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Online Business Ideas You Can Start Tomorrow
The best online business ideas will be an ideal match for your skills, strengths and expertise—these ideas will get you started.
Table of Contents
Starting a business doesn’t have to be difficult, especially in a digital-first economy. Many online businesses can be up and running in just 24 hours using low-code tools and established marketplaces, making them a great option for entrepreneurs who want to start building a business right away.
We’ve researched dozens of online business ideas you can start quickly and affordably. With some hard work and diligent planning, you could soon own and maintain an online business that gives you the freedom to make money anywhere in the world.
Online business ideas you can start quickly
Whether you want to become a full-time entrepreneur or start a part-time online business to generate side income, your product or service should fulfill a specific consumer need. We’ve compiled a list of potentially profitable online businesses that have minimal startup costs and are easy to get up and running quickly.
1. Web Design and Development Business
The digital landscape continues to evolve, creating unprecedented opportunities for creative professionals. Web design and development have become critical services for companies seeking to establish a strong, engaging digital presence. As mobile browsing continues to dominate, businesses are increasingly desperate for responsive, fast-loading sites that perform well on smartphones and tablets.
Web professionals offer a range of services from aesthetic design to complex technical development, creating websites that are not just visually appealing but also functionally robust. Your work might involve crafting intuitive user interfaces and ensuring seamless user experiences across multiple devices. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034. The advent of AI and “vibe-coding” have slowed the growth projections of these professions, but professional developers and designers remain necessary for the work that AI can’t reliably perform.
To launch a web design or development business, invest in comprehensive skill development through online courses, certification programs, and continuous learning of emerging technologies. Build a professional portfolio showcasing diverse project capabilities, create a personal website that demonstrates your technical and creative expertise, and network with local businesses and entrepreneurs.
2. Online Blogging
Content creation has transformed from a hobby to a legitimate business model. Digital platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for individuals to share expertise, build audiences, and generate meaningful income through strategic online publishing. Modern blogging often extends beyond a simple website to include newsletter subscriptions, offering a direct line to your audience’s inbox.
Successful bloggers develop comprehensive content strategies that provide consistent, high-value information. Your work involves identifying compelling niches, creating engaging content, and understanding search engine optimization techniques. Revenue streams have diversified significantly. In addition to ad revenue, creators now leverage premium gated content, exclusive community access and direct merchandise sales.
Establishing a profitable blogging business requires strategic investment in your digital infrastructure and marketing capabilities. Begin by selecting a professional website platform and creating a consistent publishing schedule. Invest in quality writing tools and analytics software to understand your audience better.
3. Virtual Assisting
The modern business ecosystem increasingly relies on flexible, remote administrative support so entrepreneurs can optimize operational efficiency. Virtual assistance has emerged as a critical service enabling businesses to manage complex administrative tasks without maintaining full-time, on-site staff.
Virtual assistants (VAs) provide comprehensive administrative support across multiple domains. While traditional tasks like scheduling and email management remain core services, high-value VAs now offer specialized support in areas like CRM management, webinar moderation and basic AI-prompt engineering. Success requires exceptional organizational skills, proficiency with digital tools, and the flexibility to adapt to diverse business environments.
Launching a virtual assistant business involves building a professional digital infrastructure and developing a comprehensive service offering. Start by creating profiles on professional platforms like Upwork or specialized VA networks. Consider specializing in a specific industry, such as real estate or medical administration, to command higher rates.
4. Grant Writing
The world of nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and community initiatives relies heavily on securing financial support through carefully crafted grant proposals. There are also many small business grants out there that private companies may qualify for.
Grant writers are professional wordsmiths and strategic communicators who specialize in developing compelling narratives that convince funding bodies to invest in specific projects. With the increasing complexity of federal and private funding requirements, organizations are willing to pay a premium for writers who can navigate the compliance landscape. Your work will involve detailed research and meticulously documenting project goals.
To launch a grant writing business, invest in professional development, including specialized certification courses in grant writing and nonprofit management. Build a strong portfolio by initially offering services to local nonprofits or community organizations.
5. Public Relations
In an increasingly connected world, a company’s reputation can be its most valuable asset. The digital age has transformed how organizations communicate, creating unprecedented opportunities for skilled PR professionals.
Public relations specialists serve as strategic communicators who manage an organization’s narrative. Today, this role heavily involves reputation management on review sites and social media, not just pitching to traditional news outlets. Your responsibilities might include drafting press releases, managing media relationships, and creating comprehensive campaigns that position your clients as thought leaders.
Establishing a PR business requires building a robust network of media contacts and developing a compelling portfolio. Start by creating a professional website that showcases your communication expertise and leverage social media platforms to demonstrate your strategic thinking.
6. Clothing Line
The fashion industry continues to evolve, offering entrepreneurial designers unique opportunities to create distinctive brands. The rise of print-on-demand (POD) technology has lowered the barrier to entry, allowing designers to sell custom apparel without holding massive inventory.
Clothing line entrepreneurs design, produce, and market original fashion collections. Your work involves trend research, textile selection, design creation, and building a comprehensive marketing approach that tells your brand’s unique story. Success requires a keen eye for design and an understanding of sustainable materials, which is increasingly important to modern consumers.
Launching a clothing line demands investment in design skills and marketing infrastructure. Begin by developing a clear brand concept and establishing relationships with manufacturers or POD suppliers. Invest in e-commerce platform setup and targeted digital marketing campaigns.
7. Small business consulting
Consultants advise businesses and individuals on various issues and business aspects. An online consultancy offers a limitless client reach, and you can get started quickly and easily.
In particular, small business consultants use their skills to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and overcome obstacles. Recent economic shifts have created a high demand for consultants who specialize in operational efficiency and remote team management. Your chances of success are greater if you focus your strategy on a niche aspect of consulting.
8. SEO consulting
If you know the ins and outs of search engines and have technical skills in platforms such as Google Ads and Google Analytics, becoming a search engine optimization (SEO) consultant may be a lucrative option. Many small business owners don’t realize how much of an impact SEO can have on their business.
Start your online SEO consulting business by educating clients on the power of SEO to help transform their websites. With the integration of AI overviews in search results, businesses need updated strategies to remain visible. Use your skills to show business owners the benefits of analytics data and strategic content structure.
9. Social media consulting
Social media consultants are in top demand as social media for business becomes more crucial. According to Pew Research, 84 percent of U.S. adults use YouTube, and 71 percent use Facebook, highlighting the massive audience available to businesses that effectively manage these channels.
As a social media consultant, you can help small businesses devise tactics, create content calendars and develop an overall content strategy to reach their target audience. As their follower counts grow, so will your business.
10. Niche market e-commerce retail
There’s an audience for everything, even if it’s as specific as dollhouse furniture or organic dog food. With a niche e-commerce site, you can reach customers seeking your specific products. Finding a business niche can help you differentiate yourself from other brands. Utilize social listening tools to evaluate consumer needs and develop a product to sell in your online store.
To get your e-commerce business up and running, you need a web hosting service with an integrated shopping cart feature or e-commerce software. To simplify the shipping process, you can work with vendors to ship products to customers on your behalf.
11. Affiliate marketing
If you love leaving customer reviews, consider looking into affiliate marketing. Word-of-mouth advertising is still a powerful lead generator. Even without a massive following, “micro-influencers” can earn significant revenue by targeting highly specific communities with trusted recommendations.
Affiliate programs break down into different involvement levels:
- Unattached affiliate marketing: This uses pay-per-click campaigns that require little or no involvement with the product you are promoting.
- Related affiliate marketing: This requires you to have some authority and content on the product you’re marketing, but you don’t personally have to use the product.
- Involved affiliate marketing: This is often the most effective, as it involves marketing a product that you actually use and enjoy.
If you have a personal website or social media presence, affiliate programs may be a profitable approach. PR reps always seek out brand ambassadors so they can send free samples.
12. Remote tech support business
Many small businesses don’t have room in their budgets to hire a full-time IT employee. When their systems go on the fritz, they usually call a computer-literate friend or family member. Given the rise in cybersecurity threats, businesses are also looking for support with secure setups and data protection. You can eliminate their need to call in a favor by offering immediate technical assistance via remote desktop software.
Although some businesses may prefer you to have a technical degree, many will look to your experience and knowledge instead. You can build your remote tech support business by contacting local business owners to inquire about their tech support needs.
13. Digital handmade craft shop
Online marketplaces for handmade goods, like Etsy and its competitors, make it extremely easy for artisans to sell their wares online. Alternatively, many creators are now building independent storefronts using platforms like Shopify to avoid marketplace transaction fees. If you can produce a steady supply of quality handmade products to sell online, this is a solid option.
Startup costs for this business idea are extremely low if you purchase your creative materials in bulk. Local artisans find higher success when they promote their businesses on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.
14. App development
Mobile applications are more popular than ever. If you have a great new idea for an app and know how to code, consider creating one. You can also become a mobile app developer for businesses that must create proprietary apps.
Even if you are not an expert coder, the rise of “no-code” and “low-code” development platforms allows entrepreneurs to build functional apps with visual drag-and-drop interfaces. However, for complex projects, knowing languages like SQL, JavaScript, PHP, Python, or Swift is still highly valuable.
15. Search engine development
Google and Bing are ubiquitous, but they don’t necessarily address all users’ needs. If you’re an expert in a specific field, consider building a specialized search engine that helps people find highly curated, verified information that general search engines might miss. Your chances of success might be higher if your search engine allows users to insert deep parameters, such as specific scientific subtopics or source types.
16. Dropshipping
If you want to run an e-commerce site, you might be worried about inventory management and storage. With dropshipping, you can take customer orders in an online store and send them directly to a third-party retailer for fulfillment. Success in dropshipping now relies heavily on finding reliable suppliers who can offer fast shipping times to compete with major retailers.
17. Online tutoring
If you’re great at explaining things in a one-on-one setting and have ample experience and knowledge in a subject, consider starting an online tutoring business. Demand is particularly high for STEM subjects and standardized test preparation. You can use video chat tools to conduct sessions remotely and offer your knowledge to anybody, anytime, anywhere.
18. Online training
As with tutoring, you can share your expertise to benefit people worldwide. Starting an online business that offers digital courses is a scalable way to earn money. Platforms like Teachable and Thinkific make it easy to upload video lessons, worksheets, and quizzes, allowing you to create a passive income stream over time.
19. YouTube education
YouTube makes it especially easy to start an online education business. Upload videos of yourself educating viewers on any subject, and use social media to spread the word about your channel. Short-form educational content is currently a major driver of channel growth and discovery. As your number of viewers grows, you’ll be able to monetize your videos.
20. Telecoaching
For a more personalized, one-on-one experience, consider telecoaching. Some people looking for help might want something more than lessons. People who are seeking to advance their careers, improve their nutrition or find more meaning in their lives could benefit from your coaching. Coaches often bundle one-on-one sessions with digital products like journals or habit trackers to increase the value of their packages.
If you run a blog for your business or regularly post to LinkedIn about your coaching topics, you’ll appear more trustworthy and knowledgeable.
21. Online podcast network
The number of people starting podcasts and listening to their favorites continues to grow. According to Edison Research, 73 percent of the U.S. population aged 12 and older have listened to a podcast, an all-time high. Capitalize on this trend by starting your own podcast network. You can populate the network with any podcasts you record or curate shows from other contributors to build your catalog faster.
22. Technical writing
The internet is full of copywriters for hire. Still, only a few have the technical background to properly write an instruction manual for a large machine or to accurately convey scientific results. With the boom in SaaS (Software as a Service) companies, there is a massive need for writers who can create clear API documentation and developer guides. Advertise yourself on LinkedIn and other platforms to draw customers.
23. Resume and cover letter writing
Almost everyone has sought help from others when writing resumes or cover letters. In a competitive job market, job seekers are looking for writers who understand Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and can keyword-optimize their applications. Provide examples of resumes you’ve improved and share success stories to demonstrate your expertise.
24. Online corporate counseling
Corporations need lawyers to protect them in legal matters and educate them on what they can and can’t do. If you start an online corporate counsel consulting firm, you can offer corporate workers a way to keep their legal affairs in order without the exorbitant fees of traditional firms. You can also specialize in niche areas like data privacy compliance (such as GDPR and CCPA) or intellectual property rights for digital assets.
To build your client base, you’ll need to show proof that you’ve passed the bar exam. You should also make it clear that your business is entirely online.
25. Startup advising
Many of the world’s most prominent tech companies began as small startups. As a startup advisor, you can counsel tomorrow’s companies today. Use your expertise in corporate finance, software development, or fundraising strategy to provide new businesses with the knowledge they need to succeed.
26. Digital marketing
All businesses can benefit from digital marketing. If you’re experienced in content marketing, SEO, email marketing, or social media marketing, consider capitalizing on these skills. As a digital marketing agency, you can sell online marketing packages to small business owners who need to outsource their marketing efforts to focus on operations.
27. E-book writing
If you have a unique perspective or information to offer a niche audience, consider selling your knowledge by writing and publishing e-books. Additionally, you can offer e-book writing services to other business owners who are interested in publishing books but don’t have the time or skill. Using tools like Amazon KDP, the distribution process is instant and global.
28. Graphic design service
Many professionals and businesses need graphic design help for marketing materials and web design. However, not everyone has this talent. While AI tools can generate images, businesses still need human designers for brand identity systems, complex layouts and cohesive visual strategies. If that sounds like you, consider launching your own graphic design services.
29. Freelance writing
Freelance writing is a great avenue for people looking to work independently and entirely online. Although AI tools such as ChatGPT are shifting the industry, businesses are increasingly seeking writers who can provide human insight, interviews and fact-checking that AI cannot match.
There are various types of freelance writing opportunities, including copywriting, news reporting and ghostwriting. Choose a niche that best suits your interests and create a brand that reflects your expertise.
30. Proofreading
You can create an entire business by offering proofreading services. If you pay close attention to details and have a profound understanding of grammar and different style guidelines (like AP or Chicago), consider marketing yourself as a proofreader. Content creators and students are also a growing market for these services.
31. Domain flipping
You’ve likely heard of flipping houses for a profit, but what about website domains? Domain flipping involves purchasing a domain and reselling it. Many pursue domain flipping as a side hustle, but with the right expertise, you can turn the service into a full-fledged business. Focusing on expired domains with existing authority backlinks can be a particularly lucrative strategy.
32. Subscription-box service
Many customers opt in to monthly boxes from their favorite brands; there are countless book subscription boxes, organic food subscription boxes, makeup subscription boxes and many others. According to data from the IMARC group, the global subscription box market was worth $37.5 billion in 2024.
If you create products from your home (such as crafts or baked goods), consider whether you can sell them online via monthly subscription boxes. Once you build and market your brand, more people will reach out to request your goods.
33. Lead generation
Finding customers can be challenging, especially when you’re first starting a business. That’s why many business owners outsource lead generation to professionals. By starting a lead generation business, you can gather potential customers for other businesses. Focusing on high-quality, verified leads rather than bulk data will set you apart in a spam-heavy market.
34. Social media influencing
Social media influencer marketing has become a popular and profitable career path. This line of work involves marketing the products and services of different brands to your audience. Short-form video content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels is currently the most effective format for converting views into sales.
If you have a niche following, you can work with brands in your demographic and earn money via sponsored posts, brand partnerships, and monetization programs.
35. Voiceover business
A voiceover business provides voice recordings to clients for educational videos, audiobooks, advertisements and other projects. Despite the rise of AI voice generators, brands still prize authentic human emotion and inflection for high-stakes marketing and storytelling. You can offer voiceover services online to various clients until your business is profitable.
36. Niche podcast
Although we already covered the idea of starting a podcast network, you can also start your own niche podcast. This is especially beneficial if you have unique experience in a specific industry. Consistency is key; most successful podcasters continuously release episodes on a strict schedule to build a loyal listener base.
Successful podcasters can make money through sponsorships and advertisements. Choose a topic, plan your marketing efforts, invest in the right tech and start recording.
37. Sound editing
You can earn a decent profit by offering audio editing services. Many businesses and individuals need help editing projects such as audiobooks, voiceovers, podcasts and educational videos. Offering packages that include removing background noise, leveling audio and adding intro/outro music can make your services more attractive to new creators.
38. Self-publishing
Today, self-publishing is easier than ever. If you have the talent and passion for writing, you can begin self-publishing your work on platforms such as Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing. Success often relies on releasing a series of books rather than a single title, as this increases the lifetime value of each reader.
It might take some time to get started, but if you stick with it, you can turn this endeavor into a full-time gig.
39. Software testing
Software developers are constantly looking for software testers to try out their tech before launching it. If you have experience, you can launch your own software testing business. Specializing in usability testing (UX) can be particularly lucrative, as companies are desperate to ensure their apps are intuitive. There are even opportunities to test video games, adding a fun twist to this online business idea.
40. Membership site
If you have something unique to offer a specific audience, consider launching your own membership site. Countless membership site builders allow you to seamlessly offer subscriptions. The “community” aspect is often just as valuable as the content; facilitating member-to-member interaction can reduce churn. Decide what you’d like to sell (e.g., fitness videos, digital courses) and choose the membership tiers you want to offer.
41. Email marketing
Email marketing has long been an effective marketing tactic. It remains a powerhouse channel; for every $1 spent on email marketing, businesses receive an average return of $36. By starting your own email marketing agency, you can spend your days developing strategies and drafting impactful copy that drives real revenue for clients.
42. Cryptocurrency trading
If you have a passion for or experience with cryptocurrency, you might turn the high-risk hobby into a business. Many experts earn a living from exchanges, but this field requires extensive research and strict risk management strategies. Don’t be discouraged if it takes some time to see profitable results, and always be aware of the volatility.
43. Art consulting
Art consultants commission artists to create art for different sectors. These professionals typically have extensive backgrounds in art education. As an art consultant, you can conduct business entirely online, especially if your clients need digital art for websites, NFT projects or virtual branding environments.
44. Bookkeeping
If you’re equipped with the proper financial education, consider starting your own bookkeeping business. Bookkeepers help their clients keep records of and organize their finances. Cloud-based accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks Online has made it easier than ever to manage multiple clients securely from a home office.
45. Tax prep business
As with bookkeeping, you should have a solid background in finance to launch a tax prep business. Many business owners dread the financial burden of tax season. As a tax expert, you can help clients get the most out of their money. Staying updated on the latest tax law changes is essential to maintaining your value and credibility.
46. Financial planning
Financial planning businesses operate like bookkeeping businesses but cover broader bases. Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) who offer “fee-only” advice online are gaining popularity among younger generations who want transparent, unbiased guidance without sales commissions.
47. Floral arrangement business
Do you have a passion for flowers and aesthetics? Consider starting a floral arrangement business by opening an online flower shop. You can operate on a “made-to-order” model to minimize waste. While you’ll need to work with local growers or wholesalers, most of your business can be done from the comfort of your own home with sales made online.
48. Virtual event planning
Event planning is an exciting business endeavor you can launch virtually. While in-person events have returned, hybrid events are here to stay, requiring planners who understand how to engage both physical and digital audiences simultaneously. You’ll handle tasks such as contacting vendors, designing invitations and scheduling activities.
49. Online bakery
If you have the talent and passion, consider baking treats in your own kitchen and selling them online. Be sure to research your state’s “cottage food laws,” which dictate what you can and cannot sell from a home kitchen. Create a digital store, start marketing your baked goods, and ship the treats yourself.
It helps to choose a niche that will set your bakery apart from others, such as dairy-free or gluten-free options.
50. Stock photography business
You can earn a decent salary by offering stock photography to customers online. If you’re a seasoned photographer, consider selling your stock photos on popular platforms to earn some extra cash. Authentic, candid-style photography is currently in higher demand than overly staged corporate stock images.
Tips for starting a successful online business
Starting an online business is exciting yet challenging. You must take several legal steps, including choosing your business name, acquiring a federal employer identification number, determining your business’s legal structure, and insuring your business.
While every business is unique, you can follow these essential steps to maximize your chances of starting a successful online business:
- Choose a business idea or industry based on your knowledge and passion.
- Find a business niche based on gaps in the marketplace.
- Conduct market research and a competitive analysis to assess your competition and product viability.
- Familiarize yourself with the laws that apply to online businesses.
- Shop around before choosing specific software to build your online store.
- Create a comprehensive marketing strategy (e.g., website, email marketing, SEO, social media marketing and local marketing).
Bring your online business idea to life
Budding entrepreneurs can leverage many potentially lucrative online businesses to replace or augment their other work. However, in addition to an interest in and aptitude for their online niche, successful business owners must master various administrative tasks to ensure their companies’ success. For example, online business owners must select one of the best credit card processors to ensure they can accept multiple payment forms online and meet their customers’ needs.
From specialized consulting to digital product sales, the opportunities to launch a venture are vast. Consumer demand continues to grow for many types of online retail and service offerings. For those with an interest, aptitude and passion for online entrepreneurship, myriad opportunities are worth exploring.
Sammi Caramela contributed to this article.
