Think you need a fancy degree, a fat wallet, or years of experience to start making money online? Think again.

In this post, I’m going to walk you through two of the easiest online businesses you can start in 2025—even if you’ve never made a dollar online before. These options don’t require special skills, big investments, or tons of time to get started. In fact, you could land your first paying client within days.

Ready to build something real with just your laptop and some determination? Let’s dive in.

Why These Two Business Models?

Not all online business ideas are created equal. Some take a lot of time to learn (looking at you, app development 😅), while others require big startup capital. So, I picked two that check all the boxes:

No experience needed
Zero startup costs
Immediate earning potential
High scalability

They’re perfect whether you’re totally broke, testing the waters with a side hustle, or ready to go all in.

Option #1: Freelancing — The Fastest Way to Start Earning Online

If you want to make money fast, freelancing is hands down the best route.

Why? Because you’re selling something people already want: your time and attention.

What Is Freelancing?

Freelancing is simply doing work for others without being their employee. That means you’re in charge. You can work with multiple clients, set your own rates, and (best of all) work from your couch in your PJs.

Even better? You don’t need to be an expert. There are tons of beginner-friendly freelance roles where you can learn as you go and raise your rates as you gain experience.

Best Freelance Jobs for Beginners

Here are a few freelancing jobs that are easy to start and pay surprisingly well:

1. Customer Service Specialist

💬 Companies still need real humans to connect with their customers—especially high-end brands that prioritize personal service.
You’ll answer questions, solve problems, and represent the brand in a positive way.
Average pay: $15–$25/hour

2. Executive Assistant

🗒 Organized? Detail-oriented? Great at email and scheduling? This could be a great fit.
You’ll help busy professionals manage their calendars, travel, and daily to-do’s.
Average pay: $25–$50/hour

3. Social Media Manager

📱 Even with AI tools, businesses still need people to make strategy decisions, write captions, and schedule posts.
If you’re reliable, creative, and know your way around Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, you’re ahead of the game.
Average pay: $20–$40/hour

4. Tech Assistant

🛠 Know how to set up a WordPress website? Familiar with email marketing tools like Mailchimp or ConvertKit?
There are tons of entrepreneurs out there who need help with this “simple stuff”—and are happy to pay someone else to do it.

Pro tip: What feels basic to you might be gold to someone else.

How to Get Started with Freelancing

Here’s your game plan:

Start Networking

Reach out to friends, family, or people you know who run businesses.
Build relationships before pitching your services.

Create a Freelance Profile

Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.
Start with lower rates to land your first few clients and build your reviews.

Do a Great Job

Every client is a chance to earn testimonials and referrals.
Overdeliver (but don’t work for free!), and your work will market itself.

Option #2: Coaching or Consulting — Get Paid to Share What You Know

Yes, you can get paid for your advice. And no, you don’t need to be a certified “expert” to get started.

If you've ever helped a friend solve a problem, you’re already halfway to becoming a coach or consultant.

What’s the Difference?

Coaches help clients reach goals through guidance and encouragement.
Consultants offer expert advice and strategic plans in a specific area.

Either way, you’re helping people get results, and they’re happy to pay for it.

Coaching & Consulting Niches to Consider

Not sure what you could offer? Here are a few in-demand niches that don’t require formal credentials:

1. Parenting & Family Coaching

If you've figured out how to get your kids to sleep, do chores, or eat veggies—people will pay you for that wisdom.

2. Health & Wellness

Maybe you lost 30 pounds, healed your gut, or transitioned to a plant-based lifestyle.
People want real-world support more than textbook advice.

3. Tech Consulting

Know your way around tools like Zapier, ClickUp, or ChatGPT?
Teach others how to implement these tools in their businesses.

4. Financial or Budget Coaching

You don’t need to be a CPA. If you’ve paid off debt, learned how to budget, or figured out how to live on less—you can help others do the same.

Important note: You don’t need fancy credentials, but you do need integrity. Be clear about what you do and don’t offer.

How to Get Started with Coaching or Consulting

Choose Your Niche

Pick something you’ve already had success with in your own life.

Offer a Few Free Sessions

This helps you build confidence, gather testimonials, and refine your offer.

Set Starter Rates

Aim for around $100 per session when starting out. It’s affordable for your clients but still profitable for you.

Build a Simple Website

Doesn’t need to be fancy. Just a place people can learn about your services and reach out.

Use Social Media the Right Way

Focus on sharing value and building relationships.
Don’t push your services—draw people in with helpful content and link to your site or free resources.

What Should You Choose: Freelancing or Coaching?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Freelancing is a great fit if you enjoy doing the work yourself and want to start earning money as soon as possible. It typically requires no upfront investment beyond your time, and you can begin right away by finding clients through networking or freelancing platforms. However, as a freelancer, your income may eventually hit a ceiling since you're trading time for money.

Coaching or consulting, on the other hand, involves sharing your knowledge and helping others solve problems. It usually requires a small investment to build a website or create a few marketing materials. While it might take a bit longer to land your first clients, the long-term potential is high—especially if you package your services into scalable offers.

So, if you prefer doing the work directly, freelancing might be your path. But if you love teaching and guiding others, coaching or consulting could be your best bet.

Final Thoughts: It’s Easier Than You Think

Starting an online business isn’t reserved for techies or influencers. If you have a laptop, a little hustle, and a willingness to learn, then you can start building a real income online—this week.

So now it’s your turn.

Choose your path: freelancer or consultant.
Pick a niche based on what you already know.
Start building connections and offering value.
And don’t forget to grab a simple business plan 👇to organize your next steps.

📥 Download “The Easiest Business Plan Ever” — it’s free, fill-in-the-blank, and just six pages long.

Here’s to your success. 🌟

The EASIEST Online Businesses to Start in 2025 (no experience needed!)

Why These Two Business Models?