36 Competitive Businesses that Run Themselves: Pros and Cons

Are you looking for an opportunity to start a business with minimal effort? If so, why not consider starting a business that runs itself? Self-running businesses can be incredibly profitable and require almost no input from the owner once it has been established.

To help get your creative juices flowing, below you will find 36 examples of businesses that run themselves!

Why choose businesses that run themselves?

Starting a business that runs itself can be incredibly appealing to entrepreneurs. Not only is it more cost-effective than having to hire employees, but it also allows you to focus on other aspects of your life or business without having to worry about the day-to-day operations of your business. Self-running businesses are designed to allow you to be your own boss without all the stress and hands-on management of a traditional business.

Starting Up (Startup Costs)

Before starting any self-running business, it is important to factor in the startup cost. The amount of money you will need depends on the type of business you are looking to run.

For example, if you want to rent out a physical property such as apartments or vacation homes, then your start-up costs would include purchasing or renting the property and setting up the necessary infrastructure, such as plumbing and electrical.

Alternatively, if you plan on selling digital goods such as e-books or software, then your start-up costs would include creating the product and setting up a website to promote and sell your products.

Creating a Business Plan

Once you have calculated the start-up costs and decided on the type of business you want to run, it is important to create a detailed business plan.

A business plan should outline your goals for the business, how long it will take to reach profitability, what resources are required to get started, and any other potential challenges associated with starting the business. The plan should also include a marketing strategy and financial projections so that you can accurately assess the potential of your business.

Startup diagram of Businesses That Run Themselves

Business Model

The type of business model you choose will determine how your self-running business will run. For example, if you decide to rent out a physical property such as apartments or vacation homes, then the most common business model is a rental agreement. Here, you would enter into an agreement with renters and set up a payment plan in return for use of the property.

If you decide to sell digital products online, then a subscription-based business model might be more suitable. In this case, customers would pay a recurring fee in return for access to your digital products.

Automation and Outsourcing

To ensure that your self-running business runs smoothly, it is important to use automation and outsourcing where possible. Automation is the process of setting up systems that allow certain tasks to be completed without any manual intervention. Outsourcing is the process of hiring an external company to take care of certain aspects of your business such as customer service, website design, or accounting.

By automating and outsourcing repetitive tasks, you can free up your time to focus on more important aspects of running your business.

Setting up a Team

Depending on the complexity of your business, you might need to hire employees or freelancers to keep it running smoothly. When setting up a team for your self-running business, it is important to consider who will best be able to manage and oversee the operations of the company.

You should also think about which roles are necessary to ensure the success of your business. If you are unsure, it is always a good idea to consult with experts to get advice on which roles would be most beneficial for your self-running business.

Systems and Processes

Creating systems and processes to support your team can help ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and on time. This includes setting up procedures for handling customer inquiries, managing inventory, tracking orders, and creating financial reports.

By establishing a set of rules and guidelines for the company, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to running your self-running business.

Necessary Tools

To make sure your self-running business runs smoothly, you will need to invest in the necessary tools and technology. This could include accounting software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, or e-commerce platforms for selling products online.

If you are running a physical business, you might need to invest in equipment such as computers, printers, and scanners. Once these tools are set up, they can help automate common tasks and free up your time so that you can focus on other areas of the business.

36 Examples of Businesses That Run Themselves

Regardless of whether you’re interested in renting out a physical property or selling digital products, there is a variety of self-running businesses you can start. Here are 36 examples to get you started:

Apartment rentals

Investing in rental properties can be a great way to make money with minimal effort. Most of the time, you don’t have to do much more than collect rent each month and take care of occasional maintenance requests from your tenants.

To get started, you need to either buy an existing property or build new units if you don’t already have a property to rent out.

Once you own the property and it’s ready to rent, you can list it on rental websites or start advertising in local newspapers. You may also want to consider hiring a professional property management team if you don’t have the time or resources to manage the business yourself.

Pros of apartment rentals:

Relatively low start-up costs
Regular monthly income from renters
Able to leverage potential for appreciation in the property’s value over time
A long-term asset with minimal effort
Can be a passive income business if you hire a management company or use a rental service to collect rent

Cons of apartment rentals:

Property maintenance and repairs can be costly
Potential for non-payment of rent or eviction costs
Finding quality tenants can take time and may require an extra screening/vetting process

Vacation home rentals

Another rental business you can consider is vacation home rentals. This type of business involves renting out your properties to short-term renters.

The biggest advantage of this business is that it can be quite profitable, as vacationers are usually willing to pay more than long-term tenants for the same amount of space.

To get started, you’ll need to find a property that is suitable for vacation rentals. You can purchase or build a new home and then list it on rental websites or advertise it in local newspapers.

You may also want to consider hiring a professional property management team if you don’t have the time or resources to manage the business yourself.

Pros of vacation home rentals:

Potential for high profits from short-term renters
Property management services are available, allowing the business to be a passive income stream
Regular income from rental fees
Low risk due to shorter rental commitments

Cons of vacation home rentals:

Can be difficult to find and maintain a steady stream of renters
Higher start-up costs compared to other rental businesses as you may need to purchase or build the property
Repairs and maintenance can be costly if not taken care of promptly
There is potential for legal issues if the property is not properly maintained or rented out correctly

Online courses

If you have a passion or expertise in a certain subject, you can consider creating and selling online courses. This type of business allows you to leverage your knowledge and experience to teach others.

The great thing about this business is that it’s entirely digital, so there are no expenses associated with physical products. You just need to create the course material and upload it to an online learning platform.

The key to a successful online course business is marketing your courses in the right way. You can use digital marketing tactics such as SEO and social media advertising to get people interested in your product. If you do it right, you can make a lot of money from selling online courses.

Pros of online course business:

Entirely digital, so there are no physical product costs
You can leverage your knowledge and expertise to create a successful business
Can be scaled quickly with the use of digital marketing tactics
High potential for profits due to low overhead costs

Cons of online course business:

Can take a lot of time to create course material and market it correctly
Sustained success depends on finding returning customers who are willing to purchase courses
The potential for piracy without proper digital rights management systems in place

E-books

E-books are a great way to make money and have the potential to become a successful self-running business. All you need is an idea, some writing skills, and the ability to format your content into an e-book.

Once your e-book is ready, you can upload it to various online stores such as Amazon and Apple Books. You can also create a website to promote your e-book and use digital marketing strategies such as SEO and social media marketing to reach more potential customers.

Pros of e-books:

Low start-up costs as you only need an idea, writing skills, and the ability to format content into an e-book
Potential for major profits due to minimal overhead costs
E-books are easy to promote using digital marketing strategies
Can be a passive income stream once the initial work is done

Cons of e-books:

It can take a lot of time to write, format, and design an e-book
Sustained success depends on finding returning customers who are willing to purchase your product
Without the appropriate digital rights management systems, piracy becomes a looming threat with serious consequences

Software as a service (SAAS)

Software as a service (SAAS) is a type of business that offers software applications to customers. The software is delivered over the internet and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.

The great thing about this business model is that it’s entirely digital, so there are no physical products involved. You just need to create the software, host it on a server, and then market it to your target audience.

Pros of SAAS:

Entirely digital, so there are no physical product costs
Can be scaled quickly with the use of digital marketing tactics
With minimal overhead expenses, the potential for financial gain is huge
Can reach a global customer base

Cons of SAAS:

Can take a lot of time to create and market the software correctly
Sustained success depends on finding returning customers who are willing to purchase your product
Without a proper digital rights management system, an opportunity for piracy is open

Streaming services

Streaming services are a great way to make money and have the potential to become a successful self-running business. All you need is some technology, streaming software, and content. You can create your own streaming service or partner with existing streaming services like YouTube or Twitch.

Once you’ve set up the platform and uploaded your content, you can use digital marketing strategies such as SEO and social media advertising to reach more potential viewers. You can then monetize your streaming service by offering pay-per-view or subscription plans.

For example, if you create a video series, you can offer viewers the option to pay for each episode or subscribe to gain access to all of your content.

Pros of streaming services:

Low start-up costs as you only need technology, streaming software, and content
High potential for profits due to low overhead costs
Easy to promote using digital marketing strategies like SEO and social media advertisements
Can be a passive income stream once the initial work is done

Cons of streaming services:

It can take a lot of time to create content and market it correctly
Success depends on finding returning customers who are willing to purchase your product
Potential for digital piracy

Subscription boxes

Subscription boxes offer a profitable, effortless way to gain passive income. Setting up your subscription box doesn’t have to be time-consuming – it can practically run itself with minimal maintenance! All you need is to create an attractive product, package it nicely, and promote it using digital marketing strategies such as SEO and social media marketing.

The goal of a subscription box business model is to build recurring revenue by offering customers a subscription plan to receive regular deliveries of your product. You can also offer discounts and incentives such as free shipping or discounted prices for long-term subscriptions.

Pros of subscription boxes:

Low start-up costs as you only need materials and resources to create the product
High potential for profits due to low overhead costs
Easy to promote using digital marketing strategies like SEO and social media advertisements
Can be a passive income stream once the initial work is done

Cons of subscription boxes:

It can take a lot of time to create content and market it correctly
Sustained success depends on finding returning customers who are willing to purchase your product
Without the right preventive measures in place, digital content is vulnerable to piracy

Video streaming platforms

Video streaming platforms are a great example of businesses that can run themselves. All you need is an idea, some tech know-how, and the right content. You can create your own video platform or partner with existing ones such as YouTube or Vimeo.

Once you have uploaded your content, the platform will take care of the rest. You’ll be able to generate revenue through ads and allow viewers to purchase or rent your content. This business model requires minimal maintenance and can provide a steady stream of income without requiring a lot of effort on your part.

Pros of video streaming platforms:

Very low maintenance
Generates passive income through ads and other purchases
Allows you to reach a potentially global audience
Can be scaled easily by adding more content

Cons of video streaming platforms:

Difficult to get noticed among the competition without marketing or promotion.
Content can become outdated quickly.
May require a large upfront investment in content creation or tech know-how

Online magazines and newsletters

Another great way to start a business that runs itself is through online magazines and newsletters. Creating an online magazine or newsletter requires minimal effort and can be scaled easily.

You will need to create content that appeals to your target audience, which could range from lifestyle topics to tech news. You can then publish the magazine on various platforms such as WordPress or Apple News.

Pros of online magazines and newsletters:

Low maintenance
High potential for generating passive income through ads
Can reach a larger audience with minimal effort

Cons of online magazines and newsletters:

Requires content creation that is consistently engaging and up-to-date.
May require some tech know-how.
Can be difficult to get noticed among the competition without marketing or promotion

Web hosting services

A reseller account with a web hosting service can provide entrepreneurs with an effortless way to start their own businesses. It requires minimal setup and provides you with the ability to manage multiple websites from one central location.

You will be able to offer different types of web hosting services such as shared, VPS, or dedicated servers. You can then charge customers for these services, creating a passive income stream.

Pros of web hosting services:

Low start-up cost
High potential for earning passive income
Allows you to manage multiple websites from one dashboard
No need to worry about server maintenance or customer support

Cons of web hosting services:

Competition may be stiff in certain niches
Not as popular of a service as other self-running businesses
May require some technical know-how to get started

Online stores and marketplaces

Online stores and marketplaces provide entrepreneurs with a great opportunity to start their own self-running business. You can create an online store that sells physical or digital products, or you can join an existing marketplace such as Amazon or Etsy.

You will be able to easily manage your store through the platform’s dashboard and promote it using various digital marketing tactics. The key is to create a store that appeals to your target audience and offers products or services that meet their needs.

Pros of online stores and marketplaces:

Minimal investment to get started
High potential for generating passive income
Allows you to reach a larger audience with minimal effort
No need to worry about customer service

Cons of online stores and marketplaces:

Requires some technical know-how to set up
Competition can be fierce
May require a large upfront investment in products or services
Can be difficult to get noticed among the competition without marketing or promotion

App development services

If you have the skills and knowledge to develop mobile applications, then starting an app development service can be a great way to start your own self-running business. You will need to create apps that meet the needs of your clients and promote them through various digital marketing tools.

Your clients will likely pay you for your services as well as any updates or maintenance that is needed. This allows you to create a passive income stream from your app development business.

Pros of app development services:

Has potential for high profits
Allows you to be creative and work with different clients
No need to worry about customer service

Cons of app development services:

Requires technical knowledge and skill
The competition can be intense
May require a large upfront investment in software and equipment
Standing out amongst the competition without any marketing can be difficult

Digital marketing agencies

Digital marketing agencies provide businesses with the opportunity to advertise their services and products online. With little effort, entrepreneurs have the potential to realize significant returns when they utilize this self-running business model.

As a digital marketing agency, you will need to create campaigns that target your clients’ customers and promote them through various digital channels such as social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and content marketing.

Pros of digital marketing agencies:

Low start-up cost
High potential for generating passive income
No need to worry about customer service
Allows you to reach a larger audience with minimal effort

Cons of digital marketing agencies:

Technical know-how may be required to get started
It may be competitive in certain niches
Can be difficult to stand out amongst the competition without a promotion

Graphic design studios

Creating and selling graphic design services can be a great way to get started with your own self-running business. Graphic design studios provide businesses with the opportunity to create visual content such as logos, websites, or printed materials.

You will likely need some technical know-how and creativity to create designs that appeal to your client’s target audience. Once you have the skills and knowledge, you can start promoting your services through various digital channels and attract more clients.

Pros of graphic design studios:

Low start-up cost
High potential for generating passive income
No need to worry about customer service
Allows you to work with different clients and explore your creativity

Cons of graphic design studios:

May require some experience to get started
Competition can be intense in certain areas
Standing out amongst the competition without any marketing can be difficult

Virtual assistant businesses

Virtual assistants offer businesses the opportunity to outsource certain tasks such as customer service, data entry, and administrative duties. This is a great option for entrepreneurs who want to start their own self-running business without having to manage employees.

With virtual assistant businesses, you can offer services that are tailored to your clients’ needs. You will also need to promote your services and utilize digital marketing tools to reach potential clients.

Pros of virtual assistant businesses:

Low start-up cost
High potential for generating passive income
No need to worry about customer service or managing employees
Allows you to work with different clients and explore different industries

Cons of virtual assistant businesses:

May require some experience to get started
Competition can be intense in certain areas
Standing out amongst the competition without any marketing can be difficult
No direct interaction with clients may lead to a lack of motivation or engagement

Affiliate marketing programs

Affiliate marketing programs allow entrepreneurs to promote and sell products or services on behalf of other businesses. These self-running businesses can be extremely lucrative with minimal effort involved.

You will need to create an online presence through a website or blog to start promoting your affiliate links, as well as use digital marketing tactics such as SEO and content creation to reach potential customers.

Pros of affiliate marketing programs:

Low start-up cost
The potential to generate passive income is limitless
No need to worry about managing employees
Allows you to promote different products or services without any overhead costs

Cons of affiliate marketing programs:

Can be time-consuming and difficult to get started
High competition
No control over product or customer service
Potential to lose money if affiliate link not properly promoted

Social media management services

For entrepreneurs looking to start a self-running business, social media management services can be an attractive option. This type of business allows you to manage various social media accounts for clients and help them reach their target audience.

You will need to create profiles on different platforms, use digital marketing tactics such as SEO, content creation, and advertising to increase visibility, and engage with the target audience.

Pros of social media management services:

Low setup costs: All you need is the right software and access to platforms.
Ability to work remotely: You can provide your services without having to be physically present in one place.
Grow your network: As you manage more accounts, you grow your network of clients and potential customers quickly.
High ROI: Social media management services can yield high ROI in terms of time invested and money earned.

Cons of social media management services:

Management skills required: You will need to be organized, have good communication skills, and know how to engage with an audience.
Constant learning process: As digital marketing is constantly evolving, you will need to stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques.
Time investment: Managing multiple accounts can take a lot of time, so you will need to be prepared for that.

Online tutoring

Online tutoring is another great way to start a self-running business. You can offer virtual tutoring in any subject and help students from all over the world reach their goals.

You will need to create an interactive platform like a website or blog, create content such as lesson plans and tutorials, use digital marketing tactics to reach potential students, and be available for their questions.

Pros of online tutoring:

Highly flexible
No need for physical space
Ability to work remotely
High ROI

Cons of online tutoring:

May require specific qualifications
Competition can be high in certain areas
Requires a considerable time investment to build up a successful business
No direct contact with students may lead to a lack of motivation or engagement

Virtual event management companies

Virtual event management companies provide online services to help people create and run events, such as conferences, webinars, summits, or workshops.

You will need to set up a platform for running the events, create content such as presentations and materials for participants, use digital marketing tactics to reach potential customers, and be available for customer service.

Pros of virtual event management:

Low setup costs
The potential to generate a large income
Ability to work remotely and manage events from anywhere in the world
No need for physical space
High ROI

Cons of virtual event management:

Competition can be high in certain areas
Requires a considerable time investment to build up a successful business
No direct contact with customers which can lead to a lack of engagement
Building the right team and resources to make sure everything runs according to plan is essential

SEO agencies

SEO agencies provide digital marketing services to businesses that need to improve their online visibility. You will work on optimizing content, developing strategies for websites, and helping clients reach their target audience.

You will need to be knowledgeable in SEO tactics such as keyword research, link building, content optimization, and analytics. You will also need to use digital marketing tactics such as SEO, content creation, and advertising to reach potential customers.

Pros of SEO agencies:

High ROI
Ability to work remotely
No need for physical space
Grow your network quickly
Access to a variety of clients with different needs

Cons of SEO agencies:

Requires a lot of technical knowledge
Staying on top of Google algorithm changes
Competition with other SEO agencies
Time-consuming
Clients may not see results right away

Online product review websites

If you are passionate about certain products or services, setting up an online product review website could be a great way to make money. You can create reviews for the products and services that you are most familiar with and offer advice on which ones may work best for a particular customer.

You will need to have good research skills to provide accurate and comprehensive product reviews. You will also need to be knowledgeable about digital marketing tactics such as content creation, social media, and email campaigns.

Pros of online product review websites:

Ability to work remotely
No need for physical space
Grow your network quickly
Opportunity to reach a wide range of customers
Potential to generate a large income

Cons of online product review websites:

Competition with other similar websites
Requires a lot of research and knowledge about the subject matter
Time-consuming process
Difficult to create content that is engaging and informative

Crowdfunding platforms

Crowdfunding platforms provide a great way for entrepreneurs to raise funds for their project or venture without having to rely on traditional avenues of investment.

You will need to have a good understanding of the legal and financial aspects of crowdfunding, as well as digital marketing tactics such as SEO, content creation, and social media. You will also need to be able to provide customer service, manage payments and donations, and communicate with potential investors.

Pros of crowdfunding platforms:

Ability to raise funds quickly
No need for physical space
Potential for a large return on investment
Access to a variety of customers from around the world
High ROI

Cons of crowdfunding platforms:

Time-consuming process
Requires a lot of legal and financial knowledge
Competition with other platforms
Potential for not raising enough funds to meet your goal
Risk of losing money if the project doesn’t reach its goal

Video production firms

Video production firms offer services such as video editing, motion graphics, and animation. You will need to be knowledgeable about video production techniques and have a strong understanding of digital marketing tactics such as content creation, social media, and email campaigns.

You will also need to have good customer service skills to meet the needs of your clients.

Pros of video production firms:

Grow your network quickly
No need for physical space
Ability to work remotely
Access to a variety of customers from around the world
High ROI potential

Cons of video production firms:

Time-consuming process
Requires a lot of technical knowledge and experience
Competition with other video production firms
Clients may not always be satisfied with the results

Drone service providers

Drone service providers offer services such as aerial photography, 3D mapping, and data collection. You will need to have a good understanding of the legal aspects of flying drones, as well as the necessary safety protocols that need to be followed. Additionally, you will need to establish a customer base, as this type of business is highly competitive.

Once you have the necessary setup and customer base, however, drone service providers can be fairly self-running businesses – with minimal time required from the business owner. The services are usually on-demand, and you can easily automate the processes involved in flying drones and collecting data. This type of business is also great for entrepreneurs who are interested in working with technology and staying on top of trends.

Pros of providing drone services:

Low startup costs compared to traditional businesses
You can work remotely
Automation of services makes it easy to run without having to be constantly involved
A growing industry with potential for expansion.

Cons of providing drone services:

Highly regulated industry, so you will need to stay up-to-date with the legal regulations regarding drone use
Competition is high, so marketing and customer acquisition will be essential for success
It can take some time to build a customer base and establish yourself in the industry.

Copywriting

Copywriting is a great way to start a business that runs itself. You can specialize in copywriting for webpages, blogs, and other digital content. It’s also possible to offer services such as social media copywriting and email campaigns.

You will need to be knowledgeable about the principles of effective writing as well as how to write content that engages the reader. Additionally, you will need to be familiar with SEO and digital marketing tactics such as content creation, social media campaigns, and email marketing.

Pros of copywriting:

Low startup costs compared to traditional businesses
Ability to work remotely
Potential for a large return on investment
Ability to specialize in different forms of writing, such as social media copywriting and email campaigns.

Cons of copywriting:

Competition with other copywriters is high, so you may need to market your services heavily in order to stand out
Can be time-consuming work if you are creating content from scratch
You will need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in digital marketing, such as SEO and content creation

Online stores

Online stores are businesses that can be run without much involvement from the owner. All you need to have is an online presence, a good product or service, and a way to facilitate payments. You will also need to have an understanding of e-commerce, digital marketing, and customer service. Once you’ve established your online store, you can easily automate the sales process and manage it from anywhere in the world.

A good example of an online store is a drop shipping business. This type of business involves sourcing products from suppliers and selling them on your own website without having to physically store or ship the product. All you need to do is manage the orders, customer service, and marketing campaigns.

Pros of online stores:

Low startup costs compared to traditional businesses
Ability to work remotely
Ability to automate the sales process and manage it from anywhere in the world
A wide range of products can be sold

Cons of online stores:

Competition is high, so you will need to stand out with good marketing practices
You will need an understanding of customer service, e-commerce, and digital marketing
Finding reliable suppliers is essential for success.

Video game development

Video game development requires you to create video games that can be sold digitally on platforms such as Steam, PlayStation Network, and Xbox Live. You will need an understanding of software development and game design to create the games. Once you have developed the game, you can automate the process of selling and distributing it across platforms.

Pros of video game development:

Do not need to hire employees or invest in physical infrastructure.
Can reach a wider audience with digital products, as opposed to physical ones.
Can automate the process of selling and distributing your games

Cons of video game development:

It requires a good understanding of software development and game design
The market is highly competitive, so it can be difficult to stand out
You may need to invest in marketing to get the word out about your games

Digital advertising agency

A digital advertising agency is a business that specializes in creating and managing digital marketing campaigns. You will need to have knowledge of digital marketing, including SEO, content creation, social media campaigns, copywriting, and email marketing. Additionally, you will need to be able to manage multiple clients and their campaigns simultaneously.

Pros of running a digital advertising agency:

Low startup costs compared to traditional businesses
Ability to work remotely and manage multiple clients
Opportunity to specialize in different forms of digital marketing

Cons of running a digital advertising agency:

Competition is high, and you may need to market your services heavily
You will need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in digital marketing
Can be time-consuming work if you are managing several clients at once

Direct-to-consumer e-commerce stores

Direct-to-consumer e-commerce stores are businesses that sell products directly to customers without using a middleman. This type of business requires you to create an online presence, manage customer service and marketing campaigns, and handle shipping and returns. You will also need to be knowledgeable in customer service, digital marketing, and e-commerce.

Pros of direct-to-consumer e-commerce stores:

Low overhead costs compared to traditional businesses
Ability to target a large audience with digital marketing campaigns
Flexibility in setting your own hours and working remotely

Cons of direct-to-consumer e-commerce stores:

Requires significant investment in digital marketing campaigns
High level of competition – there are a lot of other businesses selling similar products online
Requires dedication and hard work to build a reputation and customer loyalty

Reputation management services

Reputation management services are businesses that help companies protect and improve their online reputations. This type of business requires you to understand the latest trends in digital marketing, SEO, and social media. You will also need to be knowledgeable about customer service and have strong communication skills.

Pros of running a reputation management business:

Ability to work remotely and with multiple clients
Can be a profitable business if you can cultivate customer loyalty
You will need to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in digital marketing

Cons of running a reputation management business:

Competition is high, so it may take some time to build your customer base.
Requires significant investment in digital marketing campaigns
You will need to have strong communication skills to effectively manage customer relationships

Podcast creation and distribution

Podcast creation and distribution focuses on creating, producing, and distributing podcasts. You will need to have knowledge of audio recording and editing, as well as digital marketing. Additionally, you will need to understand the various podcasting platforms and how to use them effectively.

Pros of running a podcast creation/distribution business:

Low startup costs compared to other businesses
Opportunity to network with a variety of people in the industry
Ability to work remotely and manage multiple podcasts at once

Cons of running a podcast creation/distribution business:

Higher learning curve compared to other businesses
More competition than other self-running businesses
Difficulty in getting your podcasts discovered and reaching a wide audience

Automated sales funnel building

Automated sales funnel building involves creating automated processes for driving leads and generating sales. You will need to be knowledgeable about automation tools and customer service. Additionally, you will need to have a strong understanding of how to create effective conversions.

An example of automated sales funnel building can be seen in a business that sells digital products. The sales funnel would include the process of driving leads to the website, engaging with them through email marketing campaigns, and then converting those leads into paying customers.

Pros of running an automated sales funnel-building business:

Ability to scale quickly as you build your customer base
Flexibility to work remotely and with multiple clients
Low overhead costs compared to traditional businesses

Cons of running an automated sales funnel-building business:

Requires a lot of time and energy in the beginning stages
High level of competition – there are a lot of other businesses doing similar things online
Requires dedication to learn automation tools
Requires dedication to stay up-to-date on the latest digital marketing trends and techniques

3D printing business

3D printing involves using a 3D printer to create physical products. This type of business requires an understanding of 3D design software as well as an understanding of the materials used in 3D printing.

A good example of a 3D printing business could create custom mugs. The customer would design the product they want, and then the business would use their 3D printer to create it. This type of business requires some upfront investment in a 3D printer but can become very profitable once you have established your customer base.

Pros of running a 3D printing business:

Ability to create custom products for customers
Opportunity to network with a variety of people in different industries
Ability to work remotely and manage multiple projects at once

Cons of running a 3D printing business:

Requires a significant investment in 3D printing equipment and materials
High levels of competition – there are a lot of other 3D printing businesses out there
Requires dedication to understand the nuances of 3D design software
Requires dedication to keeping up with industry trends

Digital content curation websites

Digital content curation websites focus on creating and managing digital collections of content. This type of business requires an understanding of web development, as well as an understanding of how to effectively promote the website.

An example of a digital content curation website could specialize in music. The website would create a library of music from different artists, and then allow users to search the library and purchase individual tracks. This type of business requires some upfront investment in web development but can be a great way to generate additional revenue once it is established.

Pros of running a digital content curation website:

Low start-up costs: You don’t need to purchase physical products or hire employees.
Automated content updates: Once the website is established, the content can be updated automatically with minimal effort on the part of the owner.
Potential for additional revenue: Digital content curation websites offer a great opportunity to generate additional income.

Cons of running a digital content curation website:

Unexpected web costs: As with any online business venture, there are potential hidden web costs that may come up.
Time-consuming setup: Setting up and managing this type of website requires a certain level of technical knowledge and experience.
Difficult to market: Digital content curation websites can be difficult to market due to their niche nature.

Virtual reality experience providers

Virtual reality experience providers are businesses that provide customers with immersive experiences in a virtual environment. This type of business requires an understanding of the technology involved and how to create content for it.

An example of a virtual reality experience provider could offer interactive games and experiences. The customer would purchase the VR headset and then have access to a variety of interactive VR experiences. This type of business requires some upfront investment in the hardware but can be a great way to generate additional revenue from customers who are interested in immersive entertainment.

Pros of running a virtual reality experience provider:

Opportunity to network with a variety of people in different industries
Ability to create unique experiences for customers
Potential for additional revenue

Cons of running a virtual reality experience provider:

High setup costs: This type of business requires an investment in the necessary hardware and software.
Competition: There is a lot of competition in this space, so you will need to be creative and innovative in order to stand out.
Time-consuming setup: Setting up and managing a virtual reality experience requires tech know-how and an understanding of the technology involved.
Potential for technical issues: As with any business dependent on technology, there is always the potential for technical issues to arise.

Online language courses

Online language courses are businesses that offer language learning services to customers. This type of business requires an understanding of the language teaching process, as well as a commitment to creating high-quality content.

An example of an online language course could offer English classes for Spanish speakers. The customer would purchase the course and then have access to a variety of video lessons, quizzes, and other learning materials. This type of business requires some upfront investment in the course content.

Pros of running an online language course:

Opportunity to reach a global audience
Low overhead costs, as most of the course material, can be pre-recorded and stored digitally
Potential for high-profit margins once content is created
Flexible hours: can work from home or anywhere with an internet connection

Cons of running an online language course:

Requires dedication and commitment to creating high-quality content
Requires a good understanding of the language teaching process
Competitors may offer similar courses at lower prices
Potential for marketing costs to attract customers

Summary

So there you have it, 36 businesses that run themselves and how to launch them.

Starting a business that runs itself is an attractive option for entrepreneurs. There are many different types of businesses to choose from, ranging from physical property rentals to digital product sales and online language courses.

Each type of self-running business has its own unique pros and cons which should be taken into account before making any decisions. With the right amount of dedication, research, and effort, it’s possible to start a business that runs itself and that can generate additional income with minimal overhead costs or time investment.

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