In the past, launching a business often meant applying for a big bank loan or leasing office space. The internet has completely changed that game, and now you can find many business opportunities you can do from your laptop that require little investment. While these business ideas could either be a side hustle or grow into a full-fledged business, here are 10 online business ideas that require little startup money that you can start today!
1. Drop shipping business
Estimated Cost to Start: $100–$300
Skills Required: No previous drop shipping experience is necessary. Basic marketing skills, customer service skills and product research tests
Drop shipping is easily one of the most popular businesses on this list for the simple reason that it is relatively low-cost to get started. It is a process that allows individuals to sell products to end customers through an online store but without carrying products in inventory. Then, when a customer makes a purchase on your online store, the order is transmitted and forwarded directly to the supplier, and they ship on your behalf.
Why it’s great: You do not have to invest in stock upfront, and there are many online shopping solutions, like Shopify and WooCommerce, that make it easy to set up.
Pro Tip: The niche you select actually works in your favor because it allows you to better target your audience and creates less competition.
2. Print-on-Demand Store
Investment: $100–$250
Skills: Design (basic), marketing
Print-on-demand (POD) is a retail method that allows you to sell custom designs on apparel, mugs, posters, etc. Similar to dropshipping, a third party will handle the production and fulfillment (shipping) of the product.
Why it works: It combines creativity with shipping (fulfillment) that you have a hands-off approach to.
Pro tip: Use Printful, Printify, or Teespring and promote your custom designs on Instagram or Etsy.
3. Freelance Services
Investment: $0–$100
Skills: Varies (writing, graphic design, web development, etc.)
Freelancing is without a doubt one of the fastest routes to making money online. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to promote your freelance service to a worldwide audience.
Why it works: It requires the least amount of gathered upfront cost and immediate access to your skills.
Pro tip: Build a solid portfolio around your services, and collect reviews to distinguish yourself among a sea of freelancers.
4. Affiliate Marketing
Start Up Cost: $0 – $100
Required Skills: Content creator, SEO skills, digital marketing
With affiliate marketers, you are provided with commissions for recommending other people’s products or services. Think of it as posting a blog or creating a video on YouTube or sharing links yourself via social media leading directly back to the affiliate products.
Why it works: You never need to create your own products, which means you will not be dealing with customer service.
Advice: Find something that’s already in high demand with repeat commission payouts, like software, education, or health.
5. Blogging
Start Up Cost: $50 – $200
Required Skills: Writing, some SEO skills, and basic web development skills
Blogging is still one of the best sources of authority, and you can earn money either through ads on the site, affiliate links to other products, sponsored blog posts from companies, or selling your own products.
Why it works: Blogging is relatively inexpensive to start, with the potential for long-term income.
Advice: Focus on a niche (e.g., personal finance, travel, or health and wellness) and use SEO for free traffic from search engines.
6. Online courses & coaching
Initial investment: $50-300
Skills needed: knowledge/expertise in a subject area, teaching skills, and ability to create content and materials.
If you are an expert in a particular skill and area of knowledge, you can package that skill into a course or coaching program. You can set up an online course through platforms like Teachable and Thinkific quickly and easily. You can even host a webinar or a coaching call through Zoom.
Why it works: Right now, the e-learning market is booming, and people are willing to pay for valuable knowledge.
Tip: Before you launch your course or coaching program, test your course idea by offering a free mini-course or webinar.
7. Virtual assistant (VA) service
Initial investment: $0-100
Skills needed: good organizational skills, strong communication skills, and the ability to multitask.
Many small businesses/entrepreneurs require administrative support for routine tasks like managing/administering e-mail, scheduling, posting to social media, etc. This is where a VA service is required.
Why it works: It is flexible, in demand, and does not require a high level of skill.
Tip: Specialize in a niche area. Many rapidly growing VA service customers are real estate agents or e-commerce sellers. This allows them to charge premium rates.
8. Social Media Management
Initial Cost: $50 – $150
Skills : Social Media Strategy, Copywriting, Analytics
With more and more businesses realizing they need to be on social media, managing social accounts for clients is a totally viable option.
Why this job works: Demand is high, and the convenience of outsourcing is worth the money to clients.
Tip: Offer packages (content creation, actual posting, providing analytics, etc.) and share results to substantiate what you offer.
9. YouTube Channel or Podcast
Initial Cost: $100 – $500
Skills : Video/Audio Editing, Content Planning, Public Speaking
A YouTube channel or podcast can be a great way to build a personal brand to ultimately monetize with ads, sponsorships, and merchandising.
Why this job works: Content has evergreen potential, and it continues to generate passive income over time.
Tip: Narrow the topic or demographic you are focusing on to build an audience faster.
10. Digital Products (eBooks, Templates, Tools)
Initial Investment: $0-200
Skills Required: Writing, design, content marketing
Digital product sales have nearly 100% profit margin (after creation)—eBooks, templates, digital planners, etc. You can use something like Gumroad, Etsy or your own site to make things simple.
Why it works: Once you have created a digital product, you can sell it over and over again with minimal input.
Tip: Consider solving a specific problem with your product before going into full production to test for demand.
Closing Thoughts
Starting an online business does not mean putting your life savings at risk or quitting your day job. With hard work, you could start small, test out various options, and when you feel good about it, scale up into something much more impactful. The internet has offered opportunities for anyone with motivation and desire to achieve things outside of the traditional work model.
The most important thing you can do is take action, stay consistent and be receptive to learning as you progress in your online business.
Whatever avenue you pursue as an entrepreneur, make sure whatever you do, you remember that success in business comes from solving problems, providing value and building relationships. And with these 10 low-risk ideas in your toolbox, you create your pathway to do just that today.
