elements right off the bat. Premium themes benefit users who want more customization, advanced plugins, frequent updates, and user support. Not sure which version best suits you? Here’s a list of pros and cons that might help you decide.

Free themes

These are more straightforward and easier to use, whereas premium (paid) themes tend to be more complex and harder to use.  If you don’t need a ton of extras (plugins and widgets mostly), your site will be speedier with a simpler theme. And, according to Google, speed will help place you higher up in the SEO ranks. WordPress compiled and vetted thousands of free themes into its official theme directory. For a theme to be added to this directory, it must go through the WordPress review process to ensure it’s in line with strict coding standards.  While many premium themes comply with these standards, you can’t be entirely sure, especially if you’re not sure what to look for. According to CodeinWP, the average price for premium themes is $57.54.

Premium themes

Premium themes are unique. You’re more likely to come across other sites with the same theme when using free themes, while premium themes will give you a more one-of-a-kind look that will help you stand out.  They are also more likely to make frequent updates and provide support if you have an issue. If you want your site to support many features but don’t know what to do when a problem arises, you’ll need a support team to assist. Security is essential. Premium themes are often more secure, reducing the risk of viruses. Here are some places to find great premium themes:

• Astra
• Divi
• OceanWP
• Ultra
• Koehn

So there are pros and cons to each route. Keep costs low and make the free version work—possibly putting you higher up in the SEO ranks—or fork over the extra expense to get what you want for your launch. Once you know how complex your site will be, you’ll have a better idea of what’s best for you. 

WordPress.com

WordPress.com offers monthly and annual pricing plans. The yearly plans are summarized below, including a free domain for one year and providing a slight discount from paying by the month. Nice!

Pricing for WordPress.com:

• $96 per year for the premium plan 
• $300 per year for the business plan
• $540 per year for the e-commerce plan

Additional information is available on their pricing page.

Here’s a quick summary

Platform	Best for ...
Squarespace	Shop owners Mobile optimization Niche-specific templates
Wix	Beginners User-friendliness Supportive and complementary apps Quick creation-to-publish time
BlueHost + WordPress	Intermediate to advanced users Bloggers and writers SEO support Flexibility

Other free builders are available

There are lots of other free website builders out there. Check out this article about the best free website builders, broken down by niche.

Here are some tips for website building

Speed counts

Do everything you can to prevent pages from loading slowly. It's important to realize that many visitors won't continue waiting for a site to load after four seconds. And, you will lose about half of your first-time visitors if your site lags or is difficult to navigate. The main factors that affect a site's speed are the hosting platform, videos, images, files, plugins, and browser cache clearance.  Be sure to ask your hosting provider to explain how quickly content, especially multimedia, will load on your site. Then, weigh your options on the different plans they offer.  It’s best to purchase enough space to guarantee the best experience for your users. You can test the speed of your site on LoadStorm.

Add forms, calculators, and upload buttons

Most good website builders include little extras, like forms, calculators, and special buttons. Keep reading.

Forms

Use forms to automate information gathering to do things like evaluating requests in advance or capturing email addresses for subscriptions to your newsletter.  A basic form should ask for the user’s name and contact information and a few questions. After the user submits the form, it should display a confirmation message and, even better, send an automatically-generated confirmation email—because we all need validation (wink). Try the form builder inherent in your provider's platform, which is usually free. Review these examples of different types of forms.  All in all, forms are great because they will capture vital information and store it on your platform for future reference. 

Calculators

A calculator can empower customers to see important numbers in advance, such as square footage estimates, customizations, price per word, etc. Calconic can help you create an interactive calculator for your site. Go solve it!

Upload button

Some attorneys, tax professionals, and other document-heavy businesses provide upload buttons for clients to send documents securely. Likewise, general contractors or cakeries might want to allow customers to upload images. All website builders mentioned in this guide provide this capability.

Engage visitors with custom images

Relatable stock images are available for just about every piece of content you post on your site. However, there might be instances where you want to create a custom image.  A super-user-friendly program is Canva, which comes with a content scheduler to help you use social media to influence others to visit your site.

Navigation is your map to success

Ensure your site is easy to navigate such that it flows logically, keeping the user's experience in mind. Wix offers some great tips on this topic.

Have a scannable page layout

A web page that is easy and comfortable to scan is more likely to be read fully. It seems obvious, but what makes a web page consumable? The builders we mentioned offer layout pages that are blank or pre-built, which enables the placement of navigation menus, buttons, etc. In addition, Squarespace created videos that can guide you down the right path.

Test across devices

Ensure your site shows up on mobile, computer monitors, tablets, and other devices in an equally lovely way. Your website builder will convert it automatically, but it might need some adjusting on your part.

Drop some CTAs on the page

Sprinkle these throughout your site to drive engagement and sales. Advice on writing CTAs is available here. Check out these great examples as well.

Step 7: Preview and publish

Here's a publishing checklist:

• Review the content and layout.
• Test all links.
• Test all features.
• Make sure remnants of the template are not there, such as: 
  • filler street addresses; 
  • 123-456-7890 (or similar) phone numbers; or 
  • an "info@mysite" email address.
• Run a spelling and grammar check with a tool like Grammarly.
• Ask friends to review it.
• Test across all browsers.
• Test on different devices.

Step 8: Launch your site

Share the news! Add your new web address to your social media accounts, promotional materials, and Yelp page.  But don't just take our word for it. WikiHow published an article that outlines great strategies for launching your site. You can download it for only $1.99.  Also, Mailchimp, a great resource of promotional tools, offers excellent advice. Check it out.

Step 9: Monitor performance and maintenance

There are a few different ways to monitor your site's performance. We recommend learning how to use Google Analytics. But, want to know the best part? Analytics are readily available on most platforms. Wix offers a dashboard that includes analytics, while Squarespace lets you know who your visitors are and how they interact with your site. Wordpress comes with built-in statistics but allows premium, business, and e-commerce subscribers to enable Google Analytics as an integrated feature. Tap into the power of the Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster tools as well. On an ongoing basis, maintain the currency and relevancy of your site as described in the sections above. And that's it.

Now it's your turn!

So it all adds up to this… Whether you create your website from scratch, make a WordPress site, hire a web developer, use a hosting company, self-host, or make your website with a web design program, the bottom line is you can always refer to this guide as a resource for making a website.  Want to know something else? Upflip has a great article about digital marketing, which should be your next step after launching your website.  There’s no totally right or completely wrong way to create your website. What matters most is that you get started. Now go out and do it!

Have you ever considered starting a business with your spouse? If so, check out these fantastic business ideas tailor-made for couples!

The concept of husband and wife business ideas has been around for a long time, and the prospect of building your dream life together is undoubtedly appealing. Let's explore some great business ideas for couples!

[su_note note_color="#dbeafc"]Click a link below to skip to the idea that interests you (and your partner!) most.

• • Tips for Getting Started With a Business Idea for Couples
  • Strategies for Couples to Start a Successful Business
  • Best Online Businesses for Couples
  • Part-Time Business Ideas for Couples
  • Two-Person Team Start-Ups: Profitable Business Ideas for Couples
  • Small Businesses for Couples to Start
  • Which Business for Couples Will You Choose?[/su_note]

Tips for Getting Started With a Business Idea for Couples

There are numerous considerations when couples decide to start a small business together. You’ll want to:

• Consider the initial time and financial investment required.
• Identify activities that you both enjoy doing consistently.
• Decide if you want immediate returns or are willing to invest in a more passive venture.
• Combine your skills as a couple to find synergies in the business.
• Follow your shared passions and interests.
• Determine your preference for a location-based or online business.

Strategies for Couples to Start a Successful Business

You’ll also want to find ways to make sure that both partners feel fulfilled by the business. That means you should:

• Ensure the business idea suits both partners' needs and interests.
• Practice effective communication and maintain a balance between work and personal life.
• Consider the roles you can play within the business to complement each other.

Best Online Businesses for Couples

1. Blogging: Start a blog and monetize it over time

• Average Annual Revenue: $46K
• Average Profit Margins: 14.6%
• Startup Costs: Under $100-$200
• Time To Revenue: 1 month to 3 Years
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -1.50%
• Best for: Couples with writing, graphic design, and other content creation skills, strong marketers

A blog can be a great business venture on its own or in combination with other business ideas like a podcast, vlog, or online education business. It’s easy to get started but can take a while to build an audience and generate regular and recurring income.

One of you can write, while the other does design, or work together on everything.

Kevin Espiritu used a blog to turn his passion for gardening into a $7.3 million-a-year business. Hear his story in this podcast interview:

2. Sell Stock Photos: Create and sell unique stock photography

• Average Annual Revenue: $50K
• Average Profit Margins: 7.3%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$10K
• Time To Revenue: 1-6 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.3%
• Best for: Photographers, visual artists, people who want flexibility and passive income

A photography business can be a highly profitable business, and it is among the best couple business ideas to run from the side at home. There are tons of sites to sell stock photographs, including:

• iStock Photos by Getty Images
• Shutterstock
• Alamy
• 500px

3. Freelance Writing: Offer content writing services

• Average Annual Revenue: $46K
• Average Profit Margins: 14.6%
• Startup Costs: $100-$200
• Time To Revenue: 1 month to 3 Years
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -1.50%
• Best for: Writers, editors, SEO and digital marketing experts

Writing content is a great business idea for couples who want to start their own business quickly out of their home. Just set up a profile on a freelance platform like Upwork or Fiverr and you can begin accepting clients in minutes.

4. Cleaning Service: Offer residential or commercial cleaning

• Average Annual Revenue: $61K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.8%
• Startup Cost: $300-$5K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2.4%
• Best for: Detail-oriented people with strong customer service skills, people who like physical work and don’t mind getting their hands dirty

The low investment to start a cleaning business is one thing that draws people to this niche. Demand is also strong and growing, at a rate of 6.6% each year for the last decade.

Chris Mondragon grew Queen Bee Cleaning Services to $120,000 a month in revenue from an initial investment of just $5,000. He teaches how to follow his model in his 7-Figure Cleaning Business Blueprint. You can also watch this interview with Chris to hear how he started:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4Iip7BHXwg"]

You can even start a remote cleaning business.

5. Printables: Design and sell customizable printed products

• Average Annual Revenue: $1.6M
• Average Profit Margins: 4.3%
• Startup Cost: $500-$250K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -5.6%
• Best for: Graphic designers and visual artists, marketing experts

An online store selling custom-printed items is among the best business ideas for creative entrepreneurs who want a passive income stream.

People buy customizable printables for a lot of reasons, from marketing swag and business gifts to favors for weddings and parties. All of those niches mean lots of potential customers for your eCommerce business.

[su_youtube url="https://youtu.be/BmYCYMAsQ8Y"]

6. Web Design: Create and manage websites for clients

• Average Annual Revenue: $239K+
• Average Profit Margins: 5.3%
• Startup Cost: $100-$1K
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.4%
• Best for: Web developers, programmers, graphic designers, SEO experts

Every business needs a website but not all business owners can make one. If graphic design, visual layout, or coding are among your or your partner’s interests, website design is a good business idea with a low investment up-front and a lot of growth potential.

7. Virtual Assistant: Provide a wide range of online assistance

• Average Annual Revenue: $35K-$50K
• Average Profit Margins: 10.5%
• Startup Costs: $100-$200
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.9%
• Best for: Highly-organized people, excellent communicators with strong time management and problem-solving skills

Virtual assistants (VA) help busy professionals take care of day-to-day tasks, like scheduling appointments, booking travel, and similar administrative things.

Being a VA is a great online business idea because it has a low investment to start and doesn’t require any special skills. The hours are usually flexible, too, making it ideal for parents looking for business opportunities they can fit around other commitments.

8. Ads: Offer ad writing and design services for various platforms

• Average Annual Revenue: $817K
• Average Profit Margins: 6.9%
• Startup Costs: $1.8K-$16K
• Time To Revenue: 1-6 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.3%
• Best for: Marketing experts, writers, visual artists, graphic designers, people skilled in SEO, SEM, and other digital marketing techniques

Similar to web design, creating compelling advertisements requires a unique set of skills that not all business owners have. This makes it a profitable business idea with a lot of growth potential, especially for a two-person team.

9. Vending Machine Owners: Establish or buy vending machine routes

• Average Annual Revenue: $182K+
• Average Profit Margins: 4.3%
• Startup Cost: $2K-$10K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.5%
• Best for: People who want flexibility and passive income potential, system-driven entrepreneurs

Do you ever wonder who makes money from the vending machines in workplaces, schools, and other businesses? It could be you if you start a vending business!

Vending has a high profit potential without needing a huge time investment. UpFlip’s Vending Bootcamp teaches you how to get started step-by-step. You can also watch this interview with Hill Vending founder Adam Hill to learn how he got started:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s_Y-O1nosw"]

10. Online Educational Resources: Create and sell online courses together

• Average Annual Revenue: $234K+
• Average Profit Margins: 5.8%
• Startup Cost: $100-$1K
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.1%
• Best for: Teachers and educators, people with in-demand skills and knowledge, writers and content creators

Selling online courses lets you make a living sharing your knowledge. Creating the course takes the most work. Once you’ve made online educational resources, you can run a profitable business with little time investment.

It’s also a cheap business to start. Jacques Hopkins started his online course business with a $ 150-a-month budget, and he’s grown it to more than $40,000 a month in revenue. Hear his advice in this interview:

11. Tutoring: Offer virtual tutoring sessions in various subjects

• Average Annual Revenue: $18K+
• Average Profit Margins: 13.10%
• Startup Cost: $100-$1K
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 8.5%
• Best for: Teachers and educators, excellent communicators and motivators, experts in academic subjects or test prep

Speaking of an online education business, tutoring is another of the best business ideas for couples who are educators. You can run a completely online business with virtual tutoring sessions or set up an online portal to connect with in-person students.

There are a number of tutoring platforms where you can begin accepting clients to get your business up and running. Some of the most popular include:

• Preply
• Wyzant
• TutorMe
• Cambly
• Strive Academics

12. Stock Market: Manage other people’s investments

• Average Annual Revenue: $1.8M+
• Average Profit Margins: 36.1%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 8.2%
• Best for: financial advisors and money experts, investors and stock traders

For business partners with a background in finance, investment management is a highly profitable business idea. The people who have investments to manage tend to be high-earners, so you can easily build a client list of people willing to pay top dollar.

Bear in mind that investment advisors need to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and may also need to register with their state in order to operate legally. The SEC explains how to register on its website.

13. Consultancy business: Provide expert advice and recommendations

• Average Annual Revenue: $364K
• Average Profit Margins: 6.4%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$3.5M
• Time To Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2.2%
• Best for: Creative problem solvers, excellent communicators and motivators, experts in in-demand areas like marketing, human resources, and leadership

Entrepreneurs will pay top dollar for business development advice that helps them grow revenue, become better leaders, master their digital marketing, or hone other necessary skills. A couple with that expertise can make excellent business partners for a consultancy business.

The key to success is finding the right niche market. For example, Ryan Gromfin turned his experience managing five-star restaurants into a $ 35,000-a-month restaurant consulting business. Hear his advice here:

14. Coaching: Become life, business, or mindset coaches

• Average Annual Revenue: $63K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.5%
• Startup Costs: $500-$5K
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.5%
• Best for: Empathetic entrepreneurs, active listeners and great communicators, people with strong organization, time management, and creative problem-solving skills

Coaching can be a very profitable business to start with a business partner because you can accelerate your growth and build your client list twice as fast. You can be a coach in any area where you’re an expert, from personal organization to parenting to being a landscape and gardening consultant.

15. Digital Marketing: Offer online marketing services

• Average Annual Revenue: $817K
• Average Profit Margins: 6.9%
• Startup Costs: $100-$10K
• Time To Revenue: 1-6 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.3%
• Best for: social media experts, designers and content creators, data analysts, people with SEM, SEO, and similar digital marketing skills

A digital marketing agency is one of the top business ideas for couples who want high-profit potential as well as schedule flexibility. Most businesses today need an online presence, and that puts digital marketing skills in high demand.

The digital marketing firm Socialistics has grown to $500,000 a year in revenue by attracting big-name clients like the Air Force and Habitat for Humanity. Find out how they got started in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb1czTEK8f8"]

16. E-books: Write and sell e-books

• Average Annual Revenue: $712K
• Average Profit Margins: 14.6%
• Startup Costs: $100-$200
• Time To Revenue: 1 month to 3 years
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -1.5%
• Best for: Writers and editors, strong online marketers, couples seeking a passive income stream

Selling e-books is a very flexible business. You create the books on your own schedule then list them in an online store, which you can manage any time and from anywhere.

The tricky part about starting an e-book business is that there are a lot of them out there, so you’ll need strategies to get customer attention in a crowded market. It can help to focus on a niche market, or if you have other ways to build an audience, like through a podcast, YouTube channel, or large social media following.

17. T-Shirt Business: Design and sell custom t-shirts online

• Average Annual Revenue: $147K
• Average Profit Margins: 3.2%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$200K
• Time To Revenue: 30-90 days
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 3.3%
• Best for: Artists and graphic designers, strong marketers and networkers

One particularly popular custom printables niche is a print-on-demand t-shirt business. This is among the best business ideas for couples who are creative and need flexibility.

Artem Ionitsa makes $2,000,000 a year with his Logo Unlimited that prints clothing for major businesses. Find out how he started and grew his business in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJRWc1ZPCpQ"]

18. eCommerce: Sell products through a website

• Average Annual Revenue: $60K-$120K
• Average Profit Margins: 5-15%
• Startup Costs: $100-$1K
• Time To Revenue: 30-90 days
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -9.3%
• Best for: Makers, designers, and crafters, artists and creators, fashion and shopping lovers

You can sell just about anything with an eCommerce business. Vlad Kuksenko started TagPup with a low investment of just $500 and in two years made more than $1 million in sales. Hear how he became the #1 pet products store on Etsy in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dqHBHA4AmU"]

19. Website Flipping: Buy, enhance, and sell websites

• Average Annual Revenue: $239K
• Average Profit Margins: 5.30%
• Startup Costs: $100-$1K
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.40%
• Best for: Web designers and developers, experts in SEO, web traffic, data analysis, or automation

Domain flipping is like a digital version of a real estate business. You purchase a website at a low price, then improve its design, functionality, and search rankings to increase its value and sell it for a profit.

After starting OneHourProfessor.com in 2014, Ron Stefanski has built a portfolio of websites that bring in $30,000 a month in revenue on average. Hear his advice on how to start a website business in this interview:

20. Podcasting: Create and monetize a podcast

• Average Annual Revenue: $4M+
• Average Profit Margins: 27.1%
• Startup Costs: $500-$5K
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 6.4%
• Best for: Entertainers, skilled communicators, teachers, presenters, and content creators

Podcasting was an $18.5 billion industry in 2022, and it’s expected to grow another 27.6% by 2030. Like a blog, podcasting can be a successful business idea on its own or in tandem with other online educational resources.

Building an audience is the most challenging part of starting a podcast. Listen to this interview to learn how Entrepreneurs on Fire became one of the top business podcasts with more than 142 million listeners:

Part-Time Business Ideas for Couples

21. Junk Removal: Help clear out people’s homes and offices

• Average Annual Revenue: $5.7M+
• Average Profit Margins: 2.9%
• Startup Costs: $100K-$3.5M
• Time To Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.9%
• Best for: Construction pros, couples who like physical work

Many people don’t know how to dispose of large junk like appliances and construction trash—and they don’t want to deal with it even if they do. That’s what makes junk removal a $10 billion-a-year industry and a profitable, unique business idea for couples.

22. Dog Walking: Provide pet walking services

• Average Annual Revenue: $34K+
• Average Profit Margins: 16%
• Startup Costs: $500-$5K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.7%
• Best for: Pet owners, animal lovers, people with high physical stamina who like working outdoors

Nearly 20% of American households adopted a dog during the pandemic. Now that people are being called back to the office, dog walkers are in increasingly high demand.

That demand has driven up prices. In large markets like New York, dog walkers can charge $600 or more a month per client. This gives it potential to be a highly profitable business even as a part-time venture.

Starting with a partner makes it where you can walk twice as many dogs.

23. Catering: Start your own catering business for events

• Average Annual Revenue: $124K+
• Average Profit Margins: 5.5%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.0%
• Best for: Cooks, bakers, and foodies with strong customer service and time management skills

One drawback to most food industry businesses is the high startup cost. Starting your own catering business is one way around this issue. You can rent a commercial kitchen when you need it instead of buying your own equipment, and that means a much lower up-front investment.

A catering company also gives you more scheduling flexibility than a restaurant. You can book events only during the times you’re available, and how much work you take on is completely in your court, too.

24. Personal Training: Offer fitness coaching services

• Average Annual Revenue: $16K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.9%
• Startup Costs: $500-$5K
• Time To Revenue: 1-6 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.6%
• Best for: Health and fitness experts, great motivators with strong communication skills and empathy

A personal trainer helps their clients meet their fitness goals, and you don’t need your own gym to open a fitness business. You could offer sessions from your home, at clients’ homes, or partner with a local athletics and fitness association to use their facilities.

There are also affordable opportunities to become a franchise business partner as a personal trainer or fitness business. Jazzercise franchises start at $2,500, for example, and Anytime Fitness franchises have a similarly low investment.

25. Car Wash and Detailing: Provide car washing and detailing services

• Average Annual Revenue: $73K+
• Average Profit Margins: 16.1%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.0%
• Best for: Car lovers, detail-oriented entrepreneurs who like working with their hands

More than 91% of households in the United States own a car, and about 22% own three or more. This makes businesses related to car maintenance a smart move.

A mobile business is often a better side hustle than a brick-and-mortar, with both a lower upfront cost and more schedule flexibility. Seattle Mobile Detailing was started by business partners with just $300 and now grosses $40,000 a month. Learn how they got started in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk4L1O2b84Q"]

26. Horticulture: Grow plants for nurseries

• Average Annual Revenue: $262K+
• Average Profit Margins: 5.4%
• Startup Costs: $100K-$3.5M
• Time To Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2.8%
• Best for: Gardeners and plant experts, people who love working outside

You don’t need a huge plot of land to start a flower or herb farm. A rose, sunflower, or lavender farming business are outstanding couple business ideas for those with unused yard space and green thumbs.

27. Resume Writing: Write professional resumes and LinkedIn profiles

• Average Annual Revenue: $46K
• Average Profit Margins: 5.8%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.1%
• Best for: Human resources professionals, writers and editors, people with recruiting or hiring experience

A well-written resume is key to a successful job search, and a strong LinkedIn profile can be just as important. It’s typical to charge $200-$400 for a mid-career resume, while executive resumes command prices of $700 or more.

That’s not bad for a one-to-two-page document and makes a very lucrative part-time business for a couple with career expertise.

28. Personal Shopping: Assist clients with personal shopping needs

• Average Annual Revenue: $37K+
• Average Profit Margins: 1.9%
• Startup Cost: $100-$1K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 10.5%
• Best for: Strong communicators, people who are patient, organized, and empathetic with a sharp eye for detail and good decision-making skills

As a personal shopper, you get clients the things they need—even when they’re not quite sure what those are. The guidance personal shoppers give is what differentiates them from a virtual assistant or delivery service and makes it a more profitable business.

29. Handyperson: Offer general handyman services

• Average Annual Revenue: $204K+
• Average Profit Margins: 5.4%
• Startup Costs: $500-$5K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.7%
• Best for: Contractors and skilled trade workers, people who like working with their hands and have good communication and customer service skills

Every homeowner needs repairs now and then, and they don’t always have the time or skills to make them. This is a great business idea for a two-person team because you can do more work faster, making for happy customers and higher profits.

It doesn’t take much to start a handyperson business. Find out how Caleb Ingraham started his $ 25,000-a-month business in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leUta_q_MPQ"]

30. Interior Painting and Wallpapering: Provide interior painting and wallpapering services

• Average Annual Revenue: $76K+
• Average Profit Margins: 7.2%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -2%
• Best for: Construction and home repair professionals, painters and designers, people who like physical work, detail-oriented and process-driven entrepreneurs

Painting and wallpapering are among the best business ideas for couples who want to stay active and make money together. The mess and labor involved in painting houses is why many customers pay for a service.

It takes a surprisingly low investment to start a house painting business. Joshua Douglass only invested about $6,000 to start A Painter’s Touch, and today it makes around $25,000 a month. Hear his story in this interview:

31. Party Planner: Plan and coordinate events for clients

• Average Annual Revenue: $34K+
• Average Profit Margins: 12.2%
• Startup Costs: $500-$5K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1%
• Best for: Organized and outgoing people with strong creative problem-solving, time management, and customer service skills

A wedding planning business is the best-known niche in event planning, but that’s far from the only option. From family reunions and celebrations to corporate events, there are a lot of ways to profit from your party planning skills.

32. Paint Wall Murals: Create artistic murals for customers

• Average Annual Revenue: $76K+
• Average Profit Margins: 7.20%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -2.00%
• Best for: Painters and visual artists, designers, creative people who like physical work

An eye-catching mural can be a great draw for customers to a business, or bring a unique touch to a home. Mural artists typically charge $10-$20 per square foot, which can put this among the most profitable business ideas for a creative side hustle.

With the right equipment, you don’t need to be an artist to make money from murals. Paul Baron started a business in vertical printing with The Wall Printer. Find out more in his podcast interview.

Two-Person Team Start-Ups: Profitable Business Ideas for Couples

33. Pinterest Account Manager: Manage Pinterest accounts for businesses

• Average Annual Revenue: $42K to $208K
• Average Profit Margins: 6.9%
• Startup Costs: $1.8K-$16K
• Time To Revenue: 1-6 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.3%
• Best for: Social media experts, photographers and graphic designers, organized and creative entrepreneurs

Pinterest is a popular platform for anyone running a food business, clothing shop, or cosmetic line as well as others who have visually compelling products to sell. The average Pinterest Virtual Assistant makes about $500 a month per client or up to $100 per hour, but you can certainly make more than that as a skilled Pinterest manager.

One of you can find clients while the other one manages the Pinterest accounts.

34. Subscription Box Service: Curate niche subscription boxes

• Average Annual Revenue: $60K to $120K
• Average Profit Margins: 5-15%
• Startup Costs: $100-$10K
• Time To Revenue: 30-90 days
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 16.5%
• Best for: Data experts, people tuned in to trends, strong marketers and salespeople, people with specialized product niche expertise

A subscription business is a fantastic business model because you earn regular and recurring income by default.

Any type of consumable product can be part of a subscription box, from healthy snacks to on-trend clothes, shoes, or makeup. Whatever your or your partner’s interests, you can start a successful business curating monthly goodie boxes for other fans of that niche.

35. Local Guides: Offer guided tours and experiences in your area

• Average Annual Revenue: $995K+
• Average Profit Margins: 6.6%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 3.5%
• Best for: Friendly, outgoing couples with excellent communication skills, actors and performers, people with niche knowledge about their local area

This is a fantastic business idea for couples who are active in their local community or have unique expertise in the history, culture, wildlife, or other aspects of their region.

You could give general tours or niche down. If you’re plugged into the local food scene, for instance, you can market to tourists and food lovers who flock to food truck tours and brewery crawls.

36. Adventure Tourism: Get people out and exploring

• Average Annual Revenue: $995K+
• Average Profit Margins: 6.6%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 3.5%
• Best for: Adventurous and outgoing entrepreneurs with strong marketing and communication skills

People love experiencing new things, and you can offer that as business partners in the adventure tourism niche.

Jonathan Newar started Captain Experiences in 2020 to do just that and has already grown the business to $100,000 a month in revenue. Hear his story in this interview:

37. Eco-Friendly and Chemical-Free Makeup and Beauty Products: Produce natural cosmetics and self-care products

• Average Annual Revenue: $11.5M+
• Average Profit Margins: 5.7%
• Startup Costs: $500-$250K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%
• Best for: Makeup artists, stylists, and other fashion and beauty experts with strong sales and creative problem-solving skills

Cosmetics is the third-largest segment of the U.S. beauty industry, projected to bring in $20.13 billion in revenue in 2024. Natural and chemical-free products are a growing niche within this sector and can be very profitable as either a brick-and-mortar store or eCommerce business.

38. Meal Prep Business: Prepare and deliver healthy meals

• Average Annual Revenue: $41K+
• Average Profit Margins: 6.4%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%
• Best for: Cooks, chefs, and other restaurant industry pros with strong time management and organization skills

Meal delivery services spiked in popularity during the pandemic and that trend shows no signs of reversing. You can offer meal delivery services as a subscription business for recurring revenue, too, or home in on a niche like office food delivery.

39. Food or Grocery Delivery Business: Deliver prepared food or groceries

• Average Annual Revenue: $31K
• Average Profit Margins: 3.6%
• Startup Cost: $100-$9.5K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 6.7%
• Best for: Organized and system-focused entrepreneurs with strong sales, marketing, and customer service skills

If you like the idea of a meal delivery service business but aren’t much of a cook, you can start your own business delivering groceries or food from other restaurants. While these services are in demand, you will be competing with heavy hitters like Uber Eats and DoorDash, which is the main challenge of getting started.

Adam Haber started Trellus Local Delivery to help small businesses. While Trellus delivers more than just food, you can follow a similar model for meal delivery services. Hear his story in this interview:

40. Interior Design for Small Businesses: Provide interior design for office or retail spaces

• Average Annual Revenue: $168K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.6%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%
• Best for: Designers and artists who are excellent communicators, networkers, and salespeople

If you’re looking for business ideas for couples with a low investment, service-based niches like a design business can be a perfect fit.

Building a client base is often the hardest part of getting started. One option is to provide free services in exchange for referrals or reviews and to establish portfolio of past work to show potential customers.

41. Organizing Business: Help clients declutter and organize their spaces

• Average Annual Revenue: $168K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.6%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%
• Best for: Organized, system-driven, and empathetic entrepreneurs who are good communicators and motivators

Another low-investment service business, professional organizing services work with clients to bring order to the chaos of life. This can range from decluttering a home to helping busy professionals organize their workspaces, and it’s among the top business ideas for couples who thrive on systems and order.

42. Travel Photography: Sell beautiful photos of your favorite places

• Average Annual Revenue: $44K
• Average Profit Margins: 7.30%
• Startup Cost: $5K-$15K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.3%
• Best for: Artists, photographers, and creative couples

A photography business in the travel niche lets you take your business on the road wherever you want to go. You can sell your images as prints in an online store, sell them as stock photos, or work with clients like news sources and travel guides.

43. Translator: Leverage your bilingual- or multilingualism

• Average Annual Revenue: $75K-$200K
• Average Profit Margins: 12.4%
• Startup Cost: $100-$200
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%
• Best for: People who speak multiple languages, excellent communicators with strong problem-solving skills

While AI-driven translation apps are functional for travelers, there is still a high need for professional translators in the global economy. The most in-demand languages include Spanish, German, Russian, and Mandarin (and bonus points if you speak three or more).

44. Handmade Jewelry, Candles, or Soap: Craft and sell handmade products

• Average Annual Revenue: $60K-$120K
• Average Profit Margins: 5-15%
• Startup Costs: $100-$10K
• Time To Revenue: 30-90 days
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -9.3%
• Best for: Artisans, crafters, and artists with strong sales, marketing, and customer service skills

There are lots of ways to start a handcrafted soap, artisanal candle, or handmade jewelry business. While it’s fastest to start as an eCommerce business, you can supplement those sales with a festival or farmers market stall, or even get your own storefront as the business grows.

Check out this interview with Blk Sunflower to learn how Jazmin Richards made $300,000 in 18 months selling handmade candles:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzZ5aTbiLh0"]

Small Businesses for Couples to Start

45. Coffee Shop or Coffee Industry Business

• Average Annual Revenue: $865K+ (Starbucks makes this number sky high)
• Average Profit Margins: 5.8%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%
• Best for: Baristas and coffee experts who excel at customer service

A coffee shop provides more than a caffeine fix. It’s also a gathering place for the community, making it a great business idea for couples who love meeting and talking to new people (and, of course, love coffee).

Starting a coffee shop can require a big startup investment. One way to get into the coffee industry for a lower price is with a coffee stand. You can expand that into a sit-down coffee shop as the business grows. Learn how Sandy Edin started a $24,000-a-month coffee stand in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvQt2wbj7DE"]

46. Childcare

• Average Annual Revenue: $143K+
• Average Profit Margins: 0.9%
• Startup Costs: $0-$1K
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 51.7%
• Best for: Parents, babysitters, people who love kids and are outgoing, patient, and good multi-taskers

A childcare business is among the best business ideas for couples who are parents themselves. You already have the skills to take care of kids—and this is one way to make a profit from them!

That’s what led Kristy Bickmeyer to start Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency, and she’s now grown it to 20 locations across five states. Hear how she got started here:

47. Bakery or Cake Shop

• Average Annual Revenue: $1.95M
• Average Profit Margins: 5.4%
• Startup Costs: $100-$3M
• Time To Revenue: 1-6 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.1%
• Best for: Cooks, chefs, bakers, or foodies with customer service, leadership, and marketing skills

Bakeries are among the most popular types of food retail business—who doesn’t love tasty cookies, cakes, and pastries?

While bakeries often have a high startup cost, they don’t have to. One option is to start as a bakery catering business, then expand into a storefront as the business grows. That’s how Mignon Francois turned $5 into a $10 million cupcake business. Hear her story in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmviDvmh5js"]

48. Boat, Bike, or Car Rentals

• Average Annual Revenue: $285K+
• Average Profit Margins: 6.8%
• Startup Costs: $100K-$3.5M
• Time To Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2.0%
• Best for: Mechanics and vehicle repair pros with excellent sales, marketing, and customer service skills

Vehicle rental services are fantastic couples business ideas for people with a passion for cars, boats, or bikes. While it helps to have some repair or maintenance skills, all you really need to get started is an inventory of vehicles and a way to connect with customers.

Legends Car Rentals makes $175,000 a month, so you can definitely make a lot of profit in this niche. Hear how they started in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_01eckETe0"]

49. Doggy Daycare

• Average Annual Revenue: $73K+
• Average Profit Margins: 11.5%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.1%
• Best for: Animal lovers and owners, patient and personable entrepreneurs with strong customer service skills

Busy professionals and families sometimes need a hand watching their pets. You can solve that problem by opening a kennel or doggy daycare. If you love the idea of spending your days caring for dogs, this could be the perfect business for you!

50. Food Truck

• Average Annual Revenue: $41K+
• Average Profit Margins: 6.4%
• Startup Cost: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2
• Best for: Cooks and food industry professionals who are excellent at marketing and customer service

It takes a lot to keep an entire restaurant afloat. The comparatively low investment and greater schedule flexibility are why food trucks are a popular alternative.

The food truck industry is crowded in some markets, which can make it challenging to attract customers. Learn how Aybla Grill started and grew their food truck business in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi_RBWualJ8"]

51. Bookkeeping and Accounting

• Average Annual Revenue: $206K+
• Average Profit Margins: 13.9%
• Startup Costs: $500-$5K
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.6%
• Best for: Accounting, math, and business professionals, detail-oriented entrepreneurs

While you need to be licensed to operate as a CPA, you don’t need that credential to start a bookkeeping service. For math and accounting pros, this is a solid business idea with a low investment to start. That said, this is another area you may need to provide free services to build a reputation and client trust.

52. Rental or Airbnb Property Management

• Average Annual Revenue: $372K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.1%
• Startup Cost: $100K-$3.5M
• Time To Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.3%
• Best for: Real estate and construction professionals who are organized and strong customer service skills

A property management business is among the best low-investment business opportunities in real estate.

One niche market with especially high demand is Airbnb management. NICASA makes $3 million a year as an Airbnb business, and a lot of that comes from managing other people’s properties. Hear founders Sid and Eva’s advice and story in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m-MosXlpOE"]

53. Consignment Shop

• Average Annual Revenue: $60K-$120K
• Average Profit Margins: 5-15%
• Startup Costs: $100-$10K
• Time To Revenue: 30-90 days
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -9.3%
• Best for: Fashion and style experts who are excellent negotiators and communicators

Starting a consignment shop lets you open a retail business without worrying about providing your own inventory. Instead, you earn a commission selling other people’s products, saving you lots of hassle, cost, and risk.

Clothing and art are among the most popular niches for consignment, but you can start this kind of business with any type of products.

54. Boutique Retail Business

• Average Annual Revenue: $114K+
• Average Profit Margins: 10.3%
• Startup Costs: $500-$250K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2.0%
• Best for: Designers, artists, and fashion experts with strong marketing and customer service skills

If you’d rather make and sell your own clothes, a boutique retail business could be your perfect fit. Learn how Urbanity grew to $102,000 in monthly revenue in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wUc28d8KkE"]

55. IT Support

• Average Annual Revenue: $35K-$50K
• Average Profit Margins: 10.5%
• Startup Costs: $100-$200
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.9%
• Best for: Tech-savvy couples who are patient and have excellent communication skills

Sometimes, it’s not the device that needs to be repaired—it’s the user who needs help using it. Online businesses in IT support are especially great for business partners since it doubles how many customers you can help (and people who need IT support are likely internet users already).

56. eBay Selling Business

• Average Annual Revenue: $60K-$120K
• Average Profit Margins: 5-15%
• Startup Cost: $100-$10K
• Time To Revenue: 30-90 days
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -9.3%
• Best for: Shoppers, thrifters, and antiquers who are good marketers, negotiators, and salespeople

An eCommerce business as a reseller is among the easiest online businesses to start. If you’re strapped for cash, you can even take your initial inventory from things you already own.

Mike Wilson started with about $1,000 in inventory and has grown to a revenue of $30,000 a month selling on eBay. Hear his story here:

57. Electronics Repair

• Average Annual Revenue: $560K+
• Average Profit Margins: 5.7%
• Startup Costs: $500-$5K
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.4%
• Best for: Tech and repair professionals with a sharp eye for details

Electronics repair is among the most profitable business ideas for couples who are tech-savvy. You can get started for cheap, too. Joe’s Electronics Repair is a seven-figure business that was started with just $45. Find out how in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqce8NAZWYw"]

58. Flower Shop

• Average Annual Revenue: $262K+
• Average Profit Margins: 5.4%
• Startup Costs: $100K-$3.5M
• Time To Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 2.8%
• Best for: Designers, artists, and creative people with a green thumb and excellent customer service

Flowers are a go-to gift for just about any situation. If you don’t want the costs of a brick-and-mortar, you can open a business stand, sell at a local farmers market, or open an online store.

Stemistry started online and grew into a brick-and-mortar—and the owner’s still a teenager! Find out how it started in this interview:

59. Auto Repair

• Average Annual Revenue: $268K+
• Average Profit Margins: 6.1%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -0.8%
• Best for: Mechanics and repair pros, car experts who are good communicators

People rely on their cars and they’re keeping their cars longer, too. That means more demand for businesses related to car maintenance and repair.

A repair shop will need a fairly high investment. Lucky’s Auto Repair cost about $20,000 to start. Find out how they grew that investment into a lucrative business in this interview:

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chhmCdYt0iQ"]

Which Business for Couples Will You Choose?

There are plenty of small businesses to start as a couple. Consider both of your skills and interest and choose the one that works for you. Which will you start?