Picture yourself breaking free from the monotonous 9-to-5 grind and forging your trail toward passive income, all without the confines of a desk job.
In the past ten years, I’ve shifted into full-time online entrepreneurship. Over time I’ve figured out what are the best automated businesses online, and what don’t.
I’m currently the CEO of Eric Javits and of two consulting agencies. While that’s the way I am right now, it was after a failure.
This article will explore 30 best automated business ideas, from best E-commerce platforms to affiliate marketing and beyond. I’m thrilled to take you through.
What Are The 30 Best Automated Business Ideas in 2024?
Exploring the 30 best automated business ideas in 2024 unveils a unique process driven by cutting-edge technology and innovative strategies. These business ideas leverage automation to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and minimize human intervention.
From affiliate marketing to photography print sales, the focus is maximizing productivity while reducing costs. This list highlights the most promising and scalable ventures, providing entrepreneurs with a roadmap to harness the power of automation in various industries.
By adopting these automated business ideas, businesses can stay competitive and future-proof in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
1. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing can be used as an effective passive income generation strategy if managed well. Start by finding products or services you believe in and signing up as an affiliate marketer through platforms like Amazon Associates or ShareASale, and sharing unique affiliate links.
Earning through affiliate commissions
When people purchase through your affiliate links, you earn commissions without direct involvement.
Effective link promotion through various channels – social media, blogs, or videos is key. Persistence and consistency are vital, but automation can make the process easier, allowing you to earn even while you rest.
The future of affiliate marketing looks promising, as experts predict significant growth. In 2030, experts from the industry forecast that affiliate marketing market could grow to USD 40 billion. Today, more than 80% of businesses rely on the effectiveness by utilizing affiliate marketing to increase their reach and increase sales.
What differentiates affiliate marketing?
Its flexibility and ease of use. It isn’t necessary to develop products from scratch or deal with the service standards of customer service. Instead, your focus is in creating engaging content and suggesting relevant products or services to your audience.
2. Digital Products
Digital goods, like eBooks, printable, templates or online courses can be designed one time and then sold in a series of sales.
The great thing is that you are not bound by the limitations that come with physical manufacturing or management of inventory.
Instead, your focus is on providing top-quality content that is able to meet the ever-changing demands of your target audience, ensuring your profits and impact will continue to increase.
3. E-Commerce Platforms
E-commerce platforms form the cornerstone of modern businesses online, offering robust infrastructure and intuitive tools that streamline operations while driving sales.
The idea of creating an online marketplace is a business idea that entrepreneurs can develop an online platform which allows sellers to post and market their products or services. This platform functions as a middleman between buyers and sellers, similar to like a virtual mall.
Let’s examine how best ecommerce platforms can empower entrepreneurs to achieve success.
4. Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping store is a simplified e-commerce model that was designed to non-technical customers. It allows entrepreneurs to sell their products on the internet with no hassles of keeping physical inventory.
This is an easy approach to entering the world of online shopping, so you can concentrate on marketing and building your online presence while suppliers take care of the rest.
Beginning a dropshipping store is fairly simple, due too the ease of use ofthe ecommerce platforms. Here are my three tips how to succeed with best dropshipping products.
5. Email Marketing Automation
Offer marketing and email services through ecommerce marketing automation software to design and distribute targeted email marketing campaigns. By using this method, you can design and schedule specific email campaigns that target certain audiences at the right time.
Entrepreneurs can benefit from this strategy since it improves communication with leads, cultivates leads and increases sales without the need for deep technical understanding.
It is possible to set up automated email marketing to serve a variety of reasons, like greeting new subscribers, returning empty carts and even recommending customized products.
- Save time
- Keep constant communication
- Boost level of engagement with your customers
- Monitor user interactions, to improve response and conversion rates
6. Social Media Management Tools
Tools for managing social media are vital resources for businesses looking to improve their presence on the internet, simplify their content scheduling, evaluate the performance of their business, and connect with their customers efficiently.
Through the implementation of tools you can manage social media for automated content scheduling, analytics and engagement.
Businesses are able to increase the visibility of their websites, brand and generate real interactions with followers.
7. Print-on-Demand Shop
Exploring a new and exciting avenue for creativity, we dive into the world of print-on-demand companies.
Print on demand is an excellent opportunity to make money online printing which allows people to sell tangible items without the hassle of managing inventory.
The process is simple:
1. Upload your designs to popular platforms such as Merch by Amazon or Redbubble.
2. When you place an order, the platform takes care of the logistics of printing and shipping for you.
3. You are paid a commission for every sale made.
With print-on-demand, creativity is your currency and the potential to earn profits does not limit itself. Get involved and let your imagination fly!
8. Virtual Assistant Training
Create courses for future virtual assistants. They will be taught the fundamental skills and techniques, as well as tools.
Virtual assistants are highly sought – after and a lot of aspiring professionals are seeking to work in the fields. They can be taught on various aspects of virtual assistant, like communications, administrative tasks along with time management.
These courses can be offered via the most well known online learning platforms or on your website using technology to enroll students, provide material, and then evaluate their development.
E-learning platforms are able to handle hosting of courses along with student and course management. Explore e-learning platforms for students which make it easier to create courses process, such as Udemy, Teachable and Skool.
9. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
In the ever-changing world of business, establishing strong relationships with customers is crucial to scale growth.
Customers Relationship Management (CRM) Systems provide an extensive solution for companies to manage leads as well as sales tracking, processes for customer engagement, ensuring effectiveness and efficiency in managing customer interactions all the way through their experience.
Implementing CRM systems that automate track sales, lead management and customer engagement gives companies a competitive advantage in today’s market.
By leveraging automation to simplify operations and processes that improve customer interactions can boost revenue growth, master the satisfaction of customers and ensure long-term success.
10. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Tools
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the foundation to online visibility.
Utilizing best enterprise SEO tools like Ahrefs, Semrush and SERPstat to conduct search engine optimization, keyword research, and monitoring the search engine rankings businesses can boost its online visibility, entice targeted traffic, and create steady growth.
11. Content Syndication
Getting the content placed in front of the correct target audience isn’t easy.
Use content syndication, a method to streamline distribution of content across multiple platforms and channels. By distributing your content, you will be able to reach a larger public, increase visitors to your site, and boost your brand’s exposure and credibility in your field.
Read on to understand the best content syndication platforms.
12. Content Strategist
In the role of a content strategist you’ll write, plan the content calendar as well as edit the content of companies. The strategy you use to market your business will spread content across social media platforms and on the web.
Keep the content consistent with you brand’s message and assist companies achieve their goals through the content you write.
13. Developing Premium Content for Subscription
Premium content is like giving your audience a backstage pass to exclusive insights they can’t get anywhere else. It is about offering real value—guides, tutorials, insider tips—that`s why premium content is essential for your membership site.
To build an engaged community willing to pay for high-quality insights and experiences.
It is about building lasting relationships based on trust and expertise.
14. Start a Subscription Box
Starting subscription boxes offers themed assortments of items catering to diverse interests, from meal kits to beauty products and fitness gear.
Customizable to nearly any theme, examples like Bokksu highlight specialization in delivering Japanese snacks monthly.
- Curating involves collaboration with artisans and brands to package products.
- Some subscriptions allow for personalized selections.
- This venture is lucrative and seasonal, often chosen as a gift, making it an attractive option for online businesses.
The subscription box industry is booming, with e-commerce sales exceeding $38 billion in the US alone in 2023.
Leveraging existing successful products eliminates the need for product development, enhancing appeal by presenting them in enticing packaging.
15. Launch a Podcast
Similar to blogs, podcasts can also generate automated passive income. As your podcast expands it is possible to offer sponsorships, as well as sell your own products and services. With podcasts, you’ll earn your listeners trust and this makes it more likely that they’ll purchase what you’re selling.
The amount of Americans listening to podcasts will increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 37.2 million users (+48.7 percent).
To begin a podcast, there is no need for expensive or costly audio equipment. It’s helpful to have podcasts transcribing to ensure accessibility and marketing.
Sean Green, creator of SGPN podcast, earns more than $30,000/month podcasting.
Here’s what you need to start your podcast:
- A high-quality microphone
- Audio recording software
- Call recording software
Consider collaborating with prominent figures as guests on your show. Encourage listeners to leave reviews and share your podcast with friends and family.
16. Become an Influencer
Influencer marketing, estimated at around $21 billion by Statista, is a vast business opportunity. While many associate influencers with celebrities, there’s a thriving market for micro-influencers–individuals with smaller yet engaged followings.
Why is it essential to pursue the status of an influencer?
- It is a great way to learn marketing.
- It is useful when you want to enter the field professionally.
- You’ll find new and exciting brands and discover companies and products you genuinely enjoy through collaborations.
- It allows you to build your brand.
Effectively presenting your products and engaging with your followers can lead you to fame on the internet.
17. Online Coaching
Offer coaching or consulting services remotely via video calls and automated scheduling tools, simplifying client connections.
Provide personalized one-on-one sessions, group workshops, or courses, efficiently managing appointments through automation.
- It enables individuals to monetize their expertise without requiring advanced technical skills, which is particularly beneficial for those with business, health, or personal development insights.
- Facilitates reaching a global audience from the comfort of one’s own space.
- For those less tech-savvy, platforms like Calendly streamline appointment bookings, while video chat services such as Zoom and Google Meet facilitate seamless communication.
To thrive in this venture, establish your expertise and target audience, invest in marketing efforts to attract clients, and utilize automated scheduling tools to manage your time effectively.
18. Cryptocurrency Trading
Cryptocurrency trading is quickly gaining traction due to the amount of potential for earning money. If you’re comfortable taking risks and have a tiny amount of money to start with, it’s a good ideas to take a shot at cryptocurrency trading. Since it’s a volatile market, it’s possible to make money day trading as long as you’re willing to take the risk.
19. Sell Merchandise on Marketplaces
Selling merchandise on online marketplaces like eBay, Bonanza, Etsy, OfferUp, or Facebook Marketplace offers a sustainable business model. These platforms simplify listing, contact gathering, and payment receipt processes. The added advantage is their existing large user base, providing built-in traffic.
Successful sellers strategically manage listings and monitor sales performance to optimize efforts conveniently from home and generate passive income.
Marketplace selling has advantages, including low startup costs, access to a diverse audience, and the opportunity to develop online selling skills that can be applied to future ventures.
20. Start Accounting or Bookkeeping
With a background in finance, tap into the enduring market demand for accounting and bookkeeping by freelancing your services.
Your expertise level dictates whether you function as a self-taught bookkeeper, utilizing software like QuickBooks or a certified public accountant (CPA) for more complex tasks.
- Launching your business involves leveraging advertising, word of mouth, and online platforms like UpWork.
- Secure clients and deliver quality service; referrals will naturally follow.
- Consistent demand for ethical financial oversight, tax preparation, and investor attraction.
- Opportunities exist in corporate financial management.
Moreover, the relationship-focused nature of service-based businesses like accounting and bookkeeping can cultivate long-term customer retention, potentially reducing reliance on digital marketing efforts.
21. Start a Blog
If you’re not an expert in technology, you can create your blog with a minimum of web design expertise. If you’re able to earn money from it, it is possible to turn your blog into profitable source of income. However, you shouldn’t start a blog end expect that money to be poured in immediately.
It is essential to create consistent content and find a way to market something on your blog, be it sponsored posts or coaching services, ads space via networks like Google AdSense, affiliate products or even digital items made by you.
All you require to get started is the Web Hosting and the domain address. It’s an easy business model. The more high-quality blog posts you write, the greater profits you can earn. So long as you’re capable of building links to your blog.
The most popular blogs are usually what’s known as a niche blog. By focusing on a single subject that you’re interested in you’ll be able to attract more readers to your blog posts and are more likely to purchase the products and services that you suggest.
Consider my friend Marcos Isaias. He’s a digital marketing professional who’s a blogger and is on track to achieve big success with this blog.
22. Printable Templates
Offer a diverse array of customizable printable templates catering to different requirements, from planners and invitations to business forms. These templates provide a hassle-free solution for individuals seeking tailored solutions.
The advantage lies in the scalability of this venture; once your templates are created, they can be sold repeatedly, eliminating the need for constant manual input.
Entrepreneurs without technical expertise can utilize user-friendly design tools or enlist designers to create these templates. Platforms like Etsy or your own website can be utilized as avenues for sales. As customers buy and download these digital assets, you generate passive income while fulfilling a range of creative needs.
23. Pinterest Virtual Assistant
It’s similar to a typical VA business, but it focuses on helping businesses increase the presence of their business on Pinterest.
In this position, you help build an effective Pinterest marketing plan, develop pinnable visuals, set up boards, schedule daily pins and more.
Kristin Larsen`s blog offers a step-by-step guide curriculum designed to help specialize as a Pinterest Virtual Assistant.
24. Freelance Writing
Are you a decent writer? Are you eager to learn? Do you have a basic understanding of niches? You can begin your own writing company as a freelancer, providing articles for other businesses.
You could use your personal blog as a portfolio site to assist you in starting your own business.
Freelance Writers Den is an online community where freelance writers can learn how to grow their income.
25. Graphic Design Services
Make use of online tools for graphic design to provide a variety of design and development services.
Today tools that aid in the production of attractive artwork and graphics utilize AI to create designs in large quantities. This allows you streamline your design process while focusing on promoting yourself and acquiring more customers.
Tools such as Canva as well as Adobe Spark provide templates and easy-to-ise interfaces.
26. Youtube Automation
Welcome to the Dario Markovic Youtube channel, where you find me in front of the camera – intentionally. This strategy extends to other successful ventures I’ve spearheaded, such as Business Stories Decoded or Alpha Money Income.
I’ve crafted a unique approach to content creation, focusing on faceless videos engineered for maximum virality. With carefully curated team sourced from platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, I’ve been able to build a thriving Youtube automation business.
27. E-Book Publishing
Write and publish eBooks using platforms like Amazon Kindle, reaching a world wide public.
In the digital age writing and self-publishing e-books are now extremely accessible. You don’t have to be famous as an writer or hold a conventional publishing contract any more. It is possible to share your expertise and stories or experience to the world and make some money from your work.
The appeal of e-books is that they allow you to write about whatever you’re interested about- from cooking to travel, to business advice and even a novel. It’s not necessary to be an expert in technology to write them; there are accessible platforms and tools to simplify the process.
The platforms for e-books handle the distribution and payment of royalties, making it easier for people who aren’t tech-savvy. An excellent platform for selling your book for the first time can be Gumroad. You can also make your landing page to sell your book without any intermediaries.
28. E-Commerce Consultancy
Provide consultancy services to e-commerce businesses, aiding them in streamlining operations and boosting sales. I have helped Eric Javits from almost bankruptcy to $50 million in sales because I have the expert skill as an e-commerce consultant and know every detail in marketing strategy, how to implement multichannel selling, and how to add new technologies.
This automated business idea leverages your grasp of business operations and consumer dynamics, eliminating the need for extensive technical expertise.
The business entails offering guidance to e-commerce establishments on diverse fronts, including website enhancement, digital marketing tactics, inventory control, and elevating customer satisfaction.
29. Online Courses
Crafting online courses presents a promising avenue for an online venture. It entails curating educational material, encompassing video lectures, interactive quizzes, and engaging assignments, centered around a topic within your domain of expertise.
Following deployment, these courses have the potential to yield passive income as learners sign up, offering a prime opportunity to disseminate knowledge and generate revenue sans intricate technical know-how.
Here’s why it’s particularly appealing for those less inclined towards technical intricacies: Online course platforms manage the logistics of hosting, payment processing, and content delivery.
Popular platforms like Udemy or Teachable streamline these operations, enabling seamless engagement with your audience.
30. Photography Print Sales
Turn your photography passion into profit with this interesting automated business idea.
Sell digital images or artwork prints hassle-free using platforms like Printful or even Etsy.
Let technology handle printing, packaging, and shipping while you focus on creating stunning visuals. It’s an easy way for non-tech-savvy photographers to monetize their talent and reach a wider audience.
How Can Automated Business Ideas Assist Me?
An automated business makes use of digital tools, software and technology to simplify operations and reduce the need for continuous manual intervention.
It’s similar to having an army of robots employing nifty tools software and technology to ensure that things run smoothly throughout the various areas of your company, from marketing and sales, to how to improve customer service and delivery of products.
Take a look at my list of the best automated business ideas to discover how you can profit from the world of online commerce.
Automation: How it Works?
- Customer Support: Chatbots with AI powered and automated responses
- Delivering Products: Print-on-demand and dropshipping help automate fulfillment of orders.
- Sales: E-commerce platforms as well as chatbots aid in the sale and transaction.
Benefits of Automation
- Scalability: Automatization allows for easier scaling the business as it expands.
- Time Efficiency: Automating frees time to plan strategic strategies and growth of business.
- Consistency: Automated processes assure the sameness in sales, marketing and customer service.
What is Passive Income?
Passive Income can be earned with some effort, which allows it to come in without constant effort. Contrary to active income that requires constant effort the sources of passive income include royalties, investments, as well as online businesses.
Automated Income can provide freedom from financial burdens, which allows wealth building and lifestyle enhancement with a lesser energy and time commitments in comparison to traditional work.
Key Characteristics of Passive Income
- Financial Security: Passive income can provide stability in the financial system and serves as a security net
- Income Diversification: The majority of people have multiple sources of passive income and are less dependent on one source
- Returns on Earnings: Passive Income streams can earn earnings for a long time often indefinitely.
- Limited Active Involvement: Passive Income requires less effort than active income.
Power of Passive Income
- Financial Freedom: Passive Income could allow financial independence and the freedom to pursue your passions.
- Wealth Building: In the long run passive income can add to the accumulation of wealth as well as generational wealth.
- Work-Life Balance: Gives you more time to relax possibly reducing stress and enhancing living quality.
How to Achieve Success with Automated Business Ideas
Engaging in an online business venture involves more than choosing a “nice” idea; it requires dedication and effort from the owner in order to become profitable ventures.
Despite the numerous options and the relatively minimal hurdies to entry however, competition in the online sector is still intense. Simply having an idea for a business and then launching, it will not be enough. The success of a digital business requires a well-thought out strategy and a thorough grasp of what makes an automated business succeed.
To get started, you might consider exploring the 22 best automated busines ideas for inspiration and guidance on the most effective approaches.
Maintaining Consistent Income Flows
A consistent income doesn’t happen by accident. It’s designed, nurtured, and sometimes wrestled into existence through sheer willpower and smarts.
Diversification is your lifeline when market trends shift overnight.
- Consider adding services or digital downloads to mix things up. This move can buffer against seasonal dips or unexpected downturns.
- Email marketing still reigns supreme in driving sales with minimal ongoing effort—especially if automation does the heavy lifting.
- Feedback loops matter. Whether customer reviews or analytics insights, they’ll show you where to tweak your strategies for better results.
Remember that the path to enduring expansion is perpetual, a relentless endeavor punctuated by hurdles and victories.
Dario's Experience
The e-commerce automation world isn’t an endless merry-go-round; it’s a chance carousel.
Ecommerce automation concepts are an opportunity to succeed without stress.
It’s all about establishing systems that operate without a trace for you.
Through affiliate marketing, making recommendations profitable and dropshipping alleviating inventory worries are all real possibilities, not fantasies. With self-sending email tools or social media robots, you’re now more equipped with the tools you need to succeed.
This is where work meets the best automated business ideas and earning isn’t required for every hour of the day. It’s been an adventure into the world of freedom, where passive income flows, and a life that isn’t confined to screens awaits.
Armed with knowledge bombs to conquer the world, get out there and be successful!
To explore even more automated business ideas for 2024, check out my YouTube channel for the video “12 Uncommon Passive Income Ideas to Pay your Rent in 2024“.
Start your journey to financial freedom today!
Frequently Asked Questions
When selecting an automated business idea, consider your interests, skills, market demand, and resources. Assess the feasibility, scalability, and potential profitability of each idea. Conduct market research to identify trends and gaps in the market that your automated business can address effectively.
While technical skills can be beneficial, they’re only sometimes necessary. Many automated business ideas can be implemented with the help of readily available tools, software, and platforms. You can also collaborate with technical experts or hire professionals to handle the technical aspects of your business.
Security is crucial when implementing automated business processes. Encryption, authentication mechanisms, and access controls safeguard sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access. Software and systems should be regularly updated to patch vulnerabilities and stay vigilant against emerging threats.
Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy that leverages digital channels such as social media, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and email marketing. Highlight automation benefits such as efficiency, cost savings, and improved customer experiences. Utilize case studies and testimonials to showcase the effectiveness of your automated solutions.
Stay informed by following industry publications, attending conferences and webinars, joining relevant professional networks and forums, and networking with experts in the field. Continuously evaluate new technologies and innovations to identify opportunities for enhancing your automated business processes.
