40 Best Shopify Business Ideas You Can Start (2024)
Want to start a Shopify business idea but not quite sure what to start?
Starting an online business can be daunting, but it can also be incredibly rewarding and empowering.
To start, you'll need to find a great idea, set up your website, and start promoting. But how do you find an idea that will make money?
In this article, we provide you with 40 creative online business ideas you can start on Shopify.
Here they are:
1. Start an online t-shirt business
Running a t-shirt business is an opportunity many entrepreneurs are looking into as a side hustle or even a full-time business opportunity. While having your own physical store is possible, online businesses are becoming extremely popular in this field.
Launching your own successful online t-shirt business may feel daunting, but with the guidance & insights from people who are already pioneering this industry, it’s simpler than you may think. You can start with selling customized quotes t-shirts, tie-dye prints/screen printing t-shirts, or solid color t-shirts. The opportunities for this industry are endless.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $83,300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $425 (?)
How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)
Texas-born apparel brand Tumbleweed TexStyles has grown to serve over 150 retailers throughout the southern United States, selling an estimated 90,000+ products yearly and making an annual $1.2m in sales, thanks to the founders' unique designs, focus on giving back to the education community and successful “guerilla marketing” tactics.
2. Start a career coaching business
A career coaching business involves providing personalized guidance, support, and strategy services to help clients navigate professional transitions and growth opportunities.
As a career coach, you design custom sessions to assist with resume building, interview prep, and workplace advancement goals tailored to each client’s aspirations.
With flexibility for in-person or virtual meetings, building a client base lets you empower breakthroughs through specialized advice and accountability.
Launching a coaching practice can be a great opportunity for those with speaking talents and human resources expertise to monetize their natural motivational abilities while setting their own schedule.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Wall Street Oasis, the largest online community focused on careers in finance, has over 100 million visitors during its 14-year history and is currently receiving over 2 million visits per month, offering interview courses and mentorship services, in addition to building and investing in a thriving online community.
3. Create an online course
An online course business involves creating and selling digital classes teaching specialized skills or knowledge to subscribed students.
As an entrepreneurial course creator, you identify educational gaps around topics you have expertise in and develop engaging video lessons and supplementary materials.
With flexibility around self-paced or cohort-based structures, building a student base provides passive income potential.
For founders who enjoy information-sharing, launching an online course platform presents a lucrative way to monetize your instructional talents with small startup costs by serving eager lifelong learners seeking convenient access to emerging subjects.
How much you can make: $350 — $3,735,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,850 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
4. Become a shopify set up expert
A Shopify set-up expert business is a service that helps entrepreneurs create and customize their online stores using the Shopify platform. This business caters to individuals or companies who want to sell products online but are unsure of how to set up their store or don’t have the time or expertise to do it themselves.
As a Shopify set-up expert, your job will be to assist clients in setting up their online stores from start to finish. This includes tasks such as choosing a Shopify plan, selecting a theme, adding products and descriptions, setting up payment and shipping options, and integrating with other tools and services. You may also offer additional services such as graphic design, social media marketing, and email marketing to help clients grow their online businesses.
To run a successful Shopify set-up expert business, it’s essential to have a strong understanding of the Shopify platform and how to use it effectively. You should also be familiar with various e-commerce best practices, such as optimizing product pages for search engines and creating effective sales and marketing campaigns. It’s also essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and updates in the e-commerce industry to ensure that your clients always receive the best possible service.
Other tips for running a successful Shopify set-up expert business include building a strong online presence through a professional website and social media accounts, networking with other entrepreneurs and business owners, and offering excellent customer service to your clients. Following these tips can build a thriving business and help others succeed in e-commerce.
How much you can make: $20,000/month
How long does it take to build: 46 days (?)
Friction Studio, a Shopify agency founded by Vishal Goswami, now makes an average of $10k/month after starting with just $100, creating optimized design solutions for brands of various niches and helping D2C brands in their journey by removing eCommerce design, development and strategy friction.
5. Become a shopify consultant
A Shopify consultant business helps small businesses and entrepreneurs set up and optimize their online stores using the Shopify platform. You will work with clients as a Shopify consultant to understand their business goals and create a customized e-commerce strategy. This may include setting up their store, configuring payment and shipping options, adding products and descriptions, and implementing marketing and sales tactics.
To run a successful Shopify consulting business, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the Shopify platform and e-commerce best practices. You should also be able to communicate effectively with clients and have strong problem-solving skills to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Some tips for running a successful Shopify consulting business include:
Offer value-added services: In addition to setting up and optimizing clients’ stores, consider offering additional services such as website design, content creation, and social media management to help clients grow their online presence.
Stay up to date: The e-commerce landscape is constantly evolving, so staying updated on the latest trends and changes to the Shopify platform is essential. This will help you provide the best service to your clients.
Focus on customer service: Providing excellent customer service is key to building a successful business. Make sure to respond to client inquiries promptly and be available to provide support as needed.
Diversify your services: While Shopify consulting is your primary focus, consider offering services related to other e-commerce platforms or digital marketing to broaden your customer base.
A Shopify consulting business is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to help small businesses succeed online. You can build a successful and rewarding business by offering a range of services and providing excellent customer service, helping others grow their online presence.
How much you can make: $80,000 — $83,333/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Adjust Media is a digital strategy agency offering services such as paid media management and email management that grossed ~$1M by the end of 2021 with impeccable service, a proactive performance, and a "merchant-first mentality" that keeps over half of their clients for over two years.
6. Start a dropshipping business
Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products to customers without holding inventory.
Instead, when a customer makes a purchase, you buy the product from a third-party supplier, who then ships it directly to the customer.
To start a dropshipping business on a budget, choose a niche or category of products you want to sell.
Next, set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Then, find reliable suppliers from platforms like AliExpress, list their products on your store, and focus on marketing and customer service to grow your business.
Remember to carefully manage your expenses and monitor your profit margins to ensure profitability.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
7. Start an ecommerce marketing agency
Ecommerce agencies help online sellers achieve their eCommerce business goals through creative, technology, and marketing skills.
Hiring an eCommerce agency enables online sellers to start an eCommerce business or grow an existing one without employing full-time staff.
The eCommerce industry is often changing, and online sellers must match the current trends or risk being paced out by the competition. Balancing between production, launching creative services, and working on growing their eCommerce brands can be extremely difficult. Thus, the brands have no other option than hire eCommerce agencies.
Starting an eCommerce agency can be a profitable and fulfilling business opportunity. If you plan to state your eCommerce agency, educate yourself on the current trends and focus on building digital skills. You may focus on a particular niche or offer end-to-end services to your customers.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $465,583,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.
8. Start a graphic design business
Graphic designers create logos, brochures, ads, and other marketing materials for companies and organizations. They also design websites and other digital content, including social media graphics.
Graphic designers may specialize in one type of design (such as print or web design), or they can be generalists who do everything from logo design to social media graphics.
Starting a graphic design business can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. It’s not easy, but if you’re passionate about design and want to make a living, starting your own graphic design business is a great way to go.
Consider a suitable pricing structure when starting a graphic design business. You may charge the customers per hour or fixed pricing based on the project’s nature.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 87 days (?)
Learn how two friends bootstrapped a SaaS business to $55k monthly recurring revenue (MRR) by creating a simple graphic design tool for non-designers and focusing on content marketing for customer acquisition.
9. Become an Alibaba reseller
Alibaba resellers buy products from a manufacturer or a supplier and sell them to retailers. To start, find a good product to sell on Alibaba. The things to consider when looking for products to buy and resell include:
- Is there a demand for the product?
- Can you source it cheap enough?
- Is there a healthy profit margin from the sale of that product?
Arguably, the most difficult step in finding a product to resell on Alibaba or any other online platform is the hardest step in starting the reselling business. Once you have found the most profitable niche, the next step is signing for your reseller account on alternative platforms like own Shopify, amazon, or eBay platform and uploading your listings.
10. Become a shopify app developer
How much you can make: $150 — $65,000/month
How long does it take to build: 115 days (?)
Disha Shidham from San Francisco, California, USA started Savy over 6 years ago, a shopify app developer.
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 1
- Location: San Francisco, California, USA
10. Start an online rug store
Online rug stores sell fine hand-woven or hand-dyed antique rugs, carpets, and textiles. Some potential customers looking to purchase exceptional old rugs, carpets, and materials are auctions, collectors, academics, museum curators, and homeowners.
If you are a home décor enthusiast, purchase and resell rare and important rugs or carpets online or even open a store in the neighborhood. If you are starting, always begin with a nearby product, something local or with close suppliers. Costs will be less, and probably logistics problems will go near zero.
Also, take controlled risks, as it's easier to test and fail cheaper than ever. Online services and tools make you ready to launch with a few bucks, so go try, sell and take feedback. Probably, you are nearer than you think to success.
As you advance, source fine textiles and fragments of rugs from Europe, Persia, India, Turkey, Morocco, China, and other countries respected for their rug-making expertise.
Market your rugs and carpets online or open a local rugs store targeting rug and tag run & carpet lovers.
How much you can make: $40,000/month
Mundoalfombra.com is a Spanish-based rug and carpet e-commerce retailer that has seen 20% growth since the beginning of the decade, making around $23K/month revenue, and plans to further internationalize in the future.
11. Start a candle business
The candle industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
Candle making was one of the first industries to be industrialized, and now up to 90% of all candles are made by machinery. Yet most of us still make our own candles from home, creating a demand for handcrafted, high-quality candles from candle manufacturers even in today's automated world.
A candle business is a worthwhile idea for an entrepreneur who wants to make some extra money in their free time from the comfort of their own home. There are many opportunities for this type of business if you consider it seriously.
How much you can make: $500 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
12. Start a handmade goods business
A handmade craft business entails selling own-crafted products on online platforms like Alibaba, Etsy, an independent website, or social media.
To succeed in selling handmade goods, you'll need solid creative skills. Your creativity can help you build a strong brand.
And with online marketplaces, handmade shopping has become a popular trend.
In recent years, consumers worldwide have shown their support of independent businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those venturing into the handmade goods business.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
PortraitFlip is a successful startup that delivers handmade portraits globally with a clientele base in the USA and yields 3.5crs through their 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, and they started with an initial investment of only Rs.23,000.
13. Start a children's clothing business
The children's clothing business has grown rapidly over the last few years, and in 2022 was valued at $263.30 billion.
Starting a children's clothing business gives you the opportunity to be your own boss while working in a field you enjoy. While you have to be prepared to work long hours and put in lots of hard effort, it can be extremely rewarding if successful.
How much you can make: $500 — $1,333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)
Argentinian startup Bambox has grown its monthly recurring revenue to $60,000 and ships more than 1,100 boxes of baby essentials a month, a figure expected to help it achieve an annual recurring revenue of about $750,000 in 2019, after launching its first subscription service in July 2017.
14. Start a fashion accessories brand
Fashion accessories are an integral part of our wardrobes and are chosen specifically to compliment a person's outfit.
Typical fashion accessories include footwear, apparel, jewelry, wallets, handbags, hair accessories, and watches.
The global fashion accessories market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.3% during the forecast period (2021 - 2026).
How much you can make: $1,500 — $40,480,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
CuffStyle created Cuff Adapters, silicone tabs that fit over shirt cuff buttons allowing cufflinks to be worn with standard button-down shirts, and has sold over 2,000 packs and received 100+ reviews with a 4.6/5 star rating on Amazon, with plans to move into big-box retail and B2B sales.
15. Start a shipping company
A shipping company can be a great business to start. You can get the support and training that you need to run a successful small business. You may already have some of the resources at hand. This could include what you need to transport goods and a vehicle or two that you can use to get these materials from point X to point Y.
Shipping is a crowded industry. Starting your own shipping company isn't as hard as it used to be. With the explosion in eCommerce, there's an increasing demand for small package shipping. Becoming a shipping company entrepreneur has its rewards. Shipping is an area where there's a lot of potentials to earn bounties, it serves as a good source of income.
How much you can make: $20,000 — $2,400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Nationwide Auto Transportation ships approximately 4,000 vehicles per month and has served more than 50,000 customers, offering custom services such as help for clients who cannot find suitable carriers for their vehicle.
16. Start a wholesale business
A wholesale business involves buying products in large quantities from manufacturers or distributors and selling them to retailers or other businesses in smaller quantities. This business type usually focuses on providing products to businesses rather than individual consumers.
One of the main benefits of starting a wholesale business is purchasing products at a lower price due to the large quantities being purchased. This allows the business to sell the products at a profit to retailers or other businesses.
To run a thriving wholesale business, it is important to have a strong understanding of the market and the products being sold. Building solid relationships with manufacturers and distributors is essential to secure the best prices for the products sold. Additionally, it is important to have a solid marketing and sales strategy to reach potential customers and secure orders.
Another critical aspect of running a successful wholesale business is proper inventory management. It is important to understand accurately the demand for the products being sold and a system in place to track inventory levels and reorder products as needed.
Overall, a wholesale business can be lucrative for entrepreneurs who can effectively source products, build strong relationships with customers, and properly manage their inventory.
How much you can make: $12,000 — $1,250,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
The Good Scoop, a California-based artisanal ice cream shop, started with a small Italian countertop ice cream maker and now has a production facility, wholesaling to various venues, offering frequent scooper programs, and using Instagram as their primary advertising platform.
17. Sell car accessories
A car accessories business is a retail store or online shop selling various automobile products and services. These include car stereos, GPS systems, seat covers, dashboard covers, floor mats, and more. Running a successful car accessories business requires a good understanding of the automotive industry and a keen eye for the latest trends and technologies. It is also essential to have a wide selection of products available for customers to choose from and to be able to offer installation services if necessary.
One essential tip for running a successful car accessories business is establishing relationships with local auto repair shops and dealerships. This can help to increase customer traffic and provide a steady stream of business. It is also essential to focus on customer service and to be able to offer advice and recommendations to customers based on their specific needs and preferences.
Another tip is to stay updated on the latest products and technologies in the automotive industry. This can help attract and retain customers looking for the most current and advanced products. Overall, a car accessories business can be a lucrative and fulfilling venture for entrepreneurs who are passionate about automobiles and want to help customers enhance and personalize their vehicles.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $202,000/month
How long does it take to build: 197 days (?)
UnbuckleMe is a profitable business that has created an innovative tool to open kids' car seat buckles, generating a monthly revenue of $60K and attracting a range of customers from grandparents to parents with freshly done nails.
18. Start a shopify forum
Are you looking for a unique business idea that can be both profitable and fulfilling? Look no further than a Shopify forum! This innovative concept combines the power of e-commerce with the community-building aspect of online forums.
First, you will need to create a Shopify store, which is a platform that allows you to set up and manage an online store easily. Next, you will add a forum to your store using a Shopify app or plugin. This will enable customers to discuss products, ask questions, and provide feedback on your offerings.
To ensure success, fostering a vibrant and engaged community on your forum is crucial. This can be achieved by regularly posting informative and exciting content, hosting giveaways and promotions, and responding promptly to customer inquiries. Additionally, offering exclusive discounts or perks to forum members can help incentivize participation.
Another critical aspect of running a successful Shopify forum business is staying on top of industry trends and integrating the latest e-commerce features into your store. This will improve the customer experience and help you stay ahead of the competition.
Finally, it’s essential to have a clear brand identity and messaging. Make sure your forum and store have a consistent look and feel and that your content aligns with your brand’s values and mission.
A Shopify forum business is a distinctive and dynamic way to build a thriving e-commerce empire. With a commitment to community-building and a keen eye for industry trends, the sky’s the limit for your forum’s potential.
19. Start an online clothing business
Starting an online clothing business is an exciting and promising venture. The concept is simple: create an online platform where customers can browse, purchase, and receive their fashion items directly to their doorstep. The beauty of an online clothing business is that you don't have to worry about the overhead costs associated with a physical store, and you can reach a broader customer base.
However, running a successful online clothing business takes more than just setting up a website and listing products. Here are a few tips to ensure your business thrives:
Find your niche: The fashion industry is vast, and it’s essential to find your niche and target market. Identify what type of clothing you want to sell and to whom. For example, if you’re passionate about sustainable fashion, you can focus on selling eco-friendly clothing for the eco-conscious consumer.
Build a strong brand: Your brand is your business’s identity, and it’s crucial to create a strong brand that resonates with your target market. Choose a catchy and memorable business name, and create a consistent visual identity across all platforms, including your website, social media, and packaging.
Invest in excellent product photography: The quality of your product photography can make or break your business. People can’t touch or try on clothes online, so the photos are their only reference. Invest in professional photography to showcase your products in the best light possible.
Prioritize customer service: Good customer service is vital to building customer trust and loyalty. Respond quickly to customer inquiries, and make it easy for them to contact you. Offer free returns, and consider offering a loyalty program to keep your customers returning.
Stay on top of trends: The fashion industry is ever-evolving, and it’s crucial to stay on top of the latest trends. Keep an eye on what’s popular and what's coming next, and consider incorporating trendy items into your product offerings.
Starting an online clothing business may seem daunting, but it’s an exciting and fulfilling venture. By finding your niche, building a solid brand, investing in excellent product photography, prioritizing customer service, and staying on top of trends, you’ll be well on your way to running a successful and lucrative online clothing business.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $475,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Highway Robery is a sustainable robe company in Austin, Texas, producing colorful, all-inclusive, gender-neutral robes in the USA, having increased their sales up 49% YoY as of May 31, 2019.
20. Start a custom stickers business
Custom stickers are versatile and can be used in various marketing campaigns. Including direct mail and social media marketing.
Marketers prefer custom-made campaign stickers as they are unique and make marketing quite affordable. Besides, custom stickers improve brand visibility and the general look of your packaging. Therefore, creating a custom stickers business can be a great business opportunity.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,550 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Jordyn Alison Designs owner Jordyn, has grown her hand-lettered stationary business to average $3,000 a month by expanding her product line to include greeting cards, vinyl stickers, notepads, apparel and more, while also using social media to promote her launches and gauging customer interest.
21. Start a freelance writing business
Freelance writing can be a good career choice if you are looking for a flexible online job.
Working as a freelancer gives you the flexibility to define your work schedule. You can work from home at any time. Freelance writers work across various niches, writing about various topics assigned by the client,
To earn good money as a freelance writer, you need the following personal qualities:
- Strong writing skills
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Stay on the cutting edge
- Be a self-starter
- Be up-to-date with the current writing tools & writing trends
- Proper communication skills
How much you can make: $700 — $320,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
22. Start a photography blog
A photography blog business is a platform where photographers can share their work and connect with a community of fellow photographers and photography enthusiasts. The blog can feature various content, including tutorials, behind-the-scenes stories, gear reviews, and interviews with industry professionals.
To run a successful photography blog, it’s essential to provide high-quality content that resonates with your audience consistently. This can be achieved by staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and techniques and experimenting with different content types to see what resonates with your audience.
Another key to success is building a strong online presence and establishing yourself as an authority in the photography industry. This can be done through social media marketing, guest blogging, and networking with other industry professionals.
It’s also important to monetize your blog through advertising, sponsorships, and offering paid content or services such as ebooks, courses, or one-on-one coaching.
To stand out in a crowded market, consider specializing in a specific niche or style of photography, such as landscape, portrait, or street photography. This can help you build a loyal following and attract opportunities from businesses and brands in your niche.
Overall, a photography blog business is a great way for photographers to share their work, connect with others in the industry, and monetize their passion for photography. With dedication, hard work, and a focus on building a strong online presence, founders can turn their blog into a successful and rewarding businesses.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $15,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 440 days (?)
Founder Manthan Gajjar built his photography blogging platform, pewdoc, as a side hustle project and now generates $1.2K per month by publishing trending photography content for newbies. He shares his process of building a blog on a low budget, gaining traffic through consistency and SEO knowledge, and using social media advertising to attract customers and retain readers through newsletters.
23. Start an online furniture business
How much you can make: $15,000 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Branch Office Furniture offers a new approach to the office furniture industry, selling high-quality furniture directly to businesses with space design, delivery, and installation included at one-third to one-half of the price of comparable quality products, resulting in over $1M in sales since launching in Q1 of 2019.
24. Start a CBD business
Cannabidiol, abbreviated as CBD, is becoming a household name, and its proponents believe this is for good reasons. Reports indicate that CBD treats several conditions, including chronic pain, inflammation, migraines, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, and anxiety.
Market trend researchers indicate the CBD market will grow by a CAGR of 21.7 % over the next few years. Rising awareness of cannabidiol’s health benefits and its effectiveness in managing pain are some factors propelling the CBD industry’s growth.
Therefore, starting a CBD business in 2024 could be the best decision you are yet to agree to. Some high-potential CBD business ideas and opportunities include:
- Become a CBD distributor.
- Form CBD cooperatives.
- Run a CBD podcast.
- CBD marketer.
- CBD blogger and reviewer.
- Make and sell CBD bottles and containers.
- Start a CBD subscription box service.
- Start a CBD courier business.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $800,000/month
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
Plain Jane, an online CBD company founded by two college roommates, offers unique products and has generated over $20K a month in sales within five months, attracting and retaining customers through social media, authentic stories, and content.
25. Start a shopify plugin
How much you can make: $12,000 — $83,333/month
How long does it take to build: 185 days (?)
SuperLemon, a WhatsApp plugin for Shopify eCommerce stores, crossed $29,000 in MRR as of July 2020, with 20,000 users from 50+ countries and 1700+ paying customers, all acquired through organic marketing strategies and a relentless focus on customer service and satisfaction.
26. Start an online print business
How much you can make: $25,000 — $24,083,333/month
How long does it take to build: 197 days (?)
How a Nigerian-based online printing business servicing over 5,000 active customers generates an average $25,000 monthly revenue and a net profit of 20%, with a monthly order fulfillment of approximately 500 and 45% YoY growth.
27. Start a dog treat business
Dog treats are a cornerstone of the dog food market. If you enjoy baking and love dogs, you can combine these passions to create healthy, natural, and tasty treats for your furry friends.
As a dog treat entrepreneur, you have the opportunity to make delicious canine confections that are both good for dogs and enjoyable to eat.
Focus on ensuring your products meet the nutritional requirements and will be safe for their consumption, and consider introducing specialty services like custom birthday cakes and holiday gift boxes to provide an inviting niche.
Leverage online and local markets to transform homemade dog treats into a thriving and rewarding enterprise.
How much you can make: $15,000 — $1,833,333/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Toronto-based Treats Happen saw a gap in the market for healthy dog treats, and now makes roughly $15K per month. Their biggest lesson? As a brand, they don't just sell on their website but want to be available on as many profitable channels as possible.
28. Start a web flipping business
A web flipping business is where you purchase a website, improve its revenue and then sell it for a profit. To start a web-flipping business, find an undervalued site with high traffic but a poor monetization strategy. Alternatively, you can build your website, grow it and then sell at a profit.
To earn profits from web flipping, you must spend time churning out high-quality content and growing your following before you can start making money.
How much you can make: $175,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Mohit Tater, CEO and founder of BlackBook Investments, shares his company's offerings of buying and operating profitable internet businesses and helping others invest in these businesses, with a minimum investment of $100,000 for the one-to-one offering and $25,000 for the group buy offering, and has over $7.5m in AUM and growing at a very rapid pace.
29. Start an online art supplies business
How much you can make: $80,000 — $110,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 1 days (?)
A packaging designer started Stencil Stop in 2015, which now earns around $100K per month in revenue selling stencils, offering custom stencils as some of its best-sellers, and attracting and retaining customers through simplified products and efficient advertising techniques.
30. Start an online beauty products
How much you can make: $1,500 — $40,480,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week
This case study follows the founder of Urban Betty, who started her salon business with only one contractor, and now has two locations with over 50 employees, growing from 1.5 million to 3.4 million in revenue from 2014-2018, and investing around 2% of its gross income every year in Yelp, Google, and Facebook Ads.
31. Start a seo consultant business
An SEO Consultant provides professional advice to businesses helping them optimize their websites so they rank high in search results. Demand for SEO services and consultants is rising rapidly across industries as companies need search optimization to compete effectively.
If you are an SEO expert, you can start an SEO consulting business and earn decent profits by offering your services.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Digital Position, a digital marketing agency, was founded by Roger Parent, who was unhappy being underpaid at his job; the company is now generating over $330k/month in revenue, and aims to generate $5m in 2022, with a long-term goal of hitting $30m before Parent is 40.
32. Start a website theme development business
Starting a website theme development business involves creating visually appealing and functional website designs. These themes can be sold to individuals or companies looking to update their online presence. To start and run this business successfully, you will need a strong understanding of website design and development and a portfolio of your work to showcase to potential clients.
Additionally, you will need a strong marketing strategy to reach potential customers and showcase your skills. This may involve creating a website or social media presence to showcase your work and attract new clients.
Running a website theme development business also requires strong project management skills to ensure that projects are completed on time and to the satisfaction of your clients. Good communication skills are also essential, as you will need to work closely with clients to understand their vision and ensure that you are creating a theme that meets their needs.
Overall, starting a website theme development business requires a combination of creative skills and business acumen. This can be a rewarding and successful business venture with the right tools and strategies.
How much you can make: $150,000 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 95 days (?)
This case study follows the success story of Nick, founder of Qoders Family, who has generated over $3M in revenue through his various website building services including an award-winning development design agency, custom-designed WordPress theme templates, free WordPress plugins, and a Shopify app.
33. Start a socks business
Socks are a low-cost, high-profit business. One of the more affordable businesses you can start.
The market itself has a size of 47 billion USD in 2020 with an annual growth rate of 6%..
If you want to be successful in this industry, it is important that your socks are comfy to wear and stylish to look at. People would want to wear socks that will make them look great without sacrificing comfort.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Learn how Dane Jensen and his business partner grew their sock business from a monthly subscription to a $12M+ revenue business that mainly sells custom socks, by developing a manufacturing supply chain in the United States, using various marketing channels, and gradually expanding the business.
34. Start an online jewelry store
The online jewelry store industry has been growing rapidly. More and more people are buying cheaper jewelry online because it is easier and has a much more extensive selection.
The United States jewelry market was valued at about $76B in 2020, and diamond is considered to be the most valuable and lucrative among all forms of jewelry.
If you’re considering starting an online jewelry store to tap into this market, it’s crucial to choose the right e-commerce platform that can support your business needs and enable seamless transactions with your customers.
A great platform can help you showcase your products, manage your inventory, process payments securely, and provide an enjoyable shopping experience to your customers.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Taylor & Hart CEO Nikolay Piriankov tells the story of the company's journey from a diamond trading business to an award-winning, disruptive e-tailer of custom-designed, ethical engagement rings and fine jewelry, offering a bespoke design service through specifically developed technology online and instore, and growing to £4-6M in annual revenue.
35. Start a skin care product line
The skincare business is a multi-billion dollar one, and it shows no sign of slowing down. New anti-aging products are entering the market at a nearly exponential rate, and the competition for consumers' money is growing more and more.
The industry was valued at 130 billion USD in 2021 and will expand at an annual growth rate of 4.6% up to 2030. This is surely a type of business that you should not miss. You'll need to build your creativity on your products and make sure that it is all safe and useful in improving the skin of your customers.
How much you can make: $300 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
Two moms start a side hustle selling all-natural body products, doubling sales since their launch in 2017 with over 75 craft shows, promoting a non-profit source for their shea butter and self-promotion through podcasts, lining up retail interest from exposure.
36. Start an online bakery
An online bakery is a business that sells baked goods through the internet.
To start an online bakery, first identify your specialty (like cookies, cupcakes, or bread) and gather basic baking equipment.
Next, create a simple website or use a platform like social media to showcase your products.
Take quality photos, set reasonable prices, and promote your online bakery through social media, local communities, and word of mouth to attract customers.
As orders come in, bake fresh treats, pack them securely, and arrange for reliable delivery or pickup options.
According to statistics, the global bakery products market size was $398B in 2020. The market is projected to grow from $416B in 2021 to $590B by 2028.
How much you can make: $25,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
French chef and founder of online bakery Pastreez, Anthony Rosemond, shares keys to success including validating ideas with the market, focusing on SEO and organic growth, building customer relationships through email and SMS, never offering discounts but offering freebies, and diversifying the business with new products and content on social media.
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- 4,818 founder case studies
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- 8,628 business ideas
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
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- 8,628 business ideas
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
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- 8,628 business ideas
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
