27 Ways to Make Money From Your Laptop (Even If You’re Starting from Zero)
Let’s be real – the idea of making money from your laptop sounds dreamy.
Working from your favorite café (or your couch, which I particularly prefer, as I can watch my favorite anime while I work lol), choosing your hours, and finally doing something that’s yours?
Yeah – running your own business from a laptop is total freedom.
The good news is – this isn’t just a dream anymore.
There are dozens of laptop-friendly businesses you can start – even with zero experience, zero inventory, and sometimes, zero upfront cost.
Let’s explore how you can turn that laptop in front of you into your best business investment yet. 💻✨
💻 Can You Really Run a Business From a Laptop?
Absolutely. Thousands of entrepreneurs do it every day.
I have been doing it since 2016!
Your laptop becomes your office, your storefront, and your connection to clients worldwide. With cloud tools (like Google Workspace or Canva) and social platforms, you can manage your business from literally anywhere.
No big office. No commute. Just freedom and Wi-Fi.
💡 What Business Can I Start With My Laptop?
Almost any online business today can be started 100% with a laptop and Wi-Fi. The trick is to find something that matches your strengths, the time availability you have currently, and the lifestyle you desire.
If you love writing, design, teaching, or connecting with people online, there’s a laptop business waiting for you, I promise!
Here are 27 real ideas to make money from your laptop:
1. Freelance Writing
Get paid to write blog posts, emails, or website copy. Start small on Fiverr or Upwork, then grow from there.
I worked as a freelance writer centuries ago (ok, ok, not centuries – but it was years ago, which kinda feels like centuries already lol).
What I noticed is that there’s nothing more passive to get clients as a freelance writer than having your own blog.
When I started hitting 1,000 page views per month (which happened with 27 blog posts, basic Google SEO, just a few months of blogging, and posting one pin per day on Pinterest), clients, brands, etc, started approaching me via email to ask my price to write articles for their brand.
That’s so much better than networking on X/Twitter!
I’m not an introvert (any other ENTPs here?? Come to say hi 👋🏻), but I do have introverted tendencies. So I l.o.v.e. the peace and calm of my email inbox.
The $19.95 I paid in a month for my managed WordPress hosting by DreamHost earned me $360 in commissioned articles by two clients.
And I didn’t even have to go client hunting – they found my blog posts, enjoyed my portfolio, and commissioned the articles via email!
2. Virtual Assistant
Organize inboxes, manage schedules, and handle small tasks for busy entrepreneurs – all from your laptop.
3. Social Media Manager
Make money from your laptop by helping brands grow on Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok by creating engaging content and managing their online presence.
4. Online Course Creator
Share your skills (anything from photography to marketing) through a course on platforms like Teachable or Gumroad.
5. Print-on-Demand Store
Design t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags and sell them through platforms like Printify or Redbubble – no inventory needed!
6. Blogging
Start a blog around a niche you love – like personal finance, wellness, or productivity – and monetize through ads, sponsored content posts/banners, affiliate links, and selling digital products.
| 💡Not gonna lie – speed matters if you want your blog to have tons of pageviews. Like, A LOT. Think with me, do you usually wait an eternity till a page finishes loading, or do you bounce back and click on another link? So yeah, most people do the former as well. That’s why 1) you need a fast web hosting and 2) I always say: build your blog or website with Managed Hosting, which is a whole server dedicated just for your site. I use DreamHost’s DreamPress plan, which comes with: ✅daily backups ✅top security ✅professional business email ✅support ready to fix any issue on your site FAST, 24/7 And DreamPress is so fast that 10 days on DreamPress was enough to decrease my bounce rate by 20%! Decreased bounce rate = more quality views; more quality views = more sales, more business proposals in my inbox, and therefore, more money in my bank account. DreamHost’s DreamPress is only $19.95 a month, and you get a free domain name on yearly plans! But if on a super-tight budget, start with one simpler DreamHost Web Hosting for just $2.99/mo and migrate when you’re ready. 😉 |
7. Affiliate Marketing
You can make money from your laptop by recommending products you genuinely love, and earn a commission for each sale.
(Perfect side income for bloggers and creators!)
8. Etsy Shop Owner
Sell digital downloads like planners, templates, or wall art – no shipping required!
| 💡 Resources for Etsy beginners: → Etsy SEO Optimization: How to Boost Etsy Sales → Etsy Payment Processing: Complete Seller Guide to Payouts and Fees |
9. YouTube Channel
Share tutorials, reviews, or your entrepreneurial journey – YouTube ad revenue and sponsorships can grow fast.
| 💡Resources for aspiring YouTubers: → YouTube SEO Optimization for Beginners: How to Get More Views → Blogging or YouTube, Which One is More Profitable? |
10. Pinterest Manager
Yes, it is a real job and a way to make money with your laptop!
Help bloggers or online shops get traffic through Pinterest marketing.
11. Dropshipping Store
Sell trending products without ever touching inventory. Shopify and WooCommerce make it beginner-friendly.
Check my complete article on how to set up a successful dropshipping business in 2025 for more!
12. Copywriting
If you can write words that make people click “buy,” you can build a thriving copywriting business.
13. SEO Consultant
Help businesses rank higher on Google – learn the basics and start offering audits or strategy calls.
14. Podcast Producer
Support podcast hosts by editing audio, writing show notes, and managing uploads.
Alternatively, you can start your own podcast on a subject you love or dominate.
15. Online Tutor
Teach languages, math, or even marketing online – use platforms like Preply or Wyzant.
16. Resume or LinkedIn Writer
Help professionals land better jobs with polished resumes and optimized profiles.
17. Graphic Designer
You can make money from your laptop by creating branding kits, Pinterest templates, or logos using Canva or Adobe Illustrator.
18. E-book Author
Self-publish guides or stories on Amazon KDP. It’s easier than you think!
19. Influencer / UGC Creator
Create short videos or photos for brands – even micro-creators can earn great side income.
20. Website Designer
Help small businesses build beautiful WordPress or Squarespace sites.
21. Translation Services
If you speak more than one language, you can offer translation work online.
This is one more I can speak from experience. Before transitioning to full-time blogging as a writer and content manager, I had two remote jobs: I was a freelance writer as a side hustle and a full-time French-English translator.
Here’s the part I assume you’re interested in the most: I was making 2k-3k/mo (before taxes 💔), working as a self-employed person.
At the time, I was an early 20s woman with only entry-level experience, living in a fairly expensive city in France, Lyon (tu me manques!). But since I was sharing a condo, it wasn’t too bad. 🤷🏻♀️
22. Online Coaching
Turn your experience into guidance – life, career, or fitness coaching are all laptop-based.
23. Stock Photography
Sell your photos to websites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.
24. Notion or Canva Template Seller
Create useful digital tools for creators and entrepreneurs.
25. Digital Marketing Services
Offer email marketing, funnel setup, or ad management for small business owners.
26. Subscription Box Curator
Partner with suppliers and manage the entire business online.
27. Voiceover Artist
Use your laptop mic to record for ads, audiobooks, or YouTube videos.
💰 How Do I Make Money From My Laptop?
Here’s the truth: most people start small – offering one skill or creating one product. Then they build step by step.
Start by asking:
- What am I good at or curious about?
- What problems can I help people solve?
- How can I package that value digitally?
You can make money through:
- Selling digital products (templates, printables, courses)
- Offering services (design, writing, management)
- Creating content (blogs, YouTube, or affiliate marketing)
Consistency > perfection. The goal isn’t to have it all figured out – it’s to start.
What Kind of Jobs Can I Do With a Laptop?
Basically, any job that doesn’t require physical presence.
Many of today’s “laptop jobs” are remote-friendly, freelance-based, or digital-creative roles.
From managing Pinterest accounts to writing sales pages, editing videos, or designing logos – if you have Wi-Fi and curiosity, you can find your lane.
Final Thoughts on Ways to Make Money from Your Laptop
You don’t need a huge budget or fancy equipment – just your laptop, dedication, and a spark of creativity.
So, grab a notebook, pick one idea from this list, and make a plan to try it this week.
Because the laptop that is in front of you? It’s more than just a screen – it’s your ticket to freedom!
📌 Save this post to your “Online Business Ideas” board for later!
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