The 35 Best Home-Based Businesses To Start In South Dakota [2024]
Interested in starting a business in South Dakota in 2024?
We put together 39 of the best businesses you can start in South Dakota today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in South Dakota.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a newsletter ($36M/year)
Starting a newsletter can be a highly lucrative home-based business in South Dakota. MarketBeat, a financial media company started by Matt Paulson in Sioux Falls, serves as an excellent example of what is possible. MarketBeat provides objective financial information and real-time market data, empowering individual stock investors. By utilizing a freemium model with a mix of revenue from advertising and subscriptions, MarketBeat generated approximately $8 million in revenue in 2019 and had over 1.3 million unique email subscribers.
If you have a knack for writing and a passion for a specific subject, you could launch a newsletter that serves a niche audience. The success story of MarketBeat shows that with determination and strategic thinking, a newsletter business can grow substantially even from South Dakota. For more on Matt Paulson's journey with MarketBeat, check out the case study.
Financial media company MarketBeat, founded by Matt Paulson, provides objective financial information and real-time market data to empower individual stock investors to make better trading decisions, generating approximately $8 million in revenue in 2019 and ending the year with over 1.3 million unique email subscribers due to a freemium model with 75% of revenue from advertising and 25% from subscriptions.
2. Start a marketing agency ($2.94M/year)
Starting a marketing agency in South Dakota could be an excellent business idea due to the state's vibrant mix of local businesses and the increasing need for digital presence. Many South Dakota companies are seeking innovative ways to advertise without the burden of hiring full-time marketing staff or purchasing expensive equipment. As an entrepreneurial-minded individual, you could seize the opportunity to offer tailored marketing solutions that help local businesses grow and thrive.
Additionally, South Dakota's low cost of living and supportive business environment make it an attractive place for launching and scaling a marketing agency. By leveraging valuable insights from successful agencies, which you can find here, you could develop effective strategies to distinguish your services. For inspiration and practical tips, check out various success stories from other marketing agencies to see how they've navigated the industry effectively.
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
3. Become an author ($2.72M/year)
Given South Dakota's serene environment and inspiring landscapes, you could channel your creativity into becoming an author. The tranquility of the state provides a perfect setting to cultivate your ideas and concentrate on writing compelling stories, novels, or informative articles.
With the power of self-publishing, you could take full control of your literary projects and reach an audience on your terms. Moreover, your written work could open doors to additional revenue streams, such as book sales, speaking engagements, and workshops. For more insights and successful case studies, visit our detailed article and check out real-life success stories.
This case study follows full-time thriller and action-adventure author Nick Thacker who earns between $10k to $20k per month from writing, predominantly through Amazon Kindle Unlimited sales, and goes in-depth into his self-publishing strategy which maximizes sales and minimizes costs, such as developing a mailing list and utilizing print-on-demand services.
4. Start a consulting business ($1.77M/year)
Starting a consulting business in South Dakota could be a lucrative opportunity given the state's diverse economy, including industries such as agriculture, tourism, and healthcare. With lower overhead costs compared to larger states and an increasing rate of entrepreneurial activities, you could leverage your expertise to help local businesses thrive and expand.
Moreover, the global consulting industry is valued at around $250B, indicating a robust demand for consulting services. For inspiration and actionable insights, consider reading successful case studies of entrepreneurs who have thrived in this sector. This could be the ideal time for you to make a significant impact in South Dakota's business landscape.
Cybersecurity consulting firm Eden Data, launched in March 2020, scaled to four team members and generated over $45k MRR without large startup costs through their unique Virtual CISO offering, which outsources cybersecurity and compliance needs for a flat monthly price, rather than charging by the hour or for long-term commitments.
5. Start an aerial imagery business
An aerial imagery business could be an excellent opportunity in South Dakota, given its vast landscapes and agricultural prominence. With industries like agriculture, real estate, and construction frequently seeking high-quality aerial visuals for planning, marketing, and project monitoring, you could find a steady stream of clients. The state's extensive rural areas also offer multiple sectors needing these services, from crop health monitoring to land surveying.
Moreover, technological advancements in drone capabilities make it easier to capture stunning, high-resolution images and videos that few other businesses can provide. By investing in reliable drone technology and possibly getting certified, you could carve out a niche in a market that is continually evolving. To learn more about starting an aerial imagery business, check out this detailed guide, or get inspired by successful case studies.
TerrAvion delivers subscription imagery overnight throughout the growing season, having been founded in 2013 by Robert Morris and Cornell Wright, with flights taking place every day of the year capture image data and allowing their customers to have a real up-to-date picture of their fields.
6. Start a content writing company ($557K/year)
Starting a content writing company in South Dakota could be an advantageous venture due to the increasing demand for digital content and the flexibility it offers. With the ability to set your schedule and work remotely, you could tap into markets beyond the state, reaching clients nationwide who need high-quality written content.
South Dakota's lower cost of living makes it feasible to manage business expenses while potentially generating a substantial passive income. Leveraging modern technology and focusing on niche markets could set you apart in the competitive landscape. For more details on this business idea, check out our content writing company guide and read about successful case studies from others who have thrived in this field.
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.
7. Start a graphic design business ($2.05M/year)
Starting a graphic design business in South Dakota could be a lucrative opportunity, especially given the increasing demand for digital and print media across various industries. With the state's growing number of small businesses and local enterprises, you could provide valuable services such as logo creation, marketing materials, and website design to help them establish a strong brand presence.
Additionally, the low cost of living and relatively low startup costs in South Dakota make it an ideal location for launching a home-based business. If you're passionate about design and ready to harness your creative talents, this venture could offer both professional fulfillment and financial rewards. For more details, check out this guide on starting a graphic design business or read some successful case studies.
Learn how two friends bootstrapped a SaaS business to $55k monthly recurring revenue (MRR) by creating a simple graphic design tool for non-designers and focusing on content marketing for customer acquisition.
8. Start a tech company ($7.85M/year)
Starting a tech company in South Dakota presents a myriad of opportunities due to the state’s growing emphasis on technology and small business development. With the tech industry's global market size increasing from $8,384B in 2021 to $9,326B in 2022, you could tap into this lucrative market right from the comfort of your home, leveraging online resources and networking opportunities.
Though setting up a tech startup requires thorough planning, ample capital, and the right equipment, you'll find that South Dakota offers a favorable business environment, including lower operating costs and state-sponsored initiatives to support entrepreneurs. If you’re looking to explore successful case studies and gain further inspiration, check out some successful tech company stories from others who have walked this path. By putting in the necessary effort, you could position yourself at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement in the state.
Co-founder of Madwire JB Kellogg grew his business from just the two of them in a tiny office to over 500 employees and $100 million in annual revenue in under 10 years, by focusing on exceptional customer service and a multi-channel inbound strategy.
9. Start a tutoring or education business ($724K/year)
Starting a tutoring or education business in South Dakota could be an excellent opportunity due to the increasing demand for personalized learning and educational support. With flexible scheduling and the ability to tailor your services to students' individual needs, you could fill a significant gap for both struggling students and those looking to excel further.
Given the rural nature and smaller communities in South Dakota, your ability to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality educational assistance could make a considerable impact. Check out our in-depth guide on starting a tutoring or education business and read some inspiring success stories from others who have ventured into this field.
Online makeup academy, Vizio Makeup Academy, founded in 2011 by Anastasia Andreani and her partner, has enrolled over 3,300 students and generated $2.4M in revenue this year, by offering professional makeup courses online and creating their own cosmetic line.
10. Start a social media automation business ($1.66M/year)
Starting a social media automation business in South Dakota could be an excellent opportunity due to the growing number of small businesses and influencers in the state who need efficient ways to manage their online presence. With many local businesses looking to expand their reach beyond the regional market, you could provide essential tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze engagement across multiple platforms, saving them invaluable time and resources.
For entrepreneurial minds passionate about technology and marketing, this business can offer both fulfillment and profitability. By creating or integrating cutting-edge software solutions, and staying current with social media trends, you could tailor services to meet specific client needs. For more insights, check out details on the business idea and explore successful case studies on Starter Story.
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
11. Start a seo agency ($1.36M/year)
Starting an SEO agency in South Dakota could be a lucrative and rewarding business venture given the state's growing business landscape. As more local businesses move online, there's a high demand for SEO services to help them increase their online visibility and compete on a larger scale.
With the relatively low cost of living and lower business operation costs in South Dakota, you could start this business with minimal overhead while offering competitive pricing to your clients. By establishing a strong local presence, you could not only corner the local market but also extend your services nationwide. For inspiration, you can explore successful SEO agency case studies.
Rankings.io is a hyper-focused SEO agency that helps elite personal injury law firms dominate first page rankings and was ranked #858 in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America for 2018, with a current revenue just under $300,000 per month, with plans for a record-breaking year.
12. Start a content marketing business ($1.1M/year)
A content marketing business could be an excellent opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for content services, especially as businesses increasingly recognize the importance of strong content marketing strategies. In South Dakota, where local businesses are looking to expand their reach beyond geographic boundaries, your services could help them significantly increase their online presence and customer engagement.
With a knack for SEO and social media, you could assist local enterprises in ranking higher on search engines and engaging prospective clients. Leveraging the digital landscape, this home-based business allows you to cater not only to local clients but also to a broader market. For insights and inspiration, check out our detailed guide and successful case studies on this idea.
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
13. Start a recruiting agency ($1.31M/year)
Starting a recruiting agency in South Dakota could be a lucrative endeavor due to the growing demand for skilled labor across various industries. The global online recruitment market is projected to expand significantly, reaching $43B by 2027, which indicates robust opportunities to carve out a niche. Given South Dakota's diverse and developing job market, your agency could help connect local talent with employers in dire need of specialized skills.
Furthermore, you could learn from successful entrepreneurs who have ventured into this space by exploring our detailed case studies. Real-world experience and a hands-on approach will be essential to establishing your reputation and achieving success in your new business venture. If you’re ready to make an impact in South Dakota, diving into the recruitment industry could be a highly rewarding endeavor.
DistantJob is a unique recruitment agency that specializes in finding full-time remote employees, and with $3 million in annual revenue, they offer small to medium-sized tech companies an edge over big competitors who are not willing to hire remotely.
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.
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.
