The 10 best business ideas

Looking to make your business ideas a reality in 2023? The New Year marks the perfect time to put plans into motion and start a new venture.

With the gig economy growing, the rise in flexible working, and today’s technological advancements, it’s become easier than ever before to start up your own business – be it as a side hustle or a full-time project.

So if you’re waiting for your next big idea, read on as we explore the best business ideas for the year ahead.

1. Freelance Web Developer or Designer

With more and more businesses migrating online, it’s easy to see why quality web development and design are increasingly in demand.

A professional web presence has become integral to business success today, yet very few companies have the in-house capabilities for designing, building or maintaining a high-standard website, hence why this technical skillset is so highly sought after.

If you have the experience behind you, and a portfolio to show for it, then getting started as a freelance developer or designer is easy, thanks to a growing number of freelance platforms such as Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, and Upwork, which allow you to connect with companies and individuals from across the world who are in need or your services.

2. Personal Trainer

As people become more focused on the importance of self-care, they are continuously seeking ways to prioritise their physical and mental health, with many turning to qualified personal trainers for help achieving their goals.

From community boot camps, to online or in-home consultations and tailored nutrition and exercise plans – personal trainers have a whole host of ways to offer their skilled services, be it online or face-to-face.

Social media platforms offer the perfect channel for targeting a local audience, while sites like FutureFit and TrainFitness allow you to gain the professional qualifications necessary to stand out from the crowd.

3. Cleaning Services

Cleaning services are consistently in high demand, especially following the pandemic, with people becoming more conscious about the need for safety and cleanliness in their homes and workplaces.

Busy schedules mean many prefer to outsource their cleaning requirements. And with low start-up costs, as well as the flexible option to offer your services on either a part or full-time basis, cleaning can prove to be a fulfilling and financially rewarding business move.

Not only this, but the recent rise in social media influencers who are refashioning cleaning and housework makes sites like Instagram and TikTok the perfect place to attract clientele.

4. Self-published Books

Cookbooks, self-help guides, fiction, non-fiction, children’s stories, picture books – and so much more! The options for writing a book are endless.

Gone are the days of needing to pitch your ideas and secure a publishing deal with a big firm. Today you can take the publishing process into your own hands.

Thanks to platforms like Amazon, Apple Books, Lulu, and Barnes & Noble, authors can gain full creative control and self-publish their stories to a global audience, whilst earning a greater portion of royalties for themselves.

Self-publishing gives you the freedom to manage elements like cover design, formatting, and marketing, as well as fast-forwarding the publishing process, which can be notoriously slow and at times uncertain through traditional publishers.

So if you have a story to tell, the time is now.

5. Subscription Boxes

Subscription services have been around for many years, but the rise in businesses like Hello Fresh and Glossybox has triggered a new wave of the subscription model, allowing brands to reap the rewards of customer loyalty and recurring revenue.

Amid the overwhelming choice on today’s market, subscription boxes present the ideal solution to the indecisive consumer. Brands are able to curate a range of their products for customers to sample, increasing product awareness as well as customer retention. What’s more, customers have the satisfaction of gaining more for their money and constant discovery of new tastes and preferences.

Subscription boxes can be tailored to a number of niches, including:

Beauty and wellness: samples of makeup, haircare, skincare, and personal grooming products
Food and drink: gourmet food items, snacks, craft beers, wines, cheeses and so much more!
Home and lifestyle: items for the home such as decorative pieces, candles, and kitchenware
Books and literature: a regular top-up of books catering to the customer’s reading preferences
Pets: food, treats, toys, and new products tailored to cats, dogs, and their owners
Arts and crafts: stationary, craft supplies, and tutorial guides to inspire creatives

6. Photographer

Photography is a prime example of being able to make money from your passion.

As well as a fantastic way to meet new people, photography can open doors to travel and opportunities to experience new locations.

The most successful photographers choose a niche area to specialise in and there are plenty of profitable avenues to consider, including:

Wedding and events
Travel
Food
Property / Real estate
Action sports

To name just a few!

Although purchasing professional equipment can be a costly upfront expense, the service is often invaluable to individuals and businesses, making it a rewarding venture from both a personal and financial perspective.

7. Bed & Breakfast Owner

UK staycations are predicted to reach new highs this year as a result of the cost of living crisis, making 2023 a prime time to launch your own bed & breakfast venture.

If you’re a natural host and live in a tourist spot, or are planning on investing in a property and making the move, running a B&B can be an extremely lucrative business move. Especially with the help of platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, which boost your advertising reach on an international scale.

Whilst running a B&B can be challenging in terms of competition and operational logistics, the rewards of creating a memorable experience for your guests and the profits it can return can far outweigh this.

8. Personal Assistant

If organisation and attention to detail are your strengths, then starting your own personal assistant business could be an ideal fit for you.

As businesses increasingly search for ways to improve productivity and save on time, helping to manage and organise daily tasks like paperwork, emails and appointments can provide huge relief to directors and entrepreneurs burdened with administrative duties.

Starting up as a personal assistant is relatively low in cost, with zero overheads and little equipment required to complete the typical tasks of a PA.

9. Transcription

With an ever-increasing volume of audio and video content being produced, transcribers are currently in high demand.

Industries such as media, entertainment, legal, medical and academic research rely on transcription to document and record information discussed in meetings for a variety of purposes.

Not only this, but corporations are progressively looking to enhance accessibility by providing information in a range of formats – both written and spoken.

Similarly to getting started as a PA, the startup costs are low and you can embrace the benefits of a flexible working pattern.

10. Mobile makeup artist

Makeup and beauty trends have experienced rapid growth in recent years as a result of social media exposure from channels like TikTok and Instagram, making it a highly sought-after service.

Many people turn to professional makeup artists for special occasions and events, as well as for photo and video shoots or public appearances, meaning the skillset is highly desirable and there’s huge potential for professional growth.

Working on a mobile basis not only cuts the costs of renting or purchasing a physical salon, but it allows you to reach a larger clientele outside of your local area.

Wrapping up

We hope these ideas have helped inspire you to make 2023 the year you start your next business venture.

There are plenty of opportunities to choose from, and you may even have your own unique business idea already in the wings. Whichever idea you choose to pursue, be sure to research the market thoroughly first and secure a thorough plan.