7 Online Business Ideas You Can Start Now

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UPDATED December 21, 2022
Written By Milliscent Lucio

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It’s really interesting to see the way technology has made entrepreneurship much more attainable. Thanks to the internet, you don’t need to have a physical location to establish your business. In some situations, having a large initial capital investment is not even required.

Naturally, this opened up a lot of online business ideas for aspiring entrepreneurs and for those looking for a way to make a living. But why shouldn't they seize this opportunity when it's presented to them?

One reason for this is that online commerce takes place on the Internet, which is used by more than fifty percent of the world's population. As such, there is a better chance of getting more people to notice your brand and eventually buy from you.

Second, you now have access to additional markets that were formerly inaccessible to you due to distance or that are simply specialized. There is also the fact that you are able to collect significantly more data about your customers through a greater variety of means, such as interaction, user-generated content, surveys, and reviews. As a result, you will be able to enhance your products or services and better anticipate trends among the demographic you are aiming to reach.

While we're on the topic of products and services, it should be highlighted that you have complete control over the pricing of everything. That does not mean, however, that you have carte blanche to jack up your rates to absurd heights. On the other hand, you are the one who gets to decide what the appropriate value is for your labor based on the costs, the procedures, and the profits.

Last but not least, but most certainly not least, it is convenient for the buyer as well as the owner of the business in a variety of different ways. As was just mentioned, online businesses can be run remotely, even from the comfort of one's own home. Additionally, there is an abundance of communication channels available, and the data can be stored digitally, thereby reducing the amount of physical paperwork that is required and improving the data's integrity.

If you find that all of these reasons are convincing enough to start your own, then why not give it a shot? Here are some of the best online business ideas to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.

1. Freelance Writing

If you want to start a business but don't have enough money to do so, here’s an online business idea without investment needed: be a writer.

This is a nice online business idea for beginners, as it doesn’t require much in terms of equipment. You merely need a device with which to encode, a connection to the internet that is reliable, and a very good grasp of writing fundamentals in addition to your own originality. Prepare yourself to hone your writing abilities as well as your expertise in the field.

Consider establishing a writer's website on which you can post examples of your previous work as a means of getting your freelance writing career off the ground. You will be able to attract an audience this way and provide prospective customers with an idea of your capabilities.

Tips:

  • If you don't have time to build your own website, consider posting on freelance writing sites like Blogging Pro or writer portfolio sites like Clippings.me.
  • Don't be afraid to try Ghostwriting; view it as an opportunity to hone your writing skills while earning money.

Pros:

  • Being a freelance writer does not necessitate a large number of tangible resources; a computer and a reliable internet connection can suffice to get started.
  • You can specialize in anything you want, such as entertainment blogging, journalism, fiction, book reviews, and so on.

Cons:

  • If there is a comment section, moderators may be required to ensure that interactions do not become toxic. This is especially important for political commentary and other forms of subversive opinion.
  • Competition can be tough.

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2. Graphics and Design

If you have an established audience for your art on social media, chances are some of them would like to have a copy of your artwork in some way. A good online business idea would be to sell prints of your art on posters, mugs, or multiple types of clothing like t-shirts, hoodies, headbands, and more.

Take commissions and create a design or artwork based on the client's specifications. Design logos for small businesses, book covers for authors, character sheets, and other designs.

Another option is web design, especially if you are familiar with HTML, CSS, Javascript, and other related tools and programming languages. Web designers are in high demand right now because e-commerce is booming and businesses need their own websites to compete.

Tips:

  • To prevent art theft, include a recognizable watermark that is difficult to remove or edit out.
  • It is not necessary to have the most sophisticated software. Find the one that has the tools you require and that you can use the most effectively. After all, it's not so much about having the best tools as it is about how the artist uses the tools that are available to them. You can even create a masterpiece with a mouse and Microsoft Paint.

Pros:

  • No matter what style or media you use, there is a client looking for it. Digital art can be used in diverse ways.
  • Large corporations also scout potential artists on the internet.

Cons:

  • Art theft or outright plagiarism
  • Clients attempting to underbid the work or canceling in the middle of the commission.
  • The necessary hardware and software are typically costly.

3. Dropshipping

If you have plans to build a successful ecommerce business, why not start with a dropshipping store?

A warehouse is not required to start a dropshipping business, unlike other types of businesses. Instead, you enter into an agreement or contract with a provider or multiple providers in which they provide the stock and you are in charge of selling it. Shipping will be determined by your agreement.

Tips

  • Choose the appropriate platform or platforms for your business.
  • Have some customer service support.
  • Moderate the product reviews to avoid spam and other unwanted content.

Pros

  • It is easy to set up.
  • It is a scalable business, meaning you have an easier time adjusting to fluctuating supply and demand.

Cons

  • Finding a reputable product dealer.
  • Your business reputation can be affected by the quality of products or the provider’s reputation.

4. Online Tutoring

Why not try being an online tutor if you have a background in teaching or are knowledgeable in certain fields or subjects?

More people are becoming acquainted with the concept of online tutoring as a result of the modernization of education and the reliance on online education during the quarantine. It solves a lot of the previous troubles of finding a tutor, making it a more convenient option for many.

Tips

  • Advertise your relevant credentials.
  • Personalize your teaching methods.
  • Learn about and use collaborative tools such as Google Suite and Microsoft 365.

Pros

  • You have more flexibility with your schedule.
  • You can connect with more people from around the world.
  • There are numerous digital tools available to you, saving you money on materials such as paper, markers, and boards.

Cons

  • The reliability of the internet is shaky when it comes to certain locations and conditions.
  • Despite the time flexibility, you also have to adapt to certain Time Zones.
  • Too much screen time and a non-ergonomic working space can affect your health.

5. Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant's job description can vary because they are needed in a variety of fields. However, it can be reduced to a person working remotely who offers varying levels of assistance to their clients.

As it is a versatile job, you have your pick of which industry to specialize in. But because there are so many different things to do, you need to be organized, flexible, and able to learn quickly.

Tips

  • Make a plan and a schedule that works for you, then find a client who matches it. You can also do the opposite and align your schedule with the client's. In any case, the point is that you should be available when necessary.
  • Familiarize yourself with collaborative tools to assist you in your organization and management.
  • Being a virtual assistant needs a lot of focus. So you need to create a dedicated ergonomic workspace that helps you to achieve that mindset and stay productive, while not compromising your health and comfort.

Pros

  • Flexible schedule.
  • You get to decide your limits, particularly in your specializations, whether to keep working with a client, and the type of tasks given to you.
  • You don’t need much in terms of hardware and software to start. The basic requirements are usually a computer with collaborative tools installed, headphones, and a  microphone.

Cons

  • Working remotely, especially from home, can present a number of distractions.
  • The tasks can get overwhelming sometimes.
  • It’s not a guaranteed job because while you have a choice in choosing clients, the same goes for the opposite.

6. Voice Acting

If you have a strong command of enunciation and voice manipulation, becoming a freelance voice actor may be an option for you. Voice acting is used for more than just animation dubbing; it is also used for voice overs and media inclusivity.

The casting calls can come from independent groups, companies, or even private production agencies. They either don't have the budget for high-profile voice actors or are looking for a new face.

You can narrate a book for audiobooks, voice a role in a game, be the voiceover for an instructional video or commercial, sing, and many more things.

Tips

  • Having a good voice is not enough. You need to know how to project it right and be able to maintain it for multiple takes.
  • Don’t forget to warm up before recording.
  • Practice right, but not too much. Do your research and use proper techniques to take care of your voice.

Pros

  • Despite your face not being visible, standout voice acting performances, , no matter how small, usually leave a mark. It can even land you a spot in bigger projects.
  • A gig can grant you a lot of visibility.

Cons

  • It needs a lot of effort in terms of maintaining your voice, learning how to edit your audition tapes, and setting up your equipment.
  • While there is not much equipment needed for freelance voice acting, you usually need the high quality versions in order to deliver crisp and clear recordings. You might also need to spend for relevant training and in order to participate in certain auditions.

7. Create and Sell Handmade Products

Do you knit often? Or perhaps cook and bake? Can you make certain articles of clothing?

To sell something, you don't necessarily need to open up a storefront in order to do so. This was covered earlier. You can generate income from your hobbies if you are skilled in them, have a lot of spare time, and participate in them on a regular basis.

Tips:

  • Post listings or create a store in specialized online marketplaces like Etsy.
  • Plan your steps – the materials, an efficient system, the packaging, the logistics, and even the themes and design.
  • Be creative in your branding and design.

Pros

  • You receive 100% of the payment.
  • People like the novelty of handmade and custom products.
  • It’s easier to build a connection with your customers.

Cons

  • You need a sizable capital in order to start.
  • This business can be time-consuming and laborious, especially if you are the only one operating the business.
  • You might land in legal trouble if your merchandise uses notable IPs.

Whether you want an early start in teaching your kids how to read or have them practice at home, Starfall is the place for you. Their activities and content are divided into two categories: kindergarten (and Pre-K) and grades 1, 2, and 3.

Besides teaching how to read, Starfall also teaches math and music, the latter having its own separate section on the left. It would be remiss not to mention that their Talking Library is designed in the style of a storybook, complete with audio narration and moving illustrations.

General Tips

  • When it comes to the options that involve freelancing, you have the ability to build a clientele by creating a profile in job marketplaces such as Fiverr and Upwork. Consider your profile to be an online resume, and highlight the skills that are relevant to your position by providing the requested information or by linking to your personal website.
  • Another piece of advice for those who want to freelance is to compile a solid portfolio that demonstrates and validates their skills. To attract customers who are looking for particular skills, it is recommended that a little bit of variety also be included in it.
  • Develop engaging content for your social media channels that not only promotes your company but also engages and communicates with your target audience.
  • Request testimonials from your customers.
  • Use SEO tools to help your site rank higher on search engines.

A Reliable Business Partner

It is established that you need an online presence in order to create successful online business ideas. After all, how else will you find clients?

In order to make an educated choice, prospective customers need both a visual reference and reviews of the product or service. In addition, your presence and the influence you wield could occasionally have an effect on that choice.

Unfortunately, while technology develops further to solve its vulnerabilities, the potential for more advanced ways of creating those vulnerabilities is also developing. Thus, it has also become a requirement for websites to have some form of security feature, such as content moderation.

Chekkee can be your partner to help you protect your eCommerce site against bots, spam, and other unwanted content. The partnership of human and AI-powered moderation helps make it thorough and able to navigate through varying social nuances.

We offer solutions that enable secure transaction channels, such as website moderation services and other such services. In the meantime, services that moderate profiles, as well as texts and chats, contribute to the discovery of false profiles and the management of interactions.

If you’re worried about budget, Chekkee uses a pay-per-service rate, making sure that every penny counts.

Customize a cost-effective solution that your business needs. Contact us!

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