Best Easy Business Ideas to Start (2024)

Best business ideas are born at the intersection of passion, skills, strategy and timing.

Today the entrepreneurial landscape is changing fast and digital is the trend.

That’s why most of the business ideas in this article are online businesses that you can start now. This works: this blog is a perfect example.

In this guide we’ll explore business ideas to get you thinking and help you find your next entrepreneurial adventure. Whether you want to start a business with no budget, part-time or full-time side hustle, you’ll find ideas to match your goals.

Let's get started.

List of the best simple business ideas

Here is a list of the best business ideas for potential business owners who want to get started.

1. Create a profitable blog

A profitable blog is a great option for starting an online business at a low cost. It can generate revenue through product sales, affiliate marketing, or consulting services. While creating a blog is relatively simple, the real challenge lies in acquiring traffic and monetizing. The difficulty is moderate: SEO and marketing take time to master, and the competition is high. However, artificial intelligence tools can speed up this process.

Websites to get started

1. WordPress.org: Free, offers total control over the site and its monetization.
2. Wix.com: Freemium, simple for beginners but less flexible in the long run.
3. Behiiv.com: Easy to use with very interesting monetization features.
4. Dorik AI: Freemium, uses AI to quickly create an attractive blog without coding.

Skills

• Writing & Storytelling : Content creation is important to retain your audience. Tools like ChatGPT and Jasper AI can help you generate article ideas or write more quickly.
• SEO (Search Engine Optimization) : Optimizing your articles for search engines is essential to generate organic traffic. Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs for keyword research.
• Content marketing : Knowing how to promote your articles on social networks and to your email list is essential. Mailchimp for email marketing and Hootsuite for scheduling social posts are useful tools.
• Monetization : Learn how to integrate affiliate links and how to sell products or services. Amazon Affiliates for affiliate marketing and WooCommerce for selling products are popular options.
• Design & User Experience (UX) : Your blog should be engaging and easy to navigate. Canva to create visuals and Elementor to design pages can greatly help you.

To create a profitable blog, it is essential to focus on a specific niche with great potential. Produce optimized content for search engines, answering questions from your target audience. Develop a email list by offering free resources, and start monetize as soon as your traffic allows it. Writing and marketing skills are important, but using tools can make the process easier. Diversifying revenue and automating tasks can help make your blog a stable source of income in the long run.

2. Online courses and coaching.

Offering online courses or coaching is a great way to monetize your skills and expertise. Thanks to online platforms, it is now easier than ever to share your knowledge with a large audience while creating a profitable business at a low cost.

Creating online courses requires time and a good launch strategy. You need to master not only your subject but also the educational and marketing aspects to be successful. However, dedicated platforms greatly simplify the technical process, and using AI tools to create content can make your work easier.

Websites to get started

1. Teachable.com: A user-friendly platform for creating courses and coaching students.
2. Thinkific.com: Allows you to create, market, and sell courses with advanced customization options.
3. Udemy.com: Ideal for quickly reaching a large established audience.
4. Podia.com: An all-in-one solution for selling courses, digital products, and memberships.
5. Kajabi.com: Premium platform for selling courses and managing an online community.
6. Facebook Groups: Perfect for creating an engaged community around your courses or coaching.

Skills

• Expertise in a particular field : You should have solid expertise in the subject you are teaching. Tools like ChatGPT and Jasper AI can help you generate content ideas.
• Content creation : Know how to create quality content (video, audio, or written) for your courses. Use Canva for presentations, Descript for audio/video editing, and Loom to record coaching videos.
• Pedagogy and coaching : Develop your ability to effectively transmit your knowledge. Platforms like Teachable and Thinkific will help you organize your courses.
• Marketing : Learn how to promote your courses through advertising, content marketing, or social media. Facebook Ads, Google Ads, and Mailchimp are useful tools.

The launch of courses or online coaching offers great opportunities. Here are some key tips:

• Pick a specific subject with high demand
• Create some quality content with adapted tools
• Test your idea with a online workshop or a coaching session
• Set up automated sales systems

3. Start an e-commerce business.

Launching an e-commerce business offers maximum flexibility to create an online business. Among the various options like Amazon FBA or selling own products, dropshipping is often recommended for beginners for its simplicity and low initial cost.

Dropshipping is relatively simple to set up, but requires rigor in the choice of products and platforms to execute commands. E-commerce also requires marketing skills to attract traffic and customer service skills to retain buyers.

Websites to get started

1. Shopify.com: Complete platform to create your online store.
2. Auto DS: All in one platform to create a dropshipping store with AI in 15 minutes and best selling products
3. Spocket.co: To find dropshipping suppliers in the United States and Europe.
4. Amazon FBA: Option to sell your products on Amazon.

Skills

• Product Search : Identify trends and popular products. Use AliExpress, Google Trends, Minea and JungleScout.
• Store Management : Create and manage your online store. AutDods, Spocket and Shopify are essential tools.
• Digital marketing : Attract customers through online advertising and social networks. Use Facebook Ads, Google Ads, and Mailchimp.
• Customer service and logistics : Manage customer satisfaction. Zendesk or Gorgias for customer service, ShipStation for shipment tracking.

To succeed in e-commerce, especially dropshipping, follow these steps:

Make a market study thorough

• Choose one specific niche
• Create your webshop with the right tools
• Invest in targeted marketing
• Optimize continuously your strategy

Success depends on your ability to identify the right products, attract traffic, and adjust your approach. Start small, use available technology for content creation, and diversify your sales channels to increase your chances of success.

4. Start a podcast.

Podcasting is growing phenomenally and offers a great opportunity to start an online business. Whether you want to share your expertise, entertain, or inform, podcasting allows you to reach a large audience while monetizing your content in a creative way.

Podcasting is relatively easy to get started, but it can take time to build a loyal audience. Focus on creating consistent, quality content. The initial investment in a podcast recording software and audio equipment should be considered, although affordable options exist.

Websites to get started

1. Ausha: Complete platform to create, distribute, and monetize your podcasts.
2. Buzzsprout.com: Simple Hosting with analysis tools.
3. Descript.com: Powerful tool for editing by transcribing text.

Skills

• Communication and Oral Expression : Engage your audience with interesting topics and an engaging voice. Use ChatGPT to generate script ideas.
• Audio Recording and Editing : Learn to record and edit for flawless sound quality. Use Audacity, Zoom, and Descript.
• Content marketing : Promote your episodes effectively. Mailchimp and Hootsuite are useful tools.
• Monetization : Attract sponsors and integrate funding options. Explore Patreon and Acast.

Plan your content with an original angle. Invest in quality equipment, especially a good microphone. Use services like Buzzsprout to hosting and distribution. Promote your episodes on social networks and through partnerships. Explore different options for monetization, like sponsors or premium memberships.

Podcasting offers a great opportunity to share your expertise and generate revenue. Create an engaging format, use available technology to generate episode ideas, and optimize your production. A well-thought-out content strategy and regular promotion will help you position yourself as an influential voice in your field.

5. Selling Custom Printed Products

Selling custom printed products is a great option for starting an e-commerce business with limited initial investment. This model is based on print-on-demand, where you only pay for products when they're sold.

The difficulty is low to moderate, depending mainly on your ability to design attractive products and attract customers. Logistics services are simplified with print-on-demand services, but marketing n constant demand in our globalized world. If youand branding take time and effort.

Websites to get started

1. Printify.com: Design and sale of over 200 custom printed products.
2. Printful.com: High quality products with easy Shopify integration.
3. Redbubble.com: Platform to sell your designs without managing an e-commerce site.

Skills

• Graphic design : Create engaging designs with Canva, Adobe Photoshop, or use Leonardo AI to generate unique designs.
• Digital marketing : Promote your products via Facebook Ads, Google Ads, Instagram, and Pinterest.
• Store Management : Use Shopify to create your store and integrate Printify or Printful.
• Branding and Brand Identity : Develop a strong brand with Looka or Canva.

For the sale of custom printed products:

1. Choose a specific and exciting field
2. Create unique designs with the right tools
3. Test your products before you put them on sale
4. Launch an online store integrated with print-on-demand services
5. Promote on social networks
6. Diversify your sales channels

This business offers lucrative and flexible opportunities. Focus on a strong brand image, original designs, and an effective marketing strategy. Use available technologies to create designs, offer limited editions, and create a community around your brand.

6. Graphic design

Graphic design is a fast-growing field, with strong demand from businesses looking to improve their brand image. This field offers a lot of lucrative opportunities for those with design skills or who want to acquire them.

The difficulty is moderate. Although complex for beginners, there are plenty of tools and tutorials out there to quickly learn the basics. Mastering professional software takes time, but with practice, it's possible to create high-quality visuals.

Websites to get started

1. Adobe Creative Cloud: Professional tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
2. Canva.com: a graphic design software accessible option for beginners.
3. Fiverr.com: Freelance platform to offer your services.
4. Flexjobs.com: Find freelance jobs in graphic design.

Skills

• Mastery of Design Software : Adobe Creative Suite for professionals, Canva or Visme for beginners.
• Creativity and Aesthetic Sense : Know how to combine colors, shapes and fonts for impactful visuals.
• Marketing and Branding : Understand how to use design to strengthen brand identity.
• UX/UI Design Skills : Use Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD for UI designs.

To succeed in web development, it is essential to start with master basic languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Then build a solid portfolio by creating personal sites or by offering free services to gain experience. Once ready, get started on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find your first customers. Focus on creating sites responsive and optimized for search engines. Finally, to broaden your skills, learn back-end development to manage more complex projects.

Web development offers a flexible and lucrative career. Feel free to use development support tools to speed up your work, stay up to date with the latest trends in the field, and optimize your processes with effective project management tools. With persistence and continuous learning, you can build a stable and profitable career in this ever-changing industry.

7. Web development.

Web development is a highly sought-after skill in today's digital world. Whether it is to create showcase sites, e-commerce platforms, or complex web applications, web developers are essential in launching and managing these projects.

Besides, you don't need to Business plan to get started, these skills are in such high demand.

The difficulty is high. Web development requires an investment of time to master the basics and advanced tools. However, with online learning resources or website creation tools, it is possible to get up and running quickly, even as a beginner.

Websites to get started

1. Codecademy.com: Learn the basics of web development.
2. Freecodecamp.org: Free resource for learning to code.
3. Udemy.com: Various courses on web development.
4. GitHub : Manage your projects and show off your skills.
5. Fiverr.com/Upwork.com: Find your first freelance customers.

Skills

• HTML/CSS : Basics of web development. Use Visual Studio Code and Bootstrap.
• JavaScript : Make your sites interactive. Learn React.js or Vue.js for complex interfaces.
• Responsive Design : Create sites adapted to all screens. Use Bootstrap or Tailwind CSS.
• Backend : Manage the server part with PHP, Ruby, Python, or Node.js.
• Deployment Tools : Understand how to host and deploy websites with GitHub, Heroku, or Netlify.

To succeed in web development, start with master basic languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Build a solid portfolio with personal projects or free services. Get started on freelance platforms to find your first customers. Focus on creating sites responsive and optimized for SEO. Learn back-end development to manage more complex projects.

Web development offers a flexible and lucrative career. Use development support tools, follow industry trends, and optimize your processes. With persistence and continuous learning, you can build a stable career in this growing industry.

8. Affiliate marketing.

Affiliate marketing is a popular and effective method for generating passive income online. It consists of promoting products or services from other businesses and earning a commission on each sale made thanks to your recommendations.

The difficulty is moderate. The challenge lies in creating sufficient traffic to your affiliated pages and in choosing the relevant products to promote. With SEO and content marketing skills, you can speed up the process and increase your passive income.

Websites to get started

1. Shareasale.com: Wide choice of affiliate programs in various niches.
2. Impact: Global network with established brands.
3. Partnerstack.com: Specialized in SaaS software
4. Clickbank.com: Specializing in digital products.
5. CJ Affiliate: Popular network with recognized brands.

Skills

• Content creation : Create engaging content with Jasper AI or WriteSonic.
• SEO : Optimize your articles for search engines. Use SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest.
• Content marketing : Promote your affiliated products via social networks and emails. Use Metricool, Hootsuite, and Mailchimp.
• Data analysis : Track your performance with Google Analytics and Hotjar.

To be successful in affiliate marketing, it is essential to choosing the right programs by registering on networks relevant to your niche. Create quality content optimized for SEO and publish regularly. Establish an authentic relationship with your audience in your recommendations. Diversify your channels using social networks, email marketing and YouTube. Optimize your conversion pages by constantly monitoring and improving your conversion rates.

Affiliate marketing offers a lucrative opportunity, especially if you already have an audience. Focus on creating sustainable content to generate passive income, test different offerings, and use modern technology to optimize your efforts. With the right programs and effective strategies, you can quickly turn this business into a long-term, stable source of income.

9. Content writer

The content writer is a highly sought-after professional in the field of digital marketing. This activity consists of creating various types of content to captivate the audience and optimize the online presence of businesses.

The difficulty is low to moderate. Writing content takes practice, but it's relatively accessible if you already have a good level of writing. Mastering SEO and persuasive writing can take time, but there are plenty of tools and resources available to help you.

Websites to get started

1. Fiverr.com: Ideal to start with services at competitive prices.
2. Upwork.com: For custom writing projects.
3. Textbroker.com: For beginning and intermediate writers.
4. ProBlogger Job Board: Specializing in blog writing ads.
5. Contena.co: Premium site for well-paid projects.

Skills

• Editorial Management : Write clearly and persuasively. Use Grammarly and the Hemingway App to improve your style.
• SEO : Optimize your content for search engines. Yoast SEO, Ubersuggest, and Ahrefs are useful tools.
• Long-Form Content Creation : Structure in-depth articles. Jasper AI and WriteSonic can help you generate ideas.
• Editing and Correction : Master editing techniques. ProWritingAid and Grammarly are effective for proofreading.

To become an effective content writer, start with master the basics of SEO using free resources like Moz or Ahrefs. Build a solid portfolio with examples of your best work. Offer your services on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find your first customers. Develop a specialization in a specific field to stand out from the crowd. Finally, diversify your skills by offering complementary services such as publishing or the creation of newsletters.

Content writing is a flexible and lucrative business. Use modern technology to speed production, offer content subscriptions for recurring revenue, and expand your services. With a good portfolio, specialization, and the use of optimization tools, you can quickly turn your skills into a stable and profitable freelance business.

10. Translator.

Translation is a field in constant demand in our globalized world. If you know several languages, becoming a freelance translator can be a very lucrative business. Translators are in demand for various types of documents, from websites to technical reports.

The difficulty is moderate. Although translation requires linguistic expertise, it is relatively easy to find customers if you are fluent in languages. Specialized translators generally find it easier to get well-paid assignments.

Websites to get started

1. Proz.com: One of the biggest sites for professional translators.
2. Upwork.com: Popular platform for freelancers.
3. Freelancer.com: Offers a variety of translation projects.
4. Translatorscafe.com: Network of translators with jobs all over the world.
5. Gengo.com: Platform offering regular missions in several languages.

Skills

• Linguistic mastery : Excellent command of at least two languages, including cultural nuances.
• Use of CAT Tools : Master translation tools like SDL Trados, memoQ, Weglot, and Crowdin.
• Research and Adaptation : Ability to do extensive research on specific terms.
• Project Management : Organize your projects with Trello or Asana.

To succeed as a translator, it is crucial to Define your specialization by focusing on a specific field such as law or medicine. Use computer-aided translation tools (TAO) such as SDL Trados or memoQ to increase your productivity. Build a solid portfolio with translation samples to show your expertise. Register on freelance platforms like Upwork, ProZ, or Gengo to find your first customers. Finally, Take specialization courses to differentiate yourself with certifications in specific areas.

The job of translator offers varied and flexible opportunities. Collaborate with translation agencies, use modern technology as a support while making sure to review manually, and continuously improve your skills. By specializing and optimizing your productivity, you can develop a stable and profitable translation business.

What are the free tools to start an online business?

Starting an online business has never been more accessible thanks to a multitude of free tools. Here is a selection of essential tools that will help you launch your business without major initial investment.

Project Management and Productivity:

• Notion : All-in-one organization and project management
• Trello: Task management Collaborative
• Asana : Project monitoring (up to 15 members)

Communication and collaboration:

• Google Workspace: Complete office suite
• Slack : Team messaging (limited version)
• Zoom: Video conference (sessions of up to 40 minutes)

Marketing and design:

• Canva : Intuitive graphic design
• Mailchimp: Email marketing (up to 2000 contacts)
• Hootsuite : Social media management (limited version)
• Hubspot CRM : Customer relationship management

For your online presence, WordPress remains essential to create a professional website for free. Complete it with Google Analytics to analyze your traffic.

Other useful tools:

• Wave: Accounting made easy
• Unsplash : Royalty free image bank
• GitHub: Code Hosting

These tools offer basic features that may be enough to get started. As your business grows, consider paid versions for advanced features.

How to choose a business idea that is easy to implement?

1. Evaluate your skills and passions

The starting point for any entrepreneurial project isself-assessment. Take a close look at your current skills and interests. Choosing an area where you are comfortable will help you stay motivated over the long term.

For example, if you're good at writing, you might consider:

• Content creation for blogs
• Writing electronic books
• Copywriting for websites

In the Canva Business Model, these activities correspond to the “key activities”, representing the daily tasks essential to your business.

2. Identify a market need

The viability of your business depends on its ability to meeting a real need. Take a close look at your environment to identify recurring problems that people encounter in your area of interest.

Let's take a concrete example: if you notice that many small businesses struggle to manage their online presence, and that you have digital marketing skills, you could offer services of social media management or SEO optimization.

This reflection leads to your value proposition in the Canva Business Model, defining what makes your offer unique and attractive to your potential customers.

3. Analyze trends and competition

Stay on the lookout for emerging trends to anticipate future market needs. Use tools like Google Trends or subscribe to newsletters specialized in your sector of interest.

At the same time, study your potential competitors:

• What are their strengths?
• Where do their weaknesses lie?
• What niches are under-exploited?

This analysis will help you refine your positioning and identify your customer segments in the Canva Business Model.

Estimate the costs and resources needed

Before you start, it is important to accurately assess the startup costs of your project. This includes:

• Hardware resources (computer, software, etc.)
• Marketing and advertising expenses
• Administrative costs (licenses, insurance, etc.)
• The human capital needed

Some online businesses, such as affiliate marketing or content creation, can be started with minimal investment., which makes them particularly attractive for beginners.

In the Canva Business Model, this reflection corresponds to the “cost structure”, a key element in ensuring the financial viability of your project.

Test your idea on a small scale

Before fully engaging, it's a good idea to test your concept on a small scale. This approach allows you to validate your idea without taking excessive financial risks.

Here are a few ways you can do this:

• Offer your freelance services on specialized platforms
• Launch a beta version of your product with a small group
• Create a “minimum viable product” to test market interest

This testing phase corresponds to the “channels” section of the Canva Business Model, where you define how you will reach and serve your customers.

Verify long-term viability

Make sure your business project is in line with your long term life goals. A business that fits your lifestyle is more likely to succeed because you will be more likely to devote the time and energy needed to it.

It is also necessary to consult with mentors or experts in your field. Their experience can help you:

• Avoid common mistakes
• Identify opportunities you may not have seen
• Refine your business model

These discussions will help you refine the “key activities” and “cost structure” of your Canva Business Model.

Validate legal and regulatory aspects

Finally, don't forget to inquire about the legal and regulatory framework of your business. This includes:

• The required licenses
• Tax obligations
• The required insurances

A good understanding of these aspects will avoid unpleasant surprises later and allow you to focus on developing your business.

In the Canva Business Model, these considerations can influence your “key partnerships,” especially if you need to collaborate with legal or accounting experts to stay in compliance.

Develop a realistic financial plan

One solid financial plan is essential for the success of your business. It will help you anticipate financial challenges and make informed decisions.

Start by estimating your potential earnings :

• How many customers or sales can you expect?
• What will be the price of your products or services?

Then, detail your forecasted expenses :

• Fixed costs (rent, software subscriptions, etc.)
• Variable costs (raw materials, commissions, etc.)
• Investments needed in the short and medium term

Remember to include a margin for Unexpected. It is best to be conservative in your estimates to avoid unpleasant surprises.

This step corresponds to the “revenue stream” and “cost structure” sections of the Business Model Canvas, giving you an overview of the potential financial health of your project.

By developing a realistic financial plan, you ensure that your business idea is not only appealing on paper, but that it has the potential to become a viable and profitable business in the long term.

Conclusion

All of the business ideas mentioned above can help you earn a decent income, even with a low startup cost.

Ultimately, I recommend that you start something online, such as a blog, an e-commerce business, or a consulting company, as these activities are less sensitive to market changes like Covid-19.

Further reading: To dive deeper into some of the best business ideas, check out my free guides on MYM, Onlyfans or how to create a blog and how to start a podcast.

If you want to make the process of starting your own business easier by taking over an already successful business, a business broker can help.