How To Start an Online Business With No Money: A Beginner’s Guide

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50% of all online businesses in the United States are conducted at home, and 69% of startups are home-based. The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way people want to work, as remote work has never been as prominent as it is today. 

If you would like to join the people who get to work from home, learning how to start an online business with no money probably sounds incredibly enticing. 

Why should you have to make that commute to the office every day? Switch it up and be your own boss.

Keep reading our guide below to find out how. 

Browse Through Business Ideas

While you know you want to start an online business from home, you may be unsure what that online business will be.

One of the best things that the internet provides is opportunities, and it is absolutely full of them.

Today, you can create whatever business you want, especially if you know how to get creative. So, before starting your business, you should explore the various online business ideas that are available to you. 

Blogging

If you love writing and creating content, consider freelance blogging.

You can create your own blog if you have a particular niche you want to write about. Monetize it with affiliate marketing or by hosting sponsored content. 

You can also create guest posts and write on other people’s blogs to earn money from writing. There are tons of freelance writing gigs out there, but it will take great initiative to make it a lucrative job. 

Web Design

If you have some graphic design skills, consider creating a web design business.

Designing interactive sites is in high demand, and all you need is your creativity and business and technical skills to get started. 

Social Media

There are many different ways you can make a business off of social media. 

If you enjoy talking to a camera and taking pictures of yourself, consider becoming a YouTube personality or an influencer. You can get paid by monetizing your content and getting brands to sponsor your content. 

If you have marketing skills, you can become an Instagram marketer and help other businesses get seen on the platform.

There are also social media managers who take over a business’s social media platforms to help them create better and more engaging content. 

Understanding how social media works is a specialized skill, and it is one of the most popular ways to make money online. 

Podcasting

Podcasting became popular in the early 2010s, and its popularity has only increased in recent years.

You can find a podcast on just about any subject, and celebrities have been jumping on the trend too. 

All you need to get started on your podcast is your phone or computer. Eventually, you can invest in a better microphone and soundproofing equipment, but you don’t need that to start your business. 

If you have something interesting to say and you think you can make consistent episodes, consider creating a podcast and reaching out to various brands to sponsor you. 

Sharpen Your Skills

Now that you know that kind of remote business you want to create, there are certain things you need to do before you can get started. 

While money is not required to start your business, you are going to need to develop and sharpen certain skills if you want to be successful. You need to be able to show your potential clients that you are not only capable of doing the job, but that you are an expert in your field. 

For example, if you want to go into web design, you should be practicing your design skills daily until you feel comfortable creating professional work. Try out different software, and become proficient in everything that you can. 

Because this is your business, you are responsible for training yourself. Just like with any other job, practicing will make your work better, making your clients happier and more likely to return. 

Create a Portfolio

Now that you’re ready to work, it’s time to create a portfolio. No matter what type of business you’re doing, you’ll want to have examples ready to show potential clients.

Because you are a new business, you won’t have customer reviews or past completed projects to go off of. Instead, your portfolio can show your clients what you can do. 

Create as many professional samples as you can, whether those are writing samples, YouTube video clips, Instagrams posts, captions, or podcast episodes. 

Market Yourself

Use your social media to market yourself for free. It won’t cost you anything but your time, and it will be your best bet at reaching potential clients. 

Create business accounts on the platforms of your choosing, and create content consistently. Reach out to similar businesses and try to connect with your audience. 

Optimize your profile to make it easy for potential customers to contact you and hire your services. 

Your Guide to Learning How to Start an Online Business With No Money 

Learning how to start an online business with no money is an exciting process. While it will take time, hard work, and dedication, you’ll also find fulfilling work. 

There is no better job than being your own boss, so if you can make it happen, you absolutely should. Use the tips above to get started, and you can be on your way before you know it.

For more business-related articles, check out the various sections on our website!