8 Online Business Ideas for Aspiring Entrepreneurs - 2021

The best business ideas are the ones that excite you. To kickstart your inspiration, here is a list of common online business ideas: 1. __Become an affiliate marketer__. Affiliate marketing is the process through which an affiliate will partner with a brand to increase its sales. Payment will depend mainly on your marketing performance since you receive a commission on the sales generated through your affiliate link to the merchant’s website. Some affiliate programs offer high commission rates and specialize in digital products. 2. __Professional blogging__. Blogging is a great way to create content on a regular cadence and develop a following of subscribers through [self-publishing](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-self-publish-a-book). Whether you’re an influencer, a graphic designer, web developer, or someone who wants to promote their own website, blogging can be profitable and enjoyable. Before starting a blog, consider your target audience upfront. With so much content online, it will be necessary to find your niche and attract advertising that will allow you to make money online. Consider using a content platform to host your blog and provide you with some useful templates. [Search engine optimization](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/seo-strategy-guide) (SEO) can also increase traffic to your blog through various algorithms. Learn [how to write a blog](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-blog-post) post using our step-by-step guide. 3. __Make a podcast__. A podcast is a digital audio program uploaded to a hosting website where it can be streamed or downloaded for the audience’s listening pleasure. Podcasts can cover various topics, from food and culture to current events and sports, and typically feature a host, whether amateur or professional, who discusses the subject in-depth. You can monetize your podcast by selling sponsored advertisements from interested companies, fellow podcasts, or by creating membership tiers for the show’s fans (this option is ideal for podcasters with a dedicated fanbase). To monetize, you need to create a podcast concept that is fresh and entertaining and consistently post new episodes of your show to build your audience. You can advertise your podcast through social media or by swapping ad time with a fellow podcaster. To get started, you’ll need to invest in a quality microphone, headphones, and editing software, and decide which platform you want to pay to host your show. 4. __Online freelancing__. Businesses tend to gravitate toward freelancers and outsource work because it keeps their overhead at a low-cost. Freelancers typically work on a contractual, project, or hourly basis. If you specialize in web design, [copywriting](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/copywriting-tips-from-advertising-experts-goodby-and-silverstein), social media marketing, or [graphic design](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-an-advertising-designer), freelancing is a great way to monetize your skills. As a freelancer, you can advertise your services and network with business owners through websites designed for freelance work. Although freelancing allows for a certain amount of freedom, work can be irregular, and there is no guaranteed paycheck. You can work full-time or part-time for passive income. Learn how to become a freelance [writer](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-a-freelance-writer) or [editor](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-a-freelance-editor). 5. __Online dating consultant__. The emergence of online dating sites and apps has turned into a billion-dollar industry over the past decade. Becoming an online dating consultant has excellent earning potential due, in part, to the vast arena of online dating and its [target market](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/target-market-guide). While it can help to have a background in psychology or counseling, there’s no degree necessary for this type of [entrepreneurship](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-succeed-in-business-5-strategies-for-entrepreneurs). Through social and email marketing, phone conversations, or instant chats, you can run your business entirely online. 6. __Start a dropshipping business__. Dropshipping is a supply chain management technique that involves selling and delivering goods without physically contacting them. With dropshipping, it’s only necessary to order products from a supplier once you’ve received orders. From there, you have suppliers deliver the products straight to your customer and don’t have to deal with the hassle of stocking your own products. Confirm that your dropshipping suppliers are reliable, know how to deliver quickly, and guarantee quality customer service. 7. __Start an e-commerce store__. E-commerce, or electronic commerce, is a business model that allows digital transactions to occur online, via phone, tablet, or computer. Once you find the product you want to sell, add it to a hosting platform that facilitates a seamless online presence. After constructing your [e-commerce](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ecommerce-explained) site, driving traffic to it through advertising and [marketing](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-the-4-ps-of-the-marketing-mix-to-sell-a-product) is a great way to make money and guarantee a successful business operation. Consider consultation with a marketer to boost your digital marketing efforts and optimize for a lucrative business. 8. __Virtual assistant__. As a virtual assistant, you can provide administrative services for individuals and businesses remotely. This position has become increasingly popular as companies have an ever-growing need for bookkeeping, maintaining email lists, email management, and scheduling. You can choose your services based on what interests you and what you enjoy doing. Get the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/) for exclusive access to video lessons taught by business luminaries, including Sara Blakely, Chris Voss, Robin Roberts, Bob Iger, Howard Schultz, Anna Wintour, and more. There’s a plethora of information on how to start a new business in today’s era of online courses and webinars. Whether you’re pursuing a side hustle or fully immersing yourself in a new venture, starting an online business requires hard work, tenacity, and passion.