Starting an online business sounds exciting, right? The idea of making money from anywhere, working on your own schedule, and finally being your own boss is the dream for so many people.
But if you’re just getting started, it can also feel overwhelming. Where do you begin? What should you sell? How do you even find customers?
The good news? You don’t need experience, a fancy website, or a huge following to start. You just need the right steps…and that’s exactly what you’ll get in this guide.
If you’re ready to launch your online business (without the stress and confusion), let’s dive in!
Step 1: Choose the Right Online Business Model
Before you start, you need to decide how you’ll make money online.Here are four simple and proven ways to start an online business:
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Sell Digital Products (Great for Passive Income)
Selling digital products is one of the best ways to make money online because you create it once and sell it over and over again without extra work. No inventory, no shipping…just instant downloads.
Types of Digital Products You Can Sell:
- Ebooks & Guides: Step-by-step guides, how-to ebooks, or niche-specific books (Example: “The Beginner’s Guide to Crocheting)
- Templates & Printables: Canva templates, planners, checklists, or spreadsheets (Example: Social media post templates, budget trackers, meal planners)
- Online Courses: Teach something valuable in a structured way (Example: “How to Crochet a Blanket in 7 Days”)
- Memberships & Digital Subscriptions: Monthly paid access to exclusive content, community, or coaching (Example: A paid membership for ongoing business training)
How to Sell Digital Products:
- Use Etsy, Gumroad, or Warrior+ to sell without a website
- Create a simple landing page with a tool like ConvertKit, Thrivecart (what I use!), or Kajabi
- Promote your products on social media, Pinterest, and email marketing
Best for: People who love creating resources, teaching, or designing templates.
Why it’s great: Digital products sell over and over again without extra work.
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Offer Services (Best for Fast Money)
If you want to start making money online quickly, offering a service is the fastest way. No product creation needed. Just provide your skills to clients.
Popular Online Services You Can Offer:
- Freelance Writing: Blog posts, email newsletters, website copy
- Graphic Design: Logos, social media graphics, website design
- Social Media Management: Managing Instagram, Facebook, TikTok accounts
- Virtual Assistance: Admin support, scheduling, inbox management
- Coaching or Consulting: Business coaching, life coaching, fitness coaching
- Tech & Website Support: WordPress setup, Shopify design, tech troubleshooting
How to Get Clients as a Beginner:
- Start by offering your services on Fiverr, Upwork, or Facebook groups
- Create a simple portfolio website or Instagram page showcasing your skills
- Reach out to small business owners, bloggers, or brands who might need help
Best for: Anyone who wants to make money fast by offering skills they already have (or can learn quickly).
Why it’s great: It’s the fastest way to make money because you don’t need a product…just skills!
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Affiliate Marketing (Earn Commissions by Recommending Products)
Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to make money without creating your own products. You simply recommend products you love and earn a commission when someone buys through your link. I love this method because it doesn’t matter if no one knows who you are – they trust the brands of the products you’re promoting! Plus, you don’t have to worry about customer service. If there are any issues, they contact the company they bought the product from!
How Affiliate Marketing Works:
- Sign up for an affiliate program (Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or a brand-specific program)
- Get a special referral link to share
- Earn a commission when someone clicks and buys
Best Ways to Promote Affiliate Links:
- Write blog posts reviewing products or tools
- Share on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube with product recommendations
- Email your audience about tools or resources you personally use
- Create a free guide that includes helpful affiliate links
Popular Affiliate Programs for Beginners:
- Amazon Associates: Earn from almost any product on Amazon
- ShareASale & CJ Affiliate: Huge marketplaces with brands in every niche
- Web Hosting Programs: Bluehost, A2 Hosting (great for blogging & business niches)
- Canva, Teachable, ConvertKit: Software & digital tool recommendations
Best for: Bloggers, content creators, and anyone who loves sharing recommendations.
Why it’s great: You don’t need to create a product. Just share things you already use!
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Ecommerce – Selling Physical Products
If you love the idea of selling physical products, ecommerce might be the right fit.
Ways to Sell Physical Products Online:
- Handmade Products: Etsy, Shopify, or Amazon Handmade (Example: Jewelry, candles, home decor)
- Print-on-Demand: Sell t-shirts, mugs, or posters without handling inventory (Example: Use Printful or Printify to print & ship for you)
- Dropshipping: Sell products without holding stock; a supplier ships directly to your customer (Example: Selling trending products through Shopify and using a dropshipping supplier like AliExpress or Spocket)
- Selling on Marketplaces: Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) lets you sell products and Amazon handles shipping for you
What to Consider with Ecommerce:
- You may need initial inventory costs unless doing print-on-demand or dropshipping
- Shipping & customer service are required (unless using a fulfillment service like Amazon FBA)
- Can be very profitable but requires marketing & traffic
Best for: People who love product-based businesses and want to build a brand around physical goods.
Why it’s great: If you love selling products (or creating them!), this could be for you!
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re a beginner, start with the model that best fits your skills, interests, and how you want to work.
Want passive income? Sell digital products.
Need fast cash? Offer services.
Love recommending products? Try affiliate marketing.
Want a physical brand? Explore ecommerce.
Step 2: Choose a Profitable Niche
A niche is the specific audience you help and the problem you solve for them.
How to Find Your Niche:
- What are you good at? (Skills, knowledge, or experience)
- What do people ask you for advice about?
- What are people already spending money on?
Example Niches:
- Digital product sellers: Helping busy moms stay organized with planners, teaching someone to crochet or knit
- Coaches: Helping new entrepreneurs build confidence & sales
- Freelancers: Writing blog posts for small businesses
- Physical Products: Candles, t-shirts, jewelry
Pro Tip: A niche that solves a problem and has paying customers will be much easier to grow than a broad topic!
Step 3: Set Up Your Online Presence
You don’t need a fancy website to start.
Here’s what you actually need:
- A Simple Website or Landing Page (Use Wix, or WordPress to set up a basic homepage.)
- If selling digital products, use Gumroad, Warrior+, or your own site
- If selling services, create a simple “Work With Me” page
- A Social Media PresencePick ONE platform where your audience hangs out: Instagram (visual brands, coaches, influencers), TikTok (fast growth, video-based), Facebook (groups, community building), LinkedIn (B2B, freelancers, professionals).
Pro Tip: Don’t try to be everywhere. Pick one platform and show up consistently.
Step 4: Create an Offer That Sells
Now that you know what you’re selling, let’s make sure people actually want to buy it!
The Formula for a High-Converting Offer:
- Solves a specific problem (“Struggling to stay productive? This planner helps you get more done in less time!”)
- Easy to understand (People should know what they’re getting in seconds!)
- Has a clear outcome (Instead of “30 Instagram tips,” say “30 Instagram captions that boost engagement”)
Example: Instead of selling a general ebook on “Fitness Tips,” sell a “21-Day Home Workout Plan for Busy Moms.” It’s specific, actionable, and valuable!
Step 5: Start Getting Customers (Even Without an Audience)
You don’t need thousands of followers to get sales, just the right strategy.
Simple Ways to Get Your First Customers:
- Use Pinterest to drive traffic to your website or product page.
- Email your network and let them know about your offer.
- Post helpful content on social media that shows you understand their problem.
- Engage in Facebook Groups where your ideal customers hang out.
Pro Tip: Your first sales will likely come from people you already know (or their referrals!). Don’t be afraid to tell them what you’re doing!
Step 6: Build a Simple Email List (Your Secret Weapon!)
An email list is the most reliable way to make sales long-term. It’s way better than social media. You should be doing both!
How to Build Your Email List Fast:
- Create a Freebie (Lead Magnet). It’s a simple free guide, checklist, or template
- Use an Email Platform such as Aweber, ConvertKit, or xyz
- Promote Your Freebie Everywhere. Use forums, social media, your own website, and more.
Example Freebies That Attract Buyers:
For coaches: “3-Step Formula for More Sales Calls”
For digital product sellers: “Free Canva Template for Instagram”
For freelancers: “Email Pitch Template to Land Clients”
Once people sign up, nurture them with valuable emails and introduce your paid offers!
Step 7: Keep It Simple & Take Action
Starting an online business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You just need to take it step by step.
Quick Recap:
- Pick a business model (digital products, services, affiliate marketing, or ecommerce)
- Find a profitable niche
- Set up a simple website or landing page
- Create an irresistible offer
- Get your first customers using social media & networking
- Build an email list for long-term sales
Pick ONE step and take action today. Momentum is everything! There will never be a “perfect time” to start…so start now.
Starting an online business doesn’t mean working 24/7. It means working smart and focusing on the right things. Follow these steps, keep it simple, and watch your business grow!
