Top Business Models for Digital Nomads
These business models allow you to work anywhere
If you’re exploring the idea of working remotely but your current career is not remote-friendly, below are some business models that are compatible with the location-independent lifestyle. Don’t forget that all skills are transferable. Most likely whatever you do to make a living, you already have a skillset that’s useful in other sectors.
Amazon FBA (Private Label)
How does it work? Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) allows you to sell physical products on Amazon. With the private label model, you select generic products, customize them with your brand, and sell them under your label. Amazon handles storage, shipping, and customer service.
What does it entail?
Researching profitable products.
Sourcing from manufacturers (often via Alibaba).
Branding, creating logos, and packaging.
Shipping inventory to Amazon warehouses.
Managing listings and advertising on Amazon.
Experience required: Minimal to moderate; understanding e-commerce and marketing strategies is helpful. Many learn through courses or trial and error.
Investment:
Time: High upfront time investment for research, setup, and branding. Maintenance time is moderate.
Money: High, including product manufacturing, shipping, Amazon fees, and advertising. Budget $3,000 to $10,000+ to start.
Drop Shipping
How does it work? You set up an online store and sell products without holding inventory. When a customer places an order, you purchase the item from a third party (e.g., a wholesaler), who ships it directly to the customer.
What does it entail?
Setting up an e-commerce store (Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.).
Finding suppliers (AliExpress, Oberlo, etc.).
Marketing via social media ads or SEO.
Handling customer service.
Experience required: Minimal; basic knowledge of online tools and marketing is sufficient.
Investment:
Time: Moderate to high, especially for store setup and marketing campaigns.
Money: Low to moderate, primarily for website hosting, paid ads, and software subscriptions (e.g., Shopify).
Digital Marketing Agency
How does it work? You help businesses grow their online presence through services like social media management, SEO, content creation, and paid advertising.
What does it entail?
Understanding client needs.
Creating and executing digital marketing strategies.
Analyzing campaign performance and reporting results.
Experience required: Moderate to high; knowledge of digital marketing platforms and tools (Google Ads, Facebook Ads Manager, etc.) is essential. Certifications can add credibility.
Investment:
Time: High for client acquisition and campaign management.
Money: Low; tools and software subscriptions cost $50–$500/month, depending on the scale.
Remote Employee
How does it work? You work remotely for a company as an employee or contractor. Roles include customer support, project management, writing, IT, etc.
What does it entail?
Performing assigned tasks within deadlines.
Communicating with teams via email, video calls, and collaboration tools (Slack, Zoom).
Experience required: Varies by role; minimal for entry-level positions, higher for specialized roles.
Investment:
Time: Regular work hours based on the role.
Money: Minimal; only for a computer, internet, and any required software.
E-Publishing
How does it work? You create and sell e-books or digital content on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
What does it entail?
Writing and editing books or guides.
Designing covers and formatting for digital publication.
Marketing on social media or via ads.
Experience required: Minimal; good writing skills are essential. Optional tools like Grammarly can help.
Investment:
Time: High for writing and editing.
Money: Low to moderate for cover design, editing software, and marketing.
Affiliate Marketing
How does it work? You promote products or services and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral links.
What does it entail?
Building a blog, YouTube channel, or social media following.
Signing up for affiliate programs (Amazon Associates, ShareASale, etc.).
Creating content with affiliate links.
Experience required: Minimal to moderate; understanding audience engagement is beneficial.
Investment:
Time: High to build and grow a platform.
Money: Low to moderate; costs include website hosting and optional paid ads.
SaaS/Apps
How does it work? You develop and sell software as a service (SaaS) or mobile apps. Customers pay a subscription or one-time fee for access.
What does it entail?
Identifying a problem your software can solve.
Developing the software or hiring developers.
Marketing and providing customer support.
Experience required: High; coding skills or the ability to manage developers is essential.
Investment:
Time: High for development and updates.
Money: High; development costs range from $5,000 to $50,000+ depending on complexity.
Digital Products/Course Creation
How does it work? You create and sell digital products, such as online courses, templates, or workshops, through platforms like Teachable or Gumroad.
What does it entail?
Identifying a niche and creating valuable content.
Producing videos, PDFs, or templates.
Marketing via email campaigns, ads, or social media.
Experience required: Moderate; expertise in the chosen topic and basic video or content creation skills are needed.
Investment:
Time: High for content creation and marketing.
Money: Low to moderate; costs include hosting platforms, equipment, and marketing.