Starting a business is one of the most exciting yet overwhelming decisions you can make. With so many opportunities available today, to name a few: online businesses, service-based companies, and product brands, and probably thousands more...it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. If you’ve been asking yourself, “How do I know what business to start?”, you’re not alone. Before starting my creative studio agency, I considered some of these things, but man, do I wish I had taken extra time to consider them all.
This guide will walk you through the key steps to discover the right business idea for you, based on your skills, passions, and market demand.
This post is all about how to know what business to start.
Get your pen and paper ready to take down some helpful notes! Let's do it.
photo by lummi
How to Know What Business to Start | 6 Steps to Find the Right Business Idea
1. Identify Your Strengths and Passions
When I first thought of what I was going to offer for my first ever business, I immediately thought of all the things I was already good at naturally and how to monetize them. The best businesses often grow from what you already enjoy or excel at.
Ask yourself:
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What skills do I have that people value?
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What activities make me feel energized rather than drained?
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What problems do I naturally know how to solve?
Stu Creatives tip: Write down your top 5 skills and interests. You’ll notice patterns that point to potential business ideas.
2. Research Market Demand
A business idea only works if people are willing to pay for it. Do some quick research:
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Use Google Trends and various social media platforms to see what’s gaining popularity.
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Explore keyword research tools like SEMRush to learn what people are searching for online.
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Most importantly: Check competitor websites and social media to see what services or products are performing well.
This will help you avoid starting a business that has little or no demand.
3. Solve a Real Problem
The most successful businesses solve problems.
Think about:
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What challenges do people in your community or industry face?
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How could your skills or products make their lives easier?
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Is there a gap in the market where you can stand out?
When your business provides a clear solution for how you can serve others, it becomes much easier to attract and keep customers.
4. Consider Your Lifestyle and Goals
Not all businesses fit every lifestyle.
For example:
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If you want freedom to travel, an online business might be best.
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If you enjoy face-to-face work, a local service business could be a good fit.
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If you want long-term growth, you may consider e-commerce or tech solutions.
Your personal goals should shape the business you start.
5. Test Before You Commit
You don’t need to invest thousands of dollars right away. I got my business up and running with loads of free trials and platforms.
Test your idea first:
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Offer your service to a few clients at a discount.
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Create a small batch of products and sell them locally or online.
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Build a simple website or landing page to measure interest.
Stu Creatives tip: Use free or low-cost platforms like Canva, Etsy, Shopify Starter, or Gumroad to test your ideas quickly.
6. Learn From Others
Look at entrepreneurs who inspire you. Study how they started, what challenges they faced, and how they grew. Books, podcasts, and online communities can give you valuable insight into how to avoid common mistakes.
Some great resources:
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The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
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How I Built This podcast
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(My absolute favorite!) Online communities like Reddit’s r/Entrepreneur
Final Thoughts
Knowing what business to start doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on your strengths, research the market, solve real problems, and test your ideas. When I freelanced, I hit a lot of walls because I didn't stop to consider these foundational things first. The right business is one that not only makes money but also aligns with your passions and lifestyle goals, so always consider them in every action you take or decision you make!
Remember: every successful entrepreneur started where you are now with just an idea. The difference is they took action.
I am writing this blog post today because of a promise I made to myself to really commit to doing what I love and following through with action to back it up. I hope these steps help you do the same. You're doing great!
When you're ready to take the next step...
Figuring out what business to start is just the beginning. To turn your idea into a clear, confident, and compelling brand, you need the right tools.
Our Brand Clarity Guide will help you pinpoint your unique strengths, passions, and values so you can choose a business that truly fits you. Once you’ve got your direction, the Brand Identity Workbook walks you step by step through creating a cohesive brand that attracts your ideal audience.
Till next time!
This post was all about how to know what business to start.
