Starting a remote business lets you work from anywhere while building something that can grow far beyond a traditional 9-5 job.
In this post, we’ll explore eleven proven remote business ideas you can start from anywhere, with detailed insights on each opportunity’s growth potential.
1. Freelance Writing
Freelance writing involves creating content for businesses and clients across various formats. As a freelance writer, you’ll work on projects ranging from blog posts to technical documentation, with complete location independence–all you need is a laptop and internet connection. The field offers low startup costs with a strong potential for scaling your income over time.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers earn a median pay of $67,120 per year ($32.27 per hour), on par with the median U.S. household income. This established career path continues to grow, with the Bureau projecting a 4% increase in employment through 2031.
Who is freelance writing perfect for?
Freelance writing is a great fit for strong communicators who can adapt their voices to suit different audiences and projects. It’s especially rewarding for those with expertise in a specific subject matter, looking to turn their knowledge into income.
Successful freelance writers are detail-oriented, capable of juggling multiple assignments, and thrive on working independently.
They also enjoy intensive research and continuous learning to stay sharp in their craft. However, being a freelance writer is about more than just writing–treating it like a business, maintaining high-quality work, managing client relationships, and staying organized to succeed.
Freelance writing from start to scale
The path to building a successful freelance writing business typically unfolds across four distinct phases, each marked by specific income potential and business developments.
Writers typically begin in the entry phase, focusing on developing practical business writing and SEO skills. During this initial stage, most writers earn between $30-50 per hour, working with smaller clients across various industries to build their portfolio. This period requires mastering essential tools like content management systems to establish efficient workflows.
As writers progress to the growth phase, they often find greater profitability by specializing in high-paying industries such as SaaS, finance, or healthcare. At this stage, experienced writers can charge $100-200 per hour by offering strategic content packages and developing a professional brand presence with a dedicated website.
The scaling phase marks a significant shift toward premium content creation. Writers at this level typically secure monthly retainer contracts ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, implementing standardized frameworks to maintain consistency across larger projects. This phase often requires developing systems for client onboarding and building relationships with reliable subcontractors to handle an increased workload.
In the final business evolution phase, successful freelancers transition into agency owners or content strategists. This involves managing teams of writers, developing additional revenue streams through training programs or digital products, and implementing automated systems for content delivery.
You can check out my article, How To Freelance (7 steps to get started today), for more information on getting started as a freelance writer.
2. Building A Creator Business
As a content creator, you’ll create engaging content across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. The business involves building your personal brand and growing an audience from which you can earn money. You can make money in several ways, like creating courses, coaching others, running paid communities, or working with brands.
Who should become a creator?
Becoming a content creator is ideal for creative individuals with strong opinions and a passion for sharing knowledge. Successful creators are comfortable expressing themselves through video, writing, or speaking and enjoy teaching others in an engaging way.
They thrive on a regular content schedule and are willing to improve their skills in filming and editing. As a creator, you’ll wear many hats–developing content, connecting with your audience, and managing the business side of your brand.
While perfection isn’t required at the start, a willingness to learn and adapt is key to long-term success.
Content creation from start to scale
The entry phase begins with selecting a primary platform (YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok) and establishing a posting schedule of 2-3 times per week. Initial equipment needs are minimal: a smartphone, basic microphone, and lighting setup.
During the growth phase, creators begin monetizing through platform advertising, brand sponsorships, and initial digital products. Content gets repurposed across platforms to maximize reach, and equipment upgrades improve production quality.
The scaling phase involves building a support team of editors, designers, and researchers. Operations expand to include high-ticket offerings like group coaching programs or membership sites. Brand partnerships become more substantial, requiring formal content planning, customer service, and administration processes.
In the business evolution phase, the operation transforms into a media company, producing content across multiple formats, including podcasts and books. This phase requires automated systems for content production and sales, as well as exploration of licensing deals and platform expansion.
Want to learn more about specific types of content creation? Check out my detailed guides:
These guides will walk you through the steps to becoming a content creator. It’s a competitive field and requires a lot of groundwork, but it is worth it if you commit the time and effort.
3. Becoming an Influencer
Being an influencer means building a personal brand on social media platforms and using your audience to create different income streams. You’ll have control over your content, and you can earn money in several ways, like brand deals, affiliate marketing, and selling your products. You only need a smartphone and basic editing tools to get started.
What kind of people excel as influencers?
Influencer marketing is best suited for individuals comfortable being on camera and passionate about sharing their favorite topics. Successful influencers thrive on building genuine relationships with their followers, often engaging with them directly to foster trust and loyalty.
Creativity plays a big role, as coming up with fresh content ideas and staying ahead of trends is essential. Influencers who can analyze data and adapt their strategies to improve engagement tend to see the best results.
More than just posting appealing pictures, this career requires consistency, authenticity, and a business-minded approach to succeed.
Influencing from start to scale
The entry phase requires choosing a focused niche (like fitness, travel, or tech) and mastering basic content creation skills, including photography, videography, and editing. Initial growth comes from consistent posting and effectively using platform-specific features like reels, stories, and live sessions.
During the growth phase, influencers begin earning through brand sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and merchandise sales. Success requires careful tracking of engagement metrics and developing a structured content calendar. Most influencers at this stage establish their first brand partnerships and cross-promotional relationships.
The scaling phase marks the expansion to multiple platforms, typically combining an Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube presence with a personal website. Revenue diversifies through digital products like e-books and online courses, while high-value brand sponsorships become regular income sources. This stage usually requires hiring content producers and editors to maintain quality across platforms.
In the business evolution phase, influencers typically launch their own product lines and establish passive income through digital products and affiliate marketing. Many expand into in-person revenue streams through speaking engagements and workshops, often culminating in the launch of their own creative or media agencies.
Want to learn more about becoming an influencer and making money from it? These guides break down exactly how to get started and what to expect:
These guides share practical steps to help you avoid common beginner mistakes. They might also help you decide if this is a route you want to go on for your career.
4. Twitch Streaming
Twitch streaming has grown far beyond gaming. Today, streamers can build audiences in art, music, cooking, or just chatting with viewers. You’ll create live, interactive content where you can engage with viewers in real-time, making money through subscriptions, donations, ads, and brand deals. All you need is a decent internet connection and a basic streaming setup to start.
Who should consider Twitch streaming
Twitch streaming is a great fit for people who enjoy entertaining others while sharing their hobbies or skills. Successful streamers thrive on building and managing online communities that interact actively with viewers and create a welcoming atmosphere.
They excel at multitasking, balancing live engagement with tasks like reading chat and moderating discussions. Consistency is key; sticking to a regular streaming schedule helps grow a loyal audience. As both performers and community managers, streamers must deliver engaging content while fostering a strong connection with their viewers to truly succeed on the platform.
Streaming from start to scale
The entry phase focuses on essential technical foundations–setting up a basic streaming kit with a camera, microphone, and computer capable of handling live broadcasts. New streamers must master Twitch’s platform features while maintaining a consistent schedule.
Growth-phase streamers typically upgrade their equipment and develop custom overlays to enhance production quality. Revenue flows through multiple channels: viewer subscriptions, affiliate marketing, and platform-specific monetization features.
Streamers expand beyond live content during the scaling phase by repurposing streams for YouTube and other platforms. Operations become more complex, requiring support staff like moderators, graphic designers, and content schedulers. Brand sponsorships and special events become significant revenue sources.
The business evolution phase transforms successful streamers into multimedia brands, generating income through merchandise lines and exclusive content deals with gaming or tech companies. Many expand into in-person revenue streams through workshops and fan meetups.
5. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing involves helping businesses grow their online presence and get more customers. You can focus on specific areas like social media management, SEO, or running paid ads. You can also see clear results from your work through data and analytics, making it easier to prove your value to clients and obtain real data to add to your portfolio.
What makes a good digital marketer
Digital marketing blends creativity with analytical thinking, making it ideal for individuals who enjoy both numbers and innovative ideas.
Successful digital marketers are skilled at analyzing data to find patterns and insights while brainstorming creative strategies to achieve client goals. They thrive on keeping up with online trends and platform updates, easily handling multiple projects, and switching seamlessly between creative and analytical tasks.
Balancing client management with strategy development is key, as you’ll spend your time crafting marketing plans and demonstrating measurable results to clients.
Digital marketing from start to scale:
The entry phase centers on mastering a single marketing channel–whether social media, email marketing, or SEO. New marketers focus on developing fundamental campaign management skills and learning essential analytics tools to track and report results. Initial client work usually involves small businesses building a portfolio of measurable success stories.
During the growth phase, marketers expand into multiple channels and develop expertise in paid advertising. Revenue increases through standardized service packages and streamlined campaign management processes. Success at this stage depends on consistently delivering measurable results for clients.
The scaling phase requires building a team of channel specialists and implementing systems for collaboration. Most agencies transition to retainer-based services for predictable monthly revenue. This stage demands robust project management tools and standardized processes to maintain quality across a growing client base.
In the business evolution phase, the operation transforms into a full-service agency. Leaders shift focus to high-level strategy and business development while teams handle day-to-day campaign management. Many agencies develop proprietary frameworks and automated reporting systems to track client performance efficiently.
Digital marketing has a lot of moving parts, but you don’t need to learn everything at once. My complete guide breaks down exactly how to start and grow your digital marketing business without getting overwhelmed:
6. Virtual Assistance Services
Virtual assistants help businesses and entrepreneurs run their operations more smoothly by handling tasks like email management, scheduling, and admin work remotely. The demand for VAs keeps growing as more businesses move online and need reliable support staff to handle daily operations.
The virtual assistant industry is experiencing explosive growth. The global market is expected to reach $8613.5 million by 2028, growing at a rate of 22.3%. This expansion reflects the shift to remote work, with offshore virtual assistant hiring surging by 41% in 2020 alone.
What makes a good virtual assistant?
A successful virtual assistant combines strong organizational skills with excellent people skills to manage tasks efficiently and build trust with clients. Highly organized individuals who enjoy creating systems and tackling a variety of daily responsibilities often thrive in this role.
Great VAs are also strong communicators who can adapt to different personalities and spot inefficiencies to improve workflows. Managing multiple priorities without missing a beat is essential, as is becoming more than just a task-handler.
The most successful virtual assistants evolve into trusted partners who make their clients’ businesses and lives run more smoothly.
Becoming a virtual assistant from start to scale:
The entry phase focuses on mastering fundamental admin skills–email management, calendar organization, and basic business operations. New VAs must become proficient with essential business software for task management, time tracking, and client communication while developing reliable workflows for consistent delivery.
Growth-phase VAs specialize in profitable niches like tech, real estate, and legal services. Revenue increases through standardized service packages and project management expertise. Long-term client relationships become the foundation for stable income through reliable, specialized service delivery.
The scaling phase transforms individual VAs into small agencies by training junior assistants to handle growing client demands. This stage requires implementing systems for team collaboration and quality control. Most successful VAs develop specialized service offerings to attract higher-paying clients.
In the business evolution phase, VA businesses become full agencies, with the owner focusing on strategy and operations. Many expand into VA training programs while building automated systems to support recurring retainer clients. Success at this stage balances maintaining personalized client relationships while effectively delegating tasks across a trained team.
7. Start Your Own Blog
A blog is more than just a website with articles–it’s a platform to share valuable content that can generate passive income through multiple streams like ads, affiliate marketing, and digital products. Unlike social media, your blog is a digital asset you fully own and control.
Data from the 2024 Blogging Income Survey shows that blogs between 5-10 years old earn an average of $5,450.90 per month. The field shows strong growth potential, with over 7.5 million blog posts published daily and more than 409 million people viewing over 20 billion pages each month on WordPress.com alone.
What makes a successful blogger?
Starting a successful blog takes dedication, patience, and a willingness to play the long game. While setting up a blog is easy, turning it into a profitable business requires consistent effort and a clear vision.
The best bloggers are passionate about their chosen topics, enjoy creating regular content, and love engaging with online communities.
Monetary success from blogging often takes a handful of years, so patience is crucial, as is self-motivation to keep working without immediate rewards. If you stay focused and maintain high-quality work, blogging can grow into a sustainable and rewarding venture.
Blogging from start to scale
In the entry phase, starting a blog requires careful foundation-setting. New bloggers must select their niche and professional platform while mastering fundamental SEO practices. Early success hinges on creating search-optimized content on a consistent schedule, using social media strategically to build initial readership.
During the growth phase, as traffic increases, bloggers diversify their revenue streams by incorporating advertising, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content opportunities. This period demands more sophisticated SEO strategies and systematic content production. Smart bloggers focus on building email lists during this time, recognizing that engaged subscribers often become loyal customers.
The scaling phase transforms solo operations into content teams. By hiring writers and editors, bloggers can increase production while maintaining quality. Many introduce their first premium offerings – typically digital products or membership programs–while expanding into complementary channels like podcasting or video content.
The business evolution phase turns individual blogs into full-fledged media companies. These operations run on multiple revenue streams backed by dedicated content teams and diverse business partnerships. Many bloggers at this stage explore new ventures, whether launching additional blogs or developing consulting services.
Ready to start your blogging journey? These guides will walk you through every step of creating and monetizing your blog:
These guides share actionable steps to help you avoid common mistakes that cause most blogs to fail. I started IWT with a small blog, which has grown drastically since then, so I have a lot of experience in this area.
8. Online Consulting
Online consulting involves using your expertise to help businesses solve specific problems. As a consultant, you’ll provide specialized advice and strategies based on your professional experience. What makes consulting attractive is the ability to charge premium rates while choosing which clients and projects you want to work on.
Who is online consulting perfect for?
Online consulting is ideal for professionals with deep knowledge in their field and the ability to translate that expertise into actionable value for clients.
Successful consultants are typically industry veterans with proven expertise, strong problem solvers who thrive on tackling complex challenges, and excellent communicators who simplify complicated ideas. They excel at building client relationships and enjoy teaching or guiding others. Combining technical knowledge with effective communication is key to helping clients understand and implement impactful solutions.
Online consulting from start to scale
In the entry phase, consultants must sharply define their niche and develop a core methodology that sets them apart. This foundation begins with project-based work, allowing consultants to build their portfolio while establishing a professional online presence. Initial services are typically tailored to individual client needs, providing valuable real-world experience.
The growth phase marks a shift toward structured programs and systematic delivery processes. Rather than reinventing solutions for each client, consultants develop repeatable frameworks that ensure consistent results. Success at this stage comes from documenting client wins through case studies and testimonials, enabling consultants to increase their rates based on demonstrated value.
During the scaling phase, many consultants expand beyond one-on-one work to serve larger audiences through group programs. This evolution requires developing proprietary frameworks and training materials while building strategic partnerships. Most importantly, consultants shift to value-based pricing models that reflect the business impact they deliver.
The business evolution phase transforms individual consultants into firm leaders managing teams of experts. The focus shifts to serving high-ticket corporate clients while developing digital products and retainer-based services for recurring revenue. Many established consultants create innovative methodologies that become industry standards, opening doors to new markets and opportunities.
9. Online Coaching
Online coaching helps individuals achieve personal or professional goals through guidance and accountability. Unlike consulting, coaching focuses on ongoing support and development rather than specific business solutions. You can offer one-on-one sessions, group programs, or both while working entirely online.
The coaching industry continues to show impressive growth, generating $4.564 billion globally in 2023 and projecting to reach $11.7 billion by 2032. The average coach charges $244 per hour, demonstrating the profitable potential of this business model.
Who is online coaching for?
Building a coaching business requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to guide others toward achieving their goals. Successful coaches are empathetic listeners who communicate clearly, motivate clients to take action, and thrive on supporting personal growth.
They often have teaching or mentoring experience and excel at tracking progress to ensure results. What sets great coaches apart is their ability to ask insightful questions, foster trust, and create a safe space where clients feel empowered to explore challenges and overcome obstacles.
Online coaching from start to scale
In the entry phase, coaches establish their foundation by selecting a specific coaching niche and developing their core methodology. This period focuses on working with one-on-one clients, gathering practical experience, and often pursuing relevant certifications to build credibility in their chosen field.
The growth phase centers on creating distinctive coaching programs that reflect accumulated experience and proven client results. Coaches begin fostering supportive communities around their practice while developing systematic processes for client work. As their reputation grows through documented successes, they can steadily increase their rates.
During the scaling phase, coaches expand beyond individual sessions into premium offerings and hybrid programs that combine live coaching with digital resources. Many bring on associate coaches and develop proprietary tools to serve a growing client base while maintaining quality and personal touch.
The business evolution phase transforms successful coaches into leaders of coaching academies, training other practitioners in their methodologies. Revenue diversifies through corporate programs, speaking engagements, and digital products, while large-scale events and workshops extend the coach’s influence beyond direct client work.
10. E-Commerce Store
An e-commerce business lets you sell products to customers worldwide without needing a physical store. You can choose different models, such as dropshipping or creating your product line. The business runs on data and systems, making it possible to grow through automation and smart marketing.
The e-commerce industry continues to dominate retail growth, with global sales expected to exceed 4.1 trillion U.S. dollars and projections showing even stronger growth in the coming years.
What makes someone good at e-commerce
Running an online store requires a unique combination of skills, distinct from traditional retail. Successful e-commerce entrepreneurs are often product-focused with an eye for trends, detail-oriented when managing inventory, and comfortable handling customer service.
They enjoy building and improving systems while bringing a marketing mindset to online selling. Balancing inventory, marketing, and customer satisfaction is key to optimizing operations and ensuring long-term success.
E-commerce from start to scale
In the entry phase, store owners must choose their business model–whether dropshipping, private label, or traditional retail–and carefully select their initial product range. This period focuses on establishing a functional online store and building reliable supplier relationships while learning fundamental marketing skills to attract first customers.
The growth phase sees stores expanding their product lines while optimizing fulfillment operations. Marketing has become more sophisticated, incorporating email campaigns and targeted social media advertising. Many stores at this stage differentiate themselves through exceptional customer service, building loyalty that drives repeat purchases.
During the scaling phase, operations shift toward automation and team delegation, particularly in logistics and customer support. Many stores diversify their reach across multiple platforms like Amazon and eBay, often introducing private-label products to improve profit margins and brand recognition.
The business evolution phase transforms single stores into multi-channel retail operations. Advanced automation handles marketing and fulfillment across platforms, while exclusive product lines strengthen brand identity. Many successful stores expand internationally, developing strategic partnerships to support global growth.
11. Web Development/Design
Web development combines technical skills with creativity to build websites and digital solutions for clients. You can create everything from simple business websites to complex web applications. The field offers steady demand and opportunities for recurring revenue through maintenance and updates.
The web development field offers strong earning potential. U.S. web developers earn a median annual wage of $84,960, and the industry is projected to grow 8% by 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
What makes a good web developer?
Building websites requires technical knowledge, project management skills, and creative problem-solving.
Successful web developers tend to be detail-oriented, catching small errors and ensuring quality at every step. They thrive on learning new technologies, enjoy working on structured projects, and approach design with a visual mindset.
Beyond coding, web development involves strong communication skills, managing client relationships, and staying current with industry trends to build a thriving business.
Web development from start to scale
In the entry phase, developers build strong technical and design foundations while creating their initial portfolio. Though smaller in scope, early client projects provide crucial experience in managing timelines and delivering consistent results through established workflows.
The growth phase rewards specialization–developers focusing on specific technologies or industries can create tailored service packages that command higher rates. Success at this stage requires robust systems for client communication and project tracking, often including recurring maintenance services that provide stable income.
During the scaling phase, solo developers transform into team leaders by hiring additional developers and designers. Many introduce productized services and develop internal tools to streamline delivery. This evolution demands implementing formal project management systems to handle increased complexity and larger client workloads.
The business evolution phase turns technical experts into agency leaders managing comprehensive web development teams. Successful developers diversify revenue by creating SaaS products or proprietary frameworks while building recurring revenue through retainer services. Their focus shifts from hands-on coding to high-level strategy and business development.
How to Choose Your Perfect Remote Business
Making the right choice requires careful consideration of your current situation and long-term goals. Let’s explore three key areas to help you pick the best remote business.
Analyze Your Starting Point
Before diving into any business, take stock of what you’re working with right now. A clear understanding of your resources and limitations helps you make a realistic choice.
- Skills: What expertise do you already have that you could monetize? Think about professional skills and personal interests that could translate into a business.
- Experience: Look at industries where you have deep knowledge. Your understanding of how things work in specific fields can give you a major advantage.
- Network: Consider who you already know that could help you get started. Even a small network in your target industry can open important doors.
- Time: Be honest about how many hours weekly you can put into building your business. Some models need more upfront time than others.
- Capital: Calculate your financial runway for the first 3-6 months. Different businesses have different startup costs and time to first income.
Taking inventory of these resources helps you start with a realistic picture of what’s possible. Many people skip this step and jump into businesses they aren’t prepared for, leading to frustration and wasted time.
Evaluate Business Potential
Understanding the opportunity in front of you helps you avoid picking a business with limited growth potential.
- Market Size: Research if there’s enough demand to support your business idea. Look for growing markets with room for new entrants.
- Competition Level: Identify gaps in the market you could fill. Sometimes, high competition means high demand, but you’ll need a clear way to stand out.
- Income Timeline: Consider how quickly each business model can start generating revenue. Some businesses make money faster but might have lower long-term potential.
- Scaling Potential: Think about how big your business could grow. Some models are easier to scale than others.
Looking at these market factors helps you avoid saturated markets or businesses with limited growth potential. The goal is to find opportunities where your skills match market needs.
Consider Work Style Fit
Your business should match how you like to work. A mismatch here often leads to burnout or failure.
- Client Interaction: How much direct client contact does each business require? Consider if you prefer lots of interaction or more independent work.
- Team Requirements: Think about whether you want to work solo or build a team. Some businesses are easier to run alone than others.
- Learning Curve: Evaluate how much new knowledge you’ll need to acquire. Be realistic about the time needed to learn new skills.
- Tech Requirements: Consider what tools and systems you’ll need to learn and use. Some businesses require more technical skills than others.
- Growth Style: Consider if you prefer steady, organic growth or are comfortable seeking investment for faster expansion.
Being honest about your work preferences saves you from choosing a business model that looks good on paper but doesn’t fit your style. The best remote business idea is the one you’ll stick with long enough to see results.
It’s one of the best things I’ve published (and 100% free), just tell me where to send it: