30 Online Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]

Updated: September 21st, 2024

Are you thinking about starting a business in the online industry?

Building an online business can be a great way to make money and achieve financial freedom.

But what are the most promising online business ideas out there?

We've compiled a list of some of the best online-related business ideas you can begin today.

For each business idea, we'll share practical examples to help you understand what it takes to get started.

Here's the full list:

1. Build an AI tool ($297K/month)

Starting a business focused on developing AI tools is an exciting opportunity in today's tech-driven world. As artificial intelligence continues to become a cornerstone of various industries—ranging from healthcare and finance to retail and manufacturing—you could create AI-driven solutions like chatbots, virtual assistants, or machine learning platforms to address specific business needs. The increasing reliance on AI for automation and improved customer service means there's a vast market looking for innovative AI tools to save time and reduce operational costs.

You’ll need strong technical skills and experience in computer science to build these AI tools, along with a keen understanding of how AI can be applied across different sectors. Given the rising demand for AI solutions, fueled by the potential of AI to significantly enhance efficiency, there’s significant potential for high revenues—projected to jump from 9.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2018 to 118.6 billion by 2025. By leveraging your technical prowess and targeting niche applications for AI, you could supplement your income or even establish a thriving side business that grows into a major enterprise.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $3,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 57 days (?)

How I Started A $40K/Month AI-Powered Recruiting App

SkillSoniq, the world's first AI-powered recruiting app, connects companies with skilled freelancers on a trial basis, saving companies 60%+ in hiring costs and earning $350,000+ in gross revenues in its first year, with a current average of $40,000 a month, and plans to raise a second round of seed funding to achieve escape velocity and continue to form a world-class company.

Read by 9,559 founders

2. Start a digital marketplace ($418K/month)

Starting a digital marketplace could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even transform it into a full-fledged business. By creating a platform where buyers and sellers can securely transact, you open up endless possibilities for passive income. Given the low-maintenance and low-cost nature of these marketplaces, you would mainly focus on maintaining the platform itself rather than managing inventory.

For an entrepreneurial-minded individual like yourself, this opportunity allows you to build a scalable business with minimal overhead. By providing a secure escrow service, you could foster trust among traders, making your platform an attractive option. Ultimately, such digital marketplaces, akin to Alibaba or Amazon, present you with a viable and profitable online business opportunity.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 110 days (?)

How Our Book Publishing Services Marketplace Hit $1M/Month In Gross Merchandise Value

Reedsy, a book publishing services marketplace that connects authors with freelancers, has driven over $1m in GMV, features over 1,500 vetted freelance professionals, and sees over 1,000 projects every month.

Read by 11,347 founders

3. Start a social media management tool ($31.6K/month)

Starting a social media management tool could be a lucrative online business opportunity, especially in today’s digital age where every brand is striving to enhance its online presence. Such a tool simplifies the complexities of managing multiple platforms, scheduling posts, analyzing performance, and engaging with followers—all from a single, streamlined dashboard. For businesses and influencers overwhelmed by the intricacies of social media, this one-stop solution addresses a significant pain point.

Imagine providing a service where clients can easily track trends, tailor their content strategy, and receive actionable insights. Given the rising reliance on social media for consumer engagement, the market for efficient social media management solutions is expanding rapidly. If you're tech-savvy and passionate about digital marketing, developing a social media management tool could not only be fulfilling but also a smart business move in 2024.

How much you can make: $100 — $125,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

How I Left My Job To Start A $50K/Month Digital Advertising Agency Specialized In Facebook Ads

This case study is about how the founder of AdvertiseMint, a Facebook advertising agency, started the company with just one employee and has since grown it to 25 employees, managing close to $100 million in digital media buys for clients such as Coca-Cola and Viacom.

Read by 11,975 founders

4. Start a digital marketing consulting ($49.2K/month)

If you have a knack for navigating the digital landscape, starting a digital marketing consulting business could be a highly lucrative venture. As a digital marketing consultant, you could help businesses enhance their online presence through targeted strategies and campaigns tailored to their specific needs.

You'll be crafting personalized marketing plans, managing social media accounts, optimizing search engine results, and analyzing data to boost client visibility. With more companies shifting their focus online, the demand for experts who can navigate the complexities of digital marketing is ever-growing.

The potential for growth in this field is significant. If you enjoy a blend of creativity and analytics, digital marketing consulting could be a viable and rewarding business venture to dive into, offering you the opportunity to supplement your income or even replace it entirely.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

How We Started A $100K/Month Marketing Agency During Our Honeymoon In Costa Rica

From a honeymoon in Costa Rica to a successful global digital marketing agency generating $100k a month, Travis Richardson shares his journey of building Impressions Agency without taking any loans or money from friends by keeping costs low, adapting quickly, testing out new strategies that produce results, and focusing on building long-term customer relationships.

Read by 10,134 founders

5. Start a virtual events business ($185K/month)

In today's digital age, starting a virtual events business presents a lucrative opportunity to supplement your income or even transition into a full-time venture. Given the exponential rise in online interactions and engagement since the 2020 pandemic, the demand for virtual events is stronger than ever. Corporations and entertainment sectors are increasingly investing in virtual events, making it a promising market for entrepreneurial individuals.

A virtual events business involves ideating, planning, organizing, executing, and coordinating events online, offering a unique and memorable experience for attendees without the need for physical presence. By leveraging your skills in broadcasting, audience psychology, and digital platforms, you could successfully cater to a wide range of clients looking to host everything from corporate meetings to entertainment shows.

Moreover, the plethora of available platforms enables you to customize and innovate, setting you apart from competitors. This online business model provides flexibility, scalability, and the potential for substantial financial rewards, all while tapping into a growing trend that shows no signs of slowing down.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $897,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 179 days (?)

How Two Friends Started A $13K/Month Online Book Club From Bali

Two friends started an online book club that now has 570 members and generates £10,500 MRR, by addressing the problem of 'Tsundoku,' charging a monthly subscription fee for one non-fiction book, one inspiring meetup, and one custom cocktail, inspiring conversation and community.

Read by 28,615 founders

6. Create an online course ($83.3K/month)

Creating an online course presents a prime opportunity to supplement your income or even establish a full-fledged business. By leveraging your specialized skills or knowledge, you could identify educational gaps and develop engaging video lessons and supplementary materials to fill those gaps. This approach allows you to serve a market of eager lifelong learners, keen to access convenient, high-quality education.

With the flexibility of self-paced or cohort-based structures, you could build a diverse student base, generating a steady stream of passive income. If you enjoy sharing information and educating others, launching an online course platform offers a lucrative way to monetize your talents with relatively low startup costs. From teaching emerging subjects to offering in-demand skills, the potential for growth and income is significant.

How much you can make: $275 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)

How This 28-Year-Old Couple Quit Their Jobs And Make $20K/Month Running A Blog

Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.

Read by 28,869 founders

7. Start an email automation platform ($348K/month)

Starting an email automation platform presents a promising opportunity to supplement your income and build a side business. By developing software that segments your audience, personalizes content, and schedules emails, you could provide a valuable service that streamlines communication for businesses. This helps them save time and ensure their messages are consistent and effective.

With digital marketing on the rise, there’s a growing demand for efficient email solutions. By understanding clients' needs and collaborating with developers, marketers, and customer service teams, you could create a tool that boosts engagement strategies. If you’re tech-savvy and eager to deliver impactful solutions, launching an email automation platform could be your next successful business venture.

How much you can make: $21 — $4,160,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Launched A $35K/Month Tool To Send Bulk LinkedIn Messages

Two entrepreneurs developed Coldinbox, a bulk LinkedIn messaging tool that assists B2B business development managers in converting high-value prospects into leads and customers, resulting in $35,000 in monthly profits.

Read by 13,794 founders

8. Start a sales automation platform ($160K/month)

Struggling to keep up with the constant grind of sales tasks? Consider starting a sales automation platform. This business idea revolves around developing a software solution that streamlines and automates various sales processes, from lead generation to follow-ups, freeing up valuable time for businesses.

By integrating such a platform, companies could enhance efficiency, minimize errors, and focus more on closing deals rather than juggling administrative tasks. You’ll need to have a strong grasp of both software development and sales strategies to create an effective tool that truly adds value.

A sales automation platform not only strikes a chord with tech-savvy entrepreneurs but is also a worthwhile investment in today’s fast-paced business world. The growing demand for efficiency and the move towards digital transformation make this an opportune moment to dive into this venture.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,666,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Read by 12,019 founders

9. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)

Starting an email marketing tool could be an excellent online business opportunity, especially considering the booming market, projected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028. As an entrepreneur, you could capitalize on this growing demand by creating software that helps businesses automate and optimize their email campaigns. This tool could generate consistent revenue through subscriptions from startups, real estate agents, and other small businesses looking to enhance their marketing efforts.

The platform you build could offer valuable features like template creation, personalized email lists, analytics, and integration with other marketing tools. Beyond just selling a product, you could also conduct workshops, offer consulting services, or create premium add-ons for additional revenue streams. With minimal upfront costs like a domain and hosting account, the potential for scaling your email marketing tool could turn a side hustle into a full-fledged business.

How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

I Built A SEO Tool That's Completely Free For Users [From Lebanon]

H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.

Read by 14,150 founders

10. Start an ecommerce marketing agency ($463K/month)

Starting an ecommerce marketing agency could provide you with the opportunity to supplement your income and make extra money by leveraging your creative, technology, and marketing skills. As online sellers continuously aim to stay competitive in the ever-evolving eCommerce industry, they often seek the expertise of specialized agencies to guide them through production, creative launches, and brand growth without the need for full-time staff.

You could help online sellers achieve their business goals by offering tailored digital marketing strategies that save them time and resources. By staying educated on current trends and focusing on building your digital skills, you may position your agency to cater to specific niches or provide comprehensive, end-to-end services, thus attracting a diverse clientele.

Starting an eCommerce marketing agency not only represents a profitable business venture, but it also allows you to make a meaningful impact in the online business world by helping brands thrive amid competition.

How much you can make: $7,500 — $8,300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $120K/Month Online Course For Social Media Marketing Agencies

Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.

Read by 15,834 founders

11. Start a shopify ecommerce agency ($105K/month)

Starting a Shopify eCommerce agency could be a lucrative online business idea if you have expertise in SEO, web design, development, or eCommerce marketing. By leveraging these skills, you could help retailers list their products and target potential customers, thereby enabling them to achieve their eCommerce goals. This venture allows you to offer a range of services such as SEO optimization, website development and design, and comprehensive marketing strategies.

Developing the necessary skills and gaining experience—perhaps by joining an existing agency—can set you up for success. Once you define your niche and build your clientele, you could turn your expertise into a profitable business. This could provide a reliable stream of supplementary income or even become a full-fledged career path.

How much you can make: $20,000 — $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 95 days (?)

How I Started A $100K/Month Shopify Ecommerce Agency

Velstar, a UK-based Shopify Plus partner agency, has seen impressive year-on-year revenue growth of at least 100% every year, due to their focus on building engaging and conversion-focused eCommerce websites, and highly effective growth marketing for direct-to-consumer brands on Shopify, with big ambitions for 2020 including launching a local Shopify Plus meetup, an eCommerce podcast, investing in content marketing and hiring their first business development personnel.

Read by 9,132 founders

12. Start an influencer platform ($71.6K/month)

Starting an influencer platform could be a lucrative online business opportunity, particularly given the widespread integration of social media into marketing strategies. By creating a digital space where brands and influencers can seamlessly collaborate, you could facilitate meaningful connections that drive product promotion and genuine audience engagement. Imagine an intuitive marketplace where brands browse through a curated database of influencers, select those who align with their goals, and effortlessly engage in partnerships.

Influencers, in return, gain access to various brands eager to leverage their reach for visibility and campaign effectiveness. Equipped with built-in analytics tools, both parties could track performance metrics to refine and optimize their strategies continually. While developing user-friendly software and marketing your platform to brands requires some initial effort, the potential for scalable income within the ever-growing digital marketing ecosystem makes this a rewarding business venture for the entrepreneurial-minded.

How much you can make: $500 — $350,000/month

How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)

I Built $140K+ MRR SaaS With No Audience & Sold It For $3.5M

This case study is about a founder who launched a paywall platform for content creators in 2019, bootstrapping it from $0 and eventually selling it for $3.5M on Flippa, with the platform generating between $125,000 - $142,000 in Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) on 95% margins.

Read by 10,038 founders

13. Start a freelancer platform ($391K/month)

Starting an online freelancer platform could be a dynamic venture, especially given the rapid growth of the freelancing industry. By acting as a marketplace where skilled professionals and businesses in need of services converge, you could tap into an expanding market projected to reach $6.7B by 2025. This type of platform caters to "non-traditional" employees who often balance a full-time job with freelance work, thus providing a steady stream of users seeking new clients.

Moreover, businesses continuously require flexible and specialized services, and they are willing to pay for quality and efficiency. By facilitating these connections, your platform could fulfill a critical need while generating revenue through service fees or subscription models. With the rising demand for remote and freelance work, launching a freelancer platform presents a timely and lucrative online business opportunity.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $5,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)

We Bootstrapped A Tech Talent Platform To $1.2M Sales In Our First Year

CloudDevs, a tech talent platform that sources and vets freelance tech talent and matches them with companies, has achieved $1 million in GMV in its first year, plans to achieve 100% growth year on year, and focuses on customer loyalty through its Net Promoter Score metric.

Read by 17,344 founders

14. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)

Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth. That’s the essence of a social media automation business.

Creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms could be your path to supplementing your income. Your clients—from small businesses to influencers—would pay you to save them time and enhance their social media presence.

With the burgeoning need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there’s a significant demand for automation. For those with a knack for technology and marketing, starting a social media automation business could be both a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.

Read by 15,250 founders

15. Start a social media marketing service ($97.8K/month)

Looking to leverage the immense power of social media for business growth? Consider starting a social media marketing service. In simple terms, this business involves helping companies enhance their online presence, attract more followers, and drive engagement using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

A strong understanding of social media trends and marketing best practices is essential. You could create and manage content, analyze engagement metrics, and fine-tune strategies to boost client success. This business allows you to work flexible hours and can scale up as you gain more clients.

Investing in this business idea lets you become an indispensable asset to other businesses. Establishing your expertise can lead to recurring revenue, offering both stability and growth.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,380 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.

Read by 15,250 founders

16. Start an user feedback app ($28.7K/month)

Imagine having direct insight into customer needs and preferences at your fingertips. That's the power of a user feedback app. This business idea revolves around creating a platform that solicits, organizes, and analyzes customer feedback in real time.

By developing an app that integrates seamlessly with websites, mobile apps, and even email campaigns, you could help businesses gather valuable insights without disrupting the user experience. This tool could provide companies with actionable data to improve their products, services, and overall customer satisfaction.

Setting up this business requires technical know-how—app development, data analysis, and user experience design are key components. But the payoff is huge: tapping into what customers actually want, which translates to better business decisions and a stronger market position. This idea offers the potential for recurring revenue through subscription models, making it a solid option for a sustainable business.

How much you can make: $100 — $150,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A $4.5K/Month Website With User Flow Design Inspiration

Page Flows is a library of inspiration videos for digital product designers and makes about $4,500 per month in revenue from a small, one-off price, with slow and steady growth and long-tail keyword SEO as key drivers of success.

Read by 9,031 founders

17. Start a content creator coaching ($1.29M/month)

Starting a content creator coaching business could be an excellent online venture for those with experience in social media strategy and content creation. Struggling influencers and aspiring YouTubers often require guidance on crafting compelling content, optimizing their platforms, and building a strategic online presence. By evaluating clients' strengths, setting actionable goals, and teaching the nuances of audience engagement, you could transform raw talent into polished brands.

This business isn't just about giving social media tips; it's about providing comprehensive mentorship that enhances video quality, fine-tunes blog posts, and more. If you have a knack for digital strategy, this venture offers the chance to leverage your skills to help others achieve their dreams while building a lucrative consulting business for yourself. There's a growing demand for such expertise, making it a timely and rewarding opportunity.

How much you can make: $500,000 — $2,083,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

We Built a Content Machine That Generates $6M in Revenue Per Year

This case study article is about ContentCreator.com, an online education platform that teaches professional content creation, which started with just $60 spent on Facebook ads and scaled to over $35,000 in sales per week within the first month, becoming an 8-figure business that has helped launch the careers of thousands of aspiring content creators.

Read by 6,830 founders

18. Start an ecommerce management services ($597K/month)

Starting an ecommerce management service could be a lucrative venture by providing vital support to online stores. This business involves handling tasks like inventory management, customer service, marketing, and order fulfillment, essentially becoming the operational backbone for ecommerce businesses.

By streamlining these processes, you could help entrepreneurs focus on innovation and expansion while you ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. With the right mix of organizational skills, proficiency with digital tools, and a keen understanding of ecommerce trends, this opportunity holds the potential for substantial income and professional satisfaction.

If you’re passionate about the online retail space and enjoy operational management, offering ecommerce management services could be both a fulfilling and financially rewarding business to pursue.

How much you can make: $2,300 — $2,400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Started A $30M/Year Warehouse Management Software And Outsourced Ecommerce Fulfillment Business

ShipHero co-founders built their successful e-commerce fulfillment business, offering warehouse management software and outsourced eCommerce fulfillment, growing revenues from zero to $30 million annually, processing over $5 billion of e-commerce gross merchandise volume (GMV) annually while only having received $435,000 in outside capital investment.

Read by 9,379 founders

19. Start a SEO website ($101K/month)

Starting an SEO website could be a lucrative way to supplement your income or launch a full-fledged online business. By optimizing your content to rank higher in search engine results, you could drive organic traffic to your site, which in turn boosts your revenue. Mastering skills such as keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building would allow you to attract more visitors.

The scalability of an SEO website is one of its greatest strengths. You could begin with a niche blog or an e-commerce store and gradually expand as you grow more proficient. Using tools like Google Analytics and Ahrefs can help streamline the process, making SEO an accessible and manageable task.

Given the increasing reliance on search engines, an SEO website offers cost-effective marketing and long-term sustainability. If you're willing to put in the effort to learn and apply SEO principles, this venture could prove to be both rewarding and profitable.

How much you can make: $3,500 — $390,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $480 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

I Got Tired Of Being Underpaid And Left To Start A $4M/Year PPC & SEO Growth Agency

Digital Position, a digital marketing agency, was founded by Roger Parent, who was unhappy being underpaid at his job; the company is now generating over $330k/month in revenue, and aims to generate $5m in 2022, with a long-term goal of hitting $30m before Parent is 40.

Read by 9,363 founders

20. Start a b2b lead generation service ($172K/month)

Starting a B2B lead generation service could be a smart move for entrepreneurs aiming to create a robust online business. This type of service is integral for businesses of all sizes, as it focuses on identifying and establishing initial contact with potential business clients, which is essential for fostering future deals and growth. By utilizing a mix of research, cold outreach, and advanced technology tools, you could build a strong pipeline of prospective clients for your business clients.

The demand for high-quality leads is ever-present, making this venture both scalable and lucrative. If you excel in sales, data analysis, and relationship-building, you have the key skills needed to thrive in this field. Offering a B2B lead generation service could not only supplement your income but also position you as a critical player in the business ecosystem.

How much you can make: $500 — $1,250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)

How I Started A $12K/Month Digital Marketing Agency While Traveling Around The World

A 20-year-old digital nomad and serial entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a successful digital marketing agency, Nomads with Solutions, which specializes in Facebook lead generation, and offers insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and focusing on self-improvement.

Read by 10,061 founders

21. Start a web development business ($91.1K/month)

Starting a web development business holds significant potential as an online venture, allowing you to leverage your coding and design skills to create and maintain websites for individuals and businesses. By offering services that ensure websites not only function efficiently but also present aesthetically pleasing designs, you could become a crucial contributor to the online presence and success of your clients.

This type of business can be particularly rewarding, offering opportunities to work on diverse projects and collaborate with various industries. Moreover, as your business grows, you could expand your service offerings, providing ongoing maintenance and updates, thereby generating a steady stream of income and establishing long-term client relationships.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $700,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

I Built A $300K/Year Vue.js Component Library

Vuetify is a popular open-source user interface library, built with the Vue.js framework, that generates revenue through digital content and services such as paid digital content in the Vuetify store, direct support through consulting, ad revenue from Carbon ads on the documentation pages, and donations/sponsorships via GitHub and Patreon, generating an average income of $6,500 per month.

Read by 46,502 founders

22. Become a digital product designer ($89.1K/month)

Starting a digital product designer business could offer you incredible opportunities to supplement your income and expand your creative horizons. As a multidisciplinary professional engaged in the entire lifecycle of digital product creation, from concept to launch, you could carve out a niche by building a portfolio of user interface design PSD templates. By selling these digital assets to new businesses, you could generate passive income and establish a reputation in the design community.

With more designers than ever working on similar projects, standing out might seem challenging. However, with actionable techniques and a focus on unique, high-quality designs, you could quickly differentiate yourself and find sustainable success. Whether you aim to supplement your existing income or transform this side hustle into a full-scale business, the digital design landscape holds immense potential for entrepreneurial minds like yours.

How much you can make: $3,500 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $69K/Month Software Agency After A Failed Product Launch

A software agency started by a non-technical founder helps diverse clients with their minimum lovable product, boasting a revenue of over $700,000 this year with a 20% profit margin and a team of 8.

Read by 25,959 founders

23. Start a video content creation business ($125K/month)

Starting a video content creation business could be a lucrative online venture due to the growing demand for engaging and impactful visuals across various platforms. In this business, you would produce a range of videos for clients, including promotional videos, social media content, and tutorials. This not only requires storytelling skills but also proficiency in filming, editing, and understanding audience engagement.

With the rising need for video content, there's a significant market eager for new creators. You might work with small businesses looking to enhance their online presence or collaborate with influencers who need professionally crafted videos. To kickstart this business, you'll need essential video equipment, editing software, and a compelling portfolio to showcase your skills. For those passionate about creativity and innovation, a video content creation business offers endless opportunities and the potential for substantial income.

How much you can make: $7,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

How We Started A $30K/Month Ecommerce Video Marketing Business

Silksocial produces rockstar video ads for eCommerce brands, with a turnover of around $30K/month and a focus on differentiation through a deep understanding of e-commerce video ad production techniques that optimize investment returns.

Read by 7,166 founders

24. Become an account manager

Ever thought of helping businesses build and maintain client relationships? Consider becoming an Account Manager. In simple terms, an account manager works closely with clients to ensure their needs are met and their goals are achieved. You'll act as a bridge between the client and the company, keeping everyone in sync and satisfied.

The role is ideal for those who are detail-oriented and enjoy problem-solving. From strategizing account plans to communicating with various departments, you'll wear multiple hats, adding diverse skills to your repertoire.

For the proactive individual, this career offers an opportunity to significantly impact a company's success while fostering long-term client relationships. If you could juggle tasks effectively and manage expectations with finesse, starting a business as an account manager might just be the right path for you.

25. Start a photo booth startup business

Starting a photo booth business could be a great side hustle or full-fledged online business for those looking to supplement their income or make extra money. By offering self-service or staffed photo booths for events like weddings, corporate functions, and parties, you have the potential to tap into a market that values unique and memorable experiences.

Setting up is straightforward; all you need is a photo booth setup, some engaging backdrops, and fun props. Marketing your services online to event planners and venues can help you secure bookings and grow your business. In today’s social media-driven world, photo booths offer an interactive experience that can capture and instantly share memories, making it an appealing addition to any event. With creativity and good planning, you could carve out a profitable niche.

How much you can make: $400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How This Couple Built A $18M Business Selling Photo Booths

In this case study, the founder of Photo Booth International shares how he started his photo booth rental business, grew it into a million-dollar company, and then founded his second business that manufactures and sells photo booths while providing marketing and business training materials to over 5,000 entrepreneurs.

Read by 5,925 founders

26. Start a smartphone surveillance software

Starting a smartphone surveillance software business could be a lucrative online venture, leveraging the increasing demand for digital monitoring solutions. By creating a mobile app that discreetly tracks calls, messages, GPS locations, and app usage, you could cater to a diverse clientele, including parents who want to monitor their children's activities and businesses looking to ensure security compliance.

The surge in smartphone usage underscores the necessity for effective monitoring tools, offering substantial market potential. Focus on developing a robust, user-friendly app while addressing privacy and ethical considerations to build trust and reliability. By tapping into these real-world concerns with advanced technology, you could establish a sought-after product in the rapidly growing field of digital surveillance.

How much you can make: $25,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

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Spapp Monitoring is an Android tracking app for parents and employers, started as a side project and now making $300k a year through organic traffic from Google Play and the company's website.

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27. Start an unboxing youtube channel

Starting an unboxing YouTube channel could be a practical and lucrative online business opportunity for entrepreneurial-minded individuals. By showcasing new products and giving honest reviews, you could attract a loyal audience and potentially partner with brands for sponsorships and affiliate marketing. This business model thrives on transparency and enthusiasm, making it perfect for people passionate about new gadgets, tech, fashion, or other consumer products.

Moreover, as your channel grows, you could monetize through ad revenue and possibly even launch your own line of merchandise. The initial investment is relatively low, requiring just a good camera, basic video editing software, and a genuine interest in the products you are unboxing. With consistent effort and engaging content, an unboxing YouTube channel could serve as both a supplementary income stream and a fully-fledged business.

28. Start a swaddle wrap

Starting a swaddle wrap business could be a lucrative online venture, tapping into the continuous need for products that soothe newborns. With a focus on designing cozy, user-friendly swaddle wraps, you would cater to both the comfort of infants and the convenience of sleep-deprived parents. Emphasizing high-quality, safe materials along with appealing designs, you would position your product as a must-have item for new families.

This business blends creativity with practicality, involving aspects such as designing, sourcing materials, collaborating with manufacturers, and establishing sales channels. You could sell your swaddle wraps through an online store or partner with baby product retailers, expanding your market reach. If you have a passion for infant care and product design, entering the swaddle wrap market enables you to address a constant demand and provide a product that genuinely helps parents and their babies.

How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)

29. Start a driving school

Starting a driving school as an online business could be a lucrative venture for those with the requisite skills and ambition. Given that the start-up costs are relatively low—you don't need your own vehicles or specialized equipment—your primary investment will be in securing a state-approved license and effective advertising. This makes it an accessible option for entrepreneurial-minded individuals looking to supplement their income or create a full-fledged business.

By leveraging online platforms such as Facebook and Instagram for advertising, you could attract a broad base of students, maximizing visibility at minimal cost. With a blend of well-placed local newspaper ads and digital marketing, you could quickly build a steady stream of clients. As long as good business practices are maintained, you could find this venture to be not only profitable but also a meaningful way to impact your community by promoting safe driving skills.

30. Start a mobile oil change business ($1.44M/month)

Starting a mobile oil change business could be an exciting venture in today’s fast-paced world where convenience is highly valued. By providing oil change services directly at customers' locations, such as homes or workplaces, you could eliminate the need for clients to spend time waiting at auto shops. This service model holds particular appeal for busy professionals, parents, and others who prioritize their time.

With a relatively modest initial investment in a reliable vehicle, quality oil, filters, and some basic equipment, you could offer a service that stands out for its convenience. Building a steady customer base through high-quality, reliable service would be key to success. If you are organized and customer-focused, this business model could not only supplement your income but also potentially become a full-time, rewarding venture.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $4,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

How I Invented A Better Windshield Wiper And A $2M/Year Business

Scrubbleblade is a windshield wiper company that sells #1 in the H.D. trucking industry and was awarded wiper blade of the year by Frost & Sullivan in 2018; they focus on a specific target customer while offering subscriptions and utilizing social media.

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meet the author
Pat Walls