tarting an online business is never higher than ever before, we are living in the age of digital and as a result starting an online business is more feasible then you may have thought. Whether you want to break free from the nine-to-five or have literally lost your career mojo, the UK now has more small business opportunities than ever before in building an online business. Yet, the world of Internet business is a jungle out there and it can be really tough when choosing for something safe yet sustainable. With that in mind, here are ten online safe businesses to help you start your journey in the UK.
1. E-commerce Store
In this day and age, the e-commerce industry has been booming like crazy because people are more into online shopping than they ever were. Creating an online store, on platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce or even Etsy means you can sell products from your own home. An e-commerce store can also be a profitable venture, even if you are selling handmade crafts or vintage clothing (or digital products) instead of physical goods to the home. You have to find your niche and make sure that you are exceptional with a top-quality product and service.
2. Online Tutoring
Online tutoring is a hugely fulfilling business if you are good in a specific subject. Interest in online education has been on the rise, especially after the castros of viruses rolled up our world into a global pandemic and left many students or professionals hunting for ways to continue their learning from home. We also heard about how you can use platforms like Tutorful and Superprof to match with students or create your own tutor-service where based on a bespoke website people reach out for tutoring. You can learn to become a tutor through the online and teach in any subject from academic tutoring, language or even playing music.
3. Freelance Writing
Everyone is aware that freelance writing continues being one of the best freelancing online business ideas in the UK. Content is king in the digital world and businesses are always searching for good writers to write blog posts, articles or any other form of content. Upwork, Freelancer and Fiverr are sites where you can connect with clients from all around the world. It is to develop a solid reputation as an EXCLUSIVE WRITER and master some certain niche such TECHNOLOGY, Finance or HEALTH category.
4. Virtual Assistant Services
The demand for virtual assistants (VAs) has also risen with the proliferation of more and more businesses going online. They can act as an admin for your business, dealing with emails and appointments or handling customer service queries. It does not require much of an investment and you can get this business from home. While platforms such as PeoplePerHour or Time Etc can certainly put you in touch with clients, having your own brand and website allows you to turn it up a few notches.
5. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate Marketing is promoting other companies products and you will get the commission if sales are made through your referral. This business model is very common among the blog and social media niche. Start off creating content that resonates with audiences – a blog, YouTube channel or podcast which is relatable to your affiliate program niche. This is the secret of affiliate marketing, build credibility with your audience and pick stuff they really need.
6. Online Coaching
Personal development, business coaching and health & wellness are some of the critical areas where online life coaching is a burgeon industry. If you consider yourself an expert in something and love helping others reach their goals, becoming a coach online will be the thing for you. You could do one on one coaching, run workshops/group sessions or even create online courses to sell. You can use platforms like Zoom to hold your sessions, and Teachable or Kajabi for hosting and selling the courses. When you can build a great personal brand and get results for your clients, that is how the success in this space comes about.
7. Dropshipping Business
Simply put, dropshipping is an e-commerce model where you sell products without stocking them yourself. When a customer orders from you, the product is shipped directly to your customer’s door. Often, this business model needs a very low starting cost and is less risky that makes it the best approach for start-ups. Your first step is to select a specific category, get online and create an e-commerce site that will work well with your affiliate marketing agreement. Shopify happens to be one of the best platforms that many drop shipping businesses choose, if not directly Oberlo.
8. Social Media Management
Now that online presence is vital for businesses as they are realizing the developing trend — social media management has also gained trust amongst all services. If you want to be a social media manager, then crafting and curation of content are your bread & butter – along with managing the accounts round-the-clock. Thousands of dollars in overhead is not needed to get started on this business and it only requires a computer as well as an understanding of online platforms such Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. By managing accounts for friends or small businesses and building up your portfolio, you will likely be more appealing to larger clients.
9. Graphic Design
One of the best businesses to start if you are really good at design is an online graphic designer business. So everything from logos and branding materials to websites and social media graphics, there is a great amount of need for accomplished graphic designers. You will need to generate a portfolio of your work, which you can create in the event you offer on platforms for example 99designs or Behance. And as you build your reputation, potential clients will come to find you through your site and industry networking.
10. Subscription Box Service
Subscription boxes have surged in popularity, providing consumers with curated assortments of products that get delivered right to their doorstep. This business model is ideal for niche markets such as gourmet foods, beauty products or pet supplies. From sourcing products to managing subscriptions and shipping logistics, launching a subscription box service can be a complex process because there is so much that goes into its foundation. It can be a pain to set up, but Withbase is recurring revenue — the holy grail of traditional e-commerce businesses.
Final Thoughts
The world is your oyster when it comes to starting an online safe business in the UK but whatever idea you land on, make sure that aligns with what you are good at and interested or there’s a demand for. With each of the businesses above, you are also given an easier low-risk entry into getting your business off the ground and established without having to invest hundreds or even thousands (or in some cases millions) on a traditional brick-and-mortar enterprise. Given your dedication, creativity and customer-focus you can take these online business ideas a long way!