Here are a few ideas of some information business niche markets that I have seen on the Internet that seem to be popular and growing (in terms of the number of new businesses cropping up.)
Will you be stealing or be viewed as a "copycat" if you join in this business space?
Not at all, as long as you don't "borrow" other people's logos, web graphics, content, etc.
The reason there is room for others in this space is because most of these businesses rely on local marketing, word of mouth, and clients that will be in your geographic area. Many of these ideas are work-at-home businesses conducted solo on the Internet.
Here are a few examples of the online businesses I've noticed. I'm sure you can come up with some other good ideas that will fit your own interests and talents by thinking how you might adapt or modify one or more of these businesses to suit your own situation.
1. Birth, wedding, or anniversary announcements. Customers like the ease and professionalism they get when turning this chore over to a graphics professional. All you need are the right skills, graphics software, a scanner, and some creativity. Every aspect of this business can be conducted online.
2. Genealogist. This subject is growing in popularity by leaps and bounds - just look at Ancestery.com and some other genealogy sites. If you know how to do this research, you have a valuable skill that others will pay for - and it can be accomplished almost entirely by computer.
3. Personal coach. There are hundreds of personal development topics that folks today want to receive some mentoring in. You don't need to have personal face-to-face contact to coach someone if you have a computer, and maybe a videocam. There are lots of ways to interact over the Internet in both video and audio formats.
4. Tutoring services. Much the same as a personal coach, you can develop an information service around tutoring students in any number of fields. (Don't think of students as school-age only. They could be elderly, mid-lifers, or anyone seeking information on your subject.)
5. Vacation or tour planning. Some folks just want to pack a suitcase and go. They will pay you to plan a vacation for them and take care of all the information details in advance. Another way to look at this niche would be to develop a subscriber portal where you charge a recurring fee for access to a wealth of vacation destination information.
6. Chef or cooking instructor. There is a lot of consumer interest in cooking, food preparation, healthy eating, etc, these days. Every aspect of your business could be easily conducted online (except your hands-on research - unless that's already done.)
7. Repair information service. How many do-it-yourselfers go online when they want to learn how to unclog a drain trap or replace a shingle? Lots and lots of them. You can provide a valuable information service business around this topic and never have to leave the confines of your office.
8. Business consulting. Another needed service and one that could become a thriving information business. You could earn a personal fortune by sharing your business knowledge and expertise with others that want to be guided - again, a totally Internet based venture.
9. Bookkeeping service. You keep the books for someone else's business. You exchange files online, communicate via email, IM, or voice over Internet, and can decide how much or little business you want to keep yourself busy.
10. Office support services. Many businesses, large and small, prefer to out-source office tasks on a per/job basis compared to employing staff during projects and then having them sit around between jobs. You can do everything needed in many support areas on your personal computer then send the finished tasks over the Internet.
11. Copywriting and proofreading. Have you noticed the growth in this area on the Internet in recent years? It's becoming a competitive niche, but there always seems to be more than enough jobs for those that are really good at the trade. Visit elance.com, rentacoder.com, or scriptlance.com and you'll get a feel for this freelancer's space.
12. Public relations service. How many business owners have time to do public relations? Yet, this is an important task for any marketing effort. You can sit at home and spread the word about any business or product and be paid for your time. I think there is real possibility for the solo work at home entrepreneur in this space.
13. Web design and online graphics. If you have this specialized talent and knowledge, you will have more than enough work to keep you busy. Yes, there are many small firms and freelancers in this space, but if you go deep (specialize) and serve particular niches, and you are good, you will gain a very valuable reputation that will pay off.
