20 Best Low Cost Easy Business Ideas
Looking for the best low-cost easy business ideas to earn extra income without major upfront investments? These business ideas are perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to minimize risk while maximizing potential profits.
Below are 20 low cost easy business ideas, including action steps to getting started, challenges, and potential earnings, helping you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
We also included a difficulty rating for each business idea, the more black stars it has, the higher the difficulty.
1. Freelance Writing
Description: Freelance writing involves creating content for websites, blogs, magazines, and other platforms. With the rise of digital marketing, demand for skilled writers has surged.
Action Steps:
- Choose a niche you enjoy writing about (e.g., tech, lifestyle, health).
- Build a portfolio by writing blog posts or guest articles.
- Sign up on freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
- Start pitching to potential clients and networks.
Difficulty: ★★★★☆
Average Startup Costs: $0 – $500 (for website and marketing)
Challenges: Requires consistent practice to improve writing skills and build a client base.
Top Average Income: $50,000 – $100,000/year
2. Online Tutoring
Description: Online tutoring allows you to teach subjects you are proficient in via video platforms like Zoom or Skype.
Action Steps:
- Select a subject you are knowledgeable in.
- Create a course outline or lesson plan.
- Use tutoring platforms like VIPKid, Chegg Tutors, or create your own website.
- Advertise your services on social media and education forums.
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
Average Startup Costs: $0 – $500 (for video equipment, if needed)
Challenges: Competing with other tutors; requires patience and excellent teaching skills.
Top Average Income: $40,000 – $70,000/year
3. Dropshipping
Description: Dropshipping is an e-commerce model where you sell products without holding inventory. You purchase from suppliers only after you’ve made sales.
Action Steps:
- Choose a niche and find reliable suppliers on platforms like SaleHoo, AliExpress, Worldwide Brands or Oberlo.
- Set up an online store on Shopify or WooCommerce.
- Market your store through social media and paid ads.
- Automate order fulfillment with dropshipping apps.
Difficulty: ★★★★☆
Average Startup Costs: $200 – $1,000 (for online store setup and marketing)
Challenges: Low profit margins, finding reliable suppliers, and customer service can be tricky.
Top Average Income: $50,000 – $100,000/year
4. Social Media Management
Description: Social media managers create and manage content for businesses, helping them build a strong presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
Action Steps:
- Master social media tools and strategies.
- Build a personal brand by showcasing your social media skills.
- Reach out to small businesses or use freelancing platforms to find clients.
- Create content calendars, monitor engagement, and adjust strategies.
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Average Startup Costs: $0 – $500 (for social media tools, website)
Challenges: Staying up-to-date with platform changes, creating engaging content consistently.
Top Average Income: $60,000 – $100,000/year
5. Virtual Assistant (VA)
Description: Virtual assistants handle administrative tasks for businesses and entrepreneurs. Common tasks include managing emails, scheduling meetings, and handling customer service.
Action Steps:
- Choose the types of tasks you want to specialize in.
- Set up profiles on freelancing platforms like Upwork.
- Offer competitive rates initially to build a client base.
- Network with entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
Average Startup Costs: $0 – $500 (for computer software and marketing)
Challenges: Finding consistent clients, managing different tasks across multiple clients.
Top Average Income: $40,000 – $80,000/year
6. Network Marketing
Description: Network marketing involves selling products and recruiting others to join the business, earning a commission on sales and recruitment.
Action Steps:
- Join a reputable network marketing company.
- Learn about the products and business model.
- Build your network by connecting with contacts, friends, family, and social media groups.
- Consistently recruit and sell to grow your business.
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
Average Startup Costs: $50 – $500 (for starter kits or reseller/affiliate fee, products)
Challenges: Recruiting people, maintaining an active team, dealing with rejection.
Top Average Income: $50,000 – $200,000/year
7. Print-on-Demand (POD)
Description: Print-on-demand allows you to sell custom-designed products (e.g., t-shirts, mugs) without holding any inventory.
Action Steps:
- Choose a product niche and create custom designs.
- Set up an online store on platforms like Printful, Teespring, or Redbubble.
- Market your designs via social media and influencers.
- Scale by creating more designs and testing new product ideas.
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Average Startup Costs: $100 – $500 (for design tools and marketing)
Challenges: Creating attractive designs and driving traffic to your store.
Top Average Income: $30,000 – $80,000/year
8. Blogging
Description: Blogging involves creating content around a specific topic and monetizing through ads, affiliate marketing, or selling products.
Action Steps:
- Choose a niche you are passionate about.
- Set up a blog on WordPress or Squarespace.
- Write and publish high-quality content consistently.
- Monetize your blog through affiliate links, ads, or by selling courses.
Difficulty: ★★★★☆
Average Startup Costs: $50 – $500 (for domain, web hosting, and website setup)
Challenges: Building an audience takes time and effort, and monetizing can be slow at first.
Top Average Income: $30,000 – $200,000/year
How To Start A Blog In 6 Easy Steps
9. Affiliate Marketing
Description: Affiliate marketers promote other people’s products and earn a commission on every sale.
Action Steps:
- Select a niche and choose products to promote.
- Set up an email marketing list.
- Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale.
- Promote products through blog posts, YouTube videos, social media and email.
- Track performance and optimize your strategies to improve conversions.
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Average Startup Costs: $100 – $1000 (for website, hosting, autoresponder and marketing)
Challenges: Requires a strong online presence and consistent traffic generation.
Top Average Income: $40,000 – $150,000/year
10. Pet Sitting
Description: Pet sitting involves taking care of pets while their owners are away. This can include feeding, walking, and playing with them.
Action Steps:
- Start by offering services to friends or family to build a reputation.
- Create profiles on pet-sitting platforms like Rover or Care.com.
- Promote your services locally through flyers, social media, and local pet stores.
- Provide excellent service to get positive reviews and repeat customers.
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
Average Startup Costs: $0 – $200 (for marketing and business registration)
Challenges: Managing multiple clients during busy seasons like holidays.
Top Average Income: $20,000 – $60,000/year
11. Online Course Creation
Description: Create and sell online courses in areas you have expertise in, such as marketing, fitness, or cooking.
Action Steps:
- Choose a niche and research what topics people are interested in learning.
- Create a detailed course outline and record your lessons.
- Upload your course to platforms like Skool, Udemy or Teachable.
- Market your online course through social media and email marketing.
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Average Startup Costs: $100 – $1,000 (for video equipment, website and course hosting)
Challenges: Requires upfront effort to create content, but it’s scalable.
Top Average Income: $50,000 – $200,000/year
12. House Cleaning
Description: Offering house cleaning services for busy individuals or families is a simple way to earn an income.
Action Steps:
- Get the necessary cleaning supplies.
- Advertise your services on platforms like Thumbtack or through local flyers.
- Offer discounted rates for the first few clients to build a reputation.
- Build long-term relationships with clients to ensure recurring business.
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
Average Startup Costs: $100 – $500 (for cleaning supplies, equipment)
Challenges: Physical labor and working around clients’ schedules.
Top Average Income: $25,000 – $70,000/year
13. Graphic Design Services
Description: If you have graphic design skills, you can offer services for logos, branding, and marketing materials for businesses.
Action Steps:
- Build a portfolio by creating sample designs.
- Sign up on freelancing platforms like Fiverr or 99Designs.
- Promote your services through social media and design communities.
- Continuously improve your skills and keep up with design trends.
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Average Startup Costs: $500 – $1,500 (for design software and marketing)
Challenges: Competing with other designers; staying up-to-date with new design tools and trends.
Top Average Income: $40,000 – $100,000/year
14. Handmade Craft Seller
Description: If you enjoy crafting, you can sell handmade goods like jewelry, candles, or home decor on platforms like Etsy.
Action Steps:
- Choose a craft you’re passionate about.
- Create a small inventory of products.
- Set up an Etsy store and optimize your listings with high-quality photos.
- Promote your products through social media and local craft fairs.
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
Average Startup Costs: $200 – $1,500 (for materials, online store and marketplace fees)
Challenges: Standing out in a crowded market and pricing products effectively.
Top Average Income: $20,000 – $60,000/year
15. YouTube Content Creation
Description: You can start a YouTube channel around topics like lifestyle, gaming, education, or reviews, and earn money through ads and sponsorships.
Action Steps:
- Choose a niche and create a content strategy.
- Invest in basic equipment like a camera and microphone.
- Consistently upload quality videos.
- Monetize through YouTube ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Difficulty: ★★★★☆
Average Startup Costs: $200 – $1,500 (for camera, microphone, editing software)
Challenges: YouTube marketing requires consistency and time to build an audience; video editing skills are essential.
Top Average Income: $50,000 – $200,000/year
16. Photography Services
Description: Photographers can offer services for weddings, events, portraits, or sell stock photos online.
Action Steps:
- Choose a photography niche (e.g., weddings, portraits).
- Build a portfolio by offering free or discounted shoots initially.
- Set up a website and social media profiles to attract clients.
- Offer package deals and upsells for clients.
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Average Startup Costs: $1,000 – $3,000 (for camera, lenses, and other equipment)
Challenges: High initial equipment costs; finding consistent clients.
Top Average Income: $50,000 – $100,000/year
17. Baking Business
Description: If you have a passion for baking, you can start a home-based bakery selling cakes, cookies, and other treats.
Action Steps:
- Obtain necessary licenses for a home-based food business.
- Create a menu and test your recipes.
- Market your bakery through social media and local food markets.
- Promote your business through local business listings sites.
- Offer catering for events to increase your income.
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Average Startup Costs: $200 – $1,500 (for ingredients and kitchen equipment)
Challenges: Requires adherence to health regulations and managing orders.
Top Average Income: $30,000 – $80,000/year
18. Podcasting
Description: Podcasting allows you to share your insights on a topic you’re passionate about and monetize through ads and sponsorships.
Action Steps:
- Choose a niche and content format.
- Invest in a microphone and basic editing software.
- Upload episodes consistently to platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
- Grow your audience through social media, collaborations through other Podcast services like PodMatch, and SEO.
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Average Startup Costs: $100 – $500 (for microphone, hosting, and editing software)
Challenges: Growing an audience takes time and effort; high competition in popular niches.
Top Average Income: $30,000 – $100,000/year
19. Translation Services
Description: If you are fluent in more than one language, you can offer translation services for businesses and individuals.
Action Steps:
- Build a portfolio by offering translations for free or low rates.
- Sign up on platforms like ProZ or TranslatorsCafe.
- Promote your services to businesses needing translation for documents, websites, or content.
- Offer specialized translations to stand out (e.g., legal or medical translations).
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
Average Startup Costs: $0 – $500 (for marketing, website, and business setup)
Challenges: Gaining credibility and finding consistent clients.
Top Average Income: $40,000 – $80,000/year
20. Car Detailing
Description: Car detailing involves cleaning and restoring the interior and exterior of vehicles for clients.
Action Steps:
- Invest in basic detailing tools and cleaning products.
- Offer mobile services where you go to clients’ locations.
- Promote your business locally and through social media.
- Build a reputation for high-quality work to get repeat clients.
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
Average Startup Costs: $500 – $1,500 (for cleaning products and tools)
Challenges: Physical labor and weather dependence for mobile services.
Top Average Income: $20,000 – $60,000/year
How to Choose Which Easy Business Ideas Are Best for You
To decide which of these best low cost easy business ideas is right for you, make sure and evaluate which idea fits your strengths, interests, and lifestyle.
Consider the following:
- Your Skills: Opt for businesses that align with your strengths. For example, if you’re tech-savvy, graphic design services or social media management might be ideal.
- Time Commitment: Some businesses, like freelance writing, can be part-time, while others, like dropshipping, may require more attention.
- Market Demand: Research trends in your chosen niche to ensure there’s enough demand for the product or service.
- Your Passion: Sometimes it is much more easy to be successful with a business if you have some passion towards the niche or industry you want to go into.
- Initial Investment: Understand how much you’re willing to invest upfront to get started.
- Money: How much money do you want to make? Some business ideas are easier to scale. The top average incomes we listed for each business type, is just that, the average top earnings. There are people who earn more.
For even more great business ideas please read:
Conclusion
Choosing the right business from these Best Low Cost Easy Business Ideas depends on your strengths, interests, and resources.
Whether you’re passionate about teaching, creating content, or working hands-on, there’s an option for everyone.
To succeed, start small, focus on providing value, and be persistent! With time and effort, you can turn these low-cost business ideas into profitable ventures.
We really hope this article on Best Low Cost Easy Business Ideas has been extremely helpful to you.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to post them in the comments section below or just say hello.
Sincerely,
Your Friends And Partners
Richard And John Weberg
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