Episode 711: 711: 8 Online Businesses You Can Start With (Almost) No Money
10 business ideas · 7 case studies · Aired
Listen to EpisodeBusiness Ideas from this Episode
Digital Product Sales
A business model focused on creating and selling digital products, such as printables, templates, or online courses that can be sold repeatedly after initial creation.
One-time purchase model for digital products, often facilitated through platforms like Etsy or personal websites.User Generated Content (UGC) Creation
A service where individuals create authentic video content for brands using their own products, which brands can use for marketing purposes.
Fee-for-service model where UGC creators charge brands per video or project completed.Amazon Influencer Program
A platform allowing individuals with a social media following to create short product review videos for items sold on Amazon, earning commissions on sales generated from their content.
Commission-based earnings where influencers receive a percentage of sales generated through their video links.Rank and Rent Websites
A business model where individuals build a portfolio of niche websites that rank for local service-related searches and then rent them out to local service providers.
Rental income model where businesses pay a monthly fee to use the ranked websites for lead generation.Grant Discovery Platform
A platform designed to help creators and small business owners discover and apply for grants tailored to their specific needs and projects.
Freemium model where users can access basic grant information for free, with a subscription tier for premium features such as personalized grant matching and application assistance.Online Class Marketplace
An online platform where educators can offer live and pre-recorded classes in various subjects, particularly focusing on creative and gaming topics.
Commission-based model where the platform takes a percentage of the fees from each class sold, along with potential subscription options for teachers for additional features.Gusto Payroll Simplified
An online payroll and benefits software designed for small businesses, focusing on ease of use for managing payroll tasks, benefits, and HR needs from anywhere.
Subscription-based model where businesses pay a monthly fee for access to payroll and HR services.Creator-Focused Social Media Hub
A dedicated social media platform for creators to share resources, collaborate, and promote their work to a like-minded audience.
Membership fees for premium features, advertising revenue, and partnerships with brands targeting the creator economy.Niche Newsletter Network
A network of niche newsletters that promote content and resources for specific creator communities, allowing for cross-promotion and audience growth.
Advertising revenue from businesses targeting the creator economy, and subscription fees from newsletter creators who want to join the network for promotion.Gamified Learning Experiences
Creating engaging online classes that incorporate gaming elements, such as challenges and collaborative projects, to teach various subjects or skills.
Charge per class or subscription model for regular access to a series of gamified learning sessions.Case Studies from this Episode
Amazon Influencer Program
This program allows individuals with a social media following to create product review videos for items sold on Amazon and earn commissions on sales generated through those videos.
Users can earn commissions on sales, with examples of individuals earning thousands of dollars through product reviews.
Gusto
Gusto is an online payroll and benefits software designed for small businesses, providing tools for payroll processing, tax filing, and HR management.
Not mentioned in the transcript.
Etsy
Etsy is an online marketplace that enables individuals to sell handmade or vintage items and craft supplies.
Cody took a brand new Etsy shop from zero to $1,000 a month in sales by listing 20 to 30 products per week.
Honeybook
Honeybook is a client management software designed for creative professionals to manage projects, send invoices, and track payments.
Not mentioned in the transcript.
Devon Ricks
Devon Ricks is an educator who teaches video game classes online through the Outschool platform, primarily focusing on Nintendo Switch games.
At the time of the podcast, Devon reported earning $4,000 a month part-time from teaching video game classes. She charges $13 per student per hour, with her highest grossing class earning her approximately $200 per week.
ClickUp
ClickUp is a project management software that helps teams organize tasks, manage workflows, and collaborate effectively.
Not mentioned in the transcript.
Outschool
Outschool is an online platform that connects K-12 students with teachers for live classes in various subjects, including academic topics and extracurricular activities like video games.
Teachers on Outschool can set their own prices, with recommendations around $10 to $15 per student per hour. Outschool takes a 30% commission on the earnings.
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