Starting a small business can be a rewarding way to generate income, and choosing the right products or services to sell is key to success. Below, we've categorized 10 things you can sell into physical products, digital products, and services, making it easy for you to identify areas of interest. Each comes with insights into market demand, tips to get started, and real-world success examples to inspire your entrepreneurial journey.
Physical Products
1. Handmade Jewelry
Market Demand: The global handmade jewelry market was valued at $156.26 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.3% from 2025 to 2030, indicating strong consumer interest in unique and personalized products.
- How to Start: Work with trending materials like resin or semi-precious stones. Sell on platforms like Etsy or Shopify, and use social media hashtags to attract niche audiences.
- Real-Life Example: Karen Frederick, founder of Kole Jax Designs, launched her online jewelry and accessories brand as a side hustle in 2012. Leveraging platforms like YouTube, Etsy, and Facebook, she has grown her business significantly, achieving a 70% year-over-year sales increase from July 2023 to July 2024
2. Customised Apparel
Market Demand: The custom apparel market is booming, especially among small businesses and sports teams. Key insights from recent reports show that the global custom apparel market is expected to grow by USD 2.45 billion between 2025 and 2029, with a CAGR of 8.4% during this period. This growth is fueled by increased internet usage, smartphone adoption, and the rise of DIY culture.
- How to Start: Leverage print-on-demand platforms to eliminate the need for inventory and streamline your operations. Explore creative, themed designs to stand out and capture attention.
- Real-Life Example: Ralph Lauren’s Polo Custom Shop enables customers to design their own custom embroidery on polo shirts, caps, and blazers. Using a smartphone or tablet, customers can choose colors, graphics, and layouts to create unique, personalized apparel. This initiative highlights how brands are leveraging personalization to cater to consumer demand for individuality in fashion.
3. Eco-Friendly Products
Market Demand: 55% of consumers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly brands.
- How to Start: Begin with small-scale items like reusable straws, shopping bags, or beeswax wraps. List your products on Amazon or sustainable marketplaces like Etsy.
- Tip: Highlight eco-friendly benefits in your marketing to resonate with environmentally-conscious shoppers.
Digital Products
4. E-books or Workbooks
- Market Demand: With the rise of remote learning, digital educational materials are highly sought after.
- How to Start: Identify a niche topic or skill, create a digital guide, and sell it on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or your website.
- Pro Tip: Create evergreen content that consistently attracts buyers.
5. Online Courses
Market Demand: The eLearning industry grew by 900% between 2000 and 2020.
- How to Start: Share your unique expertise on platforms like Teachable, Udemy, or Kajabi. Offer beginner or advanced-level material.
- Pro Tip: Focus on a niche topic you’re passionate about to stand out in the competitive eLearning market.
6. Graphic Design Templates
Market Demand: Small businesses are always looking for affordable, professional-looking assets.
- How to Start: Create templates for resumes, social media, or presentations using tools like Canva. Sell them on Creative Market or your website.
- Real-Life Example: Katya Varbanova's Canva templates generated $750,000+ annually with strategic marketing and affiliate programs.
Digital Products
7. Freelance Writing
Market Demand: The size of the content marketing industry is over $564.8 billion and is set to reach $1.95 trillion by 2032 (Research Drive)
- How to Start: Specialize in blogs, product descriptions, or technical writing. Build a portfolio on Upwork or Fiverr.
- Example: A freelance writer scales to $7,000/month by niching in technology blogs.
8. Photography Services
Market Demand: From weddings to branding shoots, quality images are a worthwhile investment for many clients.
- How to Start: Build a portfolio with mock shoots or friends. Advertise via Instagram or local marketplace groups.
- Pro Tip: Offer mini-sessions to attract small-time customers initially
9. Tutoring or Coaching
Market Demand: Online tutoring saw a massive increase during the pandemic, and demand for career or life coaching continues to grow.
- How to Start: Choose a platform like Wyzant or build a website for coaching services. Specialize in an academic subject, business skills, or lifestyle
A Low-Risk, Cost-Effective Business Model
10. Print-on-Demand
Market Demand: The print-on-demand industry has seen significant growth thanks to the rise of e-commerce and personalized products. Customers love custom designs on items like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases, making it a lucrative niche for creative entrepreneurs.
- How to Start: Begin by creating unique designs or hiring a freelance designer. Use print on demand platform which handle printing, inventory, and shipping for you. Integrate these services with marketplaces like Etsy or your Shopify store for seamless sales.
- Pro Tip: Focus on a specific niche or trending topics to attract your target audience. For example, design products with motivational quotes, fandom art, or seasonal items to align with customer interests. Promote your designs via social media and collaborations with influencers in your niche.
Start Your Small Business Today
Whether you’re selling handmade goods, digital resources, or services, today’s markets are full of opportunity. Research trends, assess your skills, and use platforms tailored to your niche. Success takes persistence, but your side hustle could become your main hustle.
At QPMN, we help entrepreneurs launch quickly with tools like print-on-demand card decks and custom puzzles—no inventory needed. Ready to grow your small business? Partner with us today!
Contact Us
Contact us today to discuss your business with our Growth Manager. Let's grow together!