5 Home Based Business Ideas

Start a Blog that makes money.


Regardless of your past experience with building a website or making money with one, starting a blog that makes money is a profitable way to start a home based business in 2012. And, in my opinion, is the first step to building a profitable small business online. There are hundreds of ways to start a website or blog, many of the best are free or cost very little, expense is not a barrier to creating a profitable business you can operate from home.


Learn how to make money with affiliate marketing.


Affiliate marketing is simply put, making money selling someone else’s products. Making money with affiliate marketing is a smart business idea for a beginner and it will tie in nicely with starting a blog that makes money. There are thousands of online entrepreneurs whose sole income is from affiliate marketing and thousands more who got started through affiliate marketing and went on to build online empires that have earned millions. Affiliate marketing has to be a component of any successful home based business idea in 2012.


Ways to make money now.


Making money now, or making money at will is an important part of any business. Maybe you have a service you could offer other people. A service that you get paid for. I wouldn’t advise starting a purely service oriented business on the Internet (because passive is better) but having something you can do today and get paid for today is a nice option for a beginner. Many of the best business ideas I’ve found online don’t earn money immediately, they take time to build. Once they are up and earning they are quite passive and the income will continue to build if your willing to work hard. Cash flow is important to any business and ways to make money now will help you with initial cash flow. You’ve probably heard of getting paid to take surveys and it’s one example of how to make money now even if you have no experience on the Internet. There are some legit sites that help you earn money taking surveys and save you a TON of time.


Home Based Franchise Ideas.


If you have experience as an entrepreneur in the brick and mortar business world but you want to start another business from home, then starting a home based franchise business may be right for you. Home based franchise ideas have a wide range industries, from consulting to pet grooming. I don’t have a particular franchise idea to recommend, but I’d encourage you to choose a franchise that you have genuine interest in you feel comfortable with.


Network Marketing Opportunities.


Network marketing opportunities or directs sales opportunities are also a very popular home based start up right now and will be one of the most popular home business start ups in 2012. That said, they aren’t for everyone. It seems everyone and their brother has tried a network marketing opportunity. Maybe you have too. The key to success in a network marketing or direct sales business opportunity is treat it like a real business. That was always hard for me and I’ve never really found an opportunity that felt motivated about. I do know several people who do very well with these opportunities and they all incorporate their opportunity into their website that also earns money. When you start a blog that makes money you will also have a great way to connect with others who are looking for good ways to make money from home and they may find interest in you network marketing opportunity. I’ve written several article on network marketing opportunities and how to avoid scams.

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EBay Business Idea

Wondering how to start an eBay business? You’re not alone. Since its inception in 1995, millions of people have joined EBay to buy and sell items.

Pierre Omidyar, a computer programmer, had no idea of the magnitude his experiment would have on internet business.

He wanted to show that an open market that gave information and opportunities could create an efficient marketplace.

One weekend, he set up an online business called Auction House. He put one item up for sale: a broken laser pointer.

To his surprise, a customer contacted him and wanted to buy the pointer for $14.83. It turned out that the customer collected not just laser pointers, but broken laser pointers. Omidyar realized the potential of internet selling, and EBay was born.

Today, EBay is a global online marketplace with more than 84.5 million members worldwide. Anyone with an internet connection can go online and look through more than 50,000 categories to shop, buy or sell.

Because it is an online auction, customers bid for products and the highest bid wins. However, because there are a number of sellers on EBay as well, prices remain competitive.

WHAT DO PEOPLE SELL ON EBAY?

You can find almost anything you want on EBay. Categories include baby gear, antiques, electronics, art, books, clothing, shoes, crafts, musical instruments, movies, books, toys, jewelry, and event tickets.

You can even find businesses for sale and even cars. Items may be new or used, and the sellers make that clear in their descriptions.

HOW TO START AN EBAY BUSINESS

Starting a business on EBay is easy. You need a computer with internet access, a digital camera, and a reliable way to mail products to customers.

Now, what will you focus on how to sell on EBay successfully? It could be something you make yourself, or something that you buy and resell. As with any business, you’ll need to do the research to make sure there is a large enough market for your product. One person may collect broken laser pointers, but will many others?

Become familiar with the EBay website at EBay.com. It is easily navigated, and once you log in you will be guided through the steps for buying or selling.

You can look at the What’s Hot page to get an idea of some of the best sellers. Also look in your local stores and read the business sections in newspapers to stay on top of trends.

Next, determine your price. Although it is an auction, if your price is too high you won’t get customers. Do your research and determine a fair price. Be sure to include shipping expenses.

Develop a clear description of your item using keywords and include the item size and condition. Take a picture of the item with your digital camera and download this into the description as well. This will give customers a better idea of the item.

Respond to customers promptly to build trust and increase customer satisfaction.

Finally, once the auction is closed and you have a buyer, send the item promptly. Contact the U.S. Postal Service for ideas on how to streamline your mailing from home.

Buyers are invited to evaluate the seller, so the more satisfied customers you have, the better you will look to other potential customers.

With a great idea and a useful product, you can exponentially increase your market by having learnt how to start an EBay business.

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