60 Service Business Ideas and Examples

In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, service-based businesses are thriving like never before. When you consider service business ideas it doesn’t require to consider manufacturing products but instead focuses on offering expertise, labor, or specialized tasks to meet customer needs. 

Whether you’re looking to start a side hustle, become a freelancer, or launch a full-scale operation, there are plenty of service based business ideas to consider. Below, we’ll explore some of the best and most profitable examples of service businesses.

Top Service Based Business Ideas and Example

1. Cleaning Services

Starting a cleaning business is a popular and relatively low-cost option. You can offer residential cleaning, commercial cleaning, or even specialize in niche areas like carpet cleaning, window cleaning, or post-construction cleaning. 

This business can scale easily, and with consistent demand for cleaning services, it offers a stable income potential.

Key Services Offered:

• Residential and commercial cleaning
• Deep cleaning and sanitization
• Window washing, carpet cleaning, etc.

Target Clients: Homeowners, offices, schools, hospitals, and apartment complexes.

2. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Services

Professionals in this field install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems in homes and businesses. This requires technical expertise and certification, but it's a lucrative and essential service.

Key Services Offered:

• Installation of HVAC units
• Regular maintenance and repair
• System troubleshooting

Target Clients: Homeowners, commercial buildings, apartment complexes.

3. Plumbing Services

Plumbing services are always in demand for both emergency repairs and regular maintenance. You can offer installation of plumbing systems, routine maintenance, and emergency repair services.

Key Services Offered:

• Leak detection and repair
• Pipe and fixture installation
• Water heater services

Target Clients: Residential homeowners, commercial properties, property managers.

4. Electrician Services

Electricians provide critical services for both residential and commercial properties. From installing electrical systems to troubleshooting wiring issues, this is a high-demand field.

Key Services Offered:

• Electrical wiring installation and repair
• Circuit breaker and panel upgrades
• Lighting installation

Target Clients: Homeowners, commercial spaces, construction sites.

5. Pest Control Services

Pest control businesses offer services to remove or prevent infestations of insects, rodents, and other pests. This can be a recurring service as customers often need ongoing pest prevention treatments.

Key Services Offered:

• Residential and commercial pest removal
• Termite inspections and treatment
• Rodent control and exclusion services

Target Clients: Homeowners, restaurants, warehouses, hotels.

6. Roofing Services

Roofing businesses install, repair, and maintain roofs on homes and commercial properties. This includes emergency repairs after storms, as well as routine maintenance and full roof installations.

Key Services Offered:

• Roof repairs and maintenance
• Roof installation and replacement
• Leak detection and emergency services

Target Clients: Homeowners, construction companies, real estate developers.

7. Pool Maintenance and Repair

Owning a pool requires regular maintenance to keep it clean and functioning properly. Offering pool cleaning, chemical balancing, and repair services is an excellent business for warm climates or upscale communities.

Key Services Offered:

• Pool cleaning and chemical balancing
• Pool equipment repair (pumps, filters, etc.)
• Seasonal opening and closing services

Target Clients: Homeowners, hotels, apartment complexes.

8. Appliance Repair Services

People rely on appliances daily, and when they break down, quick repair services are essential. Starting an appliance repair business can be highly profitable, particularly for large or complex appliances.

Key Services Offered:

• Repair of refrigerators, washers, dryers, etc.
• Installation and troubleshooting of home appliances
• Regular maintenance and service calls

Target Clients: Homeowners, landlords, property management companies.

9. Locksmith Services

Locksmiths provide essential services for those who are locked out of their homes or cars, and they can also install or repair security systems. This field service business is both necessary and specialized.

Key Services Offered:

• Emergency lockout services
• Lock installation and rekeying
• Security system installation

Target Clients: Homeowners, businesses, car owners, rental properties.

10. Solar Panel Installation

With the increasing popularity of renewable energy, offering solar panel installation services is a great field service business idea. This requires technical skills but is a growing field with a lot of potential.

Key Services Offered:

• Solar panel installation and maintenance
• System inspections and troubleshooting
• Battery storage system setup

Target Clients: Homeowners, commercial properties, governmental organizations.

11. Landscaping Design & Hardscaping

Beyond simple lawn care, landscaping and hardscaping services focus on the design and construction of outdoor spaces. This includes patios, retaining walls, water features, and more, offering a high-end service that can be quite profitable.

Key Services Offered:

• Custom landscape and garden design
• Outdoor living spaces and hardscape installation
• Irrigation and drainage system setup

Target Clients: Homeowners, real estate developers, commercial properties.

12. Window and Door Installation

Installing and replacing windows and doors is an essential service, especially in areas where energy efficiency or security is a concern. This field service often involves retrofitting and working on existing structures.

Key Services Offered:

• Window and door installation
• Repair and replacement services
• Energy efficiency assessments

Target Clients: Homeowners, property managers, construction companies.

13. General Handyman Services

A handyman business offers a variety of small repair and maintenance services. From fixing leaky faucets to hanging drywall, this is a flexible service with broad appeal.

Key Services Offered:

• Minor home repairs (painting, plumbing, carpentry)
• Furniture assembly
• General maintenance tasks

Target Clients: Homeowners, rental property owners, businesses.

14. Gutter Cleaning & Maintenance

Gutter cleaning is essential for the proper drainage of rainwater from homes. This is a seasonal business, but one that many homeowners need and prefer to outsource due to the hassle and safety risks involved.

Key Services Offered:

• Gutter cleaning and repair
• Downspout installation and maintenance
• Leaf guard system installation

Target Clients: Homeowners, commercial property managers, real estate agents.

15. Tree Removal & Trimming Services

Trees need regular trimming for safety and aesthetics. Tree removal services are also in high demand, especially after storms. Starting a tree service requires some expertise and equipment but can be very profitable.

Key Services Offered:

• Tree trimming and pruning
• Stump grinding and removal
• Emergency tree removal

Target Clients: Homeowners, parks, businesses, municipalities.

16. Home Energy Audits

With increasing concerns about energy efficiency and environmental impact, offering home energy audits is a specialized service that helps homeowners reduce energy consumption and save money on utility bills.

Key Services Offered:

• Full home energy efficiency audits
• Recommendations for energy-saving improvements
• Installation of energy-efficient devices

Target Clients: Homeowners, commercial properties, eco-conscious consumers.

17. Painting Services (Residential & Commercial)

Painting services are essential for home renovations, new builds, and commercial spaces. This business can cater to both interior and exterior painting jobs, offering a steady stream of work.

Key Services Offered:

• Interior and exterior painting
• Wallpaper removal and installation
• Drywall repair and surface preparation

Target Clients: Homeowners, property managers, commercial real estate developers.

18. Pressure Washing Services

Pressure washing is needed for cleaning driveways, sidewalks, patios, and exterior walls. This service is often seasonal but can be a profitable field business, especially in areas with seasonal grime buildup like mildew or salt.

Key Services Offered:

• Pressure washing driveways, sidewalks, and exteriors
• Deck and fence cleaning
• Graffiti removal

Target Clients: Homeowners, businesses, property managers.

19. Mobile Mechanic Services

Not everyone has the time or capability to bring their car to a repair shop. A mobile mechanic business can provide basic repair services and maintenance right at the customer's location.

Key Services Offered:

• Oil changes, brake repairs, and general maintenance
• Emergency roadside assistance
• Battery and tire replacement

Target Clients: Car owners, fleet services, delivery services.

20. Chimney Sweeping & Repair Services

Chimney sweeping is a necessary but often neglected task for homeowners with fireplaces. You can offer seasonal chimney cleaning and repairs, which helps prevent fires and improve home safety.

Key Services Offered:

• Chimney cleaning and inspection
• Chimney cap installation and repair
• Masonry repair and maintenance

Target Clients: Homeowners, landlords, historical building restorers.

21. Septic System Services

Homes with septic systems need regular maintenance and repairs. This field service can be quite specialized and in demand in rural areas, where homeowners rely on septic systems instead of municipal sewers.

Key Services Offered:

• Septic tank pumping and cleaning
• System inspection and repair
• Installation of new septic systems

Target Clients: Homeowners, rural properties, property developers.

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22. Personal Training & Fitness Coaching

With health and wellness becoming a priority for many, starting a personal training business can be rewarding both financially and personally. You can offer one-on-one coaching, virtual fitness classes, or group training sessions. Specializing in niches like yoga, Pilates, weight loss, or strength training can help you stand out from the competition.

Key Services Offered:

• One-on-one fitness coaching
• Virtual or in-person group classes
• Nutrition and wellness plans

Target Clients: Fitness enthusiasts, athletes, individuals looking to lose weight, corporate wellness programs.

23. Digital Marketing Services

In the digital age, businesses need help establishing and maintaining an online presence. If you’re skilled in areas like social media management, SEO, content creation, or paid advertising, offering digital marketing services could be highly profitable. Many businesses are willing to outsource these tasks to experts, creating a high demand for your skills.

Key Services Offered:

• Social media management
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Paid ad campaigns (PPC, Google Ads)

Target Clients: Small businesses, e-commerce brands, startups, and local businesses.

24. Freelance Writing & Copywriting

If you have a knack for words, freelance writing could be a perfect business idea. You can offer blog writing, copywriting, technical writing, or even ghostwriting services. With the rise of content marketing, companies of all sizes are constantly looking for writers to help create engaging, SEO-optimized content.

Key Services Offered:

• Blog posts and articles
• Website copy and product descriptions
• E-books, press releases, and more

Target Clients: Businesses, bloggers, digital marketers, publishing companies.

25. Consulting Services

Consulting businesses are ideal if you have expertise in a particular field. Whether it’s business consulting, financial consulting, IT consulting, or marketing consulting, many companies are willing to pay for expert advice to help them grow or solve problems. You can start as a solo consultant or form a small firm.

Key Services Offered:

• Business strategy and development
• IT and technology solutions
• Marketing and financial advisory

Target Clients: Entrepreneurs, startups, corporations, and non-profit organizations.

26. Event Planning

Event planners help organize and coordinate events like weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, and more. If you are highly organized, creative, and enjoy managing logistics, this could be a great service business to start. Event planning requires little upfront investment, and once you build a reputation, you can charge premium prices.

Key Services Offered:

• Event coordination and planning
• Vendor sourcing and management
• On-site event management

Target Clients: Corporations, brides and grooms, non-profits, schools, and government agencies.

27. Pet Services

Pet owners are always on the lookout for reliable services for their furry friends. You could start a business offering pet grooming, dog walking, pet sitting, or even pet training. The pet care industry is booming, and these services often allow you to build long-term relationships with clients.

Key Services Offered:

• Dog walking and pet sitting
• Pet grooming and spa services
• Pet training and behavioral consulting

Target Clients: Pet owners, pet shelters, and veterinary clinics.

28. Graphic Design

Graphic design services are in high demand, as companies constantly need logos, branding, website designs, and promotional materials. If you have an eye for design and proficiency in design software like Adobe Creative Suite or Canva, you can start your own graphic design business.

Key Services Offered:

• Logo design and brand identity
• Website and app design
• Marketing materials like brochures and flyers

Target Clients: Small businesses, startups, content creators, and marketing agencies.

29. Tutoring and Education Services

If you have expertise in a particular subject or skill, starting a tutoring or education service can be highly profitable. From academic tutoring to teaching languages or music lessons, there are many ways to monetize your knowledge. With online platforms, you can reach clients from all over the world.

Key Services Offered:

• Academic tutoring for K-12 or college students
• Language or music lessons
• Test preparation services (SAT, GMAT, etc.)

Target Clients: Students, parents, and educational institutions.

30. IT Support & Tech Services

With so many businesses relying on technology, IT support services are in high demand. If you have technical skills, you could offer services like network setup, cybersecurity, tech troubleshooting, or managed IT services. This business requires specialized knowledge but can be highly profitable.

Key Services Offered:

• On-site or remote tech support
• Cybersecurity consulting
• Network setup and management

Target Clients: Small and medium businesses, remote workers, and startups.

31. Home Improvement & Handyman Services

If you're handy with tools and enjoy working on home projects, offering handyman or home improvement services is a great way to turn those skills into a profitable business. From small repairs to larger remodeling projects, there’s a consistent demand for home improvement services.

Key Services Offered:

• General repairs and maintenance
• Carpentry, painting, plumbing, etc.
• Home renovation projects

Target Clients: Homeowners, real estate agents, property managers.

32. Photography Services

If you have an eye for photography and enjoy capturing moments, starting a photography business could be perfect for you. Specialize in wedding photography, portrait photography, product photography, or event photography to carve out a niche in the competitive market. Offering editing services is an additional revenue stream.

Key Services Offered:

• Event, wedding, and portrait photography
• Product and brand photography
• Editing and post-production services

Target Clients: Couples, families, businesses, and influencers.

33. Virtual Assistance

With more businesses operating online, virtual assistants are increasingly in demand to help with tasks like scheduling, email management, data entry, customer service, and more. As a virtual assistant, you can work from anywhere, offering your services to clients globally.

Key Services Offered:

• Administrative support (emails, calendar management)
• Social media management
• Data entry and research

Target Clients: Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and online creators.

34. Lawn Care & Landscaping Services

Maintaining lawns and gardens is a chore for many homeowners, but if you have a green thumb, you can turn that into a lucrative business. You can offer services like lawn mowing, landscaping, garden design, and even snow removal in the winter.

Key Services Offered:

• Lawn mowing, edging, and trimming
• Garden design and installation
• Snow removal and yard cleanup

Target Clients: Homeowners, apartment complexes, commercial properties.

35. Interior Design Services

If you have a talent for decorating and design, you can offer interior design services. Clients will pay you to help transform their homes, offices, or retail spaces into functional and aesthetically pleasing environments.

Key Services Offered:

• Space planning and design consultations
• Furniture and décor sourcing
• Home staging for real estate sales

Target Clients: Homeowners, real estate agents, businesses.

36. Mobile Car Wash & Detailing

Many people don’t have the time to wash and detail their cars themselves. Offering a mobile car wash service that comes to the client can be a convenient and profitable business model.

Key Services Offered:

• Exterior washing and waxing
• Interior detailing and vacuuming
• Paint restoration and polishing

Target Clients: Car owners, fleet owners, car dealerships.

37. Accounting & Bookkeeping Services

Many small businesses and entrepreneurs need help managing their finances. If you’re skilled with numbers, offering accounting or bookkeeping services can be a steady source of income.

Key Services Offered:

• Financial reporting and bookkeeping
• Tax preparation and filing
• Payroll services

Target Clients: Small businesses, freelancers, startups.

38. Social Media Management

In the digital era, businesses rely heavily on social media to connect with customers. If you're savvy with platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, you can offer social media management services.

Key Services Offered:

• Content creation and scheduling
• Social media strategy and engagement
• Paid advertising campaigns

Target Clients: E-commerce stores, local businesses, influencers.

39. Life Coaching

Many people seek guidance on personal development, career transitions, or achieving their goals. If you're a good listener and motivator, becoming a life coach could be a fulfilling service business.

Key Services Offered:

• Personal and professional coaching
• Goal setting and accountability
• Career coaching and transition support

Target Clients: Professionals, students, individuals seeking growth.

40. Home Organizing Services

Many people struggle with clutter and disorganization in their homes. If you're naturally organized, you can start a business helping people declutter and reorganize their spaces.

Key Services Offered:

• Decluttering and space organization
• Closet and storage optimization
• Moving and downsizing assistance

Target Clients: Homeowners, renters, busy professionals.

41. Translation & Interpretation Services

If you’re fluent in multiple languages, offering translation or interpretation services can be a profitable business. You can provide services for businesses, legal professionals, or individuals who need documents or conversations translated.

Key Services Offered:

• Document translation
• Real-time interpretation (virtual or in-person)
• Localization of websites and content

Target Clients: Businesses, legal professionals, immigrants.

42. Childcare Services

With many parents working full-time, reliable childcare services are in high demand. If you enjoy working with children, you can start a daycare or offer babysitting services.

Key Services Offered:

• In-home daycare
• Babysitting and nanny services
• After-school care

Target Clients: Parents, schools, community centers.

43. Errand Running Services

Busy professionals and elderly people often need help with everyday tasks. Offering to run errands such as grocery shopping, picking up dry cleaning, or transporting items can be a simple, flexible business.

Key Services Offered:

• Grocery shopping and delivery
• Mail and package pickup
• Prescription refills and delivery

Target Clients: Busy professionals, elderly, disabled individuals.

44. Video Editing Services

With the explosion of video content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, there’s a growing need for professional video editors. If you’re skilled in video editing software, this could be a profitable niche.

Key Services Offered:

• Video editing and post-production
• Special effects and animation
• Captioning and subtitling

Target Clients: Content creators, businesses, event videographers.

45. Moving Services

Moving can be stressful, and many people are willing to pay for professional help. You can start a moving service that assists with packing, loading, transporting, and unpacking items for clients.

Key Services Offered:

• Local and long-distance moving
• Packing and unpacking services
• Furniture assembly/disassembly

Target Clients: Homeowners, renters, businesses.

46. Massage Therapy

If you’re trained in massage therapy, you can offer relaxation and therapeutic massages from a home studio or mobile service. Many people seek out massages for stress relief, pain management, or general wellness.

Key Services Offered:

• Deep tissue, Swedish, or sports massages
• Mobile massage services
• Corporate wellness programs

Target Clients: Individuals, spas, corporate clients.

47. Personal Chef Services

Busy families, professionals, and those with dietary restrictions often need help preparing meals. If you enjoy cooking, you can offer personal chef services, preparing meals tailored to your clients’ preferences and needs.

Key Services Offered:

• Custom meal planning and preparation
• Cooking for events and parties
• Specialty diets (keto, vegan, gluten-free)

Target Clients: Busy professionals, families, health-conscious individuals.

48. Virtual Event Planning

With the rise of remote work and virtual gatherings, there’s a growing demand for virtual event planners. You can help organize online conferences, webinars, workshops, and other digital events.

Key Services Offered:

• Online platform selection and management
• Virtual event promotion and marketing
• Coordination of speakers, panels, and breakout sessions

Target Clients: Businesses, non-profits, educational institutions.

49. Elder Care Services

As the population ages, there is an increasing demand for elderly care services. You can provide non-medical services such as companionship, meal preparation, and assistance with daily activities.

Key Services Offered:

• Personal care and assistance with activities
• Meal preparation and companionship
• Transportation to appointments

Target Clients: Seniors, families of elderly individuals, retirement communities.

50. Personal Shopping Services

Many people don’t have the time or inclination to shop for themselves, whether it’s for clothing, groceries, or gifts. You can offer personal shopping services to take this burden off their hands.

Key Services Offered:

• Wardrobe consultations and shopping
• Gift buying and wrapping services
• Grocery and home goods shopping

Target Clients: Busy professionals, elderly, luxury clients.

51. Home Security Consulting

With increasing concerns about home security, offering consultation services on security systems, cameras, and smart home technology can be a profitable niche. You can provide installation guidance and help clients secure their homes.

Key Services Offered:

• Home security system consultations
• Smart home device installations
• Security assessments

Target Clients: Homeowners, real estate agents, property managers.

52. Property Management Services

Property owners who don’t have the time to manage their properties often need help with tenant relations, rent collection, and maintenance. Offering property management services can be a steady business.

Key Services Offered:

• Tenant screening and management
• Rent collection and property maintenance
• Marketing rental properties

Target Clients: Property investors, landlords, real estate firms.

53. Public Relations (PR) Services

If you have experience in public relations, you can offer services to help companies build and manage their public image. This could include press releases, crisis management, or event publicity.

Key Services Offered:

• Press release writing and distribution
• Media relations and interviews
• Crisis communication

Target Clients: Corporations, non-profits, celebrities, startups.

54. Custom Tailoring & Alterations

If you have sewing skills, offering tailoring and alterations can be a profitable business. You can provide custom tailoring for special events like weddings or offer everyday clothing alterations.

Key Services Offered:

• Clothing alterations and repairs
• Custom suit or dress making
• Bridal and formalwear tailoring

Target Clients: Individuals, clothing stores, wedding planners.

55. Courier & Delivery Services

In the age of e-commerce and remote work, delivery services are always in demand. You can start a courier service offering same-day or next-day deliveries for businesses and individuals.

Key Services Offered:

• Local delivery and courier services
• Small package or document delivery
• Food and grocery delivery

Target Clients: Local businesses, e-commerce stores, restaurants.

56. Website Development

If you're skilled in coding and web design, you can offer website development services. Businesses are always looking to improve their online presence, and many prefer to outsource this work to professionals.

Key Services Offered:

• Website design and development
• E-commerce store creation
• Website maintenance and updates

Target Clients: Small businesses, e-commerce brands, bloggers.

57. Tax Preparation Services

Tax preparation is a service nearly everyone needs. If you're a certified tax preparer or accountant, you can offer tax filing services, particularly during tax season.

Key Services Offered:

• Tax filing and preparation
• Tax advisory and consulting
• Audit representation

Target Clients: Individuals, small businesses, freelancers.

58. App Development

If you have coding skills, app development is a growing field. You can create apps for businesses, startups, or even develop your own apps for platforms like iOS and Android.

Key Services Offered:

• Custom app development
• Mobile app design and UI/UX optimization
• App maintenance and updates

Target Clients: Startups, tech companies, local businesses.

59. Influencer Management Services

With the rise of influencer marketing, managing influencers' collaborations, contracts, and branding has become a viable business model. You can offer to represent influencers and negotiate deals on their behalf.

Key Services Offered:

• Contract negotiation and collaboration management
• Social media strategy for influencers
• Brand partnership sourcing

Target Clients: Influencers, brands, marketing agencies.

60. Furniture Assembly Services

Many people don’t have the time, tools, or patience to assemble furniture. If you're handy with tools, offering furniture assembly services can be an in-demand business, especially with the popularity of flat-pack furniture from stores like IKEA.

Key Services Offered:

• Furniture assembly
• Mounting and installation services
• Home office or fitness equipment assembly

Target Clients: Homeowners, apartment renters, office spaces.

Conclusion

Service businesses come in all shapes and sizes, catering to diverse interests, skills, and client needs. Whether you’re looking to start a local business or an online service, the key is identifying your strengths and matching them with market demands. With the right approach, any of these 60 service business ideas can grow into a profitable venture!