If you’re scoping for online business ideas in 2021, it’s an exciting time to get involved. The world of eCommerce has been further transformed this year thanks to the worldwide pandemic. Being confined to our houses has had an irrevocable impact on how billions of people around the globe work, live and shop.
While some traditional physical businesses have suffered due to the difficulty in translating their operating model to the online world, others have thrived. Given the fundamental change in how the world operates, many people are now looking at the possibilities to start an online business of their own.
Creating your own online business you can run from home is the perfect solution for those that want to ‘future-proof’ their lives by creating a new stream of income while staying safe at home.
Here are 8 online business ideas you can start in 2021.
Online Business Ideas #1 – Start a Niche T-Shirt Store
In the days of working from home and less formal outings, t-shirts have never had a bigger place in our wardrobes. And what you may have noticed is, people like to make a statement with the t-shirts they are wearing! Whether it’s bold slogans appearing on screens throughout your zoom meetings, political messaging, or people’s love cats, dogs or Netflix series, customised t-shirts are huge.
Novelty t-shirts also make great gift ideas for friends and family members. You can add text or messaging using a DTF printer or sublimation to make the t-shirt completely unique. If you’re looking for a fun online business idea to start in 2021, a dye-sub printing t-shirt business could be promising.
#2 – Become a Graphic Designer
If you have an eye for design, then it might be time to take it to the next level and become a freelance graphic designer. To start a business like this, you may first need to do an online course to professionalise your skills, and then when you’re ready to start attracting clients, you will need a portfolio. You can create one on your own website, Facebook, Instagram, or on websites like Dribble or Behance.
Industry platforms like Dribble or Behance will definitely help you get noticed faster, and, to find your first customers you could also participate in logo contests such as 48hourslogo or 99designs. With these, if you win the contests, the company looking for a logo might start working with you full-time if they like what you can do.
#3 – Sell Prints of Your Artwork
If you’re a creative artist of any skill level, it’s possible to sell prints of your artwork online. And the good news is, you needn’t be the next Picasso to make money. Simply create a few designs that would look great on a wall, and print them! You can either have them printed in a local printing shop or using a print on demand service that ships the printed product straight to your customer.
You can start selling on Etsy, Instagram, or create a Facebook shop. Later, if things take off, you can expand into your very own online store.
#4 – Help Small Businesses with Accounting
While accounting is not a quick and easy skill to attain, it can be lucrative in the long run – especially for those who want to run the business from home. With the boom in new businesses, small company accounting is sure to be hotly demanded, as no legitimate business can be without these services. As an accredited professional, you can help prepare financial statements, tax returns, and reports for businesses of all kinds from the comfort of your own home.
#5 – Become a Freelance Writer
If you have great writing skills, why not put them to use! One of the simplest ways to make money from writing is with freelance work, and there is plenty available if you know what you’re doing.
First, you’ll need a portfolio of work to show to potential customers, and then, you’ll have to find those customers. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr are a great place to start, and later on you can advertise your business on Google and Facebook. Then – once you have enough customers and a track record, why not build a content marketing agency? If you have honed your skills and have practised gaining customers, the sky is the limit.
#6 – Social Media Strategy Consultant
These days, one of the best ways to promote almost any business is via social media marketing. And with the growth of the online business segment, more businesses will need to create their online presence and brand awareness than ever before.
The truth is, while many small business owners may have a great product and great ideas, they have no idea about how to effectively market their products or services online. If you know social media, you can position yourself as the helping hand for those new businesses with no idea where to start.
#7 – Work as a Remote Assistant
If you are short on specific experience or are studying, then remote assistant work may be for you. The tasks you will be responsible for vary greatly, but more often that not the work will be tedious and mechanical in nature. But that’s not a bad thing, if you’re just looking for some extra cash or want to pick up a few new skills, this type of work can help you get your dream job in the future.
#8 – Publish a Content Website or Blog
For anyone who enjoys writing and has a passion for a particular topic, then starting a content website or blog is another great idea. Importantly, you need to first decide on the topic of your blog – and stick to it, so that you can build your target audience. Otherwise, you will lose it.
To monetise your blog, you can sell advertising space via ads and banners to independent advertisers; work with Google AdSense; or write product and service reviews for brands that fit into your niche.
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