online business ideas

There are many online business ideas you can start today. In fact, in 2023, there will be 41 best online business ideas you can start today. But not all of them are the same. Some of them will require more time and effort than others.

But don’t worry – we’re here to help you find the right online business idea for you!

We will discuss 41 different online businesses that you can start today. We will also provide a brief overview of each and give ways to decide which online business might be right for you!

To help you choose better, we ranked and categorized each of the ideas discussed in this article. At the top of the list are the most feasible online business ideas for you to try. At the bottom are the ones that’ll require more effort to establish.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Creative

For individuals who are artists, there are tons of opportunities for online businesses that can be tried. These suggestions have very few barriers to entry and can be penetrated by anyone who possesses creative skills.

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1. Sell Stock Photos Online

You can start your own online stock photo business. This is a unique online business idea for photographers who want to sell their photos online.

There are several online stock photo agencies that you can join, and each one has different commission rates.

2. Sell Art Online

If you’re an artist looking for a way to sell your artwork online, a few different options are available.

You can start by setting up a shop on a site like Etsy, where you’ll be able to sell your artwork directly to buyers. Alternatively, you could create your own website.

Another option is to create an online course teaching others how to paint or draw. This can be a great way to earn passive income, as people will be able to purchase your course and access it whenever they want.

3. Start a Graphic Design Business

Graphic designers have a unique set of skills that can be used to start their own businesses. By using their creativity and design skills, they can create a brand for themselves and offer their services to clients.

In order to be successful, graphic designers need to be able to sell themselves and their services. They need to be able to communicate their ideas effectively, and they need to be able to work with clients on a variety of projects.

Help Others Sell

Affiliate marketing and online reviews are two promising online business ideas that can be very profitable. With affiliate marketing, you promote other people’s products and services and earn a commission on sales.

This can be a great way to make a good income online, especially if you have a blog or a large social media following.

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Online reviews are another great way to earn online. You can review products or services on your blog or website or on popular review sites like Yelp or TripAdvisor.

If you’re an expert in a particular field, you can also review books, movies, or other products.

4. Review Websites & Apps for Cash

If you enjoy leaving reviews on different products and services, then you can make money by becoming a reviewer. Many companies will pay you to leave reviews on their products and services.

You can also get paid to review apps and websites. All you need to do is sign up for a free account and start leaving your reviews.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a type of online marketing where you promote other people’s products and services and earn a commission on every sale.

It’s a great way to start an online business because it doesn’t require a lot of upfront startup costs, and you can make good money if done right.

To be successful at affiliate marketing, you need to have a niche website with good traffic. You will also need to build an email list of subscribers who are interested in what you’re promoting.

Becoming an affiliate marketer is one of those online business ideas even a newbie can start.

Technical

Online business ideas in the field of web and app development can be extremely profitable. If you have experience in this area, you can start your own online business by providing web or app development services to businesses or individuals.

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You can also create your own online courses teaching others how to develop websites or apps.

6. Become a Freelance Developer

If you have experience coding, you can start your own software business and work with clients online. There’s no shortage of freelance work available.

You can specialize in a certain programming language, app development, or custom software development for large companies.

Several internet sites allow freelancers to interact with companies- Fiverr and Upwork are great places to start. You may get started quickly and simply by utilizing these services.

7. Create a WordPress Plugin

If you’re a WordPress user, you’ve probably noticed that there’s a plugin for just about everything.

If you’re a WordPress user, you’ve probably noticed that there’s a plugin for just about everything. Creating a WordPress Plugin is a great way to start an online business.

There are a few things you need to know before getting started, but once you do, the possibilities are endless things you need to do before creating a WordPress plugin:

  • research what plugins are already available and in demand
  • create a prototype of your plugin
  • determine whether your plugin will be free or paid
  • test your plugin thoroughly
  • launch your plugin on the WordPress Plugin Repository

8. Create an App

If you have a great idea for an app, you can create it yourself and start making money from it.

Since there are many platforms and freelancers to help you build your app, you don’t even have to be an expert in app development.

There are plenty of ways to make money from apps, including advertisements, in-app purchases, and selling your app on the App Store or Google Play.

You can also create a consulting business where you help businesses create and launch their own apps.

9. Web Design & Development Service

If you’re a web developer or designer, you can start a web design and development business to build custom websites for small businesses and individuals.

You’ll need to create high-quality, engaging website designs and then code them using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other programming languages.

Writing

If you have writing skills, there are many online business ideas that you can explore. One option is to start a blog or online magazine.

You can also write for online publications or offer ghostwriting services. Another option is to create your own e-books or digital courses on writing topics.

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10. Freelance Writing Jobs

If you love writing and want an online business doing what you love, there’s money to be made in freelance writing.

For any online business, content is king (and queen)! And you can start a freelance writing business easily and relatively cheaply. There are many places online where you can find work as a freelance writer.

You only need a laptop, stable internet, and your wordsmithing skills! Just decide what kind of writing services you want to offer.

If you are a technical writer, you could create online courses teaching others how to use certain software programs or do something technical like web design.

This can be a great way to earn an online living while also sharing your knowledge and expertise with others.

11. Resume writing and job search consulting

Resume writing and job search consulting are two online businesses you can start today. Both businesses can be done online, meaning you can work from anywhere in the world.

Suppose you’re looking for a business that doesn’t require much time or effort. In that case, resume writing is one of the many online business ideas that…

To start a resume writing business, all you need is a computer and an internet connection. You can start by offering your services to friends and family and then expand your client base by marketing yourself online.

12. Editing and proofreading service

Editing and proofreading are essential skills for anyone who wants to communicate effectively online.

With the proliferation of online businesses, there is a growing demand for people who can help ensure that website content is error-free and persuasive.

As an online business owner, you can fill this need by offering editing and proofreading services to your clients.

By capitalizing on your skills in grammar and spelling, you can help your clients make a positive impression on their online audiences.

In addition, by offering affordable rates and quick turnaround times, you can attract new clients and build a thriving online business.

So if you’re looking for a unique online business idea, consider becoming an online editor or proofreader. With some hard work and dedication, you can build a successful business that provides valuable services to clients around the world.

13. Start a business blog

If you’re passionate about a particular topic, starting a business blog or podcast can be a great way to share your knowledge with others.

In addition, you can generate income through advertising and affiliate marketing or sell products and services directly to your audience.

To be successful, you’ll need to create compelling content that resonates with your audience and then promote your blog or podcast through social media and other channels.

But a business blog or podcast can be a great way to make money online if you’re passionate about your topic, have your own website, and have something valuable to share.

Digital Products

Selling digital products online can also be extremely profitable. In fact, many marketers do it. One option is to create your own online courses teaching others how to develop websites or apps.

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You can also create your own e-books or online courses on digital product development topics. These online business ideas can be very lucrative if you have the right skills and knowledge.

14. Sell Courses Online

Do you have a skill, hobby, or passion that others would pay to learn? If so, you can create an online course and sell it on a platform like Udemy. Many online business ideas exist for stay-at-home moms, dads, students, and more.

Creating and selling digital products like courses online is a great way to make money online. You can start by creating a course on something you know well, like cooking or software development, and then selling it online.

Health and Fitness

Fitness is a huge industry, and there are many different ways to capitalize on it. For example, you can start your own online fitness program or create online courses teaching others how to get in shape.

If you’re passionate about fitness and you have the physical proof to make results happen for others, there are many online business ideas that you can explore.

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15. Fitness and nutrition services

More and more people realize the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Eating right and regularly exercising can help to improve your energy levels, mood, and overall health.

However, making healthy choices can be difficult, especially if you’re busy or don’t have access to healthy food options. That’s where fitness and nutrition services come in.

These services can help you learn about healthy eating habits and create a personalized exercise plan.

They can also provide support and motivation to help you stay on track. So whether you’re looking to lose weight, get in shape, or just feel better, fitness and nutrition services can help you reach your goals.

Leverage your Life Skills

One online business idea that can be extremely profitable is to start an online course teaching others how to use life skills for success. For one, you can leverage your language and communication skills to help others perform certain tasks.

These are important life skills that can help people achieve success in all areas of their lives, and you can capitalize on them.

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16. Tutoring business

Another one of the best online business ideas you can start today. You can provide tutoring services to students via Skype or another video conferencing software.

If you have expertise in a particular subject, you can start a business and provide advice to clients online.

Another online business idea is to create an online course. You can create and sell your course using platforms like Udemy or Teachable. If you have a particular skill or knowledge that you want to share, an online course is a great way to do it.

17. Virtual Assistant Services

The internet has created opportunities for people with all skills – from web design and social media management to SEO and copywriting. And one of the most popular online business ideas is virtual assistant services.

A virtual assistant remotely provides administrative, creative, or technical support to clients.

They can do everything from managing schedules and social media accounts to handling customer service issues and providing tech support.

Several online platforms connect virtual assistants with clients, including Upwork, Fiverr, and FreeeUp. And the demand for virtual assistant services is only growing.

18. Translation online business

As the world becomes more and more connected, the need for translation services will only increase. Starting an online translation business is a great way to tap into this growing market.

There are a few things you’ll need to get started. First, you’ll need to find a niche or market on which you want to focus.

What languages do you want to translate?

What type of content?

Once you’ve decided on your specialty, you’ll need to invest in some quality translation software. There are a number of options on the market, so do your research and choose the one that’s right for you.

With some hard work and dedication, starting an online translation business can be a great way to make money from home. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

19. Teaching languages

There are many online business ideas that you can pursue in order to earn a good living. One of the most popular online business ideas is teaching languages online.

This is a great option if you are bilingual or multilingual, as you can help students learn new languages. There are many online language courses available, and you can choose to teach any language that you are fluent in.

You will need to create lesson plans and materials, and you will also need to be available for online office hours in order to help your students with their assignments.

If you are passionate about language learning, this is a great online business idea.

Trading

Many online business ideas focus on trading. For example, other people create assets online and sell them for a higher price to people who want quality assets but don’t have the time to make them.

Trading currency is one undeniably lucrative example that thousands of people are doing today, especially since the pandemic.

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20. Buy and flip website

There’s a lot of money to be made in flipping websites.

The basic premise is simple: buy a website for a low price, then sell it for a higher price. But, of course, there’s more to it than that.

To be successful, you need to choose the right websites to flip and have a firm understanding of the market.

Timing is also important; you need to know when to buy and sell to maximize your profits.

With a little knowledge and a lot of hard work, you can easily make a healthy return on your investment by flipping websites.

21. Buy and sell domain names

Starting a new website can be a daunting task. Not only do you need to come up with a clever name for your site, but you also need to make sure that the domain name you want is available.

The good news is that plenty of services can help you with this process. Many web hosting providers offer a domain name search tool that makes it easy to check whether a particular name is available.

Additionally, numerous companies specialize in buying and selling domain names. If you’re having trouble finding an available domain name, these services can often help you find one perfect for your needs.

So don’t be discouraged if coming up with a domain name seems daunting; with some help, you’ll be up and running in no time.

22. Cryptocurrency trading

Cryptocurrency trading has become a popular way to invest in digital assets.

By buying and selling cryptocurrencies on an exchange, traders can speculate on the future price movements of these assets. Cryptocurrency trading is a risky activity, but it can be profitable if done correctly.

In order to be successful, traders need to have a deep understanding of the market and the underlying technology. They also need to be disciplined in their approach, sticking to a strict risk management strategy.

However, if done correctly, cryptocurrency trading can be a lucrative way to earn money.

Consulting

Consulting is an example that we see is mostly explored in business. In consulting, you can offer your services to businesses or individuals who want an expert’s POV about their business or brand even without daunting upfront costs.

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23. Launch an Email Marketing Service

One online business idea you can start today is a marketing service writing emails.

This involves helping businesses send out newsletters, promotional material, and other types of email content. You can either work with a single client or manage a whole list of clients.

To get started, all you need is a computer and an internet connection. You can then sign up for an email service like MailChimp or Constant Contact. Once you have set up your account, you can start creating and sending out email campaigns.

24. Paid Media Expert

For a new online business to become profitable business, they need a predictable way to turn prospective clients or potential customers into happy, successful customers.

This cannot be done by accident. Helping small business owners build successful marketing campaigns to tap into the online demand for their products and services can be very rewarding.

Paid media is an effective way to reach new customers and grow a business.

As a paid media expert, you’ll be responsible for planning, executing, and managing advertising campaigns on behalf of your clients.

You’ll need to have a strong understanding of the different types of online advertising, as well as the ability to create ad copy that is both effective and compliant.

25. Start an SEO Business

Suppose you’re a search engine optimization (SEO) expert. In that case, you can start a business where you help small businesses improve their rankings in search engines. This can be a great way to earn extra income and build your portfolio.

You’ll need to create a website and list your services to get started. You can also sign up for freelancer platforms.

26. Start a Social Media Marketing Agency

If you have experience in social media and a passion for helping small businesses grow, you can turn your social media skills into a social media marketing agency.

You’ll need to create a website, set up social media accounts, and build a strong online presence before you can start pitching to clients.

Once you’re up and running, you can offer your services to companies in your local area or work with clients online.

27. Start an Influencer Marketing Agency

If you’re an influencer marketer or just know this world, you can start your own agency that connects social media influencers with brands that want to reach a larger audience.

You can either work with a small number of high-profile influencers or a larger number of smaller influencers.

Either way, you’ll need to have a good understanding of the social media landscape and how to negotiate deals.

28. Consulting Business

If you have a specific skill set or expertise, you can start a consulting business.

You can help businesses large and small with their online presence, including SEO, social media, and digital marketing.

This can be done online or offline, but many people now do it online. Many online platforms allow you to connect with clients and offer your services.

29. Personal Branding Consultant

As our personal identities continue to shift online, many of us find it necessary to cultivate a personal brand. Simply put, it’s the way we present ourselves to the world.

It’s how we want to be seen and remembered, encompassing everything from our social media presence to how we dress.

It can influence the way we’re perceived in the job market and make us more attractive to potential employers. It can also help us build a following for our businesses or attract new opportunities.

If you’re an expert at helping people develop and optimize their personal brands, you can start a business as a personal brand consultant.

30. Bookkeeping and accounting service

If you’re good with numbers and have a head for business, then starting an online bookkeeping or accounting business might be the perfect online business idea for you.

In this business, you’ll provide bookkeeping and accounting services to small businesses and entrepreneurs. This can include anything from preparing financial statements and tax returns to tracking expenses and preparing invoices.

So if you’re looking for profitable online business ideas, bookkeeping and accounting might just be a perfect fit.

Video

Video making can be a great online business idea due to a large potential audience. With the domination of entertainment apps like YouTube and Tiktok, more and more businesses are investing in videos today than ever.

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This only means a lot of potentials for video makers to make money online.

31. Start a YouTube Channel and Monetize It

You could start a YouTube channel! You could even monetize it and make some money off of ads. This is one of the online business ideas for those who are creative and have something to share with the world.

If you have a knack for makeup, fashion, gaming, or personal development, starting a channel on YouTube is a great way to show off your skills.

32. Video production and editing service

In the age of social media, everyone is a content creator.

Whether you’re sharing your latest vacation photos on Instagram or live streaming your thoughts on the news of the day, there’s no doubt that visual media is more popular than ever before.

This presents an incredible opportunity for businesses to connect with customers and promote their products or services in a new and exciting way.

However, creating high-quality videos can be time-consuming and expensive.

That’s where video production and editing service comes in. They can help people create engaging videos that capture their brand’s unique personality.

Voice/Audio

Podcasting is a great online business idea because it can be done relatively quickly and doesn’t require a lot of overhead costs. You can start a podcast with just a laptop and an internet connection.

41 Online Business Ideas You Can Start Today 2023 Updated Ranked

And once you have a following, you can sell sponsorships and advertising to help monetize your podcast.

33. Start a Podcast and Monetize It

If you’re passionate about a certain topic, you can start a podcast and share your knowledge with the world. You can monetize your podcast by charging for access to premium episodes or selling advertising space.

Printing

Printing can be an online business that sells customized prints or prints of famous artwork. You can also create your own artwork to sell online.

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34. Start a Print-on-Demand Business

If you have a good eye for design, there are several online print-on-demand businesses that you can start with minimal investment.

With these businesses, you simply upload your designs, and the company will take care of printing and shipping the products to customers.

35. Provide 3D printing services

In today’s age of technology, there is always a demand for new and innovative services.

3D printing is one of the latest advancements in the manufacturing industry, and it has the potential to revolutionize the way products are made.

As a result, there is a growing demand for 3D printing services. As a business owner, you can take advantage of this demand by offering a 3D printing service.

Investing in a 3D printer and some basic supplies can offer your customers the ability to create custom-made products.

Whether they are looking for a unique gift or a one-of-a-kind item, your customers will appreciate the ability to create custom products using 3D printing.

In addition to generating revenue, you will also be helping to promote the use of this cutting-edge technology.

eCommerce

Ecommerce is a booming industry, and it will only continue to grow in the years to come. This is why eCommerce is such a great online business idea – it has a lot of potential for growth, and it’s an industry that’s always changing.

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If you’re looking for an online business idea that has a lot of potential for growth, eCommerce is definitely the way to go.

36. Create an eCommerce Site

If you have a product or service to sell, one of the first steps you should take is to create an eCommerce website. This will allow you to reach a larger audience than selling through a brick-and-mortar store.

To create a successful eCommerce website, you’ll need to choose the right platform

You’ll also need to create compelling product descriptions, take high-quality photos, set up a payment gateway, and provide excellent customer service.

If you can do all of this, you’ll be well on your way to starting a successful online business.

37. Sell Products using an Online Store

If you have products that you want to sell online, then you can start an online store.

There are many platforms that you can use to create your stores, such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce.

You will need to choose a platform that is right for you and then set up your store.

Note: If your online store sells physical products, then you will need to factor in the cost of shipping.

38. Sell on Amazon FBA

If you’re looking for online business ideas that will be in high demand in the coming years, then selling on Amazon FBA should be at the top of your list.

For those not familiar with FBA, it stands for “fulfillment by Amazon” and refers to the process of selling products on Amazon and having them fulfilled and shipped by Amazon.

FBA is a great business model because it’s a hands-off way to sell online, and it’s one of the few eCommerce businesses that can be started with little to no upfront investment.

All you need is a product or two to sell and an Amazon account.

39. Start Dropshipping

Dropshipping is an excellent option if you’re looking to start an online business but don’t have a lot of money to invest.

Dropshipping is a type of e-commerce business where you sell products without having to carry any inventory.

When a customer places an order in your store, the supplier ships the product directly to the customer on your behalf.

There are a few things you need to get started with dropshipping:

  • A domain name and hosting for your store
  • A supplier that carries the products you want to sell
  • An e-commerce platform like Shopify to build and host your store

If you’re looking for a more hands-off approach to online business, dropshipping is a great option.

Membership/Subscription

Subscriptions are a form of online business that is becoming increasingly popular. With a subscription-based model, businesses can create a recurring revenue stream by charging customers a monthly or annual fee.

This can be a great way to generate steady income, especially if your product or service is appealing to a wide audience.

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40. Build a Membership Site

A membership site is a great way to do it if you have something valuable to share that others would benefit from. 

You can charge people a monthly fee to access the content, which can be anything from an online course to exclusive video footage or downloadable files.

The key is to find a niche that isn’t already saturated and build something that fills a void in the market.

To make this work, you need to create enough valuable content each month to justify your monthly fee in the mind of your customers.

41. Box subscription service

A box subscription service is a great online business idea for those who are looking for a recurring revenue business model.

With a box subscription service, you will ship boxes of products to your customers on a monthly basis. This is an online business idea for those who are creative and have something to share with the world.

Other Online Business Ideas

There are many other online business ideas that you can start today.

Start with the idea most easy for you to start given your experience, time, and money.

Once you learn to create one successful online business, you’ll find that you transfer those skills to other online businesses- even other businesses that operate primarily offline.

A Few Tips for Turning your Online Business Ideas Into a Profitable Online Business

Ideas are great, but we need execution when it comes to business. So here are the stepping stones to turning your online business ideas into an effective online money-making machine.

Market Research

Find your target audience. You need to do research on your niche market to better the needs of your particular audience. Understand the business trends in your niche

Create a business plan

This does not have to be a 50-page document, but you should have a general idea of what your business is going to be, what services or products you will offer, how you plan to make money, and who your competition is.

Build a website

Your website is going to be the foundation of your online business. A professionally designed website is essential, but not spending a lot of time making the perfect logo and website.

The most important thing is to get your website up and running as soon as possible.

Start promoting your business

Once you have a website, it’s time to start promoting your online business. There are many ways to do this, but some of the most effective include social media marketing, search engine optimization, and content marketing.

These methods will help you reach your target audience and get them interested in what you have to offer.

Monitor and adjust

As with any business, monitoring your progress and making adjustments as needed is important. This is especially true for online businesses because the landscape can change quickly.

So be sure to keep an eye on your competition and changes in your industry so that you can make the necessary changes to stay ahead of the game.

Online Business Mindset

A business mindset is rarely discussed, but it’s one of the most important things you need for online business success. Unfortunately, the best online business ideas cannot make up for a bad business mindset.

You need to have the right mindset before starting an online business.

If you don’t believe in yourself, it will be very difficult to succeed.

You have to be willing to put in the work and hustle.

FAQs

Running an online business can be a great way to tap into a global customer base and make money on the Internet. The most commonly asked questions about online businesses include the following:

An online business is a type of business that operates mainly on the Internet and sells products or services to customers through its website or app.

The key benefits of running an online business include lower overhead costs compared to traditional brick-and-mortar stores, access to a global customer base, potential for high profits, and scalability.

Popular tools used for creating an online store include Shopify, Wix Stores, BigCommerce, and Squarespace Commerce.

These platforms provide easy-to-use solutions for setting up a digital storefront within minutes and managing orders from customers around the world.

Online businesses typically make money through sales of their products or services, as well as advertising revenue, affiliate commissions, and other monetization methods such as subscription fees.

Starting an online business requires knowledge in areas such as web design, marketing, product pricing, customer service, and accounting.

It also requires good organizational and time management skills in order to keep up with all the daily tasks associated with running a successful eCommerce store.

Businesses can optimize their websites for better search engine rankings by creating quality content, improving site structure and navigation, using relevant keywords in page titles and meta tags, increasing page speed, and developing backlinks from other websites within their niche market.

In Summary

From creative work to life skills to eCommerce—there are tons of businesses to venture into online. All it takes now is to match the right one to your expertise and liking.

You’ve just gone over 41 examples that could probably be your next start to success!

Following these tips can turn your online business idea into a profitable reality. Remember, it takes hard work and dedication, but it is possible to build a successful online business (How I accidentally stumbled upon online success). So get started!