Start generating business ideas with the Wix Business Launcher →
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the dream of becoming an entrepreneur doesn’t have to mean sacrificing all of your time and resources. Automated business models are transforming the way we approach entrepreneurship, offering a pathway to efficiency and long-term financial freedom.
If you’ve ever wondered how to start a business that operates with minimal daily input, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll explore six innovative automated business ideas that can help you create a business that practically runs itself.
What is an automated business idea?
An automated business idea uses technology to streamline operations, reduce manual workloads and improve your efficiency. For small business owners, an automated business can mean the difference between spending countless hours on repetitive tasks or focusing on growth and innovation.
Imagine customer service chatbots that handle inquiries 24/7 or software that automatically manages your inventory so that you're never out of stock. By integrating automation, you not only save time and money but also create a more reliable and scalable business model.
The key to a successful automated business ideas is to identify which businesses processes and ideas can be automated either partially or in full—without compromising the quality of service or product you offer.
Still not sure which business idea is best for you? Weigh your options with the Wix Business Launcher, which uses AI to match you with the right business idea based on your skills and goals. The Wix Business Launcher equips you with market research, earnings strategies and a launch kit for every idea, so you can get started with confidence.
7 profitable automated business ideas to start
01. Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is the promoting of products or services of other companies and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral. It works by you adding affiliate (tracked links) in your website content. Then every time one of your site visitors clicks through to the link, you earn money from the brand you're taking them to. Some companies will pay affiliate marketers based on clicks, others only if there is a sale.
Why is it a good automated business idea?
Minimal overhead costs: All you need is a website and connections to brands looking for affiliates.
Passive income potential: Other than updating content and keeping traffic coming to your website, this can be a low effort business idea.
Wide range of products to choose from: Affiliate marketing covers big brands, small businesses, consumer products, courses and services.
Flexibility in terms of marketing strategies: Focus on marketing your website to generate traffic and your affiliate marketing will generally take care of itself.
02. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where you don't stock the products you sell. Instead, you advertise and sell a product, then your third party dropshipping supplier has it shipped directly to your customer.
Why is it a good automated business idea?
No need for inventory management: This means you don't have to keep stock leading to unsold surplus but you don't have to manage it either. This means no warehousing and other inventory solutions.
Low upfront investment: You don't need to buy stock or pay for storage of it.
Efficient order fulfillment process: Be sure to check reviews of your dropshipping supplier to make sure they deliver on shipping times.
Scalable business model: You can start this automated business idea with next to no money, then scale as it becomes profitable. This can mean widening your product based or other business growth angles.
Launch your dropshipping business with a dropshipping builder like Wix.
03. Social media management
Managing social media accounts for businesses to help them grow their online brand presence, engage with customers and drive sales can be a good partially automated business idea. You'll still need to invest in content creation but you can automate the scheduling, posting and tracking of it.
Why is it a good automated business idea?
Increasing demand for social media services: A lot of companies, ranging from small businesses to big brands, are looking for help with their social media management.
Opportunity to work with diverse clients: You can work across a range of industries and fields.
Remote work flexibility: Social media managers can work from anywhere with an internet connection.
Ability to showcase creativity and strategic thinking: Even though large parts of this can be automated, there is still a lot of creativity involved. This give you the opporutnity show off your unique experience and individuality.
04. Print on demand
Print on demand allows you to create custom designs for various products like T-shirts mugs, and phone cases—then sell them. Items are produced only when an order is placed, eliminating the need for inventory.
Why is it a good automated business idea?
Minimal to no inventory costs: You only pay for what is ordered.
High customization options: The sky's the limit when it comes to designs.
Print-on-demand platforms handle production and shipping: making this a hassle-free business idea.
Ideal for creative entrepreneurs who are looking to combine creativity with a money-making business idea.
05. Online courses
By creating and selling online courses on a topic you're knowledgeable about, you can provide valuable information to a global audience that can then be monetized as a business.
Why is it a good automated business idea?
Scalable income potential: If your courses are popular, you can create more and repeat the cycle of profitability.
Low overhead costs: You'll need to start by making a website to host and sell your courses and invest in creating your content but generally this can be done with limited investment.
Sharing expertise and knowledge: This can be a rewarding way to make extra income.
Flexibility in content creation: You can start with what you know and grow to produce more of what your audience wants.
Passive income: Once created, your online courses can be marketed and sold to new audiences without extra investment costs. You can also update them, repackage them and keep selling them over and over again.
06. App development
Developing and building mobile apps for various purposes, such as entertainment, productivity or eCommerce can be a good low investment business idea.
Why is it a good automated business idea?
Growing demand for mobile apps: This makes it profitable once you app takes off.
Potential for recurring revenue from in-app purchases: This is what makes it a good automated business idea because you can keep earning passive income with limited effort.
Ability to reach a vast audience via app stores, making it potentially very profitable.
07. Printables and digital downloads
Selling digital or printable products, like templates, planners, ebooks and other downloadable resources can be a good automated business idea.
Why is it a good automated business idea?
Low overhead costs: You only need to create your product once and can sell it multiple times without the need for inventory storage.
Passive income potential: Your products can continue to earn money even when you are not actively selling them.
Flexibility in product creation: You can use your skills and knowledge to create products that resonate with your target audience.
Wide range of platforms to sell on: From marketplaces like Etsy to creating your own website, there are many ways to reach customers and sell your products.
How to start an automated business idea
Starting an automated business can be a game-changer for small business owners. Automation allows you to streamline operations, reduce manual tasks and focus on growing your business. Here’s how to get started.
Choose a business idea
Your first step is to identify a business idea that lends itself well to automation. Look for concepts where repetitive tasks can be streamlined using technology. Examples include eCommerce stores, subscription services, or digital marketing agencies. Choose something you're passionate about and that has a market demand.
Write a business plan
A well-thought-out business plan is crucial. Outline your business objectives, target market, pricing strategy and operational plan. This document will serve as your roadmap, guiding you through the startup phase and beyond. It will also be essential if you seek funding.
Choose business type and entity
Decide on the type of business you want to start. Will it be a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation? Each type has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best fits your needs. Consult with a legal advisor if you're unsure about which to start. Each type has different tax and management structure requirements so it's important to do your research first.
Consider your funding options
Starting a business often requires capital. Explore various funding options such as personal savings, small business loans or investors. Crowdfunding platforms can also be an excellent way to raise funds while validating your business idea.
Register and license your business
Register your business and obtain any necessary licenses and permits to run it. The requirements vary depending on your location and industry, so check with local authorities. Proper registration ensures your business operates legally and builds trust with customers.
Build a business website
Most automated business ideas need a website to get you started. You can make a business website, build an ecommerce website or start an online store to get your idea online.
Opt for a website builder that includes robust website infrastructure, including web hosting, a domain name and enterprise-grade security features.
Market and promote your business
Now that you’re set up, it’s time to attract customers. Develop and implement marketing strategies that include social media, email marketing and content marketing. Use SEO to get your website ranking well in search engine results. This is crucial for some automated business ideas, such as affiliate marketing and dropshipping or print on demand. Engage with your target audience and build a community around your brand.
Automated business ideas FAQ
How much time do I need to invest in running an automated business?
The time required to establish your business varies based on its type and automation level. Initially, you’ll invest more time to get things off the ground. As your processes become automated, you’ll find you can spend less time on daily tasks. It’s crucial to keep monitoring and optimizing your business for ongoing success.