Introduction

This short tutorial will guide you through the best online business models for beginners in 2024. With the landscape of online businesses evolving, it’s crucial to identify strategies that still hold strong potential. In this guide, we will focus on two primary business models: Print On-Demand and Affiliate Marketing.

Step 1: Explore Print On-Demand

Print On-Demand (POD) is a popular business model for beginners. It allows you to sell custom-designed products without holding inventory. Here’s how to get started:

Getting Started with Print On-Demand

  1. Choose a Niche: Identify a specific market or theme for your products. Consider what interests you or current trends.
  2. Select a Print-On-Demand Platform: Popular platforms include
  3. Printful
  4. Teespring
  5. Redbubble
  6. Create Your Designs: Use graphic design tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator to create unique designs for T-shirts, mugs, etc.
  7. Set Up Your Online Store
  8. Connect your POD service to platforms like Shopify or Etsy.
  9. List your products with appealing descriptions and visuals.
  10. Market Your Products: Use social media, email marketing, and SEO strategies to drive traffic to your store.

Of course, you might want a website to showcase your creativity and display all your designs, or perhaps a platform like Etsy to reach a wider audience.

  • Stay Updated on Trends: Research trending topics or use tools like Google Trends to inform your designs.
  • Check Competitors: See what designs are selling well on other sites and create your own versions with a unique twist.

Step 2: Dive into Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate Marketing is another excellent online business model, especially when paired with video content. Here’s how to start:

Getting Started with Affiliate Marketing

  1. Choose a Niche: Select a niche that interests you and where you can find affiliate programs. Popular niches include tech, beauty, and fitness.
  2. Join Affiliate Programs: Sign up for networks like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or ClickBank.
  3. Create Video Content
  4. Start a YouTube channel or a blog where you can review products.
  5. Ensure your content is engaging and provides value to your audience.
  6. Add Affiliate Links: Include your affiliate links in video descriptions or blog posts to direct traffic to products.
  7. Drive Traffic to Your Content: Utilize SEO, social media, and email marketing to reach a larger audience.

I personally use this method, and my niche is books, since I love reading—especially business books. Here’s a link to a blog post I shared, where I included affiliate links to earn some income through the Amazon Affiliate Program.

Why Affiliate Marketing Works Well

  • Low Startup Costs: You don’t need to create your own products or manage inventory.
  • Flexible Work Schedule: You can work from anywhere and set your own hours.
  • Passive Income Potential: Once your content is created, it can continue to generate income over time.

Conclusion

In 2024, starting an online business as a beginner can be simplified with models like Print On-Demand and Affiliate Marketing. Both offer unique advantages and require minimal upfront investment. Consider your interests and skills when choosing which model to pursue, and utilize effective marketing strategies to grow your business. As you begin, focus on creating quality content and products that resonate with your target audience.