Today entrepreneurs want to start a business that doesn’t take up much time. If you wish to earn extra money there are plenty of simple business ideas to start today. Ideas like dropshipping and creating content let you use tech and creativity without needing a lot of inventory or hours of work. In this article we’ll go through some low-effort business ideas to help you start your entrepreneurial journey in 2025.

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10 low-maintenance business ideas

1. Start an SEO agency

Starting an SEO agency is a great low-effort business idea for 2025. More companies see how important it is to be visible online. If you know SEO, you can help businesses rank higher and get more visitors.

What’s cool about this model is you can work from anywhere and set your hours. You can offer services like keyword research, on-page tweaks, and content plans. Using tools like Google Analytics and SEMrush makes things easier.

You can handle more clients by providing the following SEO services on autopilot:

SEO Audits
Keyword Research
On-Page SEO Optimization
Backlink Analysis
Content Marketing
Competitor Analysis
Social Media Management
Reporting and Analytics

Also, you can use AI tools like ContentShake to automate content writing services. I tried to use ChatGPT before but this tool became the whole game-changer for my writing activity. Just imagine having a bunch of analytics and research done for you in one place.

Below is an example of my article on SEO for coaches that I improved with ContentShake AI and increased its traffic by 30%!

With ContentShake you can easily start an SEO agency and get the following tasks automated:

Fast and easy writing service
Competors’ content analysis based on your content topics
Improved SEO writing customized in accordance with your brand voice!

2. Start a dropshipping business

If you want a low-effort business in 2025 dropshipping is a great choice. This is how it works:

Sell products online without worrying about storage or shipping.
Create an online store and team up with suppliers.
When someone buys something, the supplier sends it straight to the customer.

This lets you focus on marketing and helping customers, while the suppliers take care of everything else. If you choose a good niche dropshipping can be a solid way to make money with little ongoing work.

Here are some great dropshipping niches to check out:

Eco-friendly stuff
Health and wellness goods
Home workout gear
Pet products
Tech gadgets
Fashion items
Beauty and skincare
Home Decor
Baby products

Also, think about niche hobbies like crafting or gaming.

3. Buy a billboard advertising space

Renting out billboard ad space could be a great way to make money in 2025. This idea lets you earn money by renting out billboards you own or manage. Here’s how it works:

Find Good Spots: Look for busy areas where a lot of people will see your billboards. The more people will see it, the more you can charge for ads.
Get Billboards: You can buy billboards or team up with people who already own them. If you want an easier option, think about digital billboards that can show different ads and are simpler to run.
Advertise Your Space: Let local businesses know your billboard is available. Make a media kit that includes your billboard’s location, how many people see it, and your prices.
Set Your Prices: Check what others charge for billboard ads in your area. Offering lower prices at first can help get your first customers.
Handle Contracts: When you get advertisers, manage their contracts and make sure you get paid on time. Use online tools to help keep things organized.
Track Results: Keep an eye on how well the ads do and get feedback from advertisers. This info can help you improve and bring in more clients.

By using the visibility of billboards and the need for ad space, you can build a steady income stream without working too hard.

4. Print on-demand

You can make custom products like t-shirts, mugs, or posters without needing to keep any stock. When someone orders, a third-party supplier prints and ships the item straight to them.

To get started with Print on Demand, here are some simple steps:

Pick a Niche: Choose a specific market or theme that your audience will like.
Choose a Platform: Set up your online store on sites like Shopify, Etsy, or Redbubble.
Create Your Designs: Make unique designs that catch people’s eyes. You can use tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator.
Promote Your Store: Use social media, email marketing, and SEO tricks to attract visitors.

Check Your Progress: Keep an eye on your sales and customer feedback to make your products and marketing better.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the businesses that run themselves. You can make money by promoting products from other people.

Start by choosing a topic and find affiliate programs related to it.

After getting your affiliate links, share them on your blog, social media, or through emails. The trick is to make good content that draws in people and gets them to click your links. As more people follow you, you can earn more money easily. This makes affiliate marketing a smart option for anyone wanting to earn cash without much work.

Here are some examples of successful affiliate marketers who make good money each month:

Pat Flynn – He runs the Smart Passive Income blog. Pat talks about his journey and shares his tips on affiliate marketing. He makes a lot of money from different affiliate programs.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner – She started the Making Sense of Cents blog. Michelle has built a thriving affiliate marketing business, often bringing in over $50,000 a month from her blog and social media.
John Chow – He is well-known in the affiliate marketing world. John shares his experiences and techniques, making a great monthly income.
Ruth Soukup – Through her blog, Living Well Spending Less, Ruth uses affiliate marketing well. She earns thousands each month by promoting products and services that fit her audience.
Ryan Robinson – He is an expert in content marketing. On his blog, Ryan shares important tips and makes good money through affiliate marketing by promoting tools and resources for entrepreneurs.

6. Social media management agency

Launching a social media management agency could be a great money-maker with little effort in 2025. Many businesses see how vital a solid online presence is and look for help with their social media. You can provide services like creating content, scheduling posts, interacting with followers, and checking performance metrics.

With the right tools, you can simplify these tasks and manage several clients at once. Use HubSpot to make your social media marketing agency faster and easier. Here are some tips:

Content Management – Use HubSpot to create, schedule, and post on different social media platforms from one place.
Social Media Monitoring – Track brand mentions and conversations with HubSpot. This helps you respond quickly and connect with your audience.
Analytics and Reporting – Check out HubSpot’s analytics to see how your social media campaigns are doing. This shows what content your audience likes, so you can plan better next time.
Lead Generation – Use HubSpot’s lead tools to capture leads from your social media posts. This makes it easier to connect with potential customers.
Email Marketing Integration – Combine social media with HubSpot’s email tools. This creates joined-up campaigns that attract more traffic and engagement.
Automation – Use HubSpot’s automation to handle repetitive tasks like posting updates or sending follow-up messages. This saves you time.

By using these tips, you can make your social media marketing agency run smoother and keep your clients happy.

Try HubSpot

7. Subscription box service

Starting a subscription box service can be a fun and profitable business idea for 2025. With this model, you send a mix of products to subscribers regularly—like every month or every three months. You can pick a niche, such as beauty products, tasty snacks, or fitness gear, which helps you attract a loyal audience.

To succeed, find unique items and make unboxing exciting for your customers. Use social media and work with influencers to spread the word about your box. This way, you can build a loyal customer base and enjoy the freedom to run your business from anywhere.

8. Create digital products on autopilot

If you are searching for low-maintenance businesses, consider selling digital products. Making and selling digital products like eBooks, templates, or online courses is a smart and easy business idea for 2025. After you create your product, you can sell it over and over again without doing extra work. This means you can earn money even when you’re not working, which is great for passive income.

To make digital products automatically, check out these tools:

ContentShake AI: This tool helps you create good content fast. It makes it easier to write eBooks, templates, or online courses without wasting too much time.
Grammarly: This writing helper checks for mistakes and organizes your writing. It makes your digital products better.

Also, use platforms like Gumroad or Teachable to sell your products. Social media and email marketing can help you reach more people.

You can use sites like Gumroad or Teachable to sell your products and reach more people. Plus, using social media, email newsletters, and content marketing can help you find new customers. This way, you save time and can work on creating more products or trying new business ideas.

9. Sell stock photography

Stock photography is a great business idea for 2025, especially for those who love taking photos. You can take good pictures and upload them to stock photography sites.

Every time someone buys one of your photos, you earn money. This lets you work at your own speed.

You can snap pictures whenever you want and share them on sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. Once your photos are up, they can keep making money for years.

It’s a smart choice for anyone who wants to be creative without too much work. Plus, with more businesses needing good images for online use, there’s plenty of space for photographers to succeed.

10. Website Flipping

Website flipping could be a fun and profitable low-maintenance business.

What does website flipping mean? It is buying websites that aren’t doing well or have the chance to grow, fixing them up, and then selling them for a profit.

This usually involves making the site look better, improving its content for search engines, and boosting its traffic with smart marketing.

When the website starts making steady money or is valued higher, you can sell it on sites like Flippa or Empire Flippers.

This business lets you use your web development and marketing skills while choosing projects you enjoy. If you do it right, website flipping can be a rewarding way to earn money with not too much work after you make the improvements.

11. Automated consulting service

Automated consulting services are becoming popular. They let you share your knowledge without talking to clients all the time.

You can make a set of pre-recorded videos or use chatbots to give advice when clients need it. This saves you time and helps you reach more people because they can access your help anytime. You can also charge money for these resources, which gives you a steady income while easing your workload. This method fits well with the trend of easy business ideas, making it a great choice for new entrepreneurs.

12. Online membership site

Starting an online membership site is a great idea for 2025. This business model lets you create a community around a specific interest. Members pay a fee regularly to access special content, resources, or support. You can share different types of content like video tutorials, downloadable materials, or live Q&A sessions based on what you know.

To begin with, create a website with WordPress and focus on making great content while earning a steady income. By building a community and offering ongoing value, you can keep your members happy and grow your business with little extra work.

13. Online course bundling

The idea is simple: just buy rights to different courses and put together a collection for a specific audience. This is great for your customers because they get a lot of learning for a better price. Plus, you can benefit from the rising interest in online learning.

To kick things off, look into popular courses in your area of interest. Make deals to purchase rights, and set up an easy-to-use website where customers can access the courses.

Promote your bundle on social media, through email, and by teaming up with influencers. This can help you connect with more people and boost sales, all while keeping things simple.

You can find courses to bundle on sites like Udemy, Coursera, Skillshare, and LinkedIn Learning. These platforms have lots of courses on different topics, and you can work out deals or affiliate agreements to bundle and sell them. You might also want to contact course creators directly or look for online marketplaces that focus on educational content.

14. Invest in rental property

Investing in rental properties can be a great way to make money. If you hire a property management company, you can earn rental income without dealing with tenants or repairs. This means you can spend your time on other things or look for new business ideas. Plus, real estate usually increases in value over time, which can help you earn more in the long run. So, investing in rental properties is not just about making money now; it’s also a smart way to grow your wealth over time.

To start a rental property business, here’s what to do:

Get your funds. Figure out how you’ll pay for the property. You might use a mortgage, take a private loan, or team up with someone.
Pick a good property. Search for properties in popular areas that could increase in value and have a high demand for renting.
Hire a property manager. If you want to be less hands-on, think about hiring a property management company. They can take care of tenants, maintenance, and collecting rent.

By following these steps, you can build a rental property business that helps you earn money over time.

15. Resel hosting

Reselling hosting services is a great way to meet the need for an online presence without getting stuck in the techy stuff.

Here is how it works:

You buy hosting space from a good provider like Hostgator
Create your brand to sell hosting to clients.
Offer different packages to fit various needs, like simple hosting for personal blogs or more powerful options for small businesses.

This way, you can focus on helping customers and marketing while the big provider takes care of the tech side. With the right marketing plan, you can gain loyal customers and earn a steady income with little ongoing work.

Why start a business that runs itself?

Flexibility

One big plus of these easy business ideas is their flexibility. You can work when you want, at your speed. This is great for people with other commitments, like a full-time job or family duties. By picking a business idea that matches your interests and skills, you can make money without stressing yourself out. Whether you enjoy being creative with content or like the numbers in affiliate marketing, there’s a low-effort business idea that can fit right into your life.

More free time

One more perk of these easy business ideas is the chance to make money without constant work. Things like affiliate marketing and digital products can help you earn cash even when you’re off the clock. For example, after you create an online course or write an eBook, you can keep making sales with a little extra work. This lets you focus on other parts of your life while still boosting your income.

Passive income

One great thing about these easy business ideas is the chance to earn passive income. You can use online tools to create systems that make money with little work after the setup. For example, starting a blog or YouTube channel lets you make content that keeps bringing in views and ad money even after you’ve created it.

Sum up

As you can see, there are plenty of easy business ideas. You can try digital products, affiliate marketing, or drop shipping. Just pick something that fits your life and goals.

With technology and automation, you can make money and still get fun. Remember the best projects mix what you love, your creative side, and smart planning. So, jump in and take the first step to building the business you want today!