10 Online Business Ideas You Can Start in 2025 With Less Than $100
The digital economy is expanding rapidly, and starting an online business has never been more accessible. While it may seem like launching a successful business requires significant investment, the truth is, you can build a profitable online business with less than $100. Whether you’re looking to generate a side income or build a full-time business, these 10 low-investment online business ideas are perfect for 2025 and beyond.
Digital Economy Booming
In the modern digital landscape, the barriers to entry for new entrepreneurs have lowered drastically. The rise of e-commerce, online platforms, and digital tools means you can turn your passion or skill into a business with minimal upfront costs. Plus, many business models require little to no experience, making them ideal for beginners. With less than $100, you can get started and set yourself up for success. Let’s explore some of the best ideas for building a low-investment online business in 2025.
1. Print-on-Demand Store
Print-on-demand (POD) allows you to design products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases without holding any inventory. Platforms like Printful, Printify, and Teespring handle production and shipping for you. You simply create your designs and list them for sale on your website or marketplaces like Etsy or Shopify.
Why it works: No inventory, no upfront costs, and you can start selling almost immediately. Plus, with platforms offering free integrations with Shopify, starting a POD store is straightforward and affordable.
2. Digital Product Shop (Gumroad, Payhip)
Selling digital products like eBooks, printables, templates, or stock photos is an excellent way to monetize your skills. Platforms like Gumroad, Payhip, and Etsy allow you to upload your digital products and start selling with little to no overhead.
Why it works: Once created, digital products can be sold indefinitely, creating a passive income stream. The costs are minimal—mainly for the platform fees and marketing.
3. Affiliate Blog
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for sales made through your referral link. By starting a niche blog, you can create valuable content while incorporating affiliate links to products relevant to your audience.
Why it works: You don’t need to create products or hold inventory. With affiliate programs available for almost any niche, there’s plenty of potential to earn passive income from your blog. The key is selecting the right niche and crafting content that resonates with your audience.
4. YouTube Faceless Channels
If you enjoy creating videos but don’t want to appear on camera, consider starting a faceless YouTube channel. You can create educational, review, or entertainment content using voiceovers, stock footage, or animation. Monetize through YouTube ads, affiliate marketing, or product sponsorships.
Why it works: You don’t need expensive equipment to get started. All you need is a computer, editing software (many free options), and a YouTube account. With consistency and engaging content, you can grow your audience and earn money.
5. TikTok Drop Servicing
Drop servicing is a business model where you sell services that you outsource to others. On TikTok, you can promote your services (such as graphic design, writing, or video editing) and find freelancers on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to complete the work.
Why it works: You don’t need any specialized skills, just the ability to market and manage the business. With TikTok’s algorithm, you can quickly reach a large audience, making this a great way to start earning with minimal investment.
6. Flipping Domains
Domain flipping involves buying undervalued domain names and selling them at a profit. Websites like GoDaddy Auctions, Namecheap, and Sedo provide platforms where you can purchase domain names at low costs and sell them for a higher price later.
Why it works: Domain flipping requires minimal upfront investment and can yield high returns if you find the right domains. With good research and strategy, this can be a profitable venture.
7. Notion Template Store
Notion, a popular productivity and note-taking app, allows users to create customizable templates. If you are familiar with the platform, you can create and sell pre-designed Notion templates for various purposes like personal development, project management, or business planning.
Why it works: Notion templates are in demand, and creating them requires just your time and creativity. You can sell them through platforms like Gumroad or your own website.
8. Freelance Microservices (Fiverr, Upwork)
If you have skills like graphic design, writing, or video editing, you can offer microservices on freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. Start small by offering services at competitive rates, and as you build your reputation, you can increase your rates.
Why it works: Freelance platforms provide a built-in audience, meaning you don’t need to invest in expensive marketing campaigns. With minimal setup costs, you can start offering your services right away.
9. Newsletter Business
Building a niche email list and offering valuable content can be a lucrative business. Whether you’re sharing tips, news, or product recommendations, you can monetize your newsletter through sponsorships or paid subscriptions.
Why it works: Email lists are a valuable asset. Once you have a dedicated subscriber base, monetizing with affiliate marketing, sponsored content, or premium newsletters becomes possible. Platforms like Substack make it easy to start and grow your newsletter.
10. Virtual Assistant Agency
With businesses and entrepreneurs increasingly looking for remote support, starting a virtual assistant (VA) agency can be a great online business idea. You can start by offering your VA services, then scale by hiring other VAs to work for you and taking on more clients.
Why it works: Virtual assistant services are in high demand, and the startup costs are low. As a VA agency owner, you can charge premium prices by offering specialized services and building a team to scale.
Tools You’ll Need (Free or Cheap)
- Canva – Design stunning graphics for your website, social media, and digital products.
- ChatGPT – Generate content ideas, write blog posts, and assist with customer service.
- Mailchimp – Manage and automate your email marketing campaigns.
- Google Docs – Collaborate, store, and share documents and resources for your business.
Tips for Success
- Focus on one idea: While it may be tempting to start multiple businesses, focusing on one idea will allow you to scale faster and master the niche.
- Keep costs low: Use free tools and platforms in the beginning to reduce your startup costs. Only invest in premium tools once your business is generating revenue.
- Consistency is key: Whether it’s publishing content, providing services, or marketing your products, consistency is essential for growing your business.
Start Lean, Scale.
Starting an online business with less than $100 is completely achievable. The key is to choose an idea that aligns with your skills, interests, and market demand. By focusing on low-cost, high-return opportunities, you can build a successful online business that can scale over time. With the right tools and strategies in place, 2025 is the year to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
