Online businesses for teens can be a great way to bring in some extra cash. Finding the right idea that matches your skills and interests can help you get started. Here are 13 online business ideas you can make money: some are easy to do, while some may be difficult.
Table of Contents
1. Proofreader
You read over articles and other text for spelling errors, grammar mistakes or sentence structure.
It is an easy job if you’re good at writing and familiar with grammar. Many writers need help with making sure their content flows well before they submit it to publishers.
2. Freelance Writer
You write articles (about topics you know and love) for content websites and get paid by calculating more than USD15 per 1,000 words for native English writers.
If you have a passion, writing online can be a great way to monetize your skills. There are several websites that are specifically for hiring freelancers, like Problogger, Upwork, Iwriter. You can search on their website and look through the posed job responsibilities and salary, and then decide which one suits you.
3. Video Editing
You edit videos for businesses or individuals.
If you can operate some video editor softwares, video editing can be a good way to make money online.
Many teens are looking for ways to make money without having a lot of work experience, so this might be an attractive option. Posting your portfolio on sites like LinkedIn and Upwork can help you get started.
4. Audio Editing
You edit audio content online.
As with video editing, first you need to be familiar with audio editing softwares. There are many mom-and-pop businesses that need help with basic audio edits for their websites or social media posts. You can also sign up on freelance sites like Upwork and Freelancer to find these types of opportunities.
5. Graphic Design
You design logos, graphics or other visual elements for businesses.
Graphic design can be lucrative for those who are skilled at it. Many companies need frequent updates on new marketing materials and some may even want new designs created from scratch. If you don’t know where to start, you could offer your services on an hourly basis and build a portfolio by asking clients to pay for the work up front.
6. Print on Demand (POD)
You sell designs online.
Sites like Etsy and Redbubble allow you to sell your own designs on a variety of merchandise, from mugs and T-shirts to phone cases and stickers. Depending on your niche, this could be a great opportunity for teens who have a unique design sense.
For sites like Etsy, you have to set up an account and wait to be approved before selling your products. Redbubble doesn’t require you to go through this vetting process or pay a monthly fee, so it could be a better option for teens looking for more flexibility in their business model.
7. Online Academic Tutor
You teach students online for a variety of subjects you’re good in.
You can offer assistance to low-grade students that need help in your area by skype or zoom. Some websites that also connect tutors and students include Wyzant and Tutor.com.
8. Podcasting
You talk to people about various topics and post your conversations online.
If you have the skills, podcasting is a great way to share your voice with others. But, as always, you want to make sure you are doing something that will build up your personal brand or help further your career goals. This is a great option if you are passionate about a topic and want to share that with others. You can charge for advertising on your podcast or ask for donations from your listeners.
9. Social Media Influencer
As a social media influencer, you get paid to review online products or promote brands on social media.
There are many companies that hire social media influencers. Captiv8 and Famebit are just two examples of companies that specifically deal with this type of marketing. Both sites let you apply for opportunities, so your competition will be other teens.
10. YouTube Channel
You Have your own YouTube channel, and then create videos and post them online for people to view. When you have traffic, join AdSense to make money.
If you love creating videos, this could be a great idea. YouTube offers tutorials on how to make money from your channel.
Content is king with YouTube, focus on something unique and original–you don’t necessarily have to be the star of your show, but you do need an entertaining personality.
It will take some time to make traffic go up, when you have some traffic, apply for AdSense to start making money.
11. Web Developer
You use your coding skills to help design sites or make them more functional online.
Coding isn’t easy, but if you have the drive and focus to learn html and css, this could be a great way to make some cash. It helps if you go to school for this or have some experience under your belt. One place to start is the Code Academy website, which has tutorials on how to get started with coding.
12. Blogging for Display Ads or Join Amazon Associates
You display ads or help sellers sell products on your website.
First you need to establish a website and then write about topics related to a niche you have interest and knowledge. Join the ads program such as Ezoic or associates like Amazon associates to help Amazon help products.
You usually have to write a certain number of articles per month or have a specific amount of traffic to your site before you are able to start earning money. Opportunities like this can be hard for teens who might not know what they want to write about.
13. Starting an eCommerce Business
You create an online store where people can buy and sell various products. You can sell on Amazon or eBay.
This can be a great business opportunity, but it does take some planning. You’ll need to research potential suppliers, manufacturers and even shipping companies so you know how your business will run on the backend.
You might also want to think about using dropshipping so you don’t have to handle the logistics of shipping and fulfillment.
