20 Online Zero Investment Business Ideas to Help You Earn Money from Home

Ever thought of earning money with zero investment with the comfort of your home? In today’s world, there are several ways through which you can earn a good amount of money without any investment through your smartphones and laptop. There are several business ideas for which you don’t have to be financially dependent on anyone or take loans from the bank. 

Even though you don’t need any physical capital for a zero investment business, you still need to have an idea, skills and the great business mindset to make your startup a success. The biggest advantage of such businesses is that you can commercialize your skills and keeps all the profits to yourself. 

What is a Zero Investment Business?

Zero investment business is a type of startup that does not require a huge investment amount for setup. However, apart from the financial investment, you need to have an idea, skills, education and time to set up a small scale or micro size business. However, you may need devices like a smartphone or a laptop to set up a small scale or zero investment business. According to the reports, there are more than 4 lakhs of small businesses and many micro and mid-size businesses in India. There are a large number of people all over the world who earn a good amount of money through zero investment businesses. 

Zero Investment Business Opportunities in India 

In 2024, there are different business ideas that require zero financial capital and help you to earn a good amount of money through your mobile or laptop and you can work from anywhere in the world. However, without proper research and complete knowledge, it wouldn’t be easy for you to decide which zero investment business idea is best for you to start. In the following listicle, we will make you understand about the 20 popular zero investment business ideas to earn money at the comfort of your own place.

Top 20 Zero Investment Business Ideas 2024

1. Blogging

If you have a command over a language and have good writing skills, you can choose blogging as your zero investment business opportunity. You can work as a freelance ghostwriter for various websites and earn extra money apart from your regular source of income. With a little investment, you can also purchase a low cost domain and post blogs on your westie to generate revenue through promotions and advertisements. 

However, before starting a blog, you must choose your niche and have a proper knowledge in that field. Apart from this you must know the target audience and have proper knowledge of SEO and Google Trends. If you remain consistent with your work and go as per the algorithm, you will soon come to a point where you can easily earn ₹25k to 30k per month. 

How to Start a Blogging in 2024

• Find your niche and do some research to understand what your competitors are writing 
• Gather some information about your audience like for what age, gender, or community you want to write. Target a specific audience that is relevant to your niche
• Before writing your first blog write down all the elements like blog name, sub-heading, fonts, logo, and pictures (if any).
• Choose the right web hosting platform for your blog like WordPress, SquarePress, or WIX. Create a unique domain name that suits your blogs and claim it. 
• Create your blog website with the web hosting platform you select in just a few simple clicks.
• Research some keywords and add them to your blog. Write your very first blog and publish it on the website. 
• Promote your blog on different social media platforms by sharing links.
• Keep track and analyze your blog like views, reads, clicks, etc. Connect your blog with an SEO optimization tool like Google Analytics, Sem Rush, KWFinder, Surfer SEO, etc.

2. Youtube Channel 

Youtube has been one of the most popular video-sharing platform where you can post videos that can be enjoyed by viewers all over the world. You can also earn money by creating videos and uploading on Youtube which is one of the most popular online business ideas with zero investment. You can upload daily vlogs, comedy sketches, informative videos, etc on Youtube and get a good number of subscribers and views if you are consistent and providing quality content. There are many popular creators who made through Youtube and are living a lavish lifestyle with the money they earn from Youtube.

However, you can only start earning from Youtube once you hit 1000 subscribers and complete 4000 hours of watchtime. Youtube pays you the share for the ads that run between your videos. Apart from that, if your Youtube content is popular among the audience, you can also earn money through sponsorships, where the brands will approach you to promote their product or service and pay you a negotiable amount for that.

If you want to open a Youtube channel and earn money by creating content, you have to be sure about the niche and find the right audience. Along with these, you also have to be consistent with your work as the more often you will upload videos regularly, the Youtube algorithm will recommend your content to more viewers. 

How to start a YouTube Channel in 2024 and get paid

• First, you need to find out which topic you want to create a video. There are hundreds of categories like daily vlogging, travel vlogs, product reviews, e-sport channels, no face video, facts channel, stand-up comedy, etc.
• After finding your niche, research your audience and learn what type of content they are searching for and want to watch. 
• Next, find your competitors for a reference so that you will get an idea of how and where to start a video.   
• Make a list of ideas that you can make a video and also research specific keywords so that your video will reach to larger audience.
• Get all the essential tools if you are going to shoot a video then you will need a DSLR or Smartphone, external microphone, lighting equipment, video editing app, tripod, memory card, etc.   
• Now come up with catchy and cool YouTube name ideas.  
• To start a YouTube channel you need to create your Google account and then sign in to your YouTube account first. 
• Now click on your profile icon and then “Create a channel”, write your channel name, YouTube Channel description, add social media links, etc.
• After done with all channel settings, shoot or create your first video and publish it to your channel.
• Keep posting good content to build an audience.
• Promote on different social media accounts via sharing your YouTube video links. 

3. Affiliate/Network Marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular method of earning money with zero investment from your home. In affiliate marketing, you simply have to promote the products and services of other people or companies. You will get a commission for every sale that will be made through your referral. 

However, the only investment affiliate marketing needed is the proper knowledge in the field. You need to build a strong online presence and develop marketing strategies and must choose the right niche and products to promote through affiliate marketing. 

Affiliate marketing is a good method to earn money with zero investment if you do it in the right way. You can use platforms like Amazon, Shopify, Fever, Hostinger, etc, for affiliate marketing and earn a good amount of money. 

However, there are many scams related to affiliate marketing because of its low risk and high reward schemes and it is crucial for you to have a proper knowledge for it and know which platform or website is genuine or which is spam. 

If you put your time and efforts in learning about affiliate marketing and develop best strategies to promote the products or services effectively, it can turn out to be a lucrative business for you where you can easily make around ₹2.5 Lakhs per annum. 

How to start an Affiliate/Network Marketing business in 2024

• Decide a niche for what kind of products you want to promote.
• Select which content platform you want to endorse the products like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Podcast. 
• Create an account on an Affiliate marketing platform like Amazon Associates and join their affiliate program.
•  Next, create content that goes viral or at least attracts enough traffic and link it to your affiliate market links of products. 
• Use tools to direct traffic to your account or posts like paid traffic, SEO tools, Build an email list, etc
• The more clicks your links get, there are more chances that you sell the products. 

4. Online Tutoring/Coaching Classes

It is one of the most popular business ideas with zero investment. All you need is the expertise in any or multiple subjects and the ability to teach and clear the concepts of the students. The competition in the educational field has increased so much in recent years and the demand for good online teachers and subject experts has been surging among students 

There are so many online platforms available on the internet where you can find students and expand your student circle from anywhere around the world. Online tutoring also provide lots of opportunities for the teachers around the world. 

Some teachers can also provide home tuitions for the students who live in the same area or city as there. Some tutoring jobs pay per hour, while some pay weekly or monthly. Talking about the earning, a online tutor can easily make around ₹2 Lakhs per annum in India.

How to start your Online Tutoring/Coaching Classes business in 2024

• First, choose the subject in which you have an expertise
• Know your audience by researching and analyzing them. Target a specific audience and learn what they looking for in a course that will help them in the long run. 
• Choose a platform to publish your online platform like Skillshare. 
• Plan your online course and build the basic structure blocks like name, title, subheading, fonts, types, modal, etc. 
• Create your online course and publish it on the platform. 
• Set the course prices, create an additional premium course, or start a premium membership plan for extra study material. 
• Share your online course on different platforms. Also, collaborate with the audience, get their feedback, and schedule a QNA session on a weekly or daily basis to build strong communication. 

5. Resume Writing 

If you are good in creative writing and have a proper knowledge about the corporate industry, you can opt for resume writing service as your zero investment business from home. Sometimes it becomes a critical task for the job seeker to build a good resume that could make them get their dream job in their dream company. A resume is not just about your previous experiences or skills, but it also defines how you make yourself stand out in front of recruiters by convincing them to go for you among other candidates. The resume writing services will include writing, editing and formatting the resume and also providing guidance on how to present a resume in front of the recruiter 

If you work as a resume writing service provider, you will have to work with a writer and career counselor in craft effective resumes that catch the attention of the recruiters at first. You can work as a freelance resume writer and find clients on various platforms like, Fiverr, Freelancer.com, Upwork, etc. and charge according to the work. In resume writing services, you can make around ₹3 Lakhs per annum which is a good return on business with zero investment. 

How to start a Resume writing business in 2024

• First, you must have good writing skills in order to write an impressive resume. You have a thorough knowledge of English grammar and a good vocabulary.  
• Also, you must have a strong human resource management background or interview skills. This skill will help you to write a resume from an interviewee’s perspective. 
• You must have a designing skills to build an eye-pleasing resume. If you lack this skill you can always hire a designer or a freelancer to do the job. 
• Now develop a business plan from your business name to finance and everything. 
• Create a business profile for different social media so you can reach to your potential clients. Social media can be a big help to bring your first customer to your doorstep 
• Deliver a professional resume that highlights all the essential qualities of the interviewee. Plus, the resume should have all the right words to attract the interviewer. 
• Keep promoting your business on different social media platforms, LinkedIn profiles, email marketing, brochures, and online advertising. 

6. Consultation Services

Starting a consultation enterprise is one of the best ways to earn money with zero investment. In this business, you provide expertise to your clients relating to different fields such as finance, law, healthcare, education, or technology, etc. However, you should have a proper knowledge and experience in the particular field to provide the best advice to your client and increase your credibility among your target audience. 

Usually, people opt for choosing consultancy service as their profession mostly after 10-15 years of experience in the particular field. The client will also look for an experienced person who could provide them the best advice and more clarity about the particular niche or field. 

The main job of the consultant is to guide their clients in identifying and solving the problems, and come up with different strategies to improve the performance. If you work as an independent consultant and have great expertise, experience, and consulting skills in the particular field, you can easily earn around ₹10 Lakhs per annum. 

How to start a Consultation Services business in 2024

• first, outline your consultation service business plan including your business name, logo, and what type of business model you want. Also, plan what kind of consultancy services you like to give your audience. Setting up prices for different types of services based on competitors’ research.   
• Next register your business and get a license. Registering your business name will prevent any kind of copyright issues. 
• Create a website for your consultancy services business. Having a website for any kind of business is a good source for potential customers and scheduling online appointments and payments. 
• Build your audience by email promotion or other platforms and promote your website. Use other marketing tools like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or YouTube Ads. 
• With all these strategies you will get your first clients in no time.

7. Translation services

It is the best zero investment business idea for those who have a command over multiple languages. You can work as a freelance translator and work with clients to translate their documents, recorded conversations or also become an audiobook narrator, there will be various opportunities for you. However, this is a field where there is a demand for multilingual people. 

As a translator, you can work with different people from all over the world and reach an international audience. There are many companies who hire foreign language translators and some businesses who hire the translators to reach to the clients directly for their products and services. As a translator in India with zero investment, you can make around ₹4 Lakhs in a year. 

How to start a Translation service business in 2024

• Do some training before starting a translation service business. You need more than language knowledge to have proper pronunciation and linguistic expertise. 
• Find your niche and do market research to grab all the essential knowledge on the subject. 
• Look for some top industries that require translators. Companies like tourism, book, advertising, IT, etc
• Outline your business plan and register your business for a license. 
• Set a price for your services, and hire some translators. 
• Promote your business on different websites. 

8. Graphic Designing

It is one of the most demanding and booming online business ideas without investment. All you need are the specific skills and creative thinking capabilities. You can set up your freelance graphic designing business on various freelancing websites such as Fiverr, Freelancer.com, Upwork, etc. Graphic designing is among the career options where around 90% people are freelancers or self employed.

As a graphic designer, you can provide a number of services to your clients such as book cover designing, branding, product packaging design, logo designing, billboard design, etc. Some of the popular softwares that you can use for graphic designing are Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, Canva, Adobe InDesign, Pixlr and many more. 

To become a successful graphic designer, you should know about the changing trends, latest tools and softwares. You should also have a creative thinking to create a design according to the niche and demand of the customer. As an experienced graphic designer with all the skills, you can easily make around ₹6 Lakh in a year. 

How to start a Graphic Designing business in 2024

• Find your niche and research the subject on the market. 
• Build a graphic design business model, name, services logo, etc. 
• Set services which you like to offer as a graphic designer like logo, poster, designing, etc. Set reasonable prices for your services.   
• Build a social media portfolio. For that build a business profile on social media and create a portfolio website.
• Showcase your best art on your portfolio
• Deliver great work and build a great client base for a long-term relationship. 
• Endorse your own brand on different social media to get more clients. 

9. Freelance Book-Keeping

It is the best zero-investment business from home for the people who are from the commerce field and have a good knowledge of taxes and accounts. As a freelance bookkeeper, your job is to manage the financial records of a firm or an individual on a contractual basis. The client will pay you to record their financial transactions, create financial reports, reconcile bank statements, manage accounts payable and receivable.

A freelance book-keeper can work remotely from anywhere at any time. However, you should have good organizational and communication skills along with a proper knowledge of accounting principles and softwares. Along with these, a successful book-keeper is also the one who has a good reputation and relations with the client. You also have to ensure that the client comply with all the regulatory requirements. As a freelance book-keeper with an experience, you can easily make up to ₹3 Lakhs in a year. 

How to start a Freelance Book-keeping business in 2024

• Choose for which market you want to do a bookkeeping business. 
• Write all your business plans in a flow chart so you don’t miss a step.
• Now register your freelance bookkeeping business name. 
• Choose which bookkeeping software you want to use. 
• Set up your book-keeping business infrastructure including website, client database management, file-sharing, and business bank account, and set up prices for your services. 
• Marketing your business in order to get some clients.

10. Web Designing 

It is one of the most popular and in-demand online zero investment businesses to help you earn money from home. As a web designer, your responsibility will be to create visual and interactive elements of a website. For that, you should have a proper knowledge of coding and experience of using tools like HTML, CSS, JavaScript along with the graphic designing software. You have to design the layout, color scheme, typography, and graphics of a website that looks both aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate. 

A web designer usually works with a team of web developers, content creators, and project managers and ensures that the client meet all its requirements within the given time and budget. It is a profitable business which needs no investment, but one should have the knowledge of all the technical aspects of a website. A freelance web designer can easily make around ₹3 Lakhs per annum. 

How to start a web Designing Business model in 2024

• Finding your niche means you decide which products and website design models you offer. Set a price for your services and build a wholesome web designing model including name, logo, brand, websites, tools, etc. 
• Get a license for your web designing business and register your business. 
• Create your proposal and templates in which you create your future website model. 
• Create a timeline for every project to keep work in check.
• Make sure you build a fully functional website before its client launch. 
• Build your business online presence in order to do new work. 

11. Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is the practice of promoting products and services using the digital technologies such as the internet, mobile devices, social media, search engines and many more. It is also a good zero investment business through which you can earn money by working at the comfort of your home. However, in digital marketing, you should have the knowledge to use a variety of tactics such as search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. 

By working as a digital marketer, your task would to be enable the business to reach their target audience effectively and efficiently, and measure the success with the real time data. Digital marketing is a growing field with a great earning potential where you can make around ₹3 Lakh per annum initially, which can also increase with the years of experience. 

How to start a Digital Marketing business in 2024

• To become a digital marketer you need to understand all the digital fundamentals of marketing 
• Learn all the essential digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, Google Ads, Ahrefs, Canva, Buffer, etc. 
• Build a great digital market portfolio 
• Create a digital marketing resume that tracks all your previous works or skills of a great digital marketer. 
• Build a connection to create a network. The more you grow your circle the more words spread about your business and you will get clients. 

12. E-book Writing

It is one of the most popular and highly pursued zero investment business ideas where you can publish your self-written E-book. In today’s scenario, a large number of readers prefer E-books over traditional physical books, which makes it a perfect low investment business idea. You can get a variety of free templates and design tools to make your E-Book eye catching and aesthetically pleasing. The cost of publishing an eBook is low which makes it a profitable deal. 

However, before writing and publishing an eBook, you should select a specific genre and have a great knowledge and understanding of that genre. After that, you have to select the template out of multiple free templates that are available on the internet. After choosing an attractive title and proofreading for errors, the next and the main step will be to find the publisher for your eBook. There are a number of companies that publish eBooks such as Amazon kindle, Smashwords, Draft2Digital, iBooks, IngramSpark, and many more. 

If your eBook makes more than 30 sales a month, can earn around ₹60000 initially, which can also increase if your book is successful in the market. 

How to start an E-book writing business in 2024

• To start an E-book business, first know your audience
• Select a topic on which you want to write a book
• Do your research on that topic to collect information to start a book
• Write down all the contents and chapters first. And then write all the content to finish the book in order.
• Proofread your book at least 2-3 times and edit if you have to. 
• Design book cover and name 
• Select the platform where you want to publish your e-book like Amazon KDP or Notion Press. 
• Publish your book and set a price.  
• Promote your books on various social media platforms.

13. Freelance Writing 

If you are a writer and have a good command over any language, you can work as a freelance writer for different websites and make money with zero investment. Many firms and agencies hire freelance writers to meet the requirements of their clients on time. The writers get paid per word and it helps in generating extra income along with their regular source of income. 

A freelance writer often have the freedom to set their own time and schedule and can work from anywhere. However, as a writer, you must ensure that the client is satisfied with your work, and must write according to their requirement. A freelance writer don’t make much money initially but if you have gained experience, you can easily earn around ₹4-5 Lakhs annually. 

How to start freelancing writing in 2024

• Make a list of all the topics on which you can write content. Identify your categories like B2B writing, Copywriting, B2C writing, Technical writing, etc.
• Build an online presence and publish sample work so that clients will know your expertise. 
• Check writing jobs on different freelancing platforms. 
• Collect feedback from the clients. It will help you to build a strong client base.

14. Virtual assistant services

A virtual assistant is responsible for providing indispensable administrative support to the organization. It is another zero investment business idea in which you have to help the recruiter in the administration of his/her business and have the common skills like the MS Word and MS Excel. 

Some organizations also hire virtual assistants to schedule meetings and manage the online services of the company for which you need to have an advanced knowledge about internet usage and good time management skills. Unlike other zero investment business ideas, a virtual assistant gets constant and consistent pay and can easily make around ₹3 Lakhs annually. 

How to Start as a Virtual assistant in 2024

• Select in which industry you want to offer your services.
• Write down all the business plans, names, logos, prices, etc. 
• Register your business and name. Get a business license for your virtual assistant business. 
• Invest in tools like business management tools, time tracking, invoicing and accounting, and project management. 
• Marketing your business on websites, social media, and business cards. 
• Select your prices on which basis you want to set. Like hourly, service package, monthly retainer, one-time flat fee, etc.  
• Create a contract between you and your client. 
• Get testimonials from your clients to build a strong customer relationship.

15. Video Editing Services

It is one of the most popular and in demand zero-investment business ideas from home for which you need to have a PC or a laptop. In today’s world, video content creation has become a trend and most of the companies look for freelance video editors to meet the requirements of their clients. 

As a video editor, you should have experience of working on different video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, FilmoraGo, DaVinci Resolve, etc. It will help to get paid according to your experience and skill level. A beginner-level video edition can earn around ₹500-1000 per hour, while the an experienced and skillful video editor can easily make up to ₹7000 for one hour. 

How to Start a Video Editing Service in 2024

• Learn all the technical skills that are important for video editing business
• Find your niche and select what kind of videos you want to edit. 
• Plan a Video Editing Services model and write down all the services you want to offer.
• Build an online portfolio and post some sample work. 
• Promote your business on different platforms to attract clients.
• Deliver A-class work and get feedback from the clients.

16. Virtual Fitness Training 

The coronavirus pandemic and the 2020 lockdown has set a trend where most of the people are now managing their jobs and business virtually from their home. However, it also did make an affect in the fitness industry as most of the fitness coaches and gym trainers take online coaching and guide their clients virtually through video call or zoom meeting. 

In 2024, virtual fitness training is also among the zero investment business ideas where the fitness assistant virtually guide regarding the personalized workout plans and also give dietary advice. It is also beneficial for the people who don’t get time to go to the gym because of their busy life schedules.  A virtual fitness trainer can easily charge up to ₹10,000 per month. 

How to Start a Virtual Fitness Training in 2024

• Select what kind of fitness training business you want to start. Like Gym, Yoga, Plates, meditation, Zumba, etc
• Define your fitness course like how long or week it will be. 
• Recognize your clients based on email, or other competitors’ research analysis. 
• Develop your virtual fitness training business including name, courses, and prices.
• Choose which platform you will select for your virtual classes like Google Meet, Zoom, Skype, etc. 

17. Transcription Services

It is one of the most popular and easiest ways to earn money with zero investment. In transcription services, you simply have to listen to the audio and write it down as it is. Now, it has become an easier task with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI). the AI automatically generates the audio into a written piece. After that, all you have to do is to format the written document and point out the minor mistakes in that piece. It can help you earn up to ₹3 Lakhs yearly. 

How to Start a Transcription Business in 2024

• Start with some Transcription training and learn a skill properly. Also, enhance your typing skills which is the most important skill in the transcription business.  
• Plan your business costs and everything in order to build a transcription business
• Gather all the necessary information tools like desktop/laptop, headphones, and comfortable chair. 
• Plan all the services that you will offer and set a price. You can offer your services for podcasts, radio shows, course creators, influencers, webinars, etc.
• Provide quality content like audio or writing. 
• Find clients by promoting your business through different social media, and websites. 
• Get reviews from the clients and show your customers lists which bring more clients in the future. 

18. Insurance agency

It is another zero investment business which can be run anywhere. To kickstart your career as an Insurance agent, you must contact a licensed insurance firm and obtain its agency. After that, you tasks will include selling insurance plans, collecting premiums for the insurance business, and instantly remitting the money online. For this you must have good sales and marketing skills. An insurance can easily earn up to 25% commission by selling the policies. 

How to start an Insurance Agency in 2024

• Write an Insurance agency business plan and all the basics you need to start the agency. 
• Choose your legal structure like a sole proprietorship, Partnership,  Limited liability company (LLC), Corporation, S corporation
• Select a legal structure name for your insurance agency. 
• Get a Tax ID number and register your business in your state. 
• Get your business license and permit. 
• Purchase insurance to protect your investment for example General liability insurance, Errors and omissions insurance (E&O), commercial property insurance, Cyber liability insurance, etc.
• Spread the good words among your friends and family. 

19. Online Reselling

You can also earn money with the old products at your home that are of no use. You can simply resell your old goods and earn extra income. OLX is among popular platforms where you can resell your old goods, such as Mobile Phone, Furniture, Old cycle, etc. 

How to start an Online Reselling Business in 2024

• Research the market and find what is it that you want to resell.
• Select your niche based on the research.
• Create a business plan for your reselling business. 
• Source your products and gather all the tools. 
• Choose a unique name for your online reselling store or brand. 
• Register your business and get a license.
• Launch your business and start reselling the products. 
• In order to get more clients, market your business on different platforms.

20. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If you are an animal lover and love to play with pets like dogs and cats, you can start a pet care service in your area. With these, you can also help those working pet parents, who don’t get enough time to take care of their pets, and need someone to look after them while they are out of home. However, you need to have basic amenities for the animals like pet food, shelter, and medical equipment.

How to become Pet Sitting or Dog Walking in 2024

•  To start a pet-sitting or dog-walking business you need to get a license first as a professional Dog Walker. 
• You also have a knowledge about dogs or animals. A training certificate will be a good idea. 
• Build your pet-sitting or Dog Walking business plan. Start with name and logo, services, prices, etc
• Register your business and get a license number. 
• Create an online presence for your business. You can also market your business by hosting a local event. 
• Send an invitation to all the pet owners in your area, just to let them know about your business ideas.
• Events like this build a personal bond with pets and their owner. Which will help in long-term client relationships. 

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