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If you’re strapped for cash but don’t have the capital to start a business, it can be a tricky catch-22 situation. But there’s good news: many online companies don’t require a cash investment. And even better, these affordable online businesses can be run entirely from the comfort of your own home.
Besides registering your business as a legal entity, all you need to do to start an online business is have a stable internet connection, a computer, and a few entrepreneurial skills.
Read on for four online businesses you can start right now that won’t cost you anything.
1. Online Retail
If the prospect of opening your own online store excites you, you aren’t alone. Online retail has become an increasingly popular business move, which has been made easier in recent years thanks to websites like Shopify, Wix, and Weebly.
If you have a craft you can monetize – like painting, knitting, sewing, etc. – there are just a few things you need to know to start your home-based business.
The first thing to do is research how to develop a proper business plan. Second, you should ensure you have enough space for your inventory and choose a reliable courier company like courierstexas.com to deliver your items to your customers. You should also look into selling your wares on e-commerce sites like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon Handmade.
2. Freelance Writing
With content marketing dominating all other forms of advertising in the digital age, it’s no surprise that freelance writers are in demand. If you have excellent writing and editing skills, becoming a freelance writer could be perfect for you.
To become a freelance writer, create a comprehensive profile on a freelancer site like Freelancer or UpWork and work to build your portfolio. Creating a website to showcase your written pieces is also a good idea – potential clients can get an idea of your writing style and what topics you specialize in.
3. Virtual Assistant Services
Becoming a virtual assistant – or VA – is a great way to earn money online.
Generally, VAs must be efficient, organized, and able to carry out tasks. A virtual assistant is similar to a personal assistant, but everything is online. Common VA tasks include services like writing, performing research, project management, carrying out repetitive online tasks, etc.
In short, if you’re tech-savvy and know your way around a computer, becoming a VA is an excellent way to capitalize on your skills.
Creating a profile on platforms like Zirtual, TaskRabbit, UpWork, and PeoplePerHour makes running your VA business easy.
4. Social Media Consulting
If you love staying abreast of the latest trends and have a thousand people following your social media accounts, you may just have a natural talent for social media marketing.
Because many businesses are not familiar with the intricacies of social media and how it builds their brand and cultivates a loyal following, social media consultants are in demand. You can monetize your skills as a social media consultant by managing a business’ social media accounts and developing a social media marketing plan for them.
