Starting a business is no small feat. As an entrepreneur, you’ll need to manage funding, develop products, be a great marketer, and handle several other duties. But not all businesses are made equally, and in this article by the Madison County Chamber, we’ll explore the best easy-to-start art-based business ideas every aspiring entrepreneur should know.

1. Sell Creative Services 

Since the start of the pandemic, the freelance market has been growing consistently, and in 2022 was valued at $1.5 trillion, as reported by Demand Sage. Given the current market conditions, starting a services business is a lucrative option. One of the best service-based businesses to consider is selling commission-based artwork. As a commission-based artist, you’ll accept orders from customers and create artwork based on their needs. This can include painted ceramics, woven goods, paintings, and more. 

The best way to separate yourself from the competition will be to create a portfolio website. Showcase your personal and professional projects on the website along with a page mentioning your services and pricing. Including customer testimonials is important to establish credibility and build a good brand image. Additionally, focus on promoting your art on social media, as it can help garner hundreds of eyeballs daily and get your work in front of prospective clients.

Initially, it will be best to focus on a single niche and develop a strong customer base. When it comes time for growth, choose a related niche and start upselling to customers.

2. Sell Homemade Goods

If you’re great at creating jewelry, pottery goods, candles,and the like, the internet is the best place to sell them. Like the previous option, you’ll need to find a niche and create products based on current and future demand. Instagram and Facebook Marketplace are some of the best places to list and sell products. You can also create a website to promote your products and make sales.

3. Dropshipping 

When it comes to easy-to-start business ideas, dropshipping is one of the go-to options. The goal of a dropshipping business is to sell as many products as possible through an online store. 

Depending on your preference, you can choose to start a niche store (such as selling pottery) or serve a wider market by selling a variety of items, such as knitted creations, printed t-shirts, custom-designed shoes, and more. But the biggest benefits are that as a dropshipper, you won’t need to invest in manufacturing products, managing inventory, or product fulfillment, as your supplier will handle it for you. For custom-made items, you can share designs with suppliers, who will then use them to make the final product.

Basic Business Start-up Steps 

Regardless of the idea you choose, the following should be the first three steps you take while starting a business:

• Conduct Market Research: Before taking a plunge into selling goods or services, conduct research to validate whether it is a good option. Learn about current market trends, in-demand products, and buying behavior to understand whether the idea is the best for the long term.

• Create a Business Plan: This will serve as the founding document of your business and should include details about the target market, product offerings, market research, and pricing. Not only will a business plan serve as a guide to making a decision, but also make it easier to get funding if needed.

• Establish an LLC: Before you start selling any products, complete your application for an Iowa LLC. A limited liability company is one of the best options for new entrepreneurs. It provides the owner protection from business-related liabilities. In other words, your personal assets, such as your home and car, cannot be used to settle company debts. Additionally, you’ll be eligible to use business expenses as tax write-offs.

Whether it be working for one client or five, undertaking weekly projects, or entering into long-term contracts, as a business owner, all the power is in your hands. But before selling goods or services, remember to establish an LLC to shield yourself from business-related risks. 

The Madison County Chamber helps you connect to other businesses and to residents of our beautiful community. Become a member today!