Amazon KDP: Create and sell simple books on Amazon with no inventory needed.
Print on Demand: Design T-shirts and other products that Amazon prints and ships for you.
Affiliate Marketing: Earn commissions by recommending products with referral links.
<<< Original Youtube Video Link Here >>>
12 minute-video condensed to 5 minute-read.
In today’s post, we’re diving into a summarized guide based on Greg Gottfried’s latest YouTube video titled, The Best Online Businesses to Start as an Absolute Beginner. Greg, a seasoned entrepreneur, shared this video on November 10, 2024, and it runs for just under 12 minutes.
For anyone eager to explore online income options without sifting through hours of content, this summary pulls together the main takeaways from Greg’s recommendations.
Here’s a blog-friendly breakdown of his top three beginner-friendly online business models, complete with free resources to get you started. If you’re new to making money online or just need a low-risk business idea, here’s the lowdown on Gottfried’s top recommendations.
1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) – The Simplest Way to Start
Gottfried’s first recommendation is Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). This platform allows users to create and sell books directly on Amazon without having to manage inventory, shipping, or even customer service—Amazon handles all that for you. But here’s the catch: you don’t need to write a full novel! In fact, many successful KDP sellers create simpler products like daily planners, blank journals, or themed activity books (think password logbooks or word search puzzles). This is a great route for anyone who’s unsure about their writing skills but still wants to sell products on Amazon.
To get started, all you need is a computer, some simple design tools, and an idea. Gottfried explains that the key to this business model is designing a unique cover and interior layout for your book. Once you have these, Amazon will create a digital listing, print the book on demand, and ship it when a customer buys it. If this sounds daunting, don’t worry—Gottfried has a free, step-by-step tutorial that guides you through every part of the KDP process. And for those looking to minimize their initial costs, KDP is ideal, as it requires no advertising or upfront expenses. This makes it a low-risk way to dip your toes into online business.
2. Print on Demand – Customize Apparel and More
The second model Gottfried recommends is Print on Demand, a business model similar to KDP but focused on custom merchandise, like T-shirts. This concept is straightforward: create designs, upload them to an online store, and when a customer places an order, Amazon or another platform prints and ships the product. Gottfried points out that Amazon Merch on Demand is the biggest marketplace for print-on-demand items, but there are plenty of other platforms you can try, too.
One important note about Print on Demand is that it requires you to apply for a seller account with Amazon Merch on Demand. While waiting for approval (up to 14 days), you can explore other platforms that don’t require applications. To get started with designs, you don’t need graphic design expertise, thanks to user-friendly design tools that offer customizable templates. Gottfried even provides a free tutorial on using these tools effectively. The best part of this model? Print on Demand eliminates the need for inventory, letting you experiment with various designs and niches with minimal risk. Once your account is set up and designs uploaded, you can sit back as Amazon handles the printing and shipping.
3. Affiliate Marketing – The Most Profitable Potential
Finally, Gottfried introduces the highest-earning potential business model on his list: affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing involves recommending products and earning a commission each time someone buys through your unique referral link. For beginners, this could mean joining affiliate programs for products they already use, like those from Amazon’s affiliate program. You might create simple recommendation videos on YouTube or other platforms, where viewers can click on your affiliate links to make a purchase.
One particularly effective approach that Gottfried recommends is creating YouTube videos tailored to product recommendations within a specific niche, such as “best beginner fishing poles.” This method works because people searching for these recommendations are usually ready to make a purchase, which increases the likelihood of earning commissions. Gottfried shows examples from smaller YouTube channels that have gained thousands of views, even with minimal subscribers, simply by focusing on valuable product recommendations. While this model requires video content creation, Gottfried assures that you don’t need to be on camera—you can create videos using product footage alone.
One caveat with affiliate marketing, however, is the need to have hands-on access to the products you promote, which might mean buying them yourself. That said, if you’re promoting products you already own, this setup becomes simpler and cost-effective. Affiliate marketing’s major strength lies in its scalability; as your audience grows, so can your revenue.
These three business models—Amazon KDP, Print on Demand, and Affiliate Marketing—each offer different levels of commitment and earning potential. If you’re a beginner or looking for low-risk, online revenue streams, they’re worth exploring, and Gottfried’s free tutorials will make the startup process easier. Starting an online business doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a little time, experimentation, and Gottfried’s guidance, you could be on your way to earning income from the comfort of your home.
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