Starting an online business doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, you can start today with zero upfront costs. Whether you're strapped for cash or simply want to bootstrap your way to success, these seven business ideas are perfect for beginners.
At Profit Quests, we explore opportunities like these to help you grow your income online. Want more in-depth tutorials? Check out our YouTube channel here.
1. Create “Pick-One” Videos: A Viral Sensation
Ever seen those fun “Pick-One” videos on TikTok or YouTube Shorts? These are simple yet addictive videos featuring side-by-side images or clips, where viewers pick their favorite option.
For example, someone might showcase AI-generated images of quirky items—like futuristic toilets or bizarre furniture—and ask viewers to choose which they like best.
One TikTok user created “Pick-One” videos with AI-generated content and earned over €16,000 (approximately $18,000) in just four months. Similarly, YouTube creators are raking in profits through the YouTube Partner Program by monetizing their viral shorts.
How to Start Your Pick-One Video Business
You can create these videos using free tools:
- Stock Footage: Download royalty-free videos from Pixabay or Pexels.
- AI Image Generators: Generate unique visuals with Microsoft Designer or DALL-E. These tools are free and incredibly powerful.
- Video Editing Software: Use CapCut for its beginner-friendly features, including AI tools and special effects.
For instance, imagine creating a montage of stunning travel destinations or AI-generated futuristic cities. Add music and captions, and you’ve got a compelling video ready to go viral!
2. Marketplace Arbitrage: Profiting from Price Differences
Marketplace arbitrage involves buying items at a lower price on one platform and reselling them at a higher price elsewhere.
For example, you could buy a 3D printer listed for $109 on eBay and resell it on Facebook Marketplace for $125, keeping the $16 difference as profit.
This model works because not everyone has access to—or checks—multiple platforms for pricing. As a seller, you capitalize on this gap.
Example: Arbitraging Locally Available Goods
Imagine browsing Facebook Marketplace for underpriced electronics in your city. After finding a deal, list the same item on eBay or Amazon for a higher price. You don’t even need inventory—just list the item, and once sold, purchase and ship it to the buyer directly.
3. Print-On-Demand: Selling Custom Products
Print-on-demand is a highly scalable business where you sell custom-designed products like T-shirts, mugs, or stickers without keeping inventory. Platforms like Printful or Printify handle production, packaging, and shipping for you.
Using free design tools like Canva or Photopea, you can create custom designs. Canva even offers a free trial of its Pro version, giving you access to thousands of templates and graphics.
Practical Use Case
Let’s say you design funny meme-based shirts, such as one poking fun at popular lyrics or movie quotes. Promote these designs on TikTok by showcasing mock-ups, just like this TikTok example.
4. Tutorial Affiliate Marketing: Teach and Earn
Affiliate marketing works best when combined with valuable content. By creating tutorials for tools or apps you use, you can earn commissions from referral links.
For example, a Canva tutorial showcasing how to design social media posts can include an affiliate link to sign up for Canva Pro.
Platforms like Impact or Amazon Associates let you find affiliate programs for nearly any niche. Upload your tutorials to YouTube, TikTok, or even Medium for long-term passive traffic.
5. Pinterest Blogging: Drive Traffic with Visual Content
Pinterest bloggers make thousands of dollars by linking blog posts to affiliate products. For instance, a search for “bathroom storage ideas” might lead to a pin linking to a personal blog filled with Amazon affiliate links.
Tools to Get Started
- Blogging Platform: Medium is free and allows affiliate links in your posts.
- Design Pins: Use Canva’s free templates to create Pinterest-optimized images.
Start with niche topics like "eco-friendly home organization" and grow from there. Over time, your blog traffic will generate consistent commissions.
6. Sell Digital Printables: Passive Income Made Easy
Digital printables—like planners, storage labels, or coloring pages—are hugely popular. Selling these products via Gumroad or Etsy is an easy way to make passive income.
Example Printable Product Idea
Design a weekly meal planner using Canva templates. Upload it to Gumroad, and market it on Pinterest with descriptive pins like “Meal Prep Simplified.”
7. Create Montage Videos: Informative and Entertaining
Montage videos compile stock footage with narration, text overlays, or voiceovers to tell a story. These videos work well on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram Reels.
For instance, create a montage of “10 Fun Facts About Space” using stock clips from Pexels and add commentary with free tools like Adobe Podcast Enhance.
Bonus Tips for Growing Your Online Business
- Cross-promote your content on multiple platforms. For instance, share your TikTok videos on Instagram Reels.
- Always analyze trends in your niche using tools like Google Trends to stay ahead.
- Leverage your audience with email marketing through free tools like MailerLite.
If you’re serious about growing your business, we invite you to check out more detailed guides and tutorials on our Profit Quests YouTube channel. Whether it’s exploring print-on-demand on Etsy or leveraging Pinterest for blog traffic, we’ve got you covered.
These seven online business ideas are just the start. With determination and consistent effort, you can turn any of these into a full-time income stream. Don’t forget to subscribe to Profit Quests for more tips and strategies!