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Turning your idea into a business? Start with a domain name→ If you have a passion for logistics, enjoy fast-paced work environments and want to be part of the growing eCommerce industry, starting a courier business can be a lucrative and fulfilling venture. In this guide, we'll take you through the process of starting a courier business all the way from building a business website to management and growth. We’ll take you through the key information to set yourself up for success. Thinking about starting a business? Lock down your brand’s domain before someone else does. Wix makes it easy to get your domain, email, hosting and SSL all in one place. Plus you'll get 24/7 support every step of the way. What is a courier business? A courier business is a service-based enterprise that provides timely and reliable delivery of packages, documents and other goods. Courier services are essential in today's fast-paced world, where eCommerce and online shopping have become increasingly popular. By 2026, 24% of retail purchases are expected to take place online. As entrepreneurs venture into the world of business, minimizing overhead costs has become a key consideration, especially for operating " boring businesses ." Renting a physical retail space may not be the top priority anymore. The spotlight is now embracing the digital realm and ordering online. Courier businesses can take advantage of this boom. They offer a range of services, including same-day delivery, next-day delivery and international shipping, catering to both individuals and businesses. Before diving into the courier business, it's important to consider the legal aspects involved. You'll need to register your business with the appropriate authorities and obtain any necessary permits and licenses. Compliance with local regulations ensures that your courier business operates legally and meets the required safety and quality standards. Learn more:  Is Wix good for small businesses? Why start a courier business? The courier delivery business is currently booming, with eCommerce on the rise and the need for fast, reliable delivery options (see our guide on how to start a trucking business ), the market size of the global courier and delivery services industry grew 5.2% per year on average between 2018 and 2023 and is currently valued at $454.5 billion, making it a great space to be in. How to start a courier business Starting a business on the right track is no easy feat, therefore we’ve simplified the main steps to help you map out your journey: Research the market Develop a business plan Create an identity Choose a business structure Obtain necessary licenses and permits Acquire suitable vehicles Invest in technology and software Hire and train staff 01. Research the market Running a courier business is all about connecting people to the solutions they need, exactly when and where they need them. The first step? Understanding who in your area relies on delivery services. Start by looking close to home. Are there small businesses nearby, like florists, bakeries, boutiques or print shops? They often need fast, local deliveries to keep things running smoothly. Hospitals, clinics and law offices are another group that depends on secure, time-sensitive deliveries. And don’t overlook individuals—busy parents, freelancers or people selling items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace could also become loyal customers. Once you’ve identified who you could serve, take a closer look at your competition. Research and ask yourself: What areas do they cover? How fast do they deliver? Are their customers satisfied, or do reviews reveal frustrations? Are their prices reasonable? Do they offer anything unique, like real-time tracking or eco-friendly options? This research helps you uncover gaps in the market and define your unique selling proposition . Maybe no one is offering two-hour delivery, ignoring rural areas or providing weekend pickups. These are opportunities for your courier business to stand out and attract customers who need something others aren’t offering. 02. Develop a business plan Create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, target market, competitive analysis, marketing strategies, financial projections and operational plans. If you’re financial projections look off, you may want to consider how to raise money for your business. Think about other factors such as service offerings, pricing, vehicle selection and growth strategies in your plan. Once you've written your business plan, write a concept statement to outline your vision. 03. Create an identity Develop a compelling brand identity that reflects your business’s professionalism and expertise. When looking to name a business , you want to create a memorable name that encompasses your brand. If lost for inspiration, you can use a business name generator to help you find a catchy name. 04. Choose a business structure Decide on the legal structure and business entity for your courier business, such as a sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) or corporation . Consult with an attorney or accountant to determine the most suitable structure for your business. For example, learn how to start an LLC in New York . 05. Obtain necessary licenses and permits Research and obtain the necessary licenses, permits and certifications required to operate a courier business in your area. This may include business licenses, vehicle permits, driver certifications and insurance coverage. 06. Acquire suitable vehicles Select vehicles that meet the needs of your courier business and comply with safety standards and regulations. Consider factors such as cargo capacity, fuel efficiency and vehicle maintenance requirements. What other equipment do I need for a courier business? To efficiently run a courier business, you'll need various equipment and tools beyond just your vehicles. Here's a list of essential equipment needed for a courier business: GPS devices or navigation apps on smartphones to ensure accurate and efficient route planning for deliveries. Mobile phones or smartphones for communication with customers, dispatch, and team members. Boxes, envelopes, bubble wrap, packing tape, labels, and other shipping materials for packaging and securing items. A portable scanner and printer for printing shipping labels, receipts, and other necessary documents Basic tools for vehicle maintenance, such as tire pressure gauges, jack, and basic toolkits. Fuel cards for your drivers to use can help manage fuel expenses more effectively. Branded uniforms or attire to create a professional and consistent appearance for your delivery team. Racks, shelves, and storage compartments in your vehicles to organize and secure packages during transportation. First aid kit, fire extinguisher, reflective vests, and other safety equipment required for the safety of your delivery team and packages. Mobile payment devices or systems to accept payments from customers on the spot. Dispatching and route optimization software to manage and assign deliveries efficiently. Email, messaging apps, or customer management software to communicate delivery updates to customers. Software or tools to track deliveries, collect signatures, and maintain records of completed deliveries. Locking mechanisms and security systems to safeguard packages during transit. Ultimately the specific equipment you need may vary based on the size of your operation, the types of deliveries you handle and the technology you choose to implement for your operations. 07. Invest in technology and software Utilize technology to streamline business operations and enhance customer experience. Implement tracking systems, route optimization software and online booking platforms to improve efficiency and transparency. Note: website builders like Wix include many of these built-in features, plus integrations, to help you build your perfect command center when you begin making a website . Learn more: How to create a website . 08. Hire and train staff Recruit and train reliable drivers who have the necessary qualifications and a clean driving record. Provide comprehensive training on delivery procedures, customer service and safety protocols to ensure professionalism and adherence to standards. How much does it cost to start a courier business The cost to start a courier business can vary based on factors such as scale, location and services. On average, initial expenses can range from US$10,000 to US$50,000. Key costs Obtaining necessary licenses and permits ($500 - $2,000) Purchasing reliable vehicles (new or used vans, $10,000 - $30,000 per vehicle) Insurance coverage ($2,000 - $5,000 annually) Marketing and advertising ($1,000 - $5,000) Software for order tracking and dispatching ($1,000 - $5,000). Additional expenses may include fuel, maintenance and employee wages. Tips to manage a courier business effectively Once your courier business is up and running, it's important to implement effective management strategies to ensure its success: Efficient routing and scheduling: Implement route optimization software and scheduling tools to streamline operations, reduce fuel costs and improve delivery efficiency. Regularly review and update routes based on customer demand and traffic patterns. Effective communication: Establish clear communication channels with drivers, customers and staff. Utilize mobile apps, email or text messaging to provide real-time updates, handle inquiries and address any issues promptly. Vehicle maintenance and safety: Regularly maintain and inspect your vehicles to ensure they are in good working condition. Implement safety protocols, including driver training, defensive driving practices and routine vehicle checks, to minimize accidents and ensure compliance with regulations. Build strong relationships: Develop strong relationships with customers, including eCommerce businesses, local retailers and individual clients. Provide personalized service, maintain open lines of communication and address any concerns promptly to build loyalty and secure repeat business. Continuously improve processes: Regularly evaluate and refine your operational processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance customer satisfaction. Types of courier services There are many different types of courier services available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few of the most common types: Standard courier services: These services offer basic delivery of packages, documents and other items from one point to another. They typically offer a variety of delivery options, such as next-day, two-day and standard delivery. Express courier services: These services offer faster delivery than standard courier services, often with same-day or overnight delivery options. They are typically more expensive than standard courier services, but they are ideal for deliveries that need to arrive quickly. International courier services: These services specialize in delivering packages and documents to other countries. They typically offer a variety of shipping options, including air freight, ocean freight and expedited shipping. Specialized courier services: These services offer specialized delivery services for specific types of items, such as medical specimens, hazardous materials and high-value items. They are typically more expensive than other types of courier services, but they offer specialized expertise and handling for these types of items. In addition to these general types of courier services, there are also a number of niche courier services available, such as same-city courier services, bicycle courier services and on-demand courier services. Benefits of starting a courier business Alongside the above statistics, there are many reasons one might want to start a business in deliveries. Here are just a few of those. Flexibility and autonomy: Running a courier business offers flexibility in terms of working hours and operations. You have the freedom to set your own schedule, determine the areas you want to serve and choose the types of delivery services you offer. This autonomy allows you to customize your business to fit your lifestyle and preferences. Potential for growth: As your courier business establishes a reputation for reliable and timely service, you can attract more customers and expand your operations. With strategic planning, efficient logistics and a focus on customer satisfaction, you can scale your business and explore additional services or geographic areas. Revenue potential: A well-managed courier business has the potential to generate a steady income. By building relationships with eCommerce businesses, local retailers and individual customers, you can secure contracts and establish recurring revenue streams. Additionally, as the demand for same-day and express delivery grows, you can offer premium services at a higher price point. Just make sure to take all expenses into account when you're calculating your potential net profit . Low overhead costs: Compared to many other businesses, starting a courier business can require relatively low startup capital . While you'll need to invest in vehicles, technology and marketing, you can avoid the high expenses associated with renting or purchasing a physical storefront. Technology simplifying processes: Technology plays a crucial role in the courier industry. Implementing tracking systems, route optimization software and online booking platforms can streamline your operations, enhance customer experience and improve efficiency. Challenges of running a courier business While starting a courier business offers numerous benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges: Intense competition: The courier industry is highly competitive, with both large and small players vying for market share. Building a strong brand presence and differentiating yourself from competitors can be a challenge, especially in saturated markets. Make sure your brand is up to par with a strong name and logo. If you’re struggling, you can use a logo maker or take inspiration from these trucking logo ideas . Operational logistics: Managing logistics, including routing, scheduling and dispatching, can be complex and demanding. Implementing effective systems and processes is crucial to ensure smooth operations and timely deliveries. Customer service: Providing excellent customer service is essential in the courier business. Dealing with customer inquiries, handling complaints and managing expectations requires strong communication skills and a customer-centric approach. Security and safety: Ensuring the security and safety of packages during transit is of utmost importance. Implementing measures to prevent theft, damage or loss of goods, as well as complying with safety regulations, is essential for building trust with customers. Workload and time management: The nature of the courier business often involves long hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays. Balancing workload and effectively managing time is crucial to prevent burnout and maintain the quality of service. How to start a courier business FAQ How profitable is a courier business? The profitability of a courier business can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the business, the type of services offered, the geographic area served and the level of competition. However, the profit margin of a courier service business is generally higher than many other industries. The average profit margin for courier businesses in the United States ranges between 15% to 30% or even higher . How do courier companies get clients? Courier companies get clients in a variety of ways, including: Direct sales: Courier companies can reach out to potential clients directly through sales calls, email marketing and social media. Partnerships: Courier companies can partner with other businesses, such as eCommerce businesses and brick-and-mortar stores, to offer their services to their customers. Online directories: Courier companies can list their businesses in online directories, such as Google Maps and Yelp, to make it easier for potential clients to find them. Networking: Courier companies can network with other businesses and individuals in their community to generate leads. What equipment do I need to start a courier business? The basic equipment you need to start a courier business includes: A vehicle: You will need a reliable vehicle to transport your clients' packages. A computer: You will need a computer to manage your business operations, such as scheduling deliveries and tracking packages. A phone: You will need a phone to communicate with your clients and drivers. Other equipment, such as boxes, labels and packing materials. You may also want to consider investing in additional equipment, such as GPS tracking devices and mobile scanners, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your business. How to start a business in a specific state If you're enthusiastic about starting your courier business in a specific state, we've got you covered. Make sure to explore these helpful resources to ensure you navigate the state-specific regulations with precision and gather all the vital information tailored to your specific location: Start a business in South Carolina Start a business in Pennsylvania Start a business in Oregon Start a business in Tennessee Start a business in Wisconsin Start a business in Georgia Read more… Other business types you might be interested in starting and how to go about starting them: How to start an online business How to start a consulting business How to start a fitness business How to start a makeup line How to start a candle business How to start a clothing business How to start an online boutique How to start a t-shirt business How to start a jewelry business How to start a subscription box business How to start a beauty business How to start a flower business How to start a babysitting business How to start a plumbing business How to start a trucking business How to start an eCommerce business How to start a dropshipping business Music business ideas Restaurant business ideas

Turn your ideas into income with Wix. Secure your domain name →  Business financing can be a minefield if you’re starting a business or trying to grow an existing one. But taking the time to consider your options, build a plan and talk to experts can set you up for success in the long run. We asked Holly Wade, executive director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses Research Center, how to raise money for business and decide which common business funding sources fit your needs. TL;DR: how to raise money for a business Raising money for a business means knowing your options and risks. Build a strong plan, explore SBA loans and boost your credibility with experience. Common funding sources include personal savings, friends and family, loans and credit cards while alternatives like crowdfunding, angel investors, VCs, incubators, grants and product presales suit scalable ideas. Protect yourself from predatory lenders, diversify funding and plan repayment. New businesses lean on patient capital like family or crowdfunding while growing businesses attract bigger investors. Always know how much you need, read the fine print and get expert advice before committing. Tip: Before you start raising capital for your business, create a business website . It’ll function as a virtual business card you can share with potential lenders and investors. Secure your brand’s domain and start earning online. With Wix, you can grab it fast and set up email, hosting, SSL and privacy all in one place. It’s simple, beginner-friendly and backed by 24/7 support. 5 ways to raise money for business Whether you want startup financing or capital to grow your business, these tips will help you make your case to lenders and investors. Create a strong business plan Apply to SBA-guaranteed lenders Beef up your resume Carefully consider your financing options Watch out for predatory lenders 01. Create a strong business plan A strong business plan should be the first step in raising capital for your business. If it can’t stand up to some poking and prodding, most lenders and investors won’t hesitate to say no. You need to show them (and yourself): You know how much money you need You have a strategy to efficiently use that money You have an estimate on how long it will take to see a return on the investment Wade says you can use a strong business plan not only to sell people on your idea but also to facilitate a conversation about your business with a financial expert. “Talk to a small business loan officer at a local bank about your business plan and what might be available to you and in what time frame,” says Wade. “I think having that conversation is really important to build that relationship.” Those talks help show the loan officer you’ll run your business methodically and that they can trust you with the bank’s money. 02. Apply to SBA-guaranteed lenders Wade recommends looking for banks participating in the Small Business Association (SBA) loan program. They’ll offer loans to small businesses more willingly. “They can offer these loans with the assurance that the SBA will guarantee the loan if the small business owner defaults,” she explains. In addition to being more accessible, SBA-backed lenders offer benefits like lower down-payments, flexible overhead requirements and unsecured loans. In some cases, the lenders also offer counseling as part of their business banking services and won’t require collateral. Although the interest rate for SBA loans (9.25–11.75%) is higher than that of a traditional bank loan (3.19-6.78%), it’s still competitive. 03. Beef up your resume Banks reject business loan applications when they think the applicant doesn’t have the understanding, experience or commitment to run your business effectively in the long-term. Working at a similar business for a year can introduce you to the industry and show your loan officer you know what it takes to start your own. If you’ve worked in the industry outside of a managerial role, consider taking a business class or two to learn the basics. 04. Carefully consider your financing options Don’t just take the money offered to you. Think carefully about the risks and benefits of each business financing option. If asking someone to invest, think about whether you want to tether your business to the investor in the long-term. Ask them about the role they expect to play and what they want from the partnership. 05. Watch out for predatory lenders A good lender or investor will likely consider your pitch or application thoughtfully. If the person is pushy, you can assume they don’t have your best interest at heart and may even try to pressure you into a bad loan. “It’s always good to take a breath, step back, think it through and see if there’s any more information before going forward,” says Wade. “If you’re just not quite sure about it, talk about it with a small business loan officer, a SCORE business mentor or other small business owners.” Watch out for these predatory lender red flags: The contract doesn’t list the annual percentage rate (APR) or the full payment schedule The APR is higher than 36% The deal seems too good to be true The fees exceed 3% of the loan value The lender asks for an up-front payment Get business funding fast with Wix Capital Wix Capital helps you get money for your business fast. It’s not a bank loan—it’s a Merchant Cash Advance (MCA), which means you get funds upfront and pay them back with a small cut of your future sales. Everything is clear from the start: Know upfront how much you’ll get and what you’ll repay — one fixed fee, no hidden extras. Repay with a small percentage of daily sales: more on busy days, nothing on slow days. Get approved and see funds in your account as soon as the next business day. 4 small business funding sources Most small businesses rely on four traditional small business funding sources. Here, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each to help build your business financing plan: 01. Personal assets In most cases, people use personal assets for business financing . According to the United States Census Bureau, 74.7% of small businesses contribute their own savings to their startup capital . Additionally, 10% use personal credit cards, 6.3% use home equity and 10% use other personal assets. Wade explains that ease, security and availability make people rely on personal assets for business financing. “It’s generally very hard for a business to access financing through a bank unless they’ve been profitable for a few years,” says Wade. “Also, most startup businesses don’t want to start off in debt.” If you do need to raise more money than you have in the bank, investing your own money (often known as bootstrapping ) shows investors you’re committed to and confident in your business. 02. Friends and family It can be a safe bet to source your business financing from people who know you and believe in your mission. Unlike investors and banks, your friends and family will less likely charge you high interest rates (if they charge you any at all). Additionally, it won’t ruin your credit if it takes you longer than expected to turn a profit. Keep in mind, though, your friends and family may want more transparent information about your business’s health than a bank would since they’ve assumed a high risk. Additionally, you risk damaging your relationships if you can’t pay them back in the agreed-upon time frame. To prevent any unpleasant scenarios, complete your due diligence. Make sure you have the full picture of your existing finances and a return-on-investment projection that shows you can pay off the loan. Work out a loan agreement that clearly sets the expectations and repayment timeline. 03. Loans Even with investors and crowdfunding, business loans still remain a core option for raising money for business. After personal savings, Bank loans were the second-most-common business financing option . Still, the process is difficult. “Banks are not in the business of lending money to startup businesses because of the risk involved,” says Wade. “And most startup businesses don’t want to start off in debt.” Because of the mutual hesitancy, only 19% of small businesses use bank loans for business financing. That said, a loan may be a viable option if you and your loved ones don’t have the capital you need to start a business. 04. Credit cards Credit cards aren’t as popular as learning how to get a startup business loan because of the high interest rates and short pay periods. Businesses do find them useful for subsidizing cash flow. If you can’t keep up with bills and don’t have access to emergency funds, a credit card can help keep things moving. For both startup and existing businesses, credit cards serve the same purpose: immediate access to business financing. “The access is sometimes far more important than the actual cost of financing if it immediately benefits their business,” says Wade. “If it takes them a few months to pay it off at a higher interest rate, it’s still worth it.” Case study: How a small business funded growth Christian, who runs Ghost Tattoo Studios ,  used Wix Capital to support the growth of his multiple tattoo shops. Instead of waiting weeks for bank approvals, he quickly accessed funds through Wix, which helped him manage inventory, expand his team and even open new locations—all without extra paperwork . “Wix Capital gave me the breathing room to focus on the business and not the bank,” says Christian. 6 alternative sources of small business funding According to the SBA, only 10% of small businesses used venture capitalism, grants and crowdfunding to start a business. Highly scalable businesses like tech or product startups primarily use these options. “Most small businesses don’t take on angel investors or VCs,” says Wade. “Your local dry cleaner or hardware store wouldn’t be in the market unless they were expanding rapidly in an area.” If you have big ambitions for your small business, try one of these alternative business financing options: 01. Crowdfunding Crowdfunding uses online fundraising tools to gradually raise small funding amounts from many different people. Just figure out how much you’ll need to get your business off the ground, choose a suitable crowdfunding site and develop a marketing strategy to boost your fundraiser’s visibility. 02. Angel investors An angel investor uses their own wealth to finance startups in the early stages of development in return for stock or equity. This financing option appeals to businesses because angel investors can provide mentorship and often don’t require repayment if your company fails. Still, their stock or equity gives them some control over your business, so you’ll want to vet angels as carefully. If you can’t find any investors in your own personal network, search sites like Angel Investment Network and AngelList . 03. Venture capitalists While angel investors fund starting businesses, venture capitalists (or VCs) tend to focus on scalable startups. Because they work in partnerships or firms, VCs can offer more money and resources than angel investors and can take on riskier endeavors. They don’t require repayment, but they often require a controlling interest in the company, as a form of equity finanncing . You can find venture capitalists through the SBA’s investment program , the National Venture Capital Association or Gust . 04. Incubators A business incubator is a commercial workspace for new ventures to grow into successful businesses over a short time period. The incubator will support your business through its early stages, offering everything from equipment and mentorship to marketing and administrative support. Check out the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) —which claims to be the largest member-based entrepreneurial support network in the world—to find an incubator that fits your business. 05. Grants Grants offer businesses freedom, but they are rare and competitive. The federal government offers a few grant programs, but many are for research and innovation. You might have more luck with private grants that offer opportunities for traditional small businesses, such as the Walmart Local Community Grants or Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator Program. Check out the US Chamber of Commerce’s list of federal and private grants to learn more. 06. Product presales If your business will launch a particular product, you can invite future customers to pay ahead to fund your production and distribution costs. This business funding strategy helps gauge public interest in your product and help you avoid under- or over-production. Managing risks when raising business funds  Raising funds is all about finding the right balance—taking smart risks to help your business grow without unnecessary stress. Borrowing money through loans or credit cards can be tricky if your business can’t keep up with payments. High interest rates and tight deadlines can add pressure so only borrow what you can afford and have a solid plan to pay it back. Equity financing means giving up some control. Investors might want input on decisions so be clear about your boundaries before agreeing. Think long-term. Quick funding can solve problems now but might cost you more or reduce your control later. Choose a funding option that supports your goals and helps your business grow. Smart ways to raise business capital with minimal financial risk Know how much you need : Raising too little can leave you scrambling while raising too much can lead to unnecessary debt or investor pressure. Do the math before making any big financial moves. Diversify your funding sources : Don’t rely on just one investor or loan. A mix of savings, grants, crowdfunding and investors can lower your risk and help you stay in control. Read the fine print : Loan agreements or investor contracts can come with hidden fees, high interest rates or clauses that take control away from you. Always review terms carefully. Protect your personal finances : Consider setting up an LLC or corporation to separate your personal assets from your business. This can protect your savings or home if things don’t go as planned. Plan for slow growth : Most businesses don’t succeed overnight. Make sure you have a cushion for unexpected delays, slower sales or economic downturns. Have a repayment plan : If you’re borrowing, know exactly how you’ll pay it back before taking on debt. Overborrowing without a plan can sink your business fast. Don’t give up too much equity early : Investors might offer quick cash but giving away too much equity too soon can mean losing control of your company’s future. Be ready for investor expectations : If you bring on investors, they’ll want updates, financial transparency and a solid growth plan. Be ready to deliver. Build a safety net : Unexpected expenses happen. Set aside some emergency funds to avoid unnecessary stress. Get expert advice : A quick chat with a financial advisor, accountant or lawyer can save you from making costly mistakes down the road. Best practices for raising money for a business Raising money for a business can be a challenging yet crucial aspect of its growth and success. Here are some best practices to consider: Understand your funding needs Thoroughly analyze your financial requirements, including the amount of capital needed, its purpose and the timeframe for achieving milestones. Accepting a large loan or investment might come with an aggressive pay back timeframe that you can't keep to. Build relationships with investors Network extensively to connect with potential investors, attend industry events and tailor your pitch to their interests. Building relationships without your industry can lead to future funding opportunities. Demonstrate business traction and milestones Provide evidence of customer validation, sales growth, product development progress or strategic partnerships to instill confidence in potential investors. How to raise money for a growing business: key differences with a new business When it comes to raising money for a new business the focus is usually on what's referred to. as 'patient capital.' This is capital from investor willing to accept a higher level of risk and longer payback periods. This then gives you some grace while starting a new business. Popular sources for this type of funding include friends and family, as well as crowdfunding. When it comes to scaling a business by raising funds you can generally attract a wider range of investors, including venture capitalists, private equity firms, or strategic investors interested in established and growing businesses. As a new business your seed or early-stage funding will focus on validating your chosen business model, your product development and initial market traction, interest and sales. Later funding states tend to focus on expansion plans, international growth or scaling the existing business model. In the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey, your business funding primarily supports initial product or service development and your marketing efforts - building a website for example. For a growing business, investments may be geared towards acquisitions, technology development or aggressive marketing and sales expansion. How to raise money for a business FAQ How can I create an effective pitch for investors? To create an effective investor pitch you need to: 1. Clearly define your problem and solution 2. Showcase your unique value proposition 3. Present market size and growth potential 4. Explain your business model and revenue streams 5. Highlight your team's expertise 6. Provide financial projections and funding needs 7. Demonstrate traction and milestones 8. Practice and refine your delivery How much equity should I be willing to give up for funding? The equity you give up depends on: Funding stage (seed, Series A) Company valuation Amount of funding needed Investor demand Market conditions Generally, aim to give up 10-25% per funding round. Avoid diluting over 50% total across rounds. But be always sure to consult with trusted advisors first. How do I determine how much money my business needs to raise? To determine your precise funding needs: 1. Create detailed financial projections 2. Calculate runway (months of operation) 3. Identify key milestones and costs 4. Consider growth plans and scaling expenses 5. Factor in marketing and customer acquisition costs 6. Account for unexpected expenses (add 20% buffer) 7. Assess competitor funding rounds 8. Consult with mentors or advisors 9. Plan for 12-18 months of operations How long does the fundraising process usually take? The fundraising process typically takes: Seed round: 3-6 months Series A and beyond: 6-9 months Factors affecting timeline: Market conditions Investor interest Preparation level Network strength Pitch quality Due diligence process Prepare for a longer process and maintain runway. Start fundraising early to avoid cash flow issues. Should I consider bootstrapping before seeking external funding? Bootstrapping benefits Retain full ownership Develop financial discipline Prove business viability Increase valuation for future funding Maintain control over direction Consider bootstrapping if: You have personal savings Your business has low initial costs It's revenue can sustain your initial growth You're comfortable with slower growth You want to delay dilution of your assets and ownership

Turn your ideas into income with Wix. Secure your domain name → If you're seeking a low-maintenance career or side hustle that can free up your time while earning a steady income, you've come to the right place. Picture this: you're lounging on a tropical beach, drinking something delicious out of a coconut, while your business churns out profits without a hitch. Sounds like a dream, right? Good news: it doesn’t have to be when you own a business that practically runs itself. In this article, we'll explore 15 of the best business and side business ideas that have the potential to run themselves, offering a brief overview of how to get started, the initial costs involved and the ongoing duties (if any) required to maintain them. We’ll also dish out essential pro tips along the way—like the importance of building a business website that can seamlessly integrate business automation. So put on your Speedos, because we’re diving into the clear, turquoise waters of passive income. Secure your brand’s domain and start earning online. With Wix, you can grab it fast and set up email, hosting, SSL and privacy all in one place. It’s simple, beginner-friendly and backed by 24/7 support. 15 businesses that run themselves Vending machines Car wash Amazon FBA (fulfillment by Amazon) Rental properties Dropshipping Automated social media marketing Affiliate marketing Content licensing Automated online courses Laundromat Membership websites YouTube channel Ebook publishing App development Stock photography 01. Vending machines Vending machines are the unsung heroes of convenience, delivering treats to the masses while their owners sit back and watch the profits roll in. With a well-placed machine, a variety of products and occasional restocking visits, you can keep the hunger pangs satisfied while taking advantage of an effective passive income idea . Setting up a vending machine business requires an initial investment in machines, product inventory and securing suitable locations. The cost of a single machine can range from $1,000 to $6,000 or more, depending on its size and features. You'll also need to budget for purchasing snacks or beverages to stock the machines initially. Once your vending machines are up and running, the beauty of this low-maintenance operation shines through. You don’t need a wealth of knowledge on how to start a business to make it work. Your primary responsibilities involve restocking the machines when necessary and addressing any maintenance or repair needs that may arise. With a well-designed system in place, you can streamline these tasks and ensure a smooth operation that continues to generate revenue with minimal effort on your part. Learn more: How to start a vending machine business 02. Car wash A car wash can be an excellent option for entrepreneurs interested in a business that practically runs itself. Automate the payment and wash process—or hire attendants—and you'll enjoy a consistent revenue stream. That being said, starting a car wash business requires upfront investment in equipment, location and supplies. Costs can vary depending on whether you opt for a self-service car wash or an automated system. A self-service car wash may require a lower initial investment, while automated car wash equipment can cost upwards of $50,000. In terms of sweat equity, you'll want to spend time setting up the car wash infrastructure and securing permits. You’ll also need to hire your staff if you plan to have any and promote your services to establish a strong customer base. Learn more: How to start a car wash business 03. Amazon FBA (fulfillment by Amazon) You've probably ordered something from Amazon, but did you know that you can tap into its massive customer base and infrastructure to sell your own products? Amazon FBA simplifies the whole process by allowing you to ship your inventory to Amazon's fulfillment centers and let the company handle the storage, packaging and shipping on your behalf. Starting an Amazon FBA side hustle involves sourcing products, creating listings, marketing your products and sending inventory to Amazon's fulfillment centers. You’ll have to budget for product sourcing expenses, shipping fees and storage fees charged by Amazon for housing your products. You’ll also have to invest time into researching profitable products, creating compelling product listings and remaining competitive on Amazon’s massive marketplace. 04. Rental properties By investing in residential or commercial properties, you can generate passive income through rental payments. Hiring a property manager or using online platforms can help handle tenant inquiries, repairs and collecting rent, leaving you with the freedom to explore new investment opportunities or enjoy the fruits of your real estate empire. It’s important to note that investing in rental properties requires upfront capital for property acquisition, down payments and renovation costs, if necessary. Additionally, you’ll need to consider ongoing expenses such as property taxes, insurance, maintenance and property management fees. In addition to monetary investment, rental properties require initial effort in terms of property acquisition, tenant screening and property management. That being said, the return on investment can be substantial. If you’re interested in starting your real estate empire, creating a website is a great place to start. With a website, you can showcase your properties, provide rental information and even enable online applications all from one centralized dashboard. Learn more: How to start a rental property business 05. Dropshipping When it comes to online businesses that run themselves, dropshipping is a top contender. Dropshipping is a business model that allows you to sell products without having to stock inventory or handle shipping logistics. When a customer places an order, you forward it to a supplier who then fulfills and ships the product directly to the customer. Dropshipping minimizes upfront costs as you don't need to purchase inventory before making sales. However, you'll need to invest time and effort into product research, finding reliable suppliers and setting up an online store. Wix's eCommerce platform, for example, simplifies the process by providing ready-to-use templates, inventory management tools and seamless integration with popular dropshipping platforms like Modalyst . This unique business model provides tremendous flexibility, making dropshipping an ideal side hustle for individuals who are juggling other responsibilities like a full-time job or family commitments. You have the freedom to work from anywhere, whether it's your home office, a coffee shop or even while traveling. This means you can build and grow your dropshipping business at your own pace, fitting it seamlessly into your lifestyle. Learn more: How to start a dropshipping business 06. Automated social media marketing Social media has become an indispensable marketing tool for businesses, and the demand for automated social media marketing services continues to rise. As a savvy entrepreneur, you can tap into this demand by offering comprehensive solutions that streamline content creation for your clients. By harnessing the power of scheduling and automation tools, you can help businesses maintain a consistent online presence while freeing up their valuable time to focus on other aspects of their operations. (See also: other ideas on how to make money using AI .) To establish your automated social media marketing business, you'll need a keen understanding of social media strategy and some serious creativity. It's your role to develop effective social media strategies tailored to each client's unique needs, curate engaging content that resonates with their target audience and monitor the performance of their social media campaigns. While there may be costs associated with running an automated social media marketing business, they are relatively minimal compared to traditional brick-and-mortar ventures. Your primary expenses may include social media management tools, advertising budgets to boost client campaigns and potential training or certification to enhance your skills and stay ahead of industry trends and trending products . 07. Affiliate marketing Are you that friend who everyone goes to for advice and recommendations? Well, with affiliate marketing, you can turn that skillset into cold, hard cash. By partnering with companies and promoting their products through unique affiliate links, you’ll earn a commission on each sale that originates from your referral. With the right marketing strategies and a dash of charm, you can monetize your influence and watch the affiliate income pour in. Affiliate marketing requires minimal upfront investment as you don't need to create your own products. Instead, you earn commissions on sales generated through your unique affiliate links. Keep in mind, you’ll need to be strategic and invest time into selecting profitable affiliate programs, setting up a marketing strategy and then making the actual content. You’ll want to ensure you’re creating engaging, high-quality content that drives traffic and allows you to excel in this competitive market. Learn more: How to start a marketing business 08. Content licensing Are you a talented musician or writer? Then content licensing might be your golden ticket to a business idea that needs minimal maintenance. By licensing your creative works, such as captivating music or engaging prose, you allow others to use your content in exchange for licensing fees. Platforms and agencies can help you manage the licensing process, ensuring that your creations continue to generate income while you focus on your next stroke of genius. Content licensing can be a profitable business for creators who have existing content, such as music or written works. While there may be minimal upfront costs, sweat equity is likely to be the biggest initial step, as it's crucial to your success. You’ll want to invest time in creating high-quality content, negotiating licensing agreements and marketing your work to potential buyers. 09. Automated online courses Are you an expert in a particular field or do you have a valuable skill to share? Create an online course that practically teaches itself! With the help of online course platforms and tools, you can design and automate your course delivery, allowing students to enroll, learn at their own pace and receive access to valuable content without your direct involvement. As your class roster grows, so will your bank account. Creating and selling online courses requires expertise in a particular field and investment in content creation, course platforms and marketing efforts. Costs may include course production expenses (such as video equipment or course materials) and subscription fees for an online course platform. High-level knowledge and expertise are needed to create high-quality course content in your given discipline. You’ll also need to put in some hours upfront to design engaging lessons and promote your courses to find your target audience. If you integrate Wix's Online Programs app into your website, you can offer your courses on a paid subscription basis. You’ll be able to track participants’ progress with real-time feedback, engage with your online community and provide a seamless learning experience for your students. 10. Laundromat Running a laundromat can be a lucrative venture that generates passive income with minimal effort. By setting up a well-equipped facility and creating a convenient experience for customers, you can enjoy steady revenue while freeing up your time for other pursuits. To start your own laundromat, you'll need to cough up the cash for space and commercial-grade washers and dryers— at least $200,000 to start . While this initial investment can seem a bit daunting, by providing a clean and user-friendly space, you'll attract a loyal customer base. The great thing about being in the laundromat business is that it's pretty recession-proof. People need to wash their clothes on a consistent basis and you can give them a beautiful place to do it in. Once you've found and set up your space, all you have to worry about is routine maintenance, any overhead like utilities and rent, and employee salaries if you choose to have someone there as an attendant. So if becoming a laundrepreneur sounds like your jam, give it a whirl and watch the quarters drop into your bank account. Learn more: How to start a laundromat business 11. Membership websites Welcome to the world of exclusivity. With a membership website, you can offer premium content, services or perks to members who pay a subscription fee. Whether it's access to in-depth tutorials, exclusive community forums or special discounts, membership websites provide ongoing value to subscribers while generating a steady stream of passive income. With the right content management system and marketing strategies, your membership website can be a virtual goldmine that practically manages itself. When you sell memberships it involves planning, content creation and platform setup. Costs can include website hosting, membership software or plugins, and potentially offering exclusive content or perks to members. Some expertise is necessary to curate in-demand content, create a membership structure and foster your community. With a Wix website, you can easily build and manage your membership platform as well as engage with your audience through online forums, live stream events, weekly digests and more. 12. YouTube channel Lights, camera, action. If you have a charismatic personality, a passion for a particular topic or a talent to showcase, starting a YouTube channel could be your ticket to passive income and fame. By creating engaging video content, building a loyal subscriber base and monetizing your videos, your YouTube channel can become a self-sustaining platform that earns money while you pursue your creative endeavors. Starting a YouTube channel requires creating engaging video content, building a subscriber base and monetizing through ads and sponsorships. While there are no direct costs to start a channel, you may want to invest in quality video equipment, editing software and self-promotional efforts. There will also be some sweat equity necessary to consistently create compelling videos, optimize video titles and descriptions for searchability, and engage your audience. 13. Ebook publishing Do you have a way with words and a story to tell? Self-publishing eBooks has revolutionized the world of literature and opened doors for authors. Whether you’re an organizational wizard or have a heartwarming children’s story brewing in your imagination, all it takes is some grit and determination to gather your thoughts and write them down. With platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, you can write, format and publish your own eBooks, making them available to millions of readers worldwide. Costs may include professional editing, cover design and book formatting services. It's important to acknowledge that self-publishing an eBook requires considerable upfront effort on your part. You'll need to dedicate time and energy to the writing process, meticulously revise and edit your work, and navigate the intricacies of publishing and marketing. But once your masterpiece is unleashed into the world, it has the potential to generate passive income through book sales. This means that while you focus on crafting your next literary gem, your published work continues to earn for you. 14. App development In a world dominated by smartphones, app development has become a thriving industry. If you have coding skills or can collaborate with a developer, creating a mobile app that solves a problem or entertains users can be a lucrative venture. Once your app is available on app stores, you can generate income through in-app purchases, subscriptions or advertising. As the downloads and user engagement increase, you'll see the rewards of your app development continue to grow. Developing a mobile app involves coding or collaborating with developers, designing user interfaces and launching on app stores. Costs can include development tools, hiring developers and potential marketing expenses. Investment of time and energy is necessary to conceptualize the app idea, oversee development and market the app to gain users. 15. Stock photography Sometimes the easiest step in planning how to come up with a business idea is to start with something you love. If photography is your passion, why not turn it into a business that practically runs itself? Stock photography platforms allow you to showcase and sell your captivating images to businesses, publications and individuals worldwide. By uploading your photos to these platforms, you can earn royalties each time someone purchases a license to use your work. As your portfolio grows and your images gain popularity, you'll see a steady stream of income flowing in. Selling stock photography involves capturing high-quality images, organizing your photo library and submitting your work to stock photography platforms. Costs may include photography equipment, editing software and potential marketing expenses. Keep in mind that you’ll have to invest some serious time into capturing compelling images and curating your portfolio. Since this is a competitive industry, you’ll also want to learn about how to maximize SEO for better discoverability. If you have a Wix site, you can take advantage of its robust integrated SEO solutions and built-in marketing tools. Looking for more business ideas? Part-time business ideas Craft business ideas Beauty business ideas Reselling business ideas DIY business ideas Clothing business ideas Small-town business ideas Dropshipping business ideas Business ideas for couples Rental business ideas Family business ideas B2B business ideas Scalable business ideas Business ideas for teachers Recession-proof business ideas Kidswear business ideas eCommerce business ideas Best businesses to start with little money

Turning your idea into a business? Start with a domain name→ Discover the thrill of starting a sports card business, where your passion for sports and interest in collectibles can lead to a rewarding and profitable venture. This step-by-step guide will assist you in launching your business, transforming your enthusiasm into a successful enterprise. From how to create a business website to finding your niche, we’ve got you covered. Thinking about starting a business? Lock down your brand’s domain before someone else does. Wix makes it easy to get your domain, email, hosting and SSL all in one place. Plus you'll get 24/7 support every step of the way. What is a sports card business? A sports card business is a venture that involves buying, selling and trading sports cards, which are collectible cards featuring athletes and sports-related content. Sports cards have been popular for decades, with avid collectors seeking rare and valuable cards to add to their collections. In this type of business , you will cater to this niche market by providing a variety of sports cards, including both vintage and modern cards. Why start a sports card business? The sports trading card industry has seen immense growth over the past few years. In fact, the sports trading card market in the U.S. is projected to reach $62.06 billion by 2027, growing at a staggering 28.76% compound annual growth rate from 2020 to 2027. Benefits of starting a sports card business Starting a sports card business offers several advantages, beyond the potential for making money. Here are some benefits that make it an appealing venture: Low startup costs: Compared to many other businesses, starting a sports card business can have relatively low startup costs and require little startup capital . You can begin by acquiring a small inventory of cards and gradually expand your collection as your business grows. Passion for sports: If you have a genuine love for sports, starting a sports card business allows you to combine your passion with a profitable venture. You'll have the opportunity to work with sports memorabilia and engage with fellow enthusiasts. Flexibility in operations: As a sports card business owner, you have the flexibility to set your own schedule and choose how you operate. Whether you prefer to sell online, through local events or from a physical storefront, you can tailor your business operations to fit your preferences and circumstances. Networking opportunities: The sports card community is vibrant and passionate. By engaging with collectors, attending trade shows and participating in online forums, you can build relationships, learn from experienced collectors and potentially collaborate on special events or promotions. Creative expression: Curating and showcasing sports card collections allows for creative expression. You can curate unique displays, create themed collections and design visually appealing presentations to attract buyers and collectors. Growing market: The sports card market has experienced a resurgence in recent years, driven by increased interest from collectors and investors. With the rise of online marketplaces and social media communities, there are ample opportunities to connect with buyers and expand your customer base. Challenges of running a sports card business While starting a sports card business can be rewarding, here are some common challenges to be aware of: Market volatility: The sports card market can be volatile, with the value of cards fluctuating based on factors such as player performance, card rarity and overall market trends. Staying updated on market conditions and making informed buying and selling decisions is crucial. Authentication and grading: Authenticating and grading sports cards is an important aspect of the business, especially for higher-value cards. Learning about card authentication processes and finding reputable grading services to certify the condition of cards can be a time-consuming and meticulous process. Inventory management: Managing and organizing your inventory can be challenging, especially as your collection grows. Implementing effective inventory management systems and tracking software is crucial to ensure accurate records, easy access to cards and efficient order fulfillment. Competition: The sports card market can be competitive, with various sellers and businesses vying for collectors' attention. To stand out, you need to offer unique and sought-after cards, provide exceptional customer service and differentiate your business through branding and marketing strategies. How to start a sports card business Starting a sports card business involves several key steps, from Raise money for your business to finding your customers. By following these steps, you can establish a strong foundation for your business and position yourself for success: Research and plan your business Acquire inventory Establish your sales channels Set pricing and develop policies Market and promote your business Enhance your knowledge and expertise Provide excellent customer service 01. Research and plan your business Conduct thorough research on the sports card market, including popular sports, card manufacturers, player popularity and pricing trends. Identify your target market, such as collectors of specific sports or eras and develop a business plan that outlines your goals, strategies and financial projections. Once you've written your business plan, write a concept statement to outline your vision. 02. Acquire inventory Start building your inventory by acquiring sports cards that cater to your target market. Attend trade shows, visit local card shops, explore online marketplaces and network with collectors to find cards for purchase or trade. Consider the condition, rarity and popularity of cards to ensure a diverse and desirable collection. 03. Establish your sales channels Decide on your sales channels, which can include online platforms (selling via ecommerce ), local events, card shows, or a physical store. Create a sports website or utilize established eCommerce builder s like Wix. If you choose to have a physical store, ensure it's in a location accessible to your target customers. 04. Set pricing and develop policies Determine your pricing strategy by considering factors such as card condition, rarity, demand and market trends. Develop clear policies for shipping, returns, refunds and customer communication to establish trust and maintain positive customer relationships. 05. Market and promote your business Solidify your brand identity and get the word out. Choose a name for your business using Wix’s intuitive business name generator . Then, register your business . Consult a lawyer or business advisor to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory obligations. Then, develop a marketing strategy to reach your target audience leveraging social media platforms, relevant online communities and sports card forums. Tap into your unique selling proposition to set you apart from the competition. Consider creating content like videos or blog posts that provide insights into card collecting and share your expertise. 06. Enhance your knowledge and expertise Continuously educate yourself about sports card collecting, market trends, player performance and historical significance. Stay updated on authentication and grading processes to ensure you can accurately assess the value of cards in your collection and provide reliable information to customers. 07. Provide excellent customer service Deliver exceptional customer service to build a loyal customer base. Respond promptly to inquiries, provide detailed information about cards and package and ship orders securely. Prioritize transparency, integrity and professionalism to foster trust and repeat business. Tips for promoting your sports card business When marketing your sports card business, be sure to keep your branding consistent. Use Wix’s logo maker to create a sports logo that you can feature across platforms, from your social media to packaging and beyond. Check out these gaming logo ideas for inspiration, and take a look at these additional tips to effectively market your business: Leverage social media: Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook to showcase your sports card collection, engage with collectors and share insights and updates. Use relevant hashtags and interact with followers to expand your reach. Create engaging content: Develop content that educates and entertains your audience. Consider creating videos or blog posts that highlight specific cards, share collecting tips or discuss notable moments in sports card history. Engaging content can help establish your expertise and attract collectors to your business. Note: a website builder like Wix includes built-in features for launching your blog, easily creating branded assets and getting your content strategy off the ground. Collaborate with influencers: Partner with popular sports card collectors or influencers in the industry. Collaborate on special promotions, giveaways or content creation. Their endorsement can help boost your visibility and credibility among their followers. Attend trade shows and events: Participate in sports card trade shows, card expos or local sports events to showcase your collection and connect with collectors. Offer exclusive promotions, host giveaways or conduct signings to attract attendees to your booth. Provide a memorable unboxing experience: Pay attention to the packaging and presentation of your sports cards. Use protective sleeves, top loaders or display cases to ensure cards arrive in pristine condition. Consider adding personalized notes or small tokens of appreciation to create a memorable unboxing experience for customers. How to start a sports card business in a specific state If you're looking into starting a business in a specific state, here’s what you need to know: How to start a business in California How to start a business in Illinois How to start a business in Ohio How to start a business in Oregon How to start a business in Maryland How to start a business in Wisconsin How to start a business in Georgia How to start a business in Colorado Don’t see your chosen state here? You can use the search bar in the Wix Blog to find all the information you need. More guides like this How to start an online business How to start a consulting business How to start a fitness business How to start a makeup line How to start a candle business How to start a clothing business How to start an online boutique How to start a t-shirt business How to start a jewelry business How to start a subscription box business How to start a beauty business How to start an eCommerce business

Your business ideas deserve a websit e,  secure your domain to begin →   In this article, we’ll give you a complete understanding of entrepreneurship to help determine if it’s the right path for you. Oprah Winfrey, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk are names we’ve all heard before. And while these three individuals come from different walks of life, they have one primary thing in common: they are all entrepreneurs. But what distinguishes an entrepreneur, anyway? Is it just how they make money as an entrepreneur ? An entrepreneur is more than just a business owner - they help advance their industry forward with original and innovative ideas. Entrepreneurship requires a unique set of skills including self-determination, self-motivation and perseverance. Whether you’ve conceptualized a solution to a known problem or you’ve simply decided to work for yourself, you’ll want to establish a business and create a business website to cement your online presence from the start. Here’s what you need to know about what it means to be an entrepreneur. Got a business idea? Lock down your brand’s domain before someone else does. Wix makes it easy to get your domain, email, hosting and SSL all in one place. Plus you'll get 24/7 support every step of the way. What is entrepreneurship? Entrepreneurship is the act of starting a business in the hope of earning a profit. However, our modern perception of entrepreneurship has evolved into recognizing its ability to solve large-scale problems and influence social change. Entrepreneurs may also become thought leaders in their fields, although this isn’t necessarily a distinguishing factor of someone in this role, but it can be a natural outcome. Entrepreneurship also plays an important role in the economic development of our vibrant marketplace. It leads to better standards of living and generates new wealth, as well as increased employment and national income. Entrepreneurs also have the opportunity to help bridge the digital divide , the gap between those with access to internet and those without. With technological advancements and market demand for new business ideas and innovation, the practice of entrepreneurship is growing rapidly. Today, more and more self-motivated individuals are looking to become fully independent in their professional lives and are aspiring to create their own future. The term is not a new one, for example, economist Joseph Schumpeter (1883–1950) defined the role of an entrepreneur as being involved in "creative destruction." Making entrepreneurship responsible for new ideas and innovations that disrupted traditional and existing businesses or industries, and replaced them with something new and forward thinking. For the economist Schumpeter, the changes and "dynamic disequilibrium brought on by the innovating entrepreneur [were] the norm of a healthy economy". Entrepreneurship is thus part of the natural cycles of economic and industrial development and evolution. While potentially disruptive in the short term, in the long term it's expected to bring about positive change and innovation. Types of entrepreneurship There are a variety of types of entrepreneurship and it’s important to focus on the differences to gain a deeper understanding of the direction you can go. Within each of these main types, entrepreneurship may also be broken down into the following sub-types: cultural, ethnic, religious, feminist, institutional, millennial, nascent and project-based. Here are the primary types to familiarize yourself with. Innovative entrepreneurship Small business entrepreneurship Scalable startup entrepreneurship Large company entrepreneurship Social entrepreneurship Innovative entrepreneurship Innovative entrepreneurship is all about bringing fresh ideas to life. It’s where big thinkers create something completely new to solve problems or meet needs in ways no one else has imagined. Picture the tech genius crafting the next essential app or the forward-thinker inventing a game-changing sustainable material. These entrepreneurs live for pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities. To make their ideas work, innovative entrepreneurs often lean on thorough research and development. They gather dynamic teams to brainstorm, test and fine-tune, collaborating with experts to turn their visions into reality. It’s not always a smooth road, as the risks can be high, but the reward? Ideas that can reshape industries and the way we live our lives. With courage, creativity and determination, innovative entrepreneurship shows us that the future is wide open—as long as we’re willing to imagine it. Small businesses entrepreneurship Small business entrepreneurship is the process of starting a business knowing you will not plan to turn it into a franchise or large corporation. Just looking at the multifaceted infrastructure of this type of entrepreneurship shows us that small businesses are an extension of the entrepreneurs themselves. From the restaurateur and book seller, to the fitness instructor down your block, these are people whose passions and skills serve their customers to the fullest extent on a small scale. They may hire employees or manage remote employees, or be a one-person business. While a company may take out a loan or receive some financial backing down the line, they will be primarily bootstrapping their venture until it can eventually sustain itself. This ethos of independence distinguishes small business entrepreneurship from the rest. Scalable startup entrepreneurship Scalable startups set out to innovate. This type of entrepreneurship can be defined as a business model in which a person or group of individuals is guided by a unique business idea. Silicon Valley is the living embodiment of that practice. Though they begin small, successful startups expand rapidly and generate big profits, including Google, Wix and Airbnb. These types of companies often require outside investors and more capital in order to scale and break into different global markets. Large company entrepreneurship Large company entrepreneurship refers to companies that have a finite life cycle. They can grow and sustain by creating new products or offering other services around their main target markets. For example, a jeans manufacturer may decide to start selling denim backpacks, hats and even sneakers, as they already have the production process in place to do so. This type of entrepreneurship is based on creating new opportunities that help expand an existing company’s reach and stay competitive. In other words, they are different from all the other business models on this list because they do not rely on opening an entirely new venture. Rather, their motivation to reinvent themselves may come from outside pressure to evolve or technological advancements that have rendered them obsolete. Social entrepreneurship Social entrepreneurship focuses on creating products or services that benefit society. These individuals work for the betterment of the world, and keep this mission at the front of mind even while sustaining a profitable business. There has been a recent surge of media attention on social entrepreneurship, particularly on businesses with strong environmental initiatives. Some of the best known examples include companies like Seventh Generation and Patagonia. A great entrepreneurship quote by journalist David Bornstein states, “What business entrepreneurs are to the economy, social entrepreneurs are to social change. They are the driven, creative individuals who question the status quo, exploit new opportunities, refuse to give up, and remake the world for the better.” And the idea of social responsibility among brands continues to grow. The business climate is changing and consumers are now choosing brands not only based on the product it produces, but on its ethical standards and moral responsibilities, as well. Benefits of entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship is risky, but it’s also rewarding. Not everyone has what it takes to start and run their own venture - but if you are self-motivated, creative, resourceful and undeterred, you’re ready to reap the benefits. Here just some of the advantages of pursuing this career path: Be your own boss When you are your own boss, you gain complete autonomy. You have the unique opportunity to call all the shots and decide how you work. Entrepreneurship also lets you pick and choose the aspects of running a business that bring you the most pleasure. Then, you can simply outsource certain tasks to others and focus on the areas of the business that matter to you most. Have a flexible schedule Many people are drawn to the idea of entrepreneurship because it liberates them from the confines of nine to five and two-week vacations per year. That said, remember that running a business means you’re going to work really hard and face long hours. Luckily, as an entrepreneur, you can control the workflow, manage your own time, and determine your own workplace - whether it’s at home or in an office. Create a career aligned with your values What makes you thrive? Your answer will help you identify what the perfect job looks like for you. From your company culture and mission statement to the types of employees you bring onboard, you can prioritize your values in everything tied to your business. Become a problem-solver At its core, entrepreneurship is about taking risks and working hard in the name of solving problems. As an entrepreneur, you’ll learn how to be a critical thinker and focus on coming up with unique solutions as an agent of change. Using your creativity, you’ll also be able to improve upon existing services or products and better address the public’s needs. For example, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Jason Feifer has a flourishing side business of his own. His website, podcast, newsletter and recently published book are all dedicated to teaching fellow entrepreneurs how to be more resilient to change. Responsibilities of entrepreneurship As innovators and potential disruptors, anyone embarking on the path of entrepreneurship is tasked with a number of specific responsibilities in their role as an entrepreneur. These are generally understood to be a combination of the following: Developing a business plan, and then responsibility for its execution Hiring teams to implement a business plan, managing those teams Sourcing financial backing and resources for a business venture Providing leadership for an entrepreneurship endeavor throughout the lifecycle of starting, managing and scaling a business Managing all of these responsibilities within a climate of risk aversion, i.e. being able to take risks and encourage others to do so in order to make the entrepreneurship work. Entrepreneurship skills and characteristics Entrepreneurship is a unique business model and as such requires specific skills in order to make it a success. These include but are not limited to: Strategic thinking and problem-solving Financial management and planning Sales and marketing organization and goal setting Leadership and team management both macro and often micro Networking and relationship building, including lead gen and sales Innovation and creativity Resilience and adaptability, including risk aversion Time management and organization Communication and negotiation Market research and analysis Visionary thinking to develop a clear and focused business vision Passion for creating and growing a business with a strong drive to succeed How to get started with entrepreneurship Now that you know the reasons why entrepreneurship is appealing to so many, the next step is to actually learn how to become an entrepreneur . Here are 5 essential steps: Identify a problem Do your research Create a solution Build your network Secure funding 01. Identify a problem The first step is to identify a problem you want to solve. Your ultimate goal is to work for yourself and disturb the current market with a groundbreaking idea. So, this is the time to throw all your ideas at the wall and see what sticks. Consider your previous work experience, skillset and, most importantly, what kind of business you have the grit and motivation to bring to life. After all, you’re starting a business from scratch and it’s on you to make it happen, so you’ll want to have some deep seated inspiration. 02. Do your research The motto “knowledge is power” couldn’t be more fitting. You’ve determined a pain point and now is the time to dive in and learn all you can about the industry. Whether it’s a completely new field or a market you’ve worked in before, take advantage of the abundance of content online to educate yourself. Research and familiarize yourself with your target market by reading books, perusing blog articles and browsing other entrepreneurs’ websites. You can even take online courses through websites like Coursera or Udemy . Consume content that gives you a fresh perspective on your idea and keeps your finger on the pulse. You’ll also need to create a buyer persona of an ideal customer so you have a picture in your mind of who your product is for. To do this, consider who your customers are and what they want from their products. Think about what demographic you want to target, such as age and occupation, as well as a common pain point your buyers experience. These ideas will help you with the next step, creating a solution. 03. Create a solution Entrepreneurs are known for their fresh perspectives and ability to think outside the box. Your solution should be something that hasn’t been executed before in your given market. Consider creative and innovative approaches that will appeal to your target audience - this is what’s going to gain traction and attract potential investors. However, you don’t need to have every detail ironed out at this stage. Start with a general solution and fill in the details to see which option is the most realistic and attainable. For example, in 1983, a man named Howard Schultz took a trip to Milan and discovered there were over 1,500 coffee shops where people could sit, work and leisure for as long as they wanted to. This coffee shop culture we see today in America did not exist yet, and Schultz knew there was a market for it. So he took the idea and established the first American coffee chain, Starbucks, which has grown into the largest coffee chain in the world. But Schultz did something else, too. Not only did the coffee giant change the way Americans interact with the idea of drinking coffee—he raised the bar and peaked the public’s interest in fine coffee, ultimately shifting the entire market. 04. Build your network Connecting with other professionals in your field is an extremely strategic step of gaining practical knowledge of your industry. Networking options such as conferences, relevant speaking events and finding a mentor to guide you throughout your journey. In addition, one of the most valuable tools at your disposal is LinkedIn, which allows you to contact other professionals directly. While you can become a member for free, a Premium account ($29.99 - $59.99/month) provides additional features that can be tremendously useful for an entrepreneur in the early stages of their business. Some of these include InMail messaging, in which you can message individuals without prior connection, as well as advanced search filters. Part of this networking will also involve tapping into available entrepreneurship resources, from courses, to books and other sources of experience and expertise. 05. Secure funding You’ve got a killer idea, talked it over with friends and colleagues and come up with a practical solution. Now is the time for the most crucial and perhaps most difficult step - securing the funding to get your business off the ground. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily need to have cash upfront or even a rich uncle to bring your dream to fruition. Once you’ve established a business, such as a sole proprietorship or limited liability company (LLC) , consider applying for a loan from the bank or Small Business Administration (SBA) . In addition, crowd funding sites like Kickstarter and Fundable are a great way for people from all walks of life to contribute to your new venture. You can also hold fundraising events specifically to raise money and introduce people to your idea. And lastly, you can look for investors . Whether you’re pitching to friends and family members, angel investors or venture capitalists, you’ll need to be able to prove that your concept is developed, cohesive and worthwhile. Prepare a detailed pitch deck proposing the problem you seek to solve, the solution, your target market and your business and marketing strategies. You want potential investors to see that you’re prepared, have done your homework and have thought through every aspect of your business. How entrepreneurship benefits economies Entrepreneurs bring new jobs and wealth to economies through a domino effect. When a new and innovative business idea is introduced, the market begins to shift and other companies follow suit, creating competition. When a product or service becomes a need, job creation is an inevitable outcome as there is a higher demand for the product. That need requires further resources, wealth and investments, resulting in positive economic growth. Entrepreneurship FAQ What is the definition of entrepreneurship? Entrepreneurship is the process of creating, developing, and managing a new business venture with the aim of generating profits or creating value. An entrepreneur is an individual who takes on financial risks to start and grow a business, using innovative ideas and strategies to capitalize on market opportunities. What are the goals of entrepreneurship? These may vary between entrepreneurs but generally the main ones include - financial independence and profit, creating value with a product or service, innovation through new products, services or ways of doing business, a social impact and of course a degree of professional and personal fulfillment. What are the key values of entrepreneurship? Entrepreneurship has the potential to benefit individuals as well as communities, and society as a whole. And it does it through the following - job creation, economic growth, support and funding for innovation and new technology, and positive social impact. Who are some famous examples of successful entrepreneurship? Below is just a few examples from more recent years: Jeff Bezos (Amazon) Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook) Oprah Winfrey (Harpo Productions) Richard Branson (Virgin Group) Sara Blakely (Spanx) Walt Disney (Disney) Bill Gates (Microsoft) Arianna Huffington (Huffington Post) Jack Ma (Alibaba) Coco Chanel (Chanel) Henry Ford (Ford Motor Company) Larry Page and Sergey Brin (Google) Reed Hastings (Netflix) Steve Jobs (Apple) Is being an entrepreneur a hard job? Being an entrepreneur can be tough, no doubt about it. You’re often juggling responsibilities like managing finances, building a team and solving unexpected problems, all while trying to grow your business. But it’s also incredibly rewarding to see your vision come to life and make an impact. The challenges may be big, but the sense of accomplishment can make it all worth it.

Turn your ideas into income with Wix. Secure your domain name →  Having a hobby doesn’t just have to be about indulging a pastime, it can also be an opportunity to make money from the comfort of your home. Using a website builder , you can quickly establish an online presence to showcase your skills and connect with potential customers worldwide. This opens up numerous opportunities to generate extra cash by turning what you love into a profitable side hustle. There are many business ideas  to help you monetize your hobbies. You might sell handmade products, offer personalized services or even create digital content that caters to specific interests. So, whether you’re looking to start a side hustle in your spare time or want to learn how to start a business , our guide will give you tips on eight fun hobbies that can make you money. Secure your brand’s domain and start earning online. With Wix, you can grab it fast and set up email, hosting, SSL and privacy all in one place. It’s simple, beginner-friendly and backed by 24/7 support. How to find a hobby that can make money? Finding a hobby that makes money involves identifying your passions and skills, then exploring ways to monetize them; or you can do it the other way round, consider hobbies that have the potential to be profitable. A good place to start is always with assessing your own skills and interests. A hobby should be something first and foremost that you enjoy. Then you'll want to: Research monetizable hobbies Some popular, tried and tested profitable hobbies include: Crafting (e.g., jewelry, furniture) Photography Writing or blogging Graphic design Tutoring or teaching Cooking or baking Gardening Music (performing or teaching) Fitness instruction Pet care or dog walking Check market demand You'll want to make sure that whatever your hobby is, there is demand for a monetized version of it. As part of this consider the needs in your local community, as well as the presence of any competitors or competing services. Start small and experiment Starting a business from a hobby should be as low risk as possible, especially at the start. You might need to try different hobbies before you find one you love that can also be profitable. Start by testing your products and services on friends and families to gauge demand. Build a website to promote your hobby Creating a portfolio or website to showcase your hobby, is always a good idea. You can use it to sell, attract customers and brand what you do.              Need help thinking of other money-making opportunities? Use the Wix Business Launcher to discover more ideas based on your skills and hobbies. Chat with AI and get set up with a full market analysis, earning strategies and launch kit right out of the gate. It’s everything you need to transform your ideas into reality—quickly and easily. 8 profitable hobbies to generate income Photography Writing and blogging Crafts Gaming Landscaping and lawn care Cooking Social media and marketing Pet care 01. Photography Photography is a great hobby with a high earning potential. According to a 2024 report by Zenfolio, 20.8% of full-time self-employed photographers  earn over $100,000 annually. You can turn your love for photography into a part-time or full-time job by: Selling your photographs as prints, stock photos or digital products on websites like Etsy , Shutterstock  and Adobe Stock . Offering your services for events (like weddings) or commercial shoots. Sharing your expertise through a blog, podcast or YouTube channel and then monetizing through ads, sponsored posts and affiliate marketing. Offering in-person or online photography classes if you have a knack for teaching.  Learn more : How to make money as a photographer 02. Writing and blogging Being able to write about anything from personal experiences to product reviews makes this hobby appealing to many people. And this passion for writing is part of why over 11 million websites  use Wix’s tools to create content. This can also be a great post-retirement hobby you can make money with. You can choose between working as a freelance writer for brands or becoming a blogger to make money from this hobby.  Freelance writing involves creating content based on clients' requirements. You can get started with projects using sites like Upwork  and Fiverr . The key benefit is you can work it as a side hustle or build it up to a full-time income. On the other hand, monetizing your own blog takes time since you must first build an engaged audience. Your success will depend heavily on your content quality, effective marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) strategies, and regular engagement with readers. Learn more : How to make money as a travel blogger 03. Crafts Crafting involves creating handmade items using various materials and techniques. Specific craft hobbies you can make money with include knitting, woodworking, jewelry making and pottery. The Crafty Couple , which handcrafts furniture, and Yam , a sustainable jewelry shop, are good examples of craft brands. These sellers turned their crafting passion into successful businesses by focusing on quality, customer service and effective online marketing. To turn your crafting hobby into a good source of income: Specialize in unique, niche products—like eco-friendly fashion accessories or themed home decor—that attract dedicated customers willing to pay premium prices for handcrafted items. Use online marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon , eBay  or Facebook Marketplace  to sell your products to shoppers globally. Expand your craft into teaching through online courses, workshops or tutorial videos to generate passive income. Learn more :  How to sell crafts online How to make money as a crafter Craft business ideas 04. Gaming The gaming industry has grown significantly over the past decade. A 2024 PC & Console Gaming Report by Newzoo shows that PC and console gaming generated $93.5 billion in 2023 . If you’re an avid gamer, you can turn your favorite hobby into a profitable business by: Live streaming your gaming sessions or creating engaging content such as tutorials, reviews and playthroughs on platforms like Twitch or YouTube .  Participating in tournaments and esports competitions that offer prize money. As you gain recognition, you might even attract sponsorships from gaming brands. Leveraging your gaming experience to offer services as a beta tester for developers who need feedback on playability and bug reports for new video games. Learn more : How to make money gaming 05. Landscaping and lawn care Most people want to enhance their outdoor living spaces, which drives the demand for landscaping services. On average, homeowners shell out $300 every month  for professional lawn care services. This gives you an opportunity to turn your hobby into a profitable venture. With that in mind, here are some ideas for how to start a landscaping business : Offer basic lawn care services, such as mowing, trimming and edging. Expand your services to include landscaping design, garden installation and maintenance as you gain clients and experience. Differentiate your business by specializing in areas like organic gardening, xeriscaping (landscaping designed to conserve water) or native plant landscaping. This can make you stand out to clients looking for specific expertise. Combine online and traditional marketing strategies. Create a professional website, use social media platforms and engage in local advertising through flyers and community boards. Get professional certification from bodies like the National Association of Landscape Professionals  (NALP) to boost your credibility. 06. Cooking Turning a cooking hobby into a business can be a fulfilling way to share your culinary passion while earning an income. The good news is that many people enjoy trying new recipes. So this gives you a broad audience for your culinary content or services.  Here are several ways you can use your cooking skills to generate extra income: Start a cooking blog or YouTube channel where you offer unique content, such as recipes, cooking tips or food travel experiences. You can then monetize this content through advertising, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing and partnerships with food brands.  Compile your recipes into a cookbook and sell it online or through local bookstores. Share your culinary skills by teaching cooking classes. You can hold these classes at home, in local community centers or online. Offer private chef services to prepare meals in clients’ homes. Launch a catering business to provide food for events, parties and corporate functions. Learn more: How to make money as a food blogger 07. Social media and marketing Most companies have a presence on social media platforms , with 91% on Facebook, 86% on Instagram, 80% on LinkedIn and 66% on X.  That means there are plenty of brands looking for skilled social media managers to enhance their online presence. This gives you a great opportunity to turn your love for social media into a money-making hobby.  Here’s how to generate good money from this lucrative hobby: Manage social media accounts for businesses or people who don't have the time or expertise to do so themselves. Your services can include posting content, engaging with followers, monitoring analytics and running social media campaigns. Partner with brands as an influencer if you've built a considerable following on your social platforms. Use your social media networks to promote companies’ products through affiliate marketing and get commissions. 08. Pet care Most pet owners treat their pets as an integral part of the family. This opens a door for you to turn your passion for pets into a profitable business. It can also be a great way to enjoy animals without all the responsibilities that come with owning one. With that in mind, here are some ways to turn your love for pets into a full-time business: Start a pet sitting service where you take care of pets while their owners are away.  Offer dog walking services for busy pet owners. Start a pet grooming business. This can include bathing, hair trimming, nail clipping and ear cleaning. You can also offer mobile grooming services, where you visit clients at their homes to make it more convenient for them. Organize and host events like birthday parties for pets, pet meetups or educational seminars for owners. You can then sell pet products at these events to generate additional revenue. How to make money from a hobby Now, let’s look at some effective ways to make money from your hobby. Create a website to establish your online presence A dedicated website makes it easier for people to engage with your content. It also enhances your credibility, which allows you to stand out in a crowded market and build a brand that resonates with your audience. Learning how to build a website  doesn't have to be difficult or take long. Starting is as simple as choosing a domain name and taking advantage of free website hosting . After that, pick a professionally designed website template , customize it, fill your pages with content and publish your website. Tip : Use the domain name generator  to get domain name ideas for your website. Alternatively, you can use Wix’s AI website builder  to make getting started even easier. Just answer some basic questions about your goals, and the tool will create a personalized, fully operational website for you in minutes. With these foundations in place, you can explore various strategies for monetizing your website, like online advertising , affiliate marketing or selling products through your ecommerce platform . Start a blog to share tips and experiences Once you create your website, launch a blog to connect with your audience and establish yourself as an authority in your field. Share insightful tips and personal experiences related to your hobby to keep your audience coming back for more. Here are some ideas for promoting your online business: Create a blog that educates your audience on aspects related to your hobby. For instance, if you love pottery, you can write about the different types of clay or glazing techniques. Share feedback from satisfied customers. These could be written testimonials, video interviews or before-and-after photos showcasing the impact of your product or service. Write articles related to seasonal events, holidays or current trends. For example, a post about "perfect gift ideas" during the holiday season can attract interest and drive affiliate sales. Tip : Use the Free AI Title Generator  to produce a list of catchy titles for your blog posts. Learn more : How to make money blogging Leverage social media to promote your hobby Use social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and X to extend your reach and interact with a broader audience. Show off your latest projects, share behind-the-scenes content and join conversations related to your hobby.  This approach helps you connect with like-minded individuals and attracts attention to your website, which increases your potential for sales and partnerships. Tip : Use Wix’s professional tools  to design eye-catching social media graphics for your posts. In addition, leverage paid ads on Facebook and Instagram . That way, you can generate even more leads and drive quality traffic to your website. Recommend products you use through affiliate marketing programs Join affiliate marketing programs like the Wix Affiliate Program  or Amazon Associates  to market products you believe in. Incorporate affiliate links into your blog posts or social media content to earn a commission every time someone purchases through your link. Learn more:  How to make money online How to sell online   Hobbies that make money FAQ What are some of the highest paying hobbies? It all depends on what you consider high paying and how much time and effort you're willing to put in. Some popular hobbies that can pay well include — photography, social media management, programming and coding. Can you really make money from a hobby? Hobbies can make money but it takes dedication and skill. Think of it as a side hustle, not a get-rich-quick scheme. How to turn a hobby into income? 1. Identify your skills: What unique abilities does your hobby offer? 2. Develop a strong portfolio: Showcase your best work to potential clients. 3. Market yourself effectively: Create a website, social media presence or network to connect with clients. 4. Offer services or products: Sell your creations or provide services related to your hobby. 5. Be persistent and patient: It takes time and effort to turn a hobby into a paying gig.

Turn your ideas into income with Wix. Secure your domain name →  Being a musician is an incredible journey filled with passion, creativity and, let's be honest, a bit of hustle. But who says you can’t make a great living doing what you love?  Whether you’re rocking out at local gigs, teaching the next generation of musicians or streaming your latest tracks online, there are countless ways to make money  with your musical talents. In this article, we'll explore how to make money as a musician and turn your passion into a sustainable career. Secure your brand’s domain and start earning online. With Wix, you can grab it fast and set up email, hosting, SSL and privacy all in one place. It’s simple, beginner-friendly and backed by 24/7 support. 21 ways to make money as a musician 01. Perform live gigs 02. Teach music lessons 03. Sell merchandise 04. Stream your music 05. Digital sales 06. Monetize your YouTube channel 07. Crowdfunding campaigns 08. License your music 09. Session work 10. Music production services 11. Write music reviews or blogs 12. Compose for commercials or online games 13. Music therapy 14. Music festivals and workshops 15. Songwriting for other musicians 16. Sell vintage cassettes, CDs and vinyl records 17. Host or stream live music shows 18. Affiliate music marketing 19. Transcribe songs into sheet music 20. Play music mixes as a DJ (weddings, parties, etc.) 21. Instrument repair and tuning service 01. Perform live gigs Live shows are a classic way to earn money as a musician, and they can provide a steady income and increase your exposure to a broader audience. Your style of music and personal preferences will guide your choices. Focus on a specific niche, like singing in jazz clubs or corporate events, to build a reputation and become highly sought after for similar gigs. That way, you can charge more competitive rates, earn a higher income and have financial stability, which is the holy grail of making a living as a musician. 02. Teach music lessons Another way to make money with music is to share your knowledge and skills through lessons. You can offer private lessons or group classes. You could even sell online courses to aspiring musicians, like the folks at Jazz Lesson Videos . Teaching music is similar to starting a tutoring business . So, consider learning how to build a website  and using scheduling software  to market your lessons and manage bookings. For the most part, you can teach music both in person or online, depending on the genre and whether it involves an instrument. However, offering online lessons enables you to reach more potential students. 03. Sell merchandise Selling T-shirts, hats and other branded merchandise can be a great way to make money, especially if you have a dedicated fan base. To sell merch, you’ll need an online store . If you're not sure where to begin, consider starting a print-on-demand (POD) business . POD involves printing and producing merchandise only when someone orders it. So, it's a low-effort and low-investment option , as you can create the designs yourself or hire a designer at an affordable price. Read more:   How to start an eCommerce business How to make an ecommerce website 04. Stream your music Platforms like Spotify  and Apple Music  pay mechanical royalties when listeners stream your music. And since streaming continues to hold the biggest share of music revenue, with a record high of $14.4 billion in 2023 , it's a great way to make money as a musician with minimal effort. You only have to create your tracks and partner with a distributor to get them on the streaming platform.  That said, you need to market your music to increase plays, but this should be a core part of what you do as a musician anyway. 05. Digital sales Another way to make money as a musician is to sell digital copies of your songs or albums directly to fans. You can do so on digital stores like iTunes  and Bandcamp . These platforms allow you to set your prices and retain a higher percentage of the revenue compared to music streaming services.  Alternatively, you can sell your digital downloads directly through your own music portfolio  to avoid paying fees to another platform. 06. Monetize your YouTube channel Many musicians got their big break after being discovered on YouTube. Justin Bieber, for example, was found by his former manager, Scooter Braun, through a cover video on the platform. One Direction's Louis Tomlinson discovering Australian boy band 5 Seconds of Summer is another good example. YouTube has over 933 million users  in 2024, so uploading your music videos to the platform can increase your exposure to a massive audience. You also can make money from ads displayed on your YouTube videos through YouTube's Partner Program .  However, to generate passive income, you'll need to build an engaged audience who will click through the ads. Once you're eligible for the Partner Program, make sure to place ads that are relevant to your subscribers and not too intrusive. You want to gain more followers and make money, not scare them off. Learn more: How to make money on YouTube How to make money on TikTok How to make money on Instagram 07. Crowdfunding campaigns A crowdfunding campaign can be ideal if you're just starting out. Raising funds through sites like Kickstarter  and Patreon  can help you scale your music career by funding new instruments or equipment. Fans can contribute through one-time donations or monthly subscriptions to access your music and related content. A prime example is Amanda Palmer, a cabaret indie rocker, who raised over $1.2 million  in her 2012 Kickstarter campaign thanks to contributions from nearly 25,000 fans. 08. License your music Licensing your music for TV, film and commercials and having big brands use it for their ads can be another effective way to earn money as a musician. You may have to sacrifice some creative control, as many brands are particular about the music and art that represent them. However, if you can make it work, it can be profitable in the long run. Here are some musicians who made money with ad placements : Dirty Vegas:  Their song "Days Go By" was featured in a 2003 Mitsubishi car ad, leading to massive success even though the band eventually broke up. Fun:  Their song "We Are Young" appeared in a Super Bowl ad for the Chevy Sonic, gaining them significant attention. Babylon Zoo:  After a Levi's jeans ad featured their track "Spaceman," it became the fastest-selling single by a UK artist. 09. Session work As a session musician, you can get paid to record tracks for other artists or music producers. You might provide backing vocals or contribute to specific parts of a song. This can be an easy way to make money since you just have to show up, deliver your part, get paid and leave. There’s no added responsibility of promoting or selling the music.  However, when working “for hire,” you must follow the artist’s or producer’s instructions, leaving little room for your own creative input. 10. Music production services If you're skilled in mixing, mastering or producing tracks, you can make money by creating music for other artists without having to take responsibility for the song's financial and viral success. The artist pays you to create music for them, which they then promote and sell.  With this approach, you can build a network of established and emerging musicians, which opens doors for future collaborations. 11. Write music reviews or blogs If you have a knack for writing, you can  start your own music blog  (you’ll need a  blog maker ) and then monetize it through sponsored content, display ads and subscription services. You could use your blog to review other music artists, write about popular music trends or share tips and knowledge with aspiring musicians.  Learn more:   How to start a blog How to start a music portfolio 12. Compose for commercials or online games Composing original music for commercials, video games or other media can open up new revenue streams and help you make money as a musician. You’ll need to work closely with the company or agency requesting the music, and you may have to adhere to strict guidelines for the type of music and the finished product.  This type of work can be lucrative, especially if it leads to more opportunities to compose or sell your music to other brands. 13. Music therapy Music therapy is a healthcare profession that uses music to address people's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Music therapists use various musical activities—such as listening to music, singing, playing instruments and songwriting—to help individuals achieve therapeutic goals and improve their overall well-being. If you're qualified, music therapy can be a great way to use your skills to help others and get compensated for it. But even if you’re not a certified music therapist, you can create music for therapists to use with their clients or in their sessions. You can also advise them on the best type of music for different needs. 14. Music festivals and workshops Countless music festivals and events happen around the world every year. Many musicians make money playing at these events, and you don’t need to be a big headliner to earn. Participating in a music festival can expose you to big crowds and create networking opportunities that may lead to future gigs or partnerships. Read more:   Music business ideas to start in 2024 15. Songwriting for other musicians Songwriting involves creating lyrics, melodies and harmonies that fit an artist's unique style and genre. So, you must first understand their audience and what they want before you collaborate with them. You can earn money when writing songs for other musicians through: An upfront fee for your songwriting services Mechanical and performance royalties whenever the songs are performed, recorded or streamed Licensing fees for the songs to appear in movies, TV shows, commercials or video games The best way to succeed as a songwriter is to build a strong reputation. Therefore, attend music industry events, join songwriting communities and actively promote your work through social media. The more your name gets out there, the more opportunities you’ll have to work with well-known musicians and secure high-paying gigs. 16. Sell vintage cassettes, CDs and vinyl records Vintage cassettes, CDs and vinyl records aren't just old-school relics—they're goldmines for musicians looking to diversify their income. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), 43 million vinyl records and 37 million CDs  sold in the U.S. in 2023, showing just how popular these formats are. Music fans crave the experience of handling a record, admiring the album art and enjoying vinyl's unique sound quality. By selling physical music formats, you can tap into this nostalgic market and attract dedicated music lovers. 17. Host or stream live music shows Another way to make money as a musician is to host in-person or virtual live performances.  You can use platforms like Eventbrite to handle ticket sales for in-person shows or Zoom, YouTube Live or Facebook Live to livestream virtual concerts. You can even offer different ticket levels and include special perks like virtual meet-and-greets or exclusive content.  18. Affiliate music marketing Affiliate marketing  is where you earn a commission by promoting other people’s products or services. In the music genre, you can join programs like Audimute ,  Fiddlershop  or  Guitar Center . These programs focus on musical products or services, like high-end custom instruments or online music classes. But make sure to read the fine print so you know what you’re getting into. Once you join an affiliate program, create content featuring those products and share your affiliate links to earn a commission whenever people purchase those items through your links. 19. Transcribe songs into sheet music Music teachers and students are always on the lookout for good quality sheet music. You can transcribe popular or challenging pieces and sell them to music schools or directly to students. You can even create bundles of songs tailored to different skill levels. This way, you'll be able to help learners improve their skills while making money. 20. Play music mixes as a DJ (weddings, parties, etc.) As a musician, you probably know how to mix and curate different music genres. Even if you don't, you can learn the technical aspects of DJing—such as beat matching, mixing and using DJ software—fairly quickly since your existing musical talent gives you a solid foundation. Once you've mastered it, you can create different DJ packages  to suit various event needs and budgets. You could even include additional services, like lighting, emceeing or photo booths. 21. Instrument repair and tuning service Many musicians struggle to find reliable repair and tuning services, and your knowledge of how various instruments work can fill in that gap perfectly. So, take time to sharpen your repair and tuning skills—plenty of courses and apprenticeships are available to help you get started. Once you're confident in your abilities, you'll find that there's always demand for quality work, whether you’re fixing a guitar string, tuning a piano or restoring an old instrument. How to start making money from music Starting your own business as a musician can be exciting yet daunting. To help you out, here’s a step-by-step guide: Outline your revenue streams. Will you focus on live performances, teaching or a mix of different income sources? Define your value proposition and target audience clearly so you can tailor your efforts to meet their needs and maximize your earnings. Draft a business plan  that details your objectives, strategies and financial projections. This document will serve as a roadmap for your business if you plan to look for funding beyond your own savings or family. Develop a brand that reflects your music and personality. Choose a business name, design a logo (use a  logo maker  for this) and create a cohesive image across all marketing materials and online platforms. Learn how to create a professional website  and social media profiles on various platforms. Use an easy-to-use website builder like Wix and optimize your website for search engines to boost visibility. Invest time and resources into creating a high-quality product or service, whether it's recording a new music album or setting up a teaching studio. Decide on a business structure (such as sole proprietorship  or  LLC ) and handle legal requirements like registering your business and getting the necessary licenses or permits. Open a  business bank  account, set up accounting software and create a budget. Keep meticulous financial records from the start and understand your business tax obligations. Promote your business using various marketing strategies , like social media marketing, email campaigns and networking within the industry. Protect your intellectual property by copyrighting your music  and trademarking your brand. Talk to a lawyer if you’re not sure how this works. How to set yourself up for success so you can make money as a musician Let's now look at four key aspects of building a profitable music business. 01. Define your value proposition The first step is to nail down your value proposition. What makes your business special? It could be your unique sound, the way you connect with your audience or maybe a fresh approach to teaching music.  For example, if you play a rare instrument, like the Ðàn Tre from Vietnam, or specialize in an unusual genre, you could find a niche market that's eager to hear your performances or learn from you. 02. Identify revenue streams A profitable music business doesn’t rely on a single source of income. Instead, it taps into multiple channels, like live gigs, merch sales, streaming royalties and teaching music lessons.  Many independent artists often combine what they earn from shows with online tutorials and custom merch to keep the money flowing consistently. 03. Build branding and marketing strategies Having a strong brand and knowing how to market it effectively can help you stand out in a crowded space. Successful musicians usually have a unique image or story that clicks with their audience.  Think about a band with a cool, distinctive style that connects with fans through social media, building a loyal following that turns into sales and bookings. 04. Establish sound financial management Getting a handle on the business side of music—budgeting, accounting and investing in your career—is super important for long-term success. A musician who tracks their expenses and income, invests in good gear and saves up for future projects can keep their business running smoothly, even when times get tough. Making money as a musician FAQ How can I start making money from my music if I'm just starting out? Start by recording quality music that people would want to hear. Then, get active online and use social media to connect with fans. You can also think about offering music lessons to bring in some income from the get-go. How hard is it to make money as a musician compared to other jobs? Making money as a musician can be tougher than with full-time day jobs, like banking and real estate, which offer more predictable income and clear career paths. The reasons why include: Income ups and downs:  Musicians often deal with fluctuating earnings based on gigs, streams and sales. Crowded market:  The music industry is super competitive, making it hard to stand out and grow a loyal fanbase. Unpredictable success:  Making it in music can be unpredictable and depends a lot on trends, exposure and who you know. Is it possible to make a living solely from streaming revenue? Yes, it's possible. But relying solely on streaming revenue can be challenging because the payouts per stream are usually pretty low. You'd need a huge number of streams to make decent money. Plus, competition is heavy, and getting noticed on streaming platforms takes a lot of marketing and a loyal fanbase. How do I price my performances or music lessons? Take a look at what others are charging for similar services in your area and factor in your own experience. Your rates might also depend on the type of event or lesson format. Be competitive, but don't sell yourself short. What's the best way to market my music business? Use a blend of online marketing methods, like social media, email newsletters and content marketing. Networking and word-of-mouth recommendations are also incredibly effective. Can I make money from my music without being a performer? Yes, there are many profitable roles in the music industry that don't require you to perform. They include songwriting, music production, music journalism and music education. How do I protect my music from copyright infringement? Register your music with the appropriate copyright office and join a performance rights organization so they can help you track royalties and protect your work. Should I sign with a record label to make money from my music? Signing with a record label depends on various factors, like your career goals, the level of control you want over your music and your financial situation. Record deals can offer you resources, marketing and distribution to help you reach a bigger audience and make more money.  But keep in mind that you might have to give up some control and a chunk of your earnings. Go the indie route if you want to keep full control over your music and income. How do I find opportunities to license my money? Reach out to music producers, production companies and agencies that specialize in music licensing. Networking and attending industry events can also help you find opportunities. What kind of merchandise sells best at concerts? Popular merch include apparel, posters and small accessories, like pins or stickers. Exclusive or limited-edition items often sell well, too. Is crowdfunding a reliable way to fund my music business? Yes. Crowdfunding works best when you have a loyal fan base and an exciting project. To succeed, you'll need to plan your campaign thoughtfully and offer rewards that appeal to your backers. What are some common financial mistakes to avoid as a musician? Avoid overspending on gear or production, neglecting to save for taxes and not having a clear budget for your projects and living expenses. How do I handle taxes for my music income? Track and record all your income and expenses. It’s also a good idea to talk to a tax expert who knows the ins and outs of the music industry. They can help you navigate tricky tax rules, maximize your deductions and keep everything smooth with the tax collectors. Can I make money from my music without a large following? Yes. Focus on niche markets, offer unique services like custom compositions and think about teaching or session work to build your income streams as you grow your following. Other ways to make money you might want to consider How to make money as a student How to make money as a chef How to make money as a real estate agent How to make money as a personal trainer How to make money as a therapist How to make money as a freelance writer How to make money as a singer How to make money as a contractor How to make money as a handyman How to make money as a notary public How to make money as an entrepreneur How to make money as a farmer

Turn your ideas into income with Wix. Secure your domain name → When you start making money early, you get to try different things and figure out what you like and are good at. This can help you choose what job you might want in the future. Also, making money teaches you stuff like managing your time, dealing with customers and handling money – things that will be super helpful later in life. TL;DR: how to make money as a teenager Teens can cash in offline with classics like babysitting, dog walking, lawn mowing or tutoring. Online, they can turn hobbies into income through content creation, YouTube channels, gaming streams, virtual assistance and selling products. Start with what you enjoy, research demand and make a simple plan. A website helps you reach more customers, and tools like the Wix Business Launcher make it easy to launch and grow with confidence. The fastest way to start making money online is by securing a domain name that fits your brand. With Wix, you can register your domain easily, establish your brand and take the first step toward building a website that attracts customers and generates revenue. Best money-making ideas for teens Hustle type Examples & why it’s great Pro tips to crush it Offline wins Babysitting, dog walking, lawn mowing, tutoring – flexible, easy to start and perfect for earning close to home Ask family or neighbors first, make simple flyers, offer extras (like pet feeding or homework help) to earn more Creative online Content creation, YouTube channels, gaming streams – share what you love and earn through ads or brand deals Pick a niche you enjoy, post often, use trending sounds/hashtags and reply to your followers to grow faster Service-based online Virtual assistance, social media management, freelance writing, graphic design – tons of people need digital help Build a mini portfolio, join Fiverr or Upwork and deliver work on time to rack up good reviews Selling stuff Arts and crafts, print-on-demand, thrift flips, digital downloads – build a shop and make money while you sleep Start with 1–2 products, focus on clean branding and promote on TikTok or Instagram with fun videos Quick & easy online Online surveys, website testing – low effort ways to add some extra cash Stick to legit sites, set a weekly time goal and treat it as bonus money, not your main hustle 18 ways to make money as a teenager In this part, we'll go through 15 ways for teenagers to start a business and start making cash. We'll explain what each one business idea for teens involves, why it's good for this age group and how to make the most out of it. Babysitting Dog walking Lawn mowing Tutoring Freelance writing Graphic design Photography Social media management Car washing Arts and crafts Event planning Virtual assistance YouTube channel Online surveys Selling products online Game streaming Content creation Print-on-demand 01. Babysitting : Earn cash while playing with kids Starting a babysitting business is a classic way for teenagers to earn money. It involves taking care of children while their parents are away. This is a great option because it allows you to work flexible hours and build valuable skills in responsibility and childcare. This also makes it a good way to make money as a student because it can be arranged around study hours and classes — learn more about weekend side hustles . Typical income: Hourly rate: $10 - $20 per hour Monthly income (Assuming 20 Hours/Week): $400 - $800 02. Dog walking: Turn puppy love into pocket money If you love animals, dog walking can be a fun and profitable way to make money. It involves taking dogs for walks and ensuring they get their daily exercise. This is an excellent choice because it allows you to spend time outdoors and interact with furry friends. Typical income: Rate per walk: $10 - $20 per walk (depending on factors above) Monthly income (1 dog): $300 - $600 Monthly income (2 dogs): $600 - $1200 Learn more: How to make a dog walking business plan 03. Lawn mowing: Make money one yard at a time Many people are willing to pay for someone else to take care of their lawn. If you have access to a lawnmower and enjoy working outdoors, lawn mowing can be a lucrative business idea . Consider offering additional services like weed trimming or leaf raking to maximize your earnings. Typical income: Hourly rate: $15-$25 per hour (depending on skills and services) Monthly income (Mowing only, 4 lawns/day, 2-hour jobs): $600-$1000 Monthly Income with additional services (More complex work, longer jobs): $800-$1500+ Learn more: How to start a lawn care business 04. Tutoring: Help classmates and boost your bank If you're a high schooler who excels in certain subjects, tutoring can be a great way to make money while helping others succeed academically. You can offer your services in subjects like math, science, or English either online or in person as a great business idea for students . Typical income: Hourly rate: $20-$40 per hour (varies greatly depending on factors above) Monthly income (1 hour/session): $200-$400 Monthly Income (2 hours/session): $400-$800 Learn more: How to create a tutoring business plan Teacher business ideas 05. Freelance writing: Get paid to put your thoughts into words If you have strong writing skills, freelance writing can be a great way to earn money from the comfort of your own home. Many websites and blogs are looking for content writers who can create engaging articles on various topics. Start building a writing portfolio on platforms like Medium, a personal blog or even Google Docs—these are simple, free ways to share your skills. Write about topics you love, like gaming, fashion, school tips or pop culture, and create a few sample pieces that show off your voice and creativity. Once you have some work ready, check out beginner gigs on sites like Fiverr, Upwork or teen-friendly job boards. You can also pitch article ideas to blogs you follow—just make sure your email is polite, clear and includes links to your writing. Use tools like Notion to stay organized and learn a bit of SEO to help your content get noticed by clients. Typical income: Hourly rate: $10-$25 per hour (can be much higher for specialized writing) Monthly income: $400-$1000 (highly variable based on factors above) Learn more: How to make a blog How to make money as a freelance writer 06. Graphic design: Create cool stuff and cash in If you have a creative eye and skills in graphic design, consider offering your services to local businesses or online platforms. You can create logos, social media graphics, or client website designs. In order to get started with this idea, you'll need to create an online portfolio to collect and showcase your design work. Typical income: Hourly rate: $15-$35 per hour (can be higher for experienced designers or specialized projects) Monthly income: $600-$1400 (widely variable based on factors above) Learn more: How to make money as an artist How to make money as a freelancer 07. Photography: Capture moments and make money If you have a passion for photography and own a decent camera, you can turn your hobby into a profitable photography business . Offer your services for events like weddings, birthdays, or family photoshoots. Typical income Hourly rate: $20-$50 per hour (can be significantly higher for specialized photography) Monthly income: $800-$2000 (highly variable based on factors above) Learn more: How to write a photography business plan Photography business name ideas How to make money as a photographer 08. Social media management: Turn scrolling into a side hustle Teenagers are often adept at navigating social media platforms. If you have a good understanding of how to grow an online presence and engage with audiences, consider offering social media management services to small businesses or influencers. Expert tip from Lilach Goldis , Social Media Manager at Wix, "If the message isn't straightforward and easy to understand, people tend to scroll past. When you have something genuine to share, it often translates into winning content." Learn more: How to start a marketing business 09. Car washing: Soap up and stack some cash Many people are willing to pay for someone else to wash and detail their cars . This can be a profitable venture if you provide high-quality service and offer additional services like interior cleaning or waxing. Typical income: Basic wash (20-30 minutes): $10-$20 per car Detail wash (1-2 hours): $30-$50 per car Monthly income (Basic washes, 5 cars/day): $750-$1500 Monthly income (Detail washes, 2 cars/day): $900-$1500 Learn more: How to create a car washing business plan 10. Arts and crafts: Sell your DIY masterpieces If you're skilled in arts and crafts, consider selling your crafts online or at local craft fairs. You can make jewelry, paintings, pottery or any other handmade items that appeal to potential customers. Learn more: Craft business name ideas Craft business ideas 11. Event planning: Throw parties and earn money If you enjoy organizing and coordinating events, event planning can be a lucrative business idea. Offer your services for party planning , weddings or corporate events and ensure everything runs smoothly. Teens can start by planning birthdays, school events or local gatherings for family and friends. Offer help with themes, decorations, playlists and timelines—things that don’t need a big budget but make a big impact. Create invitations or event flyers, and take photos of your setups to build a portfolio. Share your services on social media or through word of mouth in your community. As you gain experience, you can start charging for packages and even team up with local vendors for things like balloons, cakes or photography. Learn more: How to create a party planning business plan 12. Virtual assistance: Organize online and get paid Many professionals and entrepreneurs need help managing their administrative tasks remotely. As a virtual assistant , you can provide services like email management, scheduling appointments or data entry. Teens can get started by offering services on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork or through local Facebook groups or school communities. Start with skills you already have—organizing files on Google Drive, updating spreadsheets or managing social media calendars. Use tools like Trello, Notion and Google Workspace to stay organized and professional. Create “VA starter packs” with a few simple services and expand as you gain experience. Typical income: Hourly rate: $10-$25 per hour (can be higher for specialized skills and complex tasks) Monthly income: $400-$1000 (widely variable based on factors above) Learn more: How to write a virtual assistant business plan 13. YouTube channel: Turn your ideas into income If you're comfortable in front of the camera and have something interesting to share with the world, starting a YouTube channel can be a fun way to make money as a teenager. Create engaging videos on topics that interest you and monetize your channel through ads or sponsorships. Learn more: How to make money on YouTube 14. Online surveys: Click, answer, earn While less profitable than some other options on this list, completing online surveys can still provide some extra cash. Sign up for reputable survey websites and spend your free time answering surveys to earn rewards or cash. This can be an easy way to make money online . Typical income: Many sites pay between $1-$5 per survey, with some offering occasional bonuses or higher-paying opportunities. 15. Selling products online: Open a shop without leaving your room If you have a knack for finding unique or in-demand items, consider selling them online through an online store or eCommerce website. You can search for thrift store finds, create your products or even dropship items from suppliers. Starting an eCommerce business can be a great way to make money from home . To keep it teen-friendly and budget-friendly, try platforms like Etsy for handmade or artsy stuff, Depop or Vinted for clothes or TikTok Shop if you’re ready to level up. Start with products you know—sell stickers, digital downloads, jewelry or accessories you’d actually buy. Use free tools like Linktree to organize your shop links. Promote your products with unboxing, styling or behind-the-scenes videos on TikTok or Instagram. Start with one or two products and grow based on what your audience loves. Learn more: Create an eCommerce website 16. Level up your gameplay: Make money streaming   Spend hours gaming? Start streaming and earn some cash! Platforms like Twitch, YouTube and TikTok Live let you share your gameplay and make money through tips, ads and brand deals. You don’t need to be a pro—just be entertaining. People love funny moments, cool plays and real reactions. All you need is a mic, a free app like OBS and a game you love. Make your stream stand out with themed nights or fun challenges like “No Build Fortnite Fridays” or “Speedrun Saturdays.” Clip your best moments and post them as Shorts or Reels to reach more viewers. Add a link in your bio with your gaming setup or merch to boost your income. Learn more: How to make money gaming 17. Content creation: Post it, tag it, cash it If you’re already spending time on TikTok, Instagram or YouTube, why not turn scrolling into extra cash? Content creation is a legit way to make money just by being yourself. Share outfit ideas, study hacks, room makeovers, book recommendations or day-in-my-life vlogs. Find a vibe you enjoy and stick to it. People love following creators who feel real not overly polished. As your account grows, you can earn through brand collaborations, affiliate links or creator fund payouts. You can also sell things like phone wallpapers or Notion templates. Add a link page to your bio and use trending sounds or hashtags to boost your reach. Keep it fun and don’t stress about being perfect—your personality is what people connect with most. 18. Print-on-demand: Print your passion Want to start a clothing brand without stocking up on hoodies? Making money with print-on-demand is a great option, especially for teens. You create a design (funny phrases or doodles work too), upload it to sites like Redbubble, Teespring or Printful and when someone orders, they print and ship it for you. You earn money from each sale without worrying about inventory or packing. Use free tools to create your designs, then promote your products on TikTok or Instagram with mockups or “packing order” videos. You can sell t-shirts, phone cases, stickers, tote bags—pretty much anything. Pick a theme or niche that reflects your vibe, like gamer merch, cute anime graphics or sarcastic school quotes. It’s a fun way to make money while sharing your style. Creating and selling custom products has never been easier. With Wix’s on demand printing , powered by Printful, you can design and launch personalized apparel, accessories, home goods and more—made to suit any style, niche or need. No extra tools, no complex setup. Just pick a product, upload your design and start selling—all from your Wix dashboard. With seamless Printful integration, you get a streamlined way to build, brand and sell—without ever leaving Wix. Getting started with making money as a teenager A crucial step in making money as a teenager is making a website to run and advertise your business idea. We'll guide you through getting started in making money as a teen. Identify your passion and skills The first step in making money as a teenager is to identify your passion and skills. Think about what you enjoy doing or what you're good at. This could be anything from baking to graphic design to tutoring. By focusing on something you love or excel in, you'll have more motivation and enthusiasm for your business. Research and validate your idea Once you've identified your passion or skill, it's important to research and validate your business idea for teens . Look into the market demand for your product or service. Are there potential customers who would be interested in what you have to offer? Conduct surveys, talk to potential customers, or do some online research to gather data that supports the viability of your idea. Looking for specific business ideas to start? Consider these: Food business ideas Part-time business ideas Clothing business ideas Business ideas for students DIY business ideas Create a business plan A well-thought-out business plan is essential for any successful venture. Outline your goals, target audience, marketing strategies, pricing structure and financial projections. This will help you stay organized and focused on achieving your objectives. Register your business Depending on the type of business you want to start, you may need to register your business with the appropriate authorities. Check with local government agencies or consult with professionals to ensure that you comply with all legal requirements. Examples of business models to start include: LLC Partnership Sole Proprietorship Build your website Having an online presence is crucial for reaching a wider audience and promoting your business effectively. Start by choosing a domain name that reflects your brand identity and is easy for people to remember. Then, select a reliable web hosting provider and build your website using a user-friendly platform like Wix. Make sure your website is visually appealing, easy to navigate and provides all the necessary information about your business. Ready to get started? Learn how to make a website  with this easy guide. Promote your website Once your website is up and running, it's time to promote it to attract customers. Utilize social media platforms, create engaging content and optimize your website for search engines. Consider implementing digital marketing strategies such as search engine optimization (SEO) , pay-per-click advertising (PPC) or email marketing to drive traffic to your website. Provide excellent customer service Customer satisfaction is key to the success of any business. Always strive to provide excellent customer service by being responsive, addressing customer concerns promptly and going the extra mile to exceed their expectations. Happy customers are more likely to recommend your business to others and become repeat customers. Making money as a teenager FAQ What is the youngest age you can get a job? In the US, federal labor laws allow minors as young as 14 to work, but with restrictions on hours and job types. For instance, 14- and 15-year-olds can work in non-hazardous jobs for up to 3 hours on school days (18 hours per week) and 8 hours a day (40 hours per week) during summer. Be sure to check state or local laws for additional rules. Can I legally work as a teenager? Yes, teenagers can legally work in many countries but there are often restrictions on the types of jobs and the number of hours they can work. It's important to familiarize yourself with the labor laws in your country or state to ensure you comply with all regulations. How can I balance work and school? Balancing work and school is essential for academic success while earning money. Prioritize your schoolwork by creating a schedule that allows you to dedicate time to both work and studies. Effective time management, setting realistic goals and seeking support from teachers or parents can help you maintain a healthy balance. How can I make my business idea profitable? To make your business idea profitable, it's crucial to conduct market research and identify a target audience that has a demand for your product or service. Additionally, focus on providing value to your customers through high-quality products or exceptional service. Continuously evaluate and adapt your business strategies based on customer feedback and market trends. Do I need a website to make money as a teenager? Having a website is highly beneficial for promoting your business and reaching a wider audience. A website allows potential customers to learn more about your products or services, contact you and make purchases. It also provides a platform for showcasing your portfolio or testimonials. Consider creating a website to establish an online presence for your business. How can I stay motivated and overcome challenges as a teenage entrepreneur? Staying motivated as a teenage entrepreneur can be challenging, but it's crucial for long-term success. Set clear goals for yourself, celebrate small victories and surround yourself with supportive individuals who believe in your abilities. When facing challenges, view them as learning opportunities and seek guidance from mentors or professionals in your field. How to make money online as a teenager Teenagers can make money online with freelance writing, graphic design or social media management on gig economy platforms. They can also create content on YouTube, blogs or Instagram to earn through ads, affiliate marketing or sponsorships. Selling handmade items or digital products online is another great option. Digital surveys and website testing are great ways for teens to make extra cash from home. Looking for more ways to make money? Check out these ideas How to make money as a farmer How to make money as a musician How to make money as an entrepreneur How to make money as a handyman How to make money as a singer How to make money as a therapist How to make money as a real estate agent How to make money as a virtual assistant How to make money as a personal trainer How to make money as a crafter How to make money as a contractor How to make money as a chef How to make money as a notary public

Turn your ideas into income with Wix. Secure your domain name →  We’ve all heard the predictions—and seen the proof—that artificial intelligence will profoundly change the way we live, work and make money. But why wait for the future when you can start right now? With free and paid AI tools popping up fast, there’s real potential to turn smart ideas into income. From automating small tasks to building entire businesses, people are already finding clever ways to use AI to earn more—and you can too. Are you ready to cash in on the new digital gold rush? Let’s explore how to make money with AI, starting with these 13 unique ideas. Harness the power of AI to help build your business website with Wix. The fastest way to start making money online is by securing a domain name that fits your brand. With Wix, you can register your domain easily, establish your brand and take the first step toward building a website that attracts customers and generates revenue. TL;DR: how to make money with AI AI tools make it easier to start and grow a business without deep technical skills. You can build websites, create AI art, produce videos and courses, write content or translate languages. AI also supports creating products and offering services like automation, marketing and resume writing. Tasks in dropshipping, affiliate marketing and selling insights become simpler with AI improving results. Costs, data management, legal issues and competition with big tech remain challenges, but success comes from solving real problems, mixing AI with human creativity and picking smart ways to make money. AI-powered income stream What it includes Who it’s for Why it works Creative & content Website building, AI art, video creation, online courses, content writing, translation Creatives, educators, writers Low barrier, scalable, growing demand Tech & development Custom AI products, prompt engineering, AI automation services, chatbot development Coders, developers, tech entrepreneurs High value, innovation-driven, growing need Marketing & sales Affiliate marketing, digital marketing, dropshipping, personalized ads Marketers, entrepreneurs Boosts reach, automation saves time Data & research Data labeling, AI-generated insights and reports Entry-level workers, analysts Steady income, supports AI training Professional services Resume writing, translation, consulting on AI tools Freelancers, consultants In-demand services, repeat clients Ecommerce & merch AI art merchandise, print-on-demand, dropshipping Creatives, small business owners Passive income, scalable with AI help How to make money with AI: 15 unique ideas No matter what your background or skill set is, there are various ways that you can use AI to boost your bottom line. Let’s look at these ideas to get the wheels turning. Build websites with AI Make and sell AI-generated artwork Become a YouTube content creator Produce online courses Enter affiliate marketing Create written content Use AI language skills Create your own AI products Explore digital marketing and sales Be a prompt engineer Start a resume business Launch AI dropshipping business Offer AI automation services to businesses Sell AI-generated insights or reports Data labeling for AI training 01. Build websites with AI One of the first hurdles that new business owners face is learning how to make a website . You can provide a smart solution by designing websites with AI tools—offering fast, affordable, and customized site builds for companies of all sizes. AI is already making it faster and easier to create high-functioning and professional websites. And with web developers fetching more than $40 per hour , you can ramp up a freelance website-building business in no time. Best of all, you don’t need a lot of technical expertise. You can use AI tools to find the right website template for your clients, write their website content and even choose striking images. Wix offers several AI tools to help edit and enhance a professional website. For example, the AI text editor can write and fine-tune all kinds of copy, from product descriptions to newsletter text and even an “About Us” page. There are also AI-driven image editing tools for background removal, auto enhancement, the ability to auto-generate video trailers and more. Get inspired : Ready-to-launch business initiatives 02. Make and sell AI-generated artwork Using AI to create your own artwork brings plenty of unique revenue-generating opportunities: AI in freelance graphic design : Start a self-employed graphic design business and fetch around $30 an hour or more. Use AI to create high-quality visuals for clients, from blog posts and social media images to logos, branding and game assets. Deliver professional illustrations, posters or book covers for authors, businesses and creatives. Sell your unique creations : You could make money by creating your own designs and selling them on your website or on marketplace sites like Etsy. For example, you might explore fine art by designing AI-generated portraits, venture into fantasy art to attract niche audiences or market digital assets like NFTs, offering collectors exclusive one-of-a-kind pieces. Earn from your merchandise designs : Use AI art generators to create a custom product design, then partner with a print-on-demand services company. They can put your art on t-shirts, coffee mugs and other items that you can then sell through your own online store . Just be sure that your artwork is original or properly licensed before you begin selli ng. Check out these AI web design tools to get started. 03. Become a YouTube content creator Looking for AI-enabled business ideas with maximum profit potential? Then you may want to become a content creator for YouTube. The average creator pulls down six figures annually according to ZipRecruiter. Of course, the amount of revenue you generate from YouTube will be based in part on the number of views your videos receive and subscribers you attract. So, it’s smart to focus on a topic that’s popular on the platform, such as gaming, cooking, fitness or fashion. AI is a powerful way to simplify content creation. You can use it to create tutorials on tools, share AI art, music or stories and review software to earn through sponsorships and affiliate marketing. Use AI for animations, storytelling or educational content with dynamic visuals. Share productivity tips, such as using AI for time management or business growth. Once you choose your niche, it’s time to start creating. That’s where AI comes in handy. You can use ChatGPT or an AI writing tool to create the perfect script. You can then use AI-enhanced editing software to speed up the video production process. What’s more, you can ask AI models for tips on how to monetize your content so you can maximize your profit potential. 04. Produce courses online The e-learning market is expected to reach $375 billion by 2026 . That’s one reason why creating online courses is one of the most profitable online business ideas out there. People are clamoring for information about personal development, entrepreneurship, personal finance and other topics. By producing your own online courses, you can offer your unique expertise and potentially earn about $42 per hour , on average. You can use AI to enhance many steps in the course creation process. Free AI tools can help you perform in-depth topic research, brainstorm inventive ideas and organize your lesson plans. You can also ask AI engines to suggest a specific audience for your classes. AI-powered text-to-speech tools can even help you record your lessons, which you can then offer on your Wix website or on a platform like Udemy. 05. Enter affiliate marketing What’s one of the best side business ideas that’s been revolutionized by AI? Affiliate marketing. When you launch your own affiliate marketing website, you can earn commissions by promoting other people’s products or services. There are many profitable segments of affiliate marketing. Do you understand tech? You could launch an affiliate marketing blog promoting new AI solutions. Love the outdoors? You could start a kayaking blog and promote products, tours and other related services. Success with affiliate marketing means understanding how to get people to your website. That’s where AI can help. You can use AI to generate content ideas and find relevant keywords to boost your search engine ranking. AI tools can also help you find the best place to put affiliate links on each web page so you can increase your conversion rates. Salaries in affiliate marketing vary greatly, with a national average of about $35 per hour . 06. Create written content Type “how to use AI to make money” into Google and it’s a safe bet that copywriting will come up as a top option. That’s because artificial intelligence has revolutionized the entire writing process, from generating fresh ideas all the way through to creating a finished draft. Freelance writers make nearly $30 an hour on average. Additionally, the need for quality writers keeps growing. Businesses regularly hire outside help to write blog posts, landing page copy, case studies and many other marketing materials. Where to begin? You can use free tools like ChatGPT to outline your notes and brainstorm fresh ideas. Then you can up your game with paid AI content generators like Jasper.ai and Writesonic that can write the content for you. If you don’t like their output, you can ask the software to generate a new response and see if it’s closer to the mark. Many AI writing tools also offer ready-made templates for different content formats (such as writing emails or social media posts). "Very soon, almost all the content we consume will be created with AI. The intention behind each piece of content will be human, of course, but the production will be automatic. Just like a keyboard that predicts the next word we want to type, AI learns to recognize our intentions and thus become precise in conveying our messages." Guy Sopher, Head of AI Assistant at Wix One word of caution: when using AI writing tools, remember that a human should always review the output to ensure accuracy and originality. 07. Use AI language skills If you’re wondering how AI is transforming business , look no further than translation services. Documents that used to take humans hours to translate can now be done in minutes with many AI tools. So, if you have an ear for foreign languages and access to AI software, you can launch your own translation services business. You could translate marketing materials for multinational companies and help them ensure that they’re sending the right message to their customers. Or you could create foreign-language video voiceovers so YouTube content creators can reach new audiences. You could also help businesses launch localized websites that are written in their customers’ languages of choice. Whether you use AI to start a full-time translator business or a side hustle, expect to make more than $25 per hour . 08. Create your own AI products If you know coding, then you can use your skills to create the next generation of AI-powered products. Computer programmers are always in high demand, and freelance coders often fetch more than $40 per hour . Coders can tap into publicly available APIs to create mobile apps, develop a new Google Chrome extension or build more powerful algorithms. They can also create custom AI-powered chatbots that can help small businesses deliver non-stop, high-quality customer service. Here are a few ways to get started: AI-powered mobile apps : Create apps that adjust to users' needs in real time. For instance, a fitness app that modifies exercises based on heart rate or a mood tracker offering daily tips. AI-driven chrome extensions : Simplify tasks and boost productivity. For example, an extension that summarizes research papers or suggests your next priority based on your schedule. Custom AI chatbots : Improve customer support with AI chatbots. Answer questions, recommend products and guide users through checkout. For instance, consider an eCommerce chatbot that manages inquiries and boosts sales through personalized suggestions. AI content generators : Create content with smart automation. Write personalized newsletters or generate social media posts with trending hashtags. AI-powered analytics tools : Help businesses make data-driven decisions with tools that predict and optimize inventory, like one forecasting demand based on behavior and seasons. AI virtual assistants : Build assistants that schedule meetings, manage tasks and automate social media. Picture an assistant that organizes calendars, drafts emails and posts content for you. AI-powered games : Redefine gaming experience with role-playing games where NPCs adapt and evolve based on your actions. Engage in dynamic interactions that create unique storylines tailored to your journey. What’s more, freelance coders can use free tools like ChatGPT to work smarter. You can ask it to suggest snippets of code, review your original code or generate documentation for you. OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, are making it possible for individuals to develop and monetize their own custom GPTs, offering them for sale through the innovative " GPT Store ". 09. Explore digital marketing and sales Perhaps no industry has benefited more from AI in the past 18 months than marketing and sales. AI tools can assist with everything from building email lists to creating effective content strategies. So, if you want to start a business in digital marketing or sales consulting, AI is ready to give you a boost. You can use AI-powered social media platforms to manage Instagram, TikTok and X accounts for multiple businesses. Plus, AI-fueled analytics within these platforms can give you insight into a company’s paid and organic social campaigns. You can share that data with your clients so they can enhance their social media strategies. Is sales a better fit for you? Then you can help companies by showing them how to research prospects, attract better leads and analyze sales data with AI. Expect to earn around $30 per hour as a digital marketer or sales consultant. 10. Be a prompt engineer Every successful interaction with AI tools like ChatGPT has this in common: a well-written prompt. That’s why carving out your niche as a prompt engineer is one of the most unique business ideas you can start today. Prompt engineers focus on writing prompts that will get the best possible response for end users of AI tools. These engineers are typically experts in the way chatbots “think.” You’ll analyze the output of AI algorithms, develop objective ways to evaluate those outputs and work with developers to refine the large language models (LLMs) that power AI solutions. While this is an emerging field, one report says prompt engineers are already asking for (and receiving) up to $40 per hour on popular freelance boards. 11. Start a resume business One of the first AI use cases to emerge last year was using ChatGPT to write cover letters and resumes. So, it’s only natural that starting your own resume business is a smart way to make money online with AI. A good first step is to connect with job seekers on platforms like LinkedIn. Then you can use AI to create a variety of value-added services. For example, you could use ChatGPT or AI writing assistants to tailor your clients’ resumes for specific industries or employer types. Or, you could use AI to develop questions that your clients can use on job interviews. Resume writers can attract close to $20 per hour , which makes it a great side hustle. 12. Launch AI dropshipping business Starting a dropshipping business ? Integrating AI into your workflow can automate tedious tasks, improve customer experiences, and help your business grow faster. AI streamlines product selection and inventory management, analyzes market data to predict trending products, and helps you choose items with high sales potential. Automated systems track consumer behavior, allowing you to adjust offerings and marketing strategies based on demand and preferences. Plus, AI platforms manage inventory by restocking products and adjusting prices in response to competitor activity or market shifts. AI-powered chatbots handle inquiries, provide personalized recommendations and track orders, giving you more time to focus on strategy. With machine learning, these bots get smarter over time by learning from customer interactions. AI marketing tools can create targeted ads, optimize content and deliver real-time analytics, helping you connect with your audience and boost sales. How to use AI for dropshipping success Automate product research : Use AI tools to analyze market trends and find products with high demand and profitability. Optimize pricing : Implement AI-driven dynamic pricing to adjust prices automatically based on competitor activity, demand and other factors. Improve customer service with chatbots : Use AI-powered chatbots to handle inquiries, track orders and recommend products. Personalize marketing : Use AI to segment your audience and create ads that connect with specific customer groups. Enhance inventory management : Automate stock tracking with AI to avoid overstocking or running out of popular items. Create automated product descriptions : Use AI to generate SEO-friendly product descriptions, saving you time and effort. Predict customer behavior : Leverage AI to analyze customer data and predict buying patterns to make smarter decisions. AI-based customer feedback analysis : Use AI to process customer reviews and feedback so you can improve products and services. Streamline order processing : Automate order fulfillment and tracking with AI to reduce errors and speed up delivery. Optimize website experience : Use AI to personalize your site, offering tailored browsing and product suggestions. 13. Offer AI automation services to businesses A great way to make money with AI is by helping businesses automate everyday tasks. Many companies, from solo entrepreneurs to mid-size teams, are still stuck doing repetitive work manually—answering customer questions, processing orders, updating spreadsheets, sending emails, managing leads and more. This is where you can step in and make a real impact. No-code tools like Zapier, Make or Airtable, combined with AI services like ChatGPT, Claude or custom GPTs, can help you create automations that save time, reduce mistakes and lower costs. Imagine having a smart chatbot that answers FAQs around the clock, automating social media captions from blog posts, or using AI to summarize customer feedback from multiple channels. You don’t need to be a tech wizard—just someone who spots inefficiencies and knows how to connect the right tools to make things run smoother. This service is in high demand. Many business owners feel lost when it comes to AI and are happy to pay someone who can simplify their operations. You can charge per project, offer ongoing support packages, or create templates to sell to multiple clients. It’s a flexible income stream with long-term growth potential—and it grows alongside the AI tools you already use. 14. Sell AI-generated insights or reports You can use AI to pull insights from reviews, social posts, market data or anything public—and turn it into reports people actually want. Think trend roundups, product feedback summaries or niche industry overviews. AI helps you gather and sort the info but the real value is in how you shape it into something useful. This works well if you’re good at spotting patterns or packaging ideas. Sell reports to small businesses, offer custom insights to marketers or create a paid newsletter. It’s fast to start and easy to adjust depending on who you're helping. The data’s already out there. Your job is to turn it into answers. 15. Data labeling for AI training AI tools need tons of labeled examples to learn—like spotting a cat in a photo or understanding a product review. That means someone has to tag or sort that data. You can get paid to do exactly that. It’s not flashy work but it’s steady and doesn’t need a tech background. Sites like Remotasks or Toloka make it easy to start with just your laptop and internet connection. If you want to grow it into more than a side gig, you can turn this into a service. Focus on a specific type of data, build a small team and offer quality control. Startups, researchers and even local agencies often need clean, labeled data to train models. You’re helping them move faster while building a business that runs on structure not complexity. Why learn how to use AI to make money? Artificial intelligence  (AI) is so much more than just the current buzzword du jour. There are several key reasons why learning to leverage AI as a money-making strategy now can pay off in the long run: The AI market is huge : The current global market for AI is expected to hit $42.6 billion by year’s end . And that’s just the start: consulting firm PwC forecasts that by 2030, AI will contribute $15.7 trillion  to the global economy. AI is already a proven source of passive income : A survey by GOBankingRates shows that 10.6% of men and 5.5% of women  are using AI right now to generate passive income streams. Another 52% of men and 40% of women say they’re interested in using AI to do so in the future. The jobs of today are transforming : Activities that take up about 30% of the hours worked  across the U.S. economy right now could be automated by AI, says a McKinsey and Company report. That could cause about 12 million people to transition to new jobs by 2030. By learning how to make money with AI right now, you’ll be ahead of the curve. How to start an AI business Find a real problem AI can solve—like automating tasks, improving customer service or creating content. The best AI businesses tackle real pain points, so focus on gaps in the market. You don’t need to be a coding pro to get started. No-code and low-code AI platforms let you build without deep technical skills. If your idea needs custom development, partner with AI developers or speed things up using open-source AI models. Save money by using cloud-based AI services like OpenAI, Google AI or AWS instead of building from scratch. And don’t forget privacy laws—if you’re collecting user data, make sure you handle it responsibly to avoid legal trouble. Once you have a solid idea, set up your business the right way. Pick a legal structure like an LLC or corporation to protect your personal assets and simplify tax filing. You’ll also need to register your business and get the right licenses if you’re working with sensitive data or financial services. Planning to develop AI software? Look into copyright and patent protections to secure your tech. Think about how you’ll monetize—subscriptions, pay-per-use or AI consulting are great ways to start bringing in revenue. Once you launch, keep improving your product—AI gets smarter with data, and real-world feedback will make your solution even more valuable. The struggles of starting an AI business AI isn’t cheap:  Building an AI business isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. You need serious computing power, which means costly cloud services, pricey GPUs or hiring AI engineers—none of it comes cheap. A lot of founders burn through cash long before they get a chance to make a profit. Data drama:  AI is only as good as the data it learns from, and getting the right data can feel impossible. You have to collect it yourself (time-consuming and messy) or buy it (expensive and often tied to legal issues). Even after you get the data, cleaning and organizing it is another headache entirely. Tech skills required:  AI is complex and unless you’re a developer, you’ll need a skilled team to bring your idea to life. No-code AI tools can help, but most serious AI businesses still need experts. That means more hiring and higher costs. Legal landmines:  AI businesses need to follow data privacy laws like GDPR, tackle AI ethics and bias concerns, and address intellectual property issues. One misstep could lead to fines, lawsuits or a PR nightmare. Building trust isn’t easy:  Many people are still skeptical of AI. Some worry it might replace their jobs, others are concerned about security risks or unreliable results. If your customers don’t trust your AI solution, selling it gets a lot harder. Scaling struggles:  AI can shine in a test environment, but when real users start flooding in, things can fall apart fast. More users mean higher costs, slower response times and the ongoing need to retrain your model to stay relevant. Making money isn’t easy:  AI businesses have huge potential, but how do you make money from them? Do you charge per use, offer a subscription or sell it as a service? Picking the right monetization strategy can be tough, and a lot of startups struggle to get it right. Big players dominate:  Let’s face it—tech giants like Google, Microsoft and OpenAI have a huge lead in AI. Competing with them means finding a unique niche, but standing out in a market they already control is tough. How to monetize AI: practical ideas for making money If you want to monetize AI without overspending, start with pre-built tools like OpenAI, TensorFlow or Hugging Face. These plug-and-play options save you time and money on development. Cloud-based AI services are also a smart choice—you only pay for what you use and can scale as your business grows. For pricing your AI offerings, consider subscriptions, one-time payments or freemium models. Free trials, demos and case studies are great ways to showcase the value of your AI and get users excited to try it. Not a developer? No problem. You can still make money by combining AI tools with your skills. Offer AI-driven services like design, content writing or video editing, and add your unique touch to stand out. Selling AI-powered automation is a great way to help businesses save time and money while boosting your income. Content creators can use AI to speed up writing, research and brainstorming, so you can produce more and earn more. Personalization is another moneymaker—AI can help create tailored emails, product recommendations and targeted ads that drive sales. By blending AI with a human touch, you can deliver real value and keep customers coming back. How to make money with AI FAQ How do you use AI for side hustles? AI tools help you manage your side hustle smarter, save time and boost your earnings. Use them to self-publish books and sell content on platforms like Amazon. Leverage AI to create engaging YouTube videos or design digital products as a profitable side gig to sell online. Can I use ChatGPT to make money? Yes. ChatGPT is a great tool for earning through content creation, tutoring or automating customer service. It’s excellent for brainstorming, app development and finding freelance opportunities. Can I sell my AI work? Sell your AI-generated work through platforms like Sellfy or Etsy to offer digital files and prints or use social media to promote your creations. Turn AI art into merch with print-on-demand or sell prompts. Just make sure you understand copyright and licensing rules, as some AI tools limit commercial use. Is it legal to use AI to make money? Yes, it's legal to use AI to make money as long as you follow copyright laws and respect intellectual property rights. The specifics depend on the type of AI you’re using and the content you’re creating. Can I sell AI-generated T-shirts? Yes, you can sell AI-generated T-shirts but make sure the designs follow copyright laws and don’t infringe on trademarks or protected works. Watch out for licensing issues tied to AI-generated designs. Can you use AI bots to make money? Yes, you can use AI bots to make money by offering AI-powered services like chatbots, content generation or data analysis. Just make sure to follow local regulations like data privacy and consumer protection laws. How do I start AI trading? To get into AI trading, start by learning the basics of trading and AI algorithms. Pick a platform with AI tools like machine learning models or algorithmic trading features, and make sure you have access to reliable market data. Test your AI strategies with paper trading first to reduce risks and build experience before using real money.

Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix →   Building a college or university website is your chance to create an online home for your school—one that inspires, informs, and connects with everyone who visits. Think of it like this: your website is basically your campus, but online. It’s where people go to learn what makes your school special, explore programs, and decide if they can picture themselves walking your halls. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to make a university website from scratch or improve your existing site. You’ll learn how to create a website  that reflects your school’s identity, engages students and faculty and showcases your programs and campus online. Need to create a website fast? With the Wix AI website builder  you can build a professional website in minutes.  Ready to build your university website? With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. Wix is all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. TL;DR: How to make a university website Creating a university website doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide shows you how to build a website from scratch   for a university focusing on the key steps, essential features and best practices to make a site that’s clear, user-friendly and appealing to students, faculty and visitors. What makes a great university website Feature Why it matters Clear navigation Visitors can quickly find programs, admissions info and resources Mobile-friendly design Works smoothly on phones and tablets Engaging visuals Creates a welcoming, professional impression Strong calls-to-action Guides students to apply, request info or schedule a visit Program and faculty highlights Builds credibility and informs decisions How to make a university website in 11 steps Creating a university website doesn’t have to be complicated. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to build a university website that showcases academic programs, attracts new students and keeps alumni engaged. From designing an intuitive layout to adding essential features, these 11 steps cover everything you need to create a professional user-friendly online presence for your institution. Understand your target audience Select a domain name and web host Choose the right website builder Create a strong brand identity Use high-quality images Make your website mobile-friendly and accessible Write university content that stands out Implement a course catalog and key features Make sure your website loads quickly Optimize for SEO Launch your website 01. Understand your target audience Let's start with the most important questions: Who is your website for? Your audience isn't just prospective students. It's also for current students, faculty, alumni and donors. Each group visits your site for different reasons, so tailoring your content to address their specific needs is essential. Break it down : Prospective students want admissions info, current students need access to resources and alumni might be looking for ways to stay connected. Do your homework : Use surveys, interviews or analytics to understand what matters most to your audience. Trust us, this upfront effort will save you time and headaches later. By truly understanding your users, you’ll create a site that feels intuitive and welcoming, no matter who’s visiting. 02. Select a domain name and web host Before you start designing your university website, you'll need to secure the perfect domain name  and a reliable web hosting solution. Think of your domain name as your website’s digital address—it’s how people will find you online. For universities, using a .edu domain can add credibility and instantly signal that your institution is a legitimate educational entity. Your university's website's domain should be professional, simple and memorable. If you're stuck or the domain name you hoped for isn't available, a domain name generator  can help spark ideas and save time. Once you’ve chosen your domain, the next step is selecting a hosting website . Your hosting provider plays a crucial role in ensuring your site is always accessible and runs smoothly. Look for features like site reliability , uptime guarantees and scalability . Universities often experience high traffic during admissions season or major events, so choosing a hosting provider that can handle traffic spikes is key. Remember, your domain name and hosting set the foundation for your website’s performance and professionalism. It’s worth investing time to get it right—you’ll thank yourself later when your website performs seamlessly, no matter the demand. Learn more about  what is a domain name  and get started with Wix’s  free web hosting . 03. Choose the right website builder Building a university website doesn’t have to mean wrestling with complicated tech. Tools like Wix make it simple with drag-and-drop designs and customizable website templates . Whether you’re tech-savvy or just starting out, you can create a professional site that reflects your university’s branding  while being scalable, secure and easy to update. Think about what you need now—and what you’ll need down the road. A good platform grows with your institution, so make sure it supports features like course catalogs, student portals and intuitive site navigation  that ensures users can quickly find the information they’re looking for. Explore the customizable Wix  university templates today to get started. 04. Create a strong brand identity Your university website should scream you . From colors to logos to tone of voice, every detail should reinforce your institution’s brand. This builds trust and makes your site instantly recognizable. Stick to your websites' color scheme and fonts to keep things professional and consistent. Craft messaging that aligns with your values—whether that’s innovation, community or academic excellence. When visitors land on your site, they should immediately feel your university’s energy and mission. Explore these website building tips  to make your site shine. 05. Use high-quality images A picture is worth a thousand words, especially on your website. Want to show prospective students what life on campus is really like? Share vibrant images of your students, faculty and facilities. Think beyond stock photos—authentic visuals of bustling libraries, lively events and scenic campuses will make your institution shine. Plus, they help visitors imagine themselves as part of your community. Learn more: How to choose images for your website 06. Make your website mobile-friendly and accessible We’ve all been there—trying to navigate a clunky website on our phones. Don’t let that be your site. Make sure your design works seamlessly on all devices, from desktops to smartphones. Accessibility is just as important. Add alt text for images, ensure keyboard-friendly navigation and stick to readability-friendly fonts and colors. Everyone, regardless of ability, should have a great experience on your site. Learn more: How to make a website mobile friendly   How to make a website accessible 07. Write university content that stands out Let your web content do the talking—and make sure it’s saying the right things to the right people. Write engaging program descriptions that highlight what sets your institution apart. Feature faculty bios that showcase expertise and bring your professors’ accomplishments to life. Keep event updates and news fresh to reflect your vibrant campus culture. And don’t forget about your tone. Speak directly to your audience with language that feels approachable and relatable. After all, your website is your university’s voice online. "Once you pick the right layout or template for you, it's really important to take the time to customize all the content. Many people overlook this step. Make sure you remove any unrelated images or paragraphs, and focus on creating a clear flow for the content that tells the story you want to share with your audience." Dafna Rabin, Wix Templates design team lead 08. Implement a course catalog and key features Course catalogs are typically one of the most visited parts of university websites. Use an intuitive layout to help students explore academic programs. Include multimedia elements like videos to highlight standout courses. Don’t forget extras like student portals, enrollment systems and event calendars—they’re essential for making your site a one-stop shop. 09. M ake sure your website loads quickly Here’s the deal: if your site takes forever to load, visitors will bounce—fast. Optimize images, minimize large files and test your site regularly to keep loading times lightning quick. Remember, your website is often a prospective student’s first impression of your institution. Don’t let a slow loading website ruin it. 10. Optimize for SEO Your website won’t do much good if no one can find it. Use SEO best practices to boost your visibility in search engines by adding relevant keywords like “top university programs” or “best campus life”, use meta tags and clear URLs and regularly publish content to keep search engines and users, engaged. A little SEO effort goes a long way in helping your site rank higher and attract more visitors. Tip : Leverage insights from the  Wix SEO Learning Hub  to deepen your understanding of search engine optimization strategies to take advantage of the built-in  SEO features  on your Wix site. 11. Launch your website Before hitting “publish,” test everything—forms, links, videos and compatibility on different devices. Once your site is live, the work isn’t over. Set up analytics tools to track performance and user behavior. Pay attention to what’s working (and what’s not) so you can fine-tune over time. Regular updates, maintenance and tweaks are the secret to keeping your site fresh and effective. Tip : Your Wix site comes with  Wix analytics  to help you track visitors, their behaviors and your site's overall impact. Learn more: Website launch checklist How to launch a new website like a pro What is a university website? A university website is much more than just a digital brochure–it’s the heart of your university. Its where prospective students get their first taste of what makes your school special, where matriculated students find resources to succeed and where faculty, staff and alumni stay connected. From admissions and academics to student life, news and events, every web page serves a purpose in keeping your community informed and engaged.  But it’s not just about sharing information. A well-designed university website strengthens your school’s brand, strengthens communication, supports online learning and helps you present your mission and values to the world. It’s the digital front door to your campus, welcoming everyone who visits.  Learn more: School website design How to make a Wix website How to create a professional website Planning your university website A strong plan is the foundation of any successful college or university website. Think of it like the blueprint for a building–you need to know exactly what you’re working toward, what content you’ll need and how it should all come together. This is where setting clear goals, developing a content strategy and understanding both the technical and design requirements come into play. Set clear goals for your website Start by defining what you want to achieve with your website. Goals may include increasing enrollment, improving communication with students, or shining a spotlight on research and faculty achievements. Your goals need to be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (yes, the classic SMART goals). When everyone knows exactly what the site needs to accomplish, it’s easier to bring those ideas to life.  Think about your university website requirements Every great college website has a few essentials that keep things running smoothly for everyone who visits their site. Here’s a quick checklist of must-have website features: Admissions information: Step-by-step instructions on how to apply and a streamlined application process. Academic programs: Clear, detailed descriptions of the courses and programs offered.  Campus life: A glimpse into what makes your campus unique, from student organizations to events.  Contact information: Simple, accessible ways for visitors to get in touch with the right departments. University website examples built on Wix Exploring real-world examples is one of the best ways to find inspiration and see what works well in university website design. Here are some exceptional university and education websites built on Wix: 01. Ivy Collegiate School Ivy Collegiate School 's website captures a professional, yet approachable feel, making it easy for visitors to connect with the school's mission. Its intuitive navigation makes sure users can quickly find important information and their consistent use of the school’s crest and color palette reinforces a strong sense of identity throughout the site. Also, thoughtful features like a parent portal and detailed resources make it highly functional for both current and prospective families. 02. Wheat Education Wheat Education ’s website stands out for its clean, modern design that’s both professional and easy to navigate. The minimalist layout directs attention to what really matters, making the experience stress-free for visitors. Call-to-action buttons like “Enroll Now” and “Contact Us” are thoughtfully placed to guide users toward key actions. The site uses high-quality visuals to highlight the unique aspects of its programs, creating an engaging browsing experience. Its structure is built to grow with the organization, ensuring scalability as more programs or features are added in the future. 03. Anahei University Anahei University ’s website combines vibrant design with practicality, creating a visually exciting and functional experience. Bright, eye-catching visuals and banners make a strong first impression, while the homepage effectively highlights academic programs and events. This focus on student-centric content, such as testimonials and success stories, gives prospective students a clear picture of the opportunities available. Anahei University’s website also shines in its mobile accessibility, ensuring that users can explore its offerings seamlessly from any device. How to make a university website FAQ How can I create a college website? To create a college website, start by understanding your audience and defining clear goals. Choose a content management system, design for user experience, develop with SEO in mind and make sure the site is mobile-friendly and accessible. How do I make a .edu website? Making a .edu website involves registering a .edu domain, which is restricted to accredited postsecondary institutions. Follow the registration process, which includes proving accreditation and adhering to specific guidelines. How can I design and build a school or university website? Designing and building a school or university website requires careful planning around your institution's brand identity. Use high-quality imagery, ensure the site is easy to navigate and includes essential features like student portals and course enrollment systems. How do I create an institutional website? Creating an institutional website involves establishing goals, creating a content strategy, considering technical requirements, designing for brand consistency, developing necessary features, optimizing for search engines and managing post-launch updates.

Turn your ideas into a website you love with Wix →   Deciding to build a website as a DJ is the ultimate way to grow your career, share your music and book more gigs. It’s your online home where fans and clients can discover your sound and connect with you. Your DJ website is both a business card and an online home for your audio creations and for your DJ business . It’s a tool for spreading your music and your brand name to listeners and potential customers, near and far. Learn more: How to create a website How much does a website cost Building a website for your business, passion project or side hustle should be easy and exciting. With Wix, you can customize and launch a professional website in minutes, no coding needed. We’re all about simplifying the process so you can focus on what matters most–bringing your ideas to life. So why wait? Let’s get started on creating the website you’ve always wanted. TL;DR: How to create a DJ website Choose a website builder like Wix and pick a mobile-friendly template that matches your vibe. Customize it with your colors, fonts and images to make it your own. Add essentials like your bio, music or mixes, upcoming gigs and some great photos and videos. Include a contact form or booking button so clients can easily reach you. Add social media links and testimonials to build trust. Your website should be the go-to spot for fans and clients to discover your music and book your services. Features of a great DJ website Feature Why it matters Music player It lets visitors instantly hear your sound. Sharing your best mixes and tracks directly on your site helps attract fans and clients. EPK (electronic press kit) Promoters get everything they need in one place. Including your bio, photos, music and contact info makes booking you simple. Events calendar It keeps fans and clients in the loop. Showing your upcoming gigs proves you’re active and in demand. Booking form Clients can easily reach out to hire you. A simple contact or booking form connects them directly to you. Photo and video gallery High-quality visuals show off your energy and style, giving people a feel for what it’s like to experience your set live. How to create a DJ website Now, as you start creating your own music website , pay close attention to the following items to make sure you’re making the best site that you can. Choose a website builder that supports your DJ career Pick a template that matches your DJ style Build the core pages your audience expects Make it easy for people to book you Highlight your best visuals Put your music front and center Add a mailing list Optimize your DJ website for SEO Launch and promote your site 01. Choose a website builder that supports your DJ career Before designing your site or uploading your first track, start by choosing a platform that can keep up with how quickly your gigs, mixes and bookings change. Look for a website builder that gives you creative flexibility without requiring you to learn code, so you can spend more time on your sets and less time dealing with tech. Make sure you can connect a custom   domain name that reflects your DJ name—it becomes your digital home base and helps promoters, fans and clients remember you. Built-in hosting, strong uptime and SSL protection should also come standard, especially if you plan to sell mixes, take deposits or collect booking requests. If you want to share or sell your music directly from your site, choose a platform with an advanced audio player. Tools like Wix Music let visitors stream, download, buy and even share your tracks, helping you promote your sound while earning from it. Expert tip from Esin D. Habif, product marketing lead at Wix: "Choose a website builder that allows you to make fast pivots based on your business needs. If, from one day to the next, you need to add events or an online store, make sure your website builder makes that possible for you." Explore these website building tips  to make your site shine. 02. Pick a template that matches your DJ style Your website should give people a feel for your sound before they even hear the first beat. Start with a music-focused template that highlights your mixes, visuals and personality. A good template makes it simple to add your logo, upload tracks, embed videos and display tour dates or club appearances. If you want your audio front and center, choose a layout with a prominent player and room for playlists or set previews. Visual-heavy DJs might prefer bold backgrounds, striking typography or full-screen images that mirror their aesthetic. When selecting a template, also consider fonts. Pick readable, stylish fonts that match your brand and make your content easy to scan. Using 2–3 cohesive fonts across headings, body text and buttons helps your site feel professional and polished. Pro tip: Think about your content first. If your homepage needs space for a mix reel or a big hero photo, choose a template built for that format. Explore free music website templates: Band website template Rock band website template Country rock band website template Soul band website template Jazz band website template Holiday band website template Pop band website template Electronic music band website template  Salsa band website template Show band website template EDM band website template World music band website template Classic band website template 03. Build the core pages your audience expects Once your design is in place, create the foundational pages that help visitors understand who you are and how to book you. Your homepage should showcase your best work—featured mixes, a quick intro and clear next steps like listening, watching or booking. Other must-have pages  include: About us page :  Share your story, musical style and experience. Think of this as a mini EPK that introduces you as a professional DJ to fans, promoters and potential clients. Include high-res photos and key highlights to make it easy for visitors to connect with your brand. Music page:  Embed a music player or link to streaming platforms like Spotify and SoundCloud so visitors can listen to your mixes and original tracks directly on your site. Tools like Wix Music also let fans download or purchase music if you want to monetize your content. Events/gigs:  Keep your schedule current. If you play public events regularly, a monthly events calendar is an effective way to display your upcoming shows. If most of your bookings are private, a blog or news section works well to announce public gigs without showing empty dates. Both options are easy to set up and update in Wix. Include ticket links or booking details where relevant. Electronic press kit (EPK):  A dedicated page with your bio, high-resolution images, technical requirements and testimonials for promoters and media. Contact us page :  Add a form for inquiries or price quotes, including fields like event type, location and hours. You can also integrate a scheduling tool so clients can book directly online. Mailing list signup:  A form to build a direct line to fans and promoters, paired with incentives like a free mix or sample track to encourage signups. Merchandise (optional):  If you sell music, apparel or branded items, include an online store to make it easy for fans to shop. If you want fans or promoters to explore more, a multi-page site gives you room to expand. If you’re just getting started, learning how to create a one-page website can still work well. Learn more:  How to create the perfect EPK How to make a band website Is Wix free? Do I need a website? Wix website features What is web design? 04. Make it easy for people to book you In many ways, starting a career as a musician is like starting a business . Remember, your DJ website is both a celebration of your mad skills and a business tool that should help you get more paid work. You can add to your music website features that make it easier for potential customers to get in touch with you or to book your services directly. You can ask site visitors to send in requests for a price quote using a contact form app . Set up the form with fields like event size, location, venue type, estimated work hours, number of people and all other considerations that you take into account when you negotiate a price with clients. To fill up your working calendar with paying gigs, use Wix Booking  to allow site visitors to book you for events right there and then. You can also use the booking app to charge a deposit or the entire fee (in case you have fixed prices) and easily manage your working schedule. Here are a few examples of music websites  you can get inspiration from. Need inspiration? Explore DJ name ideas or create a strong stage name with a DJ name generator to help your brand stand out. 05. Highlight your best visuals Even though your art is not the visual kind, you certainly want your website to include exciting visual material. First of all, because great images significantly improve the website’s overall design, but also because people react to images – especially to photos – in a different way than they do to words or sounds. Your site photos can add another layer of familiarity with yourself as a musician and a professional that is especially valuable if you plan to attract potential clients online. Investing in a professional photography session is worth considering. You can hire a photographer to document one of your sets, to capture your own work in real-time as well as the mood of the crowd. Put some thought into the venue where you want this session to take place and opt for a setting that corresponds with your style as an artist. If you do play at events often, you could usually get in touch with the hired photographer to coordinate a quick shoot. If you have access to video production equipment, making a real of your work in action is also a great option for the site’s visual aspect. Because you need the video to have excellent audio quality, it’s probably only worthwhile if that’s technically possible. Looking for visual inspiration? Check out this collection of best musician websites for inspiration. On top of photography, make sure you have a logo that really represents what you do. Using a DJ Logo Maker  will give you the inspiration and tools you need to stand out. 06. Put your music front and center When creating a music website , make sure website visitors can listen to your sounds with ease and opt for an advanced audio player. Wix Music offers the perfect online music player for your website. This player doesn’t simply play your tunes, it allows your visitors to download them for free or for a fee, so you can actually profit from your music directly through the player. The Wix Music player can be easily customized to match the look and feel of your website. Oh, and it also lets listeners share your work on their social channels and promote your music to their own friends. Here you can discover all the great things that the Wix Music Portfolio player can do for you. In addition to putting together a DJ business plan and creating an EPK (Electronic Press Kit) to give a professional overview of your sound, you should upload tracks that demonstrate your creativity and versatility as a musician. If you play at events, you could add a variety of samples that correspond with different types of settings – wedding reception, company party dance-floor, etc. If your focus is mostly on clubs, use a mix of original remixes and partial setlists to demonstrate your skills. Pro tip: Use DJ name generator to come up with a unique and catchy stage name. 07. Add a mailing list A mailing list is one of the most powerful tools for DJs. It gives you a direct line to your fans, promoters and clients, letting you share new mixes, announce gigs and give behind-the-scenes updates straight to the people who want to hear from you. Unlike social media, email is a space you own, free from algorithms that limit visibility. Add signup forms in strategic spots across your website—your homepage, footer, blog posts or even as a pop-up when someone is about to leave. To encourage signups, offer something valuable like a free mix, sample track or wallpaper download. Small incentives help build trust and reward fans for joining your community. Once people are on your list, stay consistent. Send updates about new releases, upcoming events or exclusive content. Even short, engaging messages keep fans connected and remind promoters and clients that you’re active and professional. Over time, your email marketing   becomes one of your most reliable tools for promoting shows, new tracks and special offers. 08. Optimize your DJ website for SEO SEO helps your site get found by people searching for DJs in your area, your style or at events. Start with a website builder that includes built-in SEO tools like editable meta titles and descriptions, clean URL s, alt text for images and mobile-friendly layouts. Don’t stop at the homepage. Blog posts about gigs, mixes or DJ tips can also be optimized with clear headings, descriptive titles and relevant keywords. Internal links between pages, properly tagged images and engaging content help search engines understand your site. Even small updates can make a difference in how easily fans, promoters and booking agencies discover you online. Expert tip from Sharon Hafuta, SEO blog editor at Wix: “Think of SEO as the digital version of getting on the main stage. When it’s done right, the right listeners and bookers will find you.” SEO isn’t a one-time task. Regularly update your content, add new mixes and optimize images and posts so your website stays relevant and continues to attract the right audience. 09. Launch and promote your site Before you hit publish, check every part of your website. Test your audio player, booking forms, links and media galleries. Preview your site on desktop and mobile to make sure it looks professional everywhere. A smooth first experience sets the tone for fans and potential clients. Set up analytics tools like Google Analytics so you can track engagement and understand how visitors interact with your site. This insight helps you make informed updates over time. Once your site is live, share it everywhere. Add it to social media profiles, include it in your email signature and feature it on flyers or promotional materials. Submit your site to music directories or industry listings to increase visibility. Collaborate with other DJs, write guest posts or create content that helps people discover your work. Even on a tight budget, you can promote your site effectively. Social sharing, cross-promotion with other artists and optimizing posts for search engines all help you get noticed. Keep your website updated with new tracks, photos, videos and upcoming events. Your site is a living representation of your DJ career and regular updates keep it professional, engaging and ready to grow your audience. How to create a DJ website FAQ Do DJs need a website? Yes. A website is your DJ business's home base, a place where you can share your portfolio, reviews and a simple way for clients to book you. Unlike social media, your website is all yours, giving you the freedom to attract the right clients and build your reputation on your terms. Do DJs have websites? Take a look at successful DJs and you’ll notice they all have one thing in common—a website. It’s their go-to spot for sharing media kits, contact details and event schedules. A website shows you mean business and helps you land those dream gigs. What equipment do I need to start as a DJ? Starting out as a DJ? You’ll need the basics to get mixing. Grab a DJ controller that works with your laptop and DJ software to manage your tracks. Don’t forget a solid pair of headphones so you can cue up your next song like a pro. Do I need an LLC to be a DJ? Setting up an LLC is a smart move for DJs. It keeps your personal finances separate from your business and protects you from any unexpected issues. Plus, it’s a great way to show you’re serious about your craft as you start booking paid gigs.

Web design can be just as much about the feel as it is about the look. Take luxury website design, for example. Much more than how to make a website that’s easy on the eye, it’s about encapsulating the essence of a high-end brand with a presence that goes beyond the product or service. It subtly invokes feelings of pleasure, comfort and sophistication while engaging users in a seamless online journey. Think: the digital version of quiet luxury. So, how do you get that look and feel right for your luxury website? Here, we’ll delve into the key elements that define luxury website design, taking tips from a luxury web designer and highlight six luxury website examples built on Wix Studio  that compel consumers and customers to buy from high-ticket brands. TL;DR: Luxury website examples Luxury brands need more than beautiful visuals. They need websites that convey quality, exclusivity and trust at every touchpoint. In this guide, we handpicked standout luxury websites that do exactly that, across industries like fashion, hospitality, real estate and more. You’ll see how intentional design choices—like refined typography, minimal layouts and immersive product experiences—create a sense of prestige that feels both aspirational and authentic. We also break down the design strategies that help these websites stand out, so you can apply them to your own business. Criteria we considered Why it matters Visual sophistication Establishes the premium identity of the brand High-quality imagery Enhances storytelling and communicates product or service excellence Thoughtful user experience Creates a seamless, intuitive journey for discerning visitors Consistent branding Builds recognition and trust across every page Mobile responsiveness Ensures luxury feels accessible across devices What is luxury website design anyway? Luxury website design is the process of creating websites that reflect the exclusivity and elegance of high-end brands. The design approach focuses on aesthetic appeal and user experience, often leaning on refined design elements and intuitive navigation. 9 best practices for luxury website design There’s no one magic formula to get luxury website design right. Often, it’s a mix of understanding your client’s brand and applying best practices—some of which we’ve taken from luxury web designer Juliana Laface , who shared her thoughts on the topic with Brad Hussey for Creative Crew ’s Luxury Design in Action webinar. Refine the client brand story Make your luxury aesthetic stand out Customize where you can Make it minimal Choose fonts that spell out luxury Set the right tone with colors Be consistent across brand assets Form an emotional connection Provide a seamless user journey 01. Refine the client brand story Luxury brands should have a compelling story that reaffirms why they’re positioned at the high end of their market. Whether you’re part of that brand-building process or not, you must be clear on your client’s USP, identity and values. It will help you understand their target audience and shape your website designs . Laface starts with an in-depth questionnaire with every client to discover their business goals, market, competitors, the brands they like and why. “Then, that gets condensed down into a mood board where we pick out the look and feel for the brand,” she says. “They have to sign off on that before taking any further steps. I make sure that there's a lot of checks and balances in place so I'm not redoing any work.” Learn more: What is web design? 02. Make your luxury aesthetic stand out Unsurprisingly, the ‘look’ part of ‘look and feel’ is critical in luxury website design. Generally clean and refined, luxury websites ooze elegance and immediately tell visitors they’re engaging with a premium brand. Visual elements like typography, color palettes and high-quality visuals play their part while more dynamic content, such as high-res background video, creates an immersive experience that tells a brand story in seconds. Leface looks for luxury aesthetic inspiration in places like Pinterest and Instagram. “Look at other luxury websites and study what they're doing and how they're making it work,” she says. “Then use that to hone your skills and determine what you could do for your next luxury website build.” While you’re at it, check the new Cosmos app , which has become a new firm favorite among creatives looking for inspiration. 03. Customize where you can You won’t catch Prada or Apple using the same fonts or imagery as their competitors. That’s because luxury brands pride themselves on being unique, which is reflected in their online presence.  Laface says customization is key and advises clients to put their money where their brand is and invest in custom elements and assets, like photography.  “There's nothing worse than creating a beautiful website and not having photography that matches the look and aesthetic,” she says. “I try to get clients to partner with local photographers for a brand shoot. Some people might be thinking, ‘How will they pay for it?’ But remember, our niche is high-end design, so clients usually either know that they need to do it or find the budget based on my recommendations.” 04. Make it minimal “Luxury is quiet,” says Hussey.  So, the rule of thumb for luxury website design is to keep things simple. The aesthetics should be clean and uncluttered, allowing each element to properly breathe. Plenty of white space on each page creates a feeling of spaciousness and calm. Be smart with design elements that help keep content to a minimum, such as hover effects to reveal extra text and hamburger menus. Laface’s own site is a fine example of how less is more in luxury website design. Be inspired by these best websites . 05. Choose fonts that spell out luxury When it comes to designing a website , having the right fonts helps luxury brands communicate their identity and engage their audience meaningfully. Choose tasteful typography that’s clear and legible. Consider sans-serif fonts like Helvetica or modern serifs such as Bodoni, which balance sophistication and readability and make for suitable choices. For more fonts inspo, check out our predictions on the biggest typography trends  of the moment. 06. Set the right tone with colors Color plays a crucial role in luxury websites, influencing perceptions and evoking emotions that align with high-end branding. Neutral tones like whites, grays and soft pastels can create a clean backdrop that allows high-quality images and product details to take center stage. Warm tones like muted golds or soft earth tones can create a welcoming atmosphere that resonates with comfort-seeking consumers. Why not lean into sophisticated and on-trend colors, like Pantone Color of the Year  2025, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse , a shade that invites us to slow down and indulge in everyday pleasures. If it sounds like a good fit for your luxury client, check out the Wix Studio x Pantone Color of the Year 2025 web capsule , where you’ll find Wix Studio design assets curated in the color. 07. Be consistent across brand assets You’ll rarely see a high-quality brand show inconsistency across its designs. To help your client show the world its confidence in the quality of its brand, keep a consistent color scheme, fonts, brand voice and brand message across all your channels. You can add a range of brand assets to your client kit before website handover to ensure they stay on the right track once they take ownership of their website. 08. Form an emotional connection Connecting with luxury consumers on an emotional level is key to winning their hearts and minds. Your client’s brand story, where you share details of its heritage and values through engaging content, plays an important role. Like Leface, do some client interviews to uncover the best of their background. If your client is big on sustainability or strong on causes, make it known on their website. But be genuine. No one likes green- or charity-washing. Also, consider creating members-only areas or VIP sections to make customers feel part of an elite group. Highlighting limited editions or exclusive collections also creates a sense of urgency and desirability among consumers. 09. Provide a seamless user journey Luxury shoppers should be treated with the comfort they crave. Prioritize seamless navigation and intuitive interfaces that make it effortless for them to get where they want to go. A well-structured layout will enhance the visitor experience and reflect the brand's commitment to quality. Likewise, luxury consumers expect efficiency, which means slow websites will send them packing. Make sure your client site runs at optimum speed and looks good on all devices. You can learn more about how to create a responsive website with our guide. To ensure all of the above is covered, follow the principles of good website design . Watch the full Creative Crew interview with Juliana Laface. 6 luxury website design examples to get you inspired Leface has two key pieces of advice for agencies or designers who want to tap into the luxury website design market: let your portfolio site justify your prices and provide an accurate representation of your brand across your channels. She encourages agencies to adopt a “luxury mindset” and focus on clients who see value in their expertise and are willing to invest. Before you adopt that luxury mindset and build your next client site, take a look at these six luxury websites. 01. Onyx Vacations Designed by Laface, the website for luxury travel company Onyx Vacations  immediately sells you a dream: “an extravagant escape from everyday life.” If those words don’t grab you, the background video of different exotic locations will. The website’s clean layout, high-quality visuals, refined typography, unassuming color palette and concise messaging all work together to create an inviting online presence that resonates with luxury travelers seeking exceptional experiences. Spot the ‘Become a VIP’ CTA in the top right corner—a smart way to upsell by tapping into the FOMO-obsessed luxury user looking for optimum service. Be inspired: travel website examples 02. BEC Furniture The dark-themed website for Indian furniture company BEC Furniture  shows minimal sophistication at its best. The stunning photography against a black background gives us a sense of the detailed craftsmanship that goes into the brand’s pieces. Each image is surrounded by tons of white space without ever going into minimalist overkill.   The ‘Meet the brothers section’ gives authenticity to the brand and enhances its sophisticated image. Notice, too, the tiny detail that adds an extra magic touch to the site, such as the hero fold’s play button to help us get BEC’s pronunciation right, plus the digital clock in the footer giving us local Delhi time. Learn more: How to make furniture website 03. StudioLux Designed by Rocket Web Labs , the website for award-winning real estate web design and marketing agency StudioLux  does a fine job of communicating the company’s commitment to elevating brands within the luxury real estate market.  A mix of slick background video, high-res imagery, a clear layout and some nifty scroll and hover effects give this site a high-quality feel.  Customers parting ways with large sums of money won’t always take your client’s word at face value, so Studiolux dedicates a full fold to its latest work and uses quotes from clients to build credibility and trust. 04. Nicole Louise Couture Events Another Laface creation, the website for luxury wedding planner Nicole Louise Couture Events  ticks all the opulence boxes. Background video, a tasteful color palette, clean layout and high-res images position this events company in the premium bucket. And there’s room for some insider benefits, too, as Louise gives visitors a chance to be the first to hear “the confessions and adventures of a luxury wedding producer” by subscribing to her newsletter. A simple offer but an opportunity for the client to show their authentic self. The text in the third fold perfectly encapsulates what luxury design—whether for a wedding or a website—is all about: “No repeat designs, only designs that walk your guests through your story and immerse them in the unique celebration.” Be inspired: Wedding website examples 05. One Bellot Crafted by Aūra Studios , the website for One Bellot  establishes the company as a high-end lifestyle brand offering highly curated travel experiences. Like wine-tasting and sailing, the site’s homepage video covers everything you can imagine luxury travel entails. Stylish typefaces, a clean and crisp layout and striking high-res imagery make this site a design rooted in classic luxury but with timeless modern influences. We were intrigued by the background story of founder Christopher Bellot in the ‘Our Story’ section, who’s described as “an eternal student of luxury.” Add to that some seriously big names dropped in the Partners section and the ‘Plan my vacation’ CTA suddenly looks quite compelling. 06. Wix Studio templates Luxury website design is at its best when it’s unique. However, if you need some inspo or don’t have the time to start from scratch, numerous luxury-themed Wix Studio templates  give you an early-stage advantage in your build. For starters, check out the website template for luxury car rental company Atra Elite Car Rentals , which could serve as a solid foundation for a client that sells luxury cars or provides a high-end chauffeur service. Click on the image to see more Wix Studio templates like this one Sign up for Wix Studio  and create your own luxury site.