Best Online Businesses You Can Start with $100

Starting an online business doesn’t require a massive budget. With just $100, you can launch a venture that’s scalable, profitable, and aligned with your skills. This guide explores the best online businesses you can start on a tight budget, offering practical ideas, low-cost tools, and tips for success. Whether you're a beginner or an entrepreneur looking for a side hustle, these ideas are designed to maximize your investment and set you up for growth.

Why Start an Online Business with $100?

The internet has lowered the barriers to entrepreneurship. With minimal upfront costs, you can access global markets, leverage free or affordable tools, and build a business from anywhere. A $100 budget is enough to cover essentials like domain names, basic marketing, or software subscriptions to get started. Below, we’ve outlined five SEO-optimized, low-cost online business ideas that are beginner-friendly and scalable.

1. Dropshipping Store

Dropshipping lets you sell products online without holding inventory. You create an online store, list products from suppliers, and only purchase items after a customer orders. Your profit is the difference between the supplier’s price and your selling price.

Why It Works

Low startup costs: No need to buy inventory upfront.
Scalable: Expand your product range as you grow.
Flexible: Run it from anywhere with an internet connection.

How to Start with $100

Domain and hosting: ~$15/year for a domain (Namecheap) and ~$3/month for hosting (Hostinger).
E-commerce platform: Use Shopify’s basic plan (~$29/month) or WooCommerce (free with WordPress).
Suppliers: Sign up with Oberlo (free tier) or Spocket for product sourcing.
Marketing: Spend ~$20 on social media ads (Facebook or Instagram) to test products.

Tip: Focus on a niche (e.g., eco-friendly gadgets or pet accessories) to stand out. Use free tools like Canva for product images and Google Trends to find trending products.

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2. Freelance Services

If you have skills like writing, graphic design, or social media management, freelancing is a quick way to start earning. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr connect you with clients worldwide, and you can start with minimal investment.

Why It Works

Zero inventory: Your skills are the product.
High demand: Businesses always need content creators, designers, and virtual assistants.
Fast setup: Create a profile and start pitching within hours.

How to Start with $100

Portfolio website: ~$15 for a domain and ~$3/month for hosting. Use free WordPress themes to showcase your work.
Tools: Invest ~$10/month in Grammarly (for writers) or Canva Pro (for designers).
Marketing: Spend ~$20 on LinkedIn ads or join niche Facebook groups to find clients.

Tip: Optimize your freelance profiles with keywords like “freelance writer” or “graphic designer for hire” to attract clients. Offer competitive rates initially to build reviews.

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3. Print-on-Demand Business

Print-on-demand (POD) lets you sell custom-designed products like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases. You create the designs, and a third-party company handles production and shipping when orders come in.

Why It Works

No inventory costs: Products are made only after a sale.
Creative freedom: Design unique graphics for niche audiences.
Scalable: Add new products without additional costs.

How to Start with $100

Domain and hosting: ~$15/year for a domain and ~$3/month for hosting.
E-commerce platform: Use Etsy (free to start, ~$0.20/listing) or Redbubble (free).
Design tools: ~$10/month for Canva Pro or free alternatives like GIMP.
Marketing: Spend ~$20 on Pinterest or Instagram ads to target niche audiences.

Tip: Research trending designs using Google Trends or Etsy’s search bar. Focus on niches like “funny cat t-shirts” or “minimalist posters” for better visibility.

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4. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products and earning a commission for each sale made through your referral links. It’s ideal for those who enjoy creating content through blogs, YouTube, or social media.

Why It Works

No product creation: Promote existing products.
Low risk: No inventory or customer service responsibilities.
Passive income potential: Earn commissions long after publishing content.

How to Start with $100

Website: ~$15 for a domain and ~$3/month for hosting. Use WordPress (free) for blogging.
Content tools: ~$10/month for keyword research tools like Ubersuggest.
Marketing: Spend ~$20 on social media ads or Pinterest to drive traffic.

Tip: Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates (free) or ClickBank. Write SEO-optimized blog posts targeting keywords like “best budget laptops” to attract organic traffic.

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5. Online Course or eBook Creation

If you’re knowledgeable in a specific area (e.g., fitness, coding, or cooking), you can create and sell digital products like online courses or eBooks. Platforms like Gumroad or Teachable make it easy to sell your content.

Why It Works

High margins: Digital products have minimal ongoing costs.
Scalable: Sell the same product repeatedly.
Authority building: Establishes you as an expert in your niche.

How to Start with $100

Domain and hosting: ~$15/year for a domain and ~$3/month for hosting (optional for branding).
Platform: Use Gumroad (free tier) or Teachable (free to start).
Tools: ~$10/month for Canva Pro to design eBooks or course graphics.
Marketing: Spend ~$20 on social media ads or collaborate with influencers in your niche.

Tip: Create content for in-demand topics (e.g., “learn Python basics” or “vegan meal prep”). Use free tools like Google Docs for eBook drafts and OBS Studio for course videos.

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Tips for Success with a $100 Budget

Leverage Free Tools: Use free platforms like WordPress, Canva, and Google Analytics to minimize costs.
Focus on SEO: Research keywords using free tools like Google Keyword Planner to drive organic traffic.
Start Small, Scale Fast: Test one idea, reinvest profits, and expand your offerings.
Learn Marketing Basics: Use free resources on YouTube or blogs to master social media and content marketing.
Track Expenses: Use a free budgeting tool like Google Sheets to monitor your $100 investment.