18 business ideas to launch in 2022
Translation of an article by Jamie Walker originally published in Maddyness UK.
1. Have an interest in NFTs
Who really understood what NFTs (non-fungible tokens, or “non-fungible tokens” in fancy French) were for. Now is the time to take a serious look at the tamper-proof digital certificates of ownership that are shaking up the art market. In 2021, this new market will represent 40 billion dollars… or 10 billion dollars less than its physical competitor. Have these figures piqued your curiosity? The Ethereum digital platform has created a small guide to get started with it.
2. Create your own newsletter
Creating a newsletter on a specific theme is a great way to bring together a community that shares the same interests as yours. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly… whatever the frequency, as long as it offers content that combines relevant information, announcements, offers, and trends.
This is not a business in itself, but a great marketing tool to promote your brand or build a business using the influence of your subscribers. It can also be used to direct readers to its products or set up a paid advertising system.
3. Hold a market stall
The oldest ideas are the best. Do you make jewelry? Are you a fan of homemade hot sauce? Why not show them in the local market? Epicenter of conviviality and proximity, non-sedentary trade is a great way to test, not only the interest of your products, but also your brand image. And, of course, to build your network while meeting with merchants to exchange advice and best practices.
4. Become a wellness coach
With Covid having pretty much abused our mental health and free speech, there is a niche to be made on the side of well-being. Notice to yoga, meditation, quidditch or fitness enthusiasts, but also to aficionados of personal development or rigology. Any activity that helps with anxiety, depression, and loneliness can potentially appeal to anyone who needs an outlet. Your hobby may hide a professional activity or, who knows, a retraining.
5. Pass the driving instructor diploma
The long queue to pass the driving test proves that this learning market has not dried up. The advantage, if you choose to become an independent driving instructor, is that you can choose your working hours. If there are several training courses, this profession can only be used with a specific diploma, which is issued by approved centers.
6. Walk other people’s dogs!
The end of 100% telework has come and the employees are back in the office. Too bad for all the pets who have gotten used to this pleasant presence. What if you are the savior of employees who refuse to leave their dog alone with his bowl and want to take care of their pet? Getting started is simple: create a simple but effective website with your name, contact information and rates. All that’s left is to circulate the QR code of this new activity to find your prospects and customers!
7. Go freelance
Plus 33% in 6 years: freelancing is on the rise. Do you want to join the community of 1 million solopreneurs and deconstruct 4 received ideas about this status? First choose the skill you want to monetize (writer, web developer, data scientist). Next step: create a profile on many freelance platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, Malt, 99designs, Codeur, 404Works, Kang… Almost as many dating apps.
8. Create websites
All businesses, even the smallest, need a showcase. Surely, now we can quickly build one without even knowing how to code. But to stand out from the competition, it’s always better to delegate this task to connoisseurs… especially web designers! Whether we like it or not, marketing rains and shines on consumer behavior. Don’t panic if you haven’t mastered the basics yet, there are plenty of online training courses, including free ones. To find your way through the mountain of content: watch the thumbs up. The number of views is generally a good qualitative thermometer.
9. Become a graphic designer
Do you have a sense of aesthetics? An appetite for design or art? Do you have experience with image editing and software? An opportunity may open up in graphic design. Again, you have to go through the training box. But this activity can generate a useful parallel income and even, who knows, even, in the long run, a good career.
10. Learn to code
“main() { printf(“hello, world\n”); }”: can you speak code? If not, there’s still time to hone it. Because solving the mysteries of this a priori abstruse language can be very rewarding. To understand this unique grammar, consider a coding bootcamp, which will give you a general overview of the job. Then just look for training adapted to the language level you’re aiming for, like Wagon. The avalanche of possibilities is yours.
11. Sell your photos
Most websites use open source images from stock image platforms. Often the images are free, but users can tip the photographer. On some sites, the photographer receives a commission from the hosting site. He can also sell his talent on social networks like Instagram. The opportunity to transform a creative look into a profitable activity?
12. Give private lessons
Many children suffered from low education during the pandemic. To catch up, some parents seek out private tutors, face-to-face or remotely. At 20 euros on average for a French or English course (but it varies between 10 and 150 depending on expertise and level of study), private lessons represent an interesting additional income . To develop this activity, you can register with an organization or a platform, which will put you in touch with customers, for a commission on your courses. If you prefer to be alone, it is better to spread this information on your social networks or through your close network.
13. Sell your clothes online
Your closet is overflowing with clothes, some still with the purchase tags. It’s time to play Marie Kondo and let go of all the undreamed of. Sell by package, by charging a low price or possibly bartering, with Vinted, la Reboucle, Vide dressing, or Once again. If you have a mercantile soul and a solid knowledge of fashion, it can be interesting to find beautiful vintage pieces to resell them at a high price. Second-hand luxury is booming and should experience, according to a McKinsey report, an annual growth rate of 10 to 15% over the next ten years.
14. Create voiceovers
“With this cream, your skin will always be soft and silky!”. Voices in commercials don’t always sound human… they are! If you have a good tone of voice or a unique voice, it will be interesting to experiment with voice-overs, for advertising slogans or animations. No degree or certification required. Just a great mic.
15. Consider passive income
He who can do more can do less. Passive income requires very little active management or input. Traditionally, there are stocks first, which pay off over time. But you can also invest in renting housing, storage space or even parking. It provides a steady stream of income and requires little maintenance or expense.
16. Create and monetize your YouTube videos
A third of young people want to become YouTube vloggers, according to a 2019 survey. Not surprising, when you consider how juicy the market is: 5 billion videos are watched every day on the online video platform. Best of all, anyone can try their hand at it, as there are little or no barriers to entry. It is still necessary, for the thing to be profitable, that said videos generate clicks. This is where it gets more difficult. How to stand out in this sea of content?
17. Become a streamer
Are Norman and Cyprien overwhelmed? Not if they become streamers, like you, by the way. Streaming sites like Twitch allow anyone to live stream a performance online. There are many enthusiasts who broadcast live video game footage. If you are an avid gamer and brave enough to make the game exciting, you too can turn this time-consuming entertainment into a living!
18. Invest in a startup
Investing in an up-and-coming start-up is not just for big venture capitalists. Thanks to sites like Crowdcube, anyone can now put some money into a start-up business that will then pay you, in cash or some other form, if it succeeds and grows. Although traditional investing in the stock market may seem impersonal and artificial, putting your money into crowdfunding is a good solution to get in touch with the founders of the project and follow their evolution, step by step.
