The Juiciest Online Business Ideas for 2024

Running a small business can be the perfect job for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit, but every business venture comes with its own set of challenges. The truth is, starting a business of any kind is hard work, and the first thing you need is an idea.

To begin, you’ll need to think of a strong business idea—one that has a natural customer base and the potential to scale up over time. For many, an online business is a good place to start, given the simplicity of ecommerce compared to starting a brick-and-mortar business.

Starting an online business isn’t about one simple life-changing trick. Like all forms of entrepreneurship, it requires dedication and sweat equity. In this guide, we’ll give you online business ideas for beginners and experienced entrepreneurs alike, as well as tips on how to start a business without quitting your day job.

Best online business ideas for 2024

Start your own clothing line
Launch a dropshipping business
Sell your art online
Become a freelance writer, designer, or developer
Teach an online course
Flip your thrift store finds
Publish your own book
Start a blog or a newsletter
Become a virtual assistant
Become an influencer
Build apps and websites
Launch a podcast
Become an affiliate marketer
Curate subscription boxes
Develop a niche product
Create handmade goods
Become a social media manager
Sell merchandise on marketplaces
Become a translator
Start an accounting or bookkeeping firm
Become an online fitness trainer
Sell music
Start an online coaching business
Do voiceover work
Become an ad consultant

1. Start your own clothing line

If you have a passion for fashion and a willingness to navigate supply chains, you can start a clothing company. The Shopify App Store is stocked with numerous product sourcing apps, including Printify and Printful, that connect you to apparel printers and clothing manufacturers. These services handle every step of the retail fulfillment process, giving you the freedom to design and ship a wide range of pieces right out of the gate.

Why start a clothing line?

Create products people use every day.
Start selling instantly.
See your designs come to life and turn your creativity into profit.

2. Launch a dropshipping business

Think you need a warehouse full of inventory to run your own business? Think again! Dropshipping is a great way to start a business on a budget. You can hit the ground running by sourcing a pre-existing product from a supplier and having them take care of packaging and fulfillment. With Shopify, it’s easy to start a dropshipping business and begin selling right away.

Why choose dropshipping?

No need to stock products, reducing upfront cash risk.
Simplified order fulfillment process.
Run your business from anywhere.

3. Sell your art online

Whether you’re a painter, photographer, or musician, there are plenty of online business ideas and ways to turn your latest masterpiece into a source of revenue. Platforms like Printify and Printful allow you to sell your art as prints, canvases, and framed posters. You can also sell your work as digital downloads.

Why sell your art?

Get your work into customers’ homes.
Showcase your work by setting up shop online.
Turn your passion into an income stream.

4. Become a freelance writer, designer, or developer

If you have talent in writing, graphic design, or web development, you can start a low-cost business based on your skills. As a freelancer, you have the flexibility to choose projects and create your own schedule. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can help you find clients and showcase your portfolio.

Why freelance?

Work on projects you choose.
Get paid for doing what you’re good at.
Build your portfolio and gain real experience.

5. Teach an online course

Teaching an online course is a low-investment online business idea for generating passive income. You can create video tutorials or live classes on a topic you know well and monetize your expertise. Platforms like ScreenFlow can help you record and edit your course content.

Why teach an online course?

Monetize your knowledge for years to come.
Share your expertise and help others learn.
Build a platform for showcasing your skills.

6. Flip your thrift store finds

If you love hunting down great deals at thrift stores, you can turn your hobby into an online business. Position yourself as a trustworthy curator who can find and sell unique vintage pieces. You can sell these items on popular marketplaces like Etsy and Ebay or build your own online store.

Why sell your thrift store finds?

Turn your passion into profit.
Enjoy the thrill of finding unique treasures.
Offer customers one-of-a-kind items.

7. Publish your own book

Publishing your own book has become more accessible with the advent of online publishers. You can release your writing as an ebook using platforms like Blurb or as a digital download through the Digital Downloads app. Self-publishing allows you to bypass the traditional publishing process and get your book in the hands of readers faster.

Why publish a book?

Get your book into the hands of readers quickly.
Take advantage of print-on-demand services.
List your book on marketplaces like Amazon.

8. Start a blog or a newsletter

Blogging has evolved from a virtual journal to a marketing and monetization tool. You can host a blog on your personal website or create email newsletters through platforms like Substack. Blogs and newsletters provide opportunities for affiliate marketing, ecommerce, and other online business ventures.

Why start a blog?

Expand into affiliate marketing, ecommerce, and more.
Cultivate a loyal readership base.
Practice and improve your writing skills.

9. Become a virtual assistant

If you are super organized and enjoy working behind the scenes, becoming a virtual assistant (VA) may be a perfect fit for you. VAs work remotely and offer services like appointment scheduling, basic marketing management, and more. You can find clients on platforms like Upwork and build your business from there.

Why become a VA?

Work with your ideal client.
Interact with people from all over the world.
Grow your business and hire additional VAs.

10. Become an influencer

Influencer marketing is a booming industry, with opportunities for both celebrities and micro-influencers. You can become a micro-influencer by building an engaged following on platforms like Instagram and monetizing your influence through brand collaborations and sponsored posts.

Why be an influencer?

Learn about new brands and products.
Grow your own brand and potentially become famous.
Make money and get paid for what you’re already doing.

11. Build apps and websites

If you are tech-savvy and have coding skills, you can build apps and websites for clients or create your own digital products. Whether it’s mobile apps, Shopify apps, or custom website development, the demand for these skills is constantly growing.

Why build apps and websites?

Fulfill the increasing demand for technical skills.
Earn a lucrative income as a freelance web designer or developer.
Create digital products for purchase or as a service provider.

12. Launch a podcast

Podcasts continue to grow in popularity, and creating your own podcast can be a profitable online business idea. You can monetize your podcasts through advertising, sponsorships, or turning your episodes into a blog or YouTube content.

Why start a podcast?

Tap into the growing popularity of podcasts.
Earn revenue through advertising and sponsorships.
Engage with a community and build a loyal audience.

13. Become an affiliate marketer

Affiliate marketing allows you to earn a commission by recommending products or services on your blog, social media, or other platforms. You can join affiliate programs and share your unique referral links to earn money when someone makes a purchase through your link.

Why do affiliate marketing?

Get paid for recommending products and services you love.
Earn passive income as long as your links drive sales.
Leverage your social influence to make money online.

14. Curate subscription boxes

Subscription boxes are themed packages of various products that can be tailored to specific niches. You can curate subscription boxes around any theme or industry and use proven, successful products to create a unique offering for your customers.

Why curate subscription boxes?

Take advantage of seasonal and growing demand.
Offer customers a unique and surprise-based shopping experience.
Use proven, successful products to create a curated collection.

15. Develop a niche product

Identify a market need and create a niche product to fill it. Niche products cater to a unique audience that may not be served by mass-market offerings. Choose a specific target customer and create marketing and messaging that resonates with them.

Why develop a niche product?

Stand out in a crowded market.
Create marketing and messaging that resonates with a specific audience.
Leverage your unique product to gain market share.

16. Create handmade goods

If you have a knack for crafting, selling handmade goods can be a profitable online business idea. Whether you make jewelry, artwork, or furniture, you can monetize your craft skills by selling these products online, either on platforms like Etsy or through your own online store.

Why sell handmade goods?

Turn your hobby into income.
Create on your own schedule.
Sell unique and one-of-a-kind products.

17. Become a social media manager

With the growing importance of social media in business, becoming a social media manager can be a lucrative online business opportunity. You can help businesses manage their social presence, develop marketing strategies, and run campaigns to reach their target audience.

Why become a social media manager?

Take advantage of the growing demand for social media expertise.
Be your own boss and set your earning potential.
Use your social media skills to make money.

18. Sell merchandise on marketplaces

Selling merchandise on marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, or Facebook Marketplace can be a sustainable online business model. You can sell various products, both new and used, and take advantage of the existing traffic on these platforms to reach potential customers.

Why sell on marketplaces?

Start with low upfront investment.
Tap into existing traffic on popular platforms.
Acquire skills that can translate to other online businesses.

19. Become a translator

If you are fluent in multiple languages, you can offer translation services online. You can work as a freelance translator on platforms like Gengo or offer your translation services directly through your own website.

Why become a translator?

Monetize your language skills.
Serve clients from all over the world.
Build your portfolio and expand to higher-profile translation projects.

20. Start an accounting or bookkeeping firm

If you have a background in finance, you can offer accounting and bookkeeping services to businesses. You can start by offering your services as a freelancer and later expand into starting your own firm.

Why start an accounting or bookkeeping firm?

Consistent demand for financial management services.
Potential for steady year-round work.
Opportunities to build long-term relationships with clients.

21. Become an online fitness trainer

With the increasing popularity of online fitness programs, becoming an online fitness trainer can be a rewarding online business idea. You can create video lessons, workout guides, and other digital products to help your clients achieve their fitness goals.

Why become an online fitness trainer?

Tap into the growing fitness industry.
Create evergreen digital products for passive income.
Help people improve their health and fitness.

22. Sell music

If you have the ability to produce music, you can sell your compositions online through licensing websites. You can create musical cues for commercial clients or sell your tracks to music producers.

Why create and sell music?

Commercial clients actively seek musical compositions.
Sell tracks online to bolster your résumé.
Gain experience and increase your chances of scoring bigger projects.

23. Start an online coaching business

If you have expertise in a specific field, you can offer coaching services online. Whether it’s life coaching, business coaching, or specialized coaching in a particular niche, you can use your knowledge and experience to help clients achieve their goals.

Why start an online coaching business?

High income potential.
No need for specific licenses or degrees.
Opportunities for ongoing relationships with clients.

24. Do voiceover work

If you have a pleasant voice and good recording equipment, you can offer voiceover services online. You can record audiobooks, commercials, webinars, or even acting roles from the comfort of your own home.

Why start a voiceover business?

Turn your voice into a revenue generator.
Low startup costs for equipment.
Opportunities for interesting and varied job opportunities.

25. Become an ad consultant

Help businesses optimize their advertising strategies by becoming an ad consultant. You can specialize in different types of ads, such as Google ads, social media ads, or display ads, and provide valuable insights and strategies to your clients.

Why start an ad consulting business?

Consistent demand for advertising expertise.
Work with clients on a freelance basis.
Opportunities for ongoing relationships and referrals.

How to start an online business in 6 steps

Once you have an online business idea, here are the steps to get started:

Validate your idea with research. Research the market demand and ensure there is potential buyer interest in your business idea.
Develop your product or service. Create your product or service and ensure it meets the needs of your target market.
Set up your business finances. Open a business bank account and establish a financial management system to track revenue and expenses.
Find vendors and suppliers. Identify and establish relationships with vendors and suppliers that can provide the products or services you need for your business.
Build your business website. Create a website to showcase your products or services and incorporate payment processing functionality.
Market your new small business. Develop a marketing strategy to attract customers and promote your online business through various channels.

Start your online business today by taking the first step and turning your idea into a reality. Whether you start small or dream big, the possibilities are endless in the online business world. Good luck!