It comes as no surprise that technology ranks as one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand industries in the world. It’s what powers innovation, communication and information, and its impact on productivity and success in the public and private sector is immeasurable.
If you are a techie but aren’t fluent in HTML, you’ll be happy to know that the best opportunities for entrepreneurs don’t all involve coding and programming; there is something for technophiles of all interests and aptitudes. It’s really all about leveraging technology to connect what you do best to the audience that needs it. Here are some of the best opportunities for success in the tech space.
Cybersecurity services provider
Nearly 80% of IT leaders running the technology services of businesses believe they are not sufficiently protected from cybersecurity threats. There is a great need for experts who have the specialized background and training to help defend organizations from the malware, phishing schemes, data breaches, WiFi hacking and email hijacking that threaten their business and their bottom line. So much so that the Bureau of Labor and Statistics has estimated 31% growth in this specialized service by 2029.
In addition to a college or an advanced degree in computer science or information technology, having credentials in the form of reputable certifications will help to position you as a true expert.
IT support
If you can use your technical prowess to support the technological needs of others from set-up to troubleshooting, you can build a thriving business out of it. The ability to protect and troubleshoot the devices people rely on is tremendously valuable in a world where connectivity is the key to productivity and efficiency. As a tech superhero, you will need to be competent and confident in the areas of backup recovery, cloud services, data management and security and tech training, to name a few.
Your expert, on-demand services can translate to substantial income, depending on your experience, client volume and pricing structure. For example, if you work for a company and charge a monthly retainer, you may be able to charge $100-$200 per user per month; for pay-as-you-go services, you may command $100-$200 per hour.
Domain name broker
Buying and selling web domain names can be a profitable venture for those with high-level negotiating skills and a great deal of resourcefulness and fortitude. Today, there are over 363.5 million registered domain names, the most popular still the “.com” extension, with new extensions introduced all the time. This means that those with a stake in acquiring domain names bearing those extensions will look to experts for help. The best brokers know what’s trending and valuable through deep keyword research, identify prospective domain owners, then broker deals with interested parties at a fair market price.
Brokers do the leg work and simplify the process for the parties involved and for their services earn either a flat rate, or in most cases a 10%-20% commission based on the selling price. Building a domain brokerage business takes time and can be a tedious process, but also has the potential to pay off in a big way — especially when you consider the $2 billion valuation of the annual domain resale market.
Tech supply dropshipper
Dropshipping is a great option for those who want to enter e-commerce without a large investment or overhead. The online tech retail category has broad appeal and offers something for everyone. In 2020, it represented $156 billion, or 22% of e-commerce sales. Tech lovers are always looking for ways to elevate their arsenal of gadgets or wardrobe of tech accessories. From cool game controller skins and button grips to earbud cases, bluetooth speakers to the latest phone cases, you can choose your niche and create a compelling, curated site that speaks to your target audience’s demands.
You will first need to identifysuppliers who specialize in and have a good reputation fulfilling the types of items you plan to market. As a dropshipper, you are only as good as the quality and shipping standards of your suppliers, so do your research and partner wisely.
The ability to protect and troubleshoot the devices people rely on is tremendously valuable in a world where connectivity is the key to productivity and efficiency.
Web designer
The business of web design remains on the rise, with a growth of 8% projected through 2029, as nearly every company seeks to establish an online presence. The best web designers possess a great sense of visual aesthetic from typography to color theory as well as an understanding of user experience and the ability to build dynamic layouts composed of captivating imagery and engaging copy. Going out on your own as a web designer can afford you flexibility and versatility in client and project types.
This career field is great for the designer who is driven by the challenge of keeping their work new, fresh and exciting in multiple ways for multiple clients across digital platforms. Having expert capabilities in and access to the leading design software will help you execute your clients’ vision, as will strong communication skills, critical thinking and patience.
Certified electronics waste management and recycling consultant
E-waste, such as discarded computers, TVs, mobile phones, tablets, game consoles and other appliances and electronic devices, are toxic to landfills, and managing their disposal or recycling can be a good business opportunity for the environmentally-minded entrepreneur. It's staggering to think that in 2019, only 17% of the world’s 53.6 million tons of e-waste was recycled; however, many are finding ways to make a difference, so much so that the industry, valued at $41.97 billion in 2019, is expected to reach $102.62 billion by 2027.
Entry into this thriving market requires special knowledge and training about how to extract and recycle precious metals and safely dispose of hazardous materials. A major key to success is approaching prospective customers with a compelling proposal designed to raise awareness of the positive impact your recycling services will have on the environment.
E-learning educator
From students who are home-schooled or in need of academic support to adults interested in learning a new skill or nurturing a hobby, e-learning is an exploding industry. In 2019, it was a $200 billion business; by 2024 it is expected to reach $375 billion. The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled the growth of this field, but new technologies are propelling it to new heights. As an educator-entrepreneur ready to enter the e-learning space, you can create your own curriculum and leverage the tools that man educational platforms offer. Some are synchronous and feature live learning, while others are asynchronous and offer pre-recorded, on-demand courses — which has the potential to create a long-term passive income.
In either case, experienced teachers can make the world their classroom by reaching those in search of academic remediation, enrichment or pursuing their passions. For those still developing their teaching or tutoring skills, a good first step may be working with students looking for help on established platforms like Tutor or Skillshare.
Social media consultant
With nearly 300 million users in the U.S. alone, social media has become one of the most essential business marketing tools to engage with new and prospective customers. Yet many companies lack the social media skills or resources to effectively execute a social campaign.
Marketing professionals with a great eye for attention-grabbing imagery, a knack for app-aided graphic design, and clever short-form copy skills that encourage engagement can be a compelling proposition for businesses seeking a strong social media presence. Create spec accounts that showcase your aptitude and talents, and share some compelling facts and stats that speak to the power of the top-performing platforms.
SEO consultant
There is tremendous value in professionals who know how to leverage the power of content, keywords, backlinks and meta descriptions to help businesses increase their online traffic and conversions. For those with expertise in search engine optimization (SEO), having the ability to unlock what many companies consider the key to digital success can be the makings of a thriving SEO consulting business. While a specialized degree is not a requirement, you will need a background in marketing and information technology or communications. You’ll also need to establish a track record of optimizing websites for high rankings on popular search engines and possess the ability to create clear strategies that meet your clients’ objectives.
It could also help to pursue a certificate in SEO from a reputable and recognized program, such as Google Analytics Academy, Moz or HubSpot. The average annual salary for an SEO specialist is $69,491; however, the potential is far greater as you scale up your business with multiple clients and additional SEO staff to serve them.
3D printing service provider
3D, or additive, printing produces a physical item through a thermoplastic printing process and a computer to read the product’s digital design.
It’s the stuff that engineers’ and designers’ dreams are made of, and the field has big possibilities for those with the drive to build a business around it. The range of products a 3D print production can create is as vast as your imagination. Among the most requested 3D items are eyeglass frames, jewelry, toys and vases. Prototyping for businesses also represents a sizable share of the 3D printing market, which is expected to reach $62.79 billion by 2028.
The on-demand business model that a 3D printing company enjoys is efficient: you can use less material, produce less waste and because the plastic products may weigh less than their heavily manufactured counterparts, they may also cost less to ship. A business like this may also require less overhead, other than some space in your home, a computer with CAD software, and a 3D printer and filament. If you don’t want to invest in a printer, which costs $5,000-$6,000 on average, you can upload your designs to platforms such as Shapeways, sell them on your own site, and then have Shapeways produce the item for a percentage of the sale price.
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