Today, it’s easier than ever to start a business without a physical location. In fact, there are many business models that can be operated entirely online. Whether you want to cut costs or travel the world while pursuing your own career, here are some of the best online business ideas to consider.
The online business market in 2022
More and more industries are moving to fully online models. And consumers are increasingly willing to buy both products and services online. From e-commerce businesses to online service providers, there are many ways to make big profits with just an internet connection.
Why you should consider starting an internet business
If you are thinking of starting a great online business idea, here are some benefits you can achieve:
- Save money: Many online businesses only require a domain and hosting. And some can even be launched without that cost.
- Set your own schedule: As your own boss, you can decide when you work. Most online features can be scheduled in advance, or you can just work at your own pace.
- Run your business from anywhere: Online businesses do not only offer freedom of time. You can also work from anywhere.
- Reach customers around the world: The internet is accessible all over the world, so you can start a lucrative business without limiting your customer base to your local area.
- Scale fast: With a solid online business idea, you can start small but grow quickly as you gain additional resources.
Best Online Business Ideas
There is no shortage of small online business ideas that can be run entirely on the internet. If you are looking for online business ideas, check out the extensive list below.
1. Open an online store
Online stores can sell physical or digital products. The former also requires you to buy inventory or supplies and have a place to store it. However, you can use options like fulfillment or dropshipping services to handle the logistics for you. These services charge fees; So you need to factor this into your startup costs.
2. Start your own website
Websites can make money based on ads, sponsored content or services. Think of a specific audience you can serve and target your website and marketing towards that.
3. Start a consulting business
Advisors can work virtually with clients to help with everything from business development to healthy living. Advisors typically offer one-on-one advice, but let their clients do the actual work themselves.
4. Develop online courses
Think about what you can teach people and come up with a pre-packaged course that they can buy and complete at their own pace. There are also course marketplaces that you can use to simplify the process of preventing your income from being cut.
5. Specialize in search engine optimization
Help other businesses improve their website with keywords and other features to increase traffic. These business owners often have web development experience, or simply know their way around search engines and keep up to date with relevant industry trends.
6. Conduct market research
Work with other businesses in your state or around the world and provide surveys and other research tools to help them learn more about their customers.
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7. Start a YouTube channel
YouTube offers an ad-sharing program for creators with large followings, allowing you to automatically earn revenue based on video views. Some content creators also generate revenue through sponsored content, advertising partnerships, or their own merchandise lines.
8. Try social media marketing
Provide social media content creation and management for other companies and market yourself on your own website and channels. They can offer general content planning and publishing services or specialize in just one platform like Facebook or TikTok.
10. Offer virtual assistant services
VAs can help with inbox management, scheduling, and data entry. Market your services or browse job boards to find those perfect clients. This online business idea is perfect for beginners as it comes with little to no start-up costs and you don’t need any official skills or training to get started.
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11. Become an affiliate marketer
Affiliate marketing involves posting links on your website or content and getting paid when someone buys something through them. This can be a separate business model. Or you can use this as an additional revenue stream for a blog or social media business.
12. Start an online membership
Build a community online by starting a membership site. Your readers or followers can then pay a monthly fee to join and access your content or participate in your community features.
13. Offer virtual tutoring
Work one-on-one with customers using video chat platforms, email or SMS apps to connect. Some tutors help with specific subjects, while others offer more general support or assistance with exam preparation.
14. Sign up for online marketplaces
You can sell products without creating your own ecommerce store; Just sign up with marketplace sites like eBay or Amazon and they will take a cut of your earnings.
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15. Self-publish e-books
If you’re interested in writing a book, self-publishing lets you do it all on your own. You can even create eBooks so readers can download your content instead of receiving a physical copy.
16. Help companies with digital marketing
If you have marketing experience, help other companies promote their business ventures online. They can offer a range of services or focus on one area like content marketing or Pinterest.
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17. Become a web developer
Many other companies outsource their web design and development and therefore offer these services virtually.
18. Become a social media influencer
Build a dedicated social media following. Then offer sponsored content and partnerships with relevant brands.
19. Offer graphic design services
Help other companies create logos and other graphic elements while working remotely.
20. Translate online content
If you speak more than one language, offer translation services for online content or documents.
21. Start a blog
Bloggers can generate revenue through sidebar ads, sponsored content, or paywalls. Find a niche that you can fill with valuable content, then promote your blog in relevant online communities and social media accounts.
22. Become a freelance writer
Alternatively, offer writing services for other blogs or online publications on a contract basis. Sign up for job sites where you can connect with website owners or promote your services on your own website or social media platforms.
23. Sell stock photos
Photographers take photos and upload them to stock photo websites where others can download them for a fee or membership.
24. Develop mobile apps
If you are interested in a mobile business niche, develop your own mobile apps and sell them on app stores. Or develop mobile apps for other companies for a significant fee.
25. Offer virtual fitness training
Provide personal training services through video chat platforms to fitness enthusiasts interested in starting an online business.
26. Create and sell handcrafted goods
If you specialize in a craft like knitting or sewing, start your own e-commerce business through a platform like Etsy.
27. Design print-on-demand t-shirts
You can also start your own business using print-on-demand services like Redbubble or Society6. You upload your own designs and they print them on products like t-shirts and mugs.
28. Buying and selling domains
Other entrepreneurs who want to start an online business must first acquire a domain to set up their own business website or e-commerce website. Buy popular options and then create your own website to sell them for a profit.
29. Specialize in cybersecurity
Today’s small business owners need to be wary of cybersecurity issues. If you are knowledgeable about this topic, offer consulting services or managed IT support to vulnerable small business owners.
30. Create online ads
Graphic designers or people with advertising experience can help other small businesses create their own advertising campaigns online. You can specialize in PPC ads, mobile ads, or visual content.
What is the most profitable online business idea?
If you are interested in starting your own online business, you may be wondering, “What is the most profitable business option?” The answer depends on your circumstances. However, scalable ideas like creating online courses or influencing through social media are the most profitable over time.
What are the most successful small online businesses?
The most successful online business ideas vary depending on your goals and expertise. However, the following options tend to be relevant in a variety of niches and may scale over time:
- app development
- dropshipping business
- Social media influencer accounts
- Membership/Niche Sites
- publication of e-books
Which online business is the easiest to start?
If you want to start an online business quickly, consider service-based businesses like VAs and freelance writing. You can sign up for VA Marketplaces in just minutes and find relevant companies to work with. These aren’t the most scalable online business ideas, but they can help you get started quickly. And then you can pivot over time if you so choose.
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