25 Scalable Business Ideas To Start In 2024

Discover the best scalable business idea for your talent and experience.

Setting up a new business can be a challenging process, and with most new companies failing within two years, long-term growth is a crucial consideration.

The best scalable business ideas seek to solve this potential obstacle by offering scope for continuous growth by reaching new clients in emerging markets.

Read on and discover 25 popular scalable business ideas, from small businesses you can run from home to companies with international reach.

25 Scalable Business Ideas To Start In 2024

Launching a new business is a daunting prospect, whether you have prior experience running a company or are embarking on your first venture.

Before we take you through our selection of scalable business ideas, it's important to clarify just what one is and how it operates.

A scalable business can achieve consistent short- and long-term growth in its customer base and revenue, reaching into new and emerging markets.

This growth should proceed at a pace greater than the operating costs and other overheads, leading to further revenue increases over time.

The type of scalable business can vary wildly, ranging from online businesses delivering services to other companies to retail outlets selling to the public.

Regardless of the nature of a scalable business, all of them can increase their reach and revenue by optimizing efficiency and productivity.

They also reward those entrepreneurs with a creative and innovative approach to running a company with a clear strategy for success.

Thanks to the interconnected business world, scalable business ideas are capable of transcending borders to achieve near-exponential growth.

The Importance of Scalability in a Business Idea

We've covered the basic definition of a scalable business, and now it's time to explore the importance of scalability in more detail.

Scalable businesses are vital for long-term revenue growth, driven by a company's core structure and operating procedures for sales and marketing.

Bricks-and-mortar examples of scalable business ideas can be found in retail outlets, fast-food restaurants, and cinema complexes.

Each of these examples takes a core concept and business model that is capable of being replicated in different places to increase revenue

As a business grows, the manufacturing procedures and service protocols can be refined to deliver greater customer satisfaction and higher profits.

This is equally if not more true for scalable online business ideas, where the constrictions of physical retail and storage spaces don't apply to business owners.

Many of the best small business ideas begin as individual enterprises, before expanding to more customers and creating the need to bring in employees.

Whether selling digital products, online courses, or helping companies with marketing efforts, such businesses have immense potential to scale.

At the same time, rapid growth and advances in digital technology can be leveraged for even greater business growth by evolving its core processes.

25 Scalable Business Ideas To Start In 2024

Creating and sustaining a scalable business is possible for various products and services, from small-scale side gigs to enterprises with many employees.

To help you get the ball rolling, we've compiled an eclectic selection of scalable businesses with a proven track record of success.

So, now that we've defined the nature of this type of company, let's explore the 25 scalable business ideas you can consider starting in 2024:

25. Virtual Conferences

Virtual conferences and events have grown in popularity in recent years, accelerated by the pandemic while also evolving with technology.

All the restrictions associated with brick-and-mortar conferences are excluded in the virtual sphere, making it easy to scale with minimal costs.

Virtual conferences apply to all types of industries, from specialist engineering to content creation on social media platforms.

If you have prior experience in a particular niche industry, you can use your contacts as a starting point for building up a client base.

With no need for hotels, transportation, or catering services, virtual conferences are highly scalable businesses without geographical limitations.

24. Platform Building

There are many approaches to scalable businesses that incorporate technical know-how and a grasp of the main programming languages.

Platform building, which involves helping a company create an app or system for its customers to use, is one example of how you can apply these skills.

Whether you're helping B2B industries connect or creating a platform for the brand's user base to connect, platform building is broad in scope.

A glance through the top-rated downloads on an app store presents an insight into the possibilities and the various markets to consider.

Mobile apps offer a variety of revenue-generating methods, from in-app purchases, to monetized ads, and charges for accessing the platform.

23. AR Experiences

Emerging technologies such as virtual and augmented reality represent the frontier of tech development, with near-limitless applications.

While virtual reality has been attempted for some time, augmented reality's potential is only just being appreciated by industry leaders.

Companies like Apple and Meta are working on AR smart glasses, with huge potential for developers capable of delivering immersive AR experiences.

AR can be used to deliver everything from effective marketing strategies to immersive city guides, future-proofing the concept for investors.

This makes AR a fertile industry for software developers and entrepreneurs to help shape the future of the technology through their startups.

22. Marketing Tools

Whatever the nature of a company, branding and marketing are vital components of its daily processes to ensure they reach their target audience.

This necessity has led to the creation of a huge industry dedicated to assisting them with their goals by providing easy-to-use marketing tools.

Covering everything from social media marketing scheduling to facilitating the smooth running of email campaigns, there are tools for all marketing efforts.

Such tools can also help businesses develop a website design timeline that incorporates upcoming ad campaigns and publicity drives.

An inherently scalable business model, providing marketing tools that cover all industries, with continual room for growth and improvement.

21. Customer Service AI

Like virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence encapsulates the radical technological developments that characterize the modern world.

Its application is already widespread, with the customer service sector deeply involved in AI use to help manage client queries.

Designed to help automate customer interactions and resolve conflicts, customer service AI is another emerging market with scope for expansion.

By using automation tools, these services free businesses from the time and money taken up through traditional person-to-person services.

Building on the foundations laid by services such as ChatBot, it's a technology that looks set to expand along with the evolution of artificial intelligence.

20. Online Reselling

While some scalable business ideas require a deep understanding of technology, others are ideally suited to people looking for a profitable side gig.

Online reselling is one such scalable business idea, requiring little in the way of upfront investment yet retaining the ability to scale.

You don't need to set up an e-commerce platform to make money through online reselling, with Amazon, eBay, and other websites available for selling.

Cheap products can be found through sites such as Alibaba and elsewhere or picked up from local thrift stores and yard sales.

Sellers can specialize in specific product types such as media and merchandise or clothing and beauty products, scaling the business at their own pace.

19. Rental Properties

Stepping away from the strictly online scalable business ideas, rental properties offer a true brick-and-mortar enterprise with room for consistent growth.

Real estate and property rental market entrepreneurs earn money by purchasing, leasing, and managing various property types.

While many focus on residential properties, others generate income through commercial buildings such as office spaces and warehouses.

The work delivers high-value transaction potential and diversification of revenue streams, while property assets appreciate.

With many businesses in the rental property industry, choosing a catchy real estate business name is essential to stand out from the competition.

18. Personal Shopper

Fashion and lifestyle enthusiasts with a good knowledge of the latest trends and beauty products can set up as personal shoppers.

Working closely with their clients, a personal shopper brings their expertise and insights to assist with selecting clothes and other accessories.

This requires working with wealthy clients who struggle to find the time to shop for themselves, following clear instructions around their budget and needs.

Personal shoppers often start by assisting friends and family to build up a reputation that can be carried over to well-paying clients.

This makes it a scalable business model that can be tested on a small scale around other priorities and then expanded to reach a wider audience over time.

17. Fitness Coaching & Consulting

Like personal shoppers, fitness coaches and consultants work directly with clients to help them achieve their fitness and well-being goals.

Working as a personal trainer in this capacity requires a firm grasp of exercise regimes and dietary requirements to help with muscle growth and weight loss.

This includes crafting bespoke exercise regimens and workout schedules, along with daily eating plans that incorporate the appropriate supplements.

Building a regular client base can be accomplished through word-of-mouth referrals and by setting up a fitness consulting website to share your services.

It's a solid plan for those with the relevant experience, a highly scalable business concept with increased demand for fitness coaches and personal trainers.

16. Accounting & Bookkeeping Services

If you have a knack for numbers and want to use your talent to create a scalable business, bookkeeping and accounting services are worth considering.

Bookkeeping services are widely used by companies of all sizes, as well as entrepreneurial startups and individual freelancing professionals.

Indeed, bookkeeping and accounting services are popular freelance business ideas thanks to their low setup costs and potential for scalability.

You can start by working part-time for smaller clients, improving your workflow and learning tools to expand your list of regular clients.

With the right experience level, bookkeeping and accounting services can earn significant sums of money through large corporate contracts.

15. Start a Dropshipping Business

The online retail sector is another expanding industry with plenty of scope for scaling up over time and expanding your business operations.

It offers a low investment cost without requiring warehouse space to store products, with easy access to potential customers via the Internet.

Dropshipping is also one of the best businesses that run themselves, with great potential for expanding the range of products offered to customers.

Since you don't have to pre-purchase your inventory, you can scale your business quickly while fine-tuning marketing campaigns to maximize your reach.

Like most scalable businesses, dropshipping is relatively risk-free and can be performed with a flexible schedule from anywhere in the world.

14. App Development

With the necessity for powerful apps to help drive business growth and satisfy customer demands, app developers are experiencing an increased demand.

A background in app development is a must, so if you have coding skills and know how to put together an intuitive user interface, it's a compelling business idea.

There are many niche markets in need of app developers, and you can draw on previous work experience to break into relevant industries.

With plenty of options for outsourcing elements of the development process such as testing, it can be accomplished with relatively low overheads.

The more successful apps you create, the greater potential the business has for scaling up and reaching bigger corporate clients looking for your services.

13. Start a Blog

Talented writers who have a gift for creating persuasive and compelling content can earn considerable income through writing blogs.

Working on blog posts for small companies looking to improve their search engine optimization is a good starting point for new bloggers.

As you build up your portfolio and expand your knowledge, you can acquire high-profile clients willing to pay top dollar for your services.

Familiarity with a blog website builder is a must, as well as how to integrate keywords into your text in a natural manner to help drive traffic.

It's also an opportunity to become involved in thought leadership, sharing your expertise in a specific domain with other industry professionals.

12. Event Planning Services

An event planning business is another example of how you can work from a small company and evolve to work with high-profile corporate clients.

Setting up an event planning business is easy, and you can start by working on small projects such as birthday parties, wedding receptions, and anniversaries.

As you develop your skills and build relationships with suppliers, you can take your event planning company to the next level.

Corporate clients pay thousands of dollars for industry events, making it a highly lucrative scalable business model for continual expansion.

There are also plenty of great tools for freelancers to get a strong online presence up and running to share your services with potential clients.

11. Start a Podcast

The rapid rise to fame of Joe Rogan and others has proven the potential power of podcasts to reach a global audience of fans.

The post-pandemic podcast boom shows no signs of abating, with hundreds of podcast content creators emerging daily.

While podcasting is competitive, those with a unique grasp of a niche topic are at an advantage, with great potential for increasing revenue.

All subjects are covered by podcasts, making it optimal for tapping into new markets and generating revenue through advertising and merchandise.

There are plenty of affordable microphones on the market and free software to broadcast your podcasts online and interact with the audience.

10. Sell Digital Products

Like blog writing, selling digital products online is another scalable business idea that makes the most of your creative talents to earn money.

There are many digital products you can sell, from informative e-books to quirky printables, posters, and templates for marketing campaigns.

Such templates can be used for social media marketing drives, or applied to real-world marketing initiatives such as brochures and flyers.

Setting up an online presence doesn't require expertise, with many great freelancer website templates designed specifically for the role.

By monitoring the sales of your digital products over time, you can refine your selection and focus on promoting those with a proven track record of success.

9. Digital Marketing Agency

Marketing professionals considering going their own way can enjoy ongoing profit increases by establishing a digital marketing agency.

This scalable business idea is among the most in-demand today, with millions of businesses worldwide looking for these services.

Branding is essential, and like the best YouTube channel names, marketing agencies use catchy and memorable branding to succeed.

By helping businesses to grow online, marketing agencies can acquire high-paying clients with each completed contract.

Services typically offered by digital marketing agencies range from full SEO overhauls to ad campaigns and the rebranding of business assets.

They also offer specialist services, connecting clients with affiliate marketing professionals and influencers to reach their target audience.

8. Proofreading & Editing

An alternative scalable business idea for those with a talent for words is proofreading and editing to help tidy up the work of writers.

It's another good way to work up from a part-time role, building a strong freelancer portfolio to expand your overall client base.

Businesses require quality content for their online presence, often uploading content in bulk quantities that need to be carefully checked in advance.

You can also offer proofreading and editing services to traditional print media outlets and publications, editing fiction and non-fiction content.

7. Freelance Writing

We've covered blog post writing as a great way to earn and scale your income, and freelance writing offers a broader scope for expansion over time.

A freelance writer can work for clients ranging from small businesses to industry insiders looking for ghostwriters to help present their message.

As one of the best side hustles to pay off debt, the demand for experienced freelancers continues to grow, creating many work opportunities.

If you're already experienced in a particular industry, you can use this knowledge to pick up relevant clients who are looking for your expertise.

Grow your portfolio of work over time, and your hourly or per-word rates can be increased to maximize your productivity and income.

6. Content Creation

A more general approach to profitable business concepts in the online sphere is through offering all-around content creation services.

This entails creating high-quality content and media assets covering everything from blogs, podcasts, and YouTube videos for marketing purposes.

While the future of blogging raises some concerns due to AI tools such as ChatGPT, a comprehensive content creation service offers greater longevity.

By diversifying the media types your company offers, you can switch approaches at a moment's notice and stay ahead of the curve.

As the business grows, you can employ staff who specialize in various types of content creation while increasing your list of clients.

5. Software Development Services

Tech skills are in high demand, with software developers at the forefront of this rapidly expanding market catering to all types of businesses.

As a software developer, you will be well-positioned to service companies covering everything from business development to online games.

A background working as a professional developer isn't a must, but if you have prior experience, you can use it to land your first gig.

Use your expertise to help clients resolve their problems, and create a model of recurring revenue that stands the test of time.

4. Food and Catering Services

Selling food and drinks through catering services is another popular way to start out small and scale a business at your own pace.

One of the best home-based business ideas, catering can begin with providing food and beverages for small events in your local area.

As your revenue stream grows, profits can be reinvested in better equipment and acquiring a professional space for the mass preparation of meals.

There's great potential for recurring business, with satisfied clients happy to hire your services for multiple events throughout the year.

You can also take advantage of relationships built with friends and family members to reach out to locals looking for birthday and anniversary catering services.

3. Affiliate Marketing

Those with a strong online presence and a large number of social media followers can transform their popularity into a reliable source of income.

Affiliate marketing involves teaming up with brands to promote their products or services directly to your online audience.

These cover all types of business, from the best affiliate programs for mom bloggers to programs to promote health and fitness products.

Since affiliate marketers already have an established online presence, there are no upfront costs and high-income potential.

2. Online Courses

With college education costing tens of thousands of dollars annually, many people turn to online courses to help develop their professional skills.

Platforms such as Udemy allow online courses to be sold directly to customers, with a small fee for the use of their website.

Alternatively, tutors can create and sell online courses directly through their website, handling customer acquisition and marketing independently.

It's one of the best freelance jobs for beginners who don't want to invest in full-time work from the outset, but still desire a scalable business model.

1. E-commerce Store

The ever-expanding nature of the online world has been the dominant driving force behind the rapid growth of e-commerce stores.

Thanks to easy-to-use e-commerce website builders, anyone can get an online store up and running to sell their products to a global marketplace.

While newcomers to the field aren't going to reach the heights of Amazon, the overall market value of over $3 trillion points to a clear opportunity for success.

By selling products you're passionate about, you can share your expertise with customers and create a loyal base that delivers regular sales.

Things to Consider in Creating a Scalable Business Model

If you're considering a selection of business ideas to start, or making an existing business scalable, there are a few things you need to be aware of.

Having a great business idea is just the beginning of your journey, and a successful business requires careful planning to get off the ground.

These tips will help you to transform your scalable business ideas into practical solutions and ensure you become a business owner with a long-term future.

• Understand your target audience. Whatever the nature of your company, small business owners succeed best when they effectively manage their customer acquisition process. Conducting market research before investing in your business will help you reach loyal customers.
• Choose products or services with a high-profit margin. The best business ideas involve minimal upfront investment and running costs to maximize their potential return on investment. Make sure you locate suppliers and other essential resources at the lowest possible prices to deliver strong returns.
• Put together a comprehensive business model. The best scalable business ideas succeed as much through planning as they do through implementation, so you should draft up a detailed overview of your business model. Include all operating costs and suppliers, and a short- to long-term overview of where you see the business heading.
• Automate your processes using technology. With a wealth of automation tools and resources online that you can access for free, it pays to make the most of these to streamline your business operations. Using these time-saving tools frees up your schedule to focus on creating high-quality content, and reaching out to potential clients for more sales.
• Create a strong online presence. A compelling, visually appealing company website is a prerequisite for success in the modern business world. Fortunately, there are great website builders you can use to make online content promoting your products or services to potential customers without any web development experience required.

Following these steps will help lay the foundations for continuous business expansion, picking up more clients and customers in your target market.

As your knowledge of your chosen industry expands through experience, use this to update your profitable business model and increase your success.

Summary

Choosing the best scalable business ideas for your talent and experience requires careful research and planning to ensure long-term success.

By following the steps and advice in this article, you can launch your company on the right foot and create a successful scalable business with a future.

You can expand your knowledge by conducting in-depth research into your niche while forging long-term relationships with regular clients.