What are 6 Easy Online Businesses To Start? If you’ve been thinking about jumping into the world of online business but feel overwhelmed by all the options, you’re not alone. I get a lot of questions about how to get started, especially if you don’t have a ton of cash or technical skills to put on the table. The good news is there are several easy online businesses you can start without owning a warehouse, managing a team, or being a tech wizard. These ideas work well if you’re looking for something flexible, low cost, and beginner friendly.
Why Starting an Easy Online Business Makes Sense
Online businesses keep getting more attractive for folks who want to work from home, make extra cash on the side, or eventually go full time as their own boss. Statista projects global online retail sales will hit about $7 trillion by 2025 and that doesn’t even factor in service based models and digital goods. With affordable tools and platforms, it’s a lot easier now to grab your share of the digital marketplace and build something meaningful.
I started my own adventure with plenty of doubts, but after a few missteps, I landed on a couple of online business models that felt both doable and sustainable. The key is to start simple. Choose a business you can actually manage, learn as you go, and keep your investment low at the beginning.
6 Easy Online Businesses To Start
Here are six online business ideas that won’t take forever to set up or break the bank. With each one, I’ll share some quick how tos and practical tips so you know what you’re getting into.
1. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the most beginner friendly online businesses out there. You basically partner with companies to promote their products and when someone buys through your unique link, you earn a commission. No need to handle inventory or shipping. All you need is a website or social account to get started.
Some affiliate marketers earn a few bucks a week, while others pull in thousands per month. The big trick is to pick a niche you actually care about and learn the basics of content marketing and SEO.
- Get Started: Pick a topic you’re interested in. Could be fitness, gadgets, pets, or cooking.
- Set Up a Website: Use platforms like WordPress or Wix.
- Join Affiliate Programs: Companies like Amazon, ShareASale, and Wealthy Affiliate make it easy.
I recommend checking out Wealthy Affiliate for step by step training and access to a really active community. It’s a solid place to get started and ask questions as you’re learning the ropes.
2. Print On Demand Store
Print on demand (POD) is perfect if you want to run an ecommerce shop without stocking any products. With POD, you upload your designs to items like t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags, and the supplier prints and ships directly to customers after each sale. This way, you don’t pay for inventory upfront.
- Easy to Set Up: Sites like Printful or Printify connect with shops built on Shopify or Etsy.
- No Inventory Risk: You only pay when a customer buys.
- Creative Freedom: Make your own fun slogans, art, or graphics.
Even if you’re not an artist, there are plenty of free tools like Canva, or you can buy ready to use designs. POD is really practical if you want something simple, scalable, and creative. Wealthy Affiliate has a fantastic feature called Image Studio which you can use for designs.
3. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is another way to run an online store without ever touching stock. You list products from suppliers on your own website or a marketplace. When a customer orders, the supplier handles shipping directly to them. Your job is mostly to market your store and give good customer service.
- Low Start up Costs: Since you don’t stock inventory, you’re mainly paying for your store and advertising.
- Huge Product Selection: Choose anything from gadgets to beauty supplies.
- Flexible Hours: You don’t have to be online 24/7. Automation tools help a ton.
Success in dropshipping often comes down to picking a niche with demand and lower competition, setting competitive prices and building trust with shoppers. Shopify has built in dropshipping integrations that make setup even easier.
4. Freelance Services Online
If you already have a skill like writing, graphic design, tech support, or social media management, freelancing online could be a quick win. You set your own rates, find clients worldwide, and work your own hours. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer are a great starting point, or you can offer services directly through your own website.
- Popular Freelance Gigs: Writing articles, designing logos, video editing, social media content, and web development.
- How to Stand Out: Create a simple website to showcase your past work, ask for testimonials and always deliver on time.
- Payment: Most platforms handle payments for you, reducing risk.
Freelancing gives you freedom and lets you build a small business around your personal strengths. Over time, top freelancers can build recurring clients and even hire others for bigger projects.
5. Digital Courses or Ebooks
If you have knowledge about a certain topic, maybe gardening, fitness routines, photoshop skills, or guitar lessons, you can create and sell digital courses or ebooks. Once you set up the content, it can sell over and over without much ongoing effort.
- Start Small: Begin with a simple PDF guide, or record basic video lessons on your phone.
- Where to Sell: Use platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Gumroad to list your courses and ebooks.
- Passive Income: After the initial work, sales can continue with minimal updates required.
It’s worth taking some time to validate your idea by running a quick survey in online groups or checking interest on forums. Even a super niche skill can do well if there’s an audience hunting for solutions.
6. Blogging
Blogging is flexible, fun, and can turn into a pretty decent side hustle if you stick with it. Whether you want to share travel stories, DIY projects, product reviews, or advice on personal finance, blogging can bring in money through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. The start up costs are really low, mostly just a domain name and hosting. This is perfect for beginners.
- Long Term Growth: Traffic builds slowly at first, but consistent posting pays off.
- Diverse Revenue Streams: Combine display ads, brand partnerships, and affiliate links.
- Learning Curve: It’s a great way to pick up skills in writing, SEO, and website management.
I leaned heavily on communities and step by step tutorials early on. Wealthy Affiliate offers training and tools specifically for new bloggers and affiliate marketers, so it’s worth checking out if this sounds like your thing.
Getting Set Up: Simple Steps to Launch
Whichever online business model you’re drawn to, starting small and planning carefully makes a big difference. I recommend following these basic steps:
- Pick Your Business Idea: Choose the one that matches your interests and situation.
- Set Up a Basic Website: A simple site with info about your services, products, or blog is key.
- Promote Consistently: Use social media, SEO basics, and networking to start spreading the word.
- Learn as You Go: Don’t get stuck waiting for perfect. Test small, get feedback, and improve. A platform like Wealthy Affiliate is really helpful if you want ongoing support and step by step training courses.
Common Challenges and How to Tackle Them
Running any type of business has its bumps along the way, but the online world comes with a few unique challenges. Here are the ones I hear about most often (and how to handle them):
- Feeling Overwhelmed: Too many tools and choices? Start with the basics. One platform, one marketing channel.
- Building Traffic: It takes time. Share on relevant forums, guest post, or run small ads to get your name out faster.
- Tech Hiccups: Lots of platforms have tutorials and tech support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The Wealthy Affiliate community has saved me many times from a website meltdown.
Most roadblocks can be solved with some patience, a little research, and a willingness to keep tweaking your approach.
FAQs: Quick Answers Before You Start
Here are a few questions I’m often asked by people starting their first online business:
What if I have zero experience?
Start with something simple like affiliate marketing or blogging. Plenty of free and low cost training is out there and you’ll learn on the fly.
How much money do I need upfront?
You can start most of these for under $100, especially if you stick with digital products or freelance gigs. Avoid pouring cash into ads right away.
Which business model grows the fastest?
Freelancing and dropshipping can scale quickly, but sustainable growth usually comes from consistent effort, good customer service and building an audience. Adding value is key!
Final Thoughts
There’s real freedom and satisfaction in building an online business, even a small one, on your own terms. Whether you want extra income, a creative outlet, or to eventually quit your 9 to 5, these easy business ideas are a solid place to jump in. If you’re feeling ready to take your skills up a notch and connect with a supportive community, Wealthy Affiliate is a platform I trust for just that. Start with the basics, don’t rush it and keep tweaking until you find what clicks for you.
Many Thanks!
Thankyou so much for taking the time to read this article on 6 Easy Online Businesses To Start. I really hope that you have taken inspiration to get started on your very own online business. For further reading, you might enjoy my related article which is titled Online Business Equals Time Freedom.
If you are interested in finding out more about Wealthy Affiliate and how it can really help you to start and grow an online business for the long term, click the banner above to go to the homepage. Or, you can read my Wealthy Affiliate Review through this link. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments box below this article. I will always reply to every message.
All the best!
Eamon