6 Different and Unique Businesses to Start as a Freelancer

Last Updated: 

September 22, 2023

Do you have a desire to be your own boss? Have an entrepreneurial spirit but don't know where to start? Freelancing can be the perfect jumping-off point for any aspiring business owner. It offers the flexibility of managing your hours, working from home, and taking on projects that inspire you. With so many different types of businesses out there it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one is right for you. 

To help get you started, we've outlined some unique opportunities available as a freelancer with potential growth beyond just a side hustle. From graphic design and eCommerce to virtual assistant positions, find out how these freelance gigs could turn into profitable long-term careers!

Key Takeaways on Unique Businesses to Start as a Freelancer

  1. Medical Billing and Coding Services: Consider offering medical billing and coding services, a growing field in the healthcare industry, with opportunities for specialisation.
  2. Online Coaching or Consulting: Become an online coach or consultant, leveraging your expertise to assist clients worldwide in achieving their goals.
  3. Virtual Assistant Services: Offer virtual assistant services to help professionals manage their workloads, providing administrative support remotely.
  4. Etsy Handmade Shop: Create an Etsy shop to sell unique handmade goods, such as jewellery, art, and home decor items, to a global audience.
  5. Custom Website Design: Start a web design business, helping small businesses establish an online presence and build your portfolio.
  6. Monetise a Niche Blog: Develop a niche blog and monetise it through affiliate marketing and sponsored posts, turning your passion into a profitable venture.
Discover Real-World Success Stories

Offer medical billing and coding services

Medical coding and billing involve taking medical records from medical professionals and transforming them into code that can be used to bill insurance companies. It's a labour-intensive job, but it pays off in the long run when you can get more money out of every claim. There are many courses available online to learn the skill set needed for this career path as well as certification options for those who want to prove their expertise. There are many medical billing and coding programs available as well, so you can specialise in certain areas. With the ageing population and continued advancement of technology, medical coding, and billing is a great option for anyone looking to break into the healthcare industry.

Become an online coach or consultant specialising in a specific area of expertise 

The opportunities for making a living online have never been greater. One way to take advantage of this is by becoming an online coach or consultant. By specialising in a specific area of expertise, you can offer your services to a global audience and help them achieve their goals. Whether you're an expert in financial management, health and wellness, marketing, or any other field, there are people out there looking for your guidance and support. 

Plus, by working online, you have the flexibility to set your own schedule and work from anywhere in the world. So if you're ready to share your knowledge and turn your passion into a successful business, becoming an online coach or consultant might just be the perfect opportunity for you.

Offer virtual assistant services to help busy professionals manage their workloads 

Managing a heavy workload can be overwhelming, especially for busy professionals who are juggling multiple responsibilities. That's where virtual assistants come in. By offering services like scheduling, data entry, research, proofreading, and other tasks, you can lighten the load for busy professionals and give them back some of their valuable time. It's a great way to break into the world of online entrepreneurship as it requires minimal start-up costs and no specialised skills. 

Plus, with the rise of remote working, it's becoming increasingly easy for virtual assistants to find clients all over the world. So if you're looking for a side hustle or something more long-term, offering virtual assistant services could be just right for you. 

Create an Etsy shop selling handmade goods like jewellery, art, and home decor items 

Are you a talented artist or designer with a passion for creating unique, handmade pieces? Why not turn your skills into a profitable Etsy shop? With millions of users on the platform, there has never been a better time to showcase your one-of-a-kind jewellery, stunning art pieces, or beautiful home decor items. 

By creating an Etsy shop, you can reach a wide audience of potential buyers who appreciate the time and care that goes into handmade goods. With the ability to set your own prices and create your own brand, building a successful Etsy shop can be a fulfilling and lucrative experience. So go ahead, let your creative juices flow, and start selling your handmade treasures on Etsy today!

Design and launch custom websites for small businesses 

Having a website is crucial in today's digital world, especially for small businesses. However, designing and launching a custom website may seem like a daunting task. That's where you come in. With the right tools and knowledge, you can offer your services as a website designer to help small businesses get their business up and running online. This is a great opportunity for anyone who has an eye for design and wants to work with clients on projects that they're passionate about. Plus, once you've created a website for one small business, it's easier to get referrals and start building your own portfolio. So if you're skilled in website design, this could be the perfect side hustle for you! 

Develop a blog on a niche topic and monetise it 

When it comes to blogging, finding your niche can make all the difference. With countless blogs out there, it's crucial to carve out a specific area of expertise to attract your audience. Once you've done this, you can then begin to monetise your blog through affiliate marketing or sponsored posts. Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services on your blog and earning a commission for any sales made through your unique link. 

Sponsored posts, on the other hand, involve partnering with brands who pay you to write about their product or service on your blog. With determination, dedication, and a unique angle, turning your niche blog into a profitable endeavour is definitely within reach.

business opportunities for freelancers

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a creative and lucrative way to make money online, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. Whether you become an online coach or consultant, offer virtual assistant services, create an Etsy shop, take on a role as a photographer or web designer, or start your own blog—you can make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. It is no doubt a lot of hard work with potential financial risks involved but the rewards of getting started and succeeding in any one of these online side hustles could be life-changing. All it takes is drive and ambition, so don’t be afraid to get out there and take your chance on something new! 

With the right attitude and effort you could end up with an exciting new career that allows you to work globally from anywhere in the world. Plus you’ll have tons of incredible stories to tell from your journey along the way! So what are you waiting for? Take action today and pursue your ultimate online business venture!

Related Articles: