Suitable for Beginners! Here are 10 Ways to Start an Online Business

You must have often wondered, can you start a business without investing capital? Certainly, you can. Doing business is not just about having a large capital, such as owning assets, money, and so on. In this advanced era with rapid developments, there are indeed many things we can explore.

Starting from home while lying down, you can generate income-generating businesses for yourself. Such as utilizing existing tools or items you have right now, without needing to add additional capital. This way, you can use a laptop, smartphone, and internet connection for something beneficial. The most important key in starting this online business is, of course, having high creativity.

Not only always following existing systems, but also being able to create the latest innovations that are more possible.

10 Tips for Starting an Online Business from Scratch

Here are some online business methods that you can apply without having to spend any capital, but by utilizing the assets you already have:

1. Become a Dropshipper

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What is a dropshipper? It is someone who does not need to buy products, but only needs to offer products through social media, websites, or directly to friends. Then when there is a buyer, you simply contact the supplier to send the goods. Being a dropshipper is different from being a reseller. A reseller buys goods first and can do so on a large scale to get cheaper prices, unlike a dropshipper who goes to the supplier if there are potential buyers.

For example, there is an online shop that sells cooking utensils. You can sell the products to potential consumers and if they are interested, you can order from the seller and send it directly to your customers. Of course, the profit margin as a dropshipper is not as much as a reseller.

2. Online Brokerage

Source: Maxmanroe.com

What is an online broker? A broker is a third party involved in negotiating buying and selling agreements between buyers and sellers. Items often sold by online brokers are motor vehicles, cars, rentals, houses, or land.

In the commission of property broker agents regulated in Regulation of the Minister of Trade Number 51/M-DAG/PER/7/2017 concerning Property Trade Intermediary Companies which states "In the event that P4 carries out sales and purchase services as referred to in Article 6 letter a, P4 has the right to receive a commission in the amount of at least 2% (two percent) and a maximum of 5% (five percent) of the transaction value and adjusted to the scope of services provided to Service Users."

With the commission details as follows:

• 3% commission for properties with a maximum price of Rp1 billion
• 2.5% commission for properties priced Rp1–3 billion
• 2% commission for properties with prices above Rp3 billion

Certainly, these are regulations that have been set by the government, but you can make agreements with asset owners on commissions, so that the prices offered to potential buyers can be more suitable. This online business method is very suitable for those of you who have good negotiation skills.

3. Become a Blogger

Source: Hurryworld.com

You might already be familiar with the term blogger. But you should also know that being a blogger can generate considerable income, just using assets you already have such as a smartphone, laptop, internet connection, and hosting, you can start this online business method.

Hosting itself is an online service displayed through the internet to manage website data or web applications by users. You can use it by creating a website with high traffic or you can easily monetize it by registering for the PPC program through Google AdSense.

In addition to AdSense, you can also sell goods or services through the website you have created. Make sure you learn SEO techniques to optimize your website on Google search engines.

4. Youtuber

Source: Freepik.com

In today's technological era, almost everyone knows YouTube. According to Business of Apps data, the current number of active YouTube users worldwide has reached 2.68 billion in the first quarter of 2023. Not only Indonesians, but people from around the world.

With that, there are many opportunities that can be monetized based on such a large number of viewers. Starting from product sponsors and Google Adsense. You also don't need to spend a lot of capital to produce videos, but use your smartphone. This online business method is suitable for those of you who are active in front of the camera.

5. Content Writer

Source: Freepik.com

This online business method is suitable for those of you who enjoy writing. Besides becoming a blogger, try offering online article writing services.

Just with a laptop and an internet connection, you can start working from home with minimal capital. To offer your writing services, try registering on various job offer sites.

6. Designer

Source: icieducation.co.uk

Besides writing services, design skills are also one of the profitable online business methods. You can use these skills for various services such as designing business cards, logos, products, invitations, banners, poster designs, certificates, brochures, architectural designs, merchandise, and much more.

It's up to you to create promotions and portfolios that can attract clients.

7. Become a Translator

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To become a translator, you need to master at least one language. Also, make sure you have an interest in reading and good writing skills.

Next, create a portfolio of foreign language translation skills, so that it can be easily found by clients looking for a reliable translator. You can also work on this online business method from home. If you are interested, try joining various online job websites.

8. Selling Photos Online

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Do you like photography? Make this hobby your income by selling your photos online. Nowadays, with the success of social media, entrepreneurs have developed their businesses online, and many companies use online services to get content.

With that, this online business method can be used as income. There are already many online platforms where you can sell your stock photos, such as websites that provide various stock photos to be used.

9. Become a Consultant

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The next online business method is to open online consulting services. For example, if you are an architect, you can offer consulting services related to the exterior design of a residence.

Another example, if you are an expert in managing social media, you can share your knowledge with new companies and help them improve their strategies in the digital world. The capital to start this consulting business is not expensive, just a laptop and an internet connection. Then how do you promote it?

Promote your expertise on social media, and don't forget to include successful client portfolios. It would be better if you could include the results of your projects on LinkedIn.

10. Become a Game Booster

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The rapid development of time has brought about new professions that can generate income, even though they were previously looked down upon, such as becoming an expert in a game. Until today, there are many online game competitions, ranging from local to international levels such as the ASIAN Games.

With the existence of E-Sports, many people or gamers want to make their game profiles strong and can be shown off, the role of becoming a booster in a game can take advantage of this. You can set prices for each account you boost, and you can also market the boosting results on social media.

Those are 10 ways to start an online business with minimal capital that you can do in this increasingly expanding digital era. Turns out, there are many opportunities to start an online business without capital. But it should be emphasized, even though.