Digital entrepreneurs no longer have to be tech-savvy or run a major corporation to build a successful online business. Anyone with an internet connection and a desire to learn can build a thriving business from the comfort of their own home. Regardless of whether you live in a busy metropolitan city or quiet rural village, the Internet connects you with customers all over the world. In this article, we outline 10 of the best online business ideas you can start today, even with little to no funds.
1. E-commerce Store
Creating an online store is one of the most popular methods to earn income online. You are no longer limited to selling clothing, electronics, beauty products or locally made crafts. People can now sell anything online 24/7 and can take their business global without the overheads of a traditional storefront. Where to sell: Facebook Marketplace WhatsApp Business Instagram shops Jumia or Amazon (If these stores exist in your part of the world) Your website with a platform such as Shopify or WooCommerce Requirements:
- You will need a smartphone or computer You will need some inventory (products to sell)
- You will need a delivery plan (local courier or pickup)
Tips: Remember to focus on one category first.
- Make sure you take decent pictures of your product.
- Implement a good customer service.
2. Freelance Services
If you have a talent for writing, graphic design, programming, voiceovers, or translation, you can become a freelancer and work for clients around the world.
Websites you can join:
- Fiverr
- Upwork
- Freelancer.com
- PeoplePerHour
Most common freelance jobs:
- Article writing
- Logo design
- Web development
- Data entry
- Virtual assistant
Benefits:
- No capital needed to start.
- You set your own rate and schedule.
Tips:
- Create a professional profile.
- Add samples to present your work.
- Communicate clearly with clients.
3. Print-on-Demand Business
Print-on-demand (POD) allows you to design products such as t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases and only print them once an order is made. You won’t need to keep inventory or worry about shipping.
Best Platforms:
- Teespring Printful
- Redbubble
How it works:
- You upload your design (image, slogan, piece of artwork.
- When a customer purchases, the POD company prints and ships to the customer.
- With each sale you make a profit.
This business is great for:
- Artists Graphic designers
- Creative entrepreneurs
Tips: Find a niche (i.e. motivational quotes, local culture, humorous phrases). Promote your store on social media.
4. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing allows you to make money by promoting other people’s products or services when you get a link, you get paid a commission on every sale made through your link.
Affiliate networks to look to join:
- Amazon Associates
- ClickBank
- ShareASale
- Jumia Affiliate Program
Where you promote:
- Your blog or website
- Your social media (Facebook, YouTube, TikTok)
- Email newsletter
Tips:
- Promote products that you believe in.
- Write honest review and tutorials.
- Build an audience before you expect to make money.
5. Blogging (Start a Website)
Blogging is a great long-term online business option; you can earn money from blogs/advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and even selling your own products.
What should you blog about?
- Business and money
- Religion and culture
- Local stories and news
- Health or education
How to monetize your blog:
- Google AdSense
- Affiliate links
- Sponsored posts
- Sell e-books or courses
Tools you will need:
- A domain name (www.dheefsi.com)
- Hosting (like Bluehost or Hostinger )
- WordPress (easy to use)
Tip:
- Stay consistent.
- Post regularly and create quality content people want to read because it helps them or entertains them.
6. YouTube Channel
YouTube is the world’s second-largest search engine. Creating a YouTube channel is free, and can be developed into a very valuable source of income for you as your following grows.
Types of content you could create:
- Tutorials (like how to start a business)
- Product Reviews
- Entertainment (like comedy or drama)
- Motivation & Inspiration
- Religion & Education
How to make money:
- Ad Revenue (YouTube Partner Program)
- Sponsorships
- Affiliate Links
- Selling your own merchandise or services
Tips:
- Be value focused, whether that be through entertaining, educating, or inspiring.
- Lighting and audio needs to be somewhat decent.
- Be patient, it’s going to take some time to grow.
7. Online Courses & Coaching
Whatever you are talented at or skill set you have that other people want to learn, you can teach it online. The area of online education is booming and people are paying money for knowledge.
You can teach:
- Languages (like Somali, English, Arabic)
- Digital Marketing
- Graphic Design
- Business Strategies
- Quran Memorization
- Where to sell courses:
- Teachable
- Udemy
- Your Own Website
- WhatsApp / Telegram Groups for example
- Coaching Ideas:
- 1-on-1 Business Mentoring
- Life Coaching
- Career Advice for Students
Tip:
- You can record you teaching in video or write lessons then bundle in modules.
- You can charge a one-time fee or a monthly fee!
8. Dropshipping Business
- Dropshipping is a little similar to e-commerce but you don’t have any stock. When someone places an order you send it to your supplier, who sends the product directly to the customer.
- Platforms:
- AliExpress + Shopify
- CJ Dropshipping
- Spocket
- How to start:
- Find your product niche (for example, phone accessories, fashion).
- Create your website.
- Get the word out online to sell your products.
- Send your orders to your supplier.
- Benefits:
- You have no inventory costs.
- You need low startup capital.
- You can work from anywhere.
- Warning:
- You need to verify that you work with trusted suppliers and test the product yourself first, or else you expose your customers to complaints and returns.
9. Social Media Marketing Agency
Many small businesses don’t do social media marketing (SMM) because it is too much for one person to manage. If you like creating content, ads and growing an audience, you can be hired to do social media marketing for these businesses.
Some social media marketing services you can offer:
- Create posts and graphics
- Writing captions
- Facebook or Instagram ads
- Responding to customers messages
- How to find clients:
- Contact local businesses.
- Show them examples of your previous work.
- Build a good online presence for yourself.
Some good tools:
- Canva – design
- Buffer or Hootsuite – scheduling posts
- Meta Business Suite – manage Facebook & Instagram
10. Cryptocurrency Trading and Education
Cryptocurrency is on the rise, especially in the younger generation. If you have an understanding of how crypto works, you can make money trading or educate others by creating content, courses, or consulting.
How to make money:
- Buy and sell coins (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum)
- Day trading or long-term holding
- Create crypto tutorials on YouTube or write a blog.
- Offer paid webinars or mentorship
Warning:
- Crypto is risky and will go up and down significantly.
- Never invest more than you can afford to lose.
- Learn before you dive in.
Final thoughts for starting an online business:
- Start small.
- You don’t have to be perfect.
- Just start and learn as you go.
Be consistent. - Success does not happen overnight.
Keep learning.- The internet changes quickly and you need to keep up with what is happening.
Provide value.- It doesn’t matter if you are selling a product, service, or simply giving valuable content to your audience; as long as you provide value, you will be fine.
Build trust. - People only buy from those whom they trust.
- Just be honest and respond to your audience’s questions and inquiries in a professional manner.
Conclusion
An online business is no longer a pipe dream; it is a real opportunity available to anyone who is willing to put in the work and has access to the internet. Whether you want to augment your income or fully exit the 9-5 grind, starting one of the businesses outlined here could literally change your life. Simply select the idea that fits your skills and interests, and then get started!