Online businesses are significantly easier to start than their physical counterparts. They also don’t require as much capital, making them the perfect starting point for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to become their own bosses.
This article will go over 38 small business ideas that can make money online in South Africa. All you need to get started is a computer, some internet connection, and a little bit of practice to master the craft.
Let’s go!
38 Easy Ways to Make Money Online in SA
1. Social media marketing
If you happen to be one of those people who spends hours every day on social media, then you might be qualified for this job.
Many companies have a hard time keeping up with social media, all you would have to do is reach out to introduce your services as a social media manager or marketer.
The great thing with this business idea is that you can have many clients at the same time – making it relatively easy to make money online fast.
2. SEO consulting
There are many companies in South Africa that will pay handsomely for your assistance if you have a lot of experience and skill in getting websites to rank high on Google.
A solid SEO strategy, which includes editing meta tags and link building, can dramatically change the way a company’s website looks to search engine users, which can have a significant impact on its traffic.
3. Freelance graphic designing
Do you have an eye for aesthetics and design? Are you an artist? Are you great with tools such as Photoshop?
If so, then freelance designing may be the right business idea. Freelancing offers many perks, including the ability to work at your own pace, build a reputation online and through word of mouth. You can find gigs on sites such as Upwork and Fiverr. It’s one of the best ways to make money online in SA.
4. Writing
This is another freelancing job that can be performed from anywhere. If you’re good at writing then you can find work on Upwork and then charge clients an hourly rate for your time, or a fixed price per article.
5. Publish an e-book
You might want to consider publishing e-books if freelance writing doesn‘t suit your taste. Self-publishing is now easier than ever thanks to Amazon and many other sites. Writing e-books can be a profitable business if you have something valuable to share.
6. Offer translation services
Translating could be a great business idea if you are fluent in several languages. It can be done anywhere you want, provided you have the text and understand the purpose of the task. Once again, you can find work on freelancing platforms like Upwork.
7. Editing
There are many types of editing, including proofreading novels and copyediting company marketing materials. If you have a keen eye for detail and a good grasp of grammar, editing can be a great way to make money online in SA.
8. Start a blog
You can start a blog and publish articles on literally any topic you’re well-versed in. Blogs can be monetized through ads, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and many other ways.
9. Become a researcher
Companies often hire researchers when testing out new products/services, or when testing their website/app performance. Your job will simply be to conduct research and provide feedback based on the parameters provided. The research can be done entirely through online forums and social media groups.
10. Web design
This is a fantastic high-paying business idea for people that have a coding background. But even if you don’t, you can use platforms such as WordPress and Wix to build the websites.
11. Build your own software or app
This is another online idea for people with a coding background. Rather than working with clients to build their websites/apps, you can create your own instead.
For instance, you could create and sell website themes, browser extensions, games, WordPress plugins, etc. If you have a great app idea, perhaps the next Uber, then you could also bring it to life.
12. Stock photography
This is one of the easiest ways to make money online in South Africa. If you are a skilled photographer, you can sell your work on stock photo platforms like Shutterstock and iStock. It’s a great way to make a living from your passion for photography.
13. Business coaching/consulting
Many businesses hire consultants to help troubleshoot their problems. Depending on your experience and qualifications, you can charge anywhere between $100 and $1,000 for your services.
14. College consulting
College consulting can be a very lucrative business. It can be done by phone or via video chat. It can also include financial aid planning. This means that you will need to be familiarized with financial aid policies, government grant programs, and potential scholarship opportunities.
15. Fitness training
Online fitness training is a real industry and there are people out there making a ridiculous income out of it.
If you’re into fitness then you should consider becoming an online trainer and target clients from all over the world. To scale the business, you can even start selling your own line of workout apparel.
16. E-commerce store
E-commerce is one of the most popular online business ideas in South Africa. It’s relatively easy and inexpensive to start, at least when compared with opening a brick-and-mortar store.
If you’re a creative person, you could create your own products and sell them online on Amazon, Etsy, or eBay. And if you’re not, you can research in-demand items, source them from a cheap supplier such as Alibaba, and then resell them for profit.
17. Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is a great way to make money online if you have a large audience on social media, a blog, or YouTube.
All you’ll need to do is identify some high-paying affiliate products, promote them to your audience, and get paid a commission from every sale.
18. domain trading
You can trade domains from the comfort of your own home and with a relatively small budget. After much research and planning, successful domain traders purchase high-value domains at low prices through online auctions. They then sell them to the highest bidder to make a good profit. In 2001, “hotels.com” was purchased for $11,000,000.
19. Start a telemarketing company
Many businesses outsource customer service and sales to third-party companies. If you are comfortable working remotely and are a natural conversationalist, then this might be a great option.
20. Virtual assistance
Although the idea of working as a virtual assistant may not seem like it can make money online fast, its biggest advantage is that you can serve multiple clients at the same time. You can also hire more helpers in case the work gets overwhelming.
As a VA, you can expect to perform tasks such as data entry, customer management, scheduling, social media management, research, and many others. Check out our guide on how to find clients as a virtual assistant.
21. Trade stock or foreign currencies
Stock trading, like selling domain names online, could be an enjoyable hobby or career. This side hustle could become a full-time job if you are willing to work hard and have the ability to predict trends and do deep research.
You must keep $25,000 in your account to be a pattern trader. However, if this barrier is too high, you might consider trading on currency or foreign exchange markets.
You can trade stocks and foreign currencies online, but it is still a full-time job that requires a lot of commitment and long hours. It will take time to learn all about the trading systems, regulations, and requirements you’ll be dealing with.
22. Transcription
Transcription doesn’t require any prior knowledge or experience. It can be done in many ways. You can create captions for television shows or videos, or transcribe podcasts. The only requirement is that you can type fast.
23. Travel planning
Are you a travel enthusiast who’s been to many places and has a strong network of contacts around the globe? You might want to think about starting your own travel planning company. Your clients will rely on you to plan everything for them, from hotels and flights to activities.
24. Cybersecurity and IT consulting
This is a great opportunity for those with a technical background. You can consult all types of businesses and assess their systems, conduct testing, and give tips on how to improve them.
Again, with the right computer setup, your cybersecurity and IT consulting business can be run from anywhere.
25. Online therapy
Platforms like TalkSpace and BetterHelp have made it easy to consult patients online. With the right experience and credentials, you can make money online as a therapist.
26. PR consulting
As a PR consultant, you can help businesses improve their brand presence and perception. While your hours and responsibilities will vary depending on the client, freelance PR consultants have much more control than agencies or PR firms.
27. Podcasting
A few years ago, most people didn’t know what a podcast was. But the industry is now booming with radio stations, newspapers, and everyday people joining the ranks. Podcasting might be a great option if you love talking and people actually enjoy listening to you.
You don’t need much to get started, just a microphone, a computer (or even a smartphone), and a podcast hosting service (where your content will be uploaded to).
28. Become a life coach
If you are looking for a business that allows you to provide guidance to other people, without the need for a doctor’s extensive education, then you can consider becoming a life coach.
It’s one of the most fulfilling jobs in the world since you’re directly helping other people navigate through their lives in the best possible way.
29. Video production
If you are creative or have experience in digital production, then you can start a video production company. As a video producer, it is possible to work with clients from different industries to create the best video content.
Video production can be technical, but it can also give you an opportunity to express your creativity through a new medium. There are plenty of resources online that can help you if you don’t have any video production experience.
30. Digital advertising
This online business idea might appeal to those who have some experience in digital marketing. Clients could hire you as a consultant to help them monetize their websites and manage all of their advertising campaigns.
This space is always changing, but it is becoming more important for businesses, especially those that primarily operate online. You can provide your advertising expertise anywhere, and only need to contact clients via email, telephone, or video call.
31. Career coaching and resume writing
You might be interested in starting an online career coaching and resume writing business if you have experience in HR or are skilled at creating the perfect resume.
Your job will be to give your clients guidance on their career paths, job applications, resumes, and cover letters. LinkedIn is a great place for this type of business. Many professionals use it to find career guidance.
You can communicate with clients via chat, email, or phone. This allows you to work from wherever you are and when you choose.
32. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a fantastic low-capital e-commerce model with incredible profit potential. The best thing about it is that you won’t need to keep stock of the products you’re selling.
All you need to do is first identify some in-demand products that have low competition, and then find a supplier that can fulfill your orders.
Whenever somebody buys any of the products through your store, you then use the money to buy them from your supplier and then have it shipped directly to the buyer. You are just the middleman in the transaction. It’s one of the best ways to make online in South Africa for beginners.
33. Online recruiting
Do you have the ability to find the right people to fill a job opening? If so, then you could become an online recruiter and assist businesses in hiring new employees.
Online recruiting has been a major part of many companies‘ hiring process – particularly the ones that don’t have an extensive HR department.
34. Marketing consulting
If you are skilled in any type of marketing form, you can consider starting an online consulting business. You can offer guidance on a variety of topics depending on your expertise, whether that’s SEO, PPC, or social media marketing.
35. Online grant writing and fundraising
Are you passionate about helping non-profits get the help they need to achieve their goals? If so, then you should consider starting a fundraising/ grant writing business.
This online venture will allow you to work with clients that need your assistance in fundraising. You will help them find potential donors, promote their cause, and ultimately raise funds.
36. Online courses
Are you knowledgeable on a particular subject? American history? What tax forms are available? Drawing? Cooking? Singing? Dancing? You could create an online course and monetize your skills.
Although it’s so easy to find information about almost anything online, sometimes it helps to see or hear someone explain something. Online courses have been rapidly growing in popularity. You can use platforms such as Udemy and Teachable to build and sell your course.
37. Start a YouTube channel
You can talk about anything you’re interested in on your YouTube channel. If you’re into finance, then you could start a financial advice channel. If you’re into fitness, then you could start a fitness channel. The possibilities are endless.
Through YouTube’s partnership program, you can make money by running ads on your videos. You can also promote affiliate products through your videos. It’s an easy way to make money online in SA with little capital.
38. Voiceover work
Do you frequently get complimented because of your voice? If so, then you could start your own voiceover company. All you’ll need is a microphone and sound editing software.
You can start by signing up for Voices.com, a free voiceover website that allows you to search for the right opportunities. You can also promote your services on freelancing websites like Fiverr and Upwork.
