11 of the best online business ideas

Whether you’re looking to try something new or are fed up with the traditional 9-5 grind, starting a business has never been easier thanks to the internet. Whatever your reason for going self-employed, we’ve rounded up some of the best online business ideas without investment – meaning all you need is powerful wifi and a dream.

We’ll also go over how to start an online business and how to use marketing to your advantage. Keep reading to begin your new career.

1. Graphic designer

If you have a creative flair and a good eye for design, becoming a freelance graphic designer could be a great business idea for you. As well as good design skills, to start your own graphic design business you’ll also need to be skilled in marketing, communication, and organisation to get the most out of your business.

Working as a self-employed graphic designer could mean taking on projects designing assets for other small businesses who don’t have their own in-house design team. And making it an online business means you’re not limited to working with local businesses – as long as you’ve got a strong portfolio and a good web presence, you could find work all over the country.

2. Accountant

Accounting and finance is a skill not many people have, meaning it’s often a lucrative career opportunity if you have a talent for it. As well as being good with numbers, you’ll also need to be well-trained in various accounting software.

Those with an accounting business mostly work with other small businesses to help with bookkeeping, payroll, and communicating with HMRC. You may find that your accounting business sees more work when tax return season comes around, but with good planning, it can be a good source of income all year.

Accounting works well as an online business as, thanks to digital records, most business can be carried out over the phone or by email. And having a quiet space to work, away from a busy office environment, means you can get your head down and crunch numbers all day.

3. Online tutor

Whether you’re skilled in Mandarin or maths, tutoring is a great way to turn your talent into a career. And thanks to new technology, tutoring makes a great online business that both you and your students can fit in around a busy schedule.

Lots of tutoring can be completed fully online – such as conversing and feeding back in a foreign language. You’ll just need to make sure you have a good internet connection and webcam in order to get the most out of your career.

4. Software engineer

While it may be a stereotype that software engineers are introverts, it can’t be denied that the demands of the role does call for a quiet, solitary environment. Working out complex code will likely be easier alone than in a busy office, meaning software engineering can make a great online business opportunity.

By putting your portfolio online, you’ll likely find work helping other small businesses or may even get hired on individual projects such as supporting app development. Just make sure you have a powerful computer and strong internet connection for when you need to liaise with clients.

5. Virtual assistant

If you’re organised and crave variety in a role, becoming a virtual assistant could be the job for you. In theory, you can set up an online business as an assistant with as little as a laptop, mobile phone, and strong internet connection.

Your success as a virtual assistant will initially come down to how you market yourself online, before developing customer testimonials which will help your career further.

6. Management consultant

Just because you have a business background, it doesn’t mean you’re destined for a life of boardroom meetings. If you’re looking to use your business skills in a varied and flexible way, have you considered setting up an online business as a management consultant?

Sometimes businesses have a problem in their organisation which requires a specialist to fix: enter the management consultant. If you have a business degree or career experience in management, you can enjoy a flexible career helping a variety of businesses with their problems.

Nowadays, you can do this role from pretty much anywhere thanks to video conferencing and email. You may occasionally be needed on site, but the bulk of your work can be done from wherever your laptop is.

7. Project manager

Are you a natural leader with great attention to detail? A career as a project manager means you take contracts with organisations who need to get a project over the finish line – and you’re the only one who can help them.

Your day-to-day will involve liaising with stakeholders and suppliers, organising meetings, and making sure everything stays in budget. All these tasks are easily accomplished online, meaning you can work as a project manager from anywhere in the world.

8. Life coach

Another great career opportunity is to set up an online business as a life coach. There are no qualifications required for this role, meaning you can get started with just an internet connection. However, if you want to find success as a life coach, you’ll need good listening and problem solving abilities. If a career where you’re helping others is what you’re looking for, life coaching can be really rewarding.

9. Florist

If you’re looking for a business where you can be part of important life events for your customers, starting an online floristry business could be what you’re looking for. To be a florist, you’ll need to be creative with a good eye for design. And while there are no required qualifications to be a florist, there are courses out there if you want to study the subject more.

Online florists can work from their kitchen or shed and sell their creations through an online shop. Social media can be a real help when you’re getting started as an online florist, so make sure to check out our guide to mastering product photography.

10. Online shop

Shops may be a staple of the British high street but online shops open up a whole new world of retail possibilities. Whether you sell handmade crafts or products curated from other suppliers, an online shop means you’re not limited to customers just in your local area. There are plenty of online retail platforms you can use to list your products and take payments, so do some research to find the right platform for your business.

11. Content creator

Do you have a niche hobby? Got great personal style? An excellent chef? Whatever your interest, there’s probably others out there like you – and they’re searching for content online. Becoming an influencer is a great online business idea for beginners looking to break into the world of work.

While it has little startup costs, it does require a lot of hard work to get the point of making income from influencing. There’s also lots of different platforms you can target, so make sure you research the best fit for your content and audience first:

• TikTok
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Blogging

Once things start taking off, make sure you learn how to get verified in order to start making money from your content.

Starting an online business

No matter which path you choose to follow, there are a few crucial steps you need to take in order to start an online business. The first step is to create a business plan outlining your goals for your business.

The next is to create a business website as this is how your customers will find you, see examples of your work, and contact you. Your web presence will be your most valuable asset for your online business.

You also need to consider your overall brand identity, which encompasses everything from the colours you use to how you describe yourself.

You may also want to consider working from home insurance, which can help to protect your business.

Read more: How to start a business in 9 steps

Marketing an online business

While marketing is important in any business, it’s more important than ever when you’re running your business online. Make sure you read our ultimate marketing guide to learn everything you need to know about promoting your business.

One area to really focus on, especially when you’re just starting out, is getting good online customer reviews. This can make or break your business, so make sure to ask all your clients and customers to leave you feedback.

Have your own online business? Leave your top tips in the comments below.

Still searching for the right business ideas?

• Small business ideas – best businesses to start yourself
• 15 of the best home business ideas
• Ultimate side hustle guide – join the latest small business trend
• How to register as self-employed

Photo: Zoran Zeremski/stock.adobe.com