Want to start an online business but think it’s too expensive? Think again! Here are 7 online businesses you can launch with $500 or less.
A lot of people think starting a business is expensive. Like, you need thousands of dollars, a fancy office, and a full team just to get started. But guess what? That’s a myth.
The truth is, you don’t need a massive budget to make money online. In fact, you can start with just $500—or even less.
So, if you’ve been putting off your business dreams because you think it’s too expensive, consider this your wake-up call. Here are seven online businesses you can launch today—without breaking the bank.
1. Freelance Services
Okay, let’s start with something simple. Do you have a skill? Writing? Graphic design? Video editing? Social media management? Maybe even voiceovers?
Well, good news—people will actually pay you for that.
Freelancing is one of the easiest ways to start making money online. You don’t need inventory, a fancy website, or an office. Just your skills, a laptop, and an internet connection. That’s it.
Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer make it super easy to find clients. Just set up a profile, showcase your work, and start applying for gigs.
Want to stand out? A simple website or portfolio can help. Maybe even running a few ads. But honestly, if you hustle and network, you can land your first client without spending a single dollar.
2. Print-on-Demand (POD)
Ever wanted to sell your own t-shirts, hoodies, or mugs? Maybe you’ve got some cool design ideas but don’t want to deal with the hassle of inventory and shipping.
That’s where print-on-demand comes in.
Here’s how it works: You upload your designs to platforms like Printful, Teespring, or Redbubble. When someone places an order, they print and ship the product for you. No inventory, no packaging—just profits.
Your biggest investment? Maybe some design software like Canva or Photoshop. If you want to boost sales, running a few targeted ads might help. But if your designs are catchy, they could sell on their own.
3. Dropshipping
Now, this is a big one. Dropshipping lets you run an online store without ever touching a single product.
Here’s how it works: You create an online store using Shopify or WooCommerce. You list products from suppliers, and when someone buys, the supplier ships it directly to them. No need to store or manage inventory.
Sounds easy, right? Well, the trick is finding the right niche and marketing your store properly.
Your main costs? A Shopify subscription and maybe some ads to bring in customers. But if you hit on the right product, you can make serious money fast.
4. Blogging & Affiliate Marketing
If you love writing and sharing your thoughts, blogging can be a great way to make money.
You pick a niche—finance, fitness, travel, gaming, personal development, whatever interests you—and start creating helpful content.
Over time, you can monetize your blog through:
- Affiliate marketing: Recommend products and earn commissions.
- Sponsored posts: Companies pay you to feature their products.
- Ad revenue: Once you get enough traffic, you make money from ads.
The biggest cost? A domain name and hosting—maybe $100 for the year. But once your blog grows, it can turn into a solid passive income source.
5. Online Coaching or Consulting
You don’t have to be a world-class expert to help others. You just need to be a few steps ahead of someone who’s trying to learn.
Maybe you have experience in career coaching, fitness training, business strategy, or even relationship advice. Whatever it is, people are willing to pay for one-on-one guidance.
Best part? No physical products, no shipping, no inventory. Just set up a website, use a scheduling tool like Calendly, and run your sessions over Zoom.
Biggest expense? Maybe branding and marketing. But if you’ve got a strong social media presence, you can start attracting clients without spending a cent.
6. Social Media Management
Let’s be real—businesses need social media. But most of them don’t have the time, skills, or patience to do it right.
That’s where you come in.
If you know how to create engaging posts, grow followers, and run targeted ads, you can offer social media management services. Small businesses, startups, even influencers need help with this.
What do you need to start? Maybe a scheduling tool like Buffer or Later, but that’s about it.
And if you can show results? Businesses will happily pay you for your skills—no degree required.
7. Selling Digital Products
This one is exciting because once you create a digital product, you can sell it over and over again without worrying about shipping or inventory.
Think e-books, printable planners, design templates, online courses, stock photos—all things you can create once and sell infinitely.
Platforms like Gumroad, Etsy (for digital downloads), and Teachable make it super easy to get started.
Your only real cost? Maybe some software like Canva, Photoshop, or video editing tools to make high-quality products. But after that? It’s all profit.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—seven online businesses you can start with $500 or less. No huge investments. No complicated setups. Just you, your laptop, and the internet.
Now, here’s the real question… what’s stopping you?
You can keep thinking about it, or you can pick one of these ideas and just start.
Because that small investment? It could turn into something life-changing.
So go for it. Start today. Who knows? A few months from now, you could be making way more than you ever expected.
