Learn how to leverage your expertise to make money online with these 13 ideas.
Companies of all sizes began as small businesses, and starting small is the focus here. Whether you want a side hustle or dream of turning your passion into a full-time gig, the online world has made it easier than ever to start a business for free.
While launching a business from home is accessible, building a successful one requires a great idea that aligns with your skills and experience.
This article will guide you on starting a business with zero or less than $100 initial investment and creating a small business that complements your existing talents.
Start your own blog
While traditional blogs took a backseat with the rise of social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, blogging is making a big comeback. Authors, journalists, and writers are increasingly turning to blogs to directly connect with their readers.
WordPress remains the top platform, offering various ways to monetize your content and turn it into a source of income.
Platforms like Substack also enable creators to launch subscriber-backed newsletters, providing both payment from subscribers and valuable analytics for content improvement.
Explore affiliate marketing
Earn money by recommending products to your online followers through a unique referral link. When your followers make a purchase through that link, most retailers reward you with a small commission.
To get started, you can use an existing website, blog, or social media presence. Amazon and Shopify have robust affiliate programs for this purpose.
For instance, if you’re a photography expert, share your opinions on camera choices with your followers, turning your recommendations into affiliate links for a small passive income.
Dive into the world of online videos
Ever watched a YouTube video? With over 2 billion users spending countless hours on the platform daily, it’s more than just funny cat videos. You can tap into YouTube’s massive audience to make money online, and no, you don’t need a viral video (though that wouldn’t hurt).
Here’s the strategy: consistently create engaging content that people want to watch. It can be anything from how-to guides to talking-head discussions on niche topics. The key is to make content that resonates. The moneymaker here is ad revenue. Create a YouTube account, upload videos, and enable monetization in your settings. Google will then add short AdSense ads to your videos, and when viewers click, you get paid.
Another avenue for income is through paid sponsorships. As your following grows, companies might pay you to feature their products or services in your videos.
You don’t need fancy equipment—your smartphone or a basic camera will do. Just ensure good lighting and clear audio. Simple editing software like iMovie can tidy up your videos.
Make money by selling online
Utilize online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy, boasting some of the world’s largest and most active customer bases.
Selling your items becomes easier, especially if your product is niche.
Surprisingly, the more specialized your product, the better your chances of success. With fewer competitors, you can target shoppers with specific interests and hobbies.
Web design
While easy-to-use website builders allow new brands to launch quickly, they have limitations. For deep customization, e-commerce features, and ongoing maintenance, businesses often turn to skilled designers.
Freelance web design can be challenging, balancing client expectations and budgets. If managed carefully, it can generate significant extra income.
Online coaching
Certified coaches, including life, business, and fitness coaches, are in high demand on social media platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
Utilize a strong social media marketing strategy and shareable content to expand your client base rapidly. This approach wasn’t possible just a few years ago.
Data entry
Although not the most exciting online work, data entry opportunities abound. Platforms like Zirtual connect companies with workers possessing administrative skills and attention to detail.
You can choose from fast, simple tasks to more complex and time-consuming projects. Tasks vary widely, from manually transferring data from physical archives to verifying customer database integrity.