In today’s day and age, the internet has exponentially changed the way business is done. It has redefined the parameters allowing aspiring entrepreneurs easy access to resources that were previously out of their reach.
Starting a business online is not a novel approach. The COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone to adapt; many had to take their business online to survive. And some of these companies have adapted to the work-from-home setting and are likely to continue it in the future.
So, if the idea to start a business online resonates with you, you are not alone. The benefits of online business are many, from having access to a global pool of clients to cost-effectiveness. It also helps you to be more flexible with timings. This way, you can work with global clients. Furthermore, you can manage the business from any corner of the world.
We have put together a quick list and resources for 7 profitable low-cost online business ideas to help you find the right online business for you.
What are some of the profitable low-cost business ideas?
Some of the best low-cost online business ideas include affiliate marketing, blogging, being a social media influencer or a YouTuber. You could start your own Podcast or become a virtual assistant. Creating and selling courses on Coursera, LinkedIn Learning and Udemy is another profitable online business venture. For professionals, being an SEO consultant or a small business consultant may be suitable. Or, if you have the skills and expertise, you could become an online stock trader.
Low-Cost Online Business Ideas for 2022
1. Stock Market
Professionals with stock market skills & expertise and people who have dabbled in stock trading in the past should consider creating a long-term stock market investment plan. Beginners could also try their hand at online trading but need to understand what it takes to work with the stock market.
According to Investopedia, online stock traders need to have the following skills:
- Analytical skills that enable them to analyse data quicker.
- Research skills, as information is one of the pillars of the stock market’s foundations.
- Ability to focus and grasp knowledge about the stock markets and their types of securities.
- They need to have a calm and collected approach. It is necessary to control your emotions and not allow them to get better for you. Trust the strategy. Don’t let your emotions risk your gains.
Resources to help you get started with the Stock Market
- Credit Mantri: Step By Step Guide To Investing In The Stock Market In India (with a stock broker)
- Bajaj Finserv: How to start trading online(with a stock broker)
- HDFC Bank: How To Invest In Stocks Without Broker
- The Best Stock Broker: Best Trading Platforms in India 2022
2. Blogging
Blogging has been around for a long time. And thanks to the advancement of technology, it is now easier to set up with platforms such as Blogger, WordPress, and Wix. To be a successful blogger, you need to hone your writing skills and use them to share your expertise with the world.
According to Amazon Affiliate, listed below are skills required to be a successful blogger:
- Research skill is essential in every field. It is even more important in the blogging industry. The research could be online, or you could put in some work by visiting places and interviewing people.
- To become a good blogger, you need to have expertise in one field. People prefer to read content written on reputed websites by knowledgeable writers.
- Let’s not forget a passion for blogging. Otherwise, after the excitement of the initial setup, you’ll soon get tired of writing on the same subject.
Digital Vidya’s Top Indian Bloggers List gives us the following names with their expertise and websites:
Resources to help you get started with Blogging
- Neil Patel’s Youtube Video: How to Write a Blog Post From Start to Finish | Neil Patel
- Neil Patel Blog: How to Start a Blog That Generates $3817 a Month
- The Blog Starter: How To Start A Blog In 2022
- Hubspot Blog: The 12 Best Blogging Platform for 2022 (How to pick one)
Blogging opens up a new world, and you can earn money by allowing ad networks to use your websites to target visitors. Another earning option is Affiliate marketing. Let’s see how that works.
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3. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate Marketing is promoting other companies products or services on your website or platform in return for earning a commission on the sales generated. Ideally, the commission percentage depends on the sales, but some affiliate programs have a fixed amount.
Most successful bloggers make their money from affiliate marketing, which has developed a lot since the earlier days when people would share links from Amazon or other shopping portals and get a commission.
An affiliate marketer is often a blogger, social media influencer, Vlogger and other creative digital talents that have a platform to feature a company’s product or services. So, they pretty much need to have the same skill set as that of a blogger.
Resources to help you get started with Affiliate Marketin
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4. YouTuber
Although it may seem like YouTube stars turn into overnight sensations, it isn’t true. Many of them have been a part of the YouTube community for a long time. Their consistency and drive to publish meaningful content turn them into a winner.
Creating videos, video editing, and social media marketing are a few skills that are necessary to conquer the video-sharing platform and become a successful YouTuber.
Resources to help you get started with YouTube
- Wix: 11 Steps to Becoming a Successful YouTuber
- Tech Day HQ: Which Skills Do You Need To Become A YouTuber
- Pewdiepie YouTube: How to Get Started On YouTube
- Hootsuite blog: How to Become a YouTuber and Get Paid: 10 Steps to Success
5. Create and sell a course
The pandemic gave everyone at home the opportunity to explore online courses. Since then, they have gained popularity, and people prefer to sign up for a few hours courses rather than committing to an annual degree to learn only a specific skill.
Of course, the degrees teach a wealth of knowledge ideal for someone willing to invest 2 more years of their life in dedicated learning.
An online course allows graduated students to brush up on their stagnating skills and offers beginners an alternative way of learning.
Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, Skillshare are a few online course websites where you can sell your course. To create a course, you need to know a topic inside out.
For example, creating course material for blogging would include adding personal milestones, achievements, and experiences to the mix. It would allow the students to learn with the example of their teacher.
Resources to help you Create and Sell Courses
- Guru 99: 15 BEST Online Course Platforms (Mar 2022 Update)
- Udemy: How to Create an Awesome Online Course
- E-student.org: How to Create an Online Course for Free
- Thinkific.com: 10 Steps To Creating A Wildly Successful Online Course
6. Social Media Influencer
From Kim Kardashian to your local cake creator, everyone has tried their hands at becoming a social media influencer. Social media as a whole is a platform for creators and viewers alike. Instagram, in particular, is a good platform for influencers who can leverage their fame in return for incentives or commission.
In India, many of the top Instagram influencers happen to be comedians. According to According to Confluencr, the following are India’s top social media influencers:
Resources to help you become a Social Media Influencer
- InfluencerMarketingHub.com: How to Become an Influencer: 7 Easy Steps to Becoming a Social Media Influencer Today
- Hootsuite Blog: Influencer Marketing Guide: How to Work With Influencers
- USChamber: Top 5 Social Media Influencers in 9 Industries
- Twitter Business: The 7 biggest secrets of social media influencers
7. Podcast
A podcast is a method of distributing audio content to the audience using Podcast platforms such as BuzzSprout, SoundCloud, and RSS.com.
Beginners will need to build a separate podcast studio to ensure that they face no disruptions when they are recording episodes. You also have the opportunity to choose from one of the several podcast hosting sites.
Many of you may have heard about books being adapted into movies, but only a few must-have come across podcasts adapted into web shows or movies.
One example of such a podcast is Lore by Aaron Mahnke. Amazon Music has all Lore Podcasts. On Amazon Prime, the podcast is transformed into a visual adaptation for the audience.
To find out the scope of Podcast, a profitable business venture, you can refer to 17 other Tv shows based on Podcast.
Resources to help you start a Podcast
- PodcastInsights: 31 Best Podcast Hosting Sites (Top 7 Have Free Offers)
- Riverside.fm: All You Need to Know About Building a Podcast Studio at Home
- Podcastblastoff: How to Build a Podcast Studio on Any Budget
- SmartPassiveIncome: How to Start a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP | 2022 Complete Tutorial
Other Profitable Online Business Ideas
- SEO consultant
- Small business consultant
- Virtual assistant
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