People buy products online — through marketplaces and eCommerce websites. And, they also buy services online.
Physical goods are just one part of eCommerce. So, eCommerce service based business is a significant part of the digital world. And, it’s never been easier to start one.
If you are contemplating the idea of starting a service based eCommerce business, we have got you covered. In this blog, you will read about profitable service-based business ideas and how to start a successful one.
Why start a service-based business?
There are many advantages of starting an eCommerce business in general. As for service-based ones, you get all those advantages plus a whole bunch of others. Here are a few of them:
💡Zero-investment: You can start a service-based business with zero upfront costs, making your turnovers hundred percent. Most of the eCommerce service based business need just an internet connection, a laptop, and the skill needed.
💡Global clientele: Unlike product-based businesses, you don’t have to worry about shipping. So, you have the potential to work with clients around the world!
💡Location freedom: Run your eCommerce business from your kitchen or bedroom, you’re free to do business from wherever you want! That’s the advantage of running a service-based business.
💡More profits: Since you do not have much investments, your overall profits and income will be high. Also, you won’t be needing storage spaces, inventory, or workers to run your service-based business.
💡Higher chances to grow: As you grow your skills, you can increase your charges and scale your business. A service-based business has higher potentials to grow than any other eCommerce business.
Most profitable service business ideas
We have researched on what kind of services people seek online. And, we came up with mainly three niches — education, business, and personal services. There are many ideas within these categories.
Let’s have a look at some of the most in-demand services, ideas, and what you need to start them.
Coaching Services:
One of the most in-demand services, both online and offline, is coaching. If you have an area of expertise and love teaching, this is something you can do. As a coach, you need to have expert level knowledge on the area you’re coaching. You will also have to guarantee good results.
Here are some top niches for coaching services:
- Competitive exams
- Health and wellness
- Marketing
- Personal Finance
- Investing
- eCommerce
To start an online coaching business, you will be needing a strong portfolio of your experience in the field, a website describing your services, and basic work environment.
Related Read: How Bizgurukul is redefining online education
Recruitment Services:
Companies, both big and small, need talented people to work for them. And, finding the right person for the job is harder than you think. Founders would pay well to do the hard job of hunting for good people to join their teams.
Online recruitment services can be started with zero investments. You just have to know how to connect the right person to the right company. You can narrow down your service by focusing only on one kind of company. Here are some niches that require recruitment services:
- Startups
- News agencies
- Fortune 500s
- Corporates
Online Fitness Instructor:
Are you trained in fitness or yoga? Well, you don’t need to have a gym or class to do your job. Offer fitness training service from your home through the internet. This service business idea is a trending one nowadays and you will get lots of clients through social media.
Real Estate:
The real estate business is booming and a real estate agent can earn quick money through commissions. Your job is to find the right property for people to rent and sell. All you need is good communication and negotiation skills. You can start this business with just a few thousands in hand.
Related Read: Homigo: Solving the Real Estate Renting Problem
Astrology:
All of us has at least checked our horoscopes at least ones. Indians are devoted believers of astrology. So, you can expect a decent customer base if you know astrology. Establish yourself as an expert astrologer on social media platforms, provide value, and get clients. You could offer consultation services for reading horoscopes.
All you need apart from the skills and knowledge is a website to showcase your services and collect payments.
Matchmaking Services:
Conventional arranged marriages are not going anywhere in the near future. In fact, it’s as popular as dating apps! So, if you are someone who is an expert in matchmaking, why not consider it as a service? You can narrow down for a particular community and get business done.
Like many other service business ideas, matchmaking service does not need much investment. You will be needing good communication skills.
Career guidance and counselling service:
Young aspirants and students are in need of career advice. And, they will gladly pay money for someone who has expert knowledge in different career fields. You can market your service online and get clients. You could either offer consulting services or host webinars. This is one of the service business ideas that needs little investment to start.
Keep in mind that you need to be well-versed in different career paths, courses, and colleges to do this job. Also, you will need a one-page website to display your service and which is easily shareable.
Travel Agency:
A high in-demand service in the post-covid times, travel agents can earn well by taking their business online. Partner with hotels, resorts, and tour guides and create packages for travellers. You could focus on just one destination or have a wider reach.
Related Read: How to Sell Tour and Travel Packages Online
You market your travel agency through social media and attract travel lovers. The travel industry has a lot of potentials and this service business idea can scale quickly. As a travel agency, you need a website that can showcase your packages so that people can trust you.
Here’s an example of a travel service that guides tourists across Delhi’s pristine lakes:
Writing Services:
You can write your way to more income, if you have the skills. Many businesses need writers in their marketing team. So, you can find a lot of gigs online. This service business idea can be scaled quickly, and you can get clients from across the globe!
You can be a freelance writer and still make enough money online. Also, you can offer consulting services related to your skill. You will need a website where you can collect payments and showcase what you offer.
Designing and Illustration:
Graphic designing is one of the most in-demand service business ideas, especially in 2021. Businesses, influencers, and other people need attractive graphics for social media, website, or brochures. If you have a flair for art and know (or can learn) how to use design softwares, this is the job for you.
Also read: 5 Secrets to make More Money as a Freelancer in India
You could either find clients through freelance platforms or start a creative service agency. Either ways, you’ll be needing a website to talk about the services you offer.
Here’s an example of a business that takes tutorials on designing: WoodleDoodle
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Website Services:
If you know coding, website designing, or data analysis, offer website services. You can easily find clients online and help them build a website. One single gig will be enough to pay for a month’s bills. That’s how in-demand this service is.
You will be needing your own website, of course. But, you can easily build one from scratch, without spending a lot of time. We will discuss this in detail further in this blog.
Marketing Services:
Digital marketing and advertising is a booming industry, according to recent reports. One of the service business ideas that will always be in-demand is marketing. Some in-demand services are:
- Facebook and Google ads
- SEO
- Growth hacking
- Content marketing
Marketing is a business you can start with minimal investments — just a laptop, internet connection, and a website. Read this blog to know about 5 unconventional ways to grow your marketing agency business.
Financial Services:
Handling taxes is not something everyone loves to do. If you are trained in finance, why not start a business to help others handle their personal finances? There is a whole range of services you can offer in this niche:
- Tax consultant
- Investment advisor
- Book keeping
It’s a business you can do from the comfort of your home or anywhere else in the world for that matter! You won’t need upfront investments or equipments.
Photography:
This business idea is not entirely digital. Nevertheless, you can find clients online for your photography business. A highly in-demand service, your photography skills can take you a long way if you know how to scale online.
You will be needing gears and equipments to do professional photography. Here are some niches you can look into:
- Wedding and events photography
- Food photography
- Marketing photography
You can also sell the photos you take online.
Grocery delivery services:
People love getting things to their homes instead of going out and buying them. You can make money by buying grocery supplies and delivering them to homes. This is one of the service business ideas that you can start with zero investments.
Related Read: How to Sell Groceries Online in India
If you love going outside and shopping, this job is for you. It’s a profitable idea in urban areas
Tiffin service:
Home-made food and anything close to it is always in-demand! Do you love cooking and serving? Why not make a business out of it?
So, all you have to do is find people who are in need of tiffin service. These are mostly busy workers and students. Make a WhatsApp group of interested people and put up your services.
How to start an eCommerce service based business
Once you have decided on an idea, it’s time to take the first step. How do you get your idea developed?
The good news is that once you have a strong idea, half of the work is done. Also, starting a service business is not as hard as selling physical products online. So, you just need to take a few steps, and you’re ready for business!
Step 1: Find your niche
Once you decide on a service, you should find your niche and narrow down on your offers or audience. This is important because you will be seen as an expert and get more clients. For example, if you offer writing services, there are many fields to niche down — eCom, SaaS, fintech, health, marketing, and so on.
Step 2: Build a portfolio
Since you are offering a service, you need to prove to potential clients that you are good at what you do. For this, most service businesses need a portfolio, especially if you are a marketer, photographer, writer, or consultant.
Your portfolio can be in the form of a website. Here, you can write about your previous clients, testimonials, and services. The portfolio can be in the form of a simple pdf, but you can create your own website to look more professional.
But isn’t creating a website too complicated and expensive? Not any more. We have the perfect solution for you!
Instamojo Smart Pages helps you create a one-page website or landing page where you can showcase your services, portfolio, and collect payments. You will learn more about it in the next section.
Step 3: Create a website or landing page
To succeed in the eCommerce world in the long run, you need a website to complement your business. Building your own website is not as hard as you expect. So, let’s explore the options you have.
You can build a fully functional online store with product page, home pages and so on. With Instamojo online store platform, you can create one in no time. But, not every service-based business needs a full-fledged eCommerce website.
So, your second option is to create a single-page website or a landing page to showcase your services and collect payments. For this, use Instamojo Smart Pages.
You have to decide what is more suitable for your business and choose the best way to start your service business online. For marketing, consulting, writing, or design services, a Smart Page is enough. For a tiffin service business or coaching service, you will be needing a whole eCommerce website.
That being said, for most service businesses, a Smart Page is the perfect page to display services, collect payments, and share.
To know more about how to create your own landing page, read this blog.
Final words
As a side-hustle or full time income, service businesses are one of the easiest ideas to start and grow. The eCommerce world is full of opportunities. You just need to find the right idea, right target audience and the right place.
Instamojo is that right place. Selling a product, building a side-hustle, offering a service — whatever business you want to online, Instamojo is here for you. Get the best solution for all your eCommerce and payment needs.
Take the first step and sign up for Instamojo Smart Pages now.
