Top 19 Niche Business Ideas: What’s Working Right Now?

I love small business ideas. And even more than that, I love niche business ideas!

I, of course, was able to quit my full-time job over a year ago and become a business owner because of the niche business that I had built. (I created small keyword-targeted websites).

However, since then I have both launched and observed several other profitable niche business ideas.

I now have a software business, WordPress plugin, and theme, and as of yesterday, I also have an iPhone app business!

So, I certainly have some experience in a few different areas, but I am also aware of other best business ideas that people are trying out…and some are quite successful.

But obviously, some things that worked a couple of years ago may not be as good an opportunity today.

To start off, I'm going to list the top niche business ideas that are “hot” right now. These are each a niche idea that people are talking about, trying, and pursuing.

This by no means is an indication of what will make you most successful. These just appear to be great business ideas that people are trying most right now.

If you have a unique online business idea that's not listed here, even better! The unique business ideas that people are not trying can often have the most upside potential.

For the most part, I am concerned with small business ideas that could be started by ONE person and could all be done online.

So, in reality, these are small internet-based and eCommerce business ideas. These tend to be successful business ideas that are relatively easy to get started, as far as small business ideas go.

And keep in mind: there is no one perfect business idea (and you'll want to validate each business idea before jumping in). What is the best niche business idea for one person may not work for another, and that's fine.

So, here is a list of the top Niche Business Ideas…

Best Home-Based Niche Business Ideas

Let's dive into the full list of the 16 best niche business ideas with full descriptions and more.

1. Small Niche Sites

Building small niche sites is how I was able to build a nice income for myself and quit my job. I still think this is a great business model.

Even with all the changes that Google has made recently with the Panda and Penguin updates, there is still plenty of money to be made here.

But the heart of this niche business idea is still the same.

Find a keyword that has at least 1,000 exact-match searches a month and has low competition in Google. Build a site around that keyword and rank in Google or other search engines (and also check out our guide on how to make an extra 1000 a month ;).

Then you can make money when visitors click your ads or buy affiliate products.

I will say that you can indeed still make money with these small niche sites tailored to a specific niche audience, but it's less “hot” than it was years ago.

Google is making it more difficult (but far from impossible) to rank, and there is also a lot more people building these types of sites than there used to be. So its very competitive.

If you want to learn how to create small niche sites, check out how I made a site bringing in $3k per month in a year.

2. Blogging (or “Authority” Sites) Business Ideas

Blogging has been a great online business idea for a long time.

But guess what? It's still a great venture!

I've been able to do quite well with my blog here at NichePursuits.com.

In addition, I am in the process of building a large “authority site” (just a big blog really) outside of the internet marketing niche. I hope to build it into a viable business over the next year.

(I actually wrote a 15-page guide sharing the exact strategy and plans I will be using to build this branded site, I discuss how you can get it here). LINK

Rather than relying solely on search engine traffic, the idea is to build up an audience that will keep coming back for your take on whatever subject you are covering.

Now search engine traffic is still a big part of this, and you will still want to target lots of longtail keywords in your posts, but this is very different from small niche sites that essentially target one keyword.

If you are passionate about a particular subject, then blogging could be a great way to go!

Some of the ways you can make money include:

If you're interested in this route, check out this post on how to start a blog. It gives you step by step instructions on starting and growing your own.

Interesting in learning more about blogging and affiliate marketing?  Consider trying the Authority Hacker Authority Site System here.

3. Vlogging as a Niche Business

In the same way that you'd show your authority with blogging, you can get into vlogging. An ever-popular form of online business ideas, vlogging doesn't seem like it will ever go away.

Vlogging is short for “video blogging.” So you can share the same information you would through a blog, just in an interesting-to-watch way.

Whatever knowledge you have, you can share through videos. And people consume videos more than ever.

Here are the steps to get started:

1. Pick a niche (something you're passionate and knowledgable about)
2. Decide on your source(s) of income (more on those below)
3. Create high-quality content (no fluff, just the facts presented in an interesting way)
4. Stay consistent (one of the most important aspects of content marketing)

So how do you make money with a vlogging business?

Here are the most common income streams for vloggers:

If you want to get into this niche business idea, check out our in-depth starter guide for vlogging.

4. Unique Business Ideas: iPhone Apps

With the popularity of the iPhone and Android phones over the past several years, mobile phone apps as a business is a very real possibility.

Many entrepreneurs have hit it big with iPhone apps already. In fact, I've interviewed a couple of them recently on my podcast: Benny Hsu and Pat Flynn.

And of course, I have been documenting my process of building my own iPhone app.

The reality is that more and more people are using mobile phones and so the market is a fast-growing one. Yes, it's a competitive marketplace, but there is still plenty of room for original ideas and useful apps.

I plan on working on additional iPhone apps in the future because I think there is a lot of potential here.

5. Kindle eBooks Online Business Idea

This is one of those small business ideas that's growing in “hotness” right now. Apparently, it's very easy to do. And making money here has huge passive income potential.

When I first heard about publishing Kindle ebooks, I thought people were trying to write best-sellers and essentially becoming a full-time author.

But after doing some research, I found that some people are essentially treating this opportunity like small niche sites in a way.

Basically, they write a short book (often less than 50 pages), effectively title the book, and then upload it to Amazon.

People find the book by doing searches right on Amazon and their book shows up that targets the niche topic extremely well.

Kindle ebooks are usually priced in the $0.99 to $4.99 range, so each sale won't bring in very much, but the idea to have lots of books.

If you can have a dozen books that each make 5 or 10 sales a day, then it really starts to add up.

If you want to learn more, check out how I wrote a Kindle book that was making over $100 per day.

6. Software development as a Niche Business

Developing a niche piece of software may seem daunting, but the reality is that you can outsource the programming portion of it.

I developed my own business – Long Tail Pro, but I'm not a programmer. This piece of software has done very well for me, so I would be leaving out a great small business idea that I am personally familiar with if I didn't mention software development.

If you are able to come up with a small piece of software, you can often have it outsourced and developed for only a couple thousand dollars (bigger ideas can cost much much more of course).

Once it's developed, you can sell the product over and over again — there is no marginal cost for selling an additional unit — it's essentially all profit.

So, if you can think of a niche market that might be able to use a simple piece of software, don't let the fact that you are not a programmer scare you off! You might have the opportunity at a great business.

7. Selling Information Products as an Online Business

People selling eBooks or other information products on the internet has become so popular, that there is even a name for it: infopreneur.

I have to admit that some of the people selling eBooks or other information products in the internet marketing space can be pretty shady. Many of them rightfully get a bad rap.

However, there are also A LOT of great products out there that are nothing more than an ebook, video recording, or audio recording.

Of course, if you have an existing audience perhaps through your own blog or authority site, then selling an info-product will be much easier, but it can also be done in other ways, like with an online store.

You can form a joint venture with someone with an audience, pay to email someone's list, or pay for advertising.

Even if you are not an expert in your field, you can create an information product by interviewing experts, paying experts to write content for you, or in many other ways.

These expert interviews or other information can be combined into a series of podcasts (find out how to use podcasts as a marketing tool), online courses, video tutorials, an online membership site, or a basic eBook.

Definitely one of the more common niche business ideas, but still promising (and check out our full niche definition). This is one of the best small business ideas out there.

8. Start a Coaching or Consulting Business

Usually, a coaching business does best if it's paired with, say, blogging, vlogging (find out how to start vlogging), or information products (more on those below).

But it doesn't have to be.

Either way, a coaching business can be one of the most profitable business ideas, especially if you've had success in a certain area. In fact, you probably shouldn't start a coaching business unless you have expertise in something.

In 2018, Forbes wrote about the booming coaching business.

“Without question, the demand for business coaching is extensive and growing very quickly,” they said. “The opportunities for high-caliber business coaches of all stripes are probably better than ever. This leads to business coaches being able to charge respectfully more for their expertise.”

Here are some basic tips for getting started:

There's obviously a lot more to it. So if you want to launch your own coaching business, ConvertKit has a helpful post to help you get started.

Best E-commerce Business Ideas

Have you always dreamed of running a product empire? Ever started salivating when someone talks about their dropshipping income? (Don't worry, we all have).

Here are a couple of the ideas in the eCommerce niche that can work for you.

9. Sell On Amazon FBA

Amazon FBA is a powerful way to wealth and I used it to build and sell a business for $425,000. FBA works like dropshipping.

Instead of sending products to your own warehouse or sending them to the customer, you send the products to Amazon.

Amazon lists these products on their website. They handle storage, transportation, all of the selling process, some part of collecting reviews, and even some of the returns.

I used to sell several items on FBA, but have gotten out of the business with my last exit. I think starting an FBA business is an awesome idea and that there's a ton of potential there.

If you'd like to learn more about Amazon FBA, you can read how to get started and how I sold $40,639 worth of product in 30 days.

10. Get Started in the Dropshipping Niche

Dropshipping is the powerful alternative to Amazon FBA.

Dropshipping is an eCommerce business idea where you set up an online store with listed products.

Those products haven't been made yet, so you don't have to pay for an inventory. You don't have to pay for warehousing costs either.

When a customer purchases a product, the supplier makes it and sends it to your customer. This works best when selling a niche product rather than something people can get anywhere.

Since there's almost no barrier to entry, these businesses have quite a bit of competition.

And unless you have a platform on social media or a website, you're going to have to drive traffic by purchasing ads.

This can impact your already-thin margins.

If you're going into dropshipping, I'd recommend being extra careful with niche selection.

If you want to read more about dropshipping and learn how to do it well, check out this podcast from Joe and Mike Brusca who are making $30k per month profit.

Best Side Business Ideas & Best Business Ideas To Start With Little Money

There is an incredible amount of power in doing life on your own terms. Maybe you want to escape the boss, maybe you want to build a little side income.

We're all about that side hustle life. That's how I started before I became a full-time entrepreneur.

Here are some ideas for you that have little to no startup costs.

11. Freelance Services as a Niche Business

This may be less passive in nature, but doing freelance work can be a great way to bring money in the door.

You can offer your freelance services by writing (article writer, ghostwriter, copywriter), programming, design work, proofreading and editing, Fiverr gigs, and much more.

With the advent of freelance sites such as FreeeUp (you can listen to the founder Nathan Hirsch on the podcast), you can often find work doing some sort of unique task that can perhaps be your first official business.

I used this tactic to “stair-step” my way into the business world. I started by building a simple website for an accountant, reinvested that money into my business, and here we are.

This is a great way to build a side income or wean yourself off of your job's income. Recommended for those who wish to be escape artists.

12. Sell Sneakers

Alright, hear me out. You might have never known that sneaker reselling was an industry, but it is.

Here's how it works: sometimes, shoe brands like Nike or Adidas (you may want to learn about the Adidas affiliate program) release special, limited edition shoes. If you pick the right pair of shoes, you can flip those shoes for a profit.

Even best, you can do all of it from your home.

We have a full guide on reselling shoes here.

13. Resell Concert Tickets

This one works like selling shoes.

Concert tickets are released, but maybe someone doesn't have the money to buy them at the time. You can buy these tickets and then later resell them for a profit.

Click here to read our guide on reselling concert tickets.

14. Retail Arbitrage

Retail arbitrage is the act of buying something (online store or in-store) and then selling it online for a profit.

This could be anything! There are tons of people who have found amazing deals on clothes, books, toys, games, tools, and more.

There are lots of places where you can begin your retail arbitrage side income.

You can visit yard sales. You can spend a lot of time near the clearance rack in clothing stores.

You could shop in Goodwill, Salvation Army, or similar stores that just want to get their products off the shelves.

This is one of the ways I made my first few dollars online. You can click here to read how to get started with retail arbitrage.

Best Startup Ideas & Best Entrepreneur Business Ideas

If you know that you have a good startup idea inside of you, there is a whole world of opportunities available.

If you have the entrepreneurial itch and want to achieve something difficult with your life, then there is no limit to what you can accomplish.

Here are a few ideas that you might find useful.

15. Make It Easy To Access Information

This one is pretty broad, so let me explain.

People love convenient things. Microwaves, credit cards, buttons to turn on our cars while we're still in the living room.

This is the primary need that websites like this one solve: Niche Pursuits makes it easier to access information.

This can take any form! You can run a website, have an app, write a book, start a publishing company, open a consulting service, or create a research tool for people in your niche.

Whenever you make something faster, you help the world live with a little bit less struggle.

16. Build An App

If making it easy to access information isn't your game, how about the realm of apps?

You can build a fun game, a not fun game (hello, Clash of Clans), or make it easy for someone to do something.

I tried to break into this field with an iPhone app but I ran into problems with Google.

But this doesn't mean that you can't do it. There are tons of people who make a killing with apps. I interviewed one who wanted to go by the name of Justin.

17. Improve An Existing Product

This is the heart of entrepreneurship. It's hard to make a new product. It's almost impossible to predict what people are going to want before they want it.

But making an existing product idea better, faster, safer, smarter, easier to use, or more useful?

Well, that's not too difficult.

Or maybe you've said, “How do you use this thing?”

That too is the call of entrepreneurship.

People who wish for an easier life or clearer instructions will almost always pay you to get them. If you can improve something that already exists, you almost always have an existing market.

18. Build A Browser Extension

I like this idea because it works on mobile, desktop, and tablet.

This will take the form of some kind of software, but it could be almost anything.

Right now on my browser, I have LastPass to store my passwords (if you're interested check out LastPass alternatives), Hunter.io to give me email addresses from websites, the Ahrefs toolbar to give me information on websites, and an ad blocker.

Maybe it's something to give you all of your social media notifications while you're browsing. Maybe it's an automatic email checker or an easy “Publish to Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Reddit” button.

Whatever it is, make it something that can improve someone's life. If you do that, you can't fail.

Want to read more, see how I built a chrome extension here.

19. Connect Buyers and Sellers for a Niche Product or Service

Some of the most successful business ideas have simply connected buyers and sellers. They create a marketplace for buying and offering services or products.

Think Amazon, Airbnb, Fiverr, and so many others.

So what niche service can you create a marketplace for?

You could connect…

Writers with companies who need content. Parents with daycares. Music teachers with those who want to learn an instrument.

It comes down to this: what problem can you solve? What service have you needed in the past that was hard to find?

FYI, this is one of those niche business ideas that may cost some upfront money to pay a website and/or app developer (OR you can simply check out our Adalo review).

Best Niche Business Ideas Conclusion

So there you have it, 16 great niche business ideas to choose from. Some of these are clearly working better than others right now, and maybe they are not all for you.

However, perhaps reading through some of these sparked a niche business idea that you can then take and create something completely original on your own.

Are there other niche business ideas that are working well for you right now that I didn't mention?

If so, I would love to hear about them…let me know! I look forward to reading any comments or questions that you have below.

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