From Clicks to Customers: 16 Online Business Ideas You Can Start on the Side

Running an online business definitely has its appeal, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. The truth is, starting a business of any kind is hard work.

In reality, “online” is just a channel that connects businesses to people. It’s a powerful tool that lets you reach anyone from anywhere in the world. But creating a business with it is still about connecting the right customers with the right offering.

Countless people have already made the leap into entrepreneurship. And with the right ideas and plenty of sweat equity, you can too.

This isn’t about one simple life-changing trick. Starting a business doesn’t work that way. Instead, to help you find a product idea or business model that fits your lifestyle, we’ve put together a collection of simple ways to start a business without quitting your day job.

16 online business ideas you can start with a laptop

1. Start your own clothing line
2. Launch a dropshipping store
3. Sell your art online
4. Become a freelance writer, designer or developer
5. Teach an online course
6. Flip your thrift store finds
7. Publish your own book
8. Start a blog
9. Become a virtual assistant
10. Try your hand at being an influencer
11. Build apps and websites
12. Launch a podcast
13. Sign up for affiliate marketing
14. Curate subscription boxes
15. Develop a niche product
16. Create handmade goods

It’s time to bring your online business idea to life

If you've been thinking about ways to start a business, it's time to get out there and create an online money-making business in your spare time. You don’t have to go all in. Start small with a side hustle and scale from there. Or, keep things small. The beauty of starting your own online business is that it’s all up to you.

Have questions about setting up your first online business? Let us know in the comments below.

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