15 Six-Figure Business Ideas You’ll Actually Want to Try

Online has never been more accessible, yet the path to six-figure income remains elusive for many entrepreneurs. The difference between struggling side hustlers and successful business owners often comes down to choosing the right business model and executing it with consistency and expertise.

In today’s digital economy, you don’t need massive capital or a fancy office to build a profitable enterprise. What you do need is the right combination of skills, market demand, and strategic thinking. This comprehensive guide explores 15 proven business ideas that have generated six-figure incomes for countless entrepreneurs, complete with actionable insights to help you make an informed decision about your entrepreneurial journey.

Want to Make Your First $200 on Pinterest in 30 Days?

Before diving into our main list, let’s address a compelling opportunity that many overlook: Pinterest marketing. This visual discovery platform has become a goldmine for entrepreneurs who understand its unique algorithm and user behavior.

Pinterest isn’t just social media—it’s a visual search engine where users actively seek solutions, inspiration, and products. Unlike scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, Pinterest users have high purchase intent, making them ideal prospects for monetization.

To make your first $200 in 30 days, focus on creating valuable pins that link to affiliate products, digital downloads, or service offerings. Design eye-catching vertical graphics using Canva, optimize your pin descriptions with relevant keywords, and consistently share content that solves specific problems for your target audience. Many successful Pinterest marketers start by promoting products from programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or digital product marketplaces like Etsy and Gumroad.

The key is understanding Pinterest SEO: use keyword-rich descriptions, create multiple pin designs for each piece of content, and join relevant group boards to expand your reach. With dedication and strategic content creation, that initial $200 can become a stepping stone to a full-fledged six-figure business.

1. Consulting Services

Consulting represents one of the fastest paths to six-figure income because you’re monetizing expertise you already possess. Whether you’ve spent years in marketing, operations, human resources, or any specialized field, businesses will pay premium rates for your knowledge and strategic guidance.

The consulting model offers exceptional profit margins since your primary investment is time and intellectual capital. Successful consultants typically charge between $150 to $500 per hour, with specialized experts commanding even higher rates. A consultant billing just 20 hours weekly at $200 per hour generates $208,000 annually.

Starting a consulting business requires minimal overhead. You need a professional website, clear service offerings, and a systematic approach to client acquisition. Many consultants begin by leveraging their existing professional network, then expand through content marketing, speaking engagements, and strategic partnerships.

The most successful consultants specialize rather than generalize. Instead of offering “business consulting,” focus on specific outcomes like “helping SaaS companies reduce customer churn by 30%” or “assisting manufacturing firms in implementing lean principles.” This specificity makes marketing easier and justifies premium pricing.

Building credibility is essential. Publish case studies demonstrating tangible results, create valuable content that showcases your expertise, and collect detailed testimonials from satisfied clients. Consider offering a signature framework or methodology that differentiates your approach from competitors.

2. Becoming A YouTuber

YouTube has evolved from a video-sharing platform into a legitimate business model capable of generating substantial income through multiple revenue streams. Successful YouTubers earn money through advertising revenue, sponsorships, merchandise, affiliate marketing, and premium content offerings.

The platform’s algorithm rewards consistency, engagement, and watch time. Channels that publish regularly and keep viewers watching earn more exposure, leading to exponential growth opportunities. While achieving monetization requires 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, dedicated creators typically reach these thresholds within six to twelve months.

Six-figure YouTube income rarely comes from AdSense alone. The most profitable creators diversify their revenue by securing brand sponsorships, promoting affiliate products, launching their own digital products, and building communities around their content. A channel with 100,000 subscribers can generate $3,000 to $10,000 monthly from ads, but sponsorships and affiliate income often exceed advertising revenue significantly.

Success on YouTube requires selecting a profitable niche where you can provide consistent value. Popular six-figure niches include personal finance, technology reviews, business education, health and fitness, and DIY tutorials. The key is balancing passion with market demand—you need genuine interest to sustain content creation over years while ensuring sufficient audience size to monetize effectively.

Technical requirements are surprisingly modest. Most successful YouTubers started with smartphones and basic editing software, upgrading equipment as revenue increased. Focus on content quality, storytelling, and audience engagement rather than expensive gear.

3. Blogging

Despite predictions of its demise, blogging remains a powerful business model when approached strategically. Profitable blogs combine valuable content with multiple monetization strategies including display advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and digital product sales.

Building a six-figure blog requires patience, consistency, and search engine optimization expertise. Most successful bloggers spend one to two years creating quality content and building domain authority before reaching significant income levels. However, once established, blogs generate passive income with relatively modest ongoing effort.

The foundation of profitable blogging is understanding search intent and creating content that ranks in Google. This requires keyword research, strategic content planning, and technical SEO knowledge. Successful bloggers target a mix of informational keywords to build traffic and commercial keywords to drive conversions.

Monetization typically evolves in stages. New blogs start with display advertising through networks like Mediavine or AdThrive, earning $15 to $40 per thousand pageviews. As traffic grows, bloggers add affiliate marketing, promoting products relevant to their audience and earning commissions on sales. The most profitable blogs eventually create and sell their own digital products or premium memberships.

Six-figure bloggers treat their sites like media companies, publishing consistently, analyzing performance data, and continuously optimizing for better results. They understand that blogging success comes from building audience relationships, not just chasing traffic numbers.

4. Vending Machines

Vending machines represent a semi-passive business model that combines physical assets with recurring revenue. While requiring initial capital investment, successful vending machine operations generate steady cash flow with minimal time commitment once established.

The modern vending industry extends beyond traditional snack and beverage machines. Profitable operators place specialized machines dispensing healthy foods, electronics accessories, beauty products, or even fresh pizza in high-traffic locations. Smart vending machines with cashless payment systems and remote monitoring have made operations more efficient and profitable.

Starting a vending machine business requires $3,000 to $10,000 per machine, depending on type and features. The key to profitability is securing prime locations with high foot traffic and limited competition. Successful operators negotiate placement agreements with property owners, often offering percentage splits or flat monthly fees.

A well-placed vending machine generates $300 to $500 monthly in profit after product costs, location fees, and maintenance. Building a six-figure vending operation typically requires 20 to 40 machines strategically placed across a geographic area you can service efficiently.

The business demands regular restocking, maintenance, and relationship management with location owners. However, many operators systematize these tasks, creating routes they service weekly while monitoring machine performance remotely. Some scale by hiring part-time staff to handle restocking, transitioning to a more hands-off role as the business grows.

5. Dropshipping

Dropshipping enables entrepreneurs to sell physical products online without holding inventory or handling fulfillment. When customers place orders, you purchase items from third-party suppliers who ship directly to buyers, allowing you to focus on marketing and customer acquisition.

This business model offers low barriers to entry and minimal financial risk. You can launch a dropshipping store with $500 to $2,000, covering website setup, initial marketing costs, and business tools. The absence of inventory requirements means you can test multiple products and niches without significant capital investment.

Successful dropshipping businesses identify winning products through market research and trend analysis. Rather than selling everything, profitable stores focus on specific niches where they can build brand recognition and customer loyalty. Popular categories include home improvement tools, pet accessories, fitness equipment, and problem-solving gadgets.

Marketing drives dropshipping success. Most six-figure dropshippers excel at paid advertising on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, creating compelling video content that demonstrates product benefits and drives purchase decisions. Others build organic traffic through content marketing and search engine optimization.

Profit margins typically range from 15% to 45%, depending on product selection and operational efficiency. A dropshipping business generating $500,000 in annual sales might produce $100,000 to $150,000 in profit. Success requires continuous testing, excellent customer service, and adaptation to changing market conditions and platform algorithms.

6. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing offers unlimited income potential for skilled communicators who can translate complex ideas into engaging content. Businesses desperately need quality writing for websites, blogs, email campaigns, white papers, and sales materials, creating constant demand for talented writers.

Beginning freelance writers charge $50 to $100 per article, but experienced professionals command $200 to $1,000 or more for specialized content. Writers who develop expertise in technical subjects, B2B marketing, or specific industries can charge premium rates. A freelance writer billing $150 per hour and working 30 billable hours weekly generates $234,000 annually.

Building a six-figure freelance writing business requires positioning yourself as a specialist rather than a generalist. Writers who understand SEO, conversion copywriting, or technical subjects earn significantly more than those offering generic content creation. Many successful freelancers focus on specific industries like SaaS, healthcare, finance, or manufacturing, developing deep expertise that justifies premium pricing.

Client acquisition strategies evolve as your business grows. New freelancers typically find work on platforms like Upwork or through content marketing agencies. Established writers rely on referrals, direct outreach to ideal clients, and content marketing that demonstrates their expertise. Building a personal brand through a professional website, LinkedIn presence, and published work samples accelerates growth.

The most successful freelance writers eventually transition from hourly billing to project-based or retainer arrangements, creating more predictable income and reducing the time-for-money trap. Some build content agencies, outsourcing work to other writers while focusing on client relationships and business development.

7. Sell Courses Online

The online education industry has exploded, with people investing billions annually in skill development and knowledge acquisition. Creating and selling online courses allows you to package expertise into scalable digital products that generate income repeatedly without additional effort per sale.

Successful course creators identify specific problems their target audience faces and design comprehensive learning experiences that deliver measurable results. The most profitable courses teach practical skills related to making money, advancing careers, improving health, or developing valuable technical abilities.

Building a six-figure course business typically follows a proven formula: validate demand through audience building, create a minimum viable product, sell to your audience, refine based on feedback, and scale through systematic marketing. Many successful course creators start by building audiences through blogs, YouTube channels, podcasts, or social media before launching educational products.

Pricing strategies vary widely, with courses selling from $47 to several thousand dollars depending on depth, outcomes, and market positioning. A course priced at $497 needs approximately 202 sales to reach $100,000 in revenue. Successful creators often develop course ecosystems with entry-level products leading to premium offerings and coaching programs.

Marketing online courses requires building trust and demonstrating expertise. Effective strategies include offering valuable free content, hosting webinars that showcase teaching style, sharing student success stories, and creating compelling sales pages that address objections and highlight transformational outcomes.

8. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing enables you to earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products and services. This performance-based business model requires no product creation or customer support, allowing you to focus entirely on content creation and traffic generation.

Successful affiliate marketers build platforms—websites, YouTube channels, email lists, or social media followings—where they recommend products to engaged audiences. The key is promoting products you genuinely believe in to people who need them, creating value for both merchants and consumers.

Income potential varies dramatically based on niche selection, traffic volume, and conversion optimization. Affiliates promoting high-ticket software subscriptions or financial products can earn $100 to $1,000+ per conversion, while those promoting physical products typically earn 3% to 10% commissions. A well-optimized affiliate site generating 50,000 monthly visitors might produce $5,000 to $15,000 monthly income.

The most profitable affiliate niches include personal finance, business software, web hosting, online education, and health supplements. Success requires understanding your audience deeply, creating content that ranks in search engines or attracts social media engagement, and continuously testing promotional strategies to improve conversion rates.

Building a sustainable affiliate business means diversifying across multiple products and traffic sources. Relying on a single merchant or traffic channel creates vulnerability to algorithm changes or program modifications. Successful affiliates cultivate owned audiences through email lists, enabling direct communication independent of platform algorithms.

9. Plumbing Company

While traditionally considered offline, modern plumbing businesses leverage digital marketing and online scheduling to build six-figure enterprises. Licensed plumbers with business acumen can create valuable service companies that solve urgent problems for homeowners and businesses.

Starting a plumbing business requires licensing, insurance, tools, and a service vehicle, typically costing $15,000 to $50,000. However, the return on investment can be exceptional, with established plumbers charging $100 to $250 per hour for their services. A solo plumber billing 25 hours weekly at $150 per hour generates $195,000 annually before expenses.

Scaling beyond solo operation creates exponential income potential. Plumbing company owners who hire licensed employees and focus on business development, marketing, and operations management can build enterprises generating $500,000 to several million annually. The key is systematizing operations, implementing quality standards, and creating marketing systems that generate consistent lead flow.

Online presence is crucial for modern plumbing businesses. Customers search Google when pipes burst or water heaters fail, making search engine optimization and Google My Business optimization essential. Successful plumbing companies invest in professional websites, online booking systems, and review generation strategies that build trust with potential customers.

The service business model provides recession resistance since plumbing problems require immediate solutions regardless of economic conditions. Developing long-term relationships with property managers, homeowners associations, and commercial property owners creates recurring revenue streams that stabilize income.

10. Sell On Amazon

Amazon’s massive customer base and sophisticated fulfillment infrastructure enable entrepreneurs to build significant e-commerce businesses with relatively modest startup capital. The Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program handles storage, shipping, and customer service, allowing sellers to focus on product selection and marketing.

Successful Amazon sellers identify profitable products through research tools that analyze search volume, competition, and pricing dynamics. The most profitable approach typically involves private labeling products—sourcing generic items from manufacturers, adding your branding, and creating unique listings that differentiate from commodity offerings.

Starting an Amazon FBA business requires $5,000 to $15,000 for initial inventory, branding, and Amazon fees. However, successful sellers often reinvest early profits to expand product lines and increase inventory depth. A well-managed Amazon business with five to ten products can generate $300,000 to $1,000,000 in annual sales.

Product selection is critical. Successful sellers target items with strong demand, manageable competition, and healthy profit margins. They avoid highly competitive categories dominated by major brands and extremely seasonal items that create inventory challenges. The ideal products solve specific problems, have limited reviews from competitors, and offer opportunities for differentiation through bundling or improved features.

Marketing on Amazon centers on listing optimization, competitive pricing, and review generation. Successful sellers create compelling product listings with professional images, keyword-optimized descriptions, and enhanced brand content. They systematically request reviews from satisfied customers and adjust pricing based on competitive dynamics and inventory levels.

11. Electrician

Licensed electricians can build lucrative businesses serving residential, commercial, or industrial clients. The skilled trade faces persistent labor shortages, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs who combine technical expertise with business development capabilities.

Becoming a licensed electrician requires apprenticeship training and certification, typically taking four to five years. However, the investment pays substantial dividends, with experienced electricians earning $60 to $150 per hour depending on specialization and location. An electrical contractor billing 30 hours weekly at $100 per hour generates $156,000 annually.

Building an electrical contracting business beyond solo operation multiplies income potential. Electrical companies that employ multiple licensed electricians and specialize in profitable niches—such as commercial electrical systems, industrial maintenance, or smart home installations—can generate multi-million-dollar revenues.

Specialization often drives profitability. Electricians focusing on specific markets like data center infrastructure, renewable energy installations, or industrial automation can charge premium rates due to specialized knowledge. These niches often provide steadier work and more profitable contracts than general residential service.

Marketing electrical services effectively requires building local visibility through search engine optimization, maintaining active Google My Business profiles, and cultivating referral relationships with general contractors, property managers, and real estate agents. Consistent quality work generates word-of-mouth referrals that reduce marketing costs and build sustainable businesses.

12. ATM Machines Business

Operating ATM machines creates passive income streams through transaction fees charged to users who withdraw cash. While requiring capital investment and location relationships, successful ATM businesses generate steady cash flow with minimal ongoing time commitment.

Starting an ATM business requires purchasing or leasing machines ($2,000 to $8,000 each), securing high-traffic locations, and maintaining adequate cash reserves to keep machines stocked. Each transaction generates $2 to $3 in fees, split between the ATM owner and location host.

A well-placed ATM processes 200 to 600 transactions monthly, generating $200 to $800 in monthly revenue per machine after location fees and cash replenishment costs. Building a six-figure ATM business typically requires 15 to 40 machines strategically placed in bars, convenience stores, entertainment venues, and other high-traffic locations where card transaction fees motivate cash usage.

Success depends on location selection and relationship management. Profitable ATM operators identify venues with high foot traffic, limited banking alternatives, and businesses that benefit from customer cash usage. They negotiate favorable placement agreements and maintain consistent service standards that keep location partners satisfied.

The business becomes increasingly passive as you systematize cash replenishment routes and implement remote monitoring systems that track transaction volumes and maintenance needs. Some operators eventually hire part-time staff to handle cash servicing, creating genuinely passive income streams.

13. App Development

Mobile applications represent massive opportunities for entrepreneurs with coding skills or ability to manage development teams. Apps that solve specific problems or provide entertainment can generate substantial revenue through subscriptions, in-app purchases, or advertising.

Successful app businesses typically follow one of several models: utility apps that solve specific problems, content platforms supported by advertising, games with in-app purchases, or subscription-based services providing ongoing value. The most profitable apps focus on retention, creating experiences that users engage with repeatedly rather than one-time novelties.

Development costs vary dramatically depending on complexity and whether you build in-house or hire developers. Simple apps might cost $10,000 to $50,000 to develop, while sophisticated platforms can require hundreds of thousands. However, successful apps generate recurring revenue that provides exceptional returns on development investment.

App Store Optimization (ASO) determines discovery and download rates. Successful developers invest significant effort in keyword optimization, compelling screenshots, and encouraging positive reviews that improve rankings. Many successful apps complement organic discovery with paid user acquisition campaigns on social platforms.

Monetization strategies must align with user experience. Free apps with advertising or freemium models that convert users to paid subscriptions often outperform paid downloads. The key is demonstrating clear value that justifies either attention (for ad-supported models) or payment (for premium features).

14. Real Estate Investment

Real estate investing builds wealth through property appreciation, rental income, and tax advantages. While requiring more capital than purely online businesses, real estate provides tangible assets and inflation hedging that digital businesses cannot match.

Successful real estate investors employ multiple strategies: long-term rental properties, house flipping, short-term vacation rentals, or commercial property investment. Each approach requires different skills, capital requirements, and time commitments, but all can generate six-figure income with proper execution.

Rental property investing builds passive income and equity simultaneously. A well-selected rental property might generate $500 to $1,500 monthly cash flow after mortgage payments and expenses. Building a portfolio of 10 to 20 properties creates substantial monthly income while appreciation builds long-term wealth.

Many investors start with house hacking—purchasing multi-unit properties, living in one unit, and renting others to cover mortgage payments. This strategy allows acquisition with lower down payments through owner-occupied financing while generating immediate rental income that builds experience and capital for future investments.

Modern real estate investors leverage technology for property analysis, tenant screening, and property management. Many use property management companies to handle day-to-day operations, creating truly passive income streams. Online platforms have also democratized real estate investing through crowdfunding and REIT investments that require minimal capital.

15. IT and Cybersecurity Services

Businesses face escalating cybersecurity threats and increasingly complex technology infrastructure, creating massive demand for IT and cybersecurity services. Entrepreneurs with technical expertise can build valuable managed service provider (MSP) businesses serving small to medium-sized companies.

IT service businesses typically operate on monthly retainer models, providing ongoing support, monitoring, and maintenance for client networks and systems. This recurring revenue model creates predictable income and valuable business enterprises. MSPs charge $100 to $250 per user monthly, meaning a company serving 50 clients with 20 users each generates $100,000 to $250,000 monthly.

Starting an IT services business requires technical certifications, diagnostic tools, and remote monitoring software, typically costing $10,000 to $25,000. However, low overhead and high profit margins create attractive economics. Many successful MSPs operate profitably with minimal physical infrastructure, working remotely and visiting client sites only for complex issues.

Specialization drives profitability in competitive IT markets. Companies focusing on specific industries—healthcare, legal, financial services—develop deep expertise in compliance requirements and industry-specific software, justifying premium pricing. Others specialize in particular services like cybersecurity, cloud migration, or disaster recovery planning.

Building an IT services business requires balancing technical excellence with sales and relationship management capabilities. The most successful entrepreneurs either develop both skill sets or partner with complementary co-founders who provide strengths in areas they lack.

These 15 business ideas represent proven paths to six-figure income, each with unique advantages, challenges, and requirements. The right choice depends on your skills, interests, available capital, and lifestyle preferences. Success in any business requires consistent effort, continuous learning, and adaptation to changing market conditions. Start by selecting the opportunity that best aligns with your strengths, commit to mastering the necessary skills, and execute with persistence and strategic thinking.