8 Smart Business Ideas for 2018

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  If you is interested in becoming an entrepreneur and pursuing your business dreams, but you're not sure where to start, don't worry – that's what we're here for. To help you get your business up and running this year, here are some ideas based on recent trends to inspire you and help you find success in the new year.

Professional organizing

Minimalism is all the rage these days, but downsizing and organizing can be a huge task for people to take on, especially with busy work schedules and social lives. It's more than simply cleaning up, as getting organized requires developing a system people can stick to and that works for them, and downsizing can be a challenge for people who are attached to their things.

If you're a particularly organized person and think you'd be good at coaching people through getting rid of unnecessary items, you could turn this skill into a lucrative business this year. It definitely requires patience and understanding, so being a people person is important. Ask if clients will let you take before and after photos of the areas of their homes you've organized, and use those to create a portfolio to attract more clients and market your business on social media.

Tech implementation consultancy

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Are you an expert in all things IT? Do your friends come to you when their computers break down or their networks are compromised? Well, tech consultations might just be the line of work for you.

Huge strides are being made in technology, such as in the realm of AI and machine learning and big data analytics. You can bet that means companies large and small will be looking to integrate new tech with their business operations. But entrepreneurs already have a lot on their plates, and many don't have the time or energy to learn their new technology inside and out. A tech consultation service that could help businesses implement and operate their technology solutions could prove highly profitable.

Freelance copywriter

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Do you consider yourself a wordsmith? Setting yourself up as a freelance copywriter could prove to be a lucrative side hustle ... or maybe even a full-time job. Companies will pay big time for someone who can write clean copy, whether it's for advertisements, websites or blogs. Some will even pay you for your editing services. However, consider how much work it takes to make freelancing work your full-time gig.

Social media consulting

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Sure, there are plenty of businesses offering social media consulting services, but you can stand out from the crowd by focusing primarily on networks that are still gathering steam with businesses. Facebook and Twitter are still the top networks, but businesses tend to struggle the most with more visual platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr and Snapchat. All of these platforms have huge audiences, but many businesses don't realize how big they really are, how effective they can be and how to make them work for their niche. Snapchat has more than 158 million users per day, according toBusiness Insider. Instagram has more than 500 million daily active users, according to Statista, and Pinterest has over 200 million.

If you've got a background in social media and a deep understanding of these particular platforms, try starting a social consulting business that focuses less on the basics and more on helping businesses take advantage of the millions of users they're not reaching by sticking solely with Facebook and Twitter.

Crowdfunding consulting

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Crowdfunding lets groups of people pool their contributions to invest in startups. With the concept still in its infancy in the United States, entrepreneurs need help finding the best way to tap into this new source of investors.

Crowdfunding consultant Victoria Westcott said she helps others understand the practice and raise more money by helping plan, strategize and run campaigns to attract new backers.

"The fact is, crowdfunding is not quite fundraising, and it's not quite preselling either," Westcott told Business News Daily. "Crowdfunding is a whole new thing."

With so many entrepreneurs looking for the cash to turn their idea into an actual business, Westcott believes the need for crowdfunding consultants will grow in years to come.

Multicultural marketing expert

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All businesses are looking for new ways to connect with their customers, but many are missing the mark when it comes to connecting with minorities. Research from direct advertising firm AccurateLeads found that marketers who don't target minorities are losing out on a $3 trillion market – proof that thoughtful, considerate and inclusive marketing can go a long way.

The study shows many companies fail at reaching minority customers because they don't take the time to properly know that audience. To reach those targeted shoppers, businesses must recognize the places where the consumer resides and design a specific message not just for one ethnicity, but for cultures among those segments.

This has created an opening for marketers looking to stand out from the crowd. Lisa Skriloff, founder of Multicultural Marketing Resources Inc., said with minority populations growing at a faster rate, businesses that want to succeed must tap into the minority markets.

Ghostwriting

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Between books, blogs and social media posts, it's easier than ever to communicate via written word. Audiences are ready to consume content from their favorite brands and celebrities, but actually crafting that content can be tricky, so many companies are turning to ghostwriters to help put their thoughts down on paper.

"Because of technology and the internet, publishing and sharing written material is easier and cheaper than ever," ghostwriter Melinda Copp told Business News Daily. "All those words have to be written by someone."

Beyond online writing, more business leaders are authoring books, with the aid of ghostwriters, to build their credibility.

"Some of my clients have leveraged their books to generate more and better speaking opportunities, more frequent appearances on business shows, and opportunities to work with better clients," said ghostwriter Jeff Haden. "Great content can help build a great foundation for a business or personal brand."

Green consulting

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Whether it's cutting energy costs or reducing their carbon footprint, the pressure for businesses to adopt green practices is high – and it's only going to grow.

Business sustainability consultant Barbara Englehart said there are numerous benefits for companies that go green, including reduced costs, risks and liabilities, and increased employee retention, productivity and moral.

"This is all quite new in the business world, and companies need help," Englehart told Business News Daily. "They weren't teaching sustainability in business schools five or 10 years ago.