10 BEST Online Business Ideas to Make Your First $100,000 (Even as a Beginner)

Making money online is our dream. Many people are searching for profitable ideas to get started.

If you are one of them looking for online business ideas to make your first $100,000, this guide is for you.

But do you think it’s impossible?

Well, it’s not!

With today’s technology, you only need an income stream that brings in about $274 a day.

There are more beginner-friendly options than ever to help you get there.

Whether you want to start with zero dollars or invest a small amount, you can launch a profitable online business anywhere.

My passion is sharing what I’ve learned so that you can do it, too.

In this guide, I will walk you through the 10 best online business ideas you can start this year.

Most require little to no startup costs; each comes with free resources to help you get started.

No more excuses!

It’s your turn to take action, learn, and build the financial freedom you deserve.

Let’s dive in and find the perfect online business for you!

However, making money online with business is not a quick, get-rich program. It takes a lot of time and effort to achieve your goal.

Also, some ideas may successfully work for others. But that doesn’t mean they can work for you.

Start small and scale up if you see good results. Also, get started with proper knowledge and invest wisely.

Why is $274 a day the Magic Number?

If you want to make your first $100,000 online, you need to break that big number down into something more manageable.

Here’s the simple math: $100,000 divided by 365 days equals about $274 daily.

That’s your magic number!

This daily target makes your dream feel much more achievable.

Instead of focusing on the huge $100,000 goal, you can concentrate on earning just $274 each day.

With the power of today’s technology and endless online opportunities, reaching this number is more realistic than ever. Even the beginners can achieve it.

Think about it: you could hit $274 daily by selling digital products, running a niche store, creating content, or combining several income streams.

Many online business models require little to no upfront investment and can be started from anywhere.

10 BEST Side Hustles to Start in 2025

Focusing on this daily goal makes it easier to stay motivated, track your progress, and adjust your strategies as you go.

Remember, consistency is key. If you can build up to $274 a day, you’re well on your way to joining the six-figure club!

Let’s dive in!

1. Sell Digital Products

Selling digital products is one of the easiest ways to make money online. You don’t need a lot of money to get started.

You can often begin with zero upfront costs. This business model is perfect for beginners.

What Are Digital Products?

Digital products are items you create once and sell repeatedly. There’s no shipping or handling. There is no inventory to manage.

Examples include:

• Ebooks and PDF guides
• Printable planners and templates
• Online courses and tutorials
• Recipes and meal plans
• Digital art, graphics, and music
• Stock photos
• Software, apps, and tools

You can be creative. You can turn it into a digital product with skill or knowledge.

Why Choose Digital Products?

• Low startup costs: You don’t need to buy inventory or pay for shipping.
• High profit margins: Most of the money you make is pure profit.
• Passive income: Create a product once and sell it for years.
• Global reach: Sell to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
• Scalable: There’s no limit to how many times you can sell your product.

How to Get Started

1. Brainstorm ideas: Think about your skills, hobbies, and interests. What can you teach or create?
2. Research the market: Check what’s trending. Look at online marketplaces, social media, and forums for inspiration.
3. Create your product: Use tools like Canva for designs or Trend Assist AI to help with ideas and content. You can make ebooks, templates, or courses in just a few hours.
4. Set up your store: You can sell on platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or your own website. Many sites offer free templates and easy setup.
5. Promote your product: Share on social media, start a blog or use email marketing. Offer freebies to attract customers.

Pro Tips

• Use AI tools to save time and spark creativity.
• Focus on solving a problem or filling a need.
• Start simple. You can always add more products later.
• Collect feedback and improve your products over time.

Why This Works

Once you make a digital product, it becomes an online asset. It can generate income for you for years, even while you sleep.

You’re not just selling a product but building a stream of passive income.

If you want a business that’s easy to start, flexible, and full of potential, selling digital products is a smart choice.

The possibilities are endless, and you can begin today. Digital products are even a total beginner.

2. Launch a Niche Store

Starting a niche store is among the best online business ideas for beginners.

A niche online shop focuses on a specific category, interest, or product type.

Instead of selling everything, you pick a niche like pet accessories, eco-friendly home goods, or fitness gear.

Once you have found your product, you can build your store around it.

Why Choose a Niche Store?

• Less competition: By focusing on a specific audience, you stand out from big, general stores.
• Easier marketing: You know exactly who your customers are and what they want.
• Loyal customers: People who love your niche are more likely to return and buy again.
• Higher profit margins: Specialty products can often be sold at a premium.

How Does a Niche Store Work?

You find products online at discounted prices. Then, you resell those products in your store at a higher price to make a profit.

The best part?

You don’t need to manage or store inventory yourself.

With dropshipping and supplier integration, products are shipped directly from the supplier to your customer.

This means you can run your business from anywhere, even on your phone.

Steps to Start Your Niche Store

1. Pick Your Niche: Choose something you’re interested in or that has growing demand. Examples include pet supplies, home decor, and fitness equipment.
2. Research Products: Use online tools to find trending and discounted products in your niche.
3. Set Up Your Store: Use free AI-powered store builders to create your online shop in minutes. These tools can suggest winning products and help you design banners and layouts.
4. Add Products: Import products from trusted suppliers who offer fast shipping.
5. Automate Your Store: Platforms like AutoDS can help you find suppliers, automate product imports, and keep your store running smoothly.
6. Market Your Store: Use social media, influencer marketing, and SEO to attract customers.

Pro Tips

• Start with as little money as possible to keep your risk low.
• Focus on time and location freedom—run your store from anywhere.
• Use AI tools to automate store setup and product sourcing.
• Test different products to see what sells best in your niche.
• Watch free courses and tutorials to master e-commerce strategies.

Why This Model Works for Beginners

You don’t need to handle inventory or shipping or build your store from scratch. Free tools and AI make it easier than ever to launch a niche store quickly.

Many successful entrepreneurs started with niche stores because they’re simple, scalable, and can generate six-figure income. This idea can work even if you’re brand new to online business.

Launching a niche store is a smart move if you’re looking for a low-risk, high-reward way to start making money online.

Pick your niche, set up your store, and start selling today!

3. YouTube Automation

YouTube automation is one of the most exciting online business ideas right now.

You don’t need to show your face or even be on camera.

Many faceless YouTube channels make thousands of dollars per month; some earn up to $400 a day or nearly half a million dollars a year.

These channels create simple videos like motivational, educational, travel, or tech content using stock footage and voiceovers.

Why YouTube Automation Works

• Passive income: Your videos can earn money long after uploading them.
• Scalable: You can run multiple channels at once.
• No experience needed: Most channels start from zero subscribers like you.
• Low startup cost: Using free tools and stock footage, you can begin with $0.

How to Start a Faceless YouTube Channel

1. Pick a niche: Choose topics like motivation, education, travel, or technology.
2. Research viral content: Check what’s trending in your niche and see what works for others.
3. Write scripts: Use AI tools or hire freelancers to help with scriptwriting.
4. Create voiceovers: Use AI voiceover tools if you don’t want to record your own voice.
5. Edit videos: Combine stock footage, images, and your voiceover using simple video editors.
6. Design thumbnails: Make eye-catching thumbnails with free tools like Canva.
7. Upload and optimize: Use keywords in your titles and descriptions to help people find your videos.
8. Promote your channel: Share your videos on social media and collaborate with other creators.

Pro Tips

• Use AI tools like Trend Assist AI to generate video ideas and write titles, descriptions, and even scripts.
• Focus on creating valuable content that viewers want to watch and share.
• Stay consistent—every big channel started with zero subscribers.
• Outsource tasks like editing and thumbnail design to save time.
• Track your analytics and adjust your strategy based on what works.

How You Make Money

Once your channel meets YouTube’s requirements (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours), you can earn through:

• Ad revenue
• Sponsorships
• Affiliate marketing
• Selling digital products or courses

YouTube automation lets you build a business that runs with minimal effort.

With the right tools and strategy, you can create a steady stream of passive income, even if you’re camera-shy or just starting.

Now is the perfect time to jump in and start your own faceless YouTube channel!

Also Check: 12 Creative Digital Product Ideas That Can Earn $50,000 Online

4. Content Creator & Niche Accounts

Becoming a content creator with niche accounts is one of the most flexible and rewarding online business ideas you can start with now.

You don’t need to be an “influencer” or have a huge following to make real money.

In 2025, content creation is about building value and community, not just chasing likes.

What Does It Mean to Be a Content Creator?

You can share information, stories, or entertainment online as a content creator.

You can focus on a specific topic called a niche, like fitness, beauty, tech, pets, travel, or even your daily life.

The key is picking something you enjoy and can talk about consistently.

Why Niche Accounts Work

• Targeted audience: You attract people who are genuinely interested in your topic.
• Multiple income streams: Monetize through affiliate marketing, brand deals, sponsored posts, selling your own products, and more.
• No need to show your face: Many successful creators run faceless accounts.
• Easy to repurpose content: Share the same post on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more for extra reach.
• Low startup cost: All you need is your phone and an idea.

How to Get Started

1. Pick your niche: Choose a topic you love or a skill you want to teach.
2. Choose your platform: Start with Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or any social platform you prefer.
3. Create valuable content: Share tips, stories, tutorials, or reviews. Be authentic and helpful.
4. Post consistently: New accounts often get a boost, so take advantage of this by posting regularly.
5. Repurpose your content: Share your videos or posts across different platforms to maximize reach.
6. Engage with your audience: Reply to comments and build a community.

Pro Tips

• Don’t overthink your follower count. Everyone starts at zero.
• Focus on quality and consistency over perfection.
• Use your niche account to launch other business ideas, like affiliate marketing or selling digital products.
• Learn content creation skills; these can open doors to jobs like social media manager or content strategist.
• Authenticity wins. Share your genuine experiences and behind-the-scenes moments.

Why Now Is the Best Time

Social media platforms are pushing new accounts and fresh content more than ever. It’s never been easier to grow organically.

Mastering content creation gives you a valuable skill set that can lead to multiple online businesses and income streams.

Plus, you control your schedule and creative vision.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a niche account, this is your sign to go for it.

Pick a topic, start posting, and watch the opportunities unfold.

The world of digital content is only getting bigger, and there’s room for your unique voice and story.

Read More: 6 Best AI Side Hustles to Earn $500+ Per Day

5. User-Generated Content (UGC) Creator

User-Generated Content (UGC) creation is one of the fastest-growing and most beginner-friendly online business ideas for 2025.

As a UGC creator, you make authentic content like videos, photos, or reviews about products and brands.

The best part?

You don’t need a big following or to be an influencer. Brands are now looking for real, relatable people to showcase their products in genuine ways.

What Does a UGC Creator Do?

A UGC creator specializes in making content that feels natural and trustworthy.

This could be a short video review, a product demo, or a photo using a brand’s item.

Unlike traditional influencers, you don’t need thousands of followers.

Brands want content that looks and feels authentic because today’s consumers trust real people more than polished ads.

Why Is UGC So Powerful?

• Authenticity: People trust content from real users more than traditional ads. UGC is raw, relatable, and honest, making it highly effective at influencing buying decisions.
• Cost-effective: Brands save money by working with UGC creators instead of big influencers or production teams.
• High engagement: UGC often gets more likes, comments, and shares because it feels genuine and personal.
• No need to show your face: You can create hands-on videos, voiceovers, or even faceless reviews.

How to Start as a UGC Creator

1. Pick a niche: Focus on products you love—beauty, tech, food, fitness, or anything you use daily.
2. Create sample content: Start by making reviews or demos of your own products. Use your phone for quick, natural videos or photos.
3. Post on social media: Share your content on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. Add “UGC Creator” to your bio so brands can find you.
4. Let brands come to you: As you post more, brands will start reaching out for paid collaborations. You can charge $100–$300 (or more) per video, even if you don’t have to post it yourself.
5. Build a portfolio: Collect your best work to show brands what you can offer.

Pro Tips

• You don’t need to buy new products—start with what you have.
• Keep your content authentic and relatable, not overly polished.
• If you want, you can turn your account into a review or niche page over time.
• You don’t have to show your face but being presentable helps.
• Brands value honesty, so always share your real opinions.

Why UGC Creation Is a Great Side Hustle

UGC creation is open to anyone and doesn’t require a big investment. You can start from scratch, work from home, and set your own rates.

As organic marketing grows, brands will continue to seek out everyday people to create content that feels real and trustworthy.

This makes UGC creation a fantastic way to earn extra income or build a full-time business without being a traditional influencer.

If you’re looking for a flexible, creative, and high-demand online business idea, becoming a UGC creator could be your perfect fit for 2025.

Also Check: 6 Online Business Ideas You Can Start With $0

6. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to start making money online, even as a total beginner.

You don’t need to create your own products or handle customer service.

Instead, you simply recommend products or services you love and earn a commission for every sale made through your unique link.

How Does Affiliate Marketing Work?

• You sign up for an affiliate program, like Amazon Associates, ClickBank, or a brand’s own program.
• You get a special affiliate link to share.
• When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission.
• The more people you reach, the more you can earn.

You can do this on any platform: a blog, YouTube channel, Instagram, TikTok, or even through email newsletters.

Many affiliate programs are free to join and don’t require any upfront investment.

Why Is Affiliate Marketing Great for Beginners?

• No upfront costs: You can start with zero dollars.
• No product creation: Just promote existing products.
• Work from anywhere: All you need is your phone or laptop.
• Passive income: Earn money while you sleep as your content keeps working for you.

Steps to Start Affiliate Marketing

1. Pick a niche: Choose a topic you enjoy and know about—beauty, tech, pets, fitness, or anything else.
2. Choose your platform: Start a blog, YouTube channel, or social media account.
3. Join affiliate programs: Sign up for programs that match your niche. Look for high-quality products with good commissions.
4. Create valuable content: Write reviews, make tutorials, or share honest experiences.
5. Share your affiliate links: Place them naturally in your content.
6. Build your audience: Use SEO, social media, and email marketing to reach more people.
7. Track your results: Use analytics to see what’s working and optimize your strategy.

Pro Tips

• Always recommend products you truly like and believe in.
• Be transparent and let your audience know you may earn a commission.
• Focus on helping your audience, not just selling.
• Combine affiliate marketing with other business models, like UGC or niche accounts, for more income streams.

Why Affiliate Marketing Works

You don’t need a huge following to start. Many beginners make their first sales with just a small audience.

As your content grows, so does your earning potential. Plus, you can promote almost any product or service that fits your niche.

Affiliate marketing is a proven, low-risk way to build your first online income stream.

If you want a flexible side hustle or a full-time business, this model can help you reach your goals with no experience required.

Read More: The 4 Most Profitable Businesses to Start in This Year

7. Print on Demand

Print on demand (POD) is a fantastic online business idea if you want to sell custom products without the hassle of inventory or shipping.

With POD, you design or customize items like t-shirts, mugs, posters, or books.

When someone places an order, your print-on-demand partner handles production and delivery.

Why Print on-Demand Works

• Zero inventory: You don’t need to buy or store products in advance.
• Low risk: You only pay for products after you’ve made a sale.
• Creative freedom: Turn your ideas or artwork into real products.
• Flexible: You can run your store anywhere, even on your phone.
• Scalable: Easily add new designs and products as your business grows.

How Print on Demand Works

1. Create a design: Use your creativity or free design tools to make unique graphics, quotes, or artwork for your products.
2. Choose products: Select items from your POD supplier’s catalog—think t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, tote bags, wall art, and more.
3. List products in your store: Upload your designs, write catchy product descriptions, and set prices.
4. Customer places an order: When someone buys it from your store, the order details go directly to your POD partner.
5. Production and shipping: Your partner prints, packs, and ships the product straight to your customer—no extra work for you.

Steps to Start Your Print-on-Demand Business

• Pick a niche: Focus on a specific audience or theme, like fitness, pets, travel, or funny quotes. Niche stores attract loyal customers and make marketing easier.
• Choose a platform: Sell in marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon, or set up your own store using Shopify, WooCommerce, or Wix.
• Create eye-catching designs: Design your own graphics, buy pre-made designs, or hire a freelancer for a professional touch.
• Partner with a reliable POD supplier: Choose companies like Printful or Printify for quality products, fast shipping, and easy store integration.
• Order samples: Always test your products before selling them to ensure quality.
• Market your store: Use social media, influencer partnerships, and SEO to attract customers and grow your brand.

Pro Tips

• Stick to one niche for stronger branding and easier marketing.
• Use mockups to show your products in real-life settings.
• Keep your store’s layout clean and easy to navigate.
• Start with a few products and expand as you learn what sells best.
• Focus on customer service—happy customers bring repeat business.

Why Beginners Love Print-on-Demand

You can start a print-on-demand business with little to no money.

There’s no need to worry about inventory, packing, or shipping.

You get to focus on creating and marketing while your printing partner handles the rest.

It’s a simple, scalable way to turn your creativity into real income. POD is perfect for artists, designers, or anyone wanting to launch their own online brand.

If you want a low-risk, creative, and flexible business you can run from anywhere, print-on-demand is a top choice for 2025.

Related: 77 Easy Small Business Ideas You Can Start in This Year

8. Inventory-Based E-commerce

Inventory-based e-commerce is a powerful online business model for those who want to be hands-on and have more control over their products and customer experience.

Unlike dropshipping or print-on-demand, this model means you purchase and hold actual inventory before selling it to customers.

This could be the perfect fit if you’re passionate about a specific product or want to build a unique brand.

What Is Inventory-Based E-commerce?

With this approach, you buy products upfront, often in bulk at wholesale prices and store them yourself.

You handle everything from product selection and storage to packaging and shipping.

This gives you more control over quality, branding, and fulfilment.

Why Choose Inventory-Based E-commerce?

• Higher profit margins: Buying in bulk means lower costs per item and bigger profits when you sell.
• Better quality control: You can inspect every product, customize packaging, and ensure a great customer experience.
• Unique branding: Add personal touches, gift wrapping, or custom notes to stand out.
• Build a loyal customer base: Customers love supporting small businesses and appreciate attention to detail.

How to Start an Inventory-Based E-commerce Store

1. Pick a product you’re passionate about: Choose something you love or believe in. This makes it easier to stay motivated and connect with your customers.
2. Start small: You don’t need to spend thousands. Many successful stores began with just $100 in inventory.
3. Find reliable suppliers: Look for wholesalers or manufacturers with good reputations, quality products, and reasonable minimum order quantities.
4. Order samples: Test products before buying in bulk to ensure quality.
5. Set up your online store: Use platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Wix to create your website. You’ll have full control over your brand and customer experience.
6. Store your inventory: Keep products in a clean, organized space—your home, a garage, or a rented storage unit.
7. Create engaging content: Share videos, photos, and stories about your products and process. People love seeing the behind-the-scenes of small businesses.
8. Promote your store: Use social media, email marketing, and SEO to attract customers.
9. Fulfil orders yourself: Package products with care and ship them promptly.

Pro Tips

• Focus on products with steady demand rather than seasonal trends.
• Invest in inventory management tools to track stock and avoid overselling.
• Offer fast, reliable shipping to delight your customers.
• Collect and showcase customer reviews to build trust.
• Don’t be afraid to start small and scale up as you learn what works.

Is Inventory-Based E-commerce Right for You?

This model isn’t for everyone. It requires more commitment, upfront investment, and hands-on work than dropshipping or digital products.

But if you love the idea of creating a brand, controlling quality, and building direct relationships with your customers, inventory-based e-commerce can be incredibly rewarding and profitable.

Now is the perfect time to jump in if you’ve been dreaming of starting a small business, selling something you’re passionate about, and making a real impact.

Start small, stay focused, and watch your business grow!

9. TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop is quickly becoming one of the hottest online business ideas, changing how people shop and sell online.

TikTok is no longer just a platform for fun videos. It’s now a major player in e-commerce, competing directly with giants like Amazon.

TikTok Shop could be your golden ticket if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly way to start making money online.

Why TikTok Shop Is a Game Changer

• Huge audience: TikTok has millions of active users, giving you instant access to a massive customer base.
• Beginner-friendly: Even complete beginners see thousands of sales by setting up their own TikTok Shop.
• Boosted content: TikTok is actively promoting content that features TikTok Shop products, especially from new sellers and small businesses.
• No need for a separate store: You can sell directly through TikTok without building a website or handling complicated tech.

How TikTok Shop Works

1. Set up your TikTok Shop: Register as a seller and add your products to your TikTok profile.
2. Create engaging videos: Make short, fun videos that showcase your products. You don’t need fancy equipment; you just need a phone and creativity.
3. Tag your products: Link your products directly into your videos so viewers can shop instantly.
4. Leverage TikTok’s algorithm: Your videos get extra visibility when you post TikTok Shop content. TikTok wants to push shopping content so you have a better chance of going viral.
5. Fulfill orders: When someone buys, you or your supplier ships the product to the customer.

Real Success Stories

Even beginners are thriving on TikTok Shop.

For example, one person in a mentorship program went from never making videos to getting thousands of sales as a beginner.

With the right content and consistency, you can do it, too.

Pro Tips

• If you already have a niche store, add your products to TikTok Shop for extra exposure and sales.
• Focus on creating authentic, relatable content—people love seeing real-life product use.
• Use trending sounds and hashtags to boost your reach.
• Learn from free online courses and mentorships to perfect your content and strategy.

Why You Should Start Now

TikTok Shop is still new, and the platform significantly boosts small businesses and new sellers.

If you start now, you can ride the wave and get your products in front of more people than ever.

You don’t need to be a marketing expert or have a big budget. All you need is a product, a phone, and the willingness to create and share.

TikTok Shop is the perfect place if you’re looking for a modern, powerful, and beginner-friendly way to make money online.

10. TikTok Shop Affiliate

TikTok Shop Affiliate is one of the most exciting and accessible online business ideas you can start now, even as a beginner.

Instead of running your own store or handling inventory, you simply promote products from TikTok Shop and earn a commission on every sale made through your unique affiliate link.

How Does TikTok Shop Affiliate Work?

• Sign up as a TikTok Shop affiliate. You can browse thousands of products that are available for promotion.
• Choose products you love or already use. You don’t need to buy new items—many affiliates start by sharing products they already have at home.
• Create short, engaging videos. Show how you use the product, give a review, or demonstrate its benefits. You can show your face or stay faceless; both styles work!
• Tag the product in your video. Viewers who see your video can buy the product directly through TikTok Shop, making the process easy and fast.
• Earn a commission. Every time someone purchases through your link, you get paid. Many creators are making thousands of dollars a month using this method.

Why TikTok Shop Affiliate Is So Powerful

• No upfront investment. You don’t need to buy inventory or pay for ads.
• Beginner-friendly. Anyone can start, even with zero followers.
• Passive income potential. Your videos can keep earning commissions long after you post them.
• Massive audience. TikTok’s algorithm boosts shopping content, especially from new creators and small businesses.
• Seamless shopping experience. Viewers can buy products instantly without leaving the app, which means more sales for you.

Tips for Success

• Start with products you genuinely like—authenticity sells.
• Use trending sounds and hashtags to reach a wider audience.
• Be consistent. The more videos you post, the more chances you have to make sales.
• Track your TikTok Shop Seller Center performance and adjust your strategy as you learn what works.
• Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see results right away. Like any business, it takes time and persistence.

Who Should Try TikTok Shop Affiliate?

This business model is perfect if you want a flexible side hustle or a way to test the waters before starting your own store.

It’s also great for content creators, students, stay-at-home parents, or anyone looking to earn extra income online with minimal risk.

Conclusion

Making your first $100,000 online is more realistic than ever before.

With today’s technology and the wide range of beginner-friendly business models available, you can start most of these ventures with little to no upfront investment.

Whether you’re drawn to selling digital products, launching a niche store, creating content, or tapping into the power of platforms like TikTok Shop, the possibilities are truly endless.

The most important step is to pick one idea that excites you and go all in. Don’t let the variety of choices overwhelm you.

If your first attempt doesn’t work out, treat it as a valuable learning experience and move on to the next opportunity.

Consistency, willingness to learn, and persistence set successful entrepreneurs apart.

Remember, every successful online business owner started from zero and learned through trial and error.

You can access free resources, courses, and supportive communities to help you.

Taking action is the only thing standing between you and your first $100,000. So, choose your path, start today, and keep pushing forward.

Your online business journey starts now, and your future self will thank you.