Looking for a job or starting a business is hard but harder when you’re still a teen. But just because you’re still in your teens does not mean you can’t start a business. This article discusses potential small businesses (and jobs) you can start as soon as possible.
It’s always good to hone your skills and do what you do best. Maybe you got into a new hobby that you’re passionate about. Why not earn from it? These ideas are either low-cost or use the resources you already have.
Here’s what you can do.
If you’re stuck and unsure what to do, here are some suggestions. Maybe some of these are things you’ve probably been thinking of doing. You just haven’t gotten to any yet. Perhaps you need a little nudge to get started.
10 Small Business Ideas (and Jobs) for Teens in 2024:
1. Arts and Design
The COVID-19 lockdowns have gotten a lot of people’s creative juices flowing. It was a time to get into new hobbies and invest in passion projects. Digital art, pottery, crochet, and more are among these.
Perhaps you are an artist looking to share your art with the world someday. Like many others, you might even generate some income from it. Consider doing a small business out of your art. This doesn’t just get you paid for your efforts, but it also supports your passion. It’s a win-win!
2. Digital Services
It’s no surprise for this generation to be tech-savvy. This can be an advantage, especially if you’re interested in e-commerce and online marketing. With 4 out of 5 Internet users on social media these days, businesses are going online to establish their presence.
You can offer digital services, such as graphic design, social media management, proofreading, and content writing. Digital services help increase website traffic and visibility, which ultimately helps grow a business’s revenue. These are in-demand and can be done remotely, which can be convenient if you’re a student juggling schoolwork.
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3. Social Media Influencing
Social media influencers are one of the big players in marketing products and services. Influencers with a big following usually get deals and sponsorships from brands and companies that want to work with them. And through their followers and subscribers, these products and services can gain visibility.
Social media influencers are called influencers for a good reason. They are perceived to be established and credible in their respective niches, especially to their followers. Thus, their opinion on a product has weight and can sway an interested follower and even an initially uninterested user to purchase.
4. Podcasting
Podcasting is usually an extension of social media influencing, but others don’t have as big of an online platform yet jump into it anyway. Finding a niche or specific topic to discuss is a great way to hone in on your brand image and discover your audience. But most importantly, it’s one of the first few steps of making a podcast!
Podcasts can generate income through brand deals and ads too. But because this is a growing platform, there are many possibilities to explore here. Who knows, maybe you’ll be one of the pioneers of an unexplored niche.
5. Photography
If you have an eye for photography, maybe this sideline is for you! Photography can be a mix of digital services, art, and everything in between. It’s a versatile service perfect for special occasions, product photoshoots, and more.
A downside to this is the pricey equipment unless you already have some at your disposal. If this is something you want to pursue in the future, you can even use this as a headstart in building your portfolio.
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6. Food Services
A business with a market that never runs out is related to food. Food delivery and online grocery shopping have been big and have become the norm since the pandemic started. But even after the lockdown, people’s buying behavior still shows a preference for food delivered to their door.
Now is the right time to get into this food business. Whether it’s made-to-order or a pop-up stand, this is the time to flex your cooking or baking skills! Be sure to research local businesses serving the same menu items as you to remain competitive.
7. Online Seller
This option is probably a good mix of a couple of items mentioned above, but it’s a great option nonetheless! There’s a market for everything—skincare items, tech accessories, or fragrance products. To help kickstart your online business, start researching affordable wholesale product suppliers. You can list and sell your products on eCommerce websites like Amazon.
8. Blogging
Having your own blog is a great way to get passive income. It’s not as easy as it sounds, however. You’d have to choose a niche and decide how you want to brand yourself. After that, you start writing.
The more people you get to read your blog, the better. Sponsored reviews and ads are a couple of ways a blog can generate income. Ezoic, Media.net, AdThrive, and Mediavine are some of the highest-paying advertising services to monetize your blog content.
With people reading your blogs, the more traffic there is. The more traffic there is, the more the revenue.
9. Car Detailing Services
Do you like cars? Why not start a business where you offer car detailing services? This can be a great way to make some extra money, especially if you live in an area with a lot of car enthusiasts.
Though it may seem like a daunting task, with a little hard work and planning, you can have your business up and running in no time. The first step is to obtain the proper equipment and supplies. Once you have the necessary equipment, you will need to find customers. There are a few ways to go about this. You can start by advertising in local newspapers or online.
You can also set up a booth at community events or offer your services to local car dealerships. Once you have built up a clientele, you can begin to expand your business by hiring employees and opening additional locations. With a little effort, you can soon be on your way to owning a successful car detailing business.
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10. Tutoring Services
There are numerous ways to start a tutoring service. The most important part is identifying the need in the community that you want to serve and then creating a plan to reach those students.
To get started, first consider what services you want to offer and who your target audience is. Will you tutor students of all ages or specialize in a certain age group? What subject matter will you cover? Should you gamify your online classes or gain advanced teaching skills?
Once you have a clearer idea of your focus, begin marketing your services. Create fliers and post them around town or write an article for the local paper about the importance of tutoring. You can also reach out to schools and PTAs to let them know about your services.
By taking these steps, you can get your tutoring business off the ground and make a difference in your community.
Reasons for Starting a New Business (or Job)
Teenagers can be excellent entrepreneurs because of their natural curiosity and risk-taker attitude. Teens can have a vision and even a fresh approach to things. You can probably attest to this, being one yourself.
Spending time on something productive is an investment for you and your business. This ultimately helps you become a young well-rounded professional. Surely, you will impress your peers!
Most importantly, you will learn about the following:
- Management Skills: Management skills are useful in scheduling, task prioritization, resource allocation, and budgeting. You must educate yourself about money and how to handle it while you’re young. The same is true of resource allocation, particularly when starting your business. Additionally, you’ll need to maintain structure and know how much time to devote to school, extracurricular activities, and your business.
- Resiliency: Any venture goes through a series of ups and down. This is normal and expected. Remember that determination and perseverance to make it through are important in whatever venture you choose. Giving something your best is a pressuring ordeal, especially when it counts the most. But once you’ve conquered the obstacle, know that it’s another milestone achieved, making you more capable of enduring and facing new challenges.
- New Skill Set: Take every opportunity to learn new skills and hone the ones you already have. This can be challenging and maybe even discouraging at times. Still, it is important to recognize that you become more and more of an asset to yourself and your business because of these opportunities.
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Conclusion
Using your talents to start a small business or offer a service is great training. With expanded skills, entrepreneurship practice, and experience gathered, you’ll have a great foundation for future projects and ventures. Starting something can be daunting. Just know that starting today is an investment in tomorrow. The hard work will pay off!
