13 Small Online Business Ideas for Teens in 2023

I have to admit: school is fun. However, as a teen, you may want to experience something else that gives you some excitement, including starting a business. The Internet is growing at an unbelievable rate. Along with that growth, there come opportunities for business-savvy teens to explore. In this article, I will discuss 13 small online business ideas for teens in 2023.

What are the small online business ideas for teens in 2023?

Here are my top small business ideas for young entrepreneurs to start in 2023.

1. Content-driven business

Research shows that people spend an average of 6 hours and 37 minutes online daily looking for information. Thus, the standard for online content is increasing. This is a great opportunity for you (as a teen) to produce excellent content.

You can write blog posts, create Youtube videos, or even start a podcast covering various topics. Once you have built authority and a solid online presence, you can monetize your business through advertisements, affiliate marketing, donations, or sponsorships.

2. Affiliate marketing

You may be a social media influencer with a fan club on social media. You may have a blog with thousands of organic visitors per month.

If so, you can promote products you love and believe in to earn handsome commissions from every sale made through your unique affiliate link.

Affiliate marketing is a low-risk and simple business idea because it doesn’t require much investment. As an affiliate marketer, you don’t need to buy products. Instead, you promote products from other companies and earn a commission on each sale you generate.

Affiliate marketing offers excellent flexibility, as you can work anytime, anywhere. You only need a laptop with a stable Internet connection to get things done. If you are a busy teen with many activities at school, an affiliate marketing business will give you the needed flexibility.

This lucrative business model also offers unlimited earning potential. The stronger your online presence is, the more commissions you make. In addition, as you gain more experience, you can expand your small business towards different niches and earn more money.

3. Social media marketing business

Social media has become an essential part of any business’s marketing strategy. Companies are trying their best to win their authority online. Thus, they constantly look for experts who can help them execute social media campaigns and keep them ahead of the competition.

Suppose you possess the skills to help businesses get more engagement. In that case, you have a substantial competitive advantage to start a social media marketing business, as you already understand the strategies to grow on these social media platforms.

4. Graphic design business

Graphic design is currently one of the most demanding skills in the market. Businesses need logos, banners, and social media graphics to promote their brand. Thus, they need skillful graphic designers who can bring them value.

If you have a creative mind and are naturally good with art, starting a graphic design business is a great idea. You can make good money by simply creating logos.

5. Website design business

Websites help small businesses increase sales and build credibility. 66% of US consumers believe that a brand with a website is more credible than a brand with only a social media account.

Building websites is the future of e-commerce. I believe web designer is a great small business idea. If you have technical skills in building websites or know how to use website builders like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace, you can offer your services to small business owners who need an online presence.

6. E-Commerce store

In 2022, retail e-commerce stores made more than 5.7 trillion dollars, and this number is expected to grow in the next couple of years. Therefore, starting an online store can be a great business idea.

You can start selling anything on e-commerce platforms. Whether it’s fashion, home goods, or electronics, you can always sell products that align with your interests.

With the ability to reach a global audience and sell products 24/7, the e-commerce store has great potential for earning high revenue. Once you have a loyal customer base, your small business can become a full-time income machine.

7. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a small business idea where you sell products without handling inventory or shipping.

It is a low-risk model because it requires little initial investment. With drop shipping, you don’t need to purchase inventory upfront because you only order products from your supplier once you receive an order from your customers. Therefore, you don’t need to worry too much about unsold products.

When you run a dropshipping business, you can work anywhere with an Internet connection, making it one of the best business ideas for teens who want to earn money while still attending school and managing other commitments.

To start a dropshipping business, you can create an online store and sell products from low-cost suppliers like AliExpress, Oberlo, or Printful.

8. Virtual assistant business

Virtual assistants play a significant role in online businesses. From administrative tasks and customer service to social media management, a virtual assistant can help companies eliminate hassle so they can focus on more important tasks.

In addition, with the shift towards virtual events, there is also a growing need for online event planners. You can help businesses or individuals plan and organize virtual events such as webinars, online conferences, or virtual parties.

Starting a virtual assistant business is a good idea if you are good at managing tasks and events.

9. Online tutoring

If you are doing well at school and love teaching, try online tutoring. Many students worldwide struggle at school and need help with various subjects such as Math, Physics, English, and more.

According to ZipCruiter, the national average salary for online tutoring is $25/hour. Not too bad for a teen, right?

You can offer services through online tutoring platforms like TutorMe, Chegg, or Wyzant. Once you have attracted clients, coached them, and earned some money, you can further hire new people to handle more students. This way, you can scale your small business to a great business.

10. App development

You can start developing mobile apps for a living with a strong programming background.

People spend 3 hours and 10 minutes on their phones daily. About 2 hours and 51 minutes is time spent on mobile apps. Therefore, selling services through a mobile app is a great business idea if you have a product that provides value to your consumers.

You can publish your apps on Google Store or App Store and monetize them.

11. Online reselling business

Online reselling has dominated the Internet for a while. This business model is straightforward. You buy a product at a low price and sell it at a higher price.

If you are good at finding hidden germs on e-commerce platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace, you can give this business model a try.

12. Consultant business

Online coaching is one of the excellent business ideas for teens who have expertise in a particular area and a passion for helping others.

People need help from various areas, from fitness, dating, and business to career and education. As an online coach, you can provide value to people who want to learn from your knowledge and experience.

The most wonderful thing about online coaching is it offers flexibility and freedom. You can have your schedule and work on your terms.

13. Online courses

If you have expertise in a particular field, teach people how to do it by creating online courses. Selling online courses is one of the best business ideas for teens who love to spread their knowledge to the world.

Learning online has become popular recently as it is an affordable way to gain knowledge. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on a single college course, people can spend less money online and get the same knowledge and experience.

Moreover, the hard work is done after you finish the course. Once you publish the course, you can sit back and earn passive income as people enroll. This business model allows you to make money even while you sleep!

What makes a good online business idea for teens?

Low financial investment

As a teen, you are likely to depend on your parents. And when you start, you likely only have a little money. Thus, it is crucial to consider and pick business ideas that don’t cost you much money. You probably don’t want to burn your parents’ savings when things don’t go well. Think before you act.

Flexible hours

As a teen, you probably have many things on your plate, from schoolwork to social activities. Moreover, you are still young and want to enjoy life. Thus, choose small business models that allow you to work anytime and anywhere.

How to start an online business

Starting an online business can be an exciting journey. Still, it’s essential to approach it cautiously and avoid common pitfalls that can prevent you from achieving your dreams.

Research your business ideas

It’s great to have a business idea. But to make it work, you first need to research your idea to ensure you understand the market, your competition, and your target audience. If you see the potential in your business idea, don’t hesitate to do it.

Create a small business plan

A business plan is essential for creating a successful business. It helps you clarify your goals, identify potential pitfalls, and create a roadmap for success.

Build a strong online authority

Your online presence is crucial when it comes to building an online business. Invest time and effort into creating a professional website, social media accounts, and other online platforms to showcase your brand.

When building your online authority, it is vital to do proper SEO. SEO increases your ranking on search engines and gives you a better online presence. Check out our article to find the best SEO software for your needs.

Provide the best customer service

Warren Buffet said, “Don’t just satisfy your customers. Delight them”. The key to building a loyal customer base is excellent customer service. Respond promptly to customer inquiries, address their concerns, and offer exceptional service to keep them coming back.

Stay organized

Staying organized and tracking essential metrics from revenue and expenses to sales and site traffic is crucial for a business owner.

Project management software is the best for managing projects and business. Check out this guide to find the best project management tools for yourself.

Mistakes to avoid when starting an online business

Neglect marketing

Even if you have a great product or service, it will never sell itself. Marketing helps your business reach a wider audience and generate more sales. Invest time learning more about marketing and creating a strategy that fits your business.

Ignore customer feedback

Feedback from customers can be invaluable in making your own business more successful. Listen to feedback, analyze it, and make necessary changes to improve your business.

Overcommitting

Starting an online business can be stressful and involves a lot of hassle. However, understand that you are playing the long-term game toward success. Take time to recharge and enjoy life. Don’t burn yourself out when you just get started.

Be patient and consistent. And you will find great results ahead of you.

Conclusion

Starting an online business can be an exciting and rewarding journey for teens. It is a great opportunity to develop new skills and learn some extra money.

With the increasing advancement of the Internet, the possibilities for your entrepreneurs are endless. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you can be potential business owners of successful ventures.