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60 Online Businesses To Start With 10k (3 Pitfalls of Starting an Online Business)

February 23, 2024

Here are the 5 best online businesses to start with 10k:

ECommerce (Traditional, Fulfillment, Dropshipping, etc.)
Real estate
Freelancing
Digital marketing
Airbnb arbitrage

To make money with $10,000, investing in an online business results in a higher chance of success. 60% of the world's population uses the internet regularly. You have access to that market. Even though that market is saturated in 2023, investing this high amount opens up more money-making opportunities and increases your scalability.

If you’re searching for an online business that’s highly profitable, easy to maintain, and has the potential to turn into a passive source of income, check out local lead generation. Local lead generation is a highly profitable business idea that can be done in 5 easy steps:

Pick a niche and a city you want to focus on.
Build a website, search for the perfect domain name, and pay for hosting.
Optimize your website in accordance with Google’s algorithm using search engine optimization (SEO).
Allow local business owners and companies to generate leads through your website while making money for each converted sale.
Repeat this process and scale as much as you want.

Local lead generation also does not require any maintenance at all, making it a passive income stream that’ll give you financial freedom and more time for family and recreation at the same time.

Top 35 Online Businesses You Can Start With $10,000

1. ECommerce: Traditional, Fulfillment, Dropshipping

One of the most profitable online businesses you can start with $10,000 is an eCommerce business. ECommerce is the process of selling products in an online store, whether it be traditional retailing, fulfillment, or dropshipping. The eCommerce industry collectively generated approximately $16.6 trillion in 2022, and it isn’t showing signs of slowing down anytime soon. Here are the differences between traditional retailing, fulfillment, and dropshipping.

Traditional retailing is the process of selling products traditionally, which means you purchase them at a discounted price (typically from a supplier or distributor) and sell them for a good profit online.
Fulfillment is a business model where you send over your products to a retailer that has a warehouse and outsourcing order fulfillment to them, eliminating the need to keep inventory on your end. Some examples of popular fulfillment methods include Amazon FBA, eBay fulfillment, ShipBob fulfillment, and many others.
Dropshipping is retail fulfillment method wherein a store offers products but does not directly handle or keep an inventory. Instead, the seller sources products from a third-party supplier or wholesaler and ships it to the customer. Some commonly used platforms for dropshipping include Shopify, eBay, WooCommerce, and more.

ECommerce cost breakdown:

Product sourcing and inventory management (if necessary): $2,000 to $5,000
Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Shipping and deliveries: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

2. Online coaching

Online coaching is a business that involves teaching or giving advice to individuals regarding a certain topic or niche. For instance, if you’re a financial advisor working for a large firm, you could start offering financial coaching services to people in need. Brad Sugars' 30X Life is an example of this. You could also be a personal trainer at your local gym that's looking to provide virtual training sessions to a potential client looking to lose some weight.

A study in 2021 revealed that the online coaching industry had a market value of around $20 billion, making it a business model that's filled with money and potential.

Online coaching is an easy business to start since all you need is a specialized niche that is within your field of expertise. Once you’ve chosen a niche you will be focusing on, all that’s left is finding clients that are in need of coaching services. Here are some of the most common coaching niches today:

Career
Health
Relationship
Weight loss and nutrition
Life & mindset

Online coaching cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Zoom, Calendly, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Credentials and certifications: $1,500 to $3,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

3. Freelancing business

Freelancing is the cheapest online business you can start. It is the process of working for multiple clients without committing to them full-time. Typically, freelancers get paid for each project or task they accomplish and are employed on a contractual basis. Unlike regular employees that work in a company and have one boss, a freelancer can have as many clients as they want. If you’re a student that’s searching for an online business you can start with 10k, freelancing might be a good business idea for you.

Common freelancing jobs:

Social media marketing / management
Freelance writing (Content marketing, ghostwriting, technical writing, etc.)
Virtual assistant services
Graphic design
Video editing

Freelancing cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software depending on your niche: $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Personal training and development: $1,000 to $3,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

If you want to start freelancing, you can check Freelancer Freedom Blueprint.

4. Digital marketing agency

Digital Marketing is promoting companies, brands, and services through the internet and other digital channels. Any form of marketing the involves digital and electronic media falls under digital marketing. Here are some tasks that are required of a digital marketing agency:

Running Google advertising or social media platform advertising (Facebook marketplace ads, Twitter ads, Instagram ads, etc.)
Employing SEO and content marketing strategies
Devising a marketing campaign on a monthly basis.
Analyzing user engagement data, website traffic, conversion metrics, and many others.

Digital marketing agency cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Hootsuite, Moz Pro, SEMRush, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Employees and outsourcing (If you plan to hire remote workers): $2,000 to $4,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

5. Online travel agency

An online travel agency helps customers find the best flight and hotel deals, as well as aggregate data such as:

Prices of flights and hotel rooms
Flight schedules
Hotel room availability
Itineraries and activities
Status of flights

Online travel agency cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Sabre, Amadeus, Travelport, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Insurance and liability coverage: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

6. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a business model where you earn commissions by promoting products of other businesses or companies. The way this works is: you find a product you like, promote it to others, and earn a piece of the profit for each sale that you make. This can be done by creating a blog, social media marketing, email marketing, and many others.

Affiliate marketing cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (ClickFunnels, Ahrefs, WordPress, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Personal training and development: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

7. Amazon KDP

Kindle Direct Publishing, also known as Amazon KDP, is a service that allows authors and aspiring entrepreneurs to self-publish all sorts of publications on Amazon’s massive platform. You can publish:

Kindle eBooks
Paperbacks
Hardcover books

Amazon KDP cost breakdown:

Editing and proofreading: $1,000 to $2,000
Cover design: $500 to $1,000
Formatting and layout: $5,000 to $1,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

8. Social media management

Social media management is the process of handling the social media presence of a business or company. As a social media manager, you'll be tasked to:

Curate content for social media platforms
Create social media content and graphics
Manage and monitor social media accounts
Engage with followers and responding to comments and messages
Analyze social media metrics and adjusting strategy accordingly
Collaborate with other teams to ensure brand consistency across all platforms

Social media management cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Trello, Buffer, Sprout Social, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Hiring employees or outsourcing: $2,000 to $4,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

9. Graphic design

Graphic design is a niche that involves creating visuals and elements for the purpose of marketing and advertising a company, business, or brand. A graphic designer is usually tasked to:

Create logos and branding materials
Design advertisements and marketing materials
Develop website and app layouts
Generate packaging and product designs
Come up with social media graphics and other digital content

Graphic design business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Adobe Photoshop, Canva, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Training (Courses, seminars, webinars, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

10. Copywriting / Content marketing

Copywriting, also called content marketing, is an advertising method that uses written content, or copy, to reach its target audience and captivate its readers. A freelance writer is responsible for:

Creating written content for advertising purposes
Conducting research to better understand the brand or product they are writing about.
Collaborating with designers and other members of the marketing team to create cohesive campaigns.
Editing and proofreading copy to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.

Copywriting business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Grammarly, ProWritingAid, Hemingway Editor, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Training and education: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

11. Online course creation

Online course creation is the process of developing virtual learning materials through the use of online platforms such as Udemy, Skillshare, and Kajabi. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur that specializes in a particular niche or field of expertise, online course creation might be a viable option for you. Here are some best-selling course topics you can explore:

Here are some of the best-selling online course topics today:

Business and entrepreneurship
Technology and coding
Health and wellness
Creative arts and design

Online course creation cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software such as an LMS (Learning Management System) and recording equipment: $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Insurance and liability coverage: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

12. Online business consulting

Online business consulting is the process of providing support and guidance to a business, typically regarding finances and operations. Business consultants are usually experts with specialized knowledge and have an advanced skill set in a particular niche or industry. Here are some examples of consulting services you can offer to your clients:

Strategy consulting
Financial consulting
Business operations consulting
Sales consulting
Marketing consulting

Online business consulting firm cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software such as CRM software, project management tools, and other business-related software: $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Certifications and credentials: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

13. Online coaching services

Online coaching is the process of helping clients achieve their goals and guiding them throughout the entire process. As the name implies, online coaching is done virtually through the use of digital tools and web-based platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet. Here are a few of the most common coaching topics today:

Career
Health
Relationship
Weight loss and nutrition
Life & mindset

Online coaching services cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Zoom, Calendly, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Certifications and credentials: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

14. Blogging

Blogging refers to writing and publishing articles, blogs, photos, and other forms of digital media and content. Blogging was initially used as a form of self-expression, but bloggers eventually found a way to make money through their blogs by:

Running ads on their blog website using Google AdSense.
Becoming an affiliate and promoting products and services on their blog.
Posting subscription-based blogs and articles.

Here are some of the most common blogging topics in recent years:

Finance and investing
Food
Health, fitness, and personal development
Travel
Technology
Career advice

Blogging cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (SEMRush, Yoast SEO, Google Analytics, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Hiring writers and editors (if needed): $2,000 to $4,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

15. Online tutoring

Online tutoring is a business model that involves virtually teaching certain subjects to students who are in need of academic and scholastic assistance. Common online tutoring subjects include:

Math
English
Science
Foreign languages
Test preparation (SAT, ACT, GRE, etc.)

Online tutoring business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Zoom, Calendly, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Certifications and trainings: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

16. Video editing

Video editing is altering, manipulating, or designing a video to make it appear more organized, appealing, and professional. Video editors are typically hired by:

Film production companies
Advertising agencies
Television networks
News organizations
Social media marketing agencies

Video editing business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, etc).: $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Hiring employees or outsourcing: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

17. Print-on-demand business

Print-on-demand is a business model that involves working with white-label suppliers and manufacturers and offering on-demand customization to clients online. Here are some examples of white-label products that are customized regularly:

T-shirts
Hoodies
Mugs
Phone cases
Stickers

Print-on-demand business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Shopify, Printful, Canva, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Design and artwork: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

18. Clothing line

Starting a clothing line has gained traction amongst aspiring entrepreneurs in recent years. Not only is it easy to start, it can also become a passive source of income. Starting your own clothing line involves:

Coming up with a brand name and designing a logo
Deciding what type of clothing you want to sell (e.g. t-shirts, hoodies, etc.)
Creating a business plan and budget
Finding a clothing manufacturer and source materials
Building a website that will serve as your selling platform
Marketing and advertising your products

Clothing line cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Adobe Illustrator, Trello, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Finding a manufacturer and sourcing materials: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

19. Podcasting

Podcasting is creating and sharing audio content for online listeners. Some famous platforms where you can publish your podcasts include:

Facebook
Spotify
YouTube
iTunes
Google Podcasts
SoundCloud
Podbean

If you’re knowledgeable or passionate about a certain topic and have the desire to share your ideas to others, podcasting could be a viable business idea for you.

Podcasting cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Equipment including microphone, headphones, and recording software: $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Hiring a podcast editor (if needed): $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

20. Virtual assistant agency

A virtual assistant is an employee of a company or business that is often outsourced and works remotely. Typically, companies from the US hire virtual assistants from countries such as the Philippines and India. The responsibilities of a virtual assistant include:

Responding to emails and managing social media accounts
Conducting research on behalf of the employer
Scheduling appointments and managing calendars
Creating and preparing documents such as reports and presentations
Performing administrative tasks such as data entry and record-keeping

Virtual assistant agency cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Trello, Slack, Zoom, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Hiring employees or outsourcing: $2,000 to $4,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

21. Virtual event planning

Virtual event planning is a business model that involves planning, managing, and overseeing an event that is held virtually or online. Examples of virtual events include meetings, conferences, seminars, and many others. The responsibilities of a virtual event planning include:

Working with clients to understand their event needs and goals
Developing a budget and timeline for the event
Coordinating with vendors and contractors as necessary
Designing and creating event materials such as invitations and marketing materials
Managing logistics such as attendee registration and event scheduling
Providing technical support and troubleshooting issues throughout the entirety of the event
Analyzing event success and providing feedback to clients for future use

Virtual event planning business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Zoom, Calendly, Asana, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Hiring employees or outsourcing: $2,000 to $4,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

22. Virtual bookkeeping

Virtual bookkeeping is the process of virtually managing and overseeing the financial activities of a company or business. Similar to virtual assistants, virtual bookkeepers are remote employees, often outsourced from another country. A virtual bookkeeper is usually in charge of:

Managing financial transactions
Creating financial reports and statements
Preparing and processing invoices
Reconciling accounts
Managing accounts payable and receivable

Virtual bookkeeping business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (QuickBooks, Xero, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Hiring employees or outsourcing: $2,000 to $4,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

23. SEO services

Search engine optimization, also known as SEO, refers to the implementation and development of strategies and practices that help a website rank in accordance with Google’s complex algorithm. Examples of SEO best practices include:

Keyword research and analysis
On-page optimization (meta tags, header tags, etc.)
Link building and backlinking
Content creation and optimization
Technical SEO (website speed, mobile-friendliness, etc.)

SEO agency cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Ahrefs, SEMRush, Google Analytics, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Hiring employees or outsourcing: $2,000 to $4,000
Certifications and professional development: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

24. Paid ads management

Paid ads management, also known as PPC management, is an online business model that focuses on handling and managing the paid advertising budget of a company or business. Here are some responsibilities required of a PPC manager:

Conducting keyword research and analysis
Designing and implementing effective PPC campaigns
Monitoring and analyzing campaign performance
Optimizing campaigns to maximize ROI
Collaborating with other members of the marketing team to ensure brand consistency across all platforms

Paid ads management business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Google Ads, Bing Ads, Facebook Ads Manager, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Hiring employees or outsourcing: $2,000 to $4,000
Certifications and professional development: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

25. Brand management

Brand management is a business model that involves managing and overseeing the brand identity of a company, which includes:

Developing and implementing brand strategies and initiatives
Managing and overseeing the brand's marketing campaigns
Conducting market research to better understand the target audience
Collaborating with other members of the marketing team to ensure brand consistency across all platforms
Measuring and analyzing the success of branding initiatives and making adjustments as necessary

Brand management business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Hootsuite, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Hiring employees or outsourcing: $1,000 to $2,000
Certifications and professional development: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

26. Software development

Software development is building, designing, and maintaining software that is typically used by businesses, the general public, or just a single user. Becoming a software developer can be difficult and challenging, but also lucrative once you become established in the industry. Here are some day-to-day tasks you can expect as a software developer:

Writing and testing code
Collaborating with team members on projects
Troubleshooting and debugging code
Designing software architecture and user interfaces
Keeping up-to-date with new technologies and industry developments

Software development startup cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000 ($500 to $2,000 if you will be creating the website yourself)
Business tools and software (Visual Studio, GitHub, Slack, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Expanding and outsourcing: $2,000 to $4,000
Certifications and trainings: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

27. Website development

Website development is an umbrella term that refers to the tasks and responsibilities required to build a website. These include:

Designing website layout and user interface
Writing and testing code for website functionality
Collaborating with team members on projects
Troubleshooting and debugging website code
Keeping up-to-date with new web technologies and industry developments

Just like software development, web development isn’t particularly easy, but it can be very profitable and rewarding once you gain the necessary skills and expertise needed in the industry.

Website development startup cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000 ($500 to $2,000 if you will be creating the website yourself)
Business tools and software (Visual Studio Code, GitHub, Slack, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Expanding and outsourcing: $2,000 to $4,000
Certifications and trainings: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

28. Mobile application development

Mobile application development refers to the scope of work that goes into creating a mobile application to be used on mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, and other handheld devices. Here are some common tasks of mobile application developers:

Coding and testing
Communicating with team members and working on projects
Troubleshooting and debugging code
Designing user interfaces and creating a seamless user experience
Keeping up-to-date with new mobile technologies and industry developments

Mobile app development startup cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000 ($500 to $2,000 if you will be creating the website yourself)
Business tools and software (Xcode, Android Studio, GitHub, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Expanding and outsourcing: $2,000 to $4,000
Certifications and trainings: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

29. UI / UX design

User interface / user experience, also known as UI / UX, is a branch of software, web, and mobile development that focuses on ensuring that a user interface is simple, appealing, and easy to use. A UI / UX designer is typically responsible for:

Creating user-friendly interfaces
Conducting user research and testing
Designing wireframes and prototypes
Collaborating with developers and other members of the design team
Ensuring brand consistency across all platforms

UI / UX design startup cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000 ($500 to $2,000 if you will be creating the website yourself)
Business tools and software (Sketch, Figma, InVision, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Expanding and outsourcing: $2,000 to $4,000
Certifications and trainings: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

30. Online translation services

You can offer online translation services if you know (and speak) more than one language. Here are the most translated languages in recent years:

Spanish
French
German
Chinese (Mandarin)
Arabic

There are multiple translation websites and software available on the internet, but natively speaking a particular language still has an edge over someone who relies purely on translation tools.

Online translation business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (SmartCat, Linguee, Fluency Now, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Training and education: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

31. Real estate services

If you’re a real estate agent / broker that’s looking to transition over to the online world, you can offer online real estate services such as:

Virtual property tours
Online property management
Real estate investing platforms
Virtual home staging services
Online rental payment and application processing platforms

Real estate business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Zillow, Redfin, MLS, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

32. Airbnb

Airbnb has found success in recent years, thanks to the increasing demand for vacation and holiday spots. You can purchase a property in a high traffic area and earn passive income without having to put up more than the initial investment. This also allows you to re-invest your earnings and open up more Airbnb units.

Airbnb business cost breakdown:

Purchase of property: $7,000 to $9,000
Furnishing and decor: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

33. Airbnb arbitrage

Airbnb arbitrage is hosting an Airbnb that does not belong to you. Instead, you search for an Airbnb owner and rent out their unit at a higher price point. Once you make enough money, you can start purchasing Airbnb units and renting them out so the money goes to you directly.

Airbnb arbitrage cost breakdown:

Rental deposit for the Airbnb unit(s): $2,000 to $3,000
Furnishing and decor: $1,000 to $2,000
Business tools and software such as Airbnb management tools: $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

34. Online house flipping

You can, in fact, flip houses without leaving your home. All you have to do is look for properties online and sell them for a profit on your own website or platform. You can even outsource workers to do the renovation and furnishing for you.

Online house flipping cost breakdown:

Purchase of property: $7,000 to $9,000
Outsourcing workers for furnishing and decor: $1,000 to $2,000
Business tools and software (such as Zillow, Redfin, MLS, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

35. Real estate contract flipping

Real estate contract flipping is a business model where you look for homes or properties for sale and sell the contract of the home at a higher price.‌ Simply put, you get paid for serving as a middleman between a buyer and a seller. You can earn as much as you want without putting up any money, but investing $10,000 puts you in a solid position to reach potential clients faster.

Real estate contract flipping cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Zillow, Redfin, MLS, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

18 Other Online Businesses You Can Start With $10,000

36. Book rental

Develop a website where users can rent books online. Instead of creating books from scratch, you can purchase books from multiple platforms and put them up for rent on your website.

Book rental business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Cin7 Orderhive, inFlow, PayPal, etc): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Purchasing inventory (books): $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

37. Language learning platform

Create an interactive platform where users can learn different kinds of languages.

Language learning platform cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Blackboard Learn, Zoom, Google Meet, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Hiring teachers or content creators: $2,000 to $4,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

38. Online jewelry shop

Design and sell jewelry pieces, such as:

Necklaces
Bracelets
Earrings
Rings
Anklets

You can also offer personalization to customers who are looking for custom-made jewelry pieces.

Online jewelry shop cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Adobe Creative Suite, Shopify, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Purchasing inventory and materials: $2,000 to $4,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

39. Online handmade crafts store

Sell handmade crafts and products such as:

Paintings and art prints
Handmade soap and bath products
Ceramics and pottery
Knitted or crocheted items
Handmade jewelry

Online handmade crafts store cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Adobe Creative Suite, Shopify, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Purchasing inventory and materials: $2,000 to $4,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

40. Online fitness training

If you’re a gym instructor or personal trainer in real life, you can offer personalized fitness programs to clients who are looking to lose weight or get in shape.

Online fitness training business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Zoom, Calendly, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Certifications and credentials: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

41. Freelance photography business

If you’re a photographer that’s looking to make money online, you can offer photographer services for events or stock photos to anyone who needs high-quality images.

Freelance photography business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Camera equipment: $1,500 to $4,000
Business tools and software (Adobe Creative Suite, Lightroom, Photoshop, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Certifications and professional development: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

42. Travel consulting

You can offer assistance and information to tourists that are planning to visit your city by listing down the best places to visit, which hotel to stay in, and what to do during their trip.

Travel consulting business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Zoom, Calendly, Egencia Suite, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

43. Personal finance consulting

Provide financial guidance and support to individuals looking to fix their budget, investing in stocks, or just understand their financial status as a whole.

Personal finance consulting business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software ((Zoom, Calendly, Personal Capital, MoneyGuidePro, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Certifications and credentials: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

44. Domain flipping

Buy domain names and sell them for a profit.

Domain flipping cost breakdown:

Domain purchases (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.): $4,000 to $5,000
Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

45. Virtual interior designing

If you’re an interior designer that’s looking to get into the online space, you can offer virtual interior design services to clients.

Virtual interior designing business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (SketchUp, AutoCAD, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Hiring employees or outsourcing: $2,000 to $4,000
Certifications and professional development: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

46. Virtual event hosting

If you have a knack for hyping up crowds and audiences but don’t have the energy to oversee an entire event, virtual event hosting could be for you. As a virtual event host, you are tasked with facilitating an event and making sure the program flow is followed.

Virtual event hosting business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Zoom, Calendly, Asana, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Hiring employees or outsourcing (if necessary): $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

47. WordPress theme and plugin development

WordPress has started to gain traction in recent years because of how easy it is to use and understand. You can create WordPress themes and plugins for businesses looking to incorporate WordPress into their digital presence. Here are some common themes and plugins you can explore:

WordPress themes:

Divi
Astra
OceanWP
GeneratePress
Avada

WordPress plugins:

Thrive
Jetpack
Elementor
WPForms
WooCommerce

WordPress theme and plugin development cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000 ($500 to $2,000 if you will be creating the website yourself)
Business tools and software (WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Hiring employees or outsourcing: $2,000 to $4,000
Certifications and trainings: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

48. Meal planning

Create nutritional meal plans for clients who want to shed some weight, gain some muscle, or just into fitness. However, before you dive into this business, be sure you are knowledgeable and experienced in this space to avoid misinformation.

Meal planning business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Zoom, Calendly, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Hiring employees or outsourcing (if necessary): $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

49. Resume writing and optimization services

Contrary to popular belief, writing a resume can be inconvenient and challenging. Some people just don’t have the time and energy to sit down and create a resume from scratch. You can build and design professional-looking resumes for clients or optimize already existing ones.

Resume writing and optimization services cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Microsoft Word, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Hiring employees or outsourcing (if necessary): $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

50. Virtual art gallery

Create a website that serves as an art gallery for up and coming, indie artists to showcase their paintings and artworks.

Virtual art gallery cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Artsteps, Kunstmatrix, Artland, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Artwork acquisition: $1,000 to $3,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

51. Investment portfolio management

Manage and oversee the investment portfolio of individuals looking to grow their money and diversify their funds. Typically, an investment portfolio contains:

Stocks
Bonds
Real estate
Mutual funds
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)

However, keep in mind that starting a portfolio management business requires knowledge and expertise in the investment field. You also have to understand that this business type carries a certain level of risk due to the volatility of the stock market.

Investment portfolio management business cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Morningstar Direct, Mint, Empower, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Certifications and credentials: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

52. Faceless YouTube channel

A faceless YouTube channel, unlike most YouTube channels, does not require you to sit in front of a camera to create content. All you have to do is focus on a niche and start from there. Here are the top faceless YouTube channel niches you can explore in 2023:

Travel
Life hacks
Gaming
Health
Food

Faceless YouTube channel cost breakdown:

Business tools and software (Adobe Premiere Pro, CyberLink PowerDirector, Adobe Photoshop, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Equipment (camera, microphone, lighting, etc.):: $1,500 to $3,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

53. Web hosting reselling

Web hosting reselling is the process of selling a hosting service that belongs to a hosting company. Think of it as a white-label service, but for web hosting. Here are the best web hosting companies you can check out as a reseller:

Bluehost
HostGator
GoDaddy
A2Hosting
Namecheap

Web hosting reselling cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (WHMCS, cPanel, Sucuri, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Hiring employees or outsourcing (if necessary): $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

7 Click-And-Mortar Businesses You Can Start With $10,000

Click-and-mortar refers to a business that has both an online and offline presence. Click is a reference to the action of clicking with your mouse, which represents the digital side of a business. Mortar, on the other hand, is an allusion to the physical operations of an enterprise.

54. Personal shopping services

You can offer personal shopping services to individuals or families who just don’t have the time to go shopping themselves. Not only is this business easy to start, it also requires absolutely experience. You can even scale and hire a team of “personal shoppers” that all work for you.

Personal shopping services cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name (optional): $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (Sabre, Amadeus, and Travelport): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Hiring local employees: $2,000 to $3,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

55. Automobile repair and maintenance shop

Research shows that approximately 92% of American households have at least one car, which makes an automobile repair shop a highly profitable business. You can provide different types of services, such as:

Oil changes
Brake maintenance
Tire rotation and replacement
Engine diagnostics and repair

Automobile repair and maintenance shop cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (QuickBooks, G Suite, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Equipment and inventory: $2,000 to $3,000
Lease and rent: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

56. Coffee shop

Coffee is now considered a daily essential for most people in the world, not just in the United States. You can start a coffee shop within your area or locality and branch out once you generate a significant amount of sales. To make things better, you can even scale your business digitally by building a website and taking orders from there.

Coffee shop cost breakdown:

Rent and utilities: $2,000 to $4,000
Equipment (espresso machine, grinders, etc.): $2,000 to $3,000
Inventory (coffee beans, milk, cups, etc.): $1,500 to $3,000
Furniture and decor: $1,000 to $2,000
Licenses and permits: $500 to $1,000
Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

57. Local food delivery service

Create a food delivery service that caters to residents and homeowners within your area. You can even partner up with local food vendors and homegrown businesses. Not only are you helping the community in a big way by delivering food straight to people’s doorsteps, you’re also contributing to the development of your city’s economy by patronizing local business owners.

Local food delivery service cost breakdown:

Rent and utilities: $2,000 to $4,000
Equipment (espresso machine, grinders, etc.): $2,000 to $3,000
Inventory (coffee beans, milk, cups, etc.): $1,500 to $3,000
Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

58. Pet services

Studies show that 66% of all households in the US have at least one pet. You can offer various kinds of pet services such as:

Pet sitting
Dog walking
Grooming
Training
Photography

Pet services cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (inventory management software, payment processing tools, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Purchasing inventory (pet food, toys, accessories, etc.): $2,000 to $4,000
Rent and utilities: $2,000 to $4,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

59. Home improvement services

Home improvement is at an all time low in recent years. At the end of the day, some families just do not have the time and energy to repair, decorate, or improve their home. You can sell home improvement services such as:

Landscaping
Gardening
Lawn Mowing
Painting
Handyman repairs and carpentry

Home improvement services cost breakdown:

Website, hosting, and domain name: $2,000 to $3,000
Business tools and software (scheduling software, invoicing software, etc.): $1,000 to $2,000
Ads and marketing campaigns: $3,000 to $5,000
Purchasing tools and equipment: $2,000 to $4,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

60. House flipping

House flipping is purchasing a house (typically one that’s old and barely maintained), renovating and redecorating the entire property, and selling it at a higher price for a profit. Think of it as buy and sell, but making the product even better than it already is.

You’ll need at least $10,000 to $15,000 to get started in the business of flipping houses. Once you make your first sale, you can re-invest your earnings and flip more houses for more profit.

House flipping cost breakdown:

Purchase of property: $7,000 to $9,000
Renovations and furnishing: $1,000 to $2,000
Miscellaneous fees such as taxes, legal costs, and admin fees: $1,000 to $2,000

Why Most Online Businesses Fail

Most online businesses fail for 3 reasons:

Underestimating your competitors
Overestimating your budget
Neglecting customer service

1. Underestimating your competitors

Being confident in your product is one thing, neglecting the competition is another. No matter how unique or appealing your product might be, there are thousands of other small business owners doing the same thing you are, or even better. Here are some steps you can take to further understand your competitors:

Create a list of companies or businesses that offer the same products and services as you.
Study their products and services, which include their prices, features, variants, and many others. From there, find a way to differentiate yourself by coming up with better ideas and concepts.
Analyze their advertising schemes and marketing campaigns. Check out their website, social media account, advertisements, and anything else that could help you understand how they market their products.
Identify their strengths and weaknesses. It is extremely important to analyze your competitors because it allows you to not only identify their weaknesses, it also helps you pinpoint their strengths, which can be beneficial in helping you come up with better ideas.

2. Overestimating your budget

As a business owner, it’s easy to immediately invest all your money and pour all your resources into your online venture. However, this isn’t always ideal. Instead, create a business plan that includes a fixed budget and allocate your funds appropriately, whether it be through cash or credit card. Do not spend more than what you have, no matter how enticing your business idea might be.

Failing to properly manage your funds and relying on a huge business loan could hinder the growth of your business and ultimately put you in a lot of debt.

3. Neglecting customer service

Providing excellent service is almost always a guarantee that your customers will become repeat clients, especially if you're a small business owner that's just getting started. Running a good business means having products and services that are almost always sold out. Running a great business means having repeat clients that are more than happy to forge a lasting relationship with you, especially if it is built on trust, loyalty, and respect.

A transaction does not end after the payment is sent, because it is your responsibility to make sure that the client is ecstatic with the product or service they purchased. Here are some ways you can make sure your customers are always satisfied:

Listen to customer complaints and feedback
Provide multiple channels of communication, such as social media, chat support, a phone number, etc.
Strive to offer personalized service to every customer instead of being overly generic and standardized.
Always find ways to improve.

Conclusion: Will Investing $10,000 in an Online Business Guarantee Financial Freedom?

Investing $10,000 in an online business might be a good way to move closer to financial freedom and stability, but you will have to put in a lot of time, effort, and money. You also have to keep in mind that starting an online business comes with a variety of issues and concerns that are often uncontrollable, such as intense competition, market saturation, low profit margins, and many others. At the end of the day, finding a profitable small business idea is nearly impossible, especially since we live in an era where almost every business model has already been explored.

Why Local Lead Generation Is the Best Online Business

If you’re searching for an online business opportunity that is less saturated, highly profitable, and easily sustainable, local lead generation might be the best business that fits these criteria. Local lead generation is the process of creating a website, ranking it in accordance with Google’s algorithm, allowing local businesses and companies to generate leads through your website, and making money for each converted sale.

On top of that, it requires little to no maintenance, which makes it a potential source of passive income in the long run. I have sites from 2014 that I barely touch, yet they make me $2,000 every month, even to this day.

If you’re searching for an online business that will allow you to finally escape the 9 to 5 workday grind, give you more time for your family, and enable to you finally attain permanent financial stability, local lead generation might be the answer you’re looking for.

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Ippei Kanehara

Founder/CEO

$52K per month providing lead generation services to small businesses

Ippei.com is for digital hustlers, industry leaders and online business owners.

His #1 online business recommendation in 2024, is to build your own lead generation business.