Here Are a Few Business Ideas Suited for Teens
What Makes a Good Business Idea for Teens?
When it comes to choosing a business, one of the key things to look for is something that you’re passionate about. Passion is the driving force that leads to success. Starting and running a successful business takes time and effort, and if you’re not passionate about the business you’re in, it will be an uphill battle.
When problems occur, you’ll be looking for a way out rather than a solution, and solutions come from being passionate about your business. So if you’re a teen and planning on starting your own business and making a career out of it, I suggest you look for something you’re passionate about.
The following ideas are appropriate for teens, but that doesn’t mean you’re limited to them. You can choose any type of business you are interested in.
Let’s have a look at some ideas for businesses appropriate for teens!
1. Tutoring Business
Tutoring is a low-cost business to start. Since teens may still be in school studying various course materials, they have an advantage because the learning process is fresh in their minds compared to someone older who has been in the workforce for a while and thinking of starting a tutoring business.
The key to starting a successful tutoring business is to tutor something you are good at, such as math, writing, science, music, etc. When you are good at a subject, you will find teaching is much easier than tutoring a subject you are unfamiliar with.
You can run this business part-time during school and full-time in the summer. Or choose hours that make the most sense with your schedule.
For more, see, How to Start a Tutoring Business.
2. Blogging
Blogging is a business model where you write articles and post information on your blog, and you monetize your blog using affiliate marketing or something like Google Adsense.
Affiliate Marketing:
With affiliate marketing, you recommend products to your readers and send them to a website where they can make a purchase. If they do, you will get a commission on the sale.
You don’t deal with customers or inventory. Instead, you focus on sending the right people to find products and services they are interested in.
Google Adsense:
With Adsense, you display ads on your website using a publisher code that Google provides you with. When someone visits a page on your site, Google ads are displayed. Then, if someone takes action by clicking on the ad, you’ll get a portion of the ad revenue.
Google takes care of getting customers and collecting from them. So you don’t have to deal with any of that. Instead, you focus on creating good content and driving traffic, and Google will take care of the rest.
Many teens blog because it’s something they want to do anyway, so you can create a business by focussing on a topic and blogging about it.
3. Computer Repair
Many teens are tech-savvy, and computer repair is always in demand. You could expand it by offering computer maintenance, software updates, and optimizing computers to be quick and virus-free.
Many teens have a lot of knowledge about computers, and you can use that knowledge to start your own computer repair business.
You can start off slow by offering your services locally. Then, if you like this type of business, you can expand your services to a broader audience.
For more, see, How To Start a Computer Repair Business.
4. Cell Phone Maintenance and Repair
Here’s another business idea where many teens have a lot of experience, and that’s with cell phones.
They are tech-savvy when it comes to apps and optimizing their phones.
Even though you may not have the experience of repairing phones, you can learn. Being experienced in different operating systems for phones and apps gives you an advantage.
You can start this business from home and let locals know what you have to offer, and if you find you like the business, you can expand to a commercial location.
See How to Start a Cell Phone Business for more information.
5. App Creation
App creation is on an upward trend. You can create your own apps and put them on Google Play or the App Store and generate revenue from subscriptions, advertising, or selling the app. Another approach is to create apps for clients.
If you have experience in app development and are good at it, then this is something you can develop into a business. When you develop apps for clients, you can get many ideas to build your own app.
See How to Start an App Development Business for more starting this type of business.
6. Data Entry
For many teens, data entry comes easily. You could create a data entry service for small businesses in your area. It could be for various data types, etc.
Data entry is tedious for many people, and a service offering data entry is something you can try. So naturally, you would need to sign a Nondisclosure Agreement, which means all records you deal with will be confidential.
Also, organizing data in an Excell spreadsheet or Access database is something you could offer to help organize records and make the retrieval process quick, easy, and accurate.
You can also sign up for an account on Upwork and start to bid on jobs. This process is a lot easier than advertising to try and get customers. For More See, How To Get Jobs on Upwork.
7. Delivery Service
Starting a delivery or courier service is a fairly easy business to start and operate. Having dedicated customers is a bonus and keeps revenue flowing in and will keep you busy.
To succeed in this business, one trait you must have is being on time and delivering the goods without damage. Poor service will put you out of business quickly.
Depending on the types of deliveries you are planning on, you may need to use a vehicle, and if so, you must have the proper insurance. If you have an accident while on delivery and don’t have commercial insurance coverage, your insurance is void, and you have a big problem. For more, see How To Start a Courier Business.
8. Dog Walker
Dog walking is a low-cost business idea you can start very quickly.
If you enjoy walking dogs, setting up your own dog-walking business is something you may want to consider.
Many people don’t have time to walk their dogs or would like to give them extra walking time. You can run this as a part-time or even a summer business. Also, keep in mind you can walk multiple dogs at once to save time and allow you to service more customers.
For more, see How to Starting a Dog Walking Business
9. eBay Store
eBay is a popular site where you can sell almost anything. This is a low-cost business idea where you can set up an account and start by gathering a few things that you’d like to sell, to experience what it’s like on eBay. This might be an old computer, cell phone, or things you have that you no longer use. If you enjoyed the experience, then you can start buying items and reselling them on eBay.
You could also search for deals online and resell them with a little bit of start-up capital and expand this business as much as you want.
10. Errand-Running
Running errands is something many people don’t have time to do, and if you can provide this service, then you could have a business idea worth looking into.
To make this business work, you have to be organized because you may be running errands for two or three customers at the same time, especially for the errands in the same area.
For instance, if you are picking up something from a mall for a customer, you may need to drop off something else for another customer near the mall. Therefore, you would make a single trip to complete both errands.
11. Etsy Store
If you’re into crafts and handmade products, Etsy is a site where you can sell your items. You can start a low-cost business and expand as much as you want.
Etsy provides a platform for you to post your items and sell them. They also have a large customer base that is interested in handmade products. If you want more information, see How To Open an Etsy Shop.
12. Graphic Design
If you have a knack for graphic design, you can start your own graphic design business where you’re creating logos, business cards, signs, websites, ads, etc.
Graphic design is a skill that is in demand, and people will pay a talented graphic designer to create their designs.
You may already have the tools needed and only require professional software. This is also a business you can run part-time and even when you’re in school.
13. Landscaping Business
Landscaping is a business you can start part-time and expand as much as you want. If you find you like it, you can turn it into a lifetime career.
It’s suited for those who enjoy working outdoors and who are skilled in improving the appearance of a property. If you enjoy the outdoors and have a Keen eye for design, you can consider this business idea.
14. Lawn Care Business
Mowing lawns and taking care of yards is another popular business among teens. You need a lawnmower and Weedwhacker, and a few hand tools to start mowing lawns in the area.
If you like this business, it’s easy to expand by purchasing a riding lawnmower, and a truck with a trailer for transportation.
The more skilled you are, the quicker you can get each job done and the more money you can make by completing several lawns per day. For more, see How To Start A Lawn Care Business.
15. Gutter Cleaning Service
Gutter cleaning is something you can do on weekends or part-time during the day. Even though this is a seasonal business, it’s simple to start and allows you to gain business experience. If you enjoy this type of business, you can even expand to offer other services such as Mowing lawns, lawn care, and Snow removal. In addition, starting this type of business is low cost. You only need a few tools, which you probably already have.
For more on this type of business, see How To Start a Gutter Cleaning Business.
16. Livestreaming Gamer
Online gaming has become very popular, especially with increased Internet speed. People enjoy gaming online, but there’s also a trend for watching other people live stream their gaming experience. As mentioned in the blogging example above, you can make money through affiliate marketing and AdSense.
If you’re already a gamer, you already have the experience, and you can look into what it takes to set up a live stream to generate revenue.
17. Music Lessons
Offering music lessons is another idea for starting a business. If you enjoy playing instruments and are good at it, you can benefit others by helping them to improve their skills. If you specialize in one type of instrument, then tutoring will be easier, and you’re viewed as a specialist.
Offering music lessons is something you can do part-time and full-time during the summer or have it as an ongoing business where you can offer lessons after hours.
18. Personal Shopper Service
A personal shopper is similar to an errand business mentioned above. As a personal shopper, you’ll be focused on getting the best prices and choosing products that fit the client.
For example, someone might say I need a gift for a secretary, coworker, employee, etc. it’s your job to understand the taste of the person you’re shopping for to choose the best items at a good price.
19. Pet Sitting Service
If you enjoy pets, then a pet-sitting business is something you can consider. Many people travel and don’t take their pets with them; therefore, they need a service where you will take care of their pets while they’re gone.
You need an area where it’s safe for the pets, and you must take care of their health and safety. Clients trust you with their pets, and they need peace of mind when they’re away, and you’re caring for their companions.
You must have an understanding of the type of animals you’re caring for, and you have to take into account that some animals don’t mix well together, for example, if you’re caring for cats and dogs at the same time it doesn’t make sense to have them together in one room.
20. Photo Editing
Photo editing is another business idea you can look into if you are skilled in Photoshop. For someone to bring you one photo would probably be rare, on the other hand.
For example, if someone is running a website, they may need touchups on hundreds of photos at a time. You can start this as a standalone business or incorporate it as part of a graphic design business.
21. Photography
Starting your own photography business is something to consider if you’re good at taking pictures. However, when it comes to events such as weddings, graduations, baptisms, bridal showers, etc., there is a demand for a professional photographer. Having a professional portfolio is something you want to create to attract customers.
22. Videographer
If you have a talent for shooting and editing videos, you can make a business out of it. People love to have a video to remember their special event whether it’s a wedding, baptism, etc.
To succeed in this type of business, you must be organized and willing to put in the prep time before the event. It’s also critical that you are on time and have a backup in case of problems because there are no excuses if an event is missed, there is no way to get it on video, and you have lost a customer and tarnished your reputation.
23. Babysitting
Babysitting is a popular way to earn money. Obviously, you must be responsible and good with kids for this line of work. If you so desire, you can create a business out of this and expand your services. If not, you can use it to generate extra income. Regardless, it would be advantageous to take a course in first aid in case of an emergency. And when supervising a child, you should know if they are taking any medications, have allergies, and have their contact information on hand.
24. Power washing
Starting a pressure washing business is a low-risk, low-cost endeavor that can be run by a teen. You can operate it on the weekend and in your spare time. You can offer services for driveways, decks, porches, and home exteriors.
If you decide to expand your business in the future, you can purchase commercial equipment and trucks to power wash parking lots and commercial buildings. However, before starting your business, you should learn how to pressure wash and what equipment to buy.
For example, purchasing a hot water pressure washer is more effective than a standard cold water one. To learn more about this type of business, visit Starting a Pressure Washing Business.
25. Proofreading and Editing
The services of proofreading and editing are in high demand. If you possess the ability to edit written material, you will likely have more work than you can handle. I would recommend creating an account on Upwork and acquiring clients online as a starting point for this type of business.
26. Small Engine Service and Repair
If you enjoy working with your hands, you might be interested in launching a small engine repair business.
A significant portion of your work would be repairing engines for lawnmowers, riding lawnmowers, snowblowers, etc. Small engine repairs can be completed quickly, and there is a lot of space to work compared to repairing large vehicles.
In addition, in most places, a license is not required to work on small engines. If you enjoy this type of work, you could expand your business by obtaining a license as a motorcycle mechanic. Small engine repair has low start-up costs and is worth considering if you are mechanically inclined.
27. Social Media Influencer
Social media influencers are in high demand. As a result, utilizing a social media influencer as part of a company’s marketing strategy is common among small and large businesses. Obviously, you would need a large fan base for any company to be interested. And for you to be successful, your following would need to be geared toward a specific market.
28. Social Media Management
Many companies lack the time or desire to manage their social media accounts. If you are interested in this type of work, you will need to understand the company’s culture and manage its accounts accordingly.
For instance, the language used in social media posts must be tailored to the company’s target market. For example, if the company’s target demographic is senior citizens, you must tailor the language of your post accordingly.
On the other hand, with the younger generation, it would be easier for you to manage their social media accounts because you would post in a manner consistent with your age.
29. Web Designer
Web design is in high demand, and if you are skilled and enjoy creating websites, you can turn it into a profitable business. You can begin as a part-time business, and if you enjoy it and find success, you can expand into a full-time endeavor.
Web design entails the creation of a website and its maintenance and management. For example, you can create a website and offer maintenance and management services, such as a monthly maintenance plan. For more on this type of enterprise, see Starting a Website Design Business.
30. Window Washing
You can start a window-washing business on the side and on the weekends. You can begin in your neighborhood and expand if you see success. If you desire, you can become a professional window cleaner and expand your services to include commercial buildings in the future.
31. Auto Detailing
Auto detailing is a low-cost, home-based business idea that you can expand if there is a market and you enjoy it. You can also offer hand-washed car washing in addition to detailing. If you wish, you can turn this into a full-fledged business with the appropriate marketing strategy. For more, see How to Start an Auto Detailing Business
Well, there you have it, my 31 business ideas for teenagers. Naturally, you can start any business you want, but the businesses listed above are appropriate for a teenager with an entrepreneurial spirit who wishes to start a business.
Resources
Next, let’s examine a few resources for expanding your creativity related to teen business ideas.
Books
Books are an excellent resource for virtually any subject. However, when it comes to nonfiction books, you can save time by skimming the table of contents and going straight to the chapter that interests you.
View the most recent books related to business ideas for teens on Amazon.
News
Take a few minutes to review the media coverage of teen businesses. You can view the most recent and archived articles about teens in business using Google News. Then, take some time to read the stories, as some describe how teenagers have achieved entrepreneurial success.
See Google’s news search results related to business ideas for teens.
Videos
If you have a few minutes to spare, you should check YouTube to see what videos have been posted about teen businesses. Additionally, keep an eye out for related videos, as many contain information on subjects you may not have considered.
See the most recent videos related to business ideas for teens.