You've probably heard about many different types of businesses that you can have online or run from home. Whether it's creating and selling crafts, running a blog, or even becoming an affiliate marketer -- there are plenty of ways to make money through this type of venture. But before you dive into any sort of business plan, let's first discuss what exactly constitutes as "online" versus "offline."
The term "online" has been used loosely over time when referring to anything related to technology. In reality, however, the definition should be much more specific than just using the Internet. The best way to define whether something is considered online vs offline would be to think of physical locations where people could physically go to engage in a certain activity. For instance, if you're looking at a piece of art, it's not really possible to view it unless it's actually hanging up somewhere in public (unless you bring your phone). If I'm talking to someone face-to-face instead of via text message, then we're still technically doing things online because communication occurs electronically. However, if I'm sitting down across from each other while playing cards, then we'd consider ourselves offline.
Now that we know what we mean by the terms "on-site" and "off-site," let's get back to discussing what opportunities exist for businesses. There are quite a few! We'll cover some below but also take a look at our list of top 10 online business ideas to see which ones might be right for you.
As mentioned above, it goes without saying that one main benefit of owning an online business is flexibility. You don't need to worry about finding a location to open up shop, nor do you have to deal with paying rent or utilities. This means you can work from anywhere you want, whenever you feel like working. Additionally, since you aren't restricted to traditional brick & mortar stores, you can offer products and services that may otherwise only appeal to those who live within driving distance.
Another major advantage of owning an online business is the potential for earning passive income. Passive income refers to earnings made without requiring too much effort. While active income requires constant attention, passive income will continue to generate revenue month after month, year after year. Think of a typical 9-5 job. At least part of every day you're required to show up, stay productive, and perform well enough so that your boss doesn't fire you. With passive income though, all you have to do is keep putting out good content and/or services and wait for customers to come searching for them.
To give you an idea of how this works, here's a quick look at two popular examples of companies that make substantial amounts of passive income. Amazon makes billions annually off of its eCommerce platform alone. Meanwhile, YouTube earns hundreds of millions per year from advertising. Both of these platforms rely heavily on user engagement. As users browse their sites, they often find videos that they end up watching, which leads to further usage and ad views. And once advertisers realize that these viewers are engaged, they spend more money to reach their target audience.
There are countless other methods of making passive income available to entrepreneurs online. Some involve publishing books, writing articles, offering coaching sessions, renting space to host events, etc. Whatever method you choose, it's important to understand that building a successful online business takes consistent hard work. Just like with any other endeavor, success comes with practice and persistence.
Aside from the fact that the majority of us now have access to computers, smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc., another reason why it's such an attractive option is due to the amount of competition online. Online sellers don't always have to compete against large corporations whose sole purpose is to drive traffic to their websites and sell massive quantities of inventory. Instead, they can easily compete against small businesses trying to establish themselves in new markets or simply build upon existing clientele.
With the growth of social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Snapchat, Reddit, Tumblr, Google+, LinkedIn, and others, consumers enjoy being able to interact directly with brands and merchants rather than going to third party sites to order merchandise. Even big retailers are getting in on the action, opening up virtual storefronts that allow shoppers to purchase items straight from their mobile devices.
Of course, there are also downsides to owning an online store. One challenge is dealing with payment processors, fraud protection, customer service, shipping costs, taxes, fulfillment logistics, and more. Another drawback involves managing inventory and ensuring quality control. A lot of times, it's difficult to tell what's real and what isn't until the item arrives.
However, if you can overcome these obstacles, there are numerous opportunities for success. Plus, with the proliferation of technology today, anyone can create a website relatively inexpensively. All you need is a domain name, hosting account, WordPress theme, and maybe some graphics thrown in.
One great place to begin researching your next step is to check out the resources listed below. They provide information on topics ranging from how to set up a basic drop shippping business to how to become an expert copywriter to a number of helpful guides on how to launch an effective eCommerce site. However, you should note that these lists are merely suggestions. It's ultimately up to you to determine which options suit your needs best.
While there are several advantages associated with operating an online business, the biggest perk is undoubtedly freedom. You no longer have to wake up early everyday to commute to work, rush around town during lunch break, sit behind a desk all day long, or spend hours waiting for orders to ship. Nowadays, you can simply log onto your computer and continue to earn money from the comfort of your home.
And although it does require a fair bit of skill, entrepreneurship provides you with the ability to create whatever career path you desire. So regardless of whether you decide to pursue full-time employment, freelance gigs, consulting projects, self-employment, or something else entirely, there's boundless room for personal satisfaction.
If you enjoyed this article, please share it with others who might also appreciate learning more about opportunities for online businesses. Also, if you'd like to learn more about what's involved with setting up an eBusiness, read our guide on How To Start An Online Business From Scratch. Or, check out these awesome tips on how to save $10k+ a year on startup expenses. Lastly, if you'd like to discover the secrets behind the world's highest paid bloggers, be sure to download our free ebook, Top Ten Secrets Of High Paying Bloggers.
Starting a new venture or pursuing a career change can be difficult if you don't know where to begin. If you're looking for ways to make money and have fun at it, then maybe one of the best places to turn is to look into Internet-based ventures. The internet has opened up so many possibilities for people who want to earn extra cash with their free time. You may not need any special skills to get started.
The internet has become more accessible than ever before, whether you use a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or even smartwatch like Apple Watch Series 4. With such a wide range of options available, anyone can find something that suits them. From making jewelry to selling clothes, there's plenty of ways to make money when you set up shop on the internet.
In this article we'll go over several great online business ideas (many of which will work well as side hustles) - all of which require minimal startup costs. We'll also explore potential pitfalls and problems associated with each idea, along with other tips for success. Let us help you figure out what type of online business might suit you!
There are five main types of businesses you could run through the internet. They include eCommerce, affiliate marketing, dropshipping, consulting, and freelancing. Here's a brief overview of each.
eCommerce -- This refers to running an online store, whether physical or virtual. It includes things like fashion brands, food delivery services, and retail stores. These businesses often sell products directly by themselves but they usually partner with others to offer additional items. Some popular examples include Amazon, Etsy, Walmart Marketplace, eBay, and Alibaba.
Affiliate Marketing -- This involves promoting someone else's product without having to pay upfront. Instead, you receive commission whenever a sale happens. There are two kinds of affiliate programs: product sales and content advertising. Popular sites like ClickBank and ShareASale generate revenue using both methods.
Dropship -- Dropshipping involves buying inventory off another company's website. Then you ship your customers' orders yourself, rather than paying third parties like fulfillment centers or logistics companies. Many drop shippers do this to save money because they only charge once per order instead of multiple times. For example, say you buy $100 worth of shoes off AliExpress. You would then resell those same shoes for $150 on your site. That way, you avoid paying for storage space, packaging materials, and transportation fees.
Consulting -- Consulting doesn't involve owning a storefront or warehouse full of inventory. Rather, consultants provide advice and guidance to clients. Examples of common consulting jobs include legal assistance, HR, accounting, financial planning, and IT support. Most professionals in these fields are paid hourly rates, though some choose to bill by project.
Freelance Work -- Freelancers can offer writing, graphic design, photography, translation, programming, app development, social media management, SEO/SEM, video editing, voiceover recording, data entry, copywriting, customer service, and much more. As long as you have experience doing whatever job you're offering, you should be able to land gigs.
You've probably heard about "opportunity" being synonymous with luck, especially since many people believe good fortune comes with winning the lottery. But while it does come down to chance, there are actually seven different factors that contribute to creating opportunities.
1. Your education -- Whether you were lucky enough to attend college or not, now is the perfect time to take advantage of educational resources. Online courses, books, podcasts, videos, and websites can teach you just about anything related to entrepreneurship, finance, creative arts, technology, etc. You can learn almost anything online today, so why not try it?
2. Networking -- Don't limit yourself to attending networking events alone. Reach out to friends and family members, join Facebook groups, LinkedIn Groups, meetups, and other community forums. Find out what topics interest them and ask questions. By connecting with likeminded individuals, you can build valuable relationships that lead to greater opportunities later.
3. Experience -- Having relevant knowledge and skills allows you to stand apart from everyone else. Take classes, read articles, watch YouTube tutorials, listen to podcasts, and sign up for certifications. When you show employers that you're serious about learning, you'll prove to them that you care about improving yourself. Plus, a strong portfolio shows prospective bosses that you have previous accomplishments under your belt.
4. Passion -- Being passionate about something helps motivate you to succeed. It gives you energy throughout the day and keeps you focused on achieving goals. So why wouldn't you invest your passion into building a successful business?
5. Location -- Where you live plays a huge role in determining your income level. For instance, living near a hub for business activity means more demand for local talent. Conversely, living far away from a city center increases commuting expenses and makes it harder to attract workers. Even within cities, areas close to airports tend to bring higher prices due to increased traffic congestion.
6. Personality -- People hire people they like. If you enjoy interacting with strangers and meeting new people every day, consider becoming a personal assistant. Or perhaps you'd prefer working behind the scenes in an office setting. In either case, you'll likely gain employment faster if you possess outgoing personality traits, including charisma, confidence, enthusiasm, patience, professionalism, and likability.
7. Interests -- What interests you personally? Do you love playing sports? Are you interested in music? Maybe you enjoy hiking or biking. Whatever your hobbies are, chances are you could create a niche around them and market your talents toward that audience.
Aside from general categories like education, location, and personality, there are seven specific industries that produce lucrative opportunities. Each offers its own perks and challenges.
1. Information Technology -- Software engineers, designers, developers, cloud specialists, network admins, security experts, and information architects are among the highest earners in this field. On average, tech employees earn $95k annually (compared to the national median of $44,000). However, you must first obtain a degree in software engineering, computer science, or similar technical subject matter.
2. Finance & Accounting -- Financial analysts, accountants, bookkeepers, tax preparers, financial advisors, insurance agents, stock brokers, investment bankers, and bank tellers are among the highest earning professions here. Average salaries vary depending on geographic region, years of experience, and desired specialty. Accountants typically make $58-$86k per year.
3. Healthcare -- Doctors, nurses, dentists, chiropractors, optometrists, podiatrists, massage therapists, acupuncturists, athletic trainers, and medical assistants are among the highest earners in healthcare. Although you must complete four years of undergraduate studies to practice medicine, doctors earn more than $200k per year on average. Nurses can expect to earn anywhere from $40k-$70k yearly.
4. Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering -- Engineers, chemists, mechanical engineers, chemical engineers, industrial engineers, electrical engineers, manufacturing managers, and quality control supervisors are among the highest earners in this field. A master's degree in manufacturing or industrial engineering takes approximately three years to finish.
5. Real Estate & Construction Management -- Property managers, real estate investors, and construction contractors are among the highest earners in this field. Depending on the size of your property, you could potentially make upwards of $50k annually. An associate's degree in real estate or construction management takes approximately 2 1/2 years to complete.
6. Retail Sales -- Store clerks, cashiers, grocery checkouts, pharmacy technicians, shoe fitters, and beauty salon owners are among the highest earners in this profession. To qualify, you must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate. Stores in malls and big box retailers typically pay better than small shops. According to Glassdoor, retail salespersons earned on average $42k annually during 2018.
7. Travel & Tourism -- Tour guides, travel concierges, tour directors, cruise staff, and resort hotel staff are among the highest earners in this field. You must possess a bachelor's degree in tourism, hospitality, recreation administration, or equivalent program to pursue this occupation. Those who specialize in luxury resorts can expect to make $54k per year on average.
Which ones sound interesting? Which ones seem too risky? How can I determine which option is right for me? All of these questions deserve thorough answers. Fortunately, you already found them in our list above. Now let's move on to the next section!
Starting a new venture and looking for ways to make money with it can seem overwhelming at times. But if you know where to look, there's no shortage of ways to make money online. And that includes finding ways to earn extra income through side hustles or by launching your own online business.
In this article I'll go over several different types of ventures you might consider opening up as well as offer advice about which ones may best suit your interests. After all, not every idea will work for everyone. So let's get started!
Before we move forward, here's something important to note regarding making money online: The internet has changed many things in our lives. It also changes them again when we use it to build ourselves into successful entrepreneurs. In short, you're free to do whatever you want with the money you've earned, so long as you don't break any laws doing so. You have freedom to create your own life without having to worry about anyone telling you otherwise. That means you should never feel like someone else owns your success. Instead, pursue what makes you happy and enjoy building yourself up to become the person you were meant to be. That way, whether you succeed or fail, you won't ever regret anything.
Now, onto more practical matters. There are tons of possibilities when it comes to creating your own side gig or even branching out into full blown entrepreneurship. Here are just a few options to check out:
1) Starting your very own clothing brand. If you love fashion but aren't sure exactly what type of products would appeal to customers, then why not try designing your own designs instead? This isn't as hard as people think either -- once you figure out what works, you can easily take those concepts and turn them into actual clothes (or other items). Plus, if you find success, you can expand your company to sell wholesale and/or retail.
2) Drop shipping your own products. Many companies already exist that allow others to drop ship their product inventory. What they provide is essentially an outsourced warehouse space that allows you to store and distribute thousands upon thousands of products at low cost. For example, Amazon offers Fulfillment By Amazon service, which allows sellers to rent out their warehouses to third parties and receive payments after each sale. They don't actually handle customer orders themselves though, so you still need to market your products directly.
3) Selling digital downloads using affiliate links. As mentioned above, Amazon provides its affiliates with access to millions of products, allowing them to promote specific brands whenever they'd like. However, while Amazon provides this opportunity, it doesn't mean you must use it. Plenty of other platforms exist that allow you to set up shop and sell your products directly. One such platform is Etsy. With this site, you simply upload pictures of your creations and list them for potential buyers to purchase. Once sold, you receive payment via PayPal.
4) Creating physical products and selling them online. Another option is to open up a brick-and-mortar storefront for customers to come visit. Of course, depending on what you produce and who you plan to target, this might not be feasible. Alternatively, you can try selling products online instead. Again, there are plenty of sites available that allow you to place ads promoting your wares. When interested consumers click on your ad, they instantly enter your website where they purchase your item(s). Then, after paying via Paypal, you send them a confirmation email containing tracking information for easy followup.
5) Freelancing services. While you can certainly freelance for clients outside of the internet, one thing that sets freelancers apart is the ability to focus on a single task rather than working on multiple projects simultaneously. If you're able to master one skill really well, you can potentially charge anywhere from $100-$1000 per hour. Some popular areas include graphic design, programming, writing content, SEO, social media management, etc.
6) Making videos and posting them on YouTube. Similar to blogging, video creation is another great avenue if you're comfortable producing high quality material. Depending on the topic, you can post your videos on various websites including Vimeo, DailyMotion, and YouTube. Also, remember to always tag your videos with relevant keywords so viewers can find them later.
7) Listing your home for rental on Airbnb. Airbnb is a fantastic resource because it lets individuals and families share living spaces with strangers. However, unlike traditional hotels, guests pay hosts only for the time spent in their homes. Therefore, the entire house becomes an additional revenue stream for homeowners. To begin listing your property, sign up for Airbnb and fill out the application form. Next, head back to the homepage and select "Start Now" followed by "Add New Property".
8) Renting out unused storage space on Uhaul.com. Not only does this give you quick cash, but it also helps reduce clutter around your apartment. Just head to Uhaul.com and search for local listings near you.
9) Hosting meetups. A simple way to grow your network is to host regular events at coffee shops, bars, restaurants, libraries, parks, etc. People tend to gather together during off hours and you can usually expect to see both locals and tourists alike.
10) Building your own eCommerce website. Whether you choose WordPress, Shopify, Big Commerce, Magento, Wix, SquareSpace, or a custom solution, there are countless ways to set up your own online presence. From hosting photos to providing detailed descriptions of your merchandise, you can make your website stand out among competitors. Additionally, you can integrate payment systems like Stripe, Paypal, Braintree, Authorize.net, and Google Wallet to accept credit card transactions.
11) Selling your crafts on Etsy. Like Etsy itself, this marketplace is known for being a hub of creative talent. If you're skilled enough to craft beautiful pieces, you can easily set up shop there and sell your wares.
12) Running a blog. Blogging involves maintaining a website that focuses primarily on written content. Since there's nothing stopping you from monetizing your website, you can choose to advertise products related to your niche or write articles revolving around current trends. Either approach brings in traffic, meaning readers will likely spend time browsing your page before buying anything.
13) Setting up a membership site. Membership sites often require users to register in order to gain access. Once registered, members can join groups, download resources, and view exclusive content. These kinds of sites can be used to generate passive income by charging monthly fees to existing subscribers.
14) Selling digital books. Kindle, Kobo, Nook, Apple Books, Scribd, Oyster, and Barnes & Noble are just a handful of retailers that allow individual authors to publish eBooks directly to their respective stores.
15) Becoming a virtual assistant. Virtual assistants help nontechnical professionals complete administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings, booking travel arrangements, running errands, managing finances, and much more. Depending on your skillset, you can charge anywhere from $25-$50 per hour.
16) Working remotely. Companies worldwide are increasingly hiring remote workers to perform specialized jobs requiring minimal human interaction. Examples include call center representatives, software engineers, editors, writers, researchers, accountants, and salespersons. Not surprisingly, demand for these positions continues to increase due to the rising popularity of telecommuting.
17) Freelance editing. Editing documents, reports, presentations, images, audio files, and much more requires advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Premiere Elements, Final Cut Express, Sound Forge, Garageband, Audacity, Camtasia Studio, Movie Maker, Lightroom, iMovie, and numerous other applications. If you possess strong communication skills and technical abilities, you can charge anywhere from $75-$200 per hour.
18) Writing copywriting. Copywriters specialize in crafting text pertaining to topics ranging from general interest to industry-specific niches. Their job mainly revolves around developing compelling headlines and captions that compel readers to continue reading. Although it takes years of practice, learning to write good copy is definitely worth pursuing since it pays fairly well ($20-$60 per 500 words).
19) Transcribing recordings. Recording devices capture spoken word and convert it to sound waves. Those sound waves eventually end up on tape or disc. Before transferring data to other mediums, recording companies hire transcribers to listen carefully and record verbatim quotes spoken by actors and celebrities. Because of this, transcriptionists typically command higher wages ($40-$70 per 40 minute session) compared to entry level positions.
20) Tutoring students. Online tutors assist learners throughout school, college, and beyond. Depending on the subject matter, tutors charge anywhere from $25-$150 per half hour lesson.
Just follow our battle-tested guidelines and rake in the profits.