Running an online business is a dream for many would-be entrepreneurs, promising financial security and independence. We’ve compiled this list of the best online small business ideas to assist you in starting your own online business and gaining the flexibility and freedom that comes with it. None of these online business ideas require a physical storefront, and some only require you to provide a service rather than a physical product.
Not to mention, working from home allows you to set your own hours, be your own boss, and take advantage of home office tax breaks. If you’re ready to pursue your dream of becoming an internet entrepreneur, start with this list of online business ideas for beginners and choose the one that best suits your skills and interests.
The best online business ideas
With the enormous growth of the internet and technology in general, there is an online business idea for everyone, regardless of prior work experience or background. Starting an online business is one of the quickest, easiest, and most cost-effective ways to start a business in general, especially since all you need is a laptop and an internet connection.
Working from home has become increasingly popular in corporate cultures around the world, inspiring entrepreneurs to take control of their careers and start their own businesses. Plus, if you’re not ready to go all-in on your online business right now, many of these ideas can be started part-time and scaled up as your side hustle grows.
- Video production
Another online business idea that might appeal to you is video, especially if you’re creative or have a background in digital production. With the current emphasis on video on social media and other websites, this is a trend you’ll want to take advantage of while you still can. As a video producer, you can work with a variety of clients in a variety of industries to shoot, cut, and edit videos to produce the ideal final product.
Although video production can be technical, it can also allow you to explore a unique medium of storytelling while also exercising your creativity. Before starting a video production make sure to learn about various editing software.
- Social media marketing
If you’re good at getting likes, favourites, retweets, followers, shares, comments, and clicks, a career in social media marketing might be for you. You can turn your favourite hobby into a day job by advising businesses on how to manage their social media profiles, distribute their content across the Web, keep their brands on track, and respond to customer questions.
- Freelance writing
You could become a freelance writer instead if you’re good with words. You can contribute blog posts if you have access to the internet and a keyboard.
If you have a specific area of interest or expertise, it will help your employers understand that you are qualified to comment on certain topics. Your writing will, however, always be the most important factor. Do you have a good command of the English language? Do you put forth the effort to truly comprehend what you’re discussing? Are you targeting the appropriate audience? This online business idea is ideal if you’re comfortable with your writing abilities.
- Writing a blog
While a blog isn’t exactly a business, it can certainly help you with any of these online business ideas.
Writer or designer on the side? In each post, demonstrate your abilities. Do you have a passion for coding, photography and video, fitness, food, or anything else? Write excellent articles on those topics to demonstrate your expertise.
People will read more if they trust your authority, and the larger your audience, the easier it will be to grow your business through blogging. Even if you’re still undecided about which of these online business ideas to pursue, starting a blog is always a good idea because it establishes an online presence from which to build.
- Photography
Those with photographic talent should consider turning their hobby into a source of income. If you’re comfortable sharing your lens with millions of others, stock photo sites like Shutterstock and iStock will pay you a commission on the images you sell, so this is an easy and convenient way to fund your freedom.
Furthermore, if you’re particularly gifted, you might want to sell your photos on more exclusive sites with higher commission rates — or even your own website or online store.
Conclusion
These online business ideas aren’t just ways to get away from the office, at the end of the day. Instead, they provide a level of independence that most people do not have: managing yourself, setting your own hours and goals, and taking full responsibility for your work. Having said that, while starting an online business allows you to be more flexible, it also requires you to work extremely hard to find clients, market your services, and maintain a consistent cash flow.