Since the COVID-19 pandemic began wreaking it’s havoc on the world in 2020, something interesting has happened in the general workforce.

The world came to a standstill and with it, many of us had the time to reflect and reevaluate how we work, live and define success.

Cue the 2021 Great Resignation, a massive wave of women and men leaving their jobs in search of something more fulfilling, flexible, and aligned with their real lives.

Since then, home-based businesses have exploded in popularity, and everyday more women trade being overworked, underpaid and overlooked in for flexibility and freedom.

Whether you are looking to launch a digital brand, start a service-based business or monetize a creative skill, use this guide as your step-by-step walk thru from finding the right idea, to navigating the legal stuff, to attracting your idea customer.

1. Finding the Right Idea

Your best business idea should be a healthy mix of passion, skill, and market demand.

When in doubt, remember the big three: What is something I love to do? What is something I’m good at? What is something that people are willing to pay me money for?

More Questions You Should Be Asking Yourself:

• What do people already come to me for?
• What skills do I have that can be monetized?
• What problems do I love solving?
• Is there a need for this in the marketplace?

If you’re unsure of where to start, take a look at our article 15 Online Businesses to Start in 2025.

Running a business is a huge commitment. Before you settle, test your ideas.

Create a simple offer or freebie and share it on social media and/or create Pinterest pins specific to your business idea to gather analytics.

Get the feedback that you need and refine from there.

2. Conducting Market Research

A brilliant idea means absolutely nothing without market validation.

Market research gives you the information you need to know that there’s a demand for what you’re selling – as well as how you can stand out from any competitors.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Use Google Trends to see if your topic is gaining popularity.
2. Use into SEMrush or Ahrefs to analyze keyword volume and competition.
3. Spend some time browsing through forums like Reddit and Threads to see what your potential customer is saying.
4. Conduct a competitor analysis: Google top players in your niche. What are they doing well? Where are they dropping the ball? What are their reviews like? What are customers saying about them on social media?

Don’t copy your competitors, do it differently than them. Solve the same problem better than they do.

3. The Business Plan

You’ll find many resources that will tell you that a business plan is not necessary to start a business – and for some businesses, it’s not.

But for all businesses having one is like having a GPS. It gives you clarity, direction, and focus.

If you’re seeking outside funding, having a business plan is non-negotiable. And not only will you need one, but you’ ‘ll need an extremely detailed one.

Remember, you’re using this document to ask people to give you money, and likely thousands and thousands of dollars.

It has to answer every single question and concern that potential investors are likely to have so that they feel comfortable that you’re well-researched and know the business, market and industry like the back of your hand.

Here’s a Tip: Unless you’re required to have a business plan before you start for funding or other business specific purposes, start your business and build your plan as you go. When you do it this way, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed trying to create one.

Ideally, your business plan should be completed within your first six months of being in business.

Core components:

• Business Description: What do you do? Why does this matter to consumers?
• Market Analysis: Who do you serve? What do they need? How will you reach them?
• Marketing & Sales Strategy: How will people find you? What is your strategy for converting them into paying customers?
• Financial Projections: Your revenue goals, pricing, and expense forecasting should be in this section.

Honorable Mention: Whenever you start a business you should always begin with the end in mind. For your own planning purposes, make sure that your business plan includes an exit strategy.

• Is this a legacy business that will be passed down to your children?
• Is this a scalable and profitable brand that you’ll eventually sell?
• Is this a business that you want to position for merger or acquisition later?
• Will you automate this business and let it run forever?
• What will happen to the business if something happens to you?

By addressing your exit strategy early, you’re giving your business a clear path ahead.

4. Your Home Workspace

You don’t need an office or even a home office (yet) to run a successful business. But what you do need is a space that you can make your own where the CEO version of yourself gets to show up freely.

• Designate a Workspace: Even if it’s just a cozy corner. Plants, candles, affirmations…make your space into whatever inspires you. If you work from your bed or couch try not to do this long-term because it can blur the line between work and play.
• Invest in Your Set-Up: Ergonomic furniture, quality lighting, and noise-canceling headphones are the healthy way to go.
• Organization Matters: Since you don’t have a lot of space to spare, storage, digital planners, and keeping clutter to a minimum will not only help you keep the space you do have clean and functional, but it will keep your mind clear and sharp.

Work-Life Boundaries Matter

When your home becomes your office, lines get blurred fast. One minute you’re answering emails, and the next you’re folding laundry.

Remember, as your own boss the buck starts and stops with YOU. There is no one else to hold you accountable, so you have to have discipline.

Set clear “office hours” for yourself and communicate them to anyone you live with.

Create daily habits to open and close your designated business time like maybe playing a playlist when you begin and lighting a candle when you get ready to close down.

Daily habits will help your brain register when it’s time for your business and when it’s time for your personal life.

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Section 5: Legal and Administrative Essentials

Let’s make it official.

Step 1: Register your business. Choose a name, check if it’s available, and register with your state.

Step 2: Choose your structure.

• Sole Proprietorship: Simple, but less legal protection.
• LLC: Best for separating personal and business finances.

Step 3: Tax planning. Know how your business will be taxed before you start.

• Will you owe self-employment tax?
• What deductions are common in your industry?
• Should you pay quarterly taxes?

Use tools like QuickBooks or Wave to track expenses from Day 1.

Pro Tip: Build a relationship with a CPA or tax strategist early on. Business is about making AND managing money. Eventually, you’ll need reputable professionals to advise you.

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Section 6: Funding Your Small Business

Most home-based businesses don’t require a huge budget—but you still need to plan smart.

Creative ways to fund your business:

• Bootstrapping: Start with what you have and reinvest profits.
• Crowdfunding: Use platforms like Kickstarter or IFundWomen.
• Small Business Grants: Research what’s available for women and minorities—before you need the funds.
• Business Credit: Build your credit profile and apply for microloans.

Resources:

• Hello Alice
• SBA’s Grant Portal
• The Profit Way’s Business Credit Starter Guide [insert link]

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Section 7: Building Your Brand and Online Presence

Your brand is your business’s personality & vibe. It should reflect who you are, what you do, and why it matters.

Start with the essentials:

• Name, logo, and brand colors
• Professional website (use Showit, Squarespace, or Shopify)
• Social platforms: Prioritize 2-3. Instagram and Pinterest for visuals; LinkedIn for service-based businesses.

Why small biz wins online: You’re nimble, relatable, and real—unlike large corporations. Use that to your advantage.

Basic SEO Tips:

• Use keywords naturally in your website copy and blog posts.
• Optimize meta descriptions and image alt texts.
• Start a blog and answer questions your audience is Googling.

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Section 8: Marketing and Growing Your Business

Now it’s time to get visible.

Key marketing strategies:

• Content Marketing: Blog posts, videos, or social content that educates or entertains.
• Email Marketing: Start building your list from Day 1 with freebies or lead magnets.
• Collaborations: Partner with brands or influencers to grow your reach.
• Community Engagement: Join local events or online communities to stay relevant.

Be consistent, not perfect. The key is to show up.

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Section 9: Managing Operations and Scaling Up

Running a home biz requires systems that make life easier—not messier.

Use automation tools like:

• Calendly (scheduling)
• Dubsado (CRM)
• Flodesk (email)

When to scale:

• When demand exceeds your capacity
• When you’re turning down work
• When systems are stable and profitable

Scaling strategies:

• Outsource tasks that aren’t in your zone of genius
• Expand your offers (e.g., from coaching to courses)
• If you want a physical space later, start setting aside savings, building credit, and documenting income.

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Conclusion and Call to Action

Starting a small business from home isn’t just a goal—it’s a gateway. It opens up the freedom to live on your terms, build generational wealth, and create something that truly reflects who you are.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign—this is it. You have everything it takes to build your business. Use this guide as your roadmap and take that first step with confidence.

Want a free Business Foundations Starter Kit? Download our lead magnet [insert CTA link here] and join a community of women building wealth on their own terms.

And don’t forget to share your journey with us—because The Profit Way was made for women like you.