The 38 Best Home-Based Businesses To Start In Ohio [2024]
Interested in starting a business in Ohio in 2024?
We put together 96 of the best businesses you can start in Ohio today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in Ohio.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a hvac equipment shop ($27.5M/year)
If you’re considering starting a home-based business in Ohio, launching an HVAC equipment shop could be a fantastic opportunity. The HVAC industry is essential for maintaining comfortable indoor environments, making it a stable and lucrative field. Ohio’s diverse climate adds to the demand for HVAC services and products, offering a solid customer base year-round.
A prime example of success in this niche is TruTech Tools, LTD, started by Bill Spohn in Mogadore, Ohio. This home-based business has grown to become one of the largest online stores specializing in tools and test instruments for HVAC/R Technicians, achieving $16 million in sales in 2020. With its commitment to exceptional customer experience and innovative products like AC/R smart probes and thermal imagers, TruTech Tools has seen a consistent 20% year-over-year growth. For more insights into their journey, check out the full case study.
TruTech Tools, LTD is one of the largest online stores in the niche market of tools and test instruments for HVAC/R Technicians, with $16 million in sales in 2020 and 20% YoY growth thanks to a focus on providing an exceptional customer experience and staying true to their core values.
2. Start a vehicle towing service ($18M/year)
If you're in Ohio and looking for a business opportunity that combines logistics with customer service, you could start a vehicle towing service. This type of business caters to the growing need for vehicle transportation for both private owners and commercial entities. A successful example from your state is Easy Auto Ship, founded by Eric Ray in Boardman, Ohio. This vehicle shipping brokerage has grown impressively, generating around $250,000 per month in brokerage fees and achieving a net profit of $100,000 per month with over 1,500 positive Google reviews.
Easy Auto Ship, based in Youngstown, Ohio, offers a testament to the potential success in this field. Their story emphasizes the importance of customer satisfaction and competitive pricing. Eric Ray’s journey from a disrupted career in golf to building a multimillion-dollar vehicle transportation business highlights the resilience and adaptability needed to thrive in this industry. For more details about how he achieved this success, check out the case study.
Eric Ray founded Easy Auto Ship LLC, a vehicle shipping brokerage, generating $250,000/month in brokerage fees with a net profit of $100,000/month and averaging over 1,500 Google reviews with a 4.6 rating, expected to earn $18 million/year in total sales, expanding into B2B with two more divisions.
3. Start a job board ($18M/year)
If you're looking to start a home-based business in Ohio, you could consider launching a job board. This type of business leverages technology to connect job seekers with employers, fulfilling a significant market need. One inspiring example is Lensa, founded by Hungarian entrepreneur Gergo Vari. Lensa uses AI technology to match job seekers with positions that align with their skills and preferences. In 2022, Lensa achieved notable success, with a 12% increase in revenue, reaching $22 million and 6 million new subscribers.
Lensa demonstrates how a job board can lead to significant growth and impact. You could take inspiration from Gergo's journey and create a similar platform to serve the local market in Ohio, helping both job seekers and employers find their perfect matches. For more details, check out Lensa’s case study.
Hungarian founder Gergo created Lensa, an AI-powered job search platform that focuses on improving the hiring process and career marketplace, achieving a 12% increase in revenue from the previous year, reaching a total of 22 million in revenue and 6 million new subscribers in 2022.
4. Start a dolly product ($7M/year)
Starting a dolly product business in Ohio could be an innovative and lucrative venture. An excellent example is UpCart, co-founded by Michael Reznik in Columbus, Ohio, which has revolutionized the market with its all-terrain folding carts and hand trucks. These patented products are designed to ease the burden of carrying loads up and down stairs and over uneven terrain.
UpCart's success story underscores the potential of this business idea; the company saw rapid growth, with sales surging from $3.2 million in 2016 to a projected $7 million in 2018. You could draw inspiration from UpCart's journey, particularly its viral marketing success on QVC and Facebook. For more details on how Michael Reznik and his partner launched and scaled UpCart, read their full case study.
UpCart LLC, the company behind the patented line of all-terrain folding carts and hand trucks, has seen tremendous growth over the past few years, with sales increasing from $3.2M in 2016 to a projected $7M in 2018, thanks in part to its QVC Sprouts live-sell success and viral Facebook marketing efforts.
5. Start an email marketing tool ($5.4M/year)
If you're in Ohio and looking for a promising home-based business opportunity, you could start an email marketing tool. This business idea capitalizes on the increasing need for personalized and effective email campaigns across various industries. One inspiring example comes from Dayton, Ohio, where Ajay Goel founded GMass, Inc.. GMass is a powerful email marketing platform that integrates with Gmail, allowing users to send cold emails and email campaigns seamlessly.
Since its launch, GMass has attracted over 500,000 user signups and now boasts over $200K in monthly recurring revenue. With notable clients like Uber and LinkedIn, GMass is a testament to the potential success you could achieve with the right idea and execution. If you're entrepreneurially minded and have a knack for technology, launching an email marketing tool in Ohio could be your path to a thriving business.
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
6. Start a hvac equipment shop ($4.5M/year)
Starting a HVAC equipment shop in Ohio could be a lucrative opportunity for those interested in the heating and cooling industry. You could benefit from the state's diverse climate and the constant need for reliable HVAC solutions. For inspiration, consider the story of Total Home Supply, a heating and cooling products retailer founded by Mike Luongo in 2010. Their success stems from a commitment to superior customer service, driving double-digit growth and earning them a loyal customer base.
Total Home Supply started with a mission to treat customers the way they wanted to be treated, which has paid off remarkably. They focused on not just selling equipment but also helping customers design solutions and troubleshoot issues. This approach has allowed them to average 20% growth per year. Read more about their journey and insights in their case study.
Total Home Supply, a heating and cooling products retailer, has achieved double-digit growth, averaging 20% per year with its biggest year almost doubling, thanks to focusing on offering superior customer service both before and after sales.
7. ($4.2M/year)
Starting a home-based business in Ohio, specifically selling fashion products like women’s shoes, has proven to be a highly lucrative venture. Scarpetta Shoes, founded by Adam Dwidari in Columbus, Ohio, is a remarkable example. This business sells designer women’s shoes at discounted prices and has seen tremendous success, with a 200% increase in sales from 2018-2019 and an annual revenue of $3.6 million.
If you are in Ohio and have an interest in fashion, you could explore opportunities in the e-commerce space, similar to Scarpetta Shoes. They began in a small space and grew to a 50,000 square foot warehouse, now shipping to over 60 countries. For more details on how Adam Dwidari built this thriving business, check out the full case study.
Scarpetta Shoes saw sales increase over 200% in 2018-2019, achieving a revenue of $3.6 million annually. They now ship to over 60 countries, have an inventory of over 40,000 pairs of shoes, and plan to expand their brick and mortar presence to account for 80% of profits by 2020.
8. Become a hair salon promoter ($2.4M/year)
Becoming a hair salon promoter in Ohio is a promising business idea, especially if you are passionate about the beauty industry and skilled in marketing. You could help local salons increase their visibility, manage promotions, and attract more clients, helping the businesses grow and thrive. This role could include managing social media accounts, creating promotional materials, organizing events, and developing partnerships with other local businesses to enhance brand recognition.
A notable example of a successful, related business that started right in Cincinnati, Ohio is Plaine Products, founded by Lindsey McCoy. Lindsey turned her passion for sustainability into a thriving hair and body care brand that generates $2.4M per year by eliminating single-use plastic bottles from the beauty industry. Her company has diverted over 300,000 plastic bottles from landfills and oceans, showcasing the positive impact sustainable business practices can have. For an in-depth look at their journey, check out their complete case study.
Plaine Products CEO, Lindsey McCoy, rids the world of single-use plastic bottles and turns her passion for sustainability into a $2.4M/year hair and body care brand, diverting over 300,000 plastic bottles from landfills and oceans.
9. Start a veterinary clinic ($2.4M/year)
Starting a veterinary clinic is a rewarding and lucrative business idea for animal lovers. It allows you to combine your passion for pets with the opportunity to serve your local community. By offering essential healthcare services for pets, you could build a thriving enterprise while making a positive impact on the lives of animal owners.
Stringtown Animal Hospital is a perfect example of how successful a veterinary clinic can be in Grove City, Ohio. Founded by Dr. Ellie Scott in 2004, this clinic grew from a staff of four to a bustling team of 23, including five veterinarians, generating $200K in monthly revenue. Dr. Scott focused on addressing individual pet risks and the holistic needs of pet families, setting a strong foundation for their success. To learn more about their inspiring journey, check out the full case study here.
Discover how Dr. Ellie Scott grew Stringtown Animal Hospital from a staff of four to a team of 23, with five veterinarians, and now has $200K in monthly revenue, by focusing on individual pet risks and the needs of the pet family.
10. Start a marketing agency ($2M/year)
Starting a marketing agency could be an excellent home-based business opportunity in Ohio, drawing on the area's diverse business ecosystem. You could help local businesses enhance their online presence, manage their advertising campaigns, and ultimately drive growth. This is a particularly viable option given the rising demand for digital marketing expertise.
A strong example from Ohio City is Profitable Pineapple Ads, founded by Dr. Travis Zigler. After a successful career in optometry and growing a booming e-commerce business, Travis transitioned into the marketing space, specializing in Amazon PPC. His agency not only focuses on driving growth for purpose-driven brands but also aims to donate $100 million to charitable causes. For more on his inspiring journey, check out the Profitable Pineapple case study.
This case study tells the story of Dr. Travis Zigler, who transitioned from being an optometrist to building a successful e-commerce business, Eye Love, which grew to $500,000 per month in sales and was recognized as one of the Inc 500's fastest-growing companies, before eventually selling it. Dr. Zigler then founded the Profitable Pineapple Ads Agency, specializing in Amazon PPC, with a mission to drive exponential growth for purpose-driven e-commerce brands and collectively donate $100 Million to causes that can change the world.
11. Start a naming and branding service ($1.2M/year)
Starting a naming and branding service from your home in Ohio could be a lucrative and exciting business venture. You could follow the footsteps of Tungsten Branding, founded by Phillip Davis, which has grown into a top-five globally rated naming and branding agency despite being started with virtually no expenses. You could help startups, entrepreneurs, and high-growth companies in various industries by creating compelling names and stories for their businesses, products, and services.
Davis's Tungsten Branding, which began in his home office in Brevard, North Carolina, has named over 500 companies, products, and services, including international entities like Hitachi and Johnson Control. This business now bills nearly seven figures a year. For more inspiration, check out the full case study about Tungsten Branding.
Tungsten Branding, a naming and branding agency started with virtually no expenses and showcasing only quality work, has become a top-five globally rated naming and branding agency, billing nearly seven figures a year and naming over 500 companies, products, and services including international companies such as Hitachi, Johnson Control, Lumenis, and AO Smith.
12. Start a notification tool ($1.08M/year)
Starting a notification tool can be a compelling and lucrative home-based business idea in Ohio. These tools serve as social proof for eCommerce sites, helping to build credibility and increase sales by displaying recent customer activities. Ryan Kulp started Fomo, a social proof tool initially launched as Notify, and rebranded it to better align with their vision of providing real-time notifications to website visitors. This business scaled its original operations by 600% and now generates over $1 million in annual revenue, showcasing its significant potential.
In Ohio, you could consider developing a similar notification tool tailored to local businesses or specific industries. This opportunity allows you to leverage your marketing and technical skills to create a product that boosts conversion rates for eCommerce sites. For more inspiration and a detailed look at how Ryan Kulp successfully built Fomo, you can read his case study here.
Fomo, a social proof tool for eCommerce stores, scaled its original business by 600% and now generates >$1m in annual revenue through product-led growth via integrations and an extensive case study library.
13. Start an online food business ($960K/year)
If you're looking to embark on an entrepreneurial journey from your own home, one notable opportunity is to start an online food business. Not only does this venture allow you to cater to the ever-growing demand for unique, health-conscious food products, but it also provides the flexibility of managing your operations remotely. A shining example of success in this field is Lil Buff Protein, a Cleveland-based company started by Christine Moore. Christine's innovative approach to creating a high-protein, gluten-free cake mix resulted in rapid growth and strong sales, demonstrating the viability and potential profitability of this business idea.
Christine launched Lil Buff Protein with impressive results, selling 300 mixes and grossing $5000 within the first month. The business continued to double sales each year, proving that there is a significant market for healthy, convenient food options. By leveraging social media to connect personally with customers and adding special touches like hand-signed thank-you cards, Christine has built a loyal customer base and a thriving business in Ohio. For more details on her inspiring journey, you can read the full case study here.
Lil Buff Protein boasts a profitable growth story, having sold 300 mixes at a local bodybuilding expo, grossing $5000 in the first month of launching the business, and doubling sales each year; its founder, Christine Moore, makes it personal by connecting through social media, answering all DMs and delivering hand-signed thank-you cards with each order.
14. Start an amazon service agency ($516K/year)
If you're entrepreneurial-minded and based in Ohio, starting an Amazon service agency could be a lucrative business. These agencies help brands grow their businesses on Amazon by managing various aspects such as advertising, copywriting, and overall channel strategy. By providing this specialized support, you could help businesses increase their online sales and brand visibility.
Cartology, a successful example of this business model, was started by Michael Maher in Cincinnati, Ohio. After restructuring their pricing to better reflect the value of their services, Cartology saw a 300% year-over-year growth, averaging $25,000 a month in revenue. To learn more about their journey and strategies, you can read the full case study here.
A service agency that helps brands grow their business on Amazon saw a 300% YoY growth, averaging $25k a month in revenue and profits of approx. 30-40%, after restructuring pricing and realizing that their service was more valuable than they gave it credit.
15. Create an online course ($504K/year)
Creating an online course is an excellent home-based business idea, providing flexibility and scalability. If you live in Ohio, you could follow the footsteps of Shannon Mattern who started the Web Designer Academy in Columbus. Leveraging her expertise and passion for web design, Shannon built a DIY web design training business from scratch, generating $10,000 per month through affiliate commissions and courses.
Her story began in 2015, starting at $0 and zero website traffic, proving that with determination and the right strategy, success is achievable. Shannon's Free 5 Day Website Challenge, which has helped over 15,000 new entrepreneurs, is a testament to the potential of online courses. Read more about her journey here.
How Shannon Mattern built a DIY web design training business from scratch that now generates $10k/month in revenue through affiliate commissions and courses, without outside investment or debt.
16. Start an online food business ($480K/year)
If you're looking to start an online food business in Ohio, there's a thriving market waiting for you. By leveraging the benefits of e-commerce and Ohio's growing interest in locally-sourced and quality food products, you could carve out a niche in this rewarding industry. While you don’t need a big commercial kitchen to get started, focusing on a unique, wholesome product could set you on the path to success.
A great example from Cleveland, Ohio, is Holmes Mouthwatering, an applesauce company started by Ethan Holmes when he was just 15 years old. Holmes began his journey in his mom's kitchen and has since expanded to selling in over 200 Midwest store locations, with sales reaching up to 4,000 units monthly. His story vividly illustrates the potential you could achieve with dedication and a unique product. For more details on how Ethan Holmes successfully launched his applesauce company, you can read the full case study here.
Ohio entrepreneur grows natural applesauce product from his mom's kitchen to 200 Midwest store locations, selling up to 4,000 units monthly and appearing in news outlets like Black Enterprise and Fox 8, while also giving speeches and presentations to schools, universities, and summer camps.
17. Start a board game ($360K/year)
If you have a passion for board games and a creative knack, starting a board game business in Ohio could be a fulfilling and lucrative venture. This business involves designing, producing, and selling your own board games, often leveraging crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter to raise initial funds. With the right mix of ingenuity and marketing, you could transform a home-based idea into a thriving business.
For inspiration, look no further than Facade Games, a successful board game business started by Travis Hancock in Columbus, Ohio. Facade Games has raised over $1 million on Kickstarter and sold approximately 80,000 copies worldwide. They specialize in unique games disguised as book boxes, blending historical settings with deceit-based gameplay. Learn more about their journey here.
Facade Games has raised over $1 million on Kickstarter and sold about 80,000 copies of their board games around the world, with the goal to publish one new game a year on Kickstarter and build on their line of games in books as well as a new party game line in the near future.
18. Start a food blog ($204K/year)
Starting a food blog is a fantastic home-based business opportunity in Ohio, especially for those passionate about cooking and sharing their culinary creations. Lexi Harrison successfully launched Crowded Kitchen, a plant-based recipe website and creative content business, which not only publishes high-quality plant-based recipes but also collaborates with major food and beverage brands for photography and recipe development services.
Based in West Bloomfield Township, MI, this venture has grown its social media following to nearly 200k and become a leader in the plant-based recipe space, demonstrating that you could achieve similar success from the comfort of your home in Ohio. For more inspiration on how Lexi started and grew Crowded Kitchen, you could read the full case study here.
How co-founders of Crowded Kitchen, a plant-based recipe website and creative content business, grew their social media following to nearly 200k and became a leader in the plant-based recipe space, while also offering photography and recipe development services to major food and beverage brands.
19. Start a team-building consulting business ($180K/year)
Starting a team-building consulting business in Ohio presents an excellent opportunity to tap into the growing demand for leadership and teamwork enhancement within organizations. Cain Consulting, Inc. is a notable example of such a business in Sylvania, Ohio, founded by Dave Cain. This veteran-owned company specializes in helping executives and emerging leaders improve their leadership skills through personalized coaching and various training modules.
By offering services such as individual and virtual business coaching, team development, and leadership training, you could provide significant value to organizations in Ohio. Dave Cain’s business has proven successful by expanding its initial coaching offer to include video series and corporate training, thus diversifying its revenue streams. For more inspiration, you can read the full case study of Cain Consulting, Inc..
This case study details how a veteran-owned leadership consulting company was started with one main coaching offer, which has now expanded to include video series, corporate training modules, and custom requests from clients, generating a profit and aiming to make leadership a more diverse and inclusive practice worldwide.
20. Start a fruit snacks business ($180K/year)
Starting a fruit snacks business in Ohio offers a tantalizing opportunity to tap into the growing demand for healthy, natural snacks. Peaceful Fruits, founded by Evan Delahanty in Akron, Ohio, serves as an inspiring example. This award-winning social enterprise produces organic, clean label fruit snacks while employing 30 people with disabilities in its production facility.
You could create a similar business focused on producing tasty, health-conscious snacks that resonate with values of sustainability and community support. The success story of Peaceful Fruits, which grew from $8,000 in sales in 2015 to $150,000 in 2017, demonstrates the potential for growth and positive community impact. For more information about this exciting venture started in Ohio, you can read the full case study here.
Peaceful Fruits, an award-winning for-profit social enterprise, sells organic, clean label, natural fruit snacks and has gone from $8,000 in sales in 2015 to $150,000 in 2017, employing 30 people with disabilities in their production facility and is an excellent example of a successful, mission-based business.
21. Start a b2b lead generation service ($2.07M/year)
Starting a B2B lead generation service in Ohio could be an excellent idea given the state's diverse economic landscape and robust business community. With industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare and technology, there's a vast array of potential clients who need consistent, high-quality leads to fuel their growth. This high demand can make your lead generation service indispensable.
Moreover, Ohio's central location and well-developed infrastructure make it an ideal hub for business operations, allowing you to easily connect with clients both within and outside the state. By leveraging your skills in sales, data analysis, and relationship-building, you could carve out a successful niche in this essential market. For more details on how to get started, check out our comprehensive guide on B2B lead generation and read inspiring success stories from industry entrepreneurs.
A 20-year-old digital nomad and serial entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a successful digital marketing agency, Nomads with Solutions, which specializes in Facebook lead generation, and offers insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and focusing on self-improvement.
22. Create a mobile app ($844K/year)
If you're in Ohio and have a brilliant idea for a mobile app, there's never been a better time to turn that vision into reality. Mobile app development can cater to diverse needs, offering a vast market for productivity, entertainment, and other utility applications. With Ohio's thriving tech scene, you’d find ample support and resources to bring your idea to life.
Starting an app business involves having a clear vision and either basic coding skills or the means to hire a developer. The potential success stories highlight just how achievable it is. Marketing effectively is crucial to attract users, and your app could become a must-have solution, generating impressive revenue. For a deeper dive, check out more details on the mobile app business idea.
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
23. Start an etsy shop ($570K/year)
Starting an Etsy shop in Ohio could be a lucrative and fulfilling venture, especially considering the state's rich artisan culture and booming craft scene. Whether you're into handmade crafts, vintage items, or creative art supplies, Ohio offers a fertile ground for unique products that stand out on a global platform like Etsy. Besides, the relatively low cost of living and wide access to various supplies from local vendors can help you keep your overhead costs down.
Moreover, Ohio is home to numerous craft fairs and artisan markets, providing ample opportunities to promote your Etsy shop offline and build a loyal customer base. Combine that with your ability to tap into the online marketplace, you could significantly expand your reach. For more details on how to get started, check out our guide to starting an Etsy shop and read successful Etsy seller stories to gain valuable insights and inspiration.
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
24. Start a content creation business ($963K/year)
Starting a content creation business in Ohio offers an incredible opportunity to tap into the state's thriving startup ecosystem and diverse industry sectors. With sectors like healthcare, finance, and tech booming in cities such as Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, you could position yourself to serve a wide array of niche markets, providing customized and high-quality content that drives client engagement and brand awareness.
Moreover, Ohio's lower living costs and robust support for small businesses make it an ideal location to establish a home-based content studio. You could leverage the freedom of freelance gigs or scale up to a full-service agency model to enhance digital experiences and storytelling for local and national clients. Learn more about this exciting venture and get inspired by these successful case studies.
Power Move Marketing is an innovative digital marketing company founded by Hailey Brooke McFadden, which has achieved an impressive monthly income of $22,075 and is projected to make almost $300,000 in its first year, by offering a one-stop-shop for e-commerce businesses looking for a marketing powerhouse with a female positive culture.
25. Start a pet company ($4.12M/year)
Starting a pet company in Ohio could be a lucrative venture, especially given the state's large population of pet owners who are always on the lookout for quality products and services. With the flexibility to operate from home or a dedicated location, you could cater to a diverse clientele, from busy professionals needing grooming services to families looking for high-quality pet food and toys.
Moreover, Ohio's dynamic market provides ample opportunities to network with local animal shelters and veterinarians, enhancing your business visibility and customer base. For more details on how to navigate this business idea, you can check out our extensive guide on starting a pet company. Curious about success stories? See how others have made it work here.
Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC is a successful pet sitting and dog walking business that brings in over half a million dollars in sales per year, boasts 3,500-4,000 social media followers, employs 42 individuals and has been voted in the top 3 pet sitting/dog walking companies in the RI/MA area for eight years in a row.
26. Start a web development business ($1.09M/year)
Starting a web development business in Ohio presents a myriad of opportunities due to the state's burgeoning tech sector and growing number of small to medium-sized enterprises. With companies increasingly recognizing the importance of a robust online presence, you could find a steady stream of clients in need of your coding and design expertise to create or revamp their websites.
Moreover, Ohio’s diverse economy—which includes key industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and education—offers a broad client base that could benefit from professional web development services. If you're tech-savvy and entrepreneurial-minded, this might be the perfect business for you, and you can draw inspiration and insights from successful case studies of web development businesses.
Vuetify is a popular open-source user interface library, built with the Vue.js framework, that generates revenue through digital content and services such as paid digital content in the Vuetify store, direct support through consulting, ad revenue from Carbon ads on the documentation pages, and donations/sponsorships via GitHub and Patreon, generating an average income of $6,500 per month.
27. Start a content writing company ($557K/year)
Starting a content writing company in Ohio could be a lucrative business idea, as there is a growing demand for quality digital content among local businesses and startups seeking to enhance their online presence. By tapping into Ohio's diverse economic sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and education, you could offer specialized content that addresses the unique needs of these industries, helping them attract and engage their target audiences.
Additionally, Ohio's lower cost of living compared to other states enables you to maintain competitive pricing while ensuring a profitable margin. This business allows you to work from the comfort of your home, set your schedule, and focus on creating high-quality content that meets your clients' needs. For inspiration and detailed success stories, you can check out successful content writing companies on Starter Story to see how entrepreneurs have turned this idea into a sustainable business.
Scribly.io, a subscription-based copywriting service providing high quality content that helps businesses scale at roughly 50% of the cost of hiring in-house, created by Dani, a first-time entrepreneur who started with just a few hundred dollars worth of projects and with the help of three other writers; as of last month, Scribly.io topped $14K monthly revenue.
28. Start an ecommerce store ($3.44M/year)
Starting an eCommerce store in Ohio offers numerous advantages, driven by the state's robust logistics network and growing digital economy. As a home-based business, you could benefit from Ohio's affordable living costs and lower overhead, making it easier to invest in quality products and marketing.
Ohio's central location is another boon, providing a strategic advantage in shipping products quickly across the Midwest and beyond. With a solid local market and the potential to reach customers far and wide, your eCommerce store could thrive by tapping into diverse consumer demands and leveraging the state's supportive business environment.
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
29. Start a local reviewer business ($93.6K/year)
Starting a local reviewer business in Ohio presents you with a unique opportunity to connect deeply with your community while leveraging the state's diverse array of small businesses. From renowned eateries in Columbus to niche shops in Cincinnati, there is no shortage of local establishments to review, making your content highly relevant and engaging for Ohio residents.
You could quickly build a loyal following of readers who trust your insights about the best places to visit, shop, and dine. Plus, as your influence grows, local businesses might offer incentives for you to review their offerings, though it's crucial to maintain unbiased and valuable feedback. If you love discovering new places and helping others make informed choices, consider diving into this rewarding venture. You can learn more or check out successful case studies on our website.
Indian founder Arjun Patel created online platform onlinecasinoguide.in which provides honest reviews, guides and details about casino sites and promotions in India, gaining 30,000 monthly visitors through dedication and patience in building a solid SEO foundation.
30. Start a sales automation platform ($1.92M/year)
Ohio is home to a diverse range of industries, making it an excellent location to start a sales automation platform. By developing a software solution that streamlines sales processes, you could provide local businesses with tools to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and focus more on closing deals rather than administrative tasks, which is crucial in Ohio's competitive market.
Given Ohio's strong emphasis on manufacturing, healthcare, and finance, a tailored sales automation platform could significantly benefit companies in these sectors. By offering a solution that aligns with the state's leading industries, you could tap into a market eager for digital transformation and greater operational efficiency. For more details, consider checking out our business idea overview and read successful case studies to gather insights and strategies.
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
31. Become an artist ($313K/year)
As an artist in Ohio, you could tap into the state's robust cultural scene and diverse population, making it an excellent place to showcase and sell your work. Ohio hosts numerous art fairs, galleries, and exhibitions throughout the year, offering ample opportunities for local artists to gain exposure and connect with potential buyers.
Moreover, the cost of living in Ohio is relatively low compared to other states, allowing you to sustain a home-based art business more affordably. For more inspiration and practical tips, check out our detailed guide on starting an art business and explore successful case studies from artists who have thrived in similar environments.
Innerglow Art is a successful custom abstract painting business that incorporates scripture and personable connection with buyers to produce beautiful and unique artwork.
32. Become a content strategist ($767K/year)
Starting a content strategist business in Ohio could be a promising venture given the state’s diverse and growing economy. As businesses in sectors such as healthcare, logistics, and technology continue to expand, there is an increasing demand for specialized content that resonates with target audiences. You could tap into this potential by providing tailored content strategies that help local businesses achieve their marketing goals and stand out in the competitive market.
In addition, Ohio's thriving startup ecosystem presents numerous opportunities to collaborate with budding entrepreneurs who need expert content advice. By leveraging your skills in market research and data analysis, you could significantly contribute to the marketing success of startups and established businesses alike. For more details on this business idea, check out Starter Story's guide on becoming a content strategist and read through successful case studies about content strategists.
Draft founder, Karl, built a productized service for technical content, generating $10k in (mostly) recurring revenue in just three months of running the business, showing the success of skill-stacking and the impact of word of mouth and maintaining a strong network in a service business.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
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