71+ Best Business Ideas to Start Under 10K

Do you want to launch a business online with little money? There are several ways to start a business from the comfort of your home using the internet. We’ve prepared a list of the top 71 internet businesses in this post that you may launch with little to no money.

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

1. Dropshipping

Sell products online without keeping an inventory, through a third-party supplier that ships products directly to customers. Choose a niche, such as fashion, electronics, or health and wellness, and start your store using e-commerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.

2. Affiliate marketing

Promote other people’s products and 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

Create and sell online courses on a topic you’re knowledgeable about. Use platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Thinkific to host and sell your course.

4. Social media management

Manage social media accounts for businesses or individuals, creating and posting content, and tracking analytics. Build your social media presence, and create social media packages for businesses and individuals.

5. Freelance writing

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.

6. Virtual assistant

Provide administrative and technical support to businesses or entrepreneurs. Offer services like bookkeeping, appointment scheduling, email management, and social media management.

7. Content creation

Create content for businesses or individuals, including blog posts, videos, or podcasts. Develop a niche or specialty, and market your services to potential clients.

8. Graphic design

Design logos, marketing materials, or other graphics for businesses or individuals. Use tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator to create high-quality designs, and advertise your services on freelance job boards or social media platforms.

9. App development

Develop mobile or web applications for businesses or individuals. Choose a niche, such as gaming or productivity, and learn coding languages like Swift, Java, or Python.

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.

11. SEO consultant

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.

12. Digital marketing

Offer a range of digital marketing services, including email marketing, content marketing, social media advertising, and search engine marketing. Help businesses improve their online visibility and generate leads.

13. Online Coaching

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

Sell products online, using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Choose a niche, and source products from manufacturers or wholesalers. You can use a suite of different tools to build your online store to ensure a great user experience.
Read our post on the best E-commerce Search Engines to help your users find exactly what they are looking for!

15. Stock trading

Invest in stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrencies, using online trading platforms like Robinhood or E*TRADE. Learn about the stock market, and develop a sound investment strategy.

16. Online marketing agency

Offer a range of marketing services, including SEO, social media marketing, PPC advertising, and content marketing. Build a team of freelancers or employees, and work with clients to grow their businesses.

17. Online tutoring

Offer online tutoring services for K-12 students or college students. Choose a specific subject or niche, such as math, science, or language learning.

18. Online 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.

19. Online coaching directory

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.

20. Copywriting

Write persuasive copy for businesses, including website copy, advertising copy, or product descriptions. Develop a portfolio, market your services to potential clients and start your copywriting business.

21. Virtual bookkeeping

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

22. Virtual events planning

Plan and host virtual events for businesses or individuals, like webinars, online courses, or virtual conferences. Offer services like platform selection, speaker coordination, and event marketing.

23. Online personal shopping

Help individuals shop online, by researching products, making purchasing decisions, and coordinating delivery. Use platforms like Stitch Fix or Trunk Club to offer personalized styling services.

24. Virtual home staging

Stage homes virtually, by using software or 3D technology to show potential buyers how a space could be used or decorated. Offer services to real estate agents, sellers, or homeowners.

25. Translation services

Translate documents or content for businesses or individuals, in a variety of languages. Develop a niche, such as legal, medical, or technical translation.

26. Online art sales

Sell art online, by creating and listing original or reproduction pieces on platforms like Etsy or Saatchi Art. Develop a brand, and market your art to potential buyers.

27. Online jewelry sales

Sell jewelry online, by creating and listing original or customized pieces on platforms like Etsy or Amazon Handmade. Develop a niche or specialty, like fine jewelry or eco-friendly jewelry.

28. Online fashion sales

Sell clothing or accessories online, by creating and listing items on platforms like Etsy or Poshmark. Develop a niche or specialty, like vintage clothing or sustainable fashion.

29. Online makeup sales

Sell makeup or beauty products online, by creating and listing items on platforms like Etsy or Shopify. Develop a niche or specialty, like vegan makeup or cruelty-free beauty products.

30. Online hair care sales

Sell hair care products online, by creating and listing items on platforms like Etsy or WooCommerce. Develop a niche or specialty, like natural hair care or organic hair products.

31. Online wellness coaching

Offer wellness coaching services, focusing on areas like nutrition, fitness, or mental health. Develop a niche or specialty, and offer personalized coaching sessions.

32. Online therapy

Offer therapy services online, for individuals or couples. Use video conferencing software like Zoom or Skype to conduct sessions.

33. Online legal services

Offer legal services online, including document drafting, contract review, or legal research. Develop a niche or specialty, like intellectual property or immigration law.

34. Online tax services

Offer tax preparation or filing services for individuals or businesses. Develop expertise in areas like small business taxes, self-employed taxes, or tax law.

35. Online resume writing

Write resumes for job seekers, and help them optimize their job search. Develop a niche, like executive resumes or entry-level resumes.

36. Online proofreading

Proofread and edit documents for businesses or individuals, including books, articles, or websites. Develop a niche, like technical writing or academic writing.

37. Online language learning

Offer language learning courses online, for individuals or businesses. Develop courses in a variety of languages, and focus on niche areas, like business language or conversational language.

38. Online graphic design

Offer graphic design services for businesses, including website design, logo design, or advertising design. Develop a portfolio, and market your services to potential clients.

39. Online social media management

Manage social media accounts for businesses, including creating and scheduling posts, monitoring engagement, and analyzing results. Use tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social to manage multiple accounts.

40. Online video editing

Edit and produce videos for businesses or individuals, including promotional videos, educational videos, or vlogs. Develop a portfolio, and market your services to potential clients.

41. Online podcast production

Produce and edit podcasts for businesses or individuals, including recording, editing, and distribution. Develop a portfolio, and market your services to potential clients.

42. Online affiliate marketing

Promote and sell products for businesses, and earn a commission on each sale. Develop a niche or specialty, like health and wellness products or tech gadgets.

43. Insurance agent

Becoming an insurance agent can be a relatively cheap online business to start, as it typically requires only a small initial investment in licensing and training. With the right marketing strategies and a strong work ethic, it is possible to build a successful insurance agency from the comfort of your own home.

44. Online e-commerce store

Create and manage an online store, selling a variety of products in a niche or specialty area. Use platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce to manage sales and fulfillment.

45. Online print-on-demand products

Create and sell customized products, like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases, using print-on-demand services. Develop a brand, and market your products to potential buyers.

46. Online travel planning

Help individuals plan and book travel, including flights, hotels, and activities. Develop a niche or specialty, like adventure travel or luxury travel.

47. Online house cleaning services

Offer house cleaning services, managed entirely online. Use software like Housecall Pro or Maidily to schedule appointments and manage cleaning services.

48. Online pet care services

Offer pet care services, including pet sitting, dog walking, or pet grooming. Develop a niche or specialty, like senior pet care or exotic pet care.

49. Online personal shopping assistant

Offer personalized shopping services, helping clients find and purchase products online. Develop a niche or specialty, like luxury products or home decor.

50. Online gift wrapping services

Offer gift wrapping services, including customized gift wrapping and delivery. Develop a niche or specialty, like eco-friendly gift wrapping or holiday gift wrapping.

51. Online event ticketing

Create a platform for selling and managing event tickets, including marketing and promotion. Use software like Eventbrite or Ticketmaster to manage ticket sales.

52. Online podcast hosting

Host and distribute podcasts for businesses or individuals, including audio hosting, analytics, and distribution. Develop a portfolio, and market your services to potential clients. All you need is a microphone and an internet connection.

53. Online translation software

Create and sell software for translation services, including document translation or real-time translation. Develop a niche or specialty, like medical or legal translation.

54. Online game development

Develop and sell online games, including mobile games or PC games. Develop a niche or specialty, like educational games or multiplayer games.

55. Online virtual reality experiences

Create and sell virtual reality experiences, including educational or entertainment experiences. Develop a niche or specialty, like travel or fitness experiences.

56. Online augmented reality experiences

Create and sell augmented reality experiences, including marketing or educational experiences. Develop a niche or specialty, like fashion or beauty experiences.

57. Online content marketing agency

Offer content marketing services, including strategy, creation, and distribution for businesses. Develop a portfolio, and market your services to potential clients.

58. Online tutorials and how-to videos

Create instructional videos on a wide range of topics, such as cooking, DIY projects, or software tutorials. Develop a niche or specialty, and promote your videos on social media.

59. Online product reviews and unboxings

Create video reviews of products, including gadgets, beauty products, or food items. Partner with brands to receive free products or commission on sales.

60. Online comedy and entertainment

Create comedy sketches, parodies, or funny commentary on current events. Develop a unique brand or style, and promote your videos on social media.

61. Online vlogging and lifestyle videos

Create videos on your daily life, travels, or personal experiences. Develop a loyal following by sharing personal stories and insights.

62. Online gaming and esports

Create videos on gaming or esports, including tutorials, gameplay highlights, or reviews of new releases. Develop a niche or specialty, and promote your videos on social media.

63. Online beauty and fashion videos

Create videos on beauty and fashion topics, including makeup tutorials, fashion hauls, or styling tips. Develop a niche or specialty, and partner with brands for sponsored content.

64. Online educational videos

Create educational videos on a variety of topics, such as science, history, or math. Develop a niche or specialty, and promote your videos on social media.

65. Online interviews and discussions

Host interviews or panel discussions on a wide range of topics, such as current events, politics, or personal development. Develop a unique voice and approach, and promote your podcast on social media.

66. Online storytelling and fiction

Create serialized fiction or short stories in a variety of genres, such as horror, romance, or science fiction. Develop a loyal following by creating engaging characters and plotlines.

67. Online news and current events

Create a podcast that covers news and current events in a specific industry or region. Develop a unique perspective and voice, and promote your podcast on social media.

68. Online personal development and wellness

Create a podcast on personal development, wellness, or self-improvement. Develop a unique approach, and partner with brands for sponsored content.

69. Online true crime and mysteries

Create a podcast that explores true crime and mysteries, such as unsolved murders or missing person cases. Develop a unique perspective and approach, and promote your podcast on social media.

70. Online comedy and entertainment

Create a podcast that focuses on comedy, entertainment, or pop culture. Develop a unique voice and approach, and promote your podcast on social media.

71. Online history and culture podcast

Create a podcast that explores history and culture, such as the history of a particular region or era. Develop a unique perspective and voice, and promote your podcast on social media.

72. Photography

You can start a photography business with just a camera and some lighting equipment. Then it really comes down to you putting yourself out there to get clients. If you market your services well, you can create an extremely lucrative business being a photographer.

73. Airbnb

To start an Airbnb business with very little capital, you can rent out a spare room in your home or apartment. This requires minimal investment and can generate extra income. You can also offer unique experiences or services to attract guests and stand out from competitors. Good communication skills, hospitality, and attention to detail are important for success.

74. Amazon FBA

Starting an online business can be a lucrative and fulfilling venture, and with the right idea and strategy, you can get started with little to no capital. Whether you’re interested in e-commerce, digital marketing, or creative services, there are plenty of opportunities to turn your skills and expertise into a profitable online business.

As you consider the various business ideas listed above, take time to assess your skills and interests, and think about which ideas best align with your goals and strengths. With the right idea and approach, you can launch an online business that not only generates income but also provides you with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Remember, starting an online business requires patience, dedication, and hard work, but with persistence and a strong work ethic, you can build a successful business that supports your financial and personal goals. Good luck!

FAQ

Q: What are some low-cost online businesses I can start?

A: Some low-cost online business ideas include:

• Dropshipping: You can set up an online store without the need for physical inventory. Instead, you partner with a supplier who will fulfill orders on your behalf.
• Affiliate marketing: You promote other people’s products and earn a commission for each sale that is made through your unique affiliate link.
• Content creation: You can create content such as blog posts, videos, or podcasts and monetize them through advertising or sponsorships.
• Social media management: You can help businesses manage their social media accounts and create content to engage their audience.
• Virtual assistance: You can offer administrative support to businesses or individuals remotely.

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

A: 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.

Q: Can I start an online business without any capital?

A: 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.

Q: How do I choose the right business idea for me?

A: 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.

Q: How long does it take to start an online business?

A: 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.

Q: How do I market my online business?

A: 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.

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

A: 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.

Q: What are some legal requirements for starting an online business?

A: 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.