41 Top Remote Business Ideas In 2024 (Profitability VS. Drawbacks)

What Is Remote Business?

Remote business is a business set-up without a physical office. Instead, people work from home or wherever they prefer, like cafes, parks or libraries. It's not just for companies but also for different business setups and jobs. Remote businesses use technology and communication tools to connect with clients, offer services, and run their operations. They keep strong client relationships through online tools.

41 Top Remote Business Ideas

Top Remote Services-Based Business Ideas

1. Become A Virtual Assistant

Becoming a virtual assistant is a great remote business idea because of its flexibility, high demand, and global opportunities. You can help businesses with tasks like data entry, scheduling, and more from a remote location. The opportunities for virtual assistants are growing. According to NanoGlobals, in 2020, hiring virtual assistants through offshore agencies increased by 41%. This growth is expected to continue even after Covid-19. This means more chances for people to start this business and find clients.

In terms of income, ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for a virtual assistant in the United States is $33.84. To land clients, you can start this business on websites like Upwork or Fiverr. However, there is a disadvantage. In 2021, a study found over 67 million freelancers in the US, which are expected to reach over 90 million by 2028. This can make it hard for beginners to stand out and find clients.

2. Offer Translation Services

Offering translation services is an exciting remote business idea because it allows you to bridge language barriers and help people communicate effectively across different languages.
This remote business offers promising opportunities. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 4% growth in employment for interpreters and translators from 2022 to 2032. This growth rate matches the average for all occupations, with approximately 7,200 job openings expected annually. This signifies a consistent and steady demand for translators in the coming years.

As per data from Talent.com, the average annual salary for translators in the USA is $47,774, with an hourly rate of $22.97. Beginners can expect entry-level positions starting at $36,305 per year, while seasoned translators can earn as much as $74,339 annually. You can kick-start your translation services by offering them on platforms like Upwork or Freelancer. However, you must master different language skills, including reading comprehension, writing comprehension, and language proficiency. This can be a hurdle for beginners, but with dedication and practice, overcoming these challenges and succeeding as a translator is possible.

3. Provide Travel Planning

Providing travel planning is a good remote business because you can cater to people who are seeking help with their travel plans. Also, there is a demand for this remote business. Forbes Advisor reports that 49% of Americans plan to travel more this year than last year. This means there's a growing demand for travel planning services, especially for those who don't have the time or expertise to plan their trips. This presents a fantastic chance to assist people with their travel needs.

Providing travel planning also offers a lucrative opportunity, as ZipRecruiter reports that the average hourly pay for a travel planner in the United States is $31.64. You can kick-start your remote travel planning business by providing services on platforms like TravelPlanners.com. However, there is a challenge in this remote business. It can be demanding, especially if you have clients traveling worldwide. You may need to be available 24/7 to answer questions or address issues related to their travel plans and schedules. This constant availability can be challenging, especially for beginners in the travel planning business.

4. Become A Remote Customer Service Or Support

Becoming a remote customer service or support is an exceptional remote business idea because it offers stable and growing job opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, customer service jobs are expected to increase by 14% between 2016 and 2026. This growth means many new job opportunities and chances for your career to grow, especially in remote settings.

Working as a remote customer support agent can be a lucrative and effective way to earn. According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a Remote Customer Support role is $48,335 per year in the United States, with an average salary of $45,449 annually. You can start this remote business by applying to companies that offer remote customer service jobs or follow some tips for success in this field. But here's a challenge: as a customer service representative, you always have to stay polite and helpful, even when customers are not very friendly. This might be tough for beginners and needs patience and professionalism.

5. Offer Virtual Event Planning Or Management Services

Offering virtual event planning or management services is a fun remote business idea because you can help people organize and run events in the virtual space. It makes it easier for them to attend and enjoy. According to a vFair Survey, 77.2% of people prefer virtual events because they are easy to attend, and 95.5% plan to include virtual events in their strategies for the future. This means there is a growing demand for virtual event services.

Additionally, you can earn a decent income as a virtual event planner. According to Payscale, the average salary for virtual event planners in the United States ranges from approximately $34,000 to $74,000 per year. You can start this remote business by offering services on platforms like EventPlanner.com. However, there is a disadvantage. According to Markletic, the average no-show percentage for virtual events is 35%, slightly higher than in-person events. This means dealing with attendance challenges is a hurdle, especially for virtual event planning business beginners.

6. Start Freelance writing

Starting freelance writing is an exceptional remote business idea because you can provide content for various purposes, such as articles, blogs, and marketing materials. It also offers a steady demand for freelance writers. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% growth in employment for writers and authors from 2022 to 2032, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This means there will be around 15,500 job openings on average each year.

Freelance writing can be an awesome way to earn money. According to Indeed, the average salary for a freelance writer in the United States is approximately $22.73 per hour. You can start this remote business by offering your writing services on websites like Upwork or Freelancer, or you can follow some helpful tips for success in this field. However, with 3.32 billion employed people worldwide and an increasing number of freelance writers, competition in the field is fierce. Statista reveals that the number of freelance writers in the US increased from 53 million in 2014 to 59 million in 2020. This competition can make it challenging for beginners.

7. Become A Freelance Coder

Becoming a freelance coder is an outstanding remote business because you can offer your skills to help big and small companies build and manage their technology systems. According to LinkedIn, companies of all sizes are searching for talented programmers to help develop and maintain their technology systems. This demand for coding skills offers excellent opportunities for freelance coders.

Freelance coding can be an effective way to generate money. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay for a freelance computer programmer in the United States is approximately $75,302. You can start this remote business by offering coding services on websites like Freelancer.com or Upwork. However, the competition can be tough, with over 180,830 freelance software developers currently employed in the United States, as reported by Zippia. This level of competition can make it challenging for beginners to distinguish themselves from other developers.

Top Remote Product-Based Business Ideas

8. Enter Dropshipping

Entering dropshipping is a great remote business idea because it allows you to sell products to customers, but you don't keep the items in stock. Instead, the supplier ships the products directly to the customers. Dropshipping also offers a significant chance of success. According to Average Order Value, dropshippers earn 50% more profit than those who keep their own inventory. Suppliers also see increased profits after choosing the dropshipping model. This means there's a chance for good earnings.

To prove that, Dripshipper mentions that many dropshippers run successful stores and can earn up to $100,000 annually. You can start this remote business by setting up an online store on platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. However, the competition in dropshipping is intense, with around 24 million eCommerce stores worldwide, many of which are dropshipping websites, as reported by Do Dropshipping. This level of competition can make it challenging for beginners to stand out and succeed.

9. Produce And Curate Subscription Boxes

Producing curated subscription boxes is a creative remote business idea because of the growing market, customization, and recurring revenue. It involves selecting and packing various products into a box and sending them to subscribers regularly. Also, the revenues have been booming, with subscription boxes reaching $22.7 billion in 2021, as reported by iMarc. This signifies a thriving market in this remote business.

Producing curated subscription boxes can be a lucrative venture. According to FinModelsLab, the average annual revenue for subscription box businesses in the US ranges from $10,000 to $5 million. For example, you can check FabFitFun, Every Plate, and Breo Bow. However, the competition in this business is fierce, with approximately 7,000 subscription box companies globally by 2018, as mentioned by Subscription Economy Billing. Nearly 70% of these companies are in the United States. 

10. Create Handmade Goods

Creating handmade goods is a fun remote business because it is unique, personalized, sustainable, and eco-friendly. This business involves crafting unique items by hand, including jewelry, art, clothing, or home decor. It also offers a significant opportunity. According to the latest report by IMARC Group, the United States handicrafts market reached $268.3 billion in 2022. This showcases a thriving market for handmade goods.

Creating handmade goods can be lucrative remote business for leveraging your skills while earning money. FinModelsLab reports that local artisan store businesses in the US generate annual revenues ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. You can start this remote business by selling handmade goods on platforms like Etsy or building your online store. However, if you plan to sell on Etsy, you should know 7.52 million sellers on the platform, which is a 72.36% increase from the previous year, according to our analysis from the latest Etsy Annual Reports. This level of competition can make it challenging for beginners to gain visibility and customers.

11. Start Affiliate Marketing

Starting affiliate marketing is a brilliant remote business idea because it has passive income potential and no startup cost. Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services from other companies and earning a commission for each sale or lead generated through your marketing efforts. There's a high demand for affiliate marketing services, and you can tap into this demand to start a successful remote business. According to Mediakix, 84% of businesses use affiliate programs, and 79% of businesses use affiliate marketing to engage existing clients.

Affiliate marketing is also a direct and effective way to generate income through commissions. Talent.com reports that the average affiliate marketing salary in the USA is $84,370 annually or $40.56 per hour. You can start this remote business by joining affiliate programs on platforms like Amazon Associates, ClickBank, or ShareASale. However, you need to be prepared for the competition. For instance, Amazon Associates alone has 900,000 affiliates. 

12. Flip Your Thrift Store Finds (Sell Online)

Flipping your thrift store finds is an effective remote business idea because it allows you to find hidden treasures and vintage items, which many people love to discover and buy. It involves buying items at thrift stores and reselling them online. Also, this remote business shows a strong demand for unique and one-of-a-kind thrift items. According to PR Newswire, 47% of people enjoy finding hidden gems at thrift stores, and one in five of them cherish vintage or antique furniture items. 

Regarding income, ZipRecruiter reports that the average hourly pay for a thrift store job in the US is $22.33, ranging between $11.30 and $36.06 per hour. To start this remote business, you can sell your thrift items on various online platforms like eBay, Etsy, or even through your website. However, Yahoo Finance reveals that an estimated 272 million Americans buy and/or sell second-hand items, making the competition in the US quite intense.

13. Publish Your Own Book

Publishing your own book is a fulfilling remote business idea because the demand for books remains high, and self-publishing allows you to tap into this market. It's a brilliant choice because many people in the United States, specifically those aged between 30 and 49, read books regularly. About 73% of them have read at least one book in the past year, as reported by Statista.

When it comes to income, Self-Publishing School reports that self-published authors can make a substantial living. Some authors earn between $5,000 to $8,000 monthly, while others exceed $10,000 monthly. To get started, you can use platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or explore resources like Reedsy and SCBWI to receive guidance on self-publishing. However, the latest data from Bowker shows that in 2021, there were 2.3 million self-published books in the US. This number has been consistently increasing in recent years. 

14. Create Digital Products

Creating digital products is a great remote business idea because it allows you to top an immense demand for digital products. According to Smart Insights, in 2022, over two billion people bought digital products, showing that there's an enormous opportunity for this remote business. People want digital stuff like e-books, online courses, and software.

You can make good money with this remote business. On average, a digital products maker in the United States earns about $89,423 per year. Some websites like Udemy, Teachable, and Gumroad can help you start this business. But be ready, it's not all easy. Since you don't need physical stuff, many people want to do this business, so there's lots of competition. Starting can be tough for beginners.

15. Produce Print-On-Demand Products

Producing print-on-demand products is a smart remote business idea because it's in high demand, has low startup costs, and has no inventory management. Print-on-demand is when you create custom designs for things like T-shirts and mugs. According to Ahrefs, in 2020, during the pandemic, many people became interested in print-on-demand. Even in 2023, it's still very popular, which means there's a good opportunity to make extra money alongside your regular job.

You can make a decent income from this remote business. According to Printify, print-on-demand sellers earn around 20% in profits on average, and some do even better, getting up to 30%. Websites like Printify can help you get started. However, the United States has big and successful print-on-demand companies like Printful and Zazzle. So, for beginners, it's hard to compete with these giants.

16. Sell Natural Or Organic Products

Selling Natural or organic products is a great remote business idea because Americans are increasingly interested in what they eat and use. This type of business involves offering products that are made from natural or organic ingredients, which are becoming more popular among consumers. According to The Food Institute, in the United States, 60% of Americans are now paying closer attention to ingredient labels, and 69% care about how natural their food is. In the past year, 61% actively looked for foods with fewer preservatives or processed ingredients. This growing demand for natural and organic products presents a great opportunity for this remote business.

You can earn a good income by selling natural or organic products. ZipRecruiter finds that salaries in the natural foods job category can vary, with some people making as much as $110,000 annually. Websites like Etsy or Shopify can help you sell your natural products online. However, there are challenges to selling natural products in the US. The market can be competitive, and meeting organic product certification and quality standards can be demanding.

17. Offer Vintage Or Second Hand Products

Offering vintage or second-hand products is a classic remote business idea because many people in the US love buying vintage stuff. This business involves selling old or used items that people often find appealing because of their unique charm and history. According to Emarsys, about 60% of US consumers regularly purchase vintage items, and many wish to relive past shopping experiences. This high demand for vintage and second-hand products creates a significant opportunity for remote businesses in this industry.

You might make a good income by selling vintage or second-hand products. According to FinModelsLab, vintage stores in the US typically generate annual revenues ranging from $250,000 to $500,000 on average. This indicates the potential for profitability within this business. You can start selling vintage items online on eBay or Etsy. However, starting a vintage shop, even online, may require some initial investment. According to Starter Story, the costs for starting a vintage clothing business can range from $12 to $27,209, with an average of around $13,936. 

18. Sell Eco-Friendly Or Sustainable Products

Selling eco-friendly or sustainable products is an awesome remote business idea because you can cater to consumers who care about sustainability. This business involves offering products that are kind to the environment and meet the growing demand for sustainability. According to The Round Up, 78% of consumers consider sustainability important, and 55% will pay more for eco-friendly brands. Furthermore, 84% of customers say poor environmental practices could push them away from a brand or company. With this remote business idea, you can tap into that demand with the possibility of keeping potential customers.

You can make a good income by selling eco-friendly or sustainable products. FinModelsLab reveals that, on average, eco-friendly store business owners in the US earn between $500,000 to $2 million in annual revenue. You can start by setting up an online store through platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. However, starting a sustainable product store may require an initial investment. According to FinModelsLab, the average cost of starting such a business ranges from $32,500 to $67,500. This initial cost can be a challenge for beginners.

Top Remote Creative Or Digital Business Ideas

19. Start A Podcasting Channel

Starting a podcasting channel is a wise remote business idea because it is becoming popular with US podcast listeners. This remote business involves creating and sharing audio content, like interviews, stories, or discussions. In 2022, the number of monthly US podcast listeners grew by 6.1% year-over-year to 125 million, according to eMarketer. This shows a growing demand for on-demand audio, making it a promising opportunity for remote businesses.

You can make a decent amount of money by hosting a podcast. According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for a podcast host in the United States is about $15.52. You can also generate income through sponsorships, merchandise, or listener donations. To get started, you can use platforms like YouTube, Anchor, or Podbean to create and distribute your podcast episodes. But take note that there's some competition. There are currently around 3 to 4 million podcasts out there, according to ListenNotes. This means that the podcasting space is crowded, which might make it challenging for beginners to stand out and gain an audience.

20. Blogging

Blogging is a fun remote business idea because many companies use it to get and keep their clients. According to the Content Marketing Institute, 91% of B2B companies use blogging and other types of content marketing to attract and keep clients. This means there's an enormous opportunity in this field, which you can take advantage of.

You can earn money through blogging. On average, bloggers make about $45,000 a year, as reported by ZipRecruiter. You can also make money through ads, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing on your blog. To start a blog, you can use platforms like WordPress or Blogger. But there's lots of competition. In 2020, there were around 31.7 million bloggers in the US, accounting for over 10% of the country's population, as per Finances Online. This high number of bloggers can make it challenging for beginners to stand out and grow their audience.

21. Become An App Developer

Becoming an app developer is an amazing remote business idea because it involves creating software applications for mobile devices, and the demand for these skills is high. Mobile app developer jobs are in demand, with a projected growth of 21% from 2018 to 2028, according to Zippia. This means there is a strong and growing market for app development, providing ample opportunities for this remote business.

You can also earn a good income as an app developer. The average hourly pay for an app developer in the United States is around $39.68, as reported by ZipRecruiter. You can also generate income by developing and selling your apps in app stores. To start your journey as an app developer, you can learn to program languages like Java or Swift and use development platforms like Android Studio or Xcode. According to IBISWorld, there are already 310,432 people working in the smartphone app developers industry in the US. This high number of professionals in the field can make it tough for beginners to break in and establish themselves.

22. Become An Influencer

Becoming an influencer is a famous remote business idea because you can attract marketers who need influencers as part of their advertising strategy. This remote business involves using your social media presence to promote products or services. Influencer marketing is widely used. According to SocialPubli, 93% of marketers have already embraced influenced marketing as a part of their advertising strategy. This means there's a vast opportunity to work with businesses looking to reach new customers through influencers.

It also offers an enjoyable opportunity to generate income. According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for an influencer is approximately $39.68 in the United States. You can also make money through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and brand partnerships. To start as an influencer, you can choose a niche you're passionate about, create content on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, and engage with your audience. However, in 2020, there were around 4.4 million Instagram influencers and 1.1 million influencers on TikTok in the US, with an average of 2,113 followers per influencer, according to Influencer Marketing Hub and HypeAuditor. The competitive landscape can make it challenging for beginners to grow their following and secure collaborations with marketers.

23. Offer Video Content Creation Services

Offering video content creation services is an incredible remote business idea because you can make videos for individuals or companies. You can tap into the demand for video content creation and highly effective marketing strategy. Almost 86% of businesses that invest in video content creation find it quite effective, as per the Wyzowl Video Marketing Statistics 2022 report.

Additionally, you can make a good income from this remote business. In the United States, the average annual pay for a Video Content Creator is about $116,940, according to ZipRecruiter. You can also earn more by offering additional services like video editing or animation. To offer video content creation services, you can showcase your work on platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or social media and offer your services to businesses and individuals seeking video content. But there's substantial competition. Zippia reports that as of 2020, there are approximately 450,000 full-time creators, and at least 46.7 million creators consider themselves amateurs. 

24. Provide Social Media Management Or Development Services

Providing social media management or development services is a famous remote business idea because you can manage and develop social media accounts for businesses that need to establish an online presence. Additionally, the demand for social media specialists is growing. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, the demand for social media managers or specialists is expected to grow by 10% before 2026. LinkedIn data also shows a significant increase in demand for social media skills, especially since the pandemic began. 

You can earn a good income in this business. According to Built In, the salary range for a social media manager is between $40,000 and $160,000 in the United States. This offers a wide range of earning potential for those in the field. To provide social media management or development services, you can build a portfolio by managing your own social media accounts or those of friends and family. You can also offer your services on freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr or create your own website to showcase your skills. However, Zippia reports that over 61,443 marketing/social media managers are currently employed in the United States. 

25. Become A Graphic Designer

Becoming a graphic designer is a creative remote business idea because businesses need your skills to create attractive product and service designs. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of graphic design is expected to grow by 3 percent from 2022 to 2032. This means there will be about 22,800 job openings each year.

In terms of how much money you can make, The US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the median pay for graphic designers is $57,990 per year, which is about $27.88 per hour. This is a decent income for a remote job. You can start your remote graphic design business on websites like Upwork or Fiverr or by contacting local businesses. However, according to IBISWorld, there were already 172,985 graphic designers in the US in 2022. You'll need to build a strong portfolio and market your skills to succeed in this competitive field.

26. Start Photography Or Visual Design Services

Starting photography or visual design services is a stunning remote business idea because visual designers are in high demand. There are 21,800 job openings, which are expected to grow substantially over the next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 23% job growth from 2021 to 2031. This high demand offers a promising opportunity for remote photography or visual designers.

When it comes to income, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median pay for visual designers is $57,990 per year, which is around $27.88 per hour. This income potential is attractive for a remote job, and you can start by creating profiles on platforms like Upwork. However, the challenge you need to consider is the competition. According to IBISWorld, as of 2022, there are already 172,985 people employed in the photography or visual design industry in the US. 

27. Writing, Editing, Or Publishing Services

Providing writing, editing, or publishing services is a promising remote business idea because you can offer a wide range of services, including content writing, editing, proofreading, and assisting with the publishing process. Also, you can take advantage of the huge market size of the book publishing industry. According to IBISWorld, in 2022, the book publishing industry had a market size of $40.9 billion. This shows a substantial demand for written content and services, creating opportunities for you in the field.

For income potential, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for editors was $73,080 in May 2022. You can create profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork or Freelancer or explore job listings on websites like Indeed or LinkedIn. However, many experienced professionals are already established, and newcomers may find it challenging to build a client base.

28. Offer Virtual Or Augmented Reality Services

Offering virtual or augmented reality services is a strong remote business idea because you can cater to the growing number of VR or AV users. In 2022, approximately 64 million Americans used virtual reality, and 101.6 million used augmented reality, according to Statista. This shows a significant demand for these technologies. You can offer various services in this field, including developing virtual reality experiences, creating augmented reality apps, or providing consulting services.

When it comes to potential profit, the average virtual reality salary in the USA, as reported by Talent.com, is $75,000 per year, or around $36.06 per hour. Entry-level positions typically start at $40,420 per year, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,713 annually. To start your remote virtual or augmented reality business, consider using freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer or exploring job opportunities on sites like Glassdoor or LinkedIn. However, according to FinModelslab, launching an augmented reality business may require a huge startup cost ranging from $335,000 to $1,185,000. This initial investment can be a significant barrier for newcomers in this field.

29. Provide Animation Or Motion Graphics Services

Providing animation or motion graphics services is a unique remote business idea because the global animation industry seeks skilled professionals to meet its growing demand. The animation industry's need for skilled professionals increased by 30% from 2018 to 2023, per LinkedIn. 

In terms of how much income you can generate, Talent.com shows that the average motion designer salary in the USA is $83,492 per year or $40.14 per hour. You can explore opportunities on websites and platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to start this remote business. However, to succeed in animation or motion graphics, you must master various skills, such as graphic design, traditional art, animation techniques, 3D design, and color theory. Beginners may find it challenging to develop these skills and compete effectively in the industry.

30. Build Web Design Or Development Services

Building web design or development services is a nice remote business idea because you can help businesses and individuals by creating and improving their websites. Also, there is a growing demand in this field. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for web developers and digital designers are expected to increase by 16% from 2022 to 2032. This is much faster than most other jobs. It means there's a lot of work available. This growth is happening because more people and businesses want websites to connect with others and do business online. So, there's a gigantic market for web design and development services.

The income potential in this field is appealing. According to IBISWorld, the median annual wage for web developers in May 2022 was $78,580. The lowest 10% earned about $40,460, and the top 10% made over $144,690. Most web developers work full-time so that you can earn a stable income. To start, you can look for remote job opportunities or freelance work on websites like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr. You can also market your services to local businesses and build a portfolio to attract more clients. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, there were around 191,100 web developers and designers in the United States. By 2031, this number is expected to rise to over 205,000. So, there will be more people competing for the same jobs. This can make it tough, especially for beginners.

Top Remote Consulting Or Coaching Services

31. Become A Social Media Consultant

Becoming a social media consultant is an astounding remote business idea because you can have a wide client base, from small businesses to large corporations and individual influencers. Also, the opportunities in this field are vast. According to TrendHero, there are over 64 million influencers on Instagram worldwide, and many of them need help with social media. This means a big demand for your services.

You can earn a good income too. According to Glassdoor, in the US, the average salary for a social media consultant is $57,381 per year. You can start by offering your services on sites like Upwork or Fiverr. However, beginners might find it hard because they need a strong portfolio with successful past projects to attract clients. This can be a hurdle to get started.

32. Teach Online Classes (ESL)

Teaching online ESL classes is a clever remote business idea because there is a high demand for qualified ESL teachers in many states. According to ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training), there's a shortage of qualified ESL teachers, especially in states like California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Illinois. Many ESL teaching positions remain unfilled, with some states having thousands of job openings. This demand creates a great opportunity for online ESL teachers.

The income potential is attractive. According to Glassdoor, ESL Teachers can earn an estimated total pay of around $55,220 per year in the United States, with an average salary of $52,161 annually. To start this remote business, you can use platforms like VIPKid, Teach Away, or iTalki. They provide a good starting point; you can find tips and resources on their websites. However, there are some challenges. To begin, you need specific equipment like a high-spec laptop, a fast internet connection, and noise-canceling headphones. This might be challenging for beginners to set up, but it's essential for a smooth teaching experience.

33. Start Online Tutoring

Starting online tutoring is an effective remote business idea because it offers the potential to earn a substantial income while helping students improve their academic performance. The opportunities are substantial because online tutoring is highly effective, with 90% of students improving their scores across various subjects, as per Gitnux. This high effectiveness presents a strong demand for online tutoring services. Also, online tutoring is one of the online business ideas in Canada. 

With regards to the money you can make, according to Salary.com, the average online tutor in the United States earns around $58,937 per year, with a typical salary range between $49,212 and $71,884. You can use platforms like Wyzant, Chegg Tutors, or VIPKid to begin this remote business. However, there is a competition to consider. As of 2022, 101,282 online tutoring services businesses in the US increased by 18.6% from the previous year.

34. Offer Financial Consulting Services

Starting Financial Consulting Services is a wise choice for a remote business idea because you can tap into the strong demand for financial advice in the US. Nearly 3 in 5 Americans (59%) seek financial advice but rarely know where to find it, as an Intelliflo survey shows. This high demand for financial guidance creates a valuable opportunity for remote financial consultants.

According to Indeed, you can earn an average salary of $87,357 per year as a financial consultant in the United States. You can start this remote business by setting up your own consulting firm or working with established financial consulting platforms online. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), around 330,300 financial advisors are already employed in the country. 

35. Provide Health Or Wellness Coaching Services

Providing health or wellness coaching services is an excellent remote business idea because you can cater to men or women actively taking part in fitness-related activities. According to Workout Anytime, 6.1 million people participate in exercise or fitness-related classes at least twice a month. It emphasizes the importance of health and wellness coaching, which can be done virtually.

The income potential is also promising, with the average health and wellness coach salary in the United States being $69,711, according to Salary.com. You can begin your remote business through platforms like Precision Nutrition, Health Coach Institute, or even by building your own online presence and offering coaching services. However, according to the National Consortium for Credentialing Health and Wellness Coaches, there were about 128,000 health coaches in the United States. It is essential to notice the competition.

36. Start Business Or Executive Coaching

Starting a business or executive coaching is a brilliant remote business idea because you can solve the needs of companies searching for coaching service. According to iPEC, 1.5 million monthly searches are conducted by individuals and companies seeking life coaches, business coaches, and executive coaches, highlighting the strong demand for coaching services. This creates a fertile ground for starting a remote coaching business.

The average annual pay of $86,476 for executive coaches in the United States, as reported by ZipRecruiter. To begin this remote business, you can use platforms like Coach.me or the International Coach Federation to offer coaching services. These platforms provide an excellent starting point and resources to get you started. However, there is competition to contend with. As of 2022, there are 69,355 business coaches in the US. It marks a 5% increase from 2021, according to IBISWorld. This means that beginners may face a crowded market, which can be challenging to navigate.

37. Open A Career Coaching Or Job Search Services

Opening a career coaching or job search service is a substantial remote business idea because you can help many American job seekers. Many people are looking for jobs, and you can help them find opportunities. In 2023, there will be about 12.4 million job seekers in the US, including 4.9 million unemployed Americans, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported. This means there's a big demand for job search services.

Also, it can be a good source of income. According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly pay for a Career Coach job in the US is $21.97, ranging from $9.86 to $37.74 per hour. To get started, you can find job coaching opportunities on various websites or seek advice on beginning this remote business. However, the May 2023 International Coaching Federation report reveals that over 48,000 certified coaches are working worldwide, which keeps growing because of high demand.

38. Start Life Coaching Or Personal Development Services

Starting life coaching or personal development services is a unique remote business because you can help men or women achieve their personal and professional goals. Also, according to Zippia, being a personal development coach is expected to grow by 20% from 2018 to 2028, creating 48,800 job opportunities across the U.S. This growth shows rising demand for personal development services, making it a promising choice for remote businesses.

Opening a life coaching service can be a good source of income. ZipRecruiter reports that the average personal development coach salary in the United States is $27.15 per hour or $56,462 per year. However, there are some challenges to consider. Life coaching is competitive, with about 18,233 life coach businesses in the U.S. in 2022, which grew by 2.6% from 2021 to 2022, as per Upcoach. Additionally, IBISWorld reveals that there are 23,471 people employed in the Life Coaches industry in the US as of 2022.

39. Legal Or Compliance Consulting Services

Offering legal or compliance consulting services is a distinctive remote business idea because you can assist people needing legal expertise and assistance. According to Zippia, the demand for legal consultants is expected to grow 6% from 2018 to 2028. This means there's a growing need for legal and compliance expertise.

You can also earn a substantial income in this field. ZipRecruiter reports that the average annual pay for a compliance consultant in the United States is $92,372, which is approximately $44.41 per hour. However, IBISWorld reveals that there are 421,643 law firms in the US as of 2022. This high number of established legal entities might make it competitive and challenging for beginners in legal and compliance consulting.

40. Build A Technology Or Digital Strategy Consulting

Building a technology or digital strategy consulting business is a good remote business idea because of the skyrocketing demand for digital transformation and technology solutions in today's business landscape. According to Foundry, a remarkable 89% of all companies have already embraced a digital-first business strategy or are planning to do so. This data shows a strong and growing demand for digital strategy consulting.

Additionally, as per Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a digital strategy consultant in the United States is $129,106 per year, with an average annual salary of $116,089. However, building a career in technology and digital strategy consulting may require specific skills and a strong portfolio. It can be challenging for beginners to break into this competitive field without prior experience or a solid track record. 

41. Create Sales Or Marketing Consulting Services

Creating sales or marketing consulting services is an essential remote business idea because many businesses need help with their sales and marketing strategies. As per The Bureau of Labor Statistics, marketing consultant jobs are expected to grow by 10% over the next ten years.

Sales or marketing consultancy services are another effective way to generate income. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Sales and Marketing Consultant is $69,974 per year in the US. You can also promote your expertise on Fiverr, Upwork, and LinkedIn. However, IBISWorld reveals that there are 300,001 Marketing Consultants businesses in the US as of 2022, marking a 7.7% increase from 2021. It means building a reputation and finding clients may take effort and time in such a crowded market.

Conclusion: Why Starting Local Lead Gen Biz Is The Top Remote Business Idea?

Starting a local lead gen biz is the top remote business idea because it boasts lower competition, minimal startup costs, and the potential for passive income from anywhere. In terms of startup costs, other remote business ideas, such as launching an augmented reality (AR) business, which can cost between $335,000 and $1,185,000, or starting a sustainable product store, which typically ranges from $32,500 to $67,500 in startup costs. In contrast, local lead generation may only require an initial investment of $500 to create your website. Once your website is established, you can improve its search engine ranking using SEO strategies. When you get a high rank in a search engine, you can rent it out to local businesses that need leads. 

What makes local lead generation even more appealing is that you have complete ownership of your business. With local lead generation, you become a digital landlord, owning prime real estate on search engines like Google. Clients can't terminate your services because they rely on your lead generation expertise. Local lead generation offers stability, unlike freelancing jobs, where clients can come and go.

Furthermore, the potential for passive income in the lead gen biz is substantial. Once your website ranks organically at the top of Google, it will consistently generate leads through free traffic. You can ‌"set it and forget it" as the lead generation site continues to generate passive income, potentially reaching up to $2,500 per month. Another significant advantage of local lead generation compared to the top remote business ideas above is the significantly lower level of competition. Instead of competing with the 7.52 million Etsy sellers on platforms or the 31.7 million bloggers in the US, local lead generation focuses on ranking in local cities and towns, where competition is drastically less. Rather than competing with millions worldwide, you'll be up against only 15-20 local companies or even fewer.

If you're seeking a remote business idea that is less saturated, can be operated from anywhere, and is cost-effective, I strongly recommend starting a local lead gen biz.