Are you dreaming of launching your own business but worried about overhead costs? The good news is you don’t need a huge investment to get started.
This article explores 20 low-cost business ideas with high profit potential. Whether you have a specific skillset or are looking to tap into your passions, there’s a business model out there that will help you achieve financial success. Discover the perfect way to turn your ideas into lucrative businesses.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you.
Key takeaways
- Low startup costs: Many business ideas with low investment, like Print on Demand and affiliate marketing, are accessible for aspiring entrepreneurs with limited funds.
- High-margin businesses with potential: Some businesses can generate substantial profits despite low startup costs. A well-run print-on-demand store can earn up to $10,000 monthly using effective design and marketing strategies.
- Flexibility and easy setup: Several high profit margin businesses can be run from home, allowing entrepreneurs to work at their own pace and schedule.
Best low startup cost business ideas for making money online
1. Print on Demand
Print on Demand (POD) is a low-cost business idea that lets you sell custom products and generate passive income without holding inventory.
Design items like t-shirts and mugs, and as soon as a customer orders, the POD provider prints and ships them to their doorstep, eliminating upfront costs and the risk of unsold stock. Its low risk makes it one of the best small business ideas.
Focus on designing, marketing, and offering excellent customer service to turn your creative ideas into profits.
Start a print-on-demand store easily with a free Printify account:
- Find your niche: Research your target audience.
- Select Products: Choose bestsellers from Printify’s extensive Catalog.
- Customize: Use the free Product Creator to make unique designs.
- Build your own online store: Integrate with your chosen eCommerce platform.
- List products: Add your customized products to your store.
- Price: Research costs for similar items and review market trends.
- Launch and promote: Use social media, emails, and other promotion strategies to market your brand.
- Track and analyze: Monitor expenses and sales and adjust your designs or strategies as needed.
Average startup costs:
- Printify account: Free
- Website domain hosting (from $2.99/mo), a platform subscription (starting from $29 per month on Shopify), or product listing fees in marketplaces ($0.20 per listing on Etsy).
We recommend a profit margin of at least 40% for each item. Successful POD stores can earn $10,000/month. A store selling 1,000 units/month with a $4 profit per unit can make $4,000 monthly.
Who is it for: Entrepreneurs, small business owners, influencers, and anyone who wants to make money selling custom merch.
2. Affiliate marketing business
Affiliate marketers create content that promotes specific products or companies and place affiliate links on their websites.
When a customer purchases through the links, the affiliate receives a commission – a percentage of the sale price.
Important: To succeed with affiliate marketing, you’ll need a passion for a dedicated niche, an established affiliate website, and a social media presence.
Try out the Printify Affiliate Program for an easy way to earn passive income. Get easy access to affiliate links through a quick application. Once approved, you’ll receive a 5% commission on all sales your referrals make in their first 12 months.
Average startup costs:
- Social media pages and YouTube channel are free
- Initial costs for website domain hosting start from $2.99/mo
Referral commissions vary depending on the affiliate program, but you can make anywhere from 5% to 30%. Referrals for high-demand products and services may return up to $100,000/month.
Who is it for: Bloggers, social media influencers, and digital marketers looking to monetize their online presence.
3. Blogging
Blogging can become one of the best small, profitable business ideas if you’re experienced in a niche that users often search for and engage with.
Popular blogging niches for profitable online businesses include:
- Personal finance
- Real estate
- Health and fitness
- Education and hobbies
- Travel and cuisine
- Science and technology
- Marketing and SEO
- Dating and relationships
Post blogs on your own website using WordPress, dedicated forums/platforms like Medium, or a social media account.
Monetize your blog through advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or selling products and courses.
Average startup costs:
- Initial costs for website domain hosting start from $2.99/mo.
From $1 to $10 per 1,000 page views with ads to $50 to $500+ with sponsored posts.
Who is it for: Writers, content creators, and those passionate about sharing their expertise or interests online.
4. Online courses and online tutoring services
Some of the best online business ideas involve sharing your knowledge with like-minded people. Create a written guide, presentation, or video tutorial, and publish it as a paid course. For a more personal experience, offer tutoring services through live video calls, paid per session.
Use paid platforms or free software for writing and visuals. Create your own website or subscribe to platforms like Udemy and Preply.
Popular online courses with high profits cover topics such as:
- Business and entrepreneurship
- IT and technology
- Lifestyle and fitness
- Languages and writing
- Content creating and marketing
- Arts and crafts
- Music and academics
Average startup costs:
- It’s free if you use existing platforms but plan to invest $500 to $2,000 in equipment, subscriptions, and software.
$3,000/year for Skillshare or 37% of the revenue per course on Udemy, which makes from $100-500 per month.
Who is it for: Educators, professionals with specialized knowledge, and anyone interested in teaching.
Useful platforms: Thinkific and Teachable
5. Photo editing
Social media platforms have turned professional photography into a high-value commodity. Photo editing services are a popular and successful business idea for visual graphics enthusiasts.
While you can do a lot with free software, professional tools like Adobe Photoshop and Affinity Photo can build credibility when promoting your business.
Average startup costs:
- There are free editing programs like GIMP, or you can get a subscription to Adobe Photoshop (from $22.99/month) or Affinity Pro 2 (one-time payment of $69.99).
$15-75 per hour on Fiverr.
Who is it for: Photographers, graphic designers, and those with specialized skills in photo editing software.
Helpful tools: Adobe
6. YouTube channel
Personalized viewer algorithms and independent crowdfunding platforms have turned a once-niche gig into a profitable business idea with unlimited potential.
When starting a YouTube channel, try to cover these basic requirements:
- Pick a niche like gaming, vlogging, video essays, tutorials, sketches, etc.
- Install editing software like Adobe Premiere.
- Conduct keyword research for relevant trends and topics.
- Monetize through AdSense, affiliate programs, or Patreon.
- Promote your content on social media and other public feeds.
Choose the right video editing software to ensure high-quality content. As MP4 is the most popular and compatible video format, you can try various MP4 video editing tools to create interesting and engaging visuals.
Average startup costs:
- Creating a channel and uploading videos is free, and you can do it on a cellphone.
- A better starter setup requires a camera (from $ 250 for a Go Pro Hero10), microphone (from $100 for Blue Yeti and Audiotechinca options), and audio interface (from $100 with Focusrite Scarlett, including professional software for audio recording and editing).
The average YouTube channel revenue is around $18 per 1,000 ad views.
Who is it for: Video content creators, entertainers, and educators.
Learn more: YouTube Creator Academy
7. Podcasting
Podcasting is great for deep diving into complex topics and builds loyal communities that love to rep their favorite shows with custom merch. It also opens up opportunities to profit from sponsored ads.
Simple podcasting generally requires a microphone, an acoustically isolated space, sound mixing software, and an online publishing platform like YouTube or Spotify.
Average startup costs:
- $150 (starter-level microphones like Blue Yeti) to $500. Platforms like Riverside offer starter plans with some free recording hours.
From $200-$500 monthly (small podcasts) to $20,000-$50,000 (podcasts with 100,000+ downloads per episode).
Sponsorships and Ads typically earn around $20 to $50 per 1,000 downloads for mid-roll ads.
A podcast with 10,000 downloads per episode can make $200-$500 per episode from ads.
Who is it for: Public speakers, storytellers, and experts in various fields.
Learn more: Podcast Insights and Buzzsprout
Check out our blog post on monetizing a podcast in eight different ways and turn podcasting into your next successful small business idea.
8. Digital marketing services
The amount spent on social media advertising is expected to double over this decade, predicted to reach an estimated $262 billion in spending by 2028. This sky-high profit potential gives those with small business ideas an excellent opportunity to rake in the cash.
Data analytics, keyword research, content management, and search engine optimization (SEO) are some of the most important skills when offering advertising services. With enough persistence and effort, media marketing can be a super profitable, low-cost business.
Turning digital marketing business ideas into reality will require investment in web hosting, data tracking software, and online marketing tools.
Average Startup Costs:
- Plan to spend $1,000 to $2,000 on software and legal requirements.
Freelancers can earn $20-$150 per hour, depending on their experience and location.
Who is it for: Marketing professionals, social media experts, and entrepreneurs.
Discover more: HubSpot and Neil Patel
The Printify Experts Program is a unique opportunity to grow your social media marketing portfolio with a team of professionals and print-on-demand merchants.
9. Social media management
Professional social media accounts prefer optimizing and pre-scheduling content to take advantage of high-traffic times and carefully selected tags. It’s common for influencers to outsource their social media accounts to dedicated managers, opening up a profitable business opportunity.
Becoming a social media manager requires an online presence and knowledge of social media algorithms and digital marketing techniques.
Establish a network of business accounts on all major platforms, study online marketing tools, advertise your services via freelance or portfolio websites, and track your social media engagement for reference.
While you can easily manage a few social accounts yourself, scaling to take on more will require some investment. Social media management services can be expensive, ranging from $100 for basic marketing tools to thousands of dollars for more extensive ad campaigns.
Average startup costs:
- Free at first, but be prepared to spend $500 to $1,500 when scaling.
Beginner and entry-level managers can expect an average starting salary of $23/hour.
Who is it for: Social media enthusiasts, digital marketers, and communications professionals.
Discover more: Hootsuite and Buffer
10. Graphic design services
Freelancer websites, like Fiverr and Upwork, are a great place to start practicing any type of graphic design services. Create a profile, fill in your skills, and list your prices to start advertising your business.
Successful small business ideas in the graphic design industry all start with a list of requirements: a portfolio of sample designs for potential clients, proficiency in graphic design software, a social media presence, and the people skills needed to negotiate terms and pricing.
Join the Printify Experts Program to partner with merchants looking to outsource their product designs to determined artists.
Average startup costs:
- Initial costs with graphic design software plus website development and maintenance range from $500 to $2,000.
Salary estimates from sites like Glassdoor and Payscale value beginner graphic design services at an average of $25-$35/hour.
Who is it for: Artists, graphic designers, and creative professionals.
Discover more: 99designs
11. SEO consulting business
Offer your expertise in solving website performance issues, tracking traffic data, and other consulting skills to increase the growth of a client’s website.
SEO consulting is one of the most profitable business ideas, and there are plenty of online SEO courses (free & paid) to get you started.
While paying for high-quality data tracking tools isn’t necessary for personal websites, going pro will require subscriptions to SEO tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or Moz.
Average startup costs:
- Subscriptions cost up to $800 plus about $50 for WordPress site hosting.
SEO consultants in the US make between $500 to $1,500 per month.
Who is it for: SEO experts, digital marketers, and individuals with a strong understanding of search engine algorithms.
Discover more: Search Engine Journal
12. Translation services
If you’re bilingual, translation services could turn that skill into a lucrative business idea with low investment.
Offer translation services for online content creators, private individuals, and small businesses looking to reach a different customer demographic.
Average startup costs:
- Free if you already speak a second or third language, but you could incur costs from additional paid language lessons to sharpen your skills.
You can make $5-100 per 400 words on Fiverr. The median US hourly rate for translators and interpreters stands at $23.
Who is it for: Bilingual or multilingual individuals, linguists, and professionals with strong language skills.
Other low-investment-high-profit business ideas
13. Car wash business
Consider starting a true American classic – your own car wash business. Start small with only the necessary equipment and offer services from a home garage to limit expenses.
Average startup costs:
- You can start a simple car wash business with little supplies – just washing liquid, sponges, and a hose. Scaling will require an investment in tools and a service location, starting at around $25,000.
The average profit margin for a carwash business is about 35-60%. For a simple wash, expect an average profit of about $5-$10 per car. You can charge more for advanced services like waxing and tire treatments.
Who is it for: Entrepreneurs interested in a hands-on business, preferably in high car-traffic areas.
Discover more: Franchise Direct
14. Dog walking business
Pet owners will pay top dollar to make sure their furry friends stay healthy and happy. Starting your own dog-walking business or offering petsitting is a worthwhile venture with high profit margins and the added bonus of playing with cuddly pups.
Average startup costs:
- It’s usually free since most pet owners have all the necessary supplies, but you may need to spend $50-$100 per month on waste bags and treats.
Profit depends highly on where you live. Upscale neighborhoods may offer upwards of $20/hour for walking. If you can walk several dogs at the same time, that’s quite a profit!
Who is it for: Animal lovers and those who enjoy outdoor activities.
Discover more: Pet Business, Rover
15. Catering business
Offering catering is a low-cost business idea that has high profits per plate. You don’t have to be a personal chef to prepare healthy event cuisine and hot coffee.
Dinnerware, transportation, and food preparation expenses can add up, but if you budget right, you’ll still turn quite a profit.
Don’t forget to check if you need special licenses and permissions in your location.
Average startup costs:
- $10,000 to $50,000. You may need a small business loan since you’ll need to purchase or rent all the equipment in advance.
Traditional catering prices can range from $20 to $200 per person, depending on the location and occasion, and your profit margins will range from 7-20%.
Who is it for: Culinary professionals and people with a passion for cooking and event planning.
More resources: Le Cordon Bleu, The Balance Small Business, The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Home-Based Catering Business.
16. Wedding photography business
Any photographer or event planner will tell you that wedding photography is always in high demand.
If you already have a reputable photography business, mentioning in your social media bio that you do wedding photography will attract many more potential clients and expand your target audience. Level up with online courses on Skillshare and upgrade your camera and equipment to turn your passion into a steady income source.
Average startup costs:
- $2,000 to $5,000 for professional cameras, lenses, and editing software.
You should typically earn between $200 and $500/hour.
Who is it for: Professional photographers and those with a keen eye for capturing special moments.
Explore more: WeddingWire
17. Become a personal trainer
Health and fitness services never lose popularity. Many people looking to get in shape have already researched and purchased the necessary home gym equipment or gym membership and just need someone to guide and motivate them. This is where you come in – coach them through their workouts as a personal trainer.
Average startup costs:
- $500 to $1,500 for a personal trainer’s certification. Set aside at least $100/month for equipment or a gym membership.
The US average professional trainer rate is around $34/hour, but it can be higher in certain areas.
Who is it for: Fitness enthusiasts, certified personal trainers, and individuals passionate about health and wellness.
Discover more: ACE Fitness, NASM
18. Event planning business
Event planning requires a lot of coordination skills and attention to detail, only requires minimal initial investment. Weddings, birthdays, conferences, and team building events are all times when business look for event planners with the ability to network, order, and schedule a venue within a set budget. It’s a great business idea for those who like planning and organizing.
Average startup costs:
- $2,000 to $5,000, including expenditure with an eCommerce website, licenses, and filing fees.
The average event planner’s salary in the US is $25/hour, but you can earn more as you gain experience.
Who is it for: Highly organized individuals with a knack for planning and coordinating events.
Discover more: Cvent
19. Life coaching business
If you’ve mastered an aspect of your life, use that knowledge to better someone else’s. Coaching is one of the most popular high-profit business ideas for small business owners with expertise to share with others.
Offer life coaching services to other would-be business owners looking for a profitable venture, teach healthy routines, or instruct people on finance issues and emotional wellness.
Average startup costs:
- Minimum initial costs with promotion on social media. Ideally, aim to build a website.
Hourly life coaching rates in the US are at around $35/hour.
Who is it for: Motivational people with strong interpersonal skills and a passion for helping others achieve their goals.
Discover more: Coach Federation
20. Home maintenance business
This is yet another profession that will always be in high demand. You could be a handyman who does it all or focus on a specific task, such as window washing, cutting grass, outside repairs, washing driveways, and many more.
Home care services start as low-cost businesses and produce a relatively high-end profit. Becoming a contractor to do more advanced home repair work, depending on the specialty, will require licenses and exams, depending on your location. You’ll also need more expensive tools and equipment.
Average startup costs:
- $100 to $5,000 in tools and equipment.
Specific wages vary considerably depending on the task. For example, pressure washing rates in the US are around $23/hour).
Who is it for: Handymen, contractors, and individuals with skills in various home repair tasks.
Discover more: Home Advisor and Angi
Check out our blog to find 20 passive income ideas for making money and other low-investment business ideas as a family, artist, or influencer.
What do you need to start a successful business?
People often think a profitable small business needs a team of skilled workers, painful start-up costs, or angel investors. While that may be true in some cases, it’s certainly possible to start a successful small business with low startup costs.
Here are some tips for starting your small business on the right foot:
- Set aside enough time to prepare.
- Calculate all necessary business expenses in advance.
- Research whether the business is profitable in your area.
- Ensure you have at least some expertise in the subject.
- Maintain good organizational skills.
What is the easiest business with high-profit margins?
The best eCommerce business venture with low investment but high profit margins is a print-on-demand (POD) store. With POD, you can sell custom-designed products without worrying about inventory or shipping logistics, allowing you to focus on marketing and design.
Start your own POD business effortlessly and maximize your profits by joining Printify today.
Low-cost start-up businesses: FAQ
- Look inward: What are your skills & passions? Can you use them to solve problems or offer a service?
- Market research: Are there common frustrations people have that a product or service could solve?
- Print on Demand: Low cost, high reward. Design custom products and sell them online with Printify.
- Freelance services (writing, editing, design): Find work on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
- Consulting business: Offer your expertise (in a specific field) to businesses or individuals or sell online courses.
- Social media marketing: Help businesses manage their social media presence.
- Local services: Dog walking and pet sitting business, house cleaning, and lawn care (in your community).
Remember: The best business depends on your skills, interests, and resources.
Some of the best low-cost business ideas are online and remote, like content creation, online store creation, and an online course business.
Low-risk businesses require minimal investment costs. If you can start a business with under $100, it’s low-risk.
Yes, you can start a profitable online or remote work business with $10,000. Consider becoming an affiliate marketer, print-on-demand retailer, graphic designer, creating a personal training business, or even your own walking dog business.
Start your own business today!
Start your low-risk print-on-demand business with Printify!
