5 Online Business Ideas for Beginners

1. Podcast network

The past several years have seen an explosion in podcast availability and listenership, and you can capitalize on that by starting your podcast network. You can populate the network with any podcasts you record, but if you give other people – whether friends or strangers from the internet – opportunities to contribute their podcasts, your network will likely grow more quickly. As your network grows, you can increase the price per podcast download. [Read related article: Tips for Starting a Podcast]

Key takeaway: Build a podcast following by discussing something you are passionate and knowledgeable about.

2. Technical writer

The internet is full of copywriters for hire. Still, only a few copywriters have the technical background to properly write an instruction manual for a large machine or properly convey scientific results. If you have a background in science and can write about it, start an online business through which people can hire your technical writing services. Advertise yourself on LinkedIn, Fiverr and other platforms to draw in customers.

Key takeaway: Use your technical expertise to write technical documents and manuals.

3. Resume and cover letter writer

Almost everyone has sought help from others when writing resumes or cover letters. Offer your expertise in crafting compelling resumes and cover letters to anybody willing to hire you. Provide examples of not just other people’s resumes and cover letters with which you’ve helped, but successful resumes and cover letters of your own to increase your chances of successfully starting an online business.

Key takeaway: Help job seekers by aiding them in writing the perfect resumes and cover letters.

4. Corporate counsel consultant

Corporations need lawyers to protect them in legal matters and educate them on what they can and can’t do. By starting an online corporate counsel consultation firm, you can offer corporate workers a way to keep their legal affairs in order without exorbitant fees and extensive in-person commitments of traditional lawyers. You’ll need to show proof that you’ve passed the bar exam to build clientele and make it clear that your business is entirely online – because when it comes time for your client to go to court, they’ll need to hire a lawyer in their region who can represent them in front of a judge or jury.

Key takeaway: Offer affordable legal services as a corporate counsel consultant.

5. Startup advisor

Many of the world’s most prominent tech companies began as small startups still figuring out the right business model for success. As a startup advisor, you can advise tomorrow’s companies today. Use your expertise in corporate finance, software development and other relevant fields to provide new businesses with the knowledge they need to succeed. As these startups succeed, so will your business.

Key takeaway: If you’ve mastered the art of starting a business, help others start theirs.