Start your idea today
| IDEA ROUTE | TASKS | LINK |
|---|---|---|
| 1. My idea is website related : | e.g: online store, blog, a business website… | Show me ideas→ |
| 2. My idea is to run a membership or newsletter related project. | e.g: a newsletter, private community… | Show me ideas→ |
| 3. I have my own product or physical store. | e.g: an online store, a blog, business website. | Show me ideas→ |
1. Website Design Related Ideas
Website related ideas involve producing content with the expectation that your audience will visit your website, where you can offer something of value that leads to a form of conversion.
What you offer can vary widely, from purely written content such as blog posts, articles, and guides to showcasing digital products like eBooks, online courses, or software, as well as physical products such as handcrafted goods or merchandise.
Your skill level and the learning curve requirements are relatively flexible, as there are tools available for beginners that do not require coding knowledge, as well as more advanced platforms for those who have some experience with web development.
You can generate income either by selling your own custom products or through partnerships with brands participating in affiliate partner programs. Additionally, you can generate income through advertising (such as display ads or sponsored content), offering subscription services, creating a membership area with exclusive content, or providing consulting and coaching services.
While there are multiple means of creating an online presence, we have narrowed things down to three practical options that we find simple to get started with, affordable, and have long-term prospects.
Here is a breakdown of the types of uses, pros, and cons the following options possess:
a) WordPress
WordPress is a powerful content management system (CMS) that allows you to build a website or blog with ease. It is highly customizable with thousands of themes and plugins available, making it suitable for a wide range of websites, from simple blogs to complex e-commerce sites.
Pros:
- Flexibility: Offers extensive customization options, allowing you to create a website that fits your specific needs.
- Scalability: Can grow with your business, from a small blog to a large e-commerce site.
- SEO Friendly: Built with SEO best practices in mind, with plugins available to enhance optimization further.
- Community Support: Large user community and extensive resources for troubleshooting and learning.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: Requires some time to learn if you’re not familiar with web development.
- Maintenance: Needs regular updates and backups, which might require technical knowledge or hiring a professional.
- Security: Vulnerable to security issues if not properly maintained, given its popularity and open-source nature.
Requirements:
WordPress details and pricing
- Domain and Hosting: You need to purchase a domain name and web hosting service. Popular hosting providers include Bluehost, SiteGround, and WP Engine.
- WordPress Installation: Install WordPress, either manually or using a one-click installation feature offered by most hosting providers.
- Theme and Plugins: Choose and install a theme for your site design, and select plugins for added functionality, such as SEO tools, contact forms, and e-commerce capabilities.
Potential Costs:
- Domain: $10–$15 per year.
- Hosting: $3–$30 per month, depending on the hosting provider and plan.
- Themes and Plugins: Free options available; premium themes and plugins range from $30–$100 per year each.
Support Available:
- Community Forums: Free support from a large community of WordPress users and developers.
- Documentation: Extensive official documentation and tutorials.
- Third-Party Support: Paid support from developers and agencies specializing in WordPress.
b) Shopify
Shopify is an all-in-one e-commerce platform designed specifically for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. It allows you to set up an online store, manage products, track inventory, and process payments, all from one platform.
Pros:
- Ease of Use: User-friendly interface with a straightforward setup process, making it easy for beginners.
- All-Inclusive: Provides everything you need to run an online store, including hosting, SSL certification, and payment processing.
- Support: Offers 24/7 customer support and a robust community for assistance.
- Security: Strong security measures are in place, and it handles updates automatically.
Cons:
- Cost: Monthly subscription fees can add up, especially if you require additional apps and features.
- Customization Limitations: Less flexible than WordPress in terms of design and functionality without advanced coding skills.
- Transaction Fees: If not using Shopify Payments, additional transaction fees apply, which can cut into profit margins.
Requirements:
Shopify details and pricing
• Account Setup: Sign up for a Shopify account.
• Store Customization: Choose a theme and customize your store’s design and layout.
• Product Listing: Add products, including images, descriptions, and pricing.
• Payment Setup: Configure payment gateways like Shopify Payments, PayPal, or others.
Potential Costs:
- Basic Plan: $39 per month.
- Shopify Plan: $105 per month.
- Advanced Plan: $399 per month.
- Transaction Fees: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction, if not using Shopify Payments.
Support Available:
• Community Forums: Engage with other Shopify users for advice and support.
• 24/7 Customer Support: Available via live chat, email, and phone.
• Help Center: Comprehensive guides and tutorials.
c) Notion
Notion is a versatile productivity tool that, while not a traditional website builder, can be used to create simple, visually appealing landing pages, portfolios, and personal websites. It combines notes, tasks, databases, and calendars, making it ideal for personal use and small projects.
Pros:
- Simplicity: Easy to use with a drag-and-drop interface, perfect for those who need a basic website without technical knowledge.
- Multifunctional: Serves multiple purposes, not just web creation, but also task management, note-taking, and project planning.
- Cost-Effective: Offers a free tier with sufficient features for personal websites and small projects.
Cons:
- Limited Customization: Not as customizable as WordPress or Shopify, limiting its use to more straightforward website needs.
- No E-commerce Functionality: Lacks built-in e-commerce capabilities, making it unsuitable for online stores.
- Dependence on Internet: Requires an internet connection to access and edit, with no offline mode available.
By carefully considering these options, you can choose the platform that best fits your business goals, technical skills, and budget, setting yourself up for success in the world of internet marketing.
Requirements:
Notion details and pricing
• Notion Account: Sign up for a free or paid Notion account.
• Workspace Setup: Set up your workspace with pages, databases, and templates to manage projects or organize your online business.
• Customization: Customize your workspace based on your business needs, like creating product catalogs or service pages.
Potential Costs:
- Free Plan: Basic features and limited storage.
- Plus Plan: $8 per user per month (billed annually) for more features and storage.
- Business Plan: $15 per user per month (billed annually) with advanced permissions and admin tools.
Support Available:
• Email Support: Available for technical issues and account questions.
• Help Center: Detailed guides and video tutorials.
• Community Forums: Engage with other Notion users.
2. Private Membership Ideas
Primarily, private membership-related ideas involve managing a section of a website or internet property that requires special privileges to access the available content. Members are typically required to enter a username and password, as providing a secure environment is of paramount importance. This approach allows you to create an exclusive community or offer premium content that is not available to the general public, thereby adding value to your offerings.
With private membership-related ideas, there are two main methods that can be used simultaneously as a strategy for both customer retention and broadcasting new information or offers to your audience. As a membership-related business, income can be generated through subscription fees, one-time payments for premium content, or tiered memberships that provide varying levels of access and benefits. You can also monetize through upselling additional products or services to your members or offering exclusive discounts and promotions.
As you have a somewhat captive audience — that is, individuals who have already expressed interest and invested in your content — providing newsletter updates is an intuitive addition. Regular communication keeps your members engaged, encourages continued membership, and offers a platform to promote new products or services.
Here is a breakdown of membership types, uses, plus pros and cons for the following options:
a) ConvertKit
ConvertKit is primarily an email marketing platform but also offers a paid newsletter feature, allowing creators to charge for access to exclusive content. It’s ideal for bloggers, podcasters, and content creators who want to build a community around their work and monetize their audience through subscription-based content.
Pros:
- Easy to Use: User-friendly interface makes setting up a paid newsletter straightforward.
- Integrated Email Marketing: Combines membership features with powerful email marketing tools, making it easy to manage and grow your audience.
- Automation: Offers automation features to help you engage with your audience and keep them subscribed.
Cons:
- Limited Customization: Less flexibility in design and customization compared to full-fledged membership platforms.
- Not Ideal for Complex Membership Needs: More suitable for content creators who want to offer a simple paid newsletter rather than complex membership levels or features.
Requirements:
ConvertKit details and pricing
• ConvertKit Account: Sign up for a ConvertKit account.
• Email List Setup: Import or build your email list from scratch.
• Content Creation: Create email sequences, newsletters, and forms for lead capture.
Potential Costs:
• Free Plan: For up to 1,000 subscribers with basic features.
• Creator Plan: Starts at $15 per month, with more advanced features.
• Creator Pro Plan: Starts at $29 per month, with additional automations and support.
Support Available:
• Email Support: Available to all users.
• Live Chat Support: For paid plans during business hours.
• Community: Private Facebook group for networking and support.
• Knowledge Base: Extensive resources, tutorials, and guides.
b) Beehiiv
Beehiiv is a platform designed for creators who want to start and grow a paid newsletter. It offers an intuitive way to manage subscriptions and deliver content directly to your audience’s inboxes.
Pros:
- Simple Setup: Quick and easy to start, making it perfect for beginners.
- Monetization Features: Built-in tools for creating paid newsletters and managing subscriptions.
- Audience Analytics: Provides insights into subscriber behavior and engagement, helping you refine your strategy.
Cons:
- Niche Focus: Primarily focuses on newsletters, so it may not be suitable for those looking to offer a broader range of membership benefits.
- Limited Customization: Fewer options for tailoring the user experience compared to more robust membership platforms.
Requirements:
Beehiiv details and pricing
• Beehiiv Account: Sign up for a Beehiiv account.
• Newsletter Setup: Create your newsletter and customize its design.
• Subscription Management: Manage free or paid subscriptions through Beehiiv.
Potential Costs:
• Free Plan: Basic features for beginners.
• Starter Plan: $49 per month for advanced analytics and subscriber management.
• Growth Plan: $99 per month with more features.
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for large businesses.
Support Available:
• Email Support: Available to all users.
• Help Center: Access to tutorials and guides for setting up and managing newsletters.
• Community Support: Engage with other Beehiiv users for insights and tips.
c) Teachable
Teachable is a platform for creating and selling online courses and memberships. It is ideal for educators, coaches, and professionals who want to provide structured learning experiences and build a community around their teachings.
Pros:
- Course Creation: Strong support for creating comprehensive courses with videos, quizzes, and downloadable content.
- Integrated Payments: Handles payment processing and offers multiple pricing options for memberships and courses.
- Community Features: Includes features for engaging with students and fostering a community, such as discussion forums and comments.
Cons:
- Pricing: Higher monthly fees can be a barrier for those just starting out.
- Customization Limitations: While flexible for courses, it may not offer as many options for non-educational membership models.
Requirements:
Teachable details and pricing
- Teachable Account: Sign up for a Teachable account.
- Course Creation: Create and upload course content, including videos, quizzes, and downloadable materials.
- Payment Setup: Configure payment options for courses and memberships.
Potential Costs:
- Free Plan: Limited features, includes transaction fees.
- Basic Plan: $59 per month, with reduced transaction fees.
- Pro Plan: $159 per month, with advanced features and no transaction fees.
- Business Plan: $665 per month, for larger teams and organizations.
Support Available:
Community Forums: Engage with other Teachable instructors.
Email Support: Available for all plans.
Live Chat Support: Available for Pro and Business plans.
Knowledge Base: Extensive resources, including tutorials and webinars.
d) Mighty Networks
Mighty Networks is a community-building platform that allows you to create your own social network. It’s designed for those who want to foster engagement and build a sense of community among their members, with features for courses, memberships, and events.
Pros:
- Community Building: Focuses on creating a vibrant, interactive community with features like member profiles, groups, and events.
- Versatility: Supports a variety of content types, including articles, videos, courses, and events.
- Custom Branding: Allows for a high degree of customization to match your brand.
Cons:
- Complexity: The wide range of features can be overwhelming for beginners or those who only need basic membership functionality.
- Cost: Pricing can be high, especially if you want access to premium features.
Requirements:
Mighty Networks details and pricing
- Mighty Networks Account: Sign up for a Mighty Networks account.
- Community Setup: Customize your network, including branding, member areas, and content.
- Membership Management: Set up membership levels and payment options.
Potential Costs:
- Community Plan: $39 per month, for basic community features.
- Business Plan: $119 per month, with advanced community and monetization tools.
- Pro Plan: Custom pricing, for full white-label experiences.
Support Available:
- Email Support: Available to all users.
- Help Center: Comprehensive guides and resources.
- Live Chat Support: Available for paid plans during business hours.
- Community Support: Network of other Mighty Networks creators for sharing tips and advice.
e) MemberMouse
MemberMouse is a WordPress plugin that turns your website into a fully-featured membership site. It’s ideal for those who want to maintain control over their site and prefer a self-hosted solution.
Pros:
- Customization: Offers extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor the membership experience to your needs.
- Advanced Features: Supports complex membership levels, upsells, and content protection.
- Integration: Works seamlessly with WordPress, giving you control over your website’s design and functionality.
Cons:
- Technical Requirements: Requires a self-hosted WordPress site, which may involve additional costs and technical know-how.
- Learning Curve: The abundance of features can make it challenging to set up and manage for those unfamiliar with WordPress or membership sites.
By understanding these options and their respective pros and cons, you can select the right platform for building a private membership site that aligns with your goals and the needs of your audience.
Requirements:
Membermouse details and pricing
- WordPress Site: Requires a self-hosted WordPress site.
- MemberMouse Plugin: Install the MemberMouse plugin to manage memberships and access control.
- Payment Setup: Configure payment gateways and membership levels.
Potential Costs:
- Starter Plan: $29 per month, with basic features for small sites.
- Builder Plan: $79 per month, with more advanced features.
- Advanced Plan: $199 per month, for larger businesses with more members.
Support Available:
- Email Support: Available for all plans.
- Knowledge Base: Access to detailed guides and documentation.
- Community Forums: Engage with other MemberMouse users.
- Developer Support: Available for advanced customization needs.
3. Product and Service
Starting an online business offering your own customized product or service can take form in numerous ways. From conventional methods such as selling handmade crafts, consulting services, or physical goods through an online store, to modern methods such as dropshipping, creating digital products, or offering online coaching sessions.
For many absolute beginners, offering your skills, knowledge, or a product is a great way to start an online business, as it leverages what you already know or do well. It can be intimidating at first due to the perceived complexities of setting up an online presence, handling logistics, or managing customer relationships.
However, with the right digital tools and resources, you can harness the management of your offering with efficiency and professionalism, making the process more straightforward and accessible.
a) Notion (projects)
Notion is a versatile productivity tool that can be used to manage projects, organize ideas, and even sell products or services. It’s particularly useful for freelancers, consultants, and creatives who want to maintain a simple, yet effective, workflow and client management system.
Pros:
- Organization: Provides robust tools for organizing projects, notes, and tasks in one place, making it easier to manage various aspects of your business.
- Customization: Highly customizable to fit your unique business needs, whether you’re tracking sales, managing clients, or planning content.
- Accessibility: As a web-based platform, it can be accessed from anywhere, making it ideal for digital nomads or remote workers.
Cons:
- Limited Sales Functionality: Notion isn’t specifically designed for e-commerce, so it lacks built-in features for processing payments or managing a storefront.
- Learning Curve: While powerful, it may take some time to fully understand and utilize all of its features.
Requirements:
Notion (Projects) details and pricing
b) Affiliate Partner Programs
Affiliate partner programs allow you to earn a commission by promoting other companies’ products or services. This can be an excellent way to generate income if you have a strong online presence or an audience interested in specific types of products or services.
Pros:
- Low Entry Barrier: No need to create your own product or handle inventory, making it ideal for beginners.
- Passive Income Potential: Once set up, affiliate marketing can generate passive income through consistent content and promotion.
- Flexibility: You can promote a variety of products that align with your audience’s interests and your personal brand.
Cons:
- Commission-Based: Earnings are typically a percentage of sales, which can be low depending on the affiliate program.
- Dependence on External Companies: Success can be heavily influenced by the quality and reliability of the companies you partner with, as well as changes in their affiliate terms.
Requirements:
Partner program details and pricing
- Affiliate Network Account: Sign up with an affiliate network (e.g., Amazon Associates, ShareASale, CJ Affiliate).
- Platform to Promote: Own a website, blog, or social media channel to promote affiliate products.
- Content Creation: Develop content that includes affiliate links to products or services.
Potential Costs:
- Minimal to No Upfront Costs: Joining affiliate programs is usually free, but creating a website or maintaining a blog may have associated costs (e.g., domain and hosting).
Support Available:
- Affiliate Program Support: Each network typically provides support through email or a help center.
- Marketing Resources: Many programs offer marketing materials and guidelines to help affiliates succeed.
- Community Forums: Some affiliate networks have forums for affiliates to connect and share strategies.
c) Etsy or Shopify Stores:
For those interested in selling physical products or handmade goods, platforms like Etsy or Shopify provide robust e-commerce solutions. Etsy is ideal for selling handmade or vintage items, while Shopify is a more comprehensive e-commerce platform for businesses of all sizes.
Pros:
- User-Friendly: Both platforms offer intuitive interfaces and tools that make setting up an online store straightforward.
- Built-In Audience: Etsy, in particular, has a large community of shoppers looking for unique, handmade goods.
- E-Commerce Features: Shopify provides extensive e-commerce features, including customizable templates, secure payment options, and inventory management.
Cons:
- Fees: Both platforms charge fees for listing products and processing payments, which can add up for small businesses.
- Competition: Especially on Etsy, there can be significant competition among sellers, making it harder to stand out.
By exploring these options and understanding the pros and cons of each, you can select the best route for starting your online business, whether you’re looking to sell products, offer services, or leverage existing platforms to reach a broader audience.
Requirements:
Etsy and Shopify type solution details and pricing
- Affiliate Network Account: Sign up with an affiliate network (e.g., Amazon Associates, ShareASale, CJ Affiliate).
- Platform to Promote: Own a website, blog, or social media channel to promote affiliate products.
- Content Creation: Develop content that includes affiliate links to products or services.
Potential Costs:
- Minimal to No Upfront Costs: Joining affiliate programs is usually free, but creating a website or maintaining a blog may have associated costs (e.g., domain and hosting).
Support Available:
- Affiliate Program Support: Each network typically provides support through email or a help center.
- Marketing Resources: Many programs offer marketing materials and guidelines to help affiliates succeed.
- Community Forums: Some affiliate networks have forums for affiliates to connect and share strategies.
The pricing and support options listed above are current as of August 2024 and are subject to change. Costs may vary depending on the plan selected, payment frequency, and any promotional offers available at the time of sign-up. Always check the official website of each platform for the most up-to-date pricing and support details.