30 Proven and Easy to Start Online Business Ideas That Make Money

Starting an online business doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Whether you’re looking to earn extra income on the side or launch a full-time venture, there are plenty of affordable and straightforward options available. Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the rise of the digital economy and the countless opportunities it offers. As an online business veteran, I’ve helped numerous individuals and companies achieve success through strategic online ventures. In this article, I’ve compiled 30 proven and easy-to-start online business ideas that actually make money. These ideas cover various niches, from freelancing and selling digital products to offering online courses and services. All of these are beginner-friendly and will help set you up for success.

Why Start an Online Business?

In an era where technology is rapidly transforming the way we work and live, many traditional businesses and jobs are being disrupted. However, this same technological revolution is also creating a wealth of new opportunities for anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit. Starting an online business has never been easier, and it offers a multitude of advantages that make it an attractive option for individuals seeking financial independence and fulfillment.

Here are some compelling reasons to consider starting an online business:

• Wide Reach: The internet provides a global platform, allowing you to reach a vast audience beyond your local area. This opens up incredible opportunities to expand your customer base and tap into international markets.
• Scalability: Online businesses can grow quickly and efficiently with the right marketing strategies. Digital products and services can be scaled up without significant additional costs, making it easier to achieve significant growth without substantial overhead.
• Diverse Opportunities: The online marketplace offers a vast array of niches and opportunities to explore. From eCommerce and digital marketing to freelance work and online education, there’s a niche for everyone’s skills and interests.
• Work-Life Balance: Online businesses often offer greater flexibility and control over your schedule. You can work from anywhere with an internet connection, reducing commute time and allowing for a more balanced lifestyle.
• Passive Income Potential: Many online business models, such as affiliate marketing or selling digital products, offer the potential for passive income. This means you can earn money even when you’re not actively working, providing a source of ongoing revenue.

Important Note: Be wary of anyone promising quick riches with significant investments. These are often scams designed to exploit unsuspecting individuals. The ideas presented in this article are about building legitimate online businesses that require hard work, dedication, and a commitment to long-term success.

30 Proven and Easy to Start Online Business Ideas That Make Money

Ready to embark on your online entrepreneurial journey? Let’s explore 30 proven and easy-to-start online business ideas that can generate substantial income:

1. Start a Blog and Make Money From It

Blogging is one of the most successful ways to start an online business. Bloggers like Darren Rowse, John Lee Dumas, and Pat Flynn have built multi-million dollar empires from their blogs. Our founder, Syed Balkhi, also started WPBeginner as a blog and grew it into an eight-figure online business. Thousands of bloggers run very successful blogs as their full-time online businesses.

Starting a blog is incredibly easy, and there are many ways to monetize it. One popular method is displaying ads using Google AdSense. While you can launch a blog in less than 30 minutes, making it successful requires consistent effort. You need to provide useful, entertaining, and engaging content to your audience regularly.

Luckily, there are countless blog post ideas that you can use to create content and maintain a regular publishing schedule. As your blog grows, you can explore other monetization strategies like affiliate marketing, selling digital products, and creating online courses. You can even use your blog as a platform to launch other online businesses. Once you start driving traffic to your blog, you’ll discover that it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding businesses to start.

2. Become an Affiliate Marketer

Affiliate marketers earn commissions by recommending other people’s products or services. It’s a highly effective online business model, and many successful entrepreneurs have built their fortunes through affiliate marketing.

Most affiliate marketers recommend products and services through their own blogs, websites, and email lists. Mastering online marketing strategies like SEO, email marketing, social media marketing, and content marketing is crucial for building an audience and driving traffic to your affiliate links.

Numerous affiliate programs exist that you can join and start promoting products. To get started, I recommend following our ultimate affiliate marketing guide, which provides step-by-step instructions for beginners. You can even build an Amazon affiliate store using WordPress, simply listing products from Amazon on your website and earning a commission when someone clicks the link and completes a purchase.

3. Create and Sell Online Courses

If you’re passionate about a particular subject and have expertise to share, why not teach others and turn your knowledge into a profitable online business? Selling online courses is a popular and rewarding way to make money online.

Many individuals prefer to acquire skills and knowledge quickly through online courses. These courses offer flexibility and allow learners to study at their own pace. Creating an online course has become easier than ever with the help of Learning Management System (LMS) software. These platforms provide user-friendly tools for creating interactive courses, managing classes, students, course material, and more. The best part is that you don’t need any coding experience to build a course website.

To get started, check out our guide on how to create an online course with WordPress. People creating membership sites and courses on MemberPress earn over $1 billion each year, showcasing the immense potential of this business model.

4. Build an eCommerce Store

Selling things online has never been easier. Anyone can easily create an online store in minutes and start selling products. These products can be physical goods (requiring shipping) or digital downloads, such as eBooks, music, software, and more.

Before launching your eCommerce store, it’s essential to conduct market research to find a niche with high demand and low competition. Here are some tips for brainstorming ideas:

• Identify a niche with high demand and low competition: This will give you a better chance of success by targeting a specific group of customers with a limited number of competitors.
• Differentiate your eCommerce site: Offer unique value propositions and features that set you apart from other eCommerce businesses.
• Calculate costs and pricing: Determine the cost of acquiring products from manufacturers and delivering them to customers. Develop a competitive pricing model that offers great value to your customers while ensuring reasonable profit margins for your business.

You also need to choose a platform for your eCommerce business. The easiest way to get started is by using WooCommerce or Shopify. Both are great platforms, but I recommend WooCommerce. We’ve created a comprehensive comparison of their pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision. To get started, check out our step-by-step guide on how to create an online store in less than 30 minutes. Once your shop is up and running, explore these brilliant eCommerce marketing ideas to drive sales and grow your business.

5. Build a Membership Website

Membership websites generate revenue by selling subscriptions that provide access to premium content and community features. Instead of relying solely on advertising, you can allow users to directly support your website through paid memberships.

There are different types of membership websites. Some offer exclusive members-only content, while others provide access to community features like forums, Facebook groups, or Slack groups. It’s crucial to choose a niche that is valuable enough for users to pay for.

There’s a wealth of membership software available that can help you easily build any kind of online community. You can choose different subscription models, manage users, set up online payments, and more. To learn more, check out our ultimate guide to building a WordPress membership website with step-by-step instructions for beginners.

6. Make a Drop Shipping Website

Dropshipping blends elements of affiliate marketing and eCommerce. Essentially, you create an online store to sell other people’s products for a commission. You run an online store without managing inventory or shipping, making it a very low-overhead business.

The biggest advantage of dropshipping is the low barrier to entry, minimal investment, and little to no hassle. However, one disadvantage is that you’ll need to work hard to sell other people’s products at a lower profit margin. Most dropshipping businesses eventually start selling their own products to diversify and increase their profits.

7. Make an Online Job Board

Building a job-hunting website is another excellent online business opportunity. A job board website connects job seekers with employers for a small fee.

While there are plenty of online job search engines, you’ll need to find a specific niche to make your job board stand out. For example, you could create a job board specifically for app developers, designers, content writers, or pet sitters.

You can charge a fee for each job listing posted by employers, offer packages for multiple listings, or charge job seekers to upload their resumes. There are many job board plugins for WordPress that can help you efficiently run your job board business.

8. Create a Micro-Job Website

A micro-job website connects employers to freelancers and contractors for small, short-term tasks. Popular micro-job posting websites like Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, UpWork, and others generate millions of dollars annually.

You’ll act as a middleman between employers and freelancers. You’ll be paid by employers for each job and, after taking your commission, pay the rest to the freelancers upon job completion. To get started, read our beginner’s guide on how to start a micro-job website like Fiverr with WordPress.

9. Become an SEO Specialist

SEO, or search engine optimization, helps website owners attract more visitors from search engines. It’s a skill that requires continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest trends.

SEO specialists can run their own agencies, work as freelancers, or join companies as full-time employees. You can become an SEO consultant by running successful websites or getting certified online. To find clients, explore freelancing websites like UpWork and Freelancer.com.

SEO is a very competitive industry, so it’s crucial to make the most of the best SEO tools available. You’ll also need to learn basic WordPress SEO techniques, keyword research tools, and content marketing tools.

10. Make a Food or Recipe Blog

Food and recipe blogs are a lucrative blogging niche and a great online business opportunity. These blogs generate revenue through various models, including Google AdSense, affiliate marketing, selling recipe books, or running online stores.

To succeed in this competitive niche, you need to be passionate about food and cooking. Think of ways to make your food blog unique and interesting to stand out. For more details, check out our step-by-step guide to creating a food blog and making money from your recipes.

11. Become a WordPress Developer

WordPress powers over 43% of all websites on the internet, making it the world’s most popular website builder. This means millions of businesses worldwide rely on the platform.

This massive usage creates a huge demand for WordPress developers. WordPress is open-source software, allowing anyone to write code for it, create themes, and make WordPress plugins. As a WordPress developer, you can join top WordPress companies, work for big-name brands using WordPress, or run your own WordPress development agency.

Skills in PHP, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML are essential for WordPress development. To learn, there are numerous books, WordPress video tutorials, online courses, and WordPress tutorials available. I highly recommend investing time in developing these skills to open doors to lucrative career opportunities.

12. Build an Online Marketplace

Another proven and easy-to-start online business idea is to create an online marketplace website. These websites make money by allowing users to create their own mini-stores and sell products.

To attract sellers, choose a high-demand niche with low competition. Make your platform unique and attractive to both sellers and customers by offering a superior user experience and excellent support. To get started, check out our step-by-step tutorial on how to create an online marketplace website using WordPress.

13. Become a Graphic Designer

Graphic designers earn money by creating images, business logos, website designs, sales pages, and more. This is a massive industry with countless business and career opportunities.

To become a graphic designer, you’ll need to learn how to use professional design tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, etc. There are also many vocational training schools, colleges, and universities offering graphic design courses. To promote your graphic design career, create a portfolio to showcase your work and skills.

14. Start a Fashion Blog

If you’re interested in the latest fashion trends and news, why not turn your passion into a fashion blog and make money from it?

Fashion blogs attract a lot of advertisers, top brands, and promoters. Not only can you earn money from your blog, but you can also become an influencer and gain perks like free apparel, invitations to exclusive shows, and more. To get started, read our complete step-by-step guide on how to start a fashion blog and make money from it.

15. Become a Content Marketer

Content marketers help businesses promote their products and services by generating useful and highly engaging content. All businesses need content to attract customers, making content marketing a highly in-demand field.

Content marketers are skilled writers but are more than just bloggers. They specialize in finding content ideas to bring more visitors and use copywriting techniques to convert users into potential customers. To learn more, check out our ultimate content marketing guide with step-by-step instructions for beginners.

16. Become a PPC Expert

PPC, short for pay-per-click, is an advertising model where advertisers pay for their ads when users click on them. However, not all business owners know how to effectively run these campaigns to maximize their return on investment (ROI). PPC experts help businesses run pay-per-click advertising campaigns on platforms like Google AdWords.

They help find the right keywords and attributes to optimize campaigns and achieve the best possible ROI. You can learn PPC by running your own advertising campaigns and by reading the material available online. There are also online certification programs that you can take to showcase your skills. To find PPC jobs, explore popular freelancing websites where businesses actively seek PPC experts.

17. Start a Podcast

A podcast is an episodic series of audio files that users can subscribe to, download, and listen to. Podcasts are a great way to build a successful online business with many opportunities for growth.

Podcasts make money through advertisements, sponsorships, partnerships, and affiliate marketing. You’ll need to find a topic that is interesting and engaging to make your podcast stand out. To get started, check out our complete beginner’s guide on how to start a podcast with step-by-step instructions.

18. Make a Reviews Website

Creating a reviews website is another excellent online business idea. One of the most popular review sites, TripAdvisor, is valued at over $12 billion. However, this is a highly competitive industry, so I recommend finding a niche with low competition.

You can make money through affiliate marketing, displaying ads, or publishing paid reviews. To get started, check out our beginner’s guide on how to create a niche reviews website.

19. Buy and Sell Domain Names

Domain names are essential for creating websites. Once you register a domain name, you can use it indefinitely. However, many entrepreneurs buy domain names with the intention of selling them later at a higher price, similar to real estate.

This online business requires investment and patience, as you’ll be holding onto domain names while waiting for offers. It’s a highly competitive business, so it’s essential to do your research before getting started. Here’s our comparison of the best domain name registrars to help you get started.

20. Buy and Sell Niche Websites

Creating and monetizing websites has become easier than ever, enabling many entrepreneurs worldwide to build successful websites and sell them like any other business.

Websites like Flippa are excellent resources for buying and selling established websites. However, always conduct thorough research before making any investments. Flippa offers many resources to help you learn the basics of buying and selling websites.

There are also opportunities to buy underutilized websites, optimize their revenue and growth, and then resell them for a higher multiple.

21. Make an Auctions Website

Creating an eBay-like auction website is another easy-to-start online business idea. You’ll create a platform where users can buy and sell products through online auctions.

You can add products for auctions yourself or allow other vendors to run their own. You can charge vendors a flat fee or a percentage for each auction item. To get started, check out our step-by-step tutorial on how to build an auction site like eBay using WordPress.

22. Become an Instagram Star

If you enjoy taking photos and making videos, consider using Instagram to launch a lucrative online business. Instagram influencers earn significant money through sponsorships, product placements, endorsements, and more.

To get started, you’ll need a camera, basic photo editing skills, and a sprinkle of creativity. It’s also essential to have a consistent strategy for posting new content regularly. Mastering the art of using hashtags is crucial for reaching a wider audience. You can promote your Instagram posts by sharing them on your website, expanding your reach beyond your Instagram followers.

Having a website with a contact form is essential. It allows advertisers to contact you easily about potential endorsements or collaborations.

23. Become a YouTuber

If you love making videos, becoming a YouTuber is an excellent business opportunity. YouTube is the world’s largest video hosting platform, the second most popular search engine, and a massive global community of content creators.

This platform allows anyone to upload videos, create channels, and earn money from advertisements, sponsorships, and deals. Some YouTubers earn millions of dollars annually, and thousands earn six-figure incomes. You can create videos on any topic, from personal vlogs and educational channels like WPBeginner to video reviews, cooking channels, and almost anything you can imagine.

For more details, check out our guide on how to create a successful YouTube channel.

24. Become a Video Editor

If you enjoy making and editing videos but don’t want to start a YouTube channel, you can still use your skills to help other businesses. The immense popularity of YouTube and Facebook videos has created a high demand for video editors worldwide.

You can start by looking for gigs on freelancing websites. Initially, you’ll work with various clients, but soon you’ll have regular clients offering enough work to keep you busy. You can then grow your business by starting an agency or hiring other freelancers to help out.

Don’t worry if you don’t know how to make or edit videos. There are plenty of online resources offering free and paid tutorials and courses. Invest some time in learning the basic skills and start working right away. To find the perfect tools, check out our expert picks of the best video editing software.

25. Become a Narrator

Narrators provide voice talent to video creators, filmmakers, and other digital content producers. Many YouTube channels are actively seeking narrators for their videos. Some basic voice training can help you easily start a profitable career as a narrator.

You’ll need a good-quality microphone (I recommend Samson Mic or Rode Podcaster) and audio recording software to record your voice-overs. You can then send the audio files to clients for use in their videos. Explore job opportunities on freelancing websites to quickly build a steady stream of clients.

26. Offer Technical Support

Do you enjoy helping people on tech forums? If so, you can explore opportunities to get paid for your technical expertise.

Many online businesses are actively seeking technical support providers to assist their customers. Before you can start answering questions, familiarize yourself with the product or service. Many companies use live chat or a support ticketing system to answer customer questions. These jobs are often remote, allowing you to work from home.

27. Become a Lead Generation Expert

Lead generation experts help businesses find potential new customers or leads. They use professional tools like OptinMonster to capture leads or boost conversion rates. This process involves creating compelling opt-in forms, optimizing landing pages, and using targeted marketing campaigns.

To get started and master the necessary skills, check out our beginner’s guide on how to do lead generation in WordPress like a pro.

28. Start a Social Media Management Agency

In today’s digital world, social media is a powerful marketing tool for businesses. However, managing social media accounts effectively takes time, effort, and expertise. Social media management agencies help businesses manage their social media presence, creating and scheduling content, engaging with followers, and running social media ads.

To succeed in this field, you need to be familiar with various social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok. You should also understand social media marketing strategies, content creation, and analytics.

29. Offer Virtual Assistant Services

Virtual assistants (VAs) provide administrative, technical, or creative support to businesses and individuals remotely. They handle tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing emails, creating presentations, managing social media accounts, and more.

Virtual assistant services are in high demand as businesses seek cost-effective ways to outsource administrative tasks. To get started, you’ll need to develop specific skills and create a portfolio showcasing your expertise.

30. Create a Website Design Agency

Websites are the digital storefront for businesses, and a well-designed website is essential for success. Website design agencies help businesses create professional, user-friendly, and effective websites.

To build a website design agency, you’ll need to have a strong understanding of web design principles, user experience (UX), and website development. You should also be proficient in using website design tools like Adobe XD, Figma, and Webflow.

Conclusion

The online business world offers a wealth of opportunities for anyone willing to put in the effort and learn. By exploring these proven and easy-to-start online business ideas, you can turn your passion and skills into a profitable venture. Whether you’re seeking a side hustle or a full-time career, the digital economy provides a platform for you to achieve your entrepreneurial goals. Remember, success in any online business requires consistency, dedication, and a willingness to adapt to the ever-evolving digital landscape. If you’re ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of online entrepreneurship, I encourage you to take the first step today.

FAQs

What are some of the most profitable online business ideas?

Some of the most profitable online business ideas include affiliate marketing, selling online courses, building an eCommerce store, and creating membership websites. These models allow for scalability and passive income potential, making them attractive for generating substantial revenue.

How can I start an online business with no money?

Many online business ideas require minimal initial investment. You can start a blog, become an affiliate marketer, create and sell online courses, or offer services like virtual assistant or social media management without significant upfront costs. Focus on leveraging your existing skills and resources to get started.

What are the best tools for starting an online business?

Essential tools for starting an online business include a website builder like WordPress, an email marketing platform like Mailchimp or Constant Contact, a social media management tool like Hootsuite or Buffer, and a project management tool like Asana or Trello. Additionally, consider using SEO tools like Google Search Console and SEMrush to optimize your website for search engines.

How can I promote my online business?

Effective online business promotion strategies include:

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize your website and content for search engines to attract organic traffic.
• Social Media Marketing: Create engaging content and build a following on social media platforms.
• Email Marketing: Build an email list and send targeted campaigns to nurture leads and promote your products or services.
• Paid Advertising: Use platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads to reach a wider audience.
• Content Marketing: Create valuable and shareable content to attract and engage your target audience.

What are the legal requirements for starting an online business?

Legal requirements for starting an online business vary by location. Consult with a lawyer or accountant to determine the specific requirements for your jurisdiction. Generally, you’ll need to register your business, obtain any necessary licenses and permits, and comply with tax regulations. Additionally, ensure that your website complies with privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA.

How can I find customers for my online business?

Finding customers for your online business involves creating valuable content, building a strong online presence, using effective marketing strategies, and engaging with your target audience. Focus on providing excellent customer service and building trust to cultivate loyal customers.

How can I make my online business successful?

Key factors for online business success include:

• Passion and Purpose: Choose a business idea that aligns with your passions and interests to stay motivated and driven.
• Market Research: Conduct thorough market research to identify your target audience, competitors, and industry trends.
• Value Proposition: Offer unique value propositions that differentiate your business from competitors.
• Effective Marketing: Develop and implement effective marketing strategies to reach your target audience.
• Customer Service: Provide excellent customer service to build trust and loyalty.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with industry trends and adapt your business to the changing digital landscape.

What are some common online business mistakes to avoid?

Common online business mistakes include:

• Lack of Planning: Failing to create a business plan can lead to wasted time, resources, and effort.
• Ignoring Market Research: Not understanding your target audience and market trends can result in a lack of direction and poor decision-making.
• Poor Website Design: Having a poorly designed website can deter visitors and hurt your credibility.
• Insufficient Marketing: Not investing in marketing can prevent you from reaching your target audience.
• Neglecting Customer Service: Providing poor customer service can damage your reputation and lead to customer churn.
• Not Adapting to Change: The digital world is constantly evolving, so failing to adapt to changes can make your business obsolete.

What are some tips for starting an online business?

Tips for starting an online business include:

• Choose a Niche: Focus on a specific niche to attract a targeted audience.
• Build a Website: Create a professional and user-friendly website to showcase your business.
• Develop a Marketing Strategy: Plan your marketing efforts to reach your target audience.
• Provide Excellent Customer Service: Go above and beyond to satisfy your customers.
• Be Patient and Persistent: Building a successful online business takes time and effort.
• Learn from Mistakes: View mistakes as learning opportunities for growth.

Where can I find more information about starting an online business?

There are many resources available to help you start an online business, including:

• Blogs: WPBeginner, Neil Patel, and HubSpot provide valuable insights and resources for online business owners.
• Books: “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries and “The $100 Startup” by Chris Guillebeau offer practical advice and strategies for starting and growing an online business.
• Online Courses: Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare offer courses on various online business topics.
• Podcasts: Podcasts like “The Tim Ferriss Show” and “Entrepreneur on Fire” feature interviews with successful entrepreneurs who share their experiences and insights.
• Networking Events: Attend industry events and conferences to connect with other entrepreneurs and learn from their experiences.

If you’re interested in learning more about tech news, feel free to visit my website: www.naveedahmed.me.