Top 5 Business Ideas in Illinois

Best Illinois Business Ideas

One of the best things about starting a Illinois business is being your own boss. Whether you’re looking to build an empire or just earn a little money on the side, there’s a business idea that will allow you to achieve your goals as an entrepreneur.

Top 5 Business Ideas in Illinois:

1. Cigar Shop
2. Towing Company
3. Mobile Bartending Service
4. Clothing Boutique
5. Pressure Washing Business

If you have a business idea picked out, check out our simple, step-by-step Form an LLC in Illinois guide to get your new small business started.

1. Cigar Shop

Despite public health campaigns and legislation against tobacco products, the demand for cigars remains strong. In fact, the limits placed on where people can smoke may actually be helping cigar shops. Where allowed, cigar shops sometimes double as smoking lounges and are one of the few places at which people can still enjoy a smoking product.

According to IBISWorld, cigar lounges in the United States have grown at 2.7 percent annually in recent years and have an annual revenue of $903 million. With just 930 businesses in the industry, there’s lots of opportunity for newcomers to open cigar shops.

Learn how to start a cigar shop.

Find a Web Domain for Your Illinois Business

Securing a web domain and creating a quality website is important for the overall success of an online business. You can search for an available domain below:

After you have your perfect business idea and secure a domain for your business, one of the best things you can do for your small business is create a website.

2. Towing Company

Vehicles break down, are left stranded and are illegally parked every day. A tow truck business transports these vehicles to repair shops, impound lots and other locations as directed. Some tow truck businesses also offer emergency roadside assistance.

Learn how to start a tow truck business.

3. Mobile Bartending Service

Anyone with bartending experience and a bit of business savvy may consider starting a mobile bartending business. Mobile bartenders will be doing more than just serving drinks and crafting cocktails. They will be building an atmosphere and creating a great experience for their customers. Someone with people skills and event planning experience will excel in this field.

The cost to start this type of business is small, especially if you already have a vehicle to transport your mobile bar. Beyond that, you will need bar tools, a website and business cards, some liability insurance, and a license to serve alcohol. You can choose to keep your business small, remaining a one-man operation, or expand into a fleet of mobile bartenders. Earning potential for this business is solid. Profits generally start slow, but with a few years of experience under their belts, some mobile bartending businesses are bringing in up to $76,000 per year.

Learn how to start a mobile bartending business.

4. Clothing Boutique

A clothing boutique is generally much smaller than a regular clothing retailer, and it creates a more intimate environment. You attract customers who are looking for very specific styles and kinds of clothing with your boutique. Since many customers stick to their own styles, it is likely that satisfied customers will return to your business. It is important to form relationships with these regular customers, as their recommendations and satisfaction can contribute to your boutique's success.

Learn how to start a clothing boutique.

5. Pressure Washing Business

Pressure washing is more effective in removing dirt and grime than other methods of cleaning. This service is highly valued by customers who want to improve the appearance of the exterior of their home or building. Pressure washing helps extend the life of a building and its finishes.

Learn how to start a pressure washing business.

Importance of SEO for Businesses

Once you've chosen the best business idea for you, determining a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy is essential for small business success. Good SEO allows Google (and your customers) to more easily find your business website and the services you offer.

Here are some of the benefits of SEO for your business:

• Increases traffic to your business website
• Improves user experience for your customers
• Strengthens brand awareness and recognition

You can learn more about the basics of SEO and how to implement a strategy by reading our Beginner's Guide to SEO.

Other Important Services for Small Businesses:

• Use our Business Name Generator for help brainstorming your new venture’s name
• Learn how to form an LLC, one of the best business structures for Illinois businesses
• Use our free business plan generator to start planning your Illinois business today
• Get your unique logo with our free Logo Maker and start branding your business
• After finding your perfect idea, learn how to start a business