Running a successful business enterprise is not a layman’s job, yet it cannot be impelled by factors like age or gender? A right attitude is what you need to make your mark in this world. If you are still in your college days, and can’t figure out how to start up, read on for ideas on some low-cost successful business ideas for students.
How to Start a Business as a Student?
Starting a business as a student can be a great way to gain experience and make some extra money. Here are some steps you should take to get started:
- Identify what your business will offer – Define the products and services you will provide.
- Set up a website and create an online presence – Create a professional website for your business, and create social media profiles.
- Develop an effective pricing strategy – Determine a fair price for your products and services that reflects the value you offer.
- Find and secure customers – develop a marketing plan to connect with potential customers.
- Manage finances – Set up a system to manage debts, invoices, and payments.
- Track progress
10 Unique Business Ideas for Students
Many successful businessmen started their entrepreneurial journey right from their college days. There are start-ups, born out from out-of-the-box thinking and have revolutionized the world. Are you willing to start your own business with minimal investment?
If yes, here we have compiled some business ideas for students that you can start in 2023!
1. Freelance Writer
Freelancer writer is one of the best business for students. There are many freelance platforms, such as Fiverr, Truelancer, Upwork, Toptal, etc. As a student, you can easily start earning money from these freelance websites because you can register for free and do the work you need. All of these platforms are available for working as a freelance writer. Apart from freelance writing, students can also explore various other types of jobs such as web design, data entry, coding, marketing, graphic design, etc.
Earning as a freelance writer on these platforms comes down to offering quality services to clients and marketing yourself well. Here are some tips to set yourself up for success:
Develop an attractive profile that demonstrates your writing skills and experience.
Set a fair rate and make sure to communicate it clearly to potential customers.
Offer a variety of services, including writing, editing, and proofreading services.
Market yourself on social media, forums, and other platforms.
Be responsive to customer inquiries promptly and professionally.
Follow up with past customers and ask for reviews or referrals.
Be patient and remember that success as a freelancer doesn’t happen overnight.
2. Web Design and Development
For companies, making a strong online presence is extremely crucial for survival. Modern technology has shifted to paradigm from offline business to using apps and social media platforms to connect with potential customers. However, most of the companies do not have the time or resources to develop their websites in-house.
Hence, as students turning into website designer and developer is a great business ideas for students with minimal startup costs. You can start as a freelance web designer by creating interesting logo designs for doing complete website revamps. Advertise your work by communicating with professors and fellow students and gradually reach out to the larger community.
3. Social Media Management
Social media management is one of the best business plan ideas for students. Established companies do not have the time to manage their business on social media platforms and hence are on a lookout for outsourcing the job for them.
As a social media manager, you need to manage your client’s social media networks and implement strategies to boost sales. Follow other influencers in the same field to learn new techniques and your start-up will definitely skyrocket over the time.
4. Content Creation
The need for good content for businesses is ever increasing. There is always a growing demand for fresh content to promote products, create a brochure and build a customer base. College students can easily start their career as content creators without any investment.
A good command over English and flair for writing is all that you need to turn into a money-making business. Hiring students on an ad-hoc basis for creating good content also turn out to be a feasible option for businesses as well.
5. Animation and Video Creation
Do you like to make short animated movies or videos? Thanks to YouTube and other social media video sites, this has become one of the most profitable business ideas for students. Digitalisation has heavily contributed to making animation and video creation business bigger and bigger.
As college students, you can produce your own low-cost feature films or create advertisements for established brands. There is also a great potential for video marketing. Businesses are hiring video creators to create conspicuous videos for their products to get a competitive edge over their business rivals.
6. Child Caretaker
In the current scenario where both the partners share financial responsibility, the need for a good and trusted child caretaker is ever-increasing. All you need to do is take good care of the child until one of the parents return and get paid handsomely for it.
Child caretaker is an ideal side business for students seeking a part-time job. You just need to be patient to handle children tantrums and deal with them responsibly. There are also several babysitting training classes to give you a hang of it.
7. Online Coaching Service
In school, if you are a good student there’s always a favourite subject you never get tired of reading. Isn’t it a great idea to earn a few bucks by giving tuitions on a subject that you have mastered? Online coaching service turns out to be one of the lucrative student business ideas that is equally satisfying.
Since the coaching is online, you can give sessions at your service during the evenings or late nights. As there are no overheads, all the earnings that you make will be your profit.
8. Jewellery Maker
Jewellery making is an ideal startup business for college students. You do not need to be a certified jeweller or make huge investments to pursue your career as a jewellery maker. Simply hone your creativity skills by watching online tutorials.
Start your business with simple designs that are wearable and fashionable, made without using expensive metals like gold and silver. Promote your business from your campus and gradually you can start selling on the e-commerce platform.
9. Event Promoter
Are you leading your group in almost all social events at college? If yes, why not market your skills as an event promoter and capitalize on it. The need for professional experts in managing events, big or small, has grown exponentially.
Event promoter is a sensible small business ideas for students that can be started with moderate capital investment. Success is guaranteed in this enterprise if you have good negotiating skills, right contacts and impressive marketing techniques.
Also Read – Top 10 Business Ideas For Students In India
10. Delivery Service
In today’s fast-paced world, delivery service turns out to great side business ideas for students, especially. It is easiest to implement and requires minimal investment.
Start your delivery service that caters to client various needs like drop or pick-up, doing grocery shopping or even getting food delivered at home. Professionals or elderly people are the ones who need this service desperately.
Start your website and keep the interface simple as people can easily order their desired service. Set up a margin, nearly 20% on the total costs and charge your clients at the time of delivery. Market your business through word-of-mouth or social media platforms, and get your revenues rolling!