How to start a business without money (here is how I did it)

I want to learn How to start a business with little or no money?

When I started my business, I didn’t have much experience running a business plan, a mountain of savings, or even a lot of experience running a website (I had nothing). But I wanted to make my own. It was enough to roll the ball.

If you dream of starting a small business idea but feel like your bank account is holding you back, this post is for you.

Today I will explain to you how to start a business without money, real examples of businesses that you can start for free, and tips for keeping your costs low while building amazing things.

How to start a business without money

Below is how to start a business without money.

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1. Choose a business idea that requires little money

If you want to start a business without money, the type of business you choose can make a big difference.

Personally, I think a service-based business is a great place to start. This is because you don’t usually need stock, in-store or expensive machines. Instead, they sell skills and services they already have.

These types of businesses can usually be run on a phone or laptop alone. You also don’t need to invest in products or materials in advance, nor find a supplier. This means you can land your first customer in the same week as you launch.

Here are some business ideas you can start today:

These businesses primarily require your time, not your money. You can start by selling services to people you know or promoting yourself online.

And you don’t need to be an expert to get started. If you’re good at something and are willing to improve, that’s enough to get started. As you gain more experience, you can always improve what you sell.

If you’re not sure what business you’re going to start, think about what people will already come to you. Will your friends ask you for help with your resume? Are you a go-to person to fix technical issues? Use that as a starting point. Sometimes the best ideas are in front of you and you need to brainstorm a bit.

To learn more, we recommend reading How to Decide which Business to Start in 8 Simple Steps.

2. Start with what you already have

One of the great things about starting a business today is that you probably already have the tools you need.

Phone, laptop, internet connection and unique skills can come a long way. There are so many free tools to help you run your business, and many entrepreneurs, including myself, start with the basics alone.

Here are some of my favorite free or low cost tools.

• Google Docs and Sheets For writing and spreadsheets
• Canva To create graphics and designs
• zoom or Google Meet For virtual meetings
• Gmail Or another free email service for communication
• Community Resources – Local libraries typically have access to free Wi-Fi, meeting rooms and business databases

Even mobile phone cameras can take photos of decent products and services whenever necessary.

If your dream business is more practical, like cleaning your home, doing pet care, or working as a handyman, you probably still have what you need to start. A broom, mop, vacuum, tool, or even a reliable vehicle can go a long way when starting a service-based business locally.

I still use many of the same free tools to this day. When I started blogging, I used what I had and slowly upgraded as my income grew. You don’t have to go into debt or spend a lot of money on startup costs. You can start simply and build as you go.

3. Build your business online

The Internet has made it easier to start a business from home than ever before. And most of the time, you can start building your presence online for free or for less money.

You no longer need storefronts to do your actual business. All you need is how people can find you, learn about your services and products, and contact you.

And there are some free ways to make this happen. This is what I recommend:

• Create a social media profile For your business. Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, LinkedIn, and other social media platforms are the best places to get started.
• Join local or niche Facebook groups Share the service (follow group rules).
• Use a simple website builder Like WordPress, which creates a homepage. Find my tutorial here and start the website for under $50.
• Give a discount to the first few customers In exchange for testimony or referral.
• Share useful content It is related to services for building trust and authority.

You don’t need the perfect brand or logo to get started. The most important part is telling people what you do and how you can help. Your customers are more interested in the outcomes you can deliver than how fantasized your branding is.

I remember that the design of my first blog was very basic, but that didn’t stop me from writing and sharing. Along the way I focused on content and improvements. Getting started is the most important step, and I think improvements, upgrades, and more expensive marketing strategies will come later in many types of business.

4. Learn to Go (with free resources)

When I started my business, I learned as much as I could with free resources. This means that you have signed up for all the free workshops, free training, free ebooks and read all possible blog posts.

I don’t think you need a university degree or an expensive course to start a business. I’m a huge fan of learning as you go.

There are plenty of free resources available online to acquire skills, learn new tools, and improve how you run your business. Some of these free resources are better than paid programs.

Here are some you might try:

• YouTube Tutorial From setting up a website to searching for clients
• Free online courses From Coursera or Skillshare (with free trial)
• Podcasts Marketing, freelance and business growth
• Blog and newsletter From entrepreneurs in your field
• Borrow a book from your local library. There are even ways to start a business that you can’t pay for first!

When I first started blogging, I googled everything. I didn’t know how to start a blog or increase my audience, but I learned by reading articles, testing things and being consistent. And I always didn’t get it right in the first attempt, but I stuck to it.

That’s important. You don’t have to be perfect. You just need to try, adjust, and continue to be happy.

5. Trade skills or bartering

If there is something you need to start, try bartering and trading skills.

Let’s say you need a logo but can’t afford a graphic designer. Can I exchange and exchange writing help or another service? Maybe you know how to set up a website, and someone else needs it in exchange for a photo. These kinds of skill swaps are very useful when you’re starting out and you don’t have the money to spend.

Bartering is also a great way to start building relationships with other business owners. This way you can also find long-term collaborators and referral partners.

Here’s how barter trading can work:

• Be clear about what you are offering and what you need in return
• I agree with the timeline and deliverables
• Write the contract in writing so that everyone is on the same page

Clearly define what each person is trading and follow along with you. You want to build a reputation for being trustworthy and honest.

6. Reinvest profits

Once you start making money, reinvesting those initial income will help you grow.

That might mean buying a domain name, setting up a more professional website, or investing in software to make your business smoother. You can also start using tools such as email marketing platforms (I like the email newsletter kit), paid ads, or getting paid courses.

When I first started making money through blogging, I reinvested as much as I could. I upgraded my hosting, bought better tools, and hired help when I could afford it.

It’s fascinating to spend or celebrate your first profit on something fun. I definitely think I should treat myself in some way. But if you want to turn the fuss on your side into full-time income, bringing those early dollars back into your business will help you grow faster.

Note: If you’re still working full-time, reinvesting profits from new business ideas is much more possible, as you’re likely to be able to pay your monthly bill. Reinvestment of profits may help you grow at a much faster pace. I know some business owners who secure a certain percentage each month, such as 50%, and use it to resume growth, say, into their business.

7. Your way of thinking is important too

Starting a business without money isn’t just the steps mentioned above. It’s also about your way of thinking.

You may delay or worry about what you are not ready. That’s normal. But remember, there were so many successful businesses that there were none. I spoke to readers and entrepreneurs. This has built the business while breaking, being fired, or experiencing personal challenges.

A common theme? They believed in what they were doing.

The way of thinking doesn’t mean you’re not afraid. That means you’re just going on. You can see failure as part of the process, not as the end of the road. You will realize that success is not instantaneous, but it is worth the effort.

If you wait until everything is perfect, you may never be able to start. So start with what you have and where you are and trust you to understand it.

FAQ

Below are answers to common questions about how to start a business without money.

Can you really start a business for $0?

Yes, if you have $0, you can actually start a business. It may take a little more time and creativity, but many people have done it, including myself. You should be happy to start with free platforms, barter for services, networking and more.

What is the easiest business to start without money?

Service-based businesses are usually the easiest way to start a business with little or no money. This is because it only takes time and skills to get started. Something like freelance writing, private tutoring, and virtual assistant work is the perfect option to start a business from home without any money. Many of them require little or no setup other than creating a social media profile or easy to create websites.

If you don’t have the money, how can you start a business?

If you don’t have money, we recommend starting a business using tools you already have, focusing on selling services, using free marketing tools (such as social media), and reinvesting your initial revenue.

What happens if I don’t have the skills?

You probably have more skills than you understand. If not, you can learn. There are free tutorials, courses and guides on almost every topic online. Think about your friends and colleagues asking you for help – that is usually a clue. If you’re not sure if your business will be selling, try verifying your business ideas with a Kickstarter campaign or by taking it in advance. This is a good way to see if people are interested.

How can I find clients and customers for free?

To find customers for free, we recommend starting with your personal network, posting to Facebook groups, creating social media profiles, and joining sites such as freelance platforms. For example, Facebook groups can share useful tips and build relationships.

How to start a business without money as a teenager?

Even if you don’t have the money as a teenager, there are many ways to start a business. Your options include carbs, babysitting, online freelance, personalized tutoring, photography, dog walks and more. To make extra money to learn more, we recommend that teens read 23 business ideas.

How to Start a Business Without Money – Summary

I hope you enjoyed my article on the best way to start a business without money.

You don’t need thousands of dollars or business loans to get started. Many of the most successful businesses in the world were mostly started by people who started.

I hope this post provides the encouragement and ideas you need to take that first step. Starting is the most difficult part, but it is also the most exciting. Once you start, you will learn more than you thought possible.

I personally started my business with no money and even free design websites. I learned when I went and I’m now making over $5,000,000 in my online business.

What kind of business do you want to start? Do you think it’s possible to start a business with little or no money?

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