Did you know that you could start making money online today from the comfort of your own home? Not convinced?
Check out these online business models that prove you can make money online. There's no ‘best online business', just the one that fits your personal passions and skills. Check it out!
1. Professional Blogging
If you have a knack for writing, blogging is a great way to start a business. Blogging also opens up new opportunities easily, like affiliate marketing.
The startup cost for a blog is super low, with the only expenses at first really being your time and web hosting services. However, it can take some time to actually make money doing it, unlike other professions online.
You'll need a niche to start your blog. Consider the following niches and how they fit into your life and interests. From there, just start writing!
- Fitness
- Health and Wellness
- Travel
- Finance and Marketing
- Sports
- Lifestyle
- Fashion
2. Video Blogging (YouTubing)
Video blogging can also be profitable, depending on your skill level and niche. This does require a little bit of a startup cost since you'll likely need some equipment. For high-quality videos, you'll need a good camera, lighting, and a good microphone. These elevate your video to stand out among the competition. Don't forget editing software!
YouTube is the best platform for video blogging (or vlogging) because it's the most popular site after Google and your videos are easily taggable and shareable!
You can use your YouTube channel to supplement other moneymaking opportunities online, like affiliate marketing by doing reviews on products.
3. Affiliate Marketing
We've all been inspired by those ads we see on Instagram, am I right? Whether it's a skincare product, an online subscription service, cookware, or essential oils, it seems like everywhere we go on Instagram there are ads for cool new products.
These people are affiliate marketers and they earn a commission for each product you buy with their link. To get started as a marketer, you'll need to develop a niche, create accounts, and gain followers organically. Remember, it's not just about follower numbers, it's about creating an engaged community that values your opinion on something.
Learn more about how to make money as an affiliate marketer online in this comprehensive guide.
4. E-Commerce (Etsy)
Founded in 2005, Etsy is a platform to sell your own products. Whether you're an amateur printmaker, jewelry maker, artist, or potter, you can make money by selling your crafts online.
If you love to make things, consider selling on Etsy. While it's not entirely stable income month to month, this is a great way to get your name out there. Combined with an Instagram account or a website, you can double your earning potential.
The Etsy Help Center has tons of advice on how to get started with your e-commerce business, including tips on online marketing.
5. Freelance Services
As of 2019, there were more than 57 million freelancers working in the United States and most of them make more per hour than salaried workers. While not all of these professions operate online, a majority of freelancers have an online presence to share and advertise their talents.
Think about your skillset. Are you a writer, photographer, web designer, graphic designer, or project manager? Do you have a niche education that not many people have? Are you tired of working 9-5 and being at the will of a boss? Consider going freelance!
Websites like Fiverr can connect freelancers with companies seeking work. You can set your own rates and it's a great way to secure some income early on in your career and test the waters.
Alternatively, combine your freelance services with an Instagram account, YouTube channel, or a website to share your insights and promote yourself.
6. Online Coaching
No matter the field, I promise there's an online coaching business dedicated to helping you succeed. On the flip side, you can be an online coach too! Here are a few industries where coaching is especially successful and where you might be able to share your expertise and thrive.
- Money management coaching
- Fitness and health
- Mental health coaching
- Small business coaching
- Marketing and social media
- SEO and content coaching
- Online business coaching
You'll notice that many of these overlap with other ways to make money. For example, if you're a successful freelance writer with multiple clients and a popular blog, you can start coaching other budding freelance writers on how to start their business. The same applies to any industry.
Just ask yourself, how did I get where I am? Are there people who have the same questions I had when I started? What have I learned from my experiences? Use those answers to build a coaching framework, products, and sessions that can share your expertise.
7. Amazon
If you're thinking about a platform like Etsy, you might also want to consider Amazon. You can sell handmade wares on Amazon and because of the wild success of the platform, you're bound to make some extra dough! There are some fees to be aware of, so check out this guide first.
You can also make an account to be an affiliate for Amazon, test out their products, or earn through Kindle Direct Publishing.
8. App Development
If you're a coder or designer, consider the market of apps. Apps can generate tons of revenue in advertising. That can put a big chunk of change in your pocket if you're the person who developed say, Twitter, Doodle Jump, or Pokemon Go.
You might not even need technical skills for an app! Just pitch your online business ideas to designers and see how you can make money by being a project manager for apps.
Online Business Models for You
Whether you're creative or technical, think big or think small, there is a way for you to make money with online business models. Supplement your income or ditch the 9-5 all together for a life that feeds your passions and highlights your skills.
Check out this free video before you make any major decisions and at the very least commit to learning online marketing. It will help you succeed in whatever venture or side-hustle you decide to pursue.
