Hey, Ramit here. As a NYT bestselling author who’s helped over 50 million readers and 50,000 clients build online businesses, I’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t) in the ever-changing digital world.
In this guide, I’m sharing the 12 most profitable online businesses you can start in 2024. These tried-and-true models are primed for success, and I’ve even included a business profitability calculator so you can see your earning potential right away.
Ready to crunch the numbers and discover your next business venture? Let’s get started!
1. Digital Products
Digital products have carved their place as one of the most financially rewarding online ventures. They include wide selections that are created digitally and delivered electronically. Think eBooks, online courses, eye-catching graphics, and those handy downloadable templates — they all fall into this digital product realm.
Selling digital products is like having a wellspring of profit. The beauty lies in the fact that there’s no heavy production cost involved. No need to worry about storing products or dealing with sales commissions. You put your creative mind to work and craft valuable digital content that resonates with your audience. Once you’ve laid the groundwork, these products can keep churning profits behind the scenes — like the gift that keeps on giving!
Who can benefit from diving into the digital product world? Just about anyone with expertise or a unique skill set to share.
Whether you’re an educator, a writer, an artist, or an industry expert, there’s a digital niche waiting for you. It’s all about packaging your know-how into something that provides real value to your audience. So, if you’re up for the challenge of creating valuable content that folks are eager to get their virtual hands-on, this could be your online money-making avenue.
2. Online Courses and Training
Online courses and training come in the form of educational videos, audio, texts, and interactive experiences that are designed to empower learners across a spectrum of subjects. From learning a new language to fine-tuning your entrepreneurial skills, delving into fitness routines, and more — with the right course, you can now learn to do all these things.
Online courses and training are a goldmine of opportunity. As industries continue to evolve, the hunger for accessible, high-quality education grows, too. And guess what? Creating these courses doesn’t have to break the bank. With relatively low production costs, you can generate substantial income by sharing your expertise in formats that learners prefer.
Online courses are one of our favorite types of businesses. In fact, this blog you’re on now, which has been around for over 20 years, sells many online courses.
As a beginner, the easiest online course you can create is a course on something you already know. This could be within the domain of your full-time job, or what you studied in college. Or, you could make a course about specific hobbies you enjoy. Whatever you choose, if you have a passion to teach about it, there will be people who will want to learn from you.
With online courses, you make a product once, and then you can sell it as many times as you want. You don’t have to rerecord the course again every time you make a sale, and you won’t need a physical warehouse to hold stock like how a traditional business would.
Online courses businesses can make a LOT of profit too! We have multiple courses that have sold many millions of dollars worth, and a lot of our students and readers have grown sizable course businesses as well.
One of the best courses we’ve taught our students is Earnable. If you’re keen, check out this sneak peek inside the Earnable course library!
3. Affiliate Marketing
Imagine being the bridge that connects someone’s needs with the perfect solution, all while pocketing a healthy slice of the transaction — that’s affiliate marketing. It’s a collaborative effort between brands and the individuals who promote their products or services.
Whether it’s fashion, tech gadgets, beauty products, or even niche services, affiliate marketing finds its way into every corner of the Internet. You’re not just selling; you’re solving problems, one click at a time.
As an affiliate marketer, you’re not bogged down by inventory, shipping logistics, or customer service. Your job is to guide potential buyers toward the right products, and modern technology does the rest. Industries like e-commerce, personal development, and digital services thrive under the affiliate marketing umbrella, making it a versatile platform for diverse niches.
If you’re a blogger, content creator, influencer, or anyone with an online presence, you’re in for a treat. By weaving affiliate marketing into your content, you’re not just sharing valuable insights — you’re also creating revenue streams that can become substantial over time.
4. E-Commerce
E-commerce is a business opportunity that allows you to tap into a global customer base without ever setting foot in a physical store.
When COVID-19 shut everything down, the world experienced a massive shift into the e-commerce space because of its sheer convenience. Businesses that were able to rapidly launch a digital storefront reaped the massive rewards of their quick thinking. Even years after pandemic restrictions eased up, e-commerce still has a hold on the masses.
The benefits of starting an e-commerce business are plenty. With the overhead costs often being lower compared to brick-and-mortar stores and not being constrained by geographical limitations, industries like retail, fashion, beauty, arts and crafts, and even digital products are thriving.
5. Drop Shipping
Picture this: a booming online store without the hassle of managing inventory or shipping logistics. That’s drop shipping.
In a nutshell, it’s the process of selling products to customers without ever holding the physical items yourself. As an entrepreneur, you can glide into the world of online retail without the burden of warehousing and shipping, creating a smoother path to profitability.
Let’s say you want to sell the latest tech gadgets, trendy fashion pieces, or even quirky home décor. With drop shipping, you partner with suppliers who hold the inventory and, through your website, have these suppliers ship the orders directly to your customers. Your focus is on building your brand, curating products, and offering exceptional customer service, leaving the nitty-gritty tasks to others.
The benefits? Startup costs are minimal since you don’t need to invest in inventory upfront. And since you can sell virtually anything online these days, the potential for variety is huge, making industries like fashion, beauty, and tech good candidates for gaining the most from the drop shipping model.
Starting a new business doesn’t have to be daunting, I’ve helped thousands of people build their own businesses and you can do the same by watching the video below!
It’s one of the best things I’ve published (and 100% free), just tell me where to send it:
6. Freelance Writing
Want to turn your way with words into a profitable online venture? Freelance writing is for you! This income stream is all about crafting compelling content for clients, from blog posts and articles to social media captions and website copy.
In today’s content-hungry world, businesses are constantly seeking skilled writers to help convey their messages effectively to their intended audience. Whether you’re passionate about travel, tech, health, or finance (or basically everything and anything under the sun), there’s a readership for it! It’s a business where your words have the potential to shape brands, drive engagement, and push people to take action — whether that means, “subscribe”, “follow”, or “add to cart”.
As a freelance writer, you enjoy the flexibility of setting your own hours and working from anywhere with an Internet connection. Industries like digital marketing, e-commerce, and online publications are hungry for top-notch content, making freelance writing a goldmine for those with a knack for words. Plus, there’s room for growth: you can evolve from being a solo freelancer to building your own writing agency, scaling your business and revenue in the process.
7. Blogging
If you think that sharing your thoughts, ideas, and expertise with the world can help you rake in profits, then you’re absolutely right! That’s the magic of blogging, one of the most lucrative online businesses around.. if you do it right.
These days, we’ve all become information-hungry and blogs have become our go-to sources for knowledge, inspiration, and advice. Whether you’re passionate about fitness, personal finance, travel, or cooking, blogging is all about creating engaging content on any topic or niche and sharing it with an eager online audience.
Blogging offers you the freedom to express yourself while potentially earning a handsome income. Brands seek partnerships with influential bloggers to tap into their engaged audiences, making it a win-win situation. Industries like lifestyle, finance, and health particularly benefit from well-crafted blogs that provide valuable insights and solutions.
Blogging isn’t just for seasoned writers, however; it’s a fantastic business option for anyone with a passion and a voice. If you’re ready to turn your expertise into a thriving online business, blogging might just be your avenue. Oh, and speaking of which, I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide on how to start your own blog.
8. Virtual Assistance
Virtual assistance involves providing a wide array of services — from administrative tasks to social media management — to busy entrepreneurs and businesses without the constraints of traditional office spaces.
From scheduling appointments and managing emails to conducting research and coordinating projects, virtual assistants (VAs) are the backbone of many successful businesses in industries spanning real estate, e-commerce, coaching, and more.
Virtual assistance is a flexible option for individuals who possess organizational skills and a knack for problem-solving. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent looking to make a meaningful income or a professional seeking a new venture, virtual assistance offers a compelling opportunity for profit and growth.
And, much like freelance writing, scaling from a one-person team to a bustling group of highly capable VAs is within reach as your expertise and client base grow.
9. App Development
Developing apps for specific needs is one way to turn your coding prowess into a booming online business. App development involves creating software applications for mobile devices and computers, catering to an ever-expanding market that’s hungry for innovative solutions.
Whether you’re designing productivity tools, entertainment apps, or specialized solutions for industries like healthcare and finance, the possibilities are endless. The perks of app development extend beyond the financial gains, too.
Industries across the board, from startups to established corporations, are outsourcing talented remote app developers to bring their ideas to life. So, your ability to solve problems and enhance user experiences without ever leaving your home is a bonus cherry on top.
…but you don’t have to take the same path as everyone else. How would it look if you designed a Rich Life on your own terms? Take our quiz and find out:
10. Domain Investing
Imagine owning a piece of digital real estate that can appreciate in value over time. That’s the essence of domain investing.
This online business option involves purchasing and holding domain names with the expectation that their value will increase, much like investing in real estate properties. Whether it’s a memorable .com domain or a trendy .io extension, domain investing offers a unique avenue to grow your wealth.
A well-chosen domain can appreciate significantly in value, making it a smart long-term investment. Moreover, the barrier to entry is relatively low compared to other ventures, making it accessible to both beginners and seasoned entrepreneurs.
Industries such as tech, marketing, and even entertainment are ripe for domain investing, as a memorable web address can be a game-changer in these areas. So, if you’re someone with a keen eye for trends, a knack for branding, and an interest in digital assets, domain investing could be right up your alley.
11. Website Design and Development
As the digital landscape continues to expand, industries across the board — from retail and finance to healthcare and beyond — rely on web developers and designers to translate their vision into user-friendly websites.
Brand websites are often the first touchpoint between the business and its audience. This makes having the ability to create stunning, engaging, and brand-cohesive online spaces a game-changer.
With the right skills, you can command premium rates for creating digital masterpieces. From sleek e-commerce sites that convert visitors into customers to informative blogs that educate and entertain, you’ll never run out of projects to work on.
12. YouTube
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know what YouTube is. But did you also know that beyond adorable cat videos and makeup tutorials, YouTube can also be one of the most lucrative online businesses?
Creators are turning their passions into profits by sharing content on this platform. From how-to guides and travel vlogs to cooking lessons and tech reviews, YouTube is a versatile platform that caters to a wide array of interests.
People are capitalizing on this by monetizing their channels through ads, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and more. The appeal lies in its accessibility — anyone with a camera, a knack for storytelling, and something to share can become a content creator.
Not only can YouTube generate passive income once your videos gain traction, but it can also position you as an authority in your niche. Industries like education, entertainment, fitness, beauty, food, tech, and business greatly benefit from YouTube’s reach and engagement.
Curious how to get started with a big income on YouTube? In episode 86 of my podcast, we meet a couple that’s pulling in six figures on YouTube- and it’s creating tension in their relationship.
As the platform continues to evolve and attract billions of users, the opportunities to monetize your content and build a brand are limitless. If you’re passionate about something and can convey it effectively on camera, then definitely check out my step-by-step guide on how to make money on YouTube to get started.
Crunching the Numbers: Is Your Business Idea Profitable?
You’ve just explored a dozen promising online business ideas for 2024. There’s one crucial step you can’t skip: calculating your business’ profitability.
Net profit is your bottom line – the total profits after subtracting all expenses. It’s the key metric that reveals whether your business is going to be financially healthy and sustainable.
Estimating your net income helps you:
- Assess profitability and viability
- Set realistic financial goals and budgets
- Make informed decisions about pricing, hiring, and growth
- Attract potential investors or secure loans
How to Use the Business Profitability Calculator
You’ll need to estimate the following:
- The monthly revenue your business will make
- Monthly Costs of Goods Sold (how much it costs to produce the goods sold by a business, including materials and labor)
- Monthly Operating Expenses (how much it costs to run your business to day-to-day)
Don’t worry if you don’t have exact figures just yet, ballpark estimates will do for now!
Simply plug in your estimates, and you’ll see your projected gross profit, and net profit for the month!
Figure out your business' potential with our profitability calculator. Input your expected revenue, cost of goods sold, and your operating expenses to get an idea of the profits you'll make.
Monthly Revenue
Monthly Cost of Goods Sold
Monthly Operating Expenses
Monthly Gross Profit
$0
Monthly Net Profit
$0
What Your Net Profit Means
The higher your net profit, the better. However, if your net profit is negative, this doesn’t mean that your business idea isn’t validated. Most small businesses usually operate on a net loss for a few months after starting up, so you’ll need to factor in how much runway cash you have in hand that will let you operate on a net loss.
Some methods you can use to reach a net profit quicker:
- Adjusting your pricing to increase revenue
- Identifying expenses that you can cut without sacrificing quality
- Exploring additional revenue streams to boost your bottom line
FAQs
What type of online business is the most profitable?
The real money-makers in the online world? Businesses that play to your strengths, fix a real problem, and can grow big. We’re talking online courses, specialized services, or subscriptions that people actually want to keep paying for.
Here’s the kicker: chasing the latest fad isn’t the secret. It’s about leveraging what you’re great at to meet a need that’s been overlooked, then delivering on that promise, day in and day out.
What type of small business is the most successful?
They’re the ones where you tap into your unique strengths, get super clear on who you’re serving, and solve a real problem for them. It could be in online education, health and wellness, tech solutions, e-commerce, or niche freelance services. The golden rule isn’t just what you do, but how you do it: executing your idea with precision, creating undeniable value, and setting up systems that fuel growth. Start with what you’re passionate about, match that with a clear need in the market, and deliver something your audience can’t find anywhere else. That’s the blueprint for a small business that doesn’t just succeed but thrives.
Can I start an online business with no money?
Yes, you can start an online business with zero cash. Focus on what you’re already good at—consulting, coaching, writing, you name it. Market yourself with free tools: social media, a simple website, and free email marketing platforms. It’s all about connecting with people, delivering killer value, and solving their problems. Aim to land your first clients, then use what you earn to grow. Starting with nothing? It just means you’ll get creative and hustle harder. For more ideas, check out my guide on the “How to Start a Business With No Money to Invest” It’s proof that lack of funds is no barrier to kicking off your entrepreneurial journey.
What is the easiest online business to start?
Offer a service you’re good at, like writing, design, or consulting. All you need is your skills, a computer, and the internet. Find clients through LinkedIn, your network, or freelance sites. Start small, scale up. Success hinges on your hustle and adaptability.
It’s one of the best things I’ve published (and 100% free), just tell me where to send it:
