Money is a significant factor when starting a business. Thankfully, there are many businesses and careers that you can start with little to no money. Listed below are eight small business ideas that are free, or almost free, to start.
1. Building your personal brand on social media
Social media is an excellent first step if you are unsure what product or service to sell. After you have an idea for your new business, use keywords, popular hashtags, and trends to promote your business and products.
Social media is more than just likes, however. Instead of building likes, it is good to establish an audience and connect with them. Clicks will eventually convert to product sales!
2. Write SEO-friendly online content
Online written content is a hidden money maker, and you can get started for free. SEO, or search engine optimization, is used to improve the quality of web traffic to specific web pages. You first need to choose a niche to center your written content around. Once a particular niche is selected, you must establish credibility by creating high-quality content at least once or twice a week. In no time at all, you can acquire sponsorships and start making money.
3. Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing utilizes different links to products to make money. Usually, affiliate marketing links are used to promote products and services available for purchase on another website. The affiliate marketer earns a portion of the profit with every click or purchase.
4. Dropshipping
Want to start your own online store but don’t have room or the money to purchase items? Dropshipping is a business you can start for a small fee, and some websites let you begin for free! Instead of purchasing hundreds of products in bulk, customers can buy products online at your store and get them shipped directly to their homes. This is a popular business model but does have its own challenges.
5. Freelance writing and editing
Not ready to start your own full-fledged company? That is okay! For no money at all, you can begin your freelance writing and editing career. All you need is a portfolio, a good cover letter, and a strong internet connection. Freelance writers can make up to $100 an hour or more depending on their specific niche, style of writing, and years of experience. You might be stunned to find out just how many websites are written by ghostwriters.
6. Writing and selling profitable eBooks
eBooks cost little to nothing to produce. Do you have an interesting idea in a strong niche? If yes, continue building credibility and authority on the subject, then start writing your award-winning book.
Writing and publishing eBooks can be a free process, but you can also spend some money to hire an editor, copywriter, or illustrator to help bring your book to life. Costs for a self-published eBook are significantly lower than traditional publishing.
7. Virtual live classes
If you have a hobby or a career that you excel in and a knack for teaching and training, why not create your own virtual classes? Think about it; there are virtual online gyms and Zumba classes, guitar classes, and more. Most people charge by the house; however, pricing is up to you.
8. Recorded Zoom classes
If you are not interested in a live class, why not record zoom classes? There are hundreds of software applications online that let people subscribe to exciting content. Unless you are thinking of purchasing high-end recording equipment or class supplies, it is entirely free to film and upload your own classes.
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