Top 3 Online Businesses to Start in 2025 (Even if You’re Broke)

Summary

In this video, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 5 years of experience in online businesses breaks down the top business models to pursue in 2025. Covering service-based, product-based, and content-based businesses, the video emphasizes their startup costs, scalability, and timelines for earning your first $1,000. Service-based businesses are ideal for quick cash, while product-based models offer scalability with digital products having higher profit margins. Content-based businesses take longer to build but offer flexibility and long-term growth potential. The video provides valuable insights for beginners looking to start a business and succeed in the online world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Service-based businesses are a great option for beginners in 2025, especially if you can offer skills like video editing, copywriting, or social media management.
• 😀 Networking and content marketing are essential for consistently finding clients in a service-based business.
• 😀 Starting as a junior freelancer with lower rates can help you gain experience and build your portfolio.
• 😀 Twitter, Discord servers, and Facebook groups are excellent platforms for finding freelance opportunities in niche communities.
• 😀 For product-based businesses, digital products like templates, ebooks, and courses offer higher profit margins and scalability compared to physical products.
• 😀 Print-on-demand services for physical products have low startup costs and no inventory risk, but profit margins are lower and competition is higher.
• 😀 Building a professional-looking website is essential for selling products online, and tools like Build Your Store AI can simplify the process for beginners.
• 😀 Effective marketing is key for the success of product businesses, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram working well for low-ticket items and YouTube being ideal for high-ticket products.
• 😀 Content-based businesses, such as YouTube, take the longest to see success but have the highest potential for growth and flexibility.
• 😀 To build a successful content business in 2025, you need a unique selling proposition, specialized knowledge, or a distinctive personality to stand out from the competition.
• 😀 If you're focused on quick income, service-based businesses are ideal, while digital products offer better scalability, and content creation is great for long-term revenue.

Q & A

What is the best online business model to start in 2025 for beginners?

According to the script, service-based businesses are the best option for beginners in 2025. These businesses allow you to sell your time and skills directly to clients who already have money and problems to solve. The most in-demand services include video editing, social media management, copywriting, and brand partnership management.

How can beginners start offering service-based businesses if they lack skills?

Beginners can start by offering services at a junior level, pricing themselves 30-50% below the market rate. They should learn basic skills through free resources like YouTube tutorials, then seek small projects to build experience and a portfolio.

What are the main challenges with service-based businesses?

The biggest challenge for service-based businesses is consistently finding clients. This can be done through networking (DMs, emails, word of mouth) or content marketing (showcasing your work online).

What role does content marketing play in a service-based business?

Content marketing helps you showcase your work to potential clients, even if you're not yet a full-time content creator. Sharing your work on platforms like Twitter and social media can attract clients and build your reputation.

How can you stand out in cold outreach to potential clients?

To stand out, you should show potential clients your work instead of just talking about it. For example, re-edit their videos or improve their landing pages, then share your results on social media and tag them, showing how you can add value.

What are the costs and timelines involved in starting a service-based business?

The startup costs for a service-based business are minimal (around $0-$500), as all you need is a computer and access to free learning resources. Beginners typically make their first $1,000 in 3-4 months by completing small projects or getting a part-time job.

What are the differences between product-based businesses and service-based businesses?

Product-based businesses offer more scalability as they’re not tied directly to your time. You can sell the same product repeatedly. There are two types of product businesses: physical products (e.g., print-on-demand) and digital products (e.g., e-books, courses).

What is the entry cost for starting a digital product business?

Starting a digital product business can cost between $0 and $300, mainly for website setup, software, and learning materials to create your products. For print-on-demand, the initial investment is around $100-$500 for website and product testing costs.

What tools are recommended for beginners looking to set up a digital product store?

The script recommends 'Build Your Store AI' for beginners, which is a free tool to set up an online store quickly. It simplifies the process of creating a store, sourcing products, and handling fulfillment with minimal investment.

How long does it take to earn the first $1,000 with product-based businesses?

For product-based businesses, the timeline to make your first $1,000 varies, but it typically takes 4 to 6 months. This includes time to develop the product, set up marketing strategies, and gain initial traction.

What is the fastest way to make money online according to the script?

The fastest way to make money online, according to the script, is through service-based businesses. By offering a marketable skill, freelancing, and networking, beginners can earn quickly while gaining experience and building a portfolio.

What advice does the script give to those who want to build a content-based business?

For content-based businesses, the script advises focusing on building a personal brand, being unique in your approach, and offering valuable content. It highlights that content businesses often take longer to generate income but can offer long-term growth and flexibility.

How important is marketing for product-based businesses?

Marketing is crucial for product-based businesses. Even if the product is good, without an effective marketing strategy, the product won't sell. The script emphasizes that a strong marketing strategy can significantly impact the success of both digital and physical product businesses.

What is the role of social media in promoting product businesses?

Social media plays a key role in promoting product businesses. For low-ticket products, platforms like TikTok and Instagram work best. For digital products, Twitter and YouTube are recommended, while high-ticket products are best marketed on YouTube to build relationships and trust.

Can anyone build a successful content business in 2025?

Not everyone can build a successful content business, according to the script. It requires more than consistency; a unique selling proposition (USP) and understanding the business side of content creation, such as analytics and monetization strategies, are essential.

What are the key factors to consider when choosing a content creation platform?

The key factors depend on the type of content you want to create. YouTube is ideal for in-depth, educational content, while TikTok and Instagram offer faster growth potential and viral opportunities. Twitter works well for writers or thought leaders.