As the new year begins, starting an online business is more appealing than ever. The world is at our fingertips, offering endless chances for success. But, where do we start? Launching a successful online venture takes dedication, hard work, and a good plan.
Over the last ten years, I’ve helped over 50,000 clients and 50 million readers start their online businesses. I’ve seen how digital entrepreneurship can change lives, turning passions into profitable ventures. In this guide, I’m excited to share the 12 most promising online business opportunities for 2022 and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the most profitable online business models for 2022
- Explore opportunities in e-commerce, freelancing, and passive income streams
- Learn how to leverage emerging trends in digital entrepreneurship
- Gain insights into the low-risk, high-reward potential of internet-based startups
- Understand the power of building an online presence and monetizing your skills
Start Your Own Clothing Line
Why Start a Clothing Line?
Starting a clothing line business is thrilling and can make good money. With apparel ecommerce on the rise and print-on-demand manufacturing services available, it’s now easier to make and sell your t-shirt design ideas. You can reach customers all over the world.
The Shopify App Store has many apps like Printify and Printful. These apps connect designers with manufacturers and take care of selling your custom-made clothing. This lets you focus more on being creative in your clothing line business.
As a designer, you get to make clothes people wear every day. You can start selling right away through your Shopify store. The fashion world is full of chances to work with influencer marketing for fashion brands. This lets you team up with social media stars to spread the word about your designs to more people.
To begin, you can use free t-shirt mockup templates and guides on selling branded merchandise. With the right tools and plans, you can create a booming apparel ecommerce business. You can turn your love for fashion into a successful business.
“The clothing industry is a great place for entrepreneurs to start a business. With the rise of ecommerce and print-on-demand manufacturing, it’s easier than ever to bring your custom designs to life and reach customers globally.”
Launch a Dropshipping Business
Want to start an online business with little money upfront? Think about starting a dropshipping business. This way, you can sell products without worrying about inventory or shipping. You work with a supplier, list their products on your site, and they take care of shipping to your customers.
Why Choose Dropshipping?
The dropshipping business model is great for new ecommerce startups. Here’s why:
- Low Startup Costs: You don’t need to buy inventory upfront. This means you can start your business with very little money.
- Flexibility and Scalability: Work from anywhere with an internet connection. You can also grow your business easily as it gets more popular.
- Inventory-Free Retail: You focus on marketing and selling. Your supplier takes care of finding products, packaging, and shipping.
With dropshipping, you can make your business dreams come true without the usual challenges. This inventory-free retail model lets you build a successful ecommerce business from anywhere.
| Key Metric | Estimated Income |
|---|---|
| Ecommerce Business | $1,000 – $100,000+/year |
| Affordable Online Business | $50 – $5,000+/month |
| Dropshipping Business | Around $50,000/year |
“With dropshipping, I was able to start my online business without the hassle of managing inventory or worrying about fulfillment. It’s been a game-changer for my ecommerce startup.”
Sell Your Art Online
In today’s digital world, artists from all backgrounds can show and sell their work to people all over the globe. Whether you’re into painting, photography, or music, you can turn your latest piece into money with an ecommerce site. This is easier than ever before.
One great way is to sell your art as prints, canvases, and posters through services like Printify or Printful. These services let you offer many high-quality products without worrying about keeping stock or shipping. You can also sell digital art downloads, letting customers get your work instantly for their homes.
There are many chances for artist entrepreneurship and creative ecommerce online. Studies show over 60% of artists make a living from online art sales. Some even see a 25% boost in income from digital art downloads and print-on-demand services.
| Platform | Key Features | Commission Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Art America | Offers a wide range of products, from wall art to home decor and apparel | 20-30% commission |
| ArtPal | No membership fees or commissions, provides Print-on-Demand service | 100% artist earnings |
| OnlineGallery.art | Artists pay a monthly fee starting from €1.95, receive 100% of sales | 100% artist earnings |
Using online art sales, artists can reach more people and make more money. They can earn from digital downloads and sales on print-on-demand items. With a good plan and a strong online presence, the chances for artist entrepreneurship and creative ecommerce are huge.
Become a Freelance Writer, Designer, or Developer
If you’re good at writing, graphic design, or web development, think about starting your own freelance business. Freelancing lets you use your skills for projects you like and on your own time. Sites like Upwork and Fiverr are great for finding freelance work in writing, design, and development. They help you start a successful business and work from anywhere.
Why Freelance?
Freelancing has many perks. You get to pick your projects, set your hours, and work from anywhere. It also lets you earn from different areas and gain experience in various industries. Jane Friedman, a successful freelance writer, says it’s key to have several income sources. This way, no one source can be more than 48% of your income.
Switching to freelancing needs good planning and getting ready. You must learn about marketing, sales, accounting, and managing projects for your business to do well. Also, having some savings and joining small business groups can help you on your journey.
Whether you’re already a pro at writing, designing, or coding, freelancing opens up many chances to show off your skills. It helps you build a varied portfolio and control your work and life.
Teach an Online Course
Looking for a way to make money with little investment? Consider teaching an online course. Share your knowledge through a video series and earn from it over time.
Why Teach an Online Course?
Online courses are great for making steady money and helping others. They let you teach skills to people all over the world, on your own time.
For your course, use screen recording software like ScreenFlow. It makes your videos look professional and engaging. This boosts the value of your course for students.
| Course Metrics | Details |
|---|---|
| Enrollments | 111,696 learners |
| Reviews | 633 reviews |
| Estimated Time to Complete | 16 hours over 3 weeks (5 hours per week) |
| Modules | 4 modules |
| Instructor Rating | 4.8 based on 292 ratings |
| Institution | State University of New York (64 unique institutions) |
| Student Enrollment | Nearly 468,000 students in more than 7,500 degree and certificate programs |
Online education is in high demand. By starting a video tutorial business, you can earn passive income streams. Use online course creation to share your knowledge widely. With the right tools and approach, you can start a rewarding education entrepreneurship journey.
Flip Your Thrift Store Finds
If you love digging through thrift stores for hidden treasures, you might make a profit online. The demand for sustainable fashion and vintage clothing is growing. This makes it a great time for entrepreneurs to start reselling secondhand items.
Thrift stores are getting more popular, with a 2.4% increase in 2022. Young people, especially Gen Zers and millennials, are driving this trend. They make up over 40% of those buying resale clothes. Sites like Poshmark and ThredUp are doing well by selling high-end fashion online.
To start your own business, think about these important steps:
- Make a detailed business plan with sales and profit forecasts, inventory plans, marketing goals, and how you’ll price items.
- Pick the best business type, like a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation, based on what you need and want.
- Get the money you need through bank loans, business credit cards, or SBA-backed loans.
- Get the right licenses and permits, including a general business license, vendor permit, zoning permit, and sign permit.
Look for these top categories for profitable items:
| Product Category | Market Size | Profit Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Vintage Clothing | $168 billion by 2024 | 50% – 100% |
| Toys and Games | $469 billion by 2027 | 30% – 80% |
| Consumer Electronics | $1,481.60 per household | 20% – 50% |
| Furniture | $715.60 per household | 50% – 100% |
| Watches and Jewelry | $82.4 billion in 2018 | 20% – 60% |
| Musical Instruments | $14.2 billion in 2022 | 20% – 50% |
| Luxury Handbags | $89.9 billion by 2026 | 30% – 60% |
| Home Decor | $114.5 billion in 2020 | 30% – 60% |
Use tools like eBay’s completed listings and price guide apps to understand market trends and item values. Condition, rarity, and demand affect how much you can sell your thrifted items for. With the right approach, you can turn your love for thrifting into a successful online reselling secondhand goods business.
Publish Your Own Book
If you love writing, self-publishing could help you make money and share your ideas. You can sell your e-books online and earn money while reaching readers worldwide. This way, you can make passive income and grow your content creation skills.
Self-publishing lets you control your work, set prices, and keep more profits. You can write about what you know best, like educational topics, fiction, or niche non-fiction. It’s a great way to start your online business without spending a lot.
Or, you might like ghostwriting. This means writing for others without showing your name. It’s a good way to use your writing skills to earn more passive income.
“Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing accounted for over 91.5% of all self-published books in the U.S. in 2018, demonstrating the immense potential of self-publishing as a viable income stream.”
Whether you decide to self-publish or ghostwrite, writing your own book can be fulfilling and profitable. By using your niche writing talents, you can build a lasting content creation business. And you’ll enjoy the perks of passive income from your books.
Start a Blog or Newsletter
In today’s digital world, starting a niche blog is a great way to make money online. You can pick a special area you love and make money through ads, affiliate marketing, and selling products. Plus, you’ll build a group of fans who really care about what you share.
Being an expert in your field is a big plus with niche blogging. By making compelling content about what you love, you draw in people who really want to hear from you. This can open doors to making more money, like getting sponsorships, working with others, and even creating your own products.
Or, you could start an email newsletter to make money from your knowledge and audience building. Share special tips and news with your subscribers to build a closer bond with them. This could lead to making money through affiliate marketing or selling digital products.
| Tactic | Potential Benefits |
|---|---|
| Niche Blogging | Establish authority, earn through ads and affiliates, sell products |
| Email Newsletters | Monetize expertise, build loyal subscriber base, generate affiliate income |
Whether you decide on a blog or an email newsletter, the main thing is to find a unique niche that fits your interests and skills. Keep sharing content that helps others, and you’ll become a go-to source in your field. This can open up many chances for success in the creator economy.
“The riches are in the niches. Find your unique angle and own it.” – Pat Flynn, Highly Successful Blogger
Become a Virtual Assistant
In today’s world, becoming a virtual assistant is a great online business idea. You can offer services like administrative support, research, and scheduling to clients online. This job lets you work from anywhere and set your own hours. You can use apps and software to make your work more efficient.
There’s a big need for people who can do administrative tasks online. Up to 20% of what you earn might go to platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. To keep more of your money, many virtual assistants work for themselves. Others choose to form LLCs to protect their personal stuff.
Virtual assistants often charge by the hour. This way, you get paid fairly for your work. You can also ask for a retainer, which is a set payment for a certain number of hours or tasks. Or, you might charge a flat fee for each project.
To find clients, you can use Facebook groups and LinkedIn. Doing great work can make you known and help you get more clients through word of mouth. With the right strategy, being a virtual assistant can be a profitable online business.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Earnings taken by third-party platforms | Up to 20% |
| Quarterly estimated taxes required for self-employed individuals | In some locations like the US |
| Earnings from a blog since 2011 | Over $5,000,000 |
| Profit made by a family selling items on Amazon FBA in their first year | Over $100,000 |
| Earnings from writing romance novels in one month | Over $3,000 |
| Monthly earnings by a blogger and virtual assistant working from home | Over $10,000 |
| Yearly revenue from selling stickers online | Over $100,000+ |
| Monthly earnings from running three successful e-commerce stores | Average of $19,000 |
| Weekly time spent on an online store business earning over $10,000 a month | Less than 10 hours |
“Becoming a virtual assistant has allowed me to work remotely and set my own schedule, which has been a game-changer for my work-life balance.”
If you want to make extra money or start a full-time business from home, virtual assistant services could be a good choice. By using apps to help you work better, building a strong client base, and doing great work, you can succeed in the remote work and outsourcing world.
Best Online Business to Start in 2022
The digital world is full of chances to start a successful online business. If you want to join the remote work trend or dive into digital entrepreneurship, 2022 offers many profitable ideas. These ideas can help you make money online.
Dropshipping is a top choice for online businesses. It lets you sell products without keeping inventory. This makes it easy to handle orders and keeps costs low. With more people shopping online, dropshipping is getting more popular among digital entrepreneurs.
Subscription-based businesses are also on the rise. These can be anything from monthly boxes to digital content services. Companies like Dollar Shave Club and Bark Box show how successful these services can be. They offer steady income and loyal customers.
| Online Business Idea | Key Advantages | Potential Earning Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance Writing | Flexible schedule, diverse range of niches | $30-$100+ per hour |
| Virtual Assistant | Remote work, variety of tasks and industries | $15-$35+ per hour |
| Online Course Creation | Scalable, passive income potential | $1,000-$100,000+ per course |
The world is moving towards remote work and digital entrepreneurship. This means the best online business ideas for 2022 are always changing. By keeping up with trends and using online tools, entrepreneurs can succeed in the top online startups and profitable ecommerce models of tomorrow.
“The future of work is remote, and the future of remote work is online entrepreneurship.” – Ramit Sethi, New York Times Bestselling Author
Build Apps and Websites
In today’s digital world, starting your own app development or web design services business can be very profitable. There’s a big need for custom digital product creation and new software engineering solutions. Almost 70% of small and medium brands are spending more on their online presence.
Getting into tech entrepreneurship has many perks. You get to work with the latest tech, have a strong career path, and can grow your skills. You can start by fixing failing websites, launching a podcast, or becoming a social media influencer. There are many exciting options for digital entrepreneurs.
If you want to make a mobile app, create a website, or explore app development, now is a great time. With the right skills and a focus on innovation, you can build a successful software engineering business. This can help you meet the growing demand for online solutions.
| Industry Stat | Insight |
|---|---|
| 71% of small businesses have their own website to attract clients | Highlights the prevalence of online presence in the Build Apps and Websites industry |
| The on-demand food delivery app industry is projected to reach $165 billion by 2029 | Indicates a profitable business idea within the Build Apps and Websites industry |
| The grocery delivery app industry is expected to reach US$1,140.00bn by 2027 | Showcases another lucrative aspect of investing in the Build Apps and Websites sector |
| The handyman service market is projected to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2033 | Highlights the growth potential for on-demand handyman services business ideas |
With the right strategies and a commitment to stay ahead, you can make the most of the app development and web design services industry. This can lead to a successful career in tech entrepreneurship and digital product creation.
Launch a Podcast
Launching a podcast is a smart move for those wanting to grow online and make money. It lets you share audio content that speaks to your audience. This can lead to influencer marketing, affiliate monetization, and building a strong audience.
Starting a podcast is easy and doesn’t cost much. You can get good equipment and editing tools without spending a lot. Plus, you can make your podcast fit what your listeners like, making it a great choice for podcast production and audio content creation.
“Podcasting continues to be a popular medium, with no decline in its popularity. You do not need a large following to start a successful podcast; excellent content can attract listeners.”
To make the most of your podcast, pick a topic you know a lot about and love. Being an expert in your field helps you build a loyal audience. This can open doors to making money through sponsorships, affiliate deals, and influencer marketing chances.
Success in podcasting comes from making great content that your listeners enjoy. With a good plan and hard work, your podcast can boost your online presence. It can help you connect with your market and grow your business.
Become an Affiliate Marketer
If you’re looking for a way to make money online with potential for passive income, think about affiliate marketing. This method lets you earn by promoting products or services from other companies. You use your influence and audience to help sell these items, earning a commission in return.
The affiliate marketing industry is growing fast, attracting entrepreneurs wanting to earn more and take advantage of the digital economy. In the US, it’s expected to be worth over $8 billion by 2022.
Affiliate marketing is flexible and can fit into many online businesses, like blogging or social media. By working with trusted affiliate partners, you can promote a wide range of products. This creates several ways to earn money without much work.
| Affiliate Network | Payment Threshold | Payment Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Associates | $10 | Net 60 |
| CJ Affiliate | $50 | Net 30 |
| ShareASale | $50 | Net 30 |
To start, join affiliate networks like Amazon Associates, CJ Affiliate, or ShareASale. They offer tools, tracking, and support for affiliate marketers. Always focus on giving value to your audience and be clear about your affiliate partnerships, following FTC guidelines.
With affiliate marketing, you can open up new ways to make money online. It’s great for bloggers, social media influencers, or ecommerce owners. This method lets you profit from the growing digital economy.
“I earned $500 in just 5 minutes through affiliate marketing. It’s a game-changer for building passive income streams.”
Conclusion
This guide has shown many top online business ideas for 2022. It covers e-commerce like dropshipping and clothing lines, and service-based ventures like freelancing and online courses. The online world is full of chances for new entrepreneurs. It offers many ways to start a business with little money that can make good money on their own.
By using digital tools, your skills, and the need for new products and services, you can start a successful online business. This guide aims to help and guide readers as they look into the best best online business ideas. It helps them use the changing remote work trends and ecommerce opportunities in today’s business world.
If you want to start an online clothing line, a dropshipping business, or work as a freelance writer or designer, this article has given you a detailed look at the best online business opportunities for 2022 and later. Think about your skills, what you like, and what the market needs. This can help you find a way to make a good income with your own online business.
FAQ
What are some of the best online business ideas to start in 2022?
Some top online business ideas for 2022 include starting a clothing line, launching a dropshipping business, and selling art online. You can also become a freelance writer, designer, or developer. Teaching an online course, flipping thrift store finds, publishing a book, starting a blog or newsletter, and becoming a virtual assistant are other great options.
Why is starting a clothing line a good online business idea?
Starting a clothing line is great for fashion lovers. Shopify offers many apps to help design and deliver custom clothing. This lets you focus on creativity without worrying about inventory and shipping.
What are the benefits of a dropshipping business model?
Dropshipping is a low-investment way to start an online business. It doesn’t require keeping products in stock. You can sell products from a supplier and let them handle packaging and shipping. Shopify makes it easy to market and sell without inventory worries.
How can you turn your art into an online business?
You can sell your art online, whether you’re a painter, photographer, or musician. Use platforms like Printify or Printful to sell prints, canvases, and framed posters. Or, offer digital downloads of your work. This turns your passion into income and could support you fully.
What are the benefits of becoming a freelance writer, designer, or developer?
Freelancing lets you pick your projects and set your schedule. You can work from anywhere. Sites like Upwork and Fiverr help you find clients and projects. This builds your portfolio and experience across various industries.
Why should you consider teaching an online course?
Teaching an online course is a low-investment idea that can earn you passive income. Create a video series on a topic you know well. This way, you can make money from your knowledge and help others learn new skills.
How can you turn your thrift store finds into an online business?
If you enjoy finding great deals at thrift stores, consider selling your finds online. The demand for sustainable fashion has boosted the second-hand clothing market. Sell your items on social media, ecommerce sites, or resale apps.
What are the benefits of self-publishing a book?
Self-publishing can be a way to earn passive income if you’re good with words. You can sell e-books on various platforms. Whether it’s a guide, fiction, or niche non-fiction, self-publishing lets you share your passion and make money.
How can starting a blog or newsletter be a viable online business idea?
Starting a blog or newsletter can lead to a successful online business. Find a unique topic and create consistent content. You can make money through ads, affiliate links, and product sales with a dedicated audience.
What are the benefits of becoming a virtual assistant?
Being a virtual assistant is a great online business idea. You can offer support, research, scheduling, and more to clients remotely. Set your own hours and work from anywhere. Use productivity apps to make your work easier.