Last Updated on March 9, 2025 by Jeremy

The internet has changed everything. Whether you’re working from home, traveling full-time in an RV, or just looking for extra income, starting an online business has never been easier.

With automation, AI, and digital tools available, more people are ditching traditional 9-to-5 jobs in favor of flexible, remote-friendly income streams. But what actually works? And how do you get started without wasting time on the wrong business model?

This guide breaks down five of the best online businesses you can start from anywhere—even if you’re traveling or living full-time in an RV.

• What makes a great online business? (What to look for)
• Top 5 online business models (With real pros & cons)
• How to get started TODAY (Step-by-step)

And if you’re wondering which platform can help you get started the fastest, I’ll share the exact one I used to launch my online business.

Let’s dive in.

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What Makes a Great Online Business?

Not all online businesses are created equal. Some require too much upfront investment, while others take years to become profitable. The best online businesses share these key traits:

✔ Low startup costs – You don’t need a huge budget to get started.
✔ Scalability – The ability to grow your income over time without being stuck at an hourly wage.
✔ Flexibility – Can be managed from anywhere, whether you’re at home or parked at a scenic campsite.
✔ Minimal inventory & logistics – The less you have to deal with shipping, storage, or product handling, the better.

Keeping these factors in mind, let’s look at five of the best online business models—with real-world pros and cons.

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1. Affiliate Marketing & Blogging

Best for: RVers, travelers, digital nomads, and anyone who loves sharing knowledge & recommendations.

Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest and most passive ways to make money online. Instead of creating your own products, you promote other companies’ products and earn a commission on sales.

🔹 Example: Let’s say you run an RV blog. You could recommend:

• RV gear
• Campground booking sites
• Digital products (ebooks, online courses)

If someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you get paid—without handling any inventory or customer service.

Pros of Affiliate Marketing:

✔ No inventory, no product creation, no customer service.
✔ Works from anywhere—just need a laptop & WiFi.
✔ 100% scalable—the more content you create, the more you earn.

Cons:

• Takes time to build traffic (but once it does, income becomes passive).
• Requires content creation—writing, video, or social media promotion.

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2. E-Commerce (Selling Physical or Digital Products)

Best for: Anyone who loves selling products and has a strong marketing mindset.

E-commerce businesses sell products online—either physical products (like gear & gadgets) or digital products (like courses & templates).

🔹 Example:

• Physical products: Selling RV accessories, outdoor gear, or handmade crafts.
• Digital products: Selling printables, ebooks, or online courses.

Pros:

✔ Scalable—high potential earnings.
✔ Many platforms to choose from (Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, Amazon).

Cons:

• Logistics & shipping costs (for physical products).
• Higher competition—requires a strong marketing strategy.

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3. Dropshipping

Best for: Entrepreneurs who want to sell physical products without handling inventory.

Dropshipping (identical to E-commerce) is a low-risk business model where you sell products online, but instead of stocking items yourself, a supplier ships them directly to your customers.

🔹 Example: You set up an online store selling camping gear, RV accessories, or travel gadgets. When someone places an order, the supplier fulfills it on your behalf.

Pros:

✔ No inventory needed—low startup costs.
✔ Can be automated with the right tools (Shopify, Oberlo, etc.).
✔ Works for a wide variety of products—camping gear, tech gadgets, apparel, etc.

Cons:

• Lower profit margins—you split profits with the supplier.
• Longer shipping times—depends on supplier location.
• Customer service challenges—you’re responsible if something goes wrong.

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4. Freelance Services

Best for: People with marketable skills (writing, graphic design, web development, etc.).

Freelancing is one of the fastest ways to start making money online because you don’t need a website or audience—you just need a skill that people are willing to pay for.

🔹 Example: Offering services on Fiverr, Upwork, or LinkedIn in areas like:

• Writing & content creation
• Graphic design & branding
• Website development
• Video editing
• Virtual assistance

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5. Selling Online Courses

Best for: Experts in ANY skillset (RV repair, fitness, marketing, DIY projects, etc.).

Online courses are a powerful way to turn your knowledge into a passive income stream. Instead of trading time for money, you sell knowledge—once the course is built, it can sell over and over again.

🔹 Example: Creating an online course about RV maintenance, budgeting for full-time travel, or digital nomad life.

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How I Got Started (And How You Can Too)

When I first explored online business, I tried multiple models before finding one that worked for me. Eventually, I landed on affiliate marketing—mainly because it required no product creation and was perfect for the RV lifestyle.

To get started, I needed training, a website, and the right strategy. That’s when I found Wealthy Affiliate—a platform that provides:
✔ Step-by-step training on affiliate marketing.
✔ Website & hosting included (no need to buy separately).
✔ A supportive community of other online business owners.

If you’re serious about building an online business, Wealthy Affiliate is a great place to start.

Click here to learn more about Wealthy Affiliate and start for free.

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Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Online Business for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—the best online business depends on your skills, interests, and lifestyle goals.

The key is to just start. Pick one model, learn the basics, and take action.

Which of these online businesses interests you the most? Let’s talk in the comments!