Home Business Idea: Internet Researcher

Considering launching an internet research business? The digital age has ushered in a golden era for data enthusiasts, and starting up requires a surprisingly accessible initial investment, which can be as low as $200 for the basics or up to $5,000 for a more sophisticated setup. To truly thrive, you’ll need more than just a good WiFi connection — skills in online search techniques, critical evaluation of sources, and analytical abilities are paramount.

On the bright side, those who navigate these waters successfully can anticipate enticing profit margins between 30% and 60%. By setting competitive rates and efficiently managing your expenses, breaking even might come quicker than you think. Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of starting a business in the internet research domain.

Start-Up Cost: $1,000–$3,000

Potential Earnings: $30,000–$90,000

Typical Fees: $45–$75 per hour

Advertising: Networking, contacts in fields where you have experience, seminars, newsletters, advertising in trade journals, bulletin boards, freelancer websites

Qualifications: Familiarity with the requirements of the databases in your specialized field, ability to scan information rapidly and pick out what is relevant

Equipment Needed: Computer, office furniture, website, perhaps access to proprietary databases

Potential Home Business: Yes

Staff Required: No

Disabled Opportunity: Yes

Hidden Costs: Marketing required to build a clientele

Lowdown: Companies require many kinds of information, but they often do not have the time or skills necessary to find it. Not everyone has the patience and creativity to be an effective, efficient researcher. The information explosion means that a wealth of data is available, but sorting out what is useful to a particular project can be challenging. Today this work is done primarily through online databases. Successful online research often requires that you specialize in one type of information so that you can draw on your familiarity with Internet locations to produce the information your clients need quickly.

Start-Up: A basic computer and home office, and perhaps access to some proprietary data services, are your basic expenses to get going in this business. Expect to spend at least $1,000 to start; expect to bill at $45 per hour until you develop a strong reputation. Because it doesn’t require a large investment and can be run from home, this business is considered one of the best cheap businesses to start.

Bottom Line:
The task of finding specific data for a client can have the same appeal as solving a puzzle or tracking down the answer to a mystery. Creative thinking is often required to discover new approaches to a search or hidden sources of information. You can use your intellectual curiosity and your desire to leave no stone unturned to develop a successful online research business.

You will be gaining satisfaction by providing information essential to the growth and development of your clients’ businesses. Costs can be difficult to manage, however, because it is hard to predict how long a search will take. You may not always be able to find that last piece of data. You will have to keep learning how to use new databases, and you will have to keep educating potential clients about what your service is and be able to justify what might turn out to be an expensive additional cost to their bill.

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