Do you want to start a service business but aren’t sure where to start? Do you want to make money from home (or anywhere) using your skills and passions? Perhaps you’re an excellent writer or have always enjoyed taking pictures and videos. Maybe you’re good with numbers or want to make other people’s lives easier with your organizational skills. There are so many types of service businesses to start. Keep reading for small online service business ideas to make money doing what you enjoy!
What is an Online Service Provider?
An online service provider (OSP) is someone who offers a digital service to companies or individuals. Many service providers start as freelancers or independent contractors. Rather than being traditionally employed by a single business or organization, online service providers work with a variety of clients, set their own rates and hours, and take on monthly and one-time projects. Most importantly, they can work from wherever!
20 Online Services Businesses to Start Making Money Anywhere
You have lots of options when it comes to the types of service businesses to start. Of course, the top online business to start for you depends on your skills, knowledge, experience, and passions. As you think about what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing, consider if one of these 20 online service business ideas is a good match.
Administrative Assistant
An administrative assistant is responsible for providing clerical and administrative support to an organization, business, or CEO/founder. They may be responsible for a variety of tasks, such as managing schedules, handling correspondence, preparing documents, and maintaining records. In many cases, they will also provide customer service and support. Administrative assistants play a vital role in keeping an online or in-person business running smoothly while remaining remote.
Skills that will help you start a service business as an administrative assistant:
- Professionalism
- Organization
- Time Management
- Written and Verbal Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Tech-savviness
Bookkeeper
A bookkeeper is responsible for keeping financial records accurate and up to date for a business, organization, or CEO/founder. This includes maintaining ledgers, preparing financial statements, and reconciling accounts. A bookkeeper may also be responsible for invoicing customers and processing payments. In some cases, a bookkeeper may assist with tax preparation.
Skills that will help you start a service business as a bookkeeper:
- Invoicing
- Organization
- Accounts Payable
- General Ledger
- Basic Math Skills
- Data Entry
- Attention to Detail
- Proficiency in Spreadsheets
Brand Designer
Brand designers play an essential role in shaping the public image of a company, person, or product. They are responsible for creating visual elements that reflect the brand’s values and communicate its message to consumers. This often involves choosing brand fonts and colors, creating a logo package, and visually bringing a brand’s “vibe” to life on its website and social pages. A successful brand designer must have a strong understanding of both art and marketing and be able to translate complex concepts into appealing designs. Above all, a brand designer must be able to think creatively and develop innovative solutions that will make their client’s brand stand out from the competition.
Skills that will help you start a service business as a brand designer:
- Eye for Design
- Creative Thinking
- Graphic Design
- Design Software
- Presenting
- Detail-oriented
Content Marketer
A content marketer is responsible for creating and distributing engaging and informative content that attracts attention and drives traffic to a website or blog. In addition to writing articles, blog posts, and other web-based content, a content marketer may also be responsible for developing email newsletters, social media campaigns, and other marketing materials. A successful content marketing strategy can build brand awareness, generate leads, and boost sales. As such, content marketers play an essential role in the success of any online business.
Skills that will help you start a service business as a content marketer:
- Content Writing
- Sales
- Editing
- Organization
- Campaign Development
- Email Marketing
- SEO Research
- Content Creation
Copywriter
Copywriters work on various writing and marketing projects. Some copywriters niche down and focus on one area of marketing, while others offer all types of copywriting services. That might mean crafting website content that is SEO-friendly and engaging, or it might mean writing compelling ad copy that drives conversions. It could also involve developing an email marketing campaign or creating social media content.
Skills that will help you start a service business as a copywriter:
- Sales Writing
- Psychology of Sales
- Digital Marketing
- SEO Research
- Design Psychology
- Creative Thinking
Customer Support Specialist
When you think of customer support, you might imagine someone working in a corporate office, fielding calls from angry customers all day. But there’s more to customer support than just answering phone calls. A customer support online service provider provides assistance and guidance to customers, often through channels like email, live chat, and social media. They might help with troubleshooting technical issues, answering questions about products or services, or providing general information about a company. Customer support specialists play an important role in creating a positive and lasting impression for a brand.
Skills that will help you start a service business as a customer support specialist:
- Active Listening
- Written and Verbal Communication
- Customer Service
- Patience, Empathy, and Adaptability
- Organization
- Decision Making
Digital Advertiser
A digital advertiser is responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring digital marketing campaigns. This can include everything from creating ad copy and designing banners to managing social media accounts and conducting market research. In order to be successful, a digital advertiser must be able to think creatively and have a thorough understanding of the latest marketing trends.
Skills that will help you start a service business as a digital advertiser:
- Creative Thinker
- Organization
- Campaign Development
- Sales Writing
- Design
- Psychology of Sales
- Tech-savvy
Editor
An editor is responsible for reviewing and revising written content to ensure it meets all the necessary criteria. This can include checking for grammar and spelling errors, ensuring the tone of the piece is appropriate, and making sure the content is factually accurate. Depending on the type of editing you’re interested in, an editor may be responsible for stylistic choices, such as choosing the right words to convey a certain meaning or flow. Ultimately, an editor’s goal is to help make the written content as clear, concise, and effective as possible.
Skills that will help you start a service business as an editor:
- Language Skills
- Writing Mechanics
- Proofreading, Style, and Punctuation
- Detail-oriented
- Reading Comprehension
- Strong Vocabulary
Email Marketer
Email marketers are responsible for creating and sending marketing messages via email. They work with businesses of all sizes to promote products, services, and special events. In many cases, email marketers also manage customer lists and help to grow the number of subscribers. Email marketers need to have a strong understanding of marketing principles and best practices to succeed in this role. They should also be detail-oriented and highly organized. Above all, email marketers must be excellent communicators who can craft engaging messages that encourage recipients to take action.
Skills that will help you start a service business as an email marketer:
- Sales Writing
- Tech-savviness
- Light HTML/CSS
- Detail-oriented
- Psychology of Sales
- Campaign Development
- Graphic Design
Google Advertiser
Google advertisers are responsible for creating and managing advertising campaigns that promote products or services using the Google Ads platform. Advertisers work with businesses of all sizes to create targeted ad campaigns that reach potential customers at the right time and place. To be successful, advertisers must be able to interpret data and trends and develop ads that are relevant and appealing to the target audience. In addition, they must be able to monitor and adjust campaigns in real-time to ensure that they are achieving their desired results. Ultimately, Google advertisers play a vital role in helping businesses grow by connecting them with potential customers interested in what they offer.
Skills that will help you start a service business as a Google advertiser:
- Detail-Oriented
- Psychology of Sales
- Sales Writing
- Creative Thinker
- Technical Thinker
- Market Research
- Analytics Tracking and Reporting
- Keyword Research
Graphic Designer
A graphic designer is responsible for creating visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and websites. Graphic designers can also help businesses, brands, and CEO/founders create graphics for social media and email marketing.
Skills that will help you start a service business as a graphic designer:
- Creative Thinker
- Design Software
- Typography
- Psychology of Design
- Presenting
- Problem Solving
Lead Generation Expert
A lead generation expert is someone who helps businesses to generate leads. This can be done in several ways but typically involves identifying potential customers and reaching out to them via email or messaging. Lead generation experts aim to book multiple sales calls for CEO/founders each month. They typically have a deep understanding of marketing and sales and use this knowledge to help businesses grow.
Skills that will help you start a service business as a lead generation expert:
- Written and Verbal Communication
- Sales Knowledge
- Tracking and Reporting
- Organization
- Research
- Funnel Building
- Interpersonal Abilities
Online Business Manager
An online business manager (OBM) is responsible for the overall operations of an online business. This can include anything from managing website content and design to customer service and order fulfillment. An online business manager must be able to wear many hats and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. In addition to being organized and detail-oriented, an online business manager must also be proactive and have a good understanding of the latest online marketing trends.
Skills that will help you start a service business as an online business manager:
- Strategic Thinker
- Tech-savviness
- Written and Verbal Communication
- Time Management
- Multi-tasking
- Project Management
- Creativity
SEO Consultant
An SEO consultant is someone who specializes in optimizing websites for search engines. This means that they work to ensure a website appears as high as possible in search results. In order to do this, they use a variety of techniques, including keyword research, link building, and content optimization. SEO consultants also stay up-to-date on the latest algorithm changes and industry trends to ensure that their client’s websites always comply with the latest standards. In short, an SEO consultant helps businesses improve their visibility online.
Skills that will help you start a service business as an SEO consultant:
- Keyword Research
- Marketing Research
- Analytics Tracking and Reporting
- Critical Thinker
- Writing and Editing
- Google Analytics
- Website Development
Social Media Advertiser
A social media advertiser is responsible for creating and managing online advertising campaigns for their company or client. This involves developing targeted ad campaigns, researching keywords, and setting budgets. They also track the performance of their ads and make adjustments as needed to optimize results. In addition, social media advertisers often work closely with other team members to develop marketing strategies and create cohesive campaigns across multiple platforms. They must have excellent communication and organizational skills. Above all, social media advertisers need to be creative and understand how to use various digital tools to reach their target audience.
Skills that will help you start a service business as a social advertiser:
- Sales Writing
- Creative Thinker
- Analytics Tracking and Reporting
- Market Research
- Psychology of Sales
- Light Graphic Design
- Written and Verbal Communication
- Social Media Platforms
Social Media Manager
A social media manager is responsible for creating and maintaining a company’s presence on social media sites. This includes posting content, responding to comments and messages, and monitoring activity on the sites. A social media manager may work with a team of marketing and communications professionals to develop strategies for promoting the business’s products or services. The goal is to encourage customers and potential customers to interact with the company and its brand. In order to be successful, a social media manager must have a deep understanding of how each social media site works and how to use it effectively. They must also be able to create compelling content that will engage users and prompt them to take action.
Skills that will help you start a service business as a social media marketer:
- Creative Thinker
- Content Writing
- Sales Knowledge
- Idea Development
- Organization
- Time Management
- Interpersonal Abilities
- Strategic Planning
Video Producer
A video producer is a creative professional who helps businesses create engaging video content. This can include creating video commercials, developing short-form video campaigns, and designing motion graphics for corporate presentations. Video producers work closely with clients to understand their needs and develop concepts that will resonate with their audience. They also have a strong understanding of the latest video production techniques and technologies, which they use to create high-quality videos that achieve the desired results. In addition to their creative skills, video designers also need to be excellent communicators and project managers, as they are often responsible for coordinating all aspects of video production.
Skills that will help you start a service business as a video producer:
- Creative Thinker
- Artistic Vision
- Content Writing
- Marketing Research
- Strategic Planning
- Detail-oriented
- Instructing
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant (VA) is a self-employed professional who provides administrative, creative and/or technical support to clients, usually serving businesses or entrepreneurs. Some common duties include managing email, scheduling appointments, handling social media, preparing documents and presentations, and providing customer service. A virtual assistant can be a valuable asset to any founder/CEO or company, freeing up time and resources so that the business can focus on its core goals.
Skills that will help you start a service business as a virtual assistant:
- Reliability
- Time Management
- Organization
- Written and Verbal Communication
- Self-Motivation
- Creative Thinker
- Planning and Scheduling
- Tech-savvy
- Project Management
Website Designer
A website designer is responsible for the look and feel of a company’s website. This includes the layout, colors, graphics, and overall style of the site. A good website designer will work closely with the company to determine its goals and target audience and then create a design that reflects those goals. In addition to creating the initial design, a website designer may also be responsible for maintaining and updating the site over time. This can involve adding new features, fixing problems, and ensuring the site remains compatible with new web browsers and devices. By keeping their finger on the pulse of the latest trends in web design, a good website designer can help businesses keep their websites looking fresh and up-to-date.
Skills that will help you start a service business as a website designer:
- Visual Design
- Psychology of Sales
- Light HTML/CSS
- Written and Verbal Communication
- Problem Solving
- Digital Marketing
Website Developer
A website developer is responsible for the coding, design, and layout of a website. A website developer will often use various programming languages in the construction of the page, and they may also use software to create the design. In addition, they may be responsible for maintaining and updating the website. Website developers typically work with businesses to ensure that their website is easy to use and navigate, and they may also work with clients to update and add to existing pages.
Skills that will help you start a service business as a website developer:
- Advanced HTML/CSS
- Creative Thinker
- Problem Solving
- Written and Verbal Communication
- JavaScript
- Search Engine Optimization
- User Experience
Make Your Online Service Business Ideas a Reality with Coaching to Start a Service Business
If you want to become an online service provider and turn your skills into services, I would love to support you! I offer business coaching to help you start an online business, quit your 9-5, and leave the cubicle life behind for good. If you’re craving the freedom to live and work from wherever, now is the time to hone your skills and turn your passions into profits.
Whether you have a few online service business ideas or are starting from scratch, you’re in the right place. Learn more about coaching to start a service business to get started.
