If you’ve been considering starting an online business, the hardest part is usually finding the opportunity that fits your personal skillset and interests. The good news is there is a virtually unlimited number of things you can do, so the right thing is out there waiting for you somewhere. Here are 50 ideas – explained concisely – to get you going.
Business Services
- Start a Company Formation Business with eFiling – Yes, we’re biased, but starting a business to help other entrepreneurs register their businesses is a really smart move. As many as 800,000 businesses are registered in the UK every year and you can make great money helping them along. Our software gives you everything you need to get going including a full operational website, automates the registration process and even integrates with Companies House. You can offer additional services such as banking setup, tax registration, and compliance support, which are all great opportunities for extra income. Learn more by speaking to us today.
- Virtual Assistant – Provide administrative support remotely, handling emails, scheduling, data entry, and customer service for busy entrepreneurs and businesses.
- Bookkeeping Services – Help small businesses manage their finances by tracking expenses, preparing reports, and ensuring tax compliance using accounting software like QuickBooks.
- Tax Preparation – Assist individuals and businesses with tax filings, deductions, and financial planning, ensuring they stay compliant with tax laws.
- Business Plan Writing – Craft strategic and compelling business plans for startups seeking investors or loans, focusing on market analysis and financial projections.
- HR & Recruiting Services – Help companies find top talent by offering resume screening, candidate interviews, and onboarding process assistance.
- Grant Writing – Assist nonprofits and businesses in applying for funding by researching grants, writing proposals, and tracking application processes.
- Legal Document Preparation – Help individuals and businesses create contracts, agreements, and legal paperwork without offering direct legal advice.
- Resume Writing & Career Coaching – Provide job seekers with well-structured resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and career guidance to improve their employment prospects.
- Notary Services Online – Become a certified online notary and provide digital document verification and authentication services remotely.
E-Commerce & Digital Products
- Start a Dropshipping Store – Sell products online without holding inventory, using suppliers to handle storage and shipping.
- Launch a Print-on-Demand Business – Design custom T-shirts, mugs, and posters, and sell them through platforms like Printful and Redbubble.
- Create & Sell Digital Products – Develop e-books, templates, stock photos, or online courses and sell them through platforms like Etsy or Gumroad.
- Start a Subscription Box Service – Curate niche products and offer a monthly subscription service for beauty, fitness, or pet products.
- Sell Handmade Goods on Etsy – Monetise your crafts by selling jewelry, home decor, or artwork on Etsy.
- Sell Stock Photos & Videos – Upload high-quality images and videos to stock sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock to earn passive income.
- Flip Websites or Domains – Buy and improve underperforming websites or domains, then resell them at a profit.
- Private Labeling – Source generic products from manufacturers, rebrand them, and sell them under your brand name.
- Sell Custom NFTs – Design and market unique digital collectibles on NFT marketplaces like OpenSea.
- Rent Out Online Storefronts – Create and lease pre-built Shopify or WooCommerce stores to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Content Creation & Marketing
- Start a Blog – Write about a niche topic, monetise through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.
- YouTube Channel – Create videos on educational, entertainment, or how-to topics and earn through ad revenue and sponsorships.
- Podcasting – Start a niche podcast, monetise with sponsorships, affiliate links, and premium content.
- Social Media Influencer – Build an audience on Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn and partner with brands for sponsored content.
- Affiliate Marketing – Promote products and services through a blog, YouTube, or social media and earn commissions.
- Ghostwriting – Write books, articles, and blog posts for clients who want content under their name.
- Copywriting Services – Craft persuasive sales copy, email sequences, and landing pages for businesses.
- Create an Online Magazine – Publish digital magazines with articles, advertisements, and premium content.
- Sell AI-Generated Content – Use AI tools to create and sell blog posts, scripts, and graphics.
- Email Marketing Consultant – Help businesses grow their email lists and improve conversion rates with optimised email campaigns.
Tech & Development
- Web Development – Build and maintain websites for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
- App Development – Create mobile applications for businesses and individuals looking to digitise their services.
- Tech Support & IT Consulting – Offer remote troubleshooting, cybersecurity, and tech solutions to businesses.
- AI Chatbot Development – Create automated customer service bots for businesses to enhance user engagement.
- Cybersecurity Consultant – Help businesses protect sensitive data and prevent cyberattacks.
- Custom Software Development – Build tailored software solutions to solve industry-specific challenges.
- Sell WordPress Themes & Plugins – Develop and market custom themes and plugins for WordPress users.
- Create SaaS (Software as a Service) – Develop a cloud-based tool or software for businesses to use on a subscription basis.
- Data Analysis & Visualisation – Provide insights using data-driven reports and dashboards for companies.
- Online Coding Tutor – Teach programming languages like Python, JavaScript, or HTML to students and professionals.
Education & Coaching
- Create & Sell Online Courses – Teach valuable skills on platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare.
- Virtual Tutoring – Offer academic support in subjects like math, science, or language learning.
- Life Coaching – Provide guidance in personal growth, goal setting, and motivation.
- Fitness Coaching – Offer virtual fitness training and meal planning to clients.
- Language Teaching – Teach English or foreign languages through one-on-one or group sessions.
- Music Lessons Online – Provide virtual instruction for instruments or vocal training.
- Career Coaching – Help job seekers refine resumes, ace interviews, and navigate career transitions.
- Public Speaking Coach – Train clients to improve their confidence and speaking skills.
- Parenting Coach – Guide parents on effective child-rearing strategies and family management.
- Meditation & Mindfulness Coach – Help individuals manage stress and enhance well-being through mindfulness practices.
Final Thoughts
With low startup costs and high scalability, these online business ideas offer excellent income potential. Whether you choose to start an e-commerce store, launch a company formation business with eFiling, or offer freelance services, the key to success is consistent effort, marketing, and delivering value to your customers.
Pick the idea that aligns with your skills and interests, and start your journey today!