Introduction
Making $100,000 in a year might sound like a dream, but it’s entirely possible with the right mindset and business approach. You don’t need a huge initial investment, a fancy office, or even a degree—just dedication and smart strategies. If you’re ready to hustle, these 12 low-cost business ideas will show you how to hit six figures without breaking the bank.
1. Freelance Web Design
Building websites has never been more in demand, and it’s a skill you can teach yourself. With platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, and Shopify, it’s possible to create professional websites without writing a single line of code. Start by offering your services on freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, and as your portfolio grows, increase your rates. Focus on niche markets like small businesses, bloggers, or eCommerce stores for quicker growth. Web design tools like Elementor or Divi can help you craft visually appealing sites, making it easier to land clients.
Pro Tip: Consider adding on maintenance packages to your web design services, charging clients for ongoing support and updates.
2. Social Media Management
Businesses of all sizes need a solid social media presence, but most owners don’t have the time or expertise to manage it effectively. That’s where you come in. As a social media manager, you’ll create content, schedule posts, and engage with followers to help businesses grow their brand online. You can start with free tools like Canva for design and Buffer or Hootsuite for scheduling. The beauty of this business? No inventory, no office, just a laptop and your marketing skills. As your client base grows, you can scale your services and start making $100k a year easily.
Pro Tip: Focus on one or two platforms at first, like Instagram or LinkedIn, and master them before expanding your services.
3. Print-On-Demand Business
Always wanted to sell your own t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases but don’t have the money to invest in inventory? A print-on-demand business lets you sell custom-designed products without holding any stock. Sites like Printful or Teespring handle production, shipping, and even customer service, allowing you to focus on design and marketing. To stand out, focus on a niche audience—like dog lovers, gamers, or fitness enthusiasts—so your designs resonate with a specific group.
Pro Tip: Use Instagram or Pinterest to market your products and tap into free traffic from social media.
4. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a perfect way to get into eCommerce without buying inventory upfront. With dropshipping, you set up an online store, sell products from suppliers, and they handle all the logistics like shipping and storage. You never even touch the product! Shopify or WooCommerce makes it easy to set up your store, while suppliers like AliExpress or Zendrop will fulfill orders. Focus on trending products, and use Facebook or TikTok ads to drive traffic.
Pro Tip: Find winning products by researching on platforms like ZIK Analytics or SaleHoo, where you can track what’s trending and what’s selling fast.
5. Virtual Assistant Services
Many small business owners and entrepreneurs need help managing their day-to-day tasks—this is where virtual assistants (VAs) come in. As a VA, you can offer services like email management, scheduling, social media management, or bookkeeping. You only need basic tools like Google Workspace or Microsoft Office to get started. Once you gain experience, you can expand your service offerings and start charging higher rates, allowing you to scale to six figures.
Pro Tip: Consider specializing in a specific niche, like real estate or eCommerce, to become a go-to expert in that field.
6. Content Writing/Copywriting
If you’ve got a knack for writing, content creation could be your path to six figures. Bloggers, companies, and even influencers need quality content, and they’re willing to pay for it. Start small by writing for websites or blogs, then branch out into more lucrative gigs like sales copy or email marketing. Copywriting is especially valuable because good copy can drive sales, making your services essential for businesses looking to grow.
Pro Tip: Build a portfolio using platforms like Medium or LinkedIn, and showcase your writing style to attract clients.
7. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is the art of promoting other people’s products and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral link. Start a blog, YouTube channel, or Instagram page centered around a specific niche (like fitness, beauty, or tech), then sign up for affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale. The key is to build an audience that trusts your recommendations. As you grow, your passive income can scale to six figures.
Pro Tip: Choose affiliate programs with recurring commissions so you can earn money every month for every customer you refer.
8. Online Course Creation
If you have expertise in a particular area—whether it’s cooking, coding, or fitness—you can turn that knowledge into a profitable online course. Platforms like Teachable or Udemy make it easy to upload your course and start earning money. Since you only need to create the course once and sell it multiple times, this is a great way to build passive income. You can also market your course using YouTube or Instagram to reach a larger audience.
Pro Tip: Offer a free mini-course to attract more people into your funnel, then upsell them to your premium content.
9. Digital Marketing Agency
If you know how to run Facebook ads, SEO campaigns, or Google ads, starting a digital marketing agency can be extremely lucrative. You can help businesses improve their online visibility and drive more traffic to their sites. Start by offering your services to small businesses, then gradually increase your prices as you gain more experience and success stories. With minimal upfront investment and a laptop, you can easily scale this into a six-figure business.
Pro Tip: Offer package deals that include multiple services (like SEO and social media ads) to create more value for your clients.
10. Photography/Videography Business
If you have a passion for photography or videography, this can be an incredibly rewarding business with minimal upfront costs. Whether you’re capturing weddings, shooting real estate videos, or creating stock footage for websites, there are plenty of opportunities to make money. You only need a camera (or even a smartphone in some cases) and a good portfolio to get started. As you gain experience and clients, you can scale by offering packages and more premium services.
Pro Tip: Sell your photos on stock photography sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock for additional passive income.
11. Etsy Store for Digital Products
Etsy is a goldmine for selling digital products like printables, planners, artwork, or templates. You don’t need any inventory, just design your products using free tools like Canva, list them on Etsy, and start selling. With the right SEO and keywords, you can attract thousands of customers who are willing to pay for well-designed and useful digital products. The beauty of digital products is that you only need to create them once, but they can be sold over and over again.
Pro Tip: Use EverBee, an Etsy analytics tool, to research trending products and best-performing keywords to help you grow your store faster.
12. Mobile Car Detailing
With minimal investment in cleaning supplies, you can start a mobile car detailing service in your local area. Offer car washing, waxing, and interior cleaning, then advertise your services through social media and word-of-mouth. Since people love convenience, being able to go to them makes this business particularly attractive. As you grow your customer base, you can offer additional services like monthly packages or vehicle maintenance.
Pro Tip: Build partnerships with local car dealerships or rental companies to secure consistent business.
Conclusion
You don’t need a huge budget to start a successful business. These low-cost business ideas allow you to test the waters, grow your skills, and scale your income over time. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time gig, any of these options could potentially lead you to make $100k in a year.