Online Tutoring
Why It’s a Great Idea
Online tutoring is a high-demand, low-cost business that allows you to earn money by sharing your knowledge. With students, professionals, and lifelong learners looking to upskill, tutoring has expanded beyond traditional academic subjects to include coding, digital marketing, business skills, and even creative fields like music and design.
The flexibility of online tutoring means you can set your own hours, work with clients worldwide, and teach from the comfort of your home. Whether you specialise in GCSE and A-Level subjects, university entrance exams, or professional certifications, there is always a market for quality tutors.
How to Start
- Identify Your Expertise and Target Audience
- Decide whether you want to focus on academic subjects, professional skills, or niche areas like coding, foreign languages, or exam preparation.
- Research platforms where your expertise is most in demand, such as STEM subjects, business studies, or English as a second language (ESL).
- Join Established Tutoring Platforms
- Promote Your Services Independently
- Market yourself through social media, LinkedIn, and local community groups.
- Offer free trial lessons to build credibility and gather testimonials.
- Create a website or blog showcasing your tutoring services, success stories, and teaching approach.
- Conduct Sessions Professionally
- Use video conferencing tools like Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype for lessons.
- Invest in a good microphone, webcam, and digital whiteboard tools such as Bitpaper or Explain Everything.
- Use online learning resources like Khan Academy, Quizlet, and BBC Bitesize to supplement your lessons.
- Scale Your Business
- Expand by offering group lessons, recorded courses, or subscription-based tutoring.
- Specialise in high-demand areas like exam coaching (GCSE, A-Levels, SATs, IELTS), coding bootcamps, or corporate training.
- Consider launching your own YouTube channel or e-learning platform to reach a wider audience.
Earning Potential
- Beginner tutors can earn £10 to £25 per hour
- Experienced tutors with a strong reputation can charge £30 to £70 per hour
- High-level specialists (exam prep, coding, corporate training) can earn £100+ per hour or create passive income from online courses
With virtually no startup costs, online tutoring is a fantastic way to monetise your expertise, help others succeed, and build a flexible, profitable business.
Social Media Management
Why It’s a Great Idea
With more businesses realising the power of social media, demand for social media managers is at an all time high. Brands need engaging content, audience growth, and consistent online presence—but many small businesses and entrepreneurs do not have the time or expertise to manage their social media effectively.
If you have a passion for content creation, digital marketing, and community engagement, social media management is a low-cost business you can start from home. The only things you need are a smartphone, internet access, and creativity—no upfront investment in stock or physical space required.
How to Start
- Learn the Basics and Choose Your Niche
- Understand different social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok) and how businesses use them.
- Research content strategies, engagement tactics, and advertising techniques.
- Consider specialising in a niche, such as hospitality, fitness, finance, or e-commerce.
- Build Your Portfolio
- Manage social media accounts for friends, local businesses, or charities for free or at a discounted rate to build experience.
- Create your own personal brand on social media to showcase your skills.
- Develop case studies from your early projects, highlighting growth, engagement, and content performance.
- Use Free and Affordable Tools to Work Efficiently
- Canva – for designing professional-looking graphics and marketing materials.
- Buffer or Hootsuite – for scheduling posts across multiple platforms.
- Meta Business Suite – for managing Facebook and Instagram ads.
- Find Clients and Market Your Services
- Reach out to small businesses, startups, and influencers who need social media help.
- Use freelance platforms like PeoplePerHour, Upwork, or Fiverr to find clients.
- Network on LinkedIn and Facebook groups to connect with business owners.
- Offer free audits of social media pages to demonstrate your expertise and win clients.
- Set Your Pricing and Scale Your Business
- Start with affordable rates (£100-£300 per month per client) and increase as you gain experience.
- Offer tiered packages, including content creation, engagement, and ad management.
- Hire assistants or use automation tools to handle multiple clients at once.
Earning Potential
- Beginners: £500 – £1,500 per month with 2-5 clients.
- Experienced managers: £2,000 – £5,000 per month with multiple clients.
- Agencies or specialists: £10,000+ per month by managing larger brands or running ads.
With zero upfront costs and unlimited growth potential, social media management is an ideal home-based business for anyone with creativity and a passion for online marketing.
Content Creation (YouTube, Podcasting)
Why It’s a Great Idea
Content creation has become one of the most rewarding and accessible business models for entrepreneurs who want to share their passion and engage with a global audience. Platforms like YouTube and podcasting offer incredible potential for those who are comfortable in front of a camera or microphone. Whether you’re passionate about tech, fashion, cooking, or personal development, content creation allows you to turn your interests into a business.
While growing an audience can take time, there are multiple revenue streams you can explore once you gain traction, including advertisements, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and even crowdfunding platforms like Patreon.
How to Start
- Choose Your Niche and Define Your Brand
- Select a niche that you’re passionate about and that has potential for growth. Popular categories include technology, beauty, fitness, gaming, and personal finance.
- Define your unique selling proposition (USP) — what sets you apart from other content creators in the same space.
- Stay consistent with your content style and messaging to build a loyal audience.
- Set Up Your Equipment and Start Creating
- For YouTube, invest in a good camera (e.g. a DSLR or webcam) and lighting equipment (a ring light works wonders). For podcasting, get a high-quality microphone like the Blue Yeti or Shure SM7B.
- While professional gear can be pricey, there are plenty of affordable options available that can give you great results.
- Editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro for video or Audacity for podcasting can help you fine-tune your content.
- Create and Post Regular Content
- Start by creating valuable, informative, and entertaining content that aligns with your niche.
- For YouTube, upload videos consistently (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly) and keep them short, engaging, and high-quality.
- For podcasts, ensure that your episodes are well-researched, scripted, and feature high-quality sound. Aim for a consistent release schedule.
- Build Your Audience and Grow Your Brand
- Use social media to promote your content and engage with your audience.
- Encourage viewers or listeners to subscribe, like, and share your videos or podcasts.
- Collaborate with other content creators or experts in your field to cross-promote and expand your reach.
- Monetise Your Content
- Ad Revenue: Once you meet the requirements for platforms like YouTube Partner Program, you can start earning money from ads.
- Sponsorships and Affiliate Marketing: Partner with brands relevant to your niche to feature products in your videos or podcast episodes. You can earn commissions from affiliate sales.
- Crowdfunding: Platforms like Patreon allow fans to support you directly in exchange for exclusive content or perks.
Earning Potential
- YouTube: Earnings depend heavily on your view count and ad rates. Beginners can earn around £50-£500 per month, while successful channels can generate £2,000 to £10,000+ per month.
- Podcasting: Initial earnings might be modest, around £100-£1,000 per month, but can grow substantially through sponsorships and listener donations. Popular podcasters can earn upwards of £10,000 per month.
With minimal investment in equipment and the ability to grow organically, content creation is a great way to build a passive income and build a long-term business around your passions.
Online Reselling
Why It’s a Great Idea
Online reselling is a cost-effective way to start a business with minimal upfront investment. It involves purchasing products in bulk, from wholesale suppliers or secondhand sources, and then selling them individually for a profit. The rise of online marketplaces like eBay, Depop, and Poshmark has made reselling easier than ever, providing entrepreneurs with access to a global audience.
Whether you’re flipping secondhand clothing, tech gadgets, or home goods, the key to success lies in sourcing products at a low cost and selling them at a higher price. Plus, with a growing trend towards sustainable shopping, many customers are actively seeking secondhand or pre-loved items, creating an even larger market.
How to Start
- Source Products
- Thrift stores, charity shops, car boot sales, and online marketplaces such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree are great places to find secondhand items at low prices.
- Look for items that are in good condition, from popular brands or with high resale value (e.g., vintage clothing, designer accessories, collectibles, or tech gadgets).
- You can also source products from wholesale suppliers or dropshipping services to scale your business faster.
- Choose Your Platform
- List your products on eBay, Depop, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace, depending on your target market.
- For fashion, Depop and Poshmark are ideal, while eBay is perfect for a wide range of products, from electronics to antiques.
- Consider building a presence on Instagram or Etsy if you want to cater to a specific audience or market handmade items.
- Create High-Quality Listings
- Take clear, well-lit photos that highlight the details and condition of your items. The more detailed your photos, the higher the chance of making a sale.
- Write descriptive titles and product descriptions that include key details like brand, size, condition, and any unique features.
- Be transparent about any flaws or imperfections to avoid returns and build trust with your buyers.
- Set Competitive Prices
- Research what similar items are selling for and price your products competitively.
- Consider offering free shipping or discounted prices for bulk purchases to attract more buyers.
- Keep in mind that fees may be applicable on some platforms (e.g., eBay or Poshmark), so factor this into your pricing.
- Focus on Customer Service
- Respond to customer inquiries promptly and provide excellent service to ensure positive reviews and repeat business.
- Offer fast, reliable shipping and ensure products are well-packaged to avoid damage during transit.
- Consider implementing a return policy to build trust and customer satisfaction.
Earning Potential
- Beginner resellers can expect to make around £200-£1,000 per month, depending on the quantity and type of products they resell.
- As you grow your business and specialise in high-demand products or niches, resellers can earn £2,000-£5,000 per month.
- Top resellers or those focusing on high-end products or bulk reselling can scale to £10,000+ per month.
Online reselling offers a flexible business model that requires minimal startup costs and allows you to grow at your own pace. Whether you’re a side hustler looking to earn extra income or building a full-time business, reselling can be a profitable venture with the right strategy and commitment.
Affiliate Marketing
Why It’s a Great Idea
Affiliate marketing is one of the most scalable and passive income business models that require little to no upfront investment. As an affiliate marketer, you’ll promote products or services from other companies and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral link.
This can be done through your blog, social media profiles, or YouTube channel, making it ideal for those who are already active online and enjoy sharing recommendations or creating content. The best part? You don’t have to deal with inventory, shipping, or customer service—just focus on promoting quality products to your audience.
With the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, affiliate marketing has become a popular and profitable option for entrepreneurs looking to generate income without significant investment.
How to Start
- Choose Your Niche
- Pick a niche that you are passionate about and that has a broad audience interested in related products. Popular niches include technology, fashion, beauty, fitness, and finance.
- The more specific your niche, the easier it will be to build an engaged audience that trusts your recommendations.
- Join Affiliate Programs
- Sign up for affiliate networks such as Amazon Associates, ClickBank, Awin, or CJ Affiliate to access a wide variety of products to promote.
- Some companies also have direct affiliate programs, so check if your favourite brands offer affiliate opportunities.
- Create a Platform to Share Your Affiliate Links
- Start a blog where you can write product reviews, guides, or comparison posts with embedded affiliate links.
- Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok can also be great for promoting affiliate products, particularly if you have a strong following.
- You can even create a YouTube channel to share video content such as tutorials, unboxings, or in-depth product reviews, which allow for more engagement with your audience.
- Create Valuable Content
- Product reviews, how-to guides, and listicles (e.g. “Top 10 Gadgets for 2025”) are excellent content formats for affiliate marketers.
- Always focus on providing value to your audience by recommending products that align with their interests and needs.
- Make your content authentic and transparent—disclose your affiliate relationships and only promote products you genuinely believe in.
- Drive Traffic to Your Content
- Use SEO techniques to drive organic traffic to your website or blog by targeting relevant keywords related to the products you promote.
- Promote your affiliate content through social media ads, email marketing, or collaborations with other content creators.
- Experiment with content marketing strategies like guest blogging or video marketing to expand your reach.
- Track Your Results and Optimise
- Monitor the performance of your affiliate links using tools like Google Analytics, or check the stats provided by the affiliate programs.
- Adjust your strategy based on which products or platforms generate the most revenue.
Earning Potential
- Beginners: You may earn £50-£300 per month as you start and build your audience.
- Intermediate marketers: With a solid content strategy, you can scale to £1,000-£5,000 per month depending on traffic and conversion rates.
- Top affiliates: Successful marketers, particularly in high-demand niches, can make £10,000+ per month or more, especially through high-ticket items or recurring commissions from subscriptions.
Affiliate marketing offers a flexible, low-cost business model with great potential for passive income. Once your content is created and traffic starts coming in, you can earn money while you sleep—making it an attractive option for those who want to build a business with minimal upfront costs.
Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Why It’s a Great Idea
If you’re an animal lover, pet sitting and dog walking offer a fantastic opportunity to turn your passion for pets into a profitable business. These are both low-cost, flexible businesses that require minimal upfront investment—often just your time, a love for animals, and reliable transportation.
With the growing number of pet owners in the UK, many are looking for trustworthy individuals to look after their pets while they’re at work or on vacation. Whether you’re walking dogs in the local park or providing overnight care for cats and dogs, the demand for these services has been steadily increasing, making it an in-demand business with room for growth.
How to Start
- Offer Your Services Locally
- Start by offering your services to friends, family, and neighbours—this can be a great way to get your first few clients and build a reputation.
- Use local community boards, social media groups, or platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor to advertise your services.
- Sign Up for Pet Sitting Platforms
- Websites such as Rover, Pawshake, or PetBacker connect pet owners with pet sitters and dog walkers. Signing up for these platforms gives you access to a wider client base and allows you to manage bookings and payments easily.
- These platforms often have vetting processes in place, providing added peace of mind to clients and boosting your credibility.
- Set Your Prices
- Research the average rates in your area for dog walking or pet sitting services to ensure you’re competitive.
- You may want to offer different packages for services such as daily dog walks, overnight stays, or pet boarding to cater to a variety of customer needs.
- Consider offering discounts for multiple pets or loyalty programs to encourage repeat business.
- Provide Exceptional Service and Build Client Trust
- Reliability and consistency are key to building a loyal client base. Pet owners are looking for someone they can trust to care for their pets as if they were their own.
- Be punctual, professional, and communicative—provide updates and photos during walks or sittings to keep clients reassured.
- As you gain experience and referrals, you can increase your rates or expand your services to include other pets like cats, rabbits, or even exotic animals.
- Insurance and Safety
- While the initial investment is low, make sure you have proper insurance in place to protect yourself and the pets in your care. Some platforms like Rover include insurance, but if you’re working independently, check with local providers for the right coverage.
- It’s also important to ensure that you’re knowledgeable about pet safety and first aid in case of emergencies.
Earning Potential
- Dog Walking: On average, you can charge anywhere from £10 to £25 per hour for dog walking services, depending on your location and the size of the dog.
- Pet Sitting: Overnight stays or daytime pet sitting can range from £15 to £40 per night or more, depending on the scope of services provided.
- Full-Time Potential: With a growing client base, pet sitters and dog walkers can earn anywhere from £1,000 to £3,000 per month or more.
- Add-Ons: Consider adding additional services like grooming, training, or pet photography to increase your earning potential.
Starting a pet sitting or dog walking business is a rewarding and low-cost venture that allows you to combine your passion for animals with a sustainable income. It’s also an excellent way to meet new people, build a flexible schedule, and provide valuable services to your local community.
Handmade Crafts and Arts
Why It’s a Great Idea
If you’re a creative individual with a passion for making handmade items, turning your craft into a business can be both fun and profitable. Whether you enjoy making unique jewellery, custom candles, or original artwork, the market for handmade and bespoke items has been steadily growing, especially with the rise of online platforms like Etsy and Not On The High Street.
Consumers are increasingly seeking personalised, high-quality, and eco-friendly products, and they’re willing to pay a premium for handmade items that stand out from mass-produced alternatives. By starting a small-scale craft business, you can tap into this market with minimal upfront investment and build a brand around your creative passion.
How to Start
- Choose Your Craft and Niche
- Focus on what you’re passionate about and skilled at, whether it’s creating unique jewellery, crafting scented candles, or producing one-of-a-kind artwork.
- Consider specialising in a niche within your craft—such as minimalist jewellery, eco-friendly candles, or pet portraits—to attract a specific audience.
- Think about your target market and the aesthetic or theme that will resonate with them. For example, offering vintage-inspired jewellery or boho-style candles can help you carve out a unique space in the market.
- Set Up an Online Store
- Etsy is one of the most popular platforms for selling handmade crafts. Setting up a store is easy and provides access to an established marketplace of customers who are actively looking for handmade items.
- Consider also listing your products on Not On The High Street or creating your own online store using platforms like Shopify if you want more control over your branding and customer experience.
- Ensure your shop has clear, high-quality images of your products, along with detailed descriptions that highlight the craftsmanship and unique qualities of each item.
- Promote Your Products on Social Media
- Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook are fantastic platforms to showcase your work visually and attract potential customers.
- Share behind-the-scenes content, DIY videos, or tutorials to build an audience and engage with followers. Hashtags like #handmadecrafts or #shoplocal can help increase your visibility.
- Collaborate with influencers or bloggers who align with your brand to expand your reach and grow your customer base.
- Start Small and Keep Costs Low
- While it’s tempting to go all in, start by making small batches of your products to test the market before scaling up.
- Invest in quality materials, but focus on keeping costs low at the beginning. You can source affordable supplies from local craft stores, wholesale suppliers, or online marketplaces.
- As your business grows, you can reinvest your profits into expanding your product range, upgrading your equipment, or even hiring help if needed.
- Provide Excellent Customer Service
- Customer satisfaction is key to building a loyal customer base. Offer fast shipping, package your products beautifully, and always be responsive to customer queries.
- Positive reviews are invaluable for building your reputation, so go the extra mile to ensure customers feel valued.
Earning Potential
- Initial Earnings: At the start, it’s realistic to make around £200 to £500 per month depending on how many items you’re able to sell and the pricing of your products.
- Growth Potential: With consistent promotion, high-quality products, and great customer service, your income can grow to £1,000-£5,000 per month as you expand your reach.
- Premium Products: If you specialise in higher-end items like custom jewellery or artwork, you can sell individual pieces for £50 to £500+, dramatically increasing your profit per sale.
Starting a handmade crafts business is a low-risk and rewarding venture that allows you to share your creativity with the world. By offering unique, high-quality products and promoting them effectively online, you can turn your artistic passion into a successful and sustainable business.
Conclusions on Low Cost Business Ideas
Starting a business with minimal investment from home can be a fantastic way to test the waters and pursue your entrepreneurial dreams. Whether you choose to become a freelance writer, start a dropshipping store, or offer pet sitting services, these low-cost business ideas provide an accessible entry point into the world of entrepreneurship
However, as your business grows and you start generating more income, it may be time to consider structuring your business more formally. Transitioning from a sole trader to a limited company is a smart move when you’re ready to scale your operations, limit your personal liability, and take advantage of tax benefits.
When the time comes, Formations Wise is here to help. With our easy and affordable company formation services, we can guide you through the process of registering your business as a limited company in the UK. We’ll handle the paperwork, so you can focus on what you do best – running your business.
For more business ideas see our article on Green Business Ideas.
No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, Formations Wise is here to support your growth every step of the way. Ready to make the leap? Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you take your business to the next level.
