Top 5 Business Ideas You Can Start for Under $100

 Starting a business doesn’t always require a hefty investment. In fact, there are many low-cost business ideas you can launch with under $100. Whether you’re looking to test out an entrepreneurial idea, supplement your income, or build a full-time venture, these low-investment business ideas allow you to start small, minimize financial risk, and scale as you go. Here are five business ideas that require minimal upfront costs but offer great potential.

1. Freelance Writing and Copywriting

If you have a knack for writing, freelance writing or copywriting is an excellent business idea that can be started for under $100. With so many businesses needing content for blogs, websites, social media, and marketing materials, the demand for skilled writers is high. Plus, all you need to get started is a computer, internet connection, and a portfolio.

Steps to Start:

• Create a Portfolio: Start by writing a few sample pieces or showcasing any writing you’ve already done. Use free platforms like WordPress or Medium to display your work.

• Sign Up on Freelance Platforms: Join websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer to connect with clients looking for writing services.

• Market Your Services: Reach out to small businesses or entrepreneurs who may need help with blog posts, website copy, or marketing emails.

Potential Costs:

• Domain and Hosting: You may want to purchase a domain and hosting for a professional website (usually under $50).

• Writing Tools: Tools like Grammarly for proofreading or premium writing software can cost around $10 to $20 per month, though free alternatives are available.

Why It Works: Freelance writing is one of the easiest businesses to start with little money. If you’re good at it, you can quickly gain clients and build your reputation.

2. Social Media Management

Many small businesses struggle with maintaining an active and engaging social media presence. If you're savvy with platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, social media management can be a profitable business to start for under $100. The cost is mainly related to marketing and any additional tools you may choose to use.

Steps to Start:

• Learn the Basics: If you're not already familiar with social media management, take a free online course (e.g., on HubSpot Academy or Coursera).

• Create a Portfolio: You can create mock social media accounts or manage social media for friends or local businesses for free to build your portfolio.

• Reach Out to Clients: Offer your services to local businesses or startups that may not have the time or expertise to manage their social media effectively.

Potential Costs:

• Tools: While many social media management tools (like Hootsuite or Buffer) offer free versions, you may want to invest in a paid plan, which can cost between $10 to $30 a month.

• Marketing: Running Facebook ads or creating a website might require a small investment but isn’t strictly necessary when you start.

Why It Works: Social media management is in high demand. Small businesses often need help navigating platforms, and if you have the skills to grow a brand’s social media presence, you can quickly gain clients.

3. Online Tutoring or Coaching

If you have expertise in a subject, whether it’s math, languages, business, or even fitness, online tutoring or coaching can be a low-cost way to start a business. Thanks to platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet, you can connect with clients worldwide, all from the comfort of your home.

Steps to Start:

• Choose Your Niche: Decide what subject or skill you’re going to teach. It could be academic subjects, life coaching, fitness training, career advice, or language instruction.

• Create an Online Presence: Use free platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram to promote your services. You could also join tutoring platforms like Tutor.com, Chegg, or Wyzant.

• Set Up a Payment System: Use PayPal, Venmo, or a direct deposit service to handle payments for your sessions.

Potential Costs:

• Website: While not strictly necessary, you can create a simple website for less than $50 to make your business appear more professional.

• Marketing: You may want to allocate some budget for paid ads or promotions, but organic social media efforts can also help.

Why It Works: Online tutoring or coaching allows you to monetize your knowledge, and there’s no need for physical products or inventory. Plus, you can work from anywhere, giving you the flexibility to scale your business.

4. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services from other companies and earning a commission when someone makes a purchase through your unique affiliate link. You don’t need to worry about creating products, handling inventory, or customer service. All you need is a website, blog, or social media presence to get started.

Steps to Start:

• Sign Up for Affiliate Programs: Join affiliate networks like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or CJ Affiliate to find products or services you can promote.

• Create a Website or Blog: Use free platforms like WordPress.com or Blogger to set up a blog where you can write product reviews, tutorials, or content related to your affiliate offers.

• Promote Your Links: Share your affiliate links through your blog, social media posts, email newsletters, or YouTube videos.

Potential Costs:

• Domain and Hosting: A simple website can cost around $50 for domain registration and hosting. You could also use free blogging platforms to get started without any upfront costs.

• Content Creation Tools: You may invest in tools for creating graphics (e.g., Canva, which offers a free plan) or for email marketing (Mailchimp offers free tiers).

Why It Works: Affiliate marketing offers the potential for passive income. Once you create content that ranks on search engines or gets shared on social media, you can earn commissions with minimal ongoing effort.

5. Print-on-Demand (POD)

Print-on-demand businesses let you sell custom products like t-shirts, mugs, and posters without needing to purchase inventory upfront. You simply design the products and then partner with a POD supplier to handle printing, packing, and shipping when an order is placed.

Steps to Start:

• Select a Print-on-Demand Platform: Use platforms like Printful, Teespring, or Redbubble to create your custom designs and integrate them with an eCommerce store.

• Create Designs: If you’re good at graphic design, create your own designs. If you’re not, you can hire a designer on freelance platforms like Fiverr for a low cost.

• Market Your Products: Use social media to promote your designs and products. Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook are great platforms for showcasing visual products like custom apparel.

Potential Costs:

• Design Tools: If you’re designing products yourself, you may want to invest in a design tool like Adobe Illustrator (around $20 per month) or use free tools like Canva.

• Store Setup: Setting up a store on platforms like Shopify or Etsy can cost anywhere from $10 to $30 per month, but some POD platforms (like Teespring) allow you to sell without upfront fees.

Why It Works: POD is an easy, low-risk way to sell physical products online. Since you don’t need to purchase inventory upfront, it’s a great way to enter the eCommerce world with minimal financial commitment.

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Conclusion

Starting a business for under $100 is entirely possible if you’re willing to put in the effort, be resourceful, and leverage your existing skills. Whether you’re writing, tutoring, managing social media, promoting products as an affiliate, or designing custom merchandise, each of these business ideas allows you to start small, test your ideas, and scale as you grow. Remember, the most important part is taking action and learning as you go—success won’t happen overnight, but with consistency and dedication, you can turn these low-cost business ideas into a profitable venture.