Thinking of any online business ideas for beginners with low investment and high profit? If yes, then you have landed at the right place as today we will be discussing some of the most profitable online businesses that can be started with a very low investment.
Deciding what type of online business to build is the very first struggle you will face in your internet marketing journey. After all, there are endless opportunities out there and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
The good news is that there are plenty of online business ideas for beginners that require little to no investment. In fact, some of the most profitable businesses on the internet started with very little money upfront.
List of Online Business Ideas for Beginners
Here are 30 low-cost but profitable online business ideas for beginners:
1. Create an e-commerce store
E-commerce is very popular these days and it’s no wonder why. With an e-commerce store, you can sell products or services online without having to rent or buy physical space. All you require are a domain name, hosting, and a payment gateway like PayPal.
There are a lot of e-commerce platforms that you can use to set up your store such as Shopify, WooCommerce, etc. Once your store is up and running, all you need to do is drive traffic to it through SEO or social media marketing.
2. Promote affiliate links
Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular online business models as it’s a win-win situation for both the merchant and the affiliate. The merchant gets more sales while the affiliate earns a commission on every sale they generate.
To get started, all you need to do is find a product or service that you want to promote and then sign up for their affiliate program. Once you’re approved, you’ll be given a unique affiliate link that you can promote on your website or social media channels.
3. Start a dropshipping business
When you run an online store through dropshipping, you may sell things without keeping any inventory on hand. When a customer places an order in your store, the supplier will ship the products directly to the customer’s doorstep.
Dropshipping is one of the great online business ideas for beginners as it’s very easy to set up and it doesn’t require too large investment. You can find dropshipping suppliers on directories such as Alibaba and then create your own store using platforms like Shopify.
4. Create an online course
If you’re an expert in a certain field, you can create an online course and sell it for a profit. This is a great business model as it allows you to share your knowledge with others while earning money at the same time.
To get started, you’ll need to create your course content and then find a platform to host it such as Udemy or Teachable. Once your course is live, you can start promoting it on social media or on your own website.
5. Start a blog
A blog is a fantastic platform for expressing your views to a global audience. Not only that, but you can also make money from your blog through advertising, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.
To launch a blog, you need to have a domain name and hosting. Once you have those set up, you can install WordPress and start writing your content. Once your blog is live, you can start promoting it on social media or through search engine optimization (SEO).
6. Offer virtual assistance
If you have administrative or secretarial skills, you can do virtual assistant (VA) work for businesses and entrepreneurs. This is great for beginners as it’s in high demand and doesn’t require any special skills or training.
There are a lot of businesses and entrepreneurs who are looking for VAs to help with tasks such as customer service, data entry, social media marketing, and more.
To get started, you can create a portfolio website and list your services. You can also sign up on VA directories such as Upwork and Fiverr.
7. Offer lead generation services
Finding potential clients for a business is the process of lead generation. Lead generation is in high demand as businesses are always looking for new ways to grow their customer base.
You just need to be good at finding potential customers and then getting in touch with them. You can use a variety of methods to generate leads such as social media marketing, SEO, and email marketing.
8. Be a web developer
If you have experience in web development, you can start your own web development business or offer your services to businesses and entrepreneurs. You will need to be familiar with a variety of programming languages and software platforms in order to be a successful web developer. It will depend on the project, but you could use platforms such as WordPress, Shopify, or Squarespace to create websites.
You can also offer your services on VA directories or create a portfolio website to showcase your work.
9. Be an SEO consultant
The technique of improving a website to appear higher on search engine results pages is known as search engine optimization (SEO). There are a lot of businesses that need SEO services as it can help them to get more traffic and visibility online.Â
As an SEO consultant, you will need to be familiar with a variety of SEO techniques and strategies. You will have to research the latest SEO trends and then implement them on your client’s website. Once you have optimized their website, you will need to track their results and make changes as needed.
10. Offer copywriting services
Copywriting is the process of writing persuasive, compelling, and interesting copy for businesses. You need to be a strong writer to succeed at this, but if you are, it can be a very lucrative career.
There are many businesses out there that need copywriters, and as a result, there is a lot of work available. Businesses are willing to pay good money for a quality copy, so if you can deliver, this can be a very profitable online business.
11. Sell photographs online
If you’re a talented photographer, you can start selling your photos online. You’ve encountered stock photos before—they’re the generic, bland images that businesses use on their websites and in their marketing materials. You just have to invest in a camera and a stock photo website where you can upload your photos. Once people start buying your photos, you’ll make money every time someone downloads one of your images.
There are also many stock photo agencies out there where you can sell your photos, and they will take a commission from each sale. The two most popular are Shutterstock and iStockPhoto. You can earn a commission every time someone buys one of your photos.
12. Create podcasts
Podcasting is one of the great online businesses for beginners today. You need to be able to create high-quality audio content, but if you can, it’s a very popular way to reach an audience.
Podcasts are like radio shows that people can listen to on their computers or smartphones. They’re usually between 20 and 60 minutes long, and they can be about any topic you want. Many people use podcasts to talk about their hobbies, their businesses, or current affairs.
If you can create a popular podcast, you can make money from sponsorships, advertising, or selling merchandise. You can also get paid to speak at events or workshops.
13. Write resumes
If you have expertise in creating resumes, you may begin marketing your skills online. Many people don’t know how to write their own resumes, so they’re willing to pay someone else to do it for them.
You need to be able to write compelling, persuasive resumes that will get people hired. If you can do this, it can be a very profitable online business. You can set your own rates, and many people are willing to pay a lot of money for a quality resume.
14. Use your hobbies to make a profit
Do you engage in a passion-driven hobby? If so, you can turn your hobby into an online business. This is a great online business idea for beginners as you’re already familiar with your hobby and you’re more likely to be successful. Aside from that, you can start your business with little to no overhead costs.
For example, if you’re a talented musician, you can start offering music lessons online. Or, if you’re an avid gardener, you can start a gardening blog and sell plants and garden supplies online. Your hobby can be anything you’re passionate about, so long as there’s a market for it.
15. Create software
Software development is becoming increasingly popular as more and more businesses are reliant on technology. If you’re a talented programmer, you can create custom software and applications for companies in your niche. You will need to invest some time into learning the right coding languages, but once you have mastered them, you can create software that solves problems for people.
This is a difficult online business to start because coding isn’t easy, but it can be very rewarding. If you create an app or software that people want and need, you will be able to make money from it for years to come. There are even companies out there who are willing to pay developers large sums of money for their software.
16. Thrift store flipping
If you’re an experienced thrifter, you can use your skills to make some extra money. Thrift store flipping is when you buy items from thrift stores for a low price and then resell them online or at flea markets for a higher price.
This is a great way to make money with minimal effort. You just have to be able to find items that people will pay more for. If you’re good at spotting deals, this could be a great way for you to make some money.
17. Data Entry
Data entry is one of the simplest online business ideas for beginners. All you need is a computer and an internet connection, and you can start completing online data entry jobs from home.
Companies are always looking for people to complete online surveys, enter data into online databases, or transcribe audio files. Data entry jobs don’t pay very much, but if you have some free time, this could be a great way to make some extra money.
18. Freelance writing
If you’re a talented writer, then you might want to consider online freelance writing as an online business idea for beginners. Writers can find work on job boards or create their own blogs and start selling articles directly to online publications.
Freelance writing is a great online business to start because you can set your own rates and work as little or as much as you like. You just need a laptop, an internet connection, and the ability to write compelling content that people want to read. Plus, you can set up your blog with little to no money.
19. Stock or Forex trading
Stock or Forex trading is a great online business idea for those who are familiar with the stock market. You can buy and sell stocks online, using your own capital. This is a risky online business because the stock market can be volatile, but it can also be very lucrative if done correctly.
It’s important to do your research before getting started with online stock trading. Make sure that you understand the risks involved and have a solid understanding of how to analyze stocks before investing your own money.
20. Online tutoring
If you’re an experienced tutor, online tutoring could be one of the best online business ideas for beginners. You can offer online tutoring services to students around the world.
All you need is a computer with an internet connection and a webcam. You can set your own rates and work as much or as little as you like. Plus, online tutoring is becoming increasingly popular as more people turn to online learning instead of physical classes.
21. Transcription
Transcription is the process of converting audio recordings into written documents. Companies are always looking for skilled transcribers to help them with online transcription projects.
All you need to do is listen to an audio file and type out what you hear. It’s a great online business idea for those who want to make some extra money from home. Plus, it doesn’t require any special skills or knowledge to get started. One website that is popular for online transcription is TranscribeMe.
22. Social media management
Every business needs to have an online presence on social media these days. Social media managers help businesses manage their online presence by creating content and engaging with customers or followers online.
This online business is a great way for beginners to make some extra money, as you don’t need any special skills or knowledge to get started. All you need is a good understanding of online media and a passion for creating content. Plus, social media managers can work from anywhere, so it’s perfect for those who want to work remotely.
23. Offer digital marketing services
This is a great online business idea for those who want to help businesses reach more customers online. Digital marketers create online campaigns, manage ads, and analyze online data to help businesses grow.
We’ve written an ultimate guide for digital marketing that covers everything you need to know about online marketing in one place. Once you have a good understanding of online marketing, you can start offering your services to businesses online. This is a great online business idea for beginners who want to help businesses reach more customers online.
24. Graphic design
Do you have a knack for design? If so, online graphic design could be one of the best online business ideas for beginners that will fit perfectly your skill. You can design logos, website layouts, and other visual content for businesses online.
All you need to get started is a good computer and some graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. Then you can find clients online, or set up your own online graphic design shop.
25. Become a YouTuber
If you love creating videos, becoming a YouTuber could be one of the best online business ideas for beginners for you to try. You just need to create interesting content that people want to watch and then upload it to YouTube. Once you have enough subscribers and views, you can start to monetize your channel with online ads.
It’s a great online business idea for those who want to be creative and make some extra money online. Plus, you don’t need any special skills or knowledge to get started. All you need is an interesting idea and the dedication to keep creating content!
26. Travel consultant
Do you love to travel? If so, online travel consulting is the perfect online business for you. You can help people plan their trips online and offer advice on the best destinations around the world.
All you need to get started is a passion for travel and some knowledge about popular tourist destinations. You can find online resources that will help you learn more about online travel consulting and then start offering your services online.
27. Cybersecurity
As online businesses become more and more popular, cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important. Cybersecurity experts help online companies protect their data from online threats like hackers, malware, and other viruses.
If you have an interest in cybersecurity, this could be the perfect online business for you. All you need is an understanding of online security systems and some experience in online security. Then you can start offering your services online to help online businesses stay safe and secure.
28. SEO consulting
Search engine optimization, or SEO, is a very important part of online business success. SEO helps businesses rank higher in search engines so they can get more traffic to their websites.
You can learn SEO by checking one of our blogs or taking online courses. Once you have a good understanding of SEO, you can start offering your services to online businesses and help them reach more customers online. This is an ideal online business idea for beginners who want to make money online.
29. Virtual Telemarketer
Virtual telemarketers help online businesses contact potential customers and answer customer inquiries. All you need to get started is some good communication skills and the ability to use online systems like Skype, Zoom, or Slack to communicate with customers online.
You can also get certified in online sales if you want to learn more about how online businesses work. This online business is a great online business idea for beginners who want to make money online while also helping online businesses reach more customers.
30. Offer accounting or bookkeeping services
If you’re good with numbers, online accounting or bookkeeping could be a great online business for you. You can help online businesses manage their money and keep track of their finances online. All you need is a good understanding of financial documents and online systems like Quickbooks or Xero.
Online accounting and bookkeeping services are always in demand, so you can make good money online with this online business idea.
Conclusion
There are many types of online businesses for you to make passive income. You can start with any of these 30 online business ideas for beginners. With a little effort and perseverance, you can build a successful online business.
However, remember that it takes time to be successful. Therefore, if you don’t notice results right away, don’t give up. If you are persistent and patient, you will ultimately succeed in your goals.
Start your research now and choose the best online business idea for you!
