top of page

50 Profitable Online Business Ideas for 2023

  • Writer: Guest Author
    Guest Author
  • Nov 15, 2025
  • 7 min read

Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Exploring Digital Opportunities


In today's digital age, starting an online business has never been easier. With a plethora of options available, you can choose a venture that aligns with your skills and interests. Here are 50 profitable online business ideas for 2023.


1. Digital Products (Ebooks, Templates, Printables)


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 🔥


Digital products like ebooks, templates, and printables are in high demand. They require minimal upfront investment and can generate significant income.


2. Online Courses / Coaching


  • Cost: Low–Mid

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 🔥


Creating online courses or offering coaching services can be highly lucrative. Share your expertise and help others while earning a substantial income.


3. Social Media Management / Content Creation


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 🔥


Businesses are always looking for skilled social media managers. If you have a knack for content creation, this could be a great fit.


4. Freelance Copywriting / Marketing


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 🔥


Freelance copywriting is a fantastic way to earn money. Companies need compelling content, and if you can provide it, you can build a successful career.


5. Affiliate Marketing


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Easy–Moderate

  • Income: High (passive)

  • Viability: 🔥


Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting products. It's a great way to generate passive income with minimal investment.


6. Print-on-Demand (Merch, Mugs, Planners, Journals)


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 🔥


With print-on-demand services, you can sell custom merchandise without holding inventory. This model offers unlimited niche opportunities.


7. Subscription Membership Community


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: High recurring

  • Viability: 🔥


Building a subscription-based community can provide steady income. Offer exclusive content or services to your members for a monthly fee.


8. Blogging + Ad Revenue + Affiliate + Digital Product Funnel


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 🔥


Blogging can be a powerful way to generate income. Combine ad revenue, affiliate marketing, and digital products for a comprehensive income strategy.


9. Self-Publishing (Books, Guides, Workbooks)


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 🔥


Self-publishing has become increasingly accessible. If you have a story or knowledge to share, consider writing and publishing your own book.


10. Real Estate (Agent, Rentals, Property Management)


  • Cost: Med–High

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 🔥


The real estate market offers numerous opportunities. Whether as an agent or property manager, you can earn a significant income.


11. YouTube Channel (AI, Adulting, Entrepreneurship, etc.)


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 🔥


Starting a YouTube channel can be both fun and profitable. Share your passions and monetize your content through ads and sponsorships.


12. Podcast + Monetization


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 👍


Podcasts are gaining popularity. Create engaging content and explore monetization options like sponsorships and listener donations.


13. Tutoring / Special Needs / Academic Support


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 🔥


If you have teaching skills, consider offering tutoring services. There is a growing demand for academic support, especially for special needs students.


14. Digital Marketing Agency (Micro-Business Focused)


  • Cost: Low–Mid

  • Difficulty: Advanced

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 🔥


Starting a digital marketing agency can be a rewarding venture. Help businesses grow their online presence and earn a substantial income.


15. Virtual Assistant Services


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Income: Medium

  • Viability: 👍


Virtual assistants are in high demand. Offer administrative support to businesses and entrepreneurs from the comfort of your home.


16. Notary / Loan Signing Agent


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 👍


Becoming a notary or loan signing agent can be a flexible side business. It requires minimal investment and can yield a good income.


17. Airbnb / Short-Term Rental Management


  • Cost: Low (if managing others’ properties)

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 🔥


Managing short-term rentals can be lucrative. If you have property management skills, consider this growing market.


18. Dropshipping


  • Cost: Low–Mid

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 👍


Dropshipping allows you to sell products without holding inventory. This model is appealing for those looking to start a retail business with low overhead.


19. 3D Printing Business (Models, Merch, Prototypes)


  • Cost: Medium

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 🔥


If you have access to a 3D printer, consider starting a business creating custom models or prototypes. This niche market is growing rapidly.


20. Local Niche Website (Hutto, Tourism, Directories)


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 🔥


Creating a local niche website can attract a specific audience. Focus on tourism or local directories to monetize through ads and affiliate marketing.


21. Lifestyle + Niche Influencer


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 👍


If you have a passion for a specific lifestyle, consider becoming an influencer. Brands are eager to partner with influencers to reach targeted audiences.


22. Brand Sponsorship Creator


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 👍


Creating content for brand sponsorships can be highly profitable. Build a strong online presence to attract potential sponsors.


23. Web Design Services (Squarespace, Wix, Shopify)


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 🔥


If you have web design skills, offer your services to businesses. Many companies need help establishing their online presence.


24. Subscription Box Business


  • Cost: Medium

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: High recurring

  • Viability: 👍


Subscription boxes are a popular business model. Curate unique products and deliver them to customers monthly for a steady income.


25. AR/VR or AI App Creation


  • Cost: High

  • Difficulty: Advanced

  • Income: Wild

  • Viability: 🔥


If you have tech skills, consider developing AR/VR or AI applications. This field is rapidly growing and offers significant earning potential.


26. Drone Photography / Video


  • Cost: Mid

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 👍


Drone photography is a unique business opportunity. Capture stunning aerial images for events, real estate, or marketing purposes.


27. Event Planning + Community Events


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 👍


If you have organizational skills, consider event planning. Help clients create memorable experiences while earning a good income.


28. Meal-Prep / Home Chef / Food Business


  • Cost: Low–Mid

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 👍


Starting a meal-prep or home chef business can be rewarding. Cater to busy individuals looking for healthy meal options.


29. Home Cleaning Business


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Income: Medium

  • Viability: 👍


A home cleaning business can be started with minimal investment. Many people are willing to pay for a clean home.


30. Mobile Car Detailing


  • Cost: Low–Mid

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 👍


Mobile car detailing is a convenient service that many people appreciate. Start your own business and offer on-site cleaning.


31. Pet Services (Pet Sitting, Grooming, Walking)


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 👍


If you love animals, consider offering pet services. Pet sitting, grooming, and walking are in high demand.


32. Handmade Etsy Products


  • Cost: Low–Mid

  • Difficulty: Easy–Moderate

  • Income: Medium

  • Viability: 👍


Selling handmade products on Etsy can be a fulfilling venture. Showcase your creativity and reach a global audience.


33. Graphic Design Services


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Easy–Moderate

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 🔥


If you have graphic design skills, offer your services to businesses. Many companies need help with branding and marketing materials.


34. Stock Photography + Asset Licensing


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Easy–Moderate

  • Income: Medium–Passive

  • Viability: 👍


If you enjoy photography, consider selling stock images. This can provide a passive income stream as your photos are licensed.


35. Software Developer / Automation Specialist


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Advanced

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 🔥


Software development is a highly sought-after skill. Create custom solutions for businesses and earn a substantial income.


36. Cybersecurity Consultant


  • Cost: Low–Mid

  • Difficulty: Advanced

  • Income: Wild

  • Viability: 🔥


With the increasing importance of cybersecurity, consultants are in high demand. Help businesses protect their data and systems.


37. Virtual Fitness Coaching / Wellness


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Easy–Moderate

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 👍


If you are passionate about fitness, consider virtual coaching. Help clients achieve their health goals while earning income.


38. Nutrition Consulting


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 👍


Nutrition consulting is a growing field. Share your knowledge and help clients improve their health through better eating habits.


39. Resume Writer / College Admissions Helper


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 🔥


If you have experience in hiring or admissions, consider offering resume writing services. Many people seek help to stand out in the job market.


40. Career Coaching for Young Adults


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 🔥


Help young adults navigate their career paths. Career coaching can be a rewarding way to make a difference while earning a good income.


41. Digital Art + Clipart Business


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 🔥


If you are an artist, consider selling digital art or clipart. This niche market allows you to reach a wide audience online.


42. Local Small-Business Consulting


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 🔥


Help local businesses thrive by offering consulting services. Your expertise can make a significant impact on their success.


43. Property Preservation Services


  • Cost: Low–Mid

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 👍


Property preservation services are essential for maintaining real estate. This business can be both profitable and fulfilling.


44. Cleaning Airbnb Turnovers


  • Cost: Low

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 👍


With the rise of short-term rentals, cleaning services for Airbnb properties are in high demand. Start your own cleaning business today.


45. Party Rentals (Bounce Houses, Tables, Decor)


  • Cost: Mid

  • Difficulty: Easy–Moderate

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 👍


Party rental businesses can be lucrative. Rent out bounce houses, tables, and decor for events and celebrations.


46. Event Photography


  • Cost: Mid

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 👍


If you have a passion for photography, consider specializing in event photography. Capture special moments for clients and earn a good income.


47. Yard Care / Lawn Services


  • Cost: Mid

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Income: Medium–High

  • Viability: 👍


Yard care and lawn services are always in demand. Start your own business and help clients maintain their outdoor spaces.


48. Storage Rental (Shed, Garage, Container)


  • Cost: Mid

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Income: Medium–Passive

  • Viability: 👍


If you have extra space, consider offering storage rentals. This can provide a steady stream of passive income.


49. Buying & Flipping (Furniture, Appliances, Cars)


  • Cost: Mid

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Income: High

  • Viability: 👍


Buying and flipping items can be a profitable venture. Look for undervalued items and resell them for a profit.


50. Solve-A-Problem Startup (The Wildcard)


  • Cost: Varies

  • Difficulty: Hard

  • Income: Wild

  • Viability: 🔥


Identify a problem in your community and create a startup to solve it. This wildcard approach can lead to innovative solutions and significant income.


Starting an online business offers flexibility and the potential for high income. Choose an idea that resonates with you, and take the first step toward entrepreneurship today!

bottom of page