30 Types of Business Services

Updated March 10, 2023

Image description

Illustration of three types of businesses in a row.

Business services are activities that benefit companies without supplying physical products. Companies rely on these service providers for marketing, production, safety, cost and convenience purposes—especially for larger companies that need to keep up with work demands. If you're responsible for improving your company's work environment and business processes, it may be helpful to learn about the various types of business services.

In this article, we define business services and list 30 services to consider.

What are business services?

Business services refer to the activities that help organizations but do not necessarily result in a physical commodity. This means that the value of each service is intangible. When a company needs to outsource labor that may not fall under its expertise or capability, it relies on business services to provide that labor. Business services allow a company to focus on its specific goals and hire internal employees for that purpose while hiring business service professionals to complete tasks that need special expertise or equipment.

Business service types

There are many types of services that offer companies convenience, luxury and expertise. Some are essential to nearly all businesses, while others are rewarding services that improve work satisfaction. Here are some examples of business services to consider implementing within your organization:

1. Software services

Software services enhance features and upgrade the security for a company or individual's technological devices, such as computers and phones. These services provide anti-virus protection and update applications to be more user-friendly and effective.

2. Training services

A company may benefit from hiring a training company to teach employees specific computer skills or soft skills. In these cases, the company may hire an outside party to lead training sessions, workshops or presentations to help team members improve or learn a certain skill.

3. Event planning services

Companies can hire an event planning service for office parties, fundraising events and other corporate functions. The event management service is responsible for finding venues, supplies, staff and catering, if applicable.

4. Consulting services

Businesses can use consulting services for a variety of projects, including financial budgeting, landscaping, audits and more. Consulting services allow a company's management team to gain skills and perspectives on topics that they don't know much about.

5. Marketing services

If a company wants to gain more business and public attention, it may consider outsourcing marketing services. Marketing services help companies advertise their products, services and brand by creating marketing campaigns. Though some companies have internal marketing departments, others outsource this labor in order to receive faster and higher-quality results.

6. Waste management services

Waste management services help businesses and individuals keep a clean working environment. Companies generate a sizable amount of garbage each day. Waste management services gather this garbage and take it away to landfills and recycling facilities so that a company's workspace and the surrounding area stay clean.

7. Construction services

If a company is interested in expanding or renovating its office space, it may need to hire a construction team to build the space. Hiring a team of experienced construction workers ensures that they complete any office renovations or expansions in a safe and efficient manner. Construction teams usually use their own tools as well, so the company does not have to rent or buy expensive equipment.

8. Legal services

A company may want to hire legal services if they need to draft business agreements, ask for advice or navigate a legal issue. Legal teams or individuals can offer guidance, advice and expertise to a company to ensure its legally binding documents uphold the organization's original intentions.

9. Health and wellness services

Some companies hire health and wellness experts, such as nutritionists, therapists or other doctors, to promote good health for their employees. These health services are available to the company's employees if they are feeling unwell. Having these services can help encourage good health practices and ultimately improve workplace satisfaction.

10. Insurance services

Companies need insurance services not only to provide health and life insurance for employees but also for its property and practices. Insurance services help reduce a company's financial liabilities.

11. Security services

If a company is hosting a special event, works with a sensitive subject or is in a highly populated area, it may hire security services to ensure the safety of its employees and guests. Companies can hire security professionals for single events or for daily operations.

12. Travel services

When an employee is required to travel for work, it is customary for the company to provide travel arrangements. Travel services can make this process much simpler. These services can help ensure travel plans are accurate and cost-efficient.

13. Research services

Companies can outsource research services to save time and ensure accuracy. Research service businesses may conduct academic research, experiments and focus groups to help the company reach its goals. For example, a company may hire an agency to complete market research and gather information about competitors.

Related: Types of Research Methods

14. Design services

When a company wants to create a website or other media, it may need to hire a design service, such as a graphic or website designer. These professionals create websites, logos, advertisements and other promotional content for companies to increase public interest.

15. Finance services

Companies often hire financial professionals to help prepare tax documents, budgets and audits. These financial services allow companies to understand their financial position and ensure that their fiscal practices are beneficial.

16. Delivery services

Delivery services allow companies to receive essential supplies without having to physically shop for the items, saving time and offering convenience for employees. These business services also can help companies transport their products to customers.

17. Real estate services

Many companies rent their office or retail space instead of owning it. Real estate agents help companies find workspaces and arrange rental agreements.

18. Child care services

Though not always offered, some companies hire caregivers to host in-office day cares. This helps employees maintain a better work-life balance and save time and money by providing them with reliable child care. This service is more commonly offered in workplaces like hospitals and some schools.

19. Utilities

Utility service businesses provide water, electricity and gas to companies in order to keep workplaces running smoothly.

20. Printing services

Companies use printing services to mass-produce promotional and specialty items. Print shops often have their own special equipment, such as laminators or photo printers, that many companies do not own themselves.

Related: 16 Jobs in Printing Technology

21. Personal services

Personal business services include anything that can improve an employee's work life. Some companies hire companies to provide exercise centers, transportation assistance and relaxation areas. These personal services improve employee satisfaction, allowing them to reach their full working potential.

22. Landscaping

Landscaping businesses design and maintain the land around company property. This service allows companies to have an appealing and well-kept lawn without having to purchase special equipment or spend the extra time and effort to maintain it themselves.

23. Pest extermination services

Companies need animal control or pest exterminators to handle occasional infestations. Hiring a pest extermination service ensures that the infestation is addressed safely and quickly. Pest control is important for the overall health and safety of employees and helps companies avoid code violations.

24. Maintenance services

Companies need maintenance service professionals to fix appliances and other malfunctioning equipment. Maintenance professionals help ensure that a company's property functions properly, and they're available to address service requests as needed.

25. Tech support services

Tech support professionals work with companies and individuals to help troubleshoot any problems regarding networks, computers or other technology. These business services help companies solve tech problems quickly, which allows employees to remain productive.

26. Bookkeeping services

Companies can hire bookkeeping services to maintain accurate records of employee information and fiscal activities. Bookkeeping professionals lend their expertise to offer convenience for companies. These services focus on record-keeping and data entry and allow employees to focus on other work instead of filing documents.

27. Video and photography services

Companies use videos and photos for training, promotion and other purposes. A company may want to hire a photographer or videographer to create this content to guarantee a high-quality result. Many videographers and photographers also edit their own work, which is beneficial for companies that don't have their own editing tools.

28. Translation services

A company may need to hire a translator or interpreter to reach a wider range of clients or to accommodate an employee. Translators and interpreters join meetings, conferences and conversations to help overcome language barriers and promote inclusion.

29. Parking services

Parking service professionals, also known as valets, wait by building entrances to park a guest's car for them. This is a convenient service that saves time and helps to use parking lot space efficiently. In heavily populated or high-traffic areas, a company may hire valet services to accommodate guests, customers and employees.

30. Public relations services

Public relations professionals represent companies to help each organization maintain a good public image. Public relations specialists may draft press statements, manage social media accounts and help organize campaigns to improve a company's reputation.