Your Guide to Thriving as an Online Entrepreneur in 2025

Entrepreneurship is starry-eyed daydream material for a lot of us. The thought of being your own boss, pursuing your passion, and making money as a result is as attractive a prospect as any — and in the digital age, it‘s as accessible as it’s ever been.

The Internet has democratized entrepreneurship, offering streamlined avenues for any aspiring business owner to become an online entrepreneur — but what does that term mean? What can an online entrepreneur do? And how can you become one?

Here, we‘ll answer all of those questions and more, supported by expert insight from real online entrepreneurs. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

• What is an online entrepreneur?
• How much money do online entrepreneurs make?
• How to Become an Online Entrepreneur
• Online Entrepreneur Day-to-Day
• Online Entrepreneur Skills

What is an online entrepreneur?

The term “online entrepreneur” is tough to define, as it covers a lot of bases. From a high level, I would say it refers to any business owner who conducts their business predominantly online. Kind of vague, right? To pare things down, let's take a look at some of the more prominent types of online entrepreneurs.

Ecommerce Site Owners

Ecommerce site owners might be the most “traditional” type of online entrepreneur (if such a thing exists). They're typically small business owners who operate D2C shops online — whether they be hosted on their own or through online marketplaces like Amazon, Shopify, or Etsy.

Online Consultants

An online consultant is exactly what it sounds like — someone who provides insight and guidance on an area of expertise virtually as opposed to in person. Whether they‘re conducting virtual workshops, creating strategic roadmaps, or providing ongoing advisory services, they essentially act as an external brain for their clients’ businesses.

Content Creators

“Content creator” is a pretty broad catch-all, but it generally covers online entrepreneurs who create video or audio content related to an area of their interest — looking to establish themselves as thought leaders or building loyal followings across various platforms. Ultimately, they're unique among entrepreneurs because their product is, well, them.

Bloggers

I can say — without bias or agenda — that bloggers are the most essential, socially impactful, benevolent, diligent type of online entrepreneur listed here. They‘re also probably the best-looking and funniest (again, I’m saying that totally impartially).

Shockingly enough, bloggers generally maintain blogs relevant to their interests or personal lives. The most successful ones garner enough of a following to monetize their sites via ads or paid subscriptions. Admittedly, getting there is pretty tough in an age where snackable content is being favored over more long-form media, but still, it can be done.

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How much money do online entrepreneurs make?

The short answer? It depends.

The longer answer? It really depends.

Given how broad the term “online entrepreneur” is, there's no definitive minimum, maximum, or mean amount of money you can expect to make as one.

How to Become an Online Entrepreneur

1. Identify a niche you're interested in and qualified to serve.

As I mentioned in the intro, the Internet has democratized entrepreneurship. Almost anyone can put together at least a small operation or individual pursuit and host it online. While that kind of access is awesome in its own right, it has also created a “sea of same” in a lot of fields.

That often makes differentiation key to your success — and your ability to do that starts with you pinning down a viable niche you're passionate about.

Consider both your interests and expertise. You want to pursue a lane you find engaging, but you have to make sure that your pursuit is going to be feasible and productive. For instance, I might think sports medicine is the coolest thing in the world, but if I don't have a background in the field, I probably won't have what it takes to hack it as an online consultant for injured athletes.

2. Take strides to know that niche inside and out.

Surface-level knowledge of your niche won't cut it in the digital landscape — standing out in your space is a byproduct of your expertise. You need to be on top of the current state of your niche and any emerging trends within it.

That often starts with direct engagement with your audience. Check out industry forums. Scour through Facebook and LinkedIn groups relevant to your space. Look at subreddits that cover niche-specific subject matter.

Pay attention to the specific words they use to describe their problems, the solutions they‘ve tried before, and the frustrations they express when those solutions fall short. This is golden intelligence you can’t get from market research reports (which you shouldn‘t ignore — just understand there’s more to your space).

3. Get a sense of whether you're looking for a side hustle or a full-time pursuit.

This could probably be the first point on this list. You need to know exactly how much time and effort you can allocate to your career in online entrepreneurship. Are you going all the way in, or is this more of a passion project you'll pursue more passively? You need to know that before you start planning and sincerely applying yourself as an online entrepreneur.

4. Leverage resources to help you develop business acumen.

Nobody‘s born with business acumen, and developing it might seem inaccessible — reserved for people with the time and resources to pursue an MBA. But in the same way it’s democratized entrepreneurship, the Internet has also democratized access to business education.

Between MOOCs from top-tier universities, industry-specific podcasts, and platforms like LinkedIn Learning, you've got a virtual MBA at your fingertips. The key is being strategic about it.

Don‘t just consume content randomly. Map out what you need to learn, whether it’s financial modeling or digital marketing, and create a focused learning path.

Find ways to apply what you're learning immediately in your business. Get a sense of the most pressing concepts you have to understand to start and sustain your business and dial in on them as those needs emerge.

5. Consider where funding for your business will come from.

Online entrepreneurship tends to be a self-driven pursuit, and that‘s especially true when it comes to funding. If you want to be an online entrepreneur, odds are you’re going to have to bootstrap — at least partially.

You'll probably have to lean on your personal savings to a certain extent, but as you probably know, alternative funding sources have emerged in recent years. Crowdfunding platforms, revenue-based financing, and digital business loans have changed the game for online entrepreneurs.

The key is matching your funding strategy to your business model and growth trajectory. Come to understand your needs through extensive research on your space, and plan accordingly. There‘s no single funding reference point that every online entrepreneur can rely on — it’s on you to pin down how much it will take to start and sustain your career as an online entrepreneur.

6. Budget your time.

Your time is your scarcest resource as an online entrepreneur, and regardless of whether your business is a full-time pursuit or a side hustle, you need to manage it thoughtfully.

A career in online entrepreneurship puts you in a tricky position. As much as I think the term “wearing a lot of hats” is done to death, it's really the best way to describe what your role will be as an online business owner — at least initially.

Depending on the nature of your business, you could very well be the CEO, CMO, CSO, customer service rep, and product manager for your company. If you don‘t budget your time effectively, you’ll have a hard time delivering on all of those roles and their respective responsibilities.

Set aside dedicated chunks for deep work — the revenue-generating activities that actually move the needle. Try using strategies like calendar blocking, and consider investing in project management resources like Asana to give your work a little more structure.

Ultimately, you‘ll want to find ways to track where your time is going and plan ahead. That’s how you're going to get the most out of your schedule to get and keep things moving as an online entrepreneur.

7. Network. Network. Network.

If you‘re rolling your eyes at another networking pitch, stick with me for a second. In the digital age, networking isn’t about awkward cocktail parties or collecting business cards. It‘s about building meaningful connections in online communities where your target audience and potential partners hang out. Whether it’s niche Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, or industry-specific Slack channels, your network is your most valuable resource.

The secret to effective online networking? Give value first; ask for favors later. Share your expertise, offer genuine support, and build relationships before you need them. And don't just network horizontally – connect with people both ahead of and behind you in their entrepreneurial journey. The perspectives you gain from both groups are invaluable.

8. Be willing and able to self-promote.

This point is often the trickiest for a lot of aspiring online entrepreneurs. Self-promotion is the virtual equivalent of public speaking — tons of people are scared of it, but if you want the world to hear you, you have to do it.

You can‘t expect the world to come to you. Starting a website, sitting back, and waiting to be discovered organically isn’t how you hack it as an online entrepreneur. You need to be proactive and get your stuff in front of your audience.

That could mean developing a social media presence, a content marketing infrastructure, an email newsletter, or any other avenue that can command attention online. And remember, self-promotion in the digital age is a marathon, not a sprint.

Consistency trumps perfection every time. Be diligent in supporting your online presence — that might feel awkward or obnoxious at first, but if you want your online business to thrive, you need to power through.

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Online Entrepreneur Day-to-Day

There‘s no single, definitive reference point for what your day-to-day might look like as an online entrepreneur. I mentioned it earlier, but I’ll say it again: The term “online entrepreneurs” covers a lot of bases — and that wide range of definitions makes for an equally wide range of typical workdays.

Instead of trying to cobble together steps to some vague routine that all online entrepreneurs follow, we decided to ask real online entrepreneurs what their day-to-days look like.

1. The CEO of Featured prioritizes customer conversations.

Brett Farmiloe, CEO of Featured, says, "As the founder of Featured.com, the majority of my week is spent speaking with customers and evaluating metrics to lead our company closer to product-market fit.

"I try to schedule between 15-20 Zoom calls a week with customers and reach out to new and churned customers manually via email and LinkedIn. There‘s never been a bad conversation with a customer. Every time I’m able to connect for a conversation, I learn about a new use case and bug that gets us closer to building a better product for customers.

“Any entrepreneur leading a business should be focused on product, people, and strategy. By prioritizing customer conversations, an entrepreneur is better equipped to deliver viable solutions across each of those core categories.”

2. The Founder of InBound Blogging manages client communication and project management.

Nikola Baldikov, Founder of InBound Blogging, says, "I run a small digital marketing agency, and every day I get to do work I‘m passionate about. My mornings start early, often with a cup of good coffee, a workout, or a few quiet minutes of meditation. It’s my way of grounding myself before diving into the day. Once I've had that time, I tackle emails, respond to anything urgent, and map out my priorities with a clear, focused list.

"Most of my time is dedicated to client communication and project management. To keep things running smoothly, I need to stay in touch with my clients, partners, and employees. I also make sure to keep up with new industry trends and look for fresh ideas to share with the team. I believe that as a leader, you must inspire and provoke others to adopt new ideas.

"Networking online is another essential part of my routine. Since the agency‘s beginning, I’ve made it a priority to stay visible, connect with others in the industry, and build relationships that bring value to our work. I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and learning from their experiences.

"At the end of the day, I spend time with my family or unwind with my favorite things—whether that's dancing (I enjoy bachata), watching a game, or just relaxing.

“My days might sound simple now, but that's only because I've come a long way. When I first started, I was handling everything on my own. Those early days were a whirlwind of long hours, constant learning, and working tirelessly to build the agency from the ground up. I'd put in ten-hour days, then keep going with courses and training. Over time, my company grew from one to three, and today, we're a full team. Every stage has brought its own challenges and rewards, and looking back, I'm proud of how far we've come.”

3. The Founder & CEO of RecurPost focuses on creating a smooth user experience.

Dinesh Agarwal, Founder & CEO of RecurPost, says, "I focus on building a strong product and creating a smooth experience for our users. My role combines strategy, product development, and team coordination. I start my day early with a quick look at our key metrics and updates to set priorities.

"Mornings are for deep, focused work-planning, reviewing product updates, and aligning with the team. By late morning, I shift to checking messages and handling quick team questions to keep projects moving.

“Afternoons are for family time. I have lunch with my kids, go for a walk, or just relax. In the evening, I check in briefly to jot down any new ideas and plan for the next day, then fully unplug to recharge. This routine lets me work with focus and enjoy time with family, so I'm refreshed each morning.”

4. The Owner of KilnFrog.com juggles orders and customer support.

Gail Stouffer, Owner of KilnFrog.com, says, "Running KilnFrog, my day-to-day is like a juggling act with a side of kiln magic! Mornings kick off with a check on orders and emails — making sure no one‘s kiln is having an existential crisis (or they’re not trying to fire it up like a pizza oven). Then I tackle customer questions, from ‘Which kiln is right for me’ to ‘Why won’t my kiln stop beeping?' It's part tech support, part cheerleading!

"There‘s also time spent updating the website, organizing inventory, and planning our next marketing move — sometimes with some ’kilnspiration' from our fabulous customers. The best part?

“Getting to share in their creative journey and see the incredible things they're crafting. My office may be virtual, but it's always buzzing with projects, questions, and the occasional kiln pun to keep things up all day!”

5. The Founder of Convert Chat optimizes digital engagement and search visibility.

Azam Mohamed Nisamdeen, Founder of Convert Chat, says, "As an SEO specialist and founder of a chatbot, my day revolves around optimizing digital engagement and search visibility. A typical day involves analyzing search trends, creating or updating content to rank for relevant keywords, and ensuring my chatbot‘s responses are user-friendly and highly relevant. I dedicate a significant portion of time to keyword research, assessing the chatbot’s performance, and optimizing my website to make sure it's accessible and engaging for users.

"I also spend time managing client relationships. I check in with clients regularly to discuss their goals and results, update them on progress, and adjust strategies as needed. Maintaining these relationships ensures I'm aligned with their objectives and can adapt the SEO or chatbot strategies to fit their evolving needs. This human connection is key to understanding what truly resonates with users and clients alike.

“Finally, staying updated with industry trends is essential. Whether it's reading the latest SEO updates or understanding new AI advancements, I make it a priority to stay informed so that my business remains competitive. Keeping up to date allows me to offer cutting-edge solutions, continuously refine my strategies, and bring innovative ideas into my client projects.”

Online Entrepreneur Skills

1. Using Data Creatively

Simon Stapleton, CEO and CTO of Truthsayers Neurotech, says, "First off, using data creatively is how you‘ll separate yourself from the thousands of other businesses competing online. Anyone can set up a website, but if you want to sell products or services that actually move, you’ll need to get comfortable with data and analytics tools like Google Trends, social media insights, or paid analytics platforms.

"Look for patterns, emerging demands, or underserved niches. This isn‘t about sitting in front of a dashboard and watching numbers tick — I’ve learned that it's about diving deep, spotting a trend, and then getting to market before the competition even knows it exists.

“Those with an eye for data who can use it innovatively are the ones building the next big thing, not just another dropshipping site that goes nowhere.”

2. A Willingness to Constantly Dive Into New Territory

Alexander Weber, Founder of Golfforscher, says, “Success as an online entrepreneur requires a willingness to dive into new territory constantly. When I first started, I realized that being open to fresh ideas and actively seeking out something new to learn every day kept me ahead of the curve. In the digital world, trends shift fast, and if you're not keeping up, you're falling behind.”

3. The Ability to Let Go of the Fear of Looking Foolish

Weber also says, "Another key skill is the ability to let go of the fear of looking foolish. When you‘re experimenting with new content, launching products, or even learning the basics of code or analytics, there’s a big chance you'll stumble or face criticism.

“It happened to me countless times; embracing these awkward moments not only built my resilience but connected me with my audience in an authentic way. That connection, built on the vulnerability of showing up, even imperfectly, created real trust.”

4. Maintaining Consistency

Belinda Weaver, Copy Coach at Copywrite Matters, says, "I‘ve been an online business owner for 14 years, starting as a freelance copywriter and now working as a copy coach with digital products. In that time, I’ve learned that one of the most underrated but essential skills for new entrepreneurs is consistency.

“Many new business owners assume that the ”shiny" tasks — like designing a brand or launching a new product — are what drive success. But it's the daily, foundational work that actually fuels growth. This includes setting up and following strong processes, maintaining a steady lead generation system, and consistently showing up in marketing efforts, even when it feels tedious.

"One way I‘ve made this consistency easier is by creating repeatable routines for essential tasks. For example, I block time in my calendar for lead generation and admin work, at times that match my energy levels and other priorities. This way, I don’t have to remember what needs to be done or rely on bursts of motivation.

“Success in online business often comes down to the work you don't see on social media — the consistent, foundational work that keeps everything running smoothly. If new entrepreneurs can develop the habit of showing up for these tasks, they'll see results compound over time.”

5. Time Management and Prioritization

Carey Bentley, CEO of Lifehack Method, says, "An entrepreneur's most important skills for success are time management and prioritization. Without them, you risk getting overwhelmed with busy work and losing focus on what matters.

"One of the most underrated time management strategies is to pre-plan your week. It can be as simple as setting aside 30 minutes every Sunday afternoon to come up with a plan for the tasks and priorities that matter most for the upcoming week. It positions you to have a focused, productive week aligned with your goals.

"Speaking of priorities, you have to know what yours are. What's going to really push the needle when it comes to your success? Focus on high-impact tasks and avoid anything that wastes time. When I struggle to determine my priorities, I use the Champagne Exercise and ask myself, ‘What would I be so happy to get done this week that I would celebrate with a bottle of champagne?’ It's an easy way to strip away shallow work and focus on the deeper stuff.

“Finally, I always recommend structuring your day and blocking out time on your calendar for specific tasks. With a time and place for every task, you can breathe easier knowing all your priorities will get done.”

The thought of being an online entrepreneur is a prospect that can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Hopefully, this guide provides some of the insight you need to set you on the right course to start and sustain your success in online entrepreneurship.

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