Teenagers, the future is NOW, and the clock is ticking! Unleash your potential with the hottest Ecommerce Business Ideas for teens in 2024. Why settle for the mundane when you can dive into a world of financial freedom, hands-on learning, and killer opportunities? 

From selling handmade wonders to conquering YouTube fame, this article spills the secrets of teenpreneurs making serious banks. 

Are you ready to dominate 2024? Time’s ticking—don’t miss out! Dive into the ultimate guide and kickstart your journey to teenage success.

Why Starting An Online Business As A Teenager?

Starting an online business as a teenager can offer numerous benefits and valuable experiences. Here are some reasons why it might be a great idea:

✅ Financial Independence

Running a successful online business can provide a source of income and contribute to financial independence. Also, this financial responsibility can teach valuable lessons about budgeting, saving, and investing.

✅ Learning Opportunities

So, these businesses for teens offer hands-on learning experiences in various areas such as entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, customer service, and more. Moreover, these skills can be valuable throughout life.

👉 Check out the Top 25 Ecommerce KPIs to Track For Your Dropshipping Store.

✅ Flexibility

Online business ideas for teens often allow for flexible working hours. So, this flexibility is beneficial for teenagers who may have to balance their entrepreneurial endeavors with school, extracurricular activities, or other commitments.

✅ Resume Building

Entrepreneurial experience stands out on college applications and resumes. Also,  it demonstrates initiative, problem-solving skills, and a proactive attitude, which can be appealing to educational institutions and future employers.

👉 Read about How Old Do You Have To Be To Dropship? A Guide For Age 15, 16, 17, 18.

Best 20 Ecommerce Business Ideas For Teens In 2024

Here I will list the best ideas for teens to start making money in 2024. Let’s see! 

👉 Read about Dropshipping for Students – Starting a Business from College.

💡 Tip: Read about How To Make Money From Home – 30+ Ideas & Examples.

1. Start Selling Handmade Products

If you have a passion for creating things, selling handmade products allows you to turn your hobbies and creative endeavors into a source of income. In fact, this is a chance to do what you love while making money.

So, think about it- what can you do? What are you good at? Can you create piece-of-art jewelry, candles, or customized crafts? The handmade business holds profit margins of around 5% to 20% on average.

Of course, you must know that this is not a get-rich scheme. However, handmade businesses often have lower startup costs compared to other types of businesses. Hence, you can create products with materials that are readily available and affordable, making them accessible for teenagers with limited resources.

Moreover, you can use platforms like Etsy and Amazon to offer to showcase your handmade products. But, remember, you must pay attention to marketing, and customer service.

2. Try Out Print On Demand 

Do you think about if there’s a way to create and sell custom products online without owning all the expensive equipment? 

Well, happy to say that YES, there is! And, that’s when print on demand jumps in the game. So, whenever you want to design hats, t-shirts, jewelry, socks, cups, or anything that is on your mind, you can do it.

With Print on Demand (PoD), you can display your designs online and only make these items when someone buys them.

Luckily, there are lots of online platforms that make starting a PoD business super easy. With these platforms, you just have to create your design, and they take care of making and shipping the product.

This means you don’t need fancy and expensive machines or techniques – all you have to do is promote your stuff and build a brand.

For instance, I use Apliiq for my PoD clothing business. This tool simplifies the process: you pick a product and easily add your design. The Apliiq Mockup Generator, found on the Apliiq dashboard, is super easy to use.

You can add designs, text, graphics, quotes, colors, and more, tailoring the product to your liking.

3. Translating

Do you speak multiple languages? Despite English, you are skilled in Italian, German, French, Spanish, or maybe Russian?  

Well, good for you because language translators are in high demand. Check this Google Trends results.👇

Furthermore, translating has different types, such as technical, writing, legal, website, medical, and more.

But, when it comes to how much translators charge, I did some extra research, and most of the translator freelancers on Upwork ask for prices ranging from $5 to $37 per hour.

4. Start A YouTube Channel

Using YouTube as a teenager to make money can be a fun and creative venture. I mean, let’s be clear, you are probably spending lots of your free time watching videos. 

💡 Tip: Learn How To Make Money On Youtube Without Making Videos [2023].

So, why not spend your time making videos that others can watch, and profit?  That’s why this is one of the best business ideas for teens.

Thus, here are a few by-heart advice steps for you if you want to start a business as a teenager using YouTube: 

➡ Create a YouTube Channel

First off, sign up for a Google account to kickstart your YouTube journey. Craft your own channel, and don’t forget to choose a niche or topic that truly lights you up – something you’re passionate about or know a lot about.

➡ Produce High-Quality Content

Now, onto the content creation. Invest some time in making top-notch videos. Grab a decent camera or use your trusty smartphone, make sure your lighting is on point, and keep that audio crystal clear. Whether it’s vlogs, tutorials, or reviews, let your creativity flow!

➡ Be Consistent

Consistency is the name of the game on YouTube. Whether you’re dropping videos weekly or bi-weekly, keep those uploads steady. This not only helps you build an audience but also keeps your viewers coming back for more.

➡ Understand Your Audience

Get to know your audience. Tailor your content to what they’re into. Also, respond to comments, and engage with your viewers – make your channel a community they want to be a part of.

➡ Optimize Video Titles and Descriptions

Give your videos some love with catchy titles and detailed descriptions. Use relevant keywords to amp up your search game and reach a broader audience.

➡ Create Eye-Catching Thumbnails

Let’s talk thumbnails – they matter! Design attention-grabbing ones that speak to your content. These little visuals play a big role in reeling in viewers.

➡ Monetize Your Channel

Now, onto the moolah! Once you hit the benchmarks (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months), apply for the YouTube Partner Program to start making that sweet ad revenue.

➡ Explore Different Revenue Streams

But hey, why stop at ads? Explore other money-making avenues like affiliate marketing, sponsorships, merchandise sales, or even friendly donations from your audience.

➡ Promote Your Videos

Spread the word! Share your videos on social media, team up with fellow YouTubers, dive into community forums – get your content out there!

➡ Stay Informed about YouTube Policies

Know the lay of the land. Familiarize yourself with YouTube’s policies and guidelines. Keep things in line with community standards to avoid any bumps in the road.

➡ Be Patient and Persistent 

Lastly, remember – Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a successful YouTube channel. Hence, be patient, stay persistent, and keep tweaking your content based on what your viewers dig.

For example, Sebastian Ghiorghiu, a digital entrepreneur, started his YouTube channel in 2017 with a video about how he managed to make $700 in a day. Today, he is one of the richest dropshippers with a 7 figure business.

5. Start A Blog

Are you a good writer who wants to share thoughts or experiences? Well, why not start a blog and try monetizing it

So, blogging provides a platform for self-expression, allowing you to share your thoughts, experiences, and opinions with a wider audience. Moreover, creating a blog allows you to establish an online presence.

This can be valuable for personal branding and future endeavors, including college applications and job searches.

Not only that, but blogging actually helps you gain digital skills while using blogging platforms, basic graphic design, and understanding search engine optimization (SEO). 

So, in my opinion, if you are wondering how to start a business as a teenager with no money, this is a great catch. Thus, here’s what you can do: 

🔸 Choose a Niche

So, first things first – pick a niche that really gets you going. It could be anything you’re passionate about, whether it’s a hobby, a specific interest, or a skill you’re itching to develop.

For example, teen girls usually start a fashion blog, or makeup blog, and become successful over time. 

🔸 Create Your Blog

Now, onto the techy stuff. Choose a user-friendly platform like Blogger, WordPress, or Medium. Make your blog a reflection of you – style it up to match your vibe and the theme of your content.

🔸 Produce High-Quality Content

Time to dive into the fun part – creating content that hits the right notes. Write articles, whip up some videos, or toss in visuals that click with your audience. And hey, consistency is your secret sauce, so stick to a regular posting schedule.

🔸Build Your Audience

Spread the word! Share your content on social media, jump into the comments section, and connect with your audience. Patience is the name of the game – building a loyal following takes time.

🔸 Optimize for Search Engines (SEO)

Let’s get tech-savvy! Learn a bit about SEO – it’s like the magic that makes your blog pop up on Google. Thus, use keywords smartly in your content, meta descriptions, and titles to boost your visibility.

🔸 Monetize Your Blog

Time to turn passion into profit, right? So, consider these options:

• Ads: Once you get the ball rolling, cash in with ads, maybe Google AdSense.
• Affiliate Marketing: Hook up with brands, promote their stuff, and pocket a commission.
• Sponsored Posts: Brands paying you to feature their goodies? Sweet deal.
• Sell Products or Services: Got skills or products? Sell ’em directly through your blog.

🔸 Promote Your Blog

Shout it from the digital rooftops! Hence, promote your blog like a champ. Thus, hit up social media, team up with fellow bloggers, and dive into online communities. 

👉 Check out the 15 Best Shopify Blog Examples To Double Your Organic Traffic.

6. Pet Sitting

If you love hanging out with animals, offering pet sitting or dog walking services can be lively and surprisingly one of the best ways to make money as a teen.

A lot of pet owners look for someone to take care of their furry friends when they’re out or have long work hours. So,  that’s where pet sitters come in high demand. 

And the pay? Well, it’s not too shabby – around $25 for a 30-minute visit, $20 to $30 per day, $45 to $75 per night, or $250 to $375 per week.

And guess what? According to Google Trends, pet sitters are sought after. 🐾

Also, if you want to find clients online, you can set up profiles on websites like Rover or Care.com. 

7. Design Infographics

Infographics are like creative pictures that display data. And, businesses use them to create visual records of their data, making it easy to share information about how things are going.

And here’s an interesting fact: in the future, more businesses might need people who design infographics. So, this is one of the best business ideas for teens. According to Google Trends, the demand for this job is on the rise.

Oh, and by the way, those who design infographics usually charge between $25 and $125 for their service.

Actually, designing infographics is not just about making money. Thus, by presenting information graphically, you can learn to interpret and communicate data more effectively. So, this skill is valuable in academic settings and real-world scenarios.

8. Graphic Design 

Graphic design is about making visual content to get messages across. It covers a lot, like designing things for publications or creating logos, giving you lots of chances to explore.

Plus, more businesses are looking for graphic designers. They’ve figured out that good-looking visuals matter in the digital world. And, with the demand growing for graphic designers, this is one of the top business ideas for teens.

Speaking of pay, on platforms like Upwork where freelancers offer their services, graphic designers have a wide range. Hence, you’ll find them charging anywhere from $20 to $150 per hour.

9. Create And Edit Videos

Video creation and editing provide a creative outlet for teenagers to express themselves. It allows them to showcase their ideas, skills, and unique perspectives through visual storytelling. 

Not only that, but you can learn how to use video editing software, understand visual storytelling techniques, and gain insights into the world of multimedia production.

So, getting into video creation and editing opens up a world of opportunities. Clients might need different things like animations, short videos, or ads. Thus, diving into the business ideas for teens for video creation and editing means reaching a diverse customer base.

And here’s a cool part – if you earn great skills and build up a successful portfolio you can actually profit a lot. In fact, video editors usually charge between $15 and $80 per hour for their services.

10. Become An Influencer

And of course, all teenagers want to become popular, especially on social media. But, why not profit from it?

In the influencer realm, you pocket some cash by showcasing products with your own style and vibe on social media. However, the moolah comes in through sponsored posts, collaborations, and promoting stuff as an affiliate.

What’s neat is that many teenagers are making it big in influencer marketing. And, the most popular platforms for influencing are Instagram and TikTok.

And guess what? According to Google Trends, the demand for these business ideas for teens is on the rise.👇

👉 Read about Influencer Marketing For Dropshipping In 2024 – Beginner’s Guide.

For example, you probably know Charlie D’Amelio. She is a well-known teenage influencer, and gained popularity on TikTok by sharing dance and lip-sync content.

At 19, she has transitioned her content to showcase her fashion style, vlogs about getting ready, and the brands she endorses. With a whopping 151.6 million TikTok followers and over 46.7 million Instagram followers, she has created quite a buzz.

Now, let’s crunch some numbers and figure out if this is just a side gig for gals or a chance to rake in the dough:

• Micro-influencers (1,000 – 100,000 followers) usually snag $50 to $500 per post, depending on their focus and engagement.
• Mid-tier influencers (100,000 – 500,000 followers) can pull in $500 to $5,000 or more per post, depending on their audience and interests.
• Macro-influencers (500,000 – 1 million followers) charge between $5,000 and $20,000 per post, maybe even more.
• Mega-Influencers (1 million+ followers) go all out, asking for $20,000 to several hundred thousand dollars for just one post. Top celebs and super-popular influencers can even swing higher fees.

11. Sell Stock Images

Turning your photography skills into cash by selling stock images is pretty rewarding. Thus, all you gotta do is pick trustworthy stock photography websites like DepositPhotos, Adobe Stock, iStock, and Alamy to showcase and sell your pics. 

Hence, this way, regular folks, businesses, and designers can buy the rights to use your images for their projects.

Here’s the cool part – you don’t need to be a photo whiz. If you’ve got a decent camera and some photo skills, these things to sell as a teenager can be a real deal.

For instance, check out this regular winter building photo that’s going for $10.99! I am pretty sure you have even more wonderful pics on your phone.👇

And if you’re up for it, you can sell your images directly on your personal website to dodge commission fees. The catch is, that you’ll need to invest in advertising and figure out a plan to draw visitors to your site.

So, toss in accurate and relevant keywords and descriptions to your images. That way, potential buyers can easily find your pics when they’re on the lookout.

👉 Learn Why It Is Essential To Have High-Quality Images For Your Dropshipping Products.

12. Use Your Programming Skills

Do you have coding skills? Stop here, because this is one of the best business ideas for teens. 

As a teenager with programming skills, there are several ways you can leverage your expertise to earn money. 

Plus, programmers are in high demand when it comes to business needs.👇

For example, you can join freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr. Thus, here you can offer your programming services for tasks like web development, app development, or coding projects. 

In addition, on Upwork, programmers charge their services between $30 to $300.

So, by that time, you can build a portfolio showcasing your coding projects, websites, or applications. A strong portfolio will help you demonstrate your skills to potential clients or employers. 

Furthermore, you can also join online coding contests and competitions. Platforms like Codeforces, HackerRank, or LeetCode host various coding challenges.

13. Start A Podcast

More over a talker, than a writer? Well, podcasting provides a platform for self-expression. You can share your thoughts, opinions, and stories with a global audience. 

What’s more, you can also connect with like-minded individuals who share your interests. Thus, this way, you can build a community around your podcast and engage with listeners through social media. 

Right now, podcasts are all the rage, and not many are run by teenagers! So, this is one of the ways to make money as a teen.

Sure, growing a podcast is a bit trickier compared to blogging or YouTube because it’s not super easy to find new ones.

However, podcasting can be free, depending on the provider you go for. All you need is your phone and a cheap Lavalier microphone to record your episodes.

So, if you want to start a podcast as a teenager here are a few steps you should follow: 

➡ Identify Your Niche

Choose a topic or niche that you are passionate about and knowledgeable in. Hence, it could be anything from hobbies, interests, personal experiences, or even interviews with interesting people.

➡ Planning and Content Structure

Plan your podcast episodes and decide on a format. Also, you can outline the key points you want to cover in each episode. Plus, this helps maintain a structure and keeps your content engaging.

➡ Get the Right Equipment

You don’t need fancy equipment to start. However, a good-quality microphone, headphones, and recording/editing software are essential. You can start with budget-friendly options and upgrade as you go.

➡ Choose a Podcast Hosting Platform

Select a podcast hosting platform to publish and distribute your episodes. Platforms like Anchor, Libsyn, or Podbean are user-friendly and cater to beginners.

➡ Create Cover Art and Intro Music

Design eye-catching cover art for your podcast. Thus, you can use tools like Canva for this. Consider adding intro music to make your podcast more professional and engaging.

➡ Record and Edit

Record your episodes using your chosen equipment and edit them to enhance sound quality. 

For example, free or affordable editing software like Audacity or GarageBand can help you get started.

➡ Publish and Distribute

Upload your episodes to your chosen podcast hosting platform. Once published, your podcast will be distributed to major podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

➡ Promote Your Podcast

Share your podcast on social media, create a website or blog for your podcast, and encourage friends and family to spread the word. Engage with your audience through social media to build a community around your podcast.

14. Carwashing

And, here’s another tip I will add to my business ideas for teens. Launching a car wash business is a straightforward and uncomplicated side gig for teenagers. Grab a bucket, car wash soap, sponges or microfiber cloths, a hose,  drying towel, and you’re good to go – washing cars for some extra cash.

Firstly, spread the word about your car washing business. Create simple flyers or business cards and distribute them in your neighborhood. Plus, use social media platforms to advertise your services, and ask friends and family to help spread the word.

Also, a smart move is to offer your car wash services right at people’s homes. Hence, people are usually happy to pay a bit more for the convenience of getting their cars washed right in their driveway. 

Moreover, you can consider offering package deals or discounts for regular customers. For example, you could provide a discount for weekly or monthly car washes. This can help build a loyal customer base.

15. Start Tutoring Younger Kids Or Your Peers

Setting up a tutoring business is a fantastic way for teens to pocket some extra cash. Thus, since you’re likely still in school or recently graduated, you’re just the right fit to tutor in various subjects.

Also, experienced tutors often charge between $25 and $75 per hour. As a newbie tutor, you can kick off with at least $10-15 per hour and gradually bump up your rates.

For starters, you can think of tutoring your schoolmates, friends, family, etc. Once you’ve got the hang of it, spread the word about your tutoring services in places like libraries, community centers, and schools to snag new clients.

And as you expand, think about diving into the world of online courses – you can teach and make some money doing it.

16. Sell Your Art Online

Selling your art online as a teenager can be an exciting and rewarding venture.  Thus, you can create your online portfolio showcasing your artwork. So, include high-quality images of your pieces and provide a brief description for each.

Also, you can sell your art on various online platforms. For example, you can choose to share your art on  Etsy, Shopify, Redbubble, or even your own website. 

I think Etsy could be a top pick for selling art online. It’s all about handmade and unique arts and crafts, making it just right for artists and crafters to show off their stuff.

Plus, there’s a big group of folks on there who are into arts and crafts. Lots of buyers pick Etsy because they believe they’ll find top-notch and real arts and crafts.

However, there’s a little advice for you: 

• Take clear and well-lit photos of your artwork. High-quality images can significantly impact a buyer’s decision.
• Craft compelling and informative descriptions for each piece. Share your inspiration, the creative process, and any interesting details about the artwork.
• Utilize social media platforms to promote your art. Share images, and behind-the-scenes content, and engage with your audience. Thus, platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok can be effective for showcasing visual content.

👉 Read about Dropship Art: How To Sell Art Online Without Competition?

17.  Transcription

Are you more of a good listener and writer? Well, you can use these skills and take advantage of the business ideas for teens. 

So, as a transcriptionist, you can find people who need help turning spoken words into written text. Transcription work includes making subtitles for videos or writing down what’s said in audio recordings, like for Instagram stories. 

Also, if you do a good job with transcriptions, you might get customers who come back for more. Freelancers usually charge their services between $25 and $35 per hour.

Also, according to Google Trends, the need for transcription services stays pretty steady, and it looks like more and more people are interested in them.

18. Start Selling On Popular Online Marketplaces

Selling on online marketplaces can be a really profitable venture for those looking for online business ideas for teens. 

Thus, you just need to choose your niche and identify popular online marketplaces where you can sell those products. Thus, common platforms include eBay, AliExpress, Etsy, Amazon, and others. 

👉 Learn How To Become An Amazon Product Tester From Home.

However, I advise you to check the age requirements and terms of service for each marketplace. Some platforms may have age restrictions, and you’ll need to comply with their policies. 

However, you can always ask your parents for help, just like one of the richest teen dropshippers did.

Thus, a story that is really inspiring for me is about one of the youngest and richest dropshippers. 

Alex Philip caught people’s notice by becoming one of the youngest and wealthiest dropshippers worldwide. At just 11 years old, he kicked off by selling Pokemon toys on his Amazon store.

By the age of 15, he had made more than $2 million by getting products from Alibaba and then selling them on Shopify.

But in 2017, he switched things up when he discovered the dropshipping business model. Now, what Alex is up to involves getting products from Chinese suppliers and bringing visitors to his Shopify dropshipping store.

19. Provide Delivery Services

This job involves grabbing groceries from the store and delivering them straight to the customer’s doorstep. So, if you have a driving license, this might be one of the best business ideas for teens.

With more people wanting to save time and money on their grocery runs, there’s a growing need for those who can offer this service.

Take Instacart, for instance. It’s a grocery delivery and pick-up service that works on demand. They’ve got a handy app, a big group of shoppers, and real-time data that links customers with nearby stores. 

The whole deal is made possible thanks to top-notch resources like technology, apps, tools, shoppers, and partnerships.

If you’re a shopper for Instacart, you get orders on your smartphone and carry out the tasks under the company’s brand.

👉 Learn more about How Does Instacart Make Money – Ultimate Review.

20. Become a Makeup Artist

If you have a genuine passion for makeup and possess the talent to create stunning looks, starting a business allows you to turn your hobby into a profession. Hence, this can make your work more enjoyable and satisfying.

Also, as a teenager, you may have a relatively flexible schedule compared to adults with other responsibilities. Thus, this flexibility allows you to take on clients during weekends, holidays, and after-school hours. 

Plus, as time passes, you can build your own brand, establish yourself as a reputable makeup artist, and earn lots of money. 

For instance, in the United States, the usual pay for a makeup artist hovers around $31.44 per hour. Also, the hourly rate can vary, ranging from $7.25 to $94.45.

And here’s a thought – why not kick off a YouTube channel or a blog showcasing your makeup skills? It’s a sweet way to bring in some extra cash.

Conclusion

In this game-changing blog, you’ve just unlocked the blueprint for teenage success in 2024! From financial independence to creative ventures, I’ve dived into 20 sizzling Ecommerce Business Ideas for teens, tailored just for you. 

Whether it’s selling handmade gems, conquering YouTube, or rocking the world of graphic design, the possibilities are endless. 

You’ve learned the ropes, heard inspiring stories, and got the step-by-step guide to turn passion into profit. 

Now, it’s your turn to shine! Grab the reins of your teenage journey, embrace the entrepreneurial spirit, and make 2024 your year of unstoppable success. Your future starts NOW!