10 Lucrative Jobs And Startup Business Ideas To Seriously Consider

Whether you’re looking to make a career move or earn extra money on the side, these options can help get you there without breaking the bank.

Starting a new business or changing your current job can be daunting, but with the right knowledge – and skills in high demand – you can better position yourself to turn your passion into a financially and personally rewarding career. In 2023, there are several exciting and promising jobs and startup business opportunities that you can break into with a minimal upfront investment.

Before we get to the list, it’s worth noting that despite their differences, the one requirement these vocations all have in common is that to be successful, you’ll need a strong brand that helps you stand out from the competition.

One way you can do that is by choosing a creative web address to market your business or market yourself to a prospective employer. The right web address can help you:

• Standout: choose a creative look that distinguishes you from typical web addresses.
• Establish Your Identity: by using both sides of the dot (e.g., “internet.games”), you can be more specific about your business or skillset and align your web address more closely with critical identity elements.
• Highlight Your Expertise: Using a next-generation web address indicates you’re forward-thinking and cutting-edge.

Overall, a creative web address can help establish your brand, improve your visibility online, and provide a better user experience for your customers. This can lead to increased traffic, conversions, and success.

And without further ado, here are 10 lucrative business opportunities to consider in 2023 that don’t require significant upfront investment:

1. Digital Marketer (e.g., advertisingsolutions.agency). The field of online marketing continues to grow at a spectacular rate. According to Indeed, the median digital marketer earns $61,601, and there’s plenty of opportunity for growth, with senior marketing managers earning a $166,742 median salary per Salary.com.
   
   A digital marketer is responsible for promoting a company’s products and services through digital channels, such as social media, email, and search engines. To become a digital marketer, you must be familiar with digital marketing techniques, such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing (SMM), and email marketing. You can start by taking online courses (e.g., Udemy) or attending workshops, which can cost as little as $1,000.
   
2. Dropshipper (e.g.,dropship.company). A dropshipping business allows you to sell products online without keeping inventory or handling shipping. You can typically start a dropshipping business for less than $1,000 by using platforms such as Shopify or WooCommerce and finding suppliers on websites such as AliExpress or Amazon. According to Shopify.com, “It’s possible to generate a $1,000 to $2,000 monthly income stream within 12 months working approximately 10 to 15 hours per week building your business.”
   
3. Content Creator (e.g., designingyour.life). As a content creator, you will be responsible for creating and publishing engaging and relevant content for your target audience. This can include blog posts, social media posts, infographics, videos, podcasts and more. Therefore, you will need strong writing and visual skills and an understanding of your target audience’s interests and needs. To start, you can take courses in content creation (e.g., MasterClass) and invest in a good camera and editing software. Data from a Glassdoor survey shows the average annual salary for a content strategist is $65,693, and for a digital copywriter is $60,526.
   
4. Online Fitness or Health Coaching (e.g., personalhealth.coach). You can offer online coaching services if you have the expertise and appropriate certifications or licenses in fitness or health. You can start by promoting your services on social media or online marketplaces such as Udemy or Teachable. The national average salary for an online fitness coach is $57,479 annually in the United States, per Glassdoor.
   
5. Social Media Manager (e.g., assistingyou.social). Social media has become a crucial tool for businesses to reach their target audience, and social media managers are responsible for creating and executing social media strategies for companies. You will need to be familiar with various social media platforms, such as Facebook/Meta, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and have strong communication and organizational skills. You can start by taking online courses in social media marketing (e.g., Coursera) and building your brand on social media. The average annual salary of a social media manager in the United States is $53,761, per Glassdoor.
   
6. Web Developer (e.g., webdesign.services). Web development is a highly sought-after skill in the tech industry, and there is a high demand for web developers who can build and maintain websites. According to research from Comparably, the average web developer in the United States makes $70,682. You must understand coding languages, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and be familiar with website design and development tools. You can start by taking online courses in web development (e.g., Codecademy, Khan Academy, MIT OpenCourseware) or building your own website or blog.
   
7. Data Analyst (e.g., data-analysis4.business). Data analysts play a crucial role in helping businesses make data-driven decisions. You will need strong analytical skills, be familiar with data analysis tools like Excel and Google Analytics and understand data visualization techniques. You can start by taking online courses in data analysis (e.g., CareerFoundry) and working on personal projects, such as analyzing data from a survey or market research. The average salary for a data analyst in the United States is $82,360, per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest report.
   
8. Graphic Designer (e.g., graphicdesign.studio). Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. To become a graphic designer, you need a strong understanding of graphic design principles, such as color, typography, and composition, and be familiar with graphic design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite. You can start by taking online courses in graphic design (e.g., LinkedIn Learning) and creating your portfolio. The average annual salary for a graphic designer in the United States is $51,870 per Glassdoor.
   
9. Video Editor (e.g., videoediting.digital). Video editing is a crucial aspect of video production, and video editors are responsible for assembling and editing raw footage into a polished final product. Therefore, you must understand video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, and be familiar with video production techniques, such as color correction and audio mixing. You can start by taking online courses in video editing (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro CC Masterclass) and working on personal projects, such as creating short films or music videos. The average salary of video editors in the United States is $72,242, per Comparably.
   
10. Affiliate Marketing (e.g., affiliatemarketing.domains). Affiliate marketing involves promoting products and earning a commission for each sale made through your unique affiliate link. You can start by finding affiliate programs for products you believe in and promoting them on your blog or social media channels. Glassdoor states an affiliate marketer’s average salary is $59,060 a year.

Which One’s Best for You?

Perhaps you could see yourself doing more than one of the above jobs. Here are some steps you can follow to determine the best fit for you:

1. Assess your skills and interests: Identify your strengths, skills, and interests and think about how they can be applied to a business idea. You will be more successful and enjoy your work if you choose a business that aligns with your skills and interests.
2. Identify a problem: Start by identifying a problem you can solve. This could be a problem you have faced yourself or one that you have observed in the market. A successful business solves a real problem for its customers.
3. Conduct market research: Research the market to see if there is demand for your product or service. Then, look at the competition and see how you can differentiate yourself.
4. Consider the feasibility: Evaluate the idea’s feasibility, including the cost of starting the business, the resources required, and the potential for profitability.
5. Test your idea: Before launching your business, test your plan with a small group. This will help you validate your concept and make any necessary adjustments.
6. Seek advice: Consult with trusted friends, family members, or a mentor to get their feedback on your idea.

Remember that starting a business or making a career move is a big decision, and it’s essential to take the time to choose the right idea. By following these steps and building from a strong brand, you’ll be well on your way to finding a business startup or new vocation that’s a good fit for you.

By Kimberly Michener, Sr. Director, Brand and Marketing Communications, Identity Digital

Kimberly joined Identity Digital in 2021. She heads up brand and marketing communications and was instrumental in spearheading the successful Identity Digital rebrand and consumer campaign launch. Kimberly brings two decades of marketing experience from both agencies and enterprises in tech and various other industries. Before Identity Digital, she managed the advertising program at Epson America.