Top 10 Internet Home Business Ideas You Can Start and Run in Your Underwear
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With over 300,000 “Internet Home Business” related searches on the internet every month, it’s safe to say that there is a lot of demand for information on how to make money on the internet. Sadly, this also means that there are a lot of shady characters preying on this group of people.
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I knew someone who fell for one of these once - they taught him how to make money online, and then all he did was sell seminars - on how to make money online. The fact that he had never actually made any money online was beside the point… I guess. Not surprisingly, I’m not a big supporter of his business.
Can anyone make money online? I do believe so. But not everyone WILL make money online, because as I have said before, making money on the internet takes a long time to learn, and most people give up because it can be extremely frustrating.
My one piece of advice for starting an internet home business is this :: Don’t expect to make any real money for 365 days (or so!) . Although I will add that service-based businesses tend to bring in revenue faster, I would still allow for a full year to replace your outside-the-home salary.
The good news about this industry is that as long as you are willing to put in the hours (days… weeks…. months….. ) to learn the ropes, you can bootstrap your business with extremely little money, generally speaking. Some businesses take more to start than others. I’ve probably directly invested less than $3000 getting this blog up and running, and now revenue is increasing at about a 125-140% pace every month after being in business for 16 months.
So, where do you start from here? Some general rules of thumb:
- Pre-packaged programs only work as much as you can customize it and make it unique and your own. Even then, techniques that work for one niche won’t work in all niches.
- Be wary of any “system” that promises instant results (especially anything that sounds like a get-rich-quick scheme!)
- Knowing the basics of html, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), Social Media Marketing
, website marketing and traditional marketing and sales are a must.
- Every business is made stronger by specializing in a tight niche. Know your audience and stick to it.
Unless you have a brilliant tech idea that makes venture capitalists drool, you need to determine where your strengths are and which business model you plan on following (and you don’t need this list). I have run three home-based businesses in my life, all of which leveraged my current skill set as the foundation for building the business.
Look over the following list and single out the ones in which you have at least some experience. You probably won’t have all of the skills necessary, so don’t let that stop you! All you have to do is work hard and be willing to learn.
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Affiliate Marketing
What is it? :: Promote other company’s products and services on your website. When a sale is made, you get a commission.
Most important skills needed :: PPC (Pay Per Click marketing), sales copywriting, web marketing
Best learning resources :: Affiliate Classroom, ShoeMoney, Rosalind Gardner
Recommended Book :: Make a Fortune Promoting Other People’s Stuff Onlineby Rosalind Gardner
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Blogging
What is it? :: A chronologically based website filled with articles, reviews, or journal-style writing. You can sell advertising or incorporate affiliate marketing on a blog to earn money.
Most important skills needed :: Copywriting, social networking, affiliate marketing, web marketing
Best learning resources :: ProBlogger, Blogging for Dollars, Yaro Starak’s Blog Mastermind Program (highly recommended & he has a free report to download)
Recommended Book :: ProBlogger, Secrets to Blogging Your Way to a Six Figure Income -
eBay & Auction Selling
What is it? :: Selling or reselling products via an online marketplace like Ebay, Amazon Auctions, or Craigslist. You can sell used goods, buy goods wholesale, or use a drop-shipping service.
Most important skills needed :: Merchandising, sales copywriting, customer service
Best learning resources :: Ebay Learning Center, SaleHoo Training Center, JennyHow
Recommended Book :: eBay 101: Selling on eBay For Part-time or Full-time Income, Beginner to PowerSeller in 90 Days -
E-Commerce
What is it? :: Selling products or a technology-based service on your own website.
Most important skills needed :: All of the above, below and then some!
Best learning resources :: Entrepreneur.com’s Online Business Startup Guide
Recommended Book :: The Complete E-Commerce Book: Design, Build and Maintain a Successful Web-Based Business -
Arts & Crafts
What is it? :: Creating and manufacturing your own product lines and selling them online.
Most important skills needed :: Creativity, sales, e-commerce
Best learning resources :: Sparkplugging’s CraftBoom, About.com Craft Business 101 Series, Barbara Brabec
Recommended Book :: The Crafts Business Answer Book: Starting, Managing, and Marketing a Homebased Arts, Crafts, or Design Business -
Internet Research Business
What is it? :: Doing internet research for corporations, law firms and other small businesses.
Most important skills needed :: Librarian-style research skills, customer service
Best learning resources :: Entrepreneur.com’s Information Consultant Startup Guide
Recommended Book :: Building & Running a Successful Research Business: A Guide for the Independent Information Professional by Mary Ellen Bates -
Freelance Services
What is it? :: Providing professional services such as copywriting, design, photography, illustration, and programming usually billed on an hourly rate.
Most important skills needed :: Sales, customer service, trade-specific knowledge
Best learning resources :: Our Freelance Parent channel, FreelanceSwitch
Recommended Book :: The Business Side of Creativity: The Complete Guide to Running a Small Graphic Design or Communications Business -
Recruiting
What is it? :: Recruiting candidates for companies who pay a fee when a hire is made.
Most important skills needed :: Sales, relationship building, networking
Best learning resources :: RecruitersNetwork, HireAbility
Recommended Book :: Start Your Own Executive Recruiting Business (Entrepreneur Magazine’s Start Up) -
Consulting
What is it? :: Providing your specialized industry knowledge to corporations, entrepreneurs, investors or other businesses.
Most important skills needed :: Trade-specific knowledge, sales, customer service
Best learning resources :: Entrepreneur.com’s Consulting Business Startup Guide
Recommended Book :: The Business of Consulting: The Basics and Beyond (CD-ROM Included) -
VA (Virtual Assistant)
What is it? :: Providing administrative and business support to other business owners and small businesses.
Most important skills needed :: Customer service, organization
Best learning resources :: VirtualAssistantStartups, Entrepreneur.com’s Business Support Startup Guide, VirtualPABusiness
Recommended Book :: The 2-Second Commute: Join the Exploding Ranks of Freelance Virtual Assistants
If you want tips and ideas on how to promote and market these ten internet home businesses, check out Susan Payton’s companion article on Marketing Your Internet Business. For more home business ideas, check out 10 More Work at Home Internet Business Ideas You Can Do in Your Fuzzy Bunny Slippers.
<b>or</b> <a href="http://bit.ly/8CHsC">http://bit.ly/8CHsC</a>: 07/02/09 03:08am
Sparkplugging Founder Wendy Piersall is dang passionate about helping people start & grow a business while maintaining life balance (somehow). 
Kelly McCausey is an internet marketer, blog publisher, podcaster
and web business coach. Host of 
Bill Parlaman is owner of 
Wendy,
GREAT resource! As the Internet grows, so do the “get rich quick” schemes, so thanks for putting together this list of real-world info on home business ideas.
Awesome stuff! Now, I’m off to Stumble this post so everyone else sees it, too!
This is one of the best, most comprehensive, easy to read posts about making money from home/ online that I have ever read.
Great info! I was wondering where I fit in on the online business model and from this list I believe it’s a combination of Affiliate Marketing, Blogging, E-commerce, and Consulting. I will ready up on the links when I next have some time.
Very nice list of ideas and resources! The best part is that you have clearly defined that it is not easy to be successful and requires hard work and dedication.
i always believe that the internet has opened up lots of opps for WAHM so this list is helpful and informative.
Thanks for compiling the list Wendy. I’m really curious about start-up costs and ramp-up times for various businesses.
I definitely thing that this post is a great resource for anyone who is thinking of starting their own business, or switching gears.
This is literally one of the most useful posts I’ve seen on a blog, ever. Great job. Thanks for the hard work. I’m relieved to say that I’ve already visited some of the sites you’ve listed, but I’ll be checking even more now that you’ve given us a starting point.
Wendy, this is excellent info, thank you very much for putting it together for us, and for making it so very easy to follow…you’ve made it all the easier for anyone to take action and get started on learning how to accomplish their dream!
Great info! Interesting you mention arts/crafts have a long-held wish to actually make a living at jewelry design & metalsmithing… but there is very little profit margin there on unique work, most jewelry makers end up working for ~$10 an hour.
So, instead, I’ll continue project managing and writing.
An instant Stumble Thumbs Up!
Very useful post…thanks for putting it together!
Great list! I’m particularly interested in the last item, Virtual Assistant. This was heavily promoted in Tim Ferriss’ book “Four Hour Workweek” and sounds like a very interesting way to organize a business.
Thanks.
This is one of the best post I have ever read regarding what you need to make money online. A lot of people seem to think that all you need to do is throw up a website or get on board the latest get rich quick scheme and by next month (or week) they will be rolling in cash. It just isn’t true! I have spent over 2 years learning how to make money on line and I am just starting to see the fruits of my labor.
It’s too bad that everyone who wants to make money online doesn’t read this post before they start because I think it would give them a solid dose of reality.
The bottom line is that making money online is no different than making money offline. You need a solid foundation in your business and how to market it, you need to pay your dues and you need to work at it. Most importantly online you can never stop learning because technology changes so rapidly. What worked 6 months ago no longer works as well and that trend will not stop.
Work to your strengths, keep learning and pay your dues and I am convinced anyone can eventually be successful online.
Most people think that they can make a lot of money right away. It’s great that you emphasize the fact it still takes time and effort.
Of course, who could ignore that great title? Loved the article.
Just found this blog and… this is really what it’s all about. Blogging is about sharing and helping out and not being afraid of connecting to people who do the same things you do. I can’t wait to share this with my readers at Lipsticking. Hey, did you know today is Millie’s birthday? She’s 82 years young and she blogs over at http://mymomsblog.blogspot.com/. Hop over and wish her a happy one.
Excellent comprehensive list… funny how you really don’t need any hype to provide great information!
Every single one of these is a great way to get started with working at home… and then you can get a bit more advanced and mix them together a bit 
Thanks for the great tip! One thing you should remember when starting a new and profitable home based internet business people need to get involved with someone they know, like and trust!! Someone that can coach them and support them!
I’ve found the eBay and e-commerce methods to work quite well, selling electronics (iPod and mobile phone accessories for the moment). There’s no real recurring revenue, such as what blogging can offer - where you do the work and then keep getting paid even if you take a break. But all three of these methods can pay the bills if done properly.
I have to respectfully disagree, Shahid - with what you said here: “There’s no real recurring revenue, such as what blogging can offer - where you do the work and then keep getting paid even if you take a break.”
You can learn to use the traffic eBay generates to build a business that does provide more of a passive income. I’ve done it… and I know many who have.
Hey Wendy,
Great Post.
Thanks for a well put together and valuable resource.
Definite Stumble!
Craig
Wow what did you do to your site?
Anyway, those are some nice tips. Loved reading it and learned a few things. Thanks for the read. Great job
thanks alot wendy for the wedsite anybody thats thinking about going into home base business should do they research because everything that sound good is not good… thanks alot.
Wendy, this is a fantastic post! I’ve had it saved to read since it first went up, and I finally got to it tonight - what an excellent resource. Thanks!
Does anybody no anything about roadmaptoriches.com please let me no I’m tired of getting ripped off Thanks
stevent9325@yahoo.com
The resource list is a very important touch to this article so it’s not just another list of things we already know from every other blogger on the world wide web. Nice touch!
Great article.
Just little feedback:
I wouldn’t consider Arts & Crafts and Recruiting as plain internet business; I think Internet is a helper for these kinds of businesses rather than the main outlet.
Hi,
I have just recently worked on my ‘moneymaking ideas’ blog and found this to be a really, really helpful article. I love everything Wendy Piersall. I’m one of her big fans now.
I love reading all the articles here that I’ve added EMoms to my Blogroll.
Thanks for these valuable tips, I’m definitely blogging about this on my blog.
Keep up the good work, Wendy!
Jocelyn
This is a really great article. Tons of useful information. I also feel that many people think they will become an instant success on the internet.
The internet has opened up so many opportunities to work from home.
I particularly love affiliate marketing. No inventory, no bills to process it’s all done for you…of course you have to promote the products.
An important part of your online business is promotion. Hand out business cards & use an email signature & above all don’t forget word of mouth.. which is one of the most powerful recommendation from others.
Great article!
I also liked the fact that you pointed out that it does take time and actual work to make a living online.
It really is easy to make money online if you do things correctly…however most people think when you say that that it doesn’t take work…
The main thing is setting things in place to automate your business…that takes some time and work…but is well worth it in the end as once you build a system it does 90% of the work for you.
One thing I think is key is to find something that you are passionate about and build your business around that niche or better yet, sub-niche…
If you find something you are passionate about then the “work” becomes fun and something you enjoy so much you wouldn’t even mind doing it for free:)
Thanks for the great article!
Veronica Routtu
“Success Begins When You Take the First Step”
Hi Wendy,
I appreciated your presentation on Women’s Ecommerce Association’s (http://wecai.or) 1st Fridayz event yesterday. I found it most interesting.
Given that I’m almost past the eGrandMom I did, though, wonder what your blog might offer me. Then I remembered that, in fact, one of the things I love about the Internet is that it’s ageless, no limitations on age.
I am now enjoying going through your blog. I like the graphics and this posting on 10 Internet Business Ideas is chock full of information and one that I am bookmarking.
With appreciation, Sheila
Great listing here for the various ways to make money online. Thanks for sharing this and hopefully people are sticking with the ideas and not giving up too quickly, because money can be made online!
Great article and ideas.
I love this: “My one piece of advice for starting an internet home business is this :: Don’t expect to make any real money for 365 days (or so!) ”
I ran an ebay business that was profitable after 1 month. It’s not difficult to start, you really just have to dive in and do it! Think Big, and drop all your fears and worries.
For more articles on dealing with Fears and others, visit my blog on the topic.
Tina
There are some home businesses listed with the Google Ad logo under them. Do you support these? If not where do I go to start a small home business to make some extra income? I’m really getting confused. Help!
Nice ideas for us stay at home moms! Glad I found this site.
Freelancing rocks. There’s nothing better.
Thank Michael for this article, it was very helpful.
My wife and are just starting to get our feet wet in the online home business arena. It was a lot of work to get to the point where we actually doing business online. Our company is called MyCrystalPortrait.com, we take people’s photographs and scan them into laser crystals. You might have seen some of these (pre-scanned) crystals of entertainers and celebrities like Bill Clinton and Elvis, in the stores. Well, we give people an opportunity to put their faces in a laser crystal cube, tablets or keychain. It has taken us one-year of preparation to get up and running. The first thing we had to do was purchase the machine from China, then we had to learn how to use the machine, and then develop a web site. Marketing the site has been a big challenge. One of the techniques we have been using to push some items and drive traffic to the site is to sell discounted crystals on ebay. We weren’t sure what the market would really bear when it came to pricing the crystals, but after selling on ebay, we got a pretty good ideal. We are also using web log to learn who comes to the site and from where, this has been a big help. We took a seminar class with Mary Gillian, at EEI, entitled “marketing online”. She said we should create a blog, which was a lot of fun except we are the only ones reading it (LOL). So far it has been more work then money, but we are enjoying myself.
A great list, I think I should seriously look at getting my art blog up and running
This a a great resource for people starting out
I’ve been doing freelancing myself since my senior year in university, but the offer isn’t that frequent. Right now I’m doing my own IT Consulting, but still counting on personal relation with some of my prospectus customer.
But after reading your article, I realized there’s other skills that I might need to learn before-hand.
And also, you definitely got my interest on eBay.
Thanks for the thorough information.
I am always tempted by these get rich ideas and system ideas.
I haven’t subcumbed yet and your post helps me hold out and prevents me from doing something stupid!
Thanks
What you have said rings a bell in me. I spent 10 over thousands dollars with a couple of so called “Internet Marketing Guru” in the past 1 year. After attending their 2-3 days of workshops or seminars, I have yet to make my first $100 online. I found that many of these “guru” just want to sell you more of their courses & ebooks. They hardly really show you their secrets of success and tell you the price you have to pay before attaining some level of success.
Later on, i realised that we can get a lot of products at much lower rate if we search the online.
Wendy, I love reading all the wonderful comments people leave you on this site. You are helping so many of us grow and be wiser at doing business in a highly competitive world.
I rest my case with the words written by someone other then me…thank you..
Dorothy from grammology
remember to call gram
http://grammology.com
Dorothy Stahlnecker’s last blog post..Hello from the other side?.I’m back?.
Thanks for this.Great article…
I have Now been Running my own business that concentrates on ecommerce and ebay
fora bout a year now and havent looked back.wish i had of taken action sooner.
Thanks again Great advice and information as usual
josh
Entrepreneur’s last blog post..My First Turkey
i believe what you say, as i suspected,those internet get rich quick schemes is exactly that; a scheme. Just like face to face schemes that promise instant bucks;they have people selling the schemes. A person without his/her own idea for a business online is going to get disappointed.
The internet is merely a media between the business and its consumers.
Just as TV and the newspaper. The goal
is to get people to buy my service-product online. Why should they buy from an invisible source on a screen when they can get it cash and carry?
a. Trust:people must feel safe buying online
b.Convenience: why travel to congested parking
lots to fast talking salespeople or wait
for a representative when with a click
of a button you decide when,what,how you
are served.
c.Motivation: people should have an incentive to prefer online business.
what is the best? Saving Money. the savings in overhead must be passed on generously to the consumer.
d.Satisfaction: with the product of course but with its prompt delivery. just like their money has been transfered quicly to you….quickly they
should recive the desired object. it should be much better than mail order/catalouge shopping.
finally, you spoke(posted) well , if people invest the time necessary in the business like any other kind of business, in turn will they realize a return.
Thanks for the information. These are helpful suggestion especially those stay at home persons.
I love the information that’s left on this page. I been looking for a great business opportunity that could be done from home.
Any suggestions? In the meantime - I this my fashion site have some potential. Please take a look and tell me what you think?
Great Resource. I think these are perfect 10 ideas to start. Anyone can start with zero or less capital and make a living.
This is a great resource! I like how you make it clear that it’s gonna take hard work to make any real money, it’s very true. :]
Great review…. Will help me better how i look at things from now on.
Amarnath’s last blog post..World Cuisines
Thanks for this list. Certainly many ways to make money online and no right way to go about it. The most important advice I can give is to just do it. I did.
Warm Regards,
Rob Lawrence
http://www.battlecall.com
Thanks for the informative and clear article! I’m just starting out, providing tips on photographing children and I agree that it’s not as easy as one may think to make money off a website/blog. Thanks also for the resource links!
-laura
dolcepics’s last blog post..Where’s My Cake?
This sums it all up, “Businesses which you can run in your underwear” LOL !!
That would be bliss, your business and heck forget suit for your office,an underwear will do
Karan’s last blog post..Blog Marketing - Reach out to your customers and create that brand buzz.
Great article! The title reminds me of Jeff Paul’s famous “make money at home in your underwear” phrase.
Good advice and a nice list of legitimate business models to select from.
Thanks for posting this helpful article.
Allon’s last blog post..5 Keys to Successful Internet Business
Can somebody give me information on affiliate marketing! who to contact,how do I get paid,how much money do I need to start,Iam in the automotive Industry please email me back thanks!
Hi Wendy, great article. And I like the new name, although I was always fine with the old one. I would add one thing above even the explanation of the various ways to earn. Do one thing and one thing first and you will be a success … ignore it and you will likely fail at anything.
Figure out a problem that people have and a way you can help them solve it. From that you can build a business, online or off. Let me use just one example from a previous comment. “I must get my art blog restarted”. The question to ask before that is, why? What problem to people have regarding art, and how will you solve it?
Problems are thing like, I need to know how to pass an exam on art, I need to know how to paint, I need to buy ‘real’ art and not get ripped off, and a thousand more.
This blog here is a prime example, it succeeds by answering the need that work at homes and others who need to learn how to make an income by offering information, products and services. Same reason a lemonade stand goes broke in freezing weather but makes a small fortune on a sizzling hot July day … find a need to fill, then figure out the technicalities of how to fill it.
Dave Starrs last blog post..Why You Aren’t Making Money
Great resource. Probably the best I’ve ever seen.
I’m glad you didn’t even mention “Data Entry”, and I think you should even mention that “data entry” jobs from home don’t even really exist. They even took them off of Clickbank because they’re too shady. Too shady for clickbank!
I’m also glad you didn’t mention surveys. Same thing.
Bryan Reeds last blog post..The Network Marketing Manifesto: an Insider’s Look
Making money online is not easy in the beginning, that is for sure! You have complied an excellent resource for beginners looking to make an impact online.
I have spent years researching and trying different ways to make money online and while I am now reaping the benefits, I remember all too well what that first year was like!
What an excellent resource! You sure have clearly explained all the options for beginners. They will defiantly find this very useful.
It was great that you reinforced how making money online is a time consuming and competitive industry however, dedicated individuals are bound to reap the rewards.
Good luck to everyone starting out!
Hi Wendy,
This is an excellent article. Just last week my brother asked me how he could make money on the Internet. My answer was this: There’s lots of ways to make money on the Internet, and there’s even more ways to LOSE money on the Internet.
I’ve written more on this topic here http://www.homebusinesswiz.com/2008/09/how_can_i_make_money_on_the_in.html and also linked to your article.
p.s. I came across this article through Problogger tweeting it. Love how that works!
Wendy,
You’re absolutely correct in your comment below. There will be a learning curve to get started, but those elements are fundamental to a successful home business.
If you can learn to do at least some of these actions yourself, it can save you thousands of dollars over hiring it out.
“Knowing the basics of html, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), social media, and traditional marketing and sales are a must.”
This is a much better list that most bloggers come up with. The SEO guys in particular seem to stop after advertising and affiliate marketing. I like your broadening the opportunity set into ecommerce and online advisory services.
My new product facilitates several of these non-advertising opportunities by encouraging direct payment between the online entrepreneur and their clientele.
Excellent tips.More and more people are losing their jobs, so the need for starting their own business is huge.This is a fantastic resource.
I like how you put Affiliate Marketing and Blogging the top 2. There are definitely the most popular and effective ones in the modern world with the existing web technologies.
Aaron Lees last blog post..Don’t Vote
i agree with aruni. it’s great when you have a combination of the items on the list. for myself, it’s internet marketing, freelance and consulting. this list is great because a lot of people think of “working from home” as some kind of scam and this breaks it down into practical terms. great article!
We have had great success with blogging for both ourselves, and our clients. In fact, our corporate site is a Wordpress blog.
Michael Sweigarts last blog post..Think Small for your Automotive Marketing Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
THanks for the great links! I am a working at home mom and can always use some more ideas to make extra money. I really enjoy your blog!
Kims last blog post..Oh My!
I wish you the best of luck. I have worked for myself for over 20 years and it seems to get tougher every year. If you find the magic formula, bottle it and sell it for millions!
Can be a rather difficult task to get started online, but when you get your foot in, it’s so rewarding, and gives you tons of possibilities. So get going, don’t give up!!
Ahh yes, affiliate marketing is the ultimate first at home business in my book. For the most part, there are zero start-up costs, and once you get the targeted traffic piece down, you are financially free.
Great Resources post Wendy,
This is my first comment.
This is what I try to do right now with my blog.
And I am sharing my interest to like-minded people about personal and business success.
Thanks,
J.Chu
This is a great post. The first place I made money was on ebay selling digital products, look around there and see what people are selling and give it a try.
#5 is what I love to do most, being able to turn it into a money making job would be awesome.
Wow! Thats some top information. Keep up the great work. I learned a few other techniques i was not aware of. One of the best blogs i have seen
The fact that comments are still being placed almost 2 years after your post shows how valid and useful it still is.
It’s great you’ve put alternatives such as crafts as well as the more commonly suggested work at home ideas like affiliate marketing.
Couldn’t agree more with the comment about not seeing real money for some time - this is a fundamental fact that many new work-at-homers, particularly those getting involved in online marketing, fail to realise. It’s only after experience that you understand the myriad sales letters promising untold riches are not what they appear to be.
Great article.