11 tech startup ideas for home businesses

The first companies that come to mind when you think of tech businesses are probably Amazon, Google, and Apple. However, the good news is that if you want to start a tech business at home, you don’t have to think so big. Many of today’s tech behemoths started out pretty small. Apple, Hewlett-Packard, and Google were all started in Silicon Valley garages.

A variety of tech businesses can follow the same model with home-based operations. Here are 11 tech startup ideas for home businesses that can start small.

1. IT support

Many small businesses don’t have the money to pay for full-time, in-house technical support teams. If you have a tech background, you could offer outsourced IT support, such as providing data backup and recovery, software installation and management, and network set-up and maintenance services. Additionally, you could provide security and mobile device management services.

2. Data analytics service

Companies are inundated with massive amounts of data every day. However, many companies don’t have the necessary resources to analyze this data and translate it into actionable insights. Consequently, many businesses turn to outside data analysts or data scientists to do this work. There’s a huge market for data analysis, and organizations are looking to hire individuals who offer quality services.

3. E-commerce business

If you have a terrific product or service that you want to sell, but you don’t have the money to open a physical location, starting an online business might be the answer. Before you open for business, be sure you have an attractive and user-friendly website where people can easily buy your product. It’s also important to know the most common cybersecurity risks for e-commerce businesses – which are a common target for hackers – and to protect yourself with online business insurance.

Many e-commerce businesses use Amazon to sell their goods, or may use Amazon in addition to their own online storefront. In either case, Amazon will require business insurance for Amazon Pro Merchants, or sellers with gross proceeds of over $10,000 during any month from sales on its platform.

4. Web design

More and more companies are moving their businesses online, but many don’t have the in-house expertise to design and develop their websites. For that reason, web designers are in high demand. There are a number of website building platforms that you can use to build professional-looking websites, and you can typically work from anywhere.

5. Smartphone repair

Billions of people use smartphones every day, which means there’s a need for repair services. If you’re technically proficient, especially when it comes to electronics, this could be a great home business idea with low startup costs. You can offer services on the spot or provide a pickup and delivery service for more convenience to customers.

6. Computer repair

Many companies offering computer repair service require that their technicians have bachelor’s degrees in computer science. However, you won’t need a degree to open a home-based computer repair business, and the steps for starting a successful computer repair business are straightforward.

To start a computer repair business at home, you’ll have to know how to repair and replace hardware and troubleshoot issues with software. You’ll also have to stay informed about the latest trends in software, new cybersecurity threats, and other issues related to computer maintenance.

7. Sell refurbished devices

If you’re great at repairing smartphones and computers, you could start a business refurbishing used devices with new and improved parts and selling them. The refurbished electronics market is estimated to be a $10 billion industry. In fact, 75% of consumers have said that they’re likely to buy refurbished products. You could buy these devices on Craigslist or eBay and then repair and resell them. Most consumers who buy refurbished products purchase them online. So in addition to setting up an e-commerce website to see these refurbished goods, you should also resell through multiple sales channels and third-party sites to reach more customers.

8. Computer training

If you’re extremely knowledgeable about software, computers, and other devices, you may want to start a computer training business to help others become more comfortable with technology. Courses can often be organized virtually with online platforms, including video conferences and webinars. You may even be hired by businesses that want you to come to their offices to train their employees to use specific software or do other computer-related tasks.

9. App / software developer

It’s no secret that the app and software development market is huge. Every day, people download and use apps and other software solutions. As such, thousands of organizations are seeking application developers who can create new apps and software for them. As an app developer, you can also choose to work on your own profit-generating projects.

10. IT consultant

If you’re tech-savvy, you could become an IT consultant. As a tech consultant, you would keep your clients updated on all the latest trends in technology. And you’d let them know how their businesses would benefit by using a specific technology.

11. SEO and SEM consulting

SEO and SEM consultants analyze client websites and make recommendations about how those companies can improve the positions of their websites on search engine results pages. Typically, this job can be executed remotely without the need to be on-site at a client’s office. Another idea is to start a digital marketing company to execute those recommendations and help clients increase revenue.

Invest in the right insurance

It’s critical to have the right insurance in place before you start a home-based tech business.

For example, general liability insurance protects you against liability from third-party claims, such as bodily injuries, property damage, and copyright infringement, a risk for website developers.

And cyber insurance will protect your home business against liability and expenses due to the theft or loss of data as well as breaches of security or privacy.

Another popular policy for your tech startup is technology errors and omissions insurance, which covers you when a customer files a lawsuit against you over a mistake in your code, a missed deadline, or an oversight that costs your client money.

Learn more about which policies are best to protect your home-based technology business, and start a free online application with Insureon to compare quotes from leading U.S. carriers.