You have a valuable skill. You know you could help people and make good money doing it. But turning that skill into an actual business? That's where everything gets overwhelming. Start by choosing one of these 100+ specific service business ideas.
This shows you exactly how to turn your skill into a business that makes money without you - with 100+ specific ideas to choose from, organized by startup cost, profit potential, and lifestyle fit. We'll show you the ideas first, then walk you through exactly how to launch, price, and grow the one that makes sense for you.
What is a service business? (And why start one now?)
A service business means you sell your time and skills, not physical products. You're offering labor, expertise, or access to something – like cleaning homes, managing social media, or teaching people new skills. Common examples of service business ideas range from digital marketing and consulting to home cleaning and landscaping.
This model is better than ever. Extremely low overhead, often remote-first, and powerful automation tools mean solopreneurs can now compete with large agencies. You don't need an office, a warehouse, or even employees to start. You need a skill, a system, and the right tools.
Service Business Starter Quiz
Figure out what type of service business is best suit to you, your personality type and your current circumstances with our 7-question quiz.
Low startup cost service business ideas (under $1,000)
Launch these businesses for under $1,000. Low cost doesn't mean low value – many of these can generate six-figure annual income with the right systems.
Featured idea: House cleaning business
Startup prerequisites and profit model
Estimated Startup Cost: $200 - $800 (cleaning supplies, insurance, basic marketing, business license) Legal Structure: Sole proprietorship to start, LLC once you hire employees Required
Insurance: General liability insurance (a must), bonding (builds client trust)
Service pricing
Model: Hourly ($25-$50/hour) or project-based (flat rate per home size)
Most cleaners charge $100-$200 for a standard 3-bedroom home. The goal isn't one-time cleans – it's converting clients into repeat customers who book you weekly or bi-weekly. That's where you build real, predictable income.
Automation and growth
Growth potential: 4/5 (how easily you can grow beyond yourself)
Use an online scheduler to let clients book appointments automatically. Automate invoicing so you're not chasing payments. As you grow, create detailed checklists for every room and task – these become your step-by-step guides for anyone you hire.
Grow by hiring a small team and using route planning software to minimize drive time between jobs. A solo cleaner might do 3-4 homes per day. A team of three can do 12-15, dramatically increasing what you make without proportionally increasing your time.
How to find clients
Start with your network – friends, family, neighbors. List on Google Business Profile and set up your page so it shows up when people search 'house cleaning [your city]’. Platforms like Thumbtack and Angi can generate leads quickly. Local Facebook groups are goldmines for word-of-mouth referrals.
Learn how to start a cleaning business with our full guide.
Featured idea: Tutoring (online or in-person)
Startup prerequisites and profit model
Est. Startup Cost: <$100 (website, video conferencing software, digital worksheets) Legal Structure: Sole proprietorship Required Insurance: Liability insurance (especially important for in-person tutoring)
Service pricing
Model: Hourly ($40-$100+/hour depending on subject expertise)
High school math tutoring might command $40-$60/hour. SAT prep or specialized subjects like AP Calculus or organic chemistry can easily hit $80-$120/hour. Sell packages upfront – 10 sessions for $750 – to improve cash flow and client commitment.
Automation and growth
Growth potential: 3/5
Use an automated scheduler so parents and students can book sessions without back-and-forth emails. Set up automated payment reminders and session confirmations. Video recording sessions (with permission) lets you create libraries of lessons for future students.
Grow by teaching more students at once: group sessions where you tutor 4-5 students simultaneously, pre-recorded courses you can sell repeatedly, or hiring other tutors and taking a cut of their hourly rate.
Getting customers
Partner with local schools and get referrals from guidance counselors. List on platforms like Wyzant and Tutor.com to build your initial client base and reviews. Once you have 5-10 happy clients, word-of-mouth becomes your primary growth engine.
Read our full guide to starting your own tutoring business.
Featured idea: Pet sitting / dog walking
Startup prerequisites and profit model
Est. Startup Cost: $100 - $500 (pet-specific insurance, background check, website, basic supplies like leashes and waste bags) Legal Structure: Sole proprietorship or LLC Required Insurance: Pet-specific liability insurance is critical – one dog bite claim without insurance could bankrupt you
Service pricing
Model: Per-visit ($20-$30 for dog walks) or per-day ($50-$80 for pet sitting)
The real money is in repeat bookings. A client who books you for daily dog walks at $25/day generates $500-$600/month in predictable income. Get 10 of those clients and you're at $5,000-$6,000 monthly income with a simple business.
Automation and growth
Growth potential: 4/5
Use pet-sitting software to manage bookings, send automated updates to owners, and handle invoicing. Many platforms let owners book repeat walks without you touching anything.
Grow by hiring other walkers as contractors and creating dense geographic routes. If you can cluster 8-10 dogs in the same neighborhood for morning walks, one person can handle all of them efficiently.
Getting customers
Start on Rover or Wag to build your initial client base and reviews. Partner with local vets and pet stores who can refer clients. Once you're established, most growth comes from happy customers telling their dog-owner friends.
Featured idea: Personal training
Startup prerequisites and profit model
Est. Startup Cost: $500 - $1,000 (certification like NASM or ACE, liability insurance, website) Legal Structure: LLC recommended due to injury risk .
Required Insurance: Professional liability insurance is non-negotiable – you're working with people's bodies and injuries happen.
Service pricing
Model: Per-session ($60-$120) or monthly packages (often sold as 8-12 session bundles)
The highest-profit personal training business approach mixes in-person and remote: one in-person session per week plus three app-based workouts. You're charging $400-$600/month but only spending 4-5 hours of in-person time per client, dramatically improving your hourly rate.
Automation and growth
Growth potential: 4/5
Use automated scheduling and payments to eliminate admin work. Apps like Trainerize or TrueCoach let you deliver remote workouts, track progress, and stay connected between sessions – all automated.
Grow by moving online: group fitness classes (30 people paying $30/month beats 5 people paying $120), fully remote app-based training, or creating your own digital program you can sell repeatedly.
Getting customers
Partner with local gyms to rent space and access their member base. Build a strong presence on Instagram and TikTok showing transformations and workout tips. Results-based testimonials with before/after photos (with permission) are your most powerful marketing tool.
Featured idea: Social media management
Startup prerequisites and profit model
Est. Startup Cost: <$200 (scheduling tool like Buffer or Later, portfolio website) Legal Structure: Sole proprietorship or LLC Required Insurance: Errors & omissions (E&O) liability insurance protects you if a client claims your work damaged their business
Service pricing
Model: Monthly retainer ($500 - $2,500+/month per client)
This is perfect for steady monthly income. Most social media managers charge $750-$1,500/month for 3-5 posts per week, community engagement, and basic analytics.
Land 3-5 clients at $1,000/month and you're at $3,000-$5,000 in predictable monthly income.
Automation and growth
Growth potential: 4/5
Use scheduling tools to batch-create content once a week for all clients. Automated reporting tools pull analytics without manual work. Client intake forms gather all brand assets and guidelines upfront so you're not constantly asking questions.
Grow by creating standard operating procedures for content creation, approval workflows, and reporting – then hire remote helpers to handle posting and comments while you focus on strategy and client relationships.
Getting customers
Build a portfolio with 2-3 sample clients (even if you work for free initially). Cold outreach on LinkedIn to small businesses without active social presence. Upwork and similar platforms can help you build your client base and reviews quickly.
More low-cost service ideas
Virtual assistant (VA): Administrative or creative support for other businesses, fully remote. Cost: <$100. Note: This is easy to start, so focusing on a niche (like "VAs for podcast producers" or "VAs for real estate agents") is key to charging $30-$50/hour instead of $15-$20.
Graphic design: Creating logos, marketing materials, and visual content for businesses. Cost: $100-$500 (design software subscription, portfolio website). Note: Build a strong portfolio with spec work if needed, then platforms like 99designs or direct outreach can generate steady project work.
Content writing / copywriting: Writing blog posts, website copy, email campaigns, or marketing materials. Cost: <$100. Note: Despite AI tools, businesses still pay $100-$500+ per article for quality writing because good copy directly drives income.
Find out how to start a copywriting business.
Resume writing: Crafting professional resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles. Cost: <$100. Note: Charge $100-$300 per package. Target mid-career professionals willing to invest in career advancement, not entry-level job seekers looking for cheap options.
Event planning (small scale): Coordinating birthday parties, small weddings, corporate gatherings. Cost: $300-$800 (business license, initial vendor deposits, website). Note: Start small with parties, then work up to weddings where a single event can generate $2,000-$5,000 in fees.
Home organization: Decluttering and organizing homes, garages, closets. Cost: $200-$500 (storage solutions, marketing, insurance). Note: This niche is growing fast, especially in affluent suburban areas. Charge $50-$100/hour or $300-$800 per project.
Photography (portrait/event): Shooting family portraits, headshots, small events. Cost: $500-$1,000 (decent camera, basic lighting, website). Note: You don't need $10,000 in gear to start. A mid-range DSLR and natural light can produce great results while you build your business.
Window cleaning: Residential and commercial window cleaning services. Cost: $300-$800 (poles, squeegees, pure water system, insurance). Note: Low startup cost but strong potential for repeat customers. Many clients book quarterly service automatically.
Lawn care / landscaping: Mowing, edging, basic yard maintenance. Cost: $500-$1,500 (commercial mower, trimmer, trailer, insurance). Note: Build route density in one neighborhood to minimize drive time. Offer weekly service for predictable income.
Handyman services: Small home repairs and maintenance. Cost: $300-$1,000 (basic tool kit, insurance). Note: Check your state's licensing rules – some states let you do small jobs without a contractor's license, but there are usually dollar limits.
Mobile car detailing: Cleaning and detailing vehicles at the client's location. Cost: $500-$1,500 (cleaning supplies, vacuum, water tank, insurance). Note: The convenience factor lets you charge 20-30% more than fixed-location car washes. Target busy professionals.
Find out how to start a car detailing business.
Translation services: Translating documents, websites, or calls for businesses. Cost: <$100. Note: Professional fluency is required. Legal or medical translation requires certification but commands significantly higher rates – $100-$200/hour isn't uncommon.
Proofreading and editing: Polishing written content for businesses, authors, academics. Cost: <$100. Note: Strong knowledge of style guides (AP, Chicago, MLA) is essential. Many editors charge $30-$60/hour or $0.01-$0.05 per word.
High-profit and steady income service ideas
High profit doesn't just mean high prices – it means good profit and the ability to work without you. The key is building steady monthly income through retainer relationships. That's how you escape the "time for money" trap and build a business that generates income even when you're not working.
Featured idea: SEO consulting
Startup prerequisites and profit model
Est. Startup Cost: $100 - $500 (software tools like Semrush or Ahrefs, website) Legal Structure: LLC recommended Required Insurance: Errors & omissions (E&O) liability insurance
Service pricing
Model: Monthly retainer ($1,000 - $5,000+/month)
This is the definition of steady monthly income. Small local businesses might pay $1,000-$1,500/month for ongoing SEO work. Larger clients or competitive industries can command $3,000-$10,000/month. The work is largely the same regardless of price – you're improving their site, building links, creating content, and tracking results.
Automation and growth
Growth potential: 5/5
Use AI tools to generate content briefs and first drafts. Automate rank tracking and client reporting so you're not manually pulling data every month. Most SEO platforms can automatically monitor rankings, traffic, and conversions.
Document your process for technical audits, keyword research, content creation, and link building. Write down every step so someone else can follow it.
Then hire junior analysts to execute while you handle strategy and client relationships. One person can oversee 15-20 client accounts with the right systems.
Getting customers
Your own website's ranking is your best marketing. If you can rank for competitive local terms, that proves competency. LinkedIn outreach to businesses without strong online presence works well. Many clients come from referrals once you deliver results.
Featured idea: Bookkeeping
Startup prerequisites and profit model
Est. Startup Cost: $200 - $600 (QuickBooks or Xero certification, E&O insurance, website) Legal Structure: LLC Required
Insurance: E&O insurance is critical – financial mistakes can be expensive
You can get certified in a tool like QuickBooks quickly, which builds credibility and gives you access to their referral network.
Service pricing
Model: Monthly retainer ($250 - $1,000/month per client)
Small businesses with simple transactions might pay $250-$400/month. More complex businesses with inventory, multiple income streams, or lots of transactions command $600-$1,000/month. The beauty is this work is predictable - you know exactly what needs to be done every month.
Automation and growth
Growth potential: 5/5
Modern bookkeeping software with bank feeds does 80% of the categorization automatically. You're primarily reviewing transactions, reconciling accounts, and generating reports. Most of this can be systematized.
Build detailed procedures and hire junior bookkeepers to handle transaction categorization while you handle month-end close, reports, and client communication. One experienced bookkeeper can oversee 30-50 clients with the right systems.
Getting customers
Partner with CPA firms who need bookkeepers to handle the monthly work they don't want to do. Attend local business networking events – every small business needs bookkeeping. Many clients come from referrals once you prove reliable.
Featured idea: Web design (on retainer)
Startup prerequisites and profit model
Est. Startup Cost: $100 - $500 (design software, portfolio site) Legal Structure: LLC Required Insurance: E&O liability insurance
Service pricing
Model: Project-based (to build the initial site) plus monthly retainer ($100-$500/month) for maintenance, hosting, updates, and support
The project fee is nice – $2,000-$10,000 depending on complexity. But the retainer is the real business. Land 20 clients paying $200/month for ongoing maintenance and you have $4,000 in steady income before you design a single new site.
Automation and growth
Growth potential: 5/5
Use no-code tools and templates to build sites faster. Automated maintenance checks can alert you to issues before clients notice. Most "maintenance" is small updates that take 15-30 minutes.
Grow by productizing your service. Instead of custom proposals for every client, offer clear packages: "5-Page Website for $5,000" with defined deliverables. This makes it easier to sell and easier to delegate.
Getting customers
Build a strong portfolio showcasing diverse industries. List on Dribbble and Behance to get discovered. Partner with marketing agencies who need white-label web development. Many clients come from referrals once you prove reliable.
More high-profit and retainer-based ideas
PPC / ad management: Managing Google Ads or Facebook advertising for businesses. Cost: $100-$500 (certifications, software). Note: Always sold on monthly retainer (typically 15% of ad spend or a flat fee of $1,000-$5,000/month), making this pure steady income. Clients need ongoing management, not one-time setup.
IT support / managed services: Outsourced IT department for small businesses. Cost: $500-$2,000 (remote management software, certifications). Note: The ultimate retainer model, usually billed per-user per-month. Twenty businesses at $500/month each equals $10,000 in predictable monthly income.
Email marketing: Managing email campaigns, automation sequences, and newsletters. Cost: <$100 (email platform subscription). Note: Retainer-based at $500-$2,000/month. High profit since most work is strategic planning and the software automates delivery.
Property management: Managing rental properties for landlords. Cost: <$500 (business license, software). Note: Typically charges 8-12% of monthly rent. Ten properties renting for $2,000/month generates $1,600-$2,400 monthly income with little ongoing work once systems are established.
HR consulting: Helping small businesses with hiring, compliance, and employee management. Cost: $100-$500 (certifications helpful but not always required). Note: Retainer model at $1,000-$3,000/month. Ideal for former corporate HR professionals going independent.
Online business manager (OBM): Acting as a virtual COO for online businesses and entrepreneurs. Cost: <$200. Note: High-value retainers of $2,000-$5,000/month. You manage team members, projects, and systems so the business owner can focus on strategy.
Financial planning: Comprehensive financial advice and planning for individuals. Cost: $1,000-$3,000 (CFP certification, insurance). Note: Can charge flat fees, hourly rates, or percentage of assets under management. Steady income through ongoing planning relationships.
Online and remote service business ideas
These businesses are location-independent, can work without you, and perfect for anyone who wants flexibility. The rise of sophisticated collaboration tools means you can serve clients globally while working from anywhere.
Featured idea: Video editing
Startup prerequisites and profit model
Est. Startup Cost: $500 - $2,000 (powerful computer, Adobe Premiere or Final Cut subscription) Legal Structure: LLC Required Insurance: E&O liability insurance
Service pricing
Model: Project-based ($100-$1,000+ per video) or monthly retainer for consistent clients like YouTubers or agencies
Short-form social content might be $100-$300 per video. Long-form YouTube videos command $200-$500. High-end commercial work can hit $1,000-$5,000+ per project. The key is specializing – "I edit TikTok content for fitness brands" is more valuable than "I edit videos."
Automation and growth
Growth potential: 4/5
Use Frame.io for client feedback and approvals – it eliminates endless revision email chains. Cloud storage like Dropbox for Business handles large file transfers automatically. Many editors use templates and presets to speed up repetitive tasks.
Write down your file organization system, rough cut process, color grading approach, and export settings. Then bring on junior editors to handle the time-consuming rough cut work while you do final polish and client communication.
Getting customers
Build a strong portfolio reel showing your range. List on freelance platforms like Upwork to build initial reviews. Cold outreach to YouTubers and agencies who produce consistent content. Many long-term clients come from delivering great work on a trial project.
Featured idea: Podcast management
Startup prerequisites and profit model
Est. Startup Cost: $100 - $300 (audio editing software like Descript, hosting platform knowledge) Legal Structure: Sole proprietorship or LLC Required Insurance: E&O liability insurance
Service pricing
Model: Monthly retainer (typically $400-$1,500/month per podcast)
This is an "all-in-one" service – you handle editing, show notes, guest booking, episode scheduling, and promotion. Podcasters want the full package, not piecemeal services. Price based on episode frequency: a weekly podcast might be $1,000-$1,500/month while a bi-weekly show might be $600-$800.
Automation and growth
Growth potential: 4/5
Use generative AI for rough transcripts and show note drafts. Automated guest booking links eliminate scheduling back-and-forth. Most podcast hosting platforms can auto-publish episodes on a schedule.
Build your playbook for each production step – audio cleanup, editing, show notes, upload checklist. Hire virtual assistants for guest outreach and social media promotion while you handle editing and client relationships.
Getting customers
Reach out to existing podcasters who handle their own production – they're often desperate for help. Many successful podcasts don't have producers. Show them how much time you'll save them and they'll happily pay for the service.
Featured idea: Online business manager (OBM)
Startup prerequisites and profit model
Est. Startup Cost: <$200 (project management software, communication tools) Legal Structure: LLC Required Insurance: E&O liability insurance
Service pricing
Model: Monthly retainer ($2,000-$5,000+/month)
You're acting as a virtual chief operating officer – managing team members, overseeing projects, implementing systems, and keeping the business running smoothly. This is high-value work because you're taking major operational burden off the business owner's plate.
Automation and growth
Growth potential: 3/5
This role is relationship-intensive, so growing means working with multiple clients but not dozens. Most OBMs work with 3-5 clients maximum, providing deep engagement with each. The limitation is your time, but at $3,000-$5,000 per client, you don't need many.
Getting customers
Network in online business communities where entrepreneurs operate. Many coaches, consultants, and agency owners need an OBM but don't know it. Position yourself as the person who makes their chaos manageable.
More online and remote-first ideas
Data visualization: Turning complex spreadsheets into clear dashboards using tools like Tableau or Power BI. Cost: $100-$300 (software subscriptions). Note: High-demand skill as businesses drown in data they can't interpret. Project fees of $1,000-$5,000+ are common.
UX/UI design: Designing user interfaces and experiences for websites and apps. Cost: <$500 (design software, portfolio site). Note: Fully remote with premium pricing. Mid-level designers charge $75-$150/hour or $5,000-$20,000 per project.
Copywriting (web and marketing): Writing website copy, sales pages, email campaigns. Cost: <$100. Note: Despite AI tools, businesses still pay premium rates ($300-$2,000+ per page) for copy that converts visitors into customers.
Community management: Managing online communities, Discord servers, or membership sites. Cost: <$100. Note: Retainer-based at $500-$2,000/month. Growing demand as more businesses build community-based business models.
Customer service (virtual): Providing remote customer support via email, chat, or phone. Cost: <$100 (headset, reliable internet). Note: Can charge $20-$40/hour or take on retainer contracts with e-commerce businesses.
Transcription services: Converting audio and video to text. Cost: <$100 (transcription software subscription helpful but not required). Note: Rates typically $1-$3 per audio minute. Specializing in legal or medical transcription commands higher rates.
Lead generation specialist: Finding and qualifying potential customers for B2B clients. Cost: $100-$300 (LinkedIn Sales Navigator, research tools). Note: Often paid on retainer plus commission. High-value service for businesses struggling with pipeline.
Grant writing: Writing grant applications for nonprofits and research organizations. Cost: <$200. Note: Specialized skill that commands $60-$120/hour or 5-10% of awarded grant amounts. Repeat clients common as grants are ongoing need.
Overlooked service ideas: 30+ low-competition, high-profit opportunities
The biggest profits are often in "boring" or highly specialized niches everyone else overlooks. While everyone fights over the obvious opportunities, these niche markets offer low competition and good profit.
According to market reports on specialized industries, many of these micro-niches are growing faster than mainstream markets.
Specialized B2B and compliance niches
Radon remediation: Testing and fixing dangerous radon gas in homes – high demand, specialized training and certification required, partnerships with real estate agents generate steady referrals.
Medical billing: Handling insurance claims and billing for medical practices – requires specific coding knowledge (CPT, ICD-10), 100% remote work, high-value monthly retainers of $1,500-$5,000+.
HIPAA/GDPR compliance consulting: Helping businesses comply with data privacy regulations – high-stakes work (violations mean massive fines), commands premium consulting rates, can be done fully remote.
AI prompt engineer: Helping businesses integrate generative AI tools effectively – emerging field with huge demand, premium pricing due to scarcity of expertise, fully remote consulting work.
Accessibility (a11y) auditing: Auditing websites for ADA compliance – legal requirement for many businesses, low competition, project fees of $2,000-$10,000+ depending on site size.
Franchise consulting: Helping people evaluate and purchase franchises – commission-based from franchise companies (typically $20,000-$50,000 per placement), requires deep industry knowledge.
Cybersecurity consulting: Auditing and implementing security protocols for businesses – requires certifications (CISSP, CEH), high demand with chronic talent shortage, retainer fees of $5,000-$15,000/month for small businesses.
Specialized home service and trade niches
Garage floor epoxy: Installing epoxy coatings on garage floors – good profit (2-day projects earning $2,000-$5,000), dramatic "before/after" for marketing, simple process once learned.
Smart home installation: Installing and programming home automation systems – growing market as technology becomes mainstream, premium pricing for technical expertise, partnerships with builders create steady work.
High-end appliance repair: Specializing in luxury brands like Sub-Zero, Wolf, or Miele – low competition (most repair techs avoid complex appliances), premium service pricing, loyal customer base.
Bathtub refinishing: Refinishing worn bathtubs and tile – niche trade skill, good profit (project costs $150-$300 in materials but charges $500-$800), much cheaper than replacement so easy to sell.
Holiday light installation: Installing Christmas and holiday lighting for homes and businesses – profitable seasonal business (November-December), repeat annual customers, commercial contracts provide volume.
Find out how to start a Christmas light business.
Crime scene cleanup: Biohazard cleanup after traumatic events – high profit due to specialized skills required, heavily regulated requiring certifications, insurance work provides steady flow.
Radon mitigation systems: Installing ventilation systems to reduce radon levels – specialized skill, partnerships with radon testers, premium pricing for essential health service.
Foundation waterproofing: Preventing basement water damage – high-value projects ($3,000-$10,000+), essential service homeowners can't defer, less competition than general contracting.
Chimney sweeping and repair: Cleaning and maintaining chimneys and fireplaces – repeat annual service, low competition in many markets, required for homeowner safety and insurance.
Mold remediation: Removing and preventing mold growth – specialized certifications required, insurance restoration work, premium pricing due to health concerns.
Unique personal and online niches
Genealogy research: Researching family history and building family trees – project-based work with high perceived value, target affluent retirees, no credential requirements.
NFT/crypto wallet recovery: Recovering lost access to cryptocurrency wallets – highly technical and specialized, high stakes (clients desperate to recover potentially hundreds of thousands), premium emergency pricing.
Product-led-growth (PLG) consulting: Helping SaaS companies improve self-serve product experiences – niche B2B strategy, premium consulting rates of $10,000-$50,000+ per engagement, growing market as more software shifts to PLG.
Online community management: Managing branded online communities, Discord servers, or membership sites – retainer-based at $1,000-$3,000/month, growing demand as brands build community strategies.
Career transition coaching: Helping professionals change careers or industries – high willingness to pay during career crisis, packages of $2,000-$5,000 common, often leads to ongoing coaching relationships.
Executive presence coaching: Coaching professionals on leadership presence and communication – premium corporate market, rates of $200-$500/hour, growing demand as remote work changes executive visibility.
Dating profile ghostwriting: Writing compelling dating profiles – unique service with low competition, project fees of $100-$500, can grow through agencies serving matchmaking services.
Podcast guesting services: Booking clients as guests on podcasts for exposure – retainer model at $1,000-$3,000/month, helps thought leaders and authors build platform.
Voice-over coaching: Teaching people to improve speaking voices for media – online delivery, premium pricing for specialized skill, corporate clients pay for executive voice training.
YouTube thumbnail designer: Specialized design service for content creators – repeat client relationships, portfolio-based pricing of $50-$200 per thumbnail, high volume potential.
Home service business ideas (trades and maintenance)
Home services remain consistently in demand regardless of economic conditions. People always need their homes maintained and repaired. The key to success is combining traditional trade skills with modern technology – scheduling software, automated invoicing, and route planning.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many home service occupations show stable or growing job outlooks as population and housing stock increase.
Featured idea: Painting (interior/exterior)
Startup prerequisites and profit model
Est. Startup Cost: $500 - $1,500 (ladders, sprayers, brushes, drop cloths, insurance, van or truck access) Legal Structure: LLC Required Insurance: General liability insurance to cover property damage claims
Service pricing
Model: Project-based (typically priced per room or per square foot)
Interior painting might be $200-$500 per room depending on size and prep work. Exterior painting is often $3,000-$10,000+ for a whole house. The profit on labor is high - your biggest cost is time, and experienced painters work quickly.
Automation and growth
Growth potential: 4/5
Use software for project estimates based on square footage and complexity. Automated invoicing and payment reminders eliminate the awkward follow-up conversations. Take before/after photos automatically organized by client for marketing.
Write down your surface prep process, painting technique, and cleanup routine. Then hire a crew and take on multiple projects simultaneously. Many painting companies run 2-4 crews and the owner primarily handles sales and quality control.
Getting customers
Partner with real estate agents who need painters for home staging and move-in/move-out work. List on Thumbtack and Angi for immediate lead flow. Local SEO (Google Business Profile) drives consistent inbound calls. Word-of-mouth becomes primary once you build a reputation for quality work.
Featured idea: Window cleaning
Startup prerequisites and profit model
Est. Startup Cost: $300 - $1,000 (extension poles, squeegees, pure water system, insurance) Legal Structure: LLC Required Insurance: General liability insurance
Service pricing
Model: Per-window or flat rate based on home size
Residential window cleaning typically runs $150-$400 per house depending on size and number of windows. Commercial work (offices, storefronts) provides steady income – monthly or quarterly service contracts.
Automation and growth
Growth potential: 5/5
Use route planning software to cluster jobs geographically and minimize drive time. Automated scheduling lets clients book repeat service (quarterly is common) without your involvement. Mobile invoicing and payment mean you collect immediately after each job.
Build route density in specific neighborhoods so one person can hit 6-8 houses in a day. As you grow, add pressure washing or gutter cleaning - services that pair naturally and let you upsell existing customers. Hire crews and expand quickly once systems are in place.
Getting customers
Local SEO is critical - most people search "window cleaning near me" when they need service. Door-to-door marketing works surprisingly well in target neighborhoods. Partner with real estate agents for move-in cleaning. Once you have happy customers, repeat contracts provide predictable income.
Featured idea: Lawn care
Startup prerequisites and profit model
Est. Startup Cost: $1,500 - $3,000 (commercial mower, trimmer, edger, blower, trailer, insurance) Legal Structure: LLC Required Insurance: General liability insurance, pesticide applicator license if offering chemical treatments
Service pricing
Model: Weekly or bi-weekly repeat service
Standard lawn maintenance runs $30-$60 per visit for residential properties. The goal is building a route of 30-50 weekly customers generating $1,200-$3,000 per week in predictable income. Larger properties and commercial contracts command higher rates.
Automation and growth
Growth potential: 5/5
Route planning software clusters jobs geographically. One crew can typically service 15-20 lawns per day if they're close together. Automated billing and payment collection eliminates the admin burden.
Add crews – each crew can generate $50,000-$80,000 in annual income. Many successful lawn care companies run 3-6 crews. Add services like fertilization, aeration, or landscaping to increase what you make per customer.
Getting customers
Door-to-door marketing in target neighborhoods remains effective – if someone has an unkempt lawn, they're a prospect. Yard signs at client properties generate calls. Local Facebook groups and Nextdoor work well. Focus on building density in specific areas rather than scattered customers across town.
More home service opportunities
Pressure washing: High-profit service often paired with window cleaning. Cost: $1,000-$3,000 (industrial pressure washer). Note: Dramatic before/after results make marketing easy. Residential driveways and decks, commercial buildings and parking lots.
Carpet cleaning: Specialized equipment, good profit on upsells for stain removal. Cost: $2,000-$5,000 (truck-mounted or portable system). Note: Partner with property managers for regular apartment turnover work.
Gutter cleaning: Seasonal service with repeat annual income. Cost: $300-$800 (ladders, safety gear, gutter cleaning tools). Note: Liability insurance critical due to fall risk. Many homeowners happily pay $150-$300 twice per year.
Junk removal: Logistics-heavy requiring truck or trailer. Cost: $5,000-$15,000 (vehicle, disposal fees, insurance). Note: High income per job ($300-$2,000+). Estate cleanouts, foreclosures, and hoarding situations command premium pricing.
Landscaping (design and installation): Higher-value work than basic lawn care. Cost: $3,000-$10,000 (equipment, initial materials). Note: Projects range from $2,000-$50,000+. Ongoing maintenance contracts provide steady income after installation.
Plumbing: Essential service requiring licensing. Cost: $5,000-$20,000 (tools, van, licensing). Note: Emergency calls command premium pricing ($150-$250/hour). Steady demand regardless of economy.
Electrical: Essential service requiring licensing and certification. Cost: $5,000-$20,000 (tools, licensing, insurance). Note: Residential and commercial opportunities. Service calls often $100-$200/hour.
HVAC service: Installation, maintenance, and repair of heating and cooling systems. Cost: $10,000-$30,000 (tools, certifications, van stock). Note: Maintenance contracts provide steady income. Emergency repair premiums in extreme weather.
Pool cleaning and maintenance: Weekly or monthly repeat service in warm climates. Cost: $1,000-$3,000 (chemicals, testing equipment, cleaning tools). Note: Predictable income once route is established. $80-$150 per pool per month is typical.
Pest control: Repeat contracts for ongoing service. Cost: $5,000-$15,000 (equipment, chemicals, pesticide license). Note: Monthly or quarterly contracts provide stable steady income. Essential service people can't defer.
Business-to-business (B2B) and specialized consulting service ideas
B2B means you sell to other businesses, which translates to higher-value contracts and longer-term relationships. Companies have bigger budgets than individuals and understand the value of expertise.
The rise of "fractional" services
Fractional services represent a major shift in how expertise is delivered. Instead of freelancing project-to-project, you provide part-time executive leadership – maybe 10 hours per week for $5,000 per month. You're not a contractor; you're a senior leader working on retainer.
This model works because growing companies need executive-level expertise but can't afford (or don't need) a full-time hire.
A company with $2-10 million in income might desperately need marketing leadership but can't justify a $200,000/year CMO salary.
They'll happily pay $5,000/month for a fractional CMO working 10-15 hours per week.
The key is positioning yourself at the strategic level, not the execution level. You're not doing the work – you're providing direction, making key decisions, and overseeing execution by others.
High-value B2B and fractional ideas
Fractional CMO (chief marketing officer): High-level marketing strategy for companies that can't afford a full-time executive. Cost: <$200. Note: Typically sold on 6-12 month retainers at $5,000-$15,000/month. You're providing strategy, not execution - making decisions, setting direction, measuring results.
Sales consulting / funnel building: Designing sales processes and conversion funnels for B2B companies. Cost: $100-$300 (CRM and funnel software). Note: Must show proven, data-backed results. Project fees of $10,000-$50,000+ or ongoing retainers.
HR / recruiting consulting: Helping companies hire or providing HR advisory services. Cost: $100-$300. Note: Can be project-based (placement fees of 15-25% of first-year salary) or retainer-based for ongoing advisory. High demand as companies struggle with talent.
Find out how to start a recruitment agency.
Operations consulting: Improving business processes and systems for efficiency. Cost: <$200. Note: High-value engagements of $15,000-$100,000+ depending on company size. Fractional COO roles command $7,000-$15,000/month retainers.
M&A advisory: Helping small businesses buy or sell other businesses. Cost: <$500 (business valuation training helpful). Note: Commission-based, typically 5-15% of transaction value. A $2 million business sale generates $100,000-$300,000 in fees.
Fractional CFO: Financial strategy and management for growing businesses. Cost: <$300. Note: Retainers of $3,000-$10,000/month depending on company size and complexity. Essential for companies preparing for fundraising or acquisition.
Business continuity planning: Creating disaster recovery and business continuity plans. Cost: <$200. Note: Project-based fees of $5,000-$25,000. Every business needs this but most don't have internal expertise.
Supply chain consulting: Improving procurement, inventory, and logistics. Cost: <$200. Note: High-value for manufacturing and retail companies. Can charge percentage of savings achieved or flat project fees.
Change management consulting: Helping companies navigate major organizational changes. Cost: <$200. Note: Project engagements of $25,000-$200,000+ for enterprise clients. Critical during mergers, reorganizations, or cultural shifts.
Employee training and development: Designing and delivering corporate training programs. Cost: $100-$500 (training materials, certifications helpful). Note: Project-based or retainer. Companies pay $2,000-$10,000+ per day for quality corporate training.
How to start a service business: the 5-step blueprint
Now that you've seen the ideas, here's exactly how to turn one into a real business.
Starting a service business isn't mysterious. It's a process.
Step 1: Prove people will pay you and pick your focus
Before you spend a dollar, make sure people will pay for what you're offering. Talk to potential customers. Check local demand. Look at what competitors charge. The goal isn't perfection - it's evidence that someone wants this service enough to pay for it.
Step 2: Handle the legal and financial foundation
This is where most people get stuck, but it's not complicated. You need to choose a legal structure, get a few official credentials, and protect yourself with insurance. We'll break this down completely below.
Step 2A: Choose your legal structure (LLC vs. sole proprietorship)
You have two realistic options when you're starting out.
A sole proprietorship is the default - you are the business. No paperwork, no setup cost. But there's a problem: you're personally liable for everything. If your business gets sued or racks up debt, they can come after your house, your car, your personal savings.
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) solves this. It creates a legal separation between you and your business. If the business gets sued, they can only go after business assets, not your personal stuff.
It costs around $50-$500 depending on your state to set up. You can check your state's specific registration requirements to see exactly what it takes in your area.
Start as a sole proprietorship if you need to test the waters cheaply. But move to an LLC as soon as you're making real money or have any liability risk. The peace of mind is worth it.
Step 2B: Get your "official" credentials
What you definitely need:
Employer Identification Number (EIN): Think of this as a Social Security number for your business. It's free from the IRS and takes about 10 minutes to get online. You need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes properly. You can apply for your EIN for free directly through the IRS website.
Business License: This is the permit from your city or county that says you're allowed to operate. Requirements vary wildly by location and industry, so check with your local government office. Cost typically runs $50-$400 annually.
Liability Insurance: This is non-negotiable protection against claims of damage or injury. If a client says you broke something or someone gets hurt on a job, liability insurance covers you. General liability policies start around $500 per year for low-risk businesses. For higher-risk work (anything involving tools, heavy equipment, or entering people's homes), expect to pay more.
Once you have these three things – your legal structure, your EIN, and your insurance – you're officially a business. The entire process can be done in a week if you move quickly.
Step 3: Define and price your "productized" service
Don't just say "I charge by the hour." Create packages. A house cleaning service shouldn't just offer "cleaning" – offer "The Standard Clean" or "The Deep Clean" with clear deliverables and fixed prices. This makes it easy for clients to buy and easier for you to grow.
Step 4: Build your "operations engine"
This is your system: a website that captures leads, a way to schedule appointments, a way to send invoices, and a way to track clients.
This step used to take weeks and cost thousands. Now, AI-powered platforms like Durable can generate your entire system – from the website that captures the lead to the CRM and invoicing – in under a minute, letting you focus on landing clients.
Step 5: Land your first client
Start with your network, local partnerships, or platforms like Thumbtack. Get one paying customer, deliver great work, ask for a referral, and repeat.
How to price your services: the 4 essential models
Pricing signals value, not just cost. Price too low and clients assume you're not good. Price too high without proven results and you won't get hired. The key is choosing the right model for your business stage and service type.
Model 1: Hourly
You charge for every hour worked – $50/hour, $100/hour, whatever your rate is. This is the easiest model to start with because it's straightforward and low-risk. If a job takes longer than expected, you still get paid fairly.
The problem? Hourly pricing punishes you for getting better at your job. As you gain experience and work faster, you make less money. You're also trading time for money, which means your income has a hard ceiling – you can only work so many hours.
Use hourly pricing when you're new, the scope is uncertain, or you're doing one-off tasks that are hard to package.
Model 2: Project-based
You charge a flat fee for a defined project: $5,000 to paint a house, $2,000 to write a business plan, $800 to clean out a garage. The client knows exactly what they're paying upfront, which makes it easier for them to say yes.
The challenge is scope creep. What starts as "paint the living room" becomes "can you also paint this hallway and these closets?" Always define the scope clearly in writing and charge extra for additions.
This model works great for well-defined deliverables where you can estimate time accurately. As you gain experience, you'll get better at pricing and your profit improves.
Model 3: Retainer
A retainer is monthly income for ongoing work. A client pays $2,000/month for social media management, $500/month for bookkeeping, $1,500/month for lawn care. This is the holy grail for service businesses because it's predictable income you can count on.
Retainers work best when the client needs regular, ongoing service and sees clear value each month. The key is delivering consistent results and maintaining strong communication. Clients will drop a retainer the moment they don't see value.
Start with monthly retainers, not yearly. Give both parties an easy exit if it's not working, but focus on delivering so much value they'd never consider leaving.
Model 4: Value-based
Instead of charging for your time, you charge based on the value you create. If your SEO work generates an extra $100,000 in income for a client, charging $15,000 isn't unreasonable – even if it only took you 40 hours. You're pricing based on outcomes, not inputs.
This model has the best profit but it's also the hardest to sell. You need deep expertise, proven results, and the ability to clearly demonstrate return on investment. Most businesses should work up to value-based pricing, not start with it.
Use this model when you can quantify the business impact of your work and when you're serving clients who understand the business impact you're creating.
How to grow your service business (beyond yourself)
You can't grow a business if you're the only one doing the work. Trading hours for dollars means your income has a ceiling – there are only so many hours you can work. The path to real business growth is building a system that works without you.
You're stuck in the time trap. You're the bottleneck. Every client wants you specifically. Every task requires your attention. You can't take a vacation without income stopping.
You've just created a job you can't quit.
The solution isn't just working harder or raising prices. It's fundamentally changing what you're selling. You need to sell a system, not your personal time.
You can't grow if you spend 10 hours per week on administrative work – invoicing, scheduling, follow-ups, bookkeeping. The first, easiest step to growing is automating that overhead. An integrated CRM and invoicing system, like the one built into Durable, eliminates this "admin tax" on your time, freeing you up to build systems or find new clients.
Package your service
Stop selling custom, one-off work. Create packages with defined deliverables and fixed prices.
Instead of "I'll consult with you on marketing" – offer "The 90-Day Marketing Sprint: comprehensive audit, strategy document, and implementation roadmap for $7,500."
Instead of "I clean houses" – offer "The Standard Clean" ($120), "The Deep Clean" ($200), and "The Move-Out Clean" ($350) with specific checklists for each.
Packaged services are easier to sell, easier to deliver, and easier to delegate. When everything is custom, only you can do it. When it's packaged, anyone following the system can deliver consistent results.
Systemize with SOPs
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are the blueprint for someone else to do the work exactly as you do it. They're not just notes – they're detailed, step-by-step instructions that remove ambiguity and ensure consistency.
For a house cleaning business, your SOP might be: "Enter through front door. Remove shoes. Start in master bathroom. Clean toilet inside and out using [specific product]. Wipe down sink and counter. Clean mirror. Sweep floor, then mop. Expected time: 8 minutes. Move to guest bathroom..."
Every task gets documented: how you greet clients, how you handle problems, how you send invoices, how you respond to complaints. It feels tedious, but these documents become the foundation of your business.
With SOPs, you can hire someone and get them productive in days instead of months.
Delegate or automate
Once you have SOPs, you have two paths to growth:
Delegate tasks to people. Hire contractors or employees to execute your systems while you focus on client relationships, quality control, and growth. A cleaning business owner might stop cleaning and instead manage a team of five cleaners. A consultant might hire junior associates to do research and analysis.
Automate tasks with technology. Software can handle scheduling, send invoices, chase payments, generate reports, and manage communications. What used to require an assistant now happens automatically.
The highest-leverage approach uses both: automate the repetitive admin work, then delegate the hands-on service work to trained team members following your SOPs.
The Durable workflow to find customers fast and without the hassle
Durable gives you the core pieces to run a simple client flow: build your site with AI, keep contacts organized in a built‑in CRM, and send invoices when you’re ready to bill.
- Get online. Generate a professional website and business logo with AI, then tweak it with the drag‑and‑drop editor. No design or technical skills required. Custom domains are also included with all Durable paid subscriptions and set up for you automatically.
- Get discovered. Every page on a Durable website comes optimized for Google and AI search. Keyword research and blog automation are also included so customers can find you without the hassle of consultants or the confusion of SEO jargon.
- Collect and organize customer contacts. Use the built‑in CRM to keep customer details in one place and reach out in just one-click.
- Get paid faster with simplified invoicing tools. Bill however you work (hourly, by project, etc.) and easily keep an eye on payment status and due dates.
- Track what matters. Check built‑in analytics to see how your site performs.
These tools eliminate 90% of the administrative burden. You're not manually tracking leads in spreadsheets, sending individual booking emails, creating invoices from scratch, or chasing late payments.
And you can skip the $5,000 invoices from freelance designers and developers with our AI website builder and premium website templates that look great out of the box and are easy to customize.
You could build this workflow yourself by stitching together 5-6 different tools – a website builder, Calendly for scheduling, Stripe for payments, a CRM platform, and no-code tools like Make or n8n to connect everything. That approach works, but it requires technical skills and ongoing maintenance as tools update or connections break.
Or you can use an all-in-one platform like Durable that has this entire client workflow – from the AI website that captures the lead to the built-in CRM and invoicing – ready to go from day one. Everything's already integrated and working together.
Using AI to save time on repetitive work
AI isn't just a buzzword - it's your first, free "employee" for administrative work. You don't need to become an AI expert. You just need to use it for three immediate, practical tasks that save hours every week.
Practical use 1: Generating your SOPs
Instead of staring at a blank page trying to document your process, let AI create the first draft.
Prompt example: "Act as a 10-year owner of a house cleaning business. Write a step-by-step SOP for a 'Standard 3-Bedroom Home Clean.' Include a detailed checklist organized by room – master bedroom, guest bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living areas – with specific tasks and estimated time for each area."
The AI will generate a comprehensive document in seconds. You edit it based on your specific approach, but the heavy lifting is done. What would have taken you 2-3 hours takes 20 minutes.
Practical use 2: Writing your marketing copy
You need website copy, social media posts, email templates. AI can draft all of it.
Prompt example: "Write 5 social media posts for my pressure washing business. Focus on the satisfying 'before/after' transformation. Target homeowners in suburban areas. Include a call-to-action to book a free quote. Make the tone friendly and conversational, not salesy."
You'll get five different posts you can edit, personalize, and use. This doesn't replace your judgment – you still need to review and refine – but it eliminates writer's block and saves enormous time.
Practical use 3: Drafting client communications
Professional client communication is important but time-consuming. AI handles it instantly.
Prompt example: "Write a polite email following up on an unpaid invoice. The invoice for $850 was due 15 days ago. I want to maintain a good relationship while firmly requesting payment. Keep the tone professional but friendly."
This is the core philosophy of Durable – using generative AI as a practical, invisible engine. The AI builds your website, writes your marketing copy, and helps manage your CRM, so you don't have to be an "AI prompt engineer" to get 90% of the benefit. You can use a tool like ChatGPT directly, or use platforms where AI is built into the workflow.
Frequently asked questions about service businesses
What is the easiest service business to start?
The easiest businesses have low startup costs and minimal licensing - house cleaning, pet sitting, tutoring, virtual assistant work, or social media management. You can launch any of these for under $500 and start generating income within a few weeks.
However, "easy to start" doesn't mean "easy to succeed." Success always depends on delivering quality work, effective marketing, and building systems.
What is the most profitable service business?
The most profitable businesses have high-value, B2B, steady monthly income models. SEO consulting, bookkeeping, IT support, and specialized B2B consulting (like fractional CMO or CFO roles) typically have the best profit. The key isn't just the hourly rate – it's steady income that makes what you earn predictable and helps you grow.
Can I start a service business with no money?
You can start with almost no money (under $100) with online services like content writing, virtual assistant work, social media management, or online tutoring. Your only costs are a basic website and possibly software subscriptions.
However, every business will require some investment - at minimum for a business license, insurance, and basic marketing.
Do I need an LLC for my service business?
While you can start as a sole proprietorship, forming an LLC is highly recommended as soon as possible. An LLC legally separates your personal assets (like your house and savings) from your business debts and liabilities. If the business gets sued or accumulates debt, creditors can only go after business assets, not your personal property.
The setup cost ($50-$500 depending on your state) is worth the protection.
What's the best service business to start in 2025?
There's no universal "best" business - it depends on your skills, market, and goals. However, businesses combining steady income models with automation potential offer the best growth trajectory: bookkeeping, SEO consulting, IT support, property management, and specialized B2B consulting.
These businesses can grow beyond your personal time while generating predictable monthly income.
Turn your idea into income and launch your service business
You don't just have 100+ service business ideas. You have a 5-step launch blueprint, a pricing matrix for four different models, and a workflow to automate your business from day one.
The gap between "idea" and "first payment" is the most intimidating part. But it's not a gap of skill – it's a gap of administrative setup. The legal structure, the financial credentials, the technology stack. These are the hurdles that keep people stuck in jobs instead of running their own businesses.
Your clear next steps:
- Pick one idea from this list that matches your skills and market
- Get your EIN from the IRS and secure liability insurance
- Set up your operations engine - website, scheduling, invoicing, CRM
If these service business ideas aren’t quite for you, read our guide with 30+ small business ideas to see if there’s something relevant for you there.
You can spend the next month manually building that operations engine, stitching together different tools, troubleshooting integrations, and teaching yourself each platform. Or you can let Durable's AI build your website, CRM, and invoicing system in the next 30 seconds.
Stop dreaming and start building. The difference between a hobby and a business is a system – and you now have the blueprint to build yours.