28 Best Business Ideas to Start Under 10K

Are you looking to launch a new business?

Starting a new business often sounds intimidating and expensive

In reality, you can start a profitable business from the comfort of your own home with very little money.

In this article, I will share with you some of my favorite business ideas you can start with a small investment.

My picks for the Best Business Ideas to Start Under 10K are:

1. Dropshipping

Sell products online without keeping an inventory.

Dropshipping involves you acting as the middleman between manufacturers and buyers.

You act as the shopping front and sell products to your customers.

Once you get orders, you inform the third-party supplier that ships products directly to your customers.

Choose a niche, such as fashion, electronics, or health and wellness, and start your store using e-commerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.

It is a cheap business to start as you don’t need inventory. All you need is a laptop and an e-commerce platform.

2. Affiliate marketing

To become an affiliate marketer, all you need is to create good content.

Promote other people’s products through content like blogs, YouTube videos, TikTok videos, etc.

You need to create good content that encourages people to buy the product you’re promoting. And you earn a commission for every sale made through your referral link.

Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale, and use social media, email marketing, or blogging to attract potential buyers.

3. Online course creation

Online courses are an incredible business if you are knowledgeable about a topic and want to teach others.

You can create and sell online courses on many different topics.

Selling courses is a great business as you need to create it once and can sell it multiple times. All you need is occasional updates to ensure that the material stays fresh and relevant.

Use platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Thinkific to host and sell your course.

4. Social media management

Social media traffic is extremely valuable for any business.

Offering social media management services for businesses or individuals can be a very lucrative gig.

These services could include creating and posting content and tracking analytics.

To get social media management gigs you will have to reach out to businesses or individuals who may need your services.

However, turning potential clients into paying ones can be tough. Here is a video on how to get your first clients:

5. Freelance writing

The written word is one of the most effective ways to get more sales and grow any business.

Nowadays, almost all businesses want an online presence, and creating quality written content is not easy.

You can write content for businesses, websites, or individuals.

Start a blog or portfolio website, and reach out to potential clients on freelance job boards or social media platforms.

You can also use AI writing tools like Conch AI or Writesonic to help you create great content much more quickly.

6. Virtual assistant

If you are someone who is organized and think that you can do that for someone else being a virtual assistant is a great idea.

You can provide administrative and technical support to businesses or entrepreneurs.

Offer services like bookkeeping, appointment scheduling, email management, etc.

Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are a good way to find gigs like this.

7. Content creation

Becoming a content creator is one of the most desirable careers.

If this is something you are interested in, it can be a very well-paying venture.

This could include creating blog posts, producing videos, or podcasts, etc. If you can build an audience and following, you can monetize your business via ads, brand deals, and much more

Pick a niche, and create great content to build an audience and you can make a great living from this business.

8. Graphic design

If you have an interest in graphic design, you can build a great service business offering others your services.

Design logos, marketing materials, or other graphics for businesses or individuals.

You can use tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator to create high-quality designs and advertise your services on freelance job boards or social media platforms.

You can even use AI logo makers to create beautiful logos for businesses.

Our article on creating transparent logos may also be useful it makes it easier for you to use the logos in different mediums.

9. App development

For anyone with a background in programming and software development, offering your services to others is a great path to success.

Develop mobile or web applications for businesses or individuals.

Choose a niche, such as gaming or productivity, and search and reach out to clients to get business.

10. Website design

Design and develop websites for businesses or individuals.

Use platforms like WordPress or Squarespace to create high-quality websites, and market your services to potential clients.

Website design is always in demand and maybe landing big clients can be difficult in the beginning but you can target small to medium businesses.

You don’t need any investment upfront, just do tons of outreach to build connections.

11. SEO consultant

Organic traffic on Google is one of the most valuable things on the internet.

You can help businesses optimize their websites for search engines, by researching keywords, analyzing data, and implementing best practices.

Offer services like keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building.

Read our article on the best SEO tools if you need tools to scale your SEO business.

12. Digital marketing

A digital marketing agency typically offers all kinds of services that help businesses gain traction online.

Offer a range of digital marketing services, including email marketing, content marketing, social media advertising, and search engine marketing.

Helping businesses improve their online visibility and generate leads is a valuable skill and you can charge big money for your services.

You can use AI marketing tools to automate much of the process for you and optimize your workflow.

13. Online Coaching

The world is full of lifelong learners who are always looking to improve themselves.

If you have a skill that you share with others, you can probably find someone to pay you for your time.

Offer coaching services for personal or professional development.

Specialize in a niche, such as life coaching, career coaching, or executive coaching.

14. E-commerce store

Starting an E-commerce store can be a great way to build a successful business.

However, I do want to mention that it’s not easy but with the right preparation and research, it can be a very lucrative venture.

Choose a niche, and source products from manufacturers or wholesalers. I would advise you to find a trend that you can benefit from or create a unique product that solves a specific problem.

If you want to create your own store you can use platforms like Woocommerce or Shopify.

Read our post on the best E-commerce Search Engines to help your users find exactly what they are looking for and provide a great experience!

You can also start an Amazon store or Etsy shop. This allows you to benefit from the traffic these platforms already have. If you are looking for Etsy SEO tools you should check out our review of Everbee.

15. Online tutoring

Offering online tutoring services for students can be a great place to start a business.

When I was in college, tutoring was something many of my friends (including me) paid for.

Helping students with their schoolwork and assignments is a service that is almost always in demand. You can also use AI Homework tools to make it easier for you to do your research.

Read our reviews on homework tools:

• Smodin
• Homeworkify
• Caktus AI
• Cramly AI

Choose a specific subject or niche, such as math, science, or language learning, and advertise on Facebook groups or other social media.

16. Event planning

Help businesses or individuals plan and host events, like webinars, conferences, or workshops.

Offer services like venue selection, speaker coordination, and event marketing.

This is a great business for beginners as it doesn’t take much capital and mostly requires your time and effort.

17. Online coaching directory

As I mentioned above, online coaching is very much in demand.

But if you don’t personally want to coach others, you can create a directory of coaches or consultants, and offer a platform for clients to book and pay for coaching sessions.

Use tools like Acuity Scheduling or Calendly to manage appointments.

You can charge the coaches a percentage of their earnings for coordinating the sessions and bringing them business.

18. Copywriting

Writing persuasive copy for businesses, including website copy, advertising copy, or product descriptions is a very valuable service.

Develop a portfolio, market your services to potential clients, and start your copywriting business.

As you build connections in the industry it will get easier for you to get more clients.

19. Virtual bookkeeping

Many businesses don’t have great bookkeeping and don’t track their finances very well.

Provide bookkeeping services to businesses or entrepreneurs, including accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliations, and financial reporting.

Again, this is a business you can start without a big investment.

All you need to do is reach out to potential clients and convince them that they need your services.

20. Online personal shopping

This is a premium service as only people with a high income will hire someone else to buy things for them online.

It is a service that typically very busy people can benefit from.

You can individuals shop online, by researching products, making purchasing decisions, and coordinating delivery.

Finding clients for a service like this can be tricky though but very worth it.

21. Virtual home staging

Virtual home staging can be very valuable to home sellers and real estate agents as it can get them a much better deal from the buyer.

Stage homes virtually, by using software or 3D technology to show potential buyers how a space could be used or decorated.

According to studies, staged homes sell much faster therefore you can charge a good fee for a service like this.

You can offer services to real estate agents, sellers, or homeowners.

22. Online art sales

Selling art online can be a very profitable business.

However, creating art that people want to buy is difficult. But if this is something you can do, you can make some big money.

Develop a brand, and market your art to potential buyers.

When it comes to art, you can sell physical art as well as copies of digital art on platforms like Etsy.

If you are looking for an AI image generator tool to create digital art, you should read our review of Dezgo.

23. Online resume writing

When people start looking for jobs, creating a resume from scratch can be very intimidating!

Trust me, I’ve been there. And many of us are willing to pay others to make us look great on our resumes.

Write resumes for job seekers, and help them optimize them for their job search.

You can even use AI resume builders like Rezi AI to create these resumes. This will help you make resumes much quicker and take on many clients.

24. Online video editing

Video content is probably the most effective marketing vehicle businesses are benefiting from.

There are countless businesses who can use better video editing.

If you can edit and produce videos for businesses or individuals, including promotional videos, educational videos, or vlogs you are in a great position.

Develop a portfolio, and market your services to potential clients.

25. Podcast

If you are passionate about a certain topic and feel like you have some unique takes you absolutely build a podcast.

However, please don’t think it is easy!

You will have to build a large library of content and create clips with your target audience in mind to get visibility and build an audience.

But again, this isn’t a business you need a ton of money to get started on. All you need is a good microphone and some software to edit and publish your podcast.

26. Amazon FBA

27. Professional Headshot Services

Your headshot is often the first thing anyone sees when searching for you online, especially on a platform like LinkedIn.

People want professional-looking headshots for their LinkedIn or Twitter profiles.

Offering photography services to help them take amazing pictures can be an easy business to get clients for.

However, you will have to learn how to edit these images for better results.

You can even use AI headshot generators to create professional headshots for your clients. You can further edit these images to make them better and charge a smaller fee for this service.

28. Business Card Design

Many individuals want business cards to be able to share their contact info with their connections.

Designing beautiful business cards that stand out is a service you can offer to many customers.

The demand for physical business cards is still significant but people are moving towards NFC business cards.

A good business idea with digital business cards would be to offer services to help business set up their employees with them.

Target businesses that rely on networking such as real estate firms or home improvement contractors.

Many of these businesses are run by people who aren’t very tech-savvy and can be persuaded to opt for this service.

Read our reviews of the following digital business cards:

• Mobilo Digital Business Card
• OVOU Digital Business Card
• Linq Digital Business Card
• Popl vs Dot Comparison

Starting A Business Tips and Tricks

Starting a business can be intimidating, expensive, and time-consuming.

It is important for you to optimize the way you work and make the process as productive and easy for you as possible.

Here are some of the tips I have for you:

• Invest in a good working setup. Buy a good office chair, desk, and monitor that is easy on your eyes since you will be spending a lot of time working at your desk.
• Use digital planners like Notion to create to-do lists and manage your tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have experience to start an online business?

While having experience in your chosen field can be helpful, it’s not always necessary to start an online business. With a willingness to learn, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to your business, you can develop the skills you need to succeed. Here are some tips to get started:

• Identify your strengths and skills.
• Research your chosen industry.
• Read books and articles, watch videos, and take online courses to develop your skills.
• Network with others in your field to gain knowledge and insights.
• Seek out a mentor who can guide you and provide advice.

Can I start an online business without any capital?

Yes, it is possible to start an online business with little to no capital. Here are some low-cost or no-cost options:

• Offer services such as freelance writing, virtual assistance, or social media management.
• Create content such as blog posts, videos, or podcasts and monetize them through advertising or sponsorships.
• Participate in affiliate marketing programs and earn a commission for each sale made through your unique affiliate link.

How do I choose the right business idea for me?

To choose the right business idea, consider the following:

• Identify your skills, interests, and experience.
• Look for opportunities that align with your strengths and that you enjoy doing.
• Research the market to see what businesses are in demand and identify any gaps or niches you could fill.
• Identify your target audience and their needs, and find a niche that you can serve.
• Evaluate the competition and identify ways to differentiate yourself from them.

How long does it take to start an online business?

The time it takes to start an online business can vary depending on the business idea, your level of experience, and the amount of time you can commit to it. Some businesses can be launched in a matter of days, while others may take several months to develop and launch. Here are some factors to consider:

• Research and planning: This can take several weeks or months depending on the complexity of your business idea.
• Developing a website or online store: This can take a few days to several weeks, depending on your technical expertise and the complexity of the website.
• Creating products or content: This can take several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the product or the amount of content you need to create.
• Marketing and promotion: This is an ongoing process and can take several months to gain traction and build a loyal customer base.

How do I market my online business?

To market your online business, consider the following:

• Social media: Use platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn to engage with your audience, promote your content, and build your brand.
• Content marketing: Create high-quality content such as blog posts, videos, or podcasts to attract and engage your target audience.
• Search engine optimization (SEO): Optimize your website or blog for search engines to improve your visibility and attract organic traffic.
• Email marketing: Build an email list and send newsletters or promotional emails to your subscribers to keep them engaged and informed.
• Influencer marketing: Collaborate with influencers in your niche to reach a wider audience and increase your brand awareness.
• Paid advertising: Use platforms such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or Instagram Ads to reach your target audience and drive traffic to your website.

Can I start an online business while working a full-time job?

Yes, you can start an online business while working a full-time job. Here are some tips to help you manage your time and balance both:

• Create a schedule and set aside dedicated time each week to work on your business.
• Prioritize your tasks and focus on the most important ones first.
• Outsource or delegate tasks that you don’t have the time or expertise to handle.
• Use tools and automation to streamline your processes and save time.
• Be patient and persistent, and remember that building a successful business takes time and effort.

What are some legal requirements for starting an online business?

Some legal requirements for starting an online business include:

• Registering your business with your state or local government.
• Obtaining any necessary permits or licenses for your industry.
• Complying with tax laws and obtaining a tax identification number.
• Protecting your intellectual property with trademarks, copyrights, or patents.
• Complying with data protection laws and regulations such as GDPR or CCPA.

It’s important to consult with a legal professional to ensure that you’re meeting all the necessary requirements for your business.