Top 10 business to do in south africa 2023

There are many small business ideas in South Africa that you can start. Whether you want to start an online business , there are plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs in this country. In this blog post, we will share with you some of the best online small business ideas in South Africa.

BUSINESS

Qawl Nzakaha

6/26/20237 min read

1. Become a Freelancer

  • Estimated income: around R500/Hr depending on the industry and location

    Requirements: skills and experience in a particular field

    The rise of the gig economy makes freelancing a viable alternative to regular nine-to-five jobs. In fact freelancers reported increased income compared to their previous full-time job.

    Those with prior work experience can leverage their expertise and the network they’ve built to establish a professional brand.

    You can work freelance in nearly any industry. However, web developers, graphic designers, and writers are some of the mot in -demand jobs online.

    To start this free online business idea, decide on a niche and a unique selling point to set yourself apart in the competitive market.

A MacBook with lines of code on its screen on a busy desk
A MacBook with lines of code on its screen on a busy desk

2. Start a blog

  • Estimated income: R2000 - R20 000 +/month, depending on blog operational expenses and monetization channels

    Requirements: writing, content marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO) skills

    Starting a blog is a great way to express yourself and share your ideas with the world. It allows you to connect with like-minded individuals, build a community, and even potentially make some money. Whether you want to write about your passion for cooking, travel adventures, or personal experiences, a blog provides a platform for creativity and self-expression.

    To start a blog, you need to choose a niche, come up with a catchy name, select a blogging platform, and design your website. Once you have set up your blog, it's time to start creating content that resonates with your readers. Regularly updating your blog and engaging with your audience will help you build a loyal following and establish yourself as an authority in your chosen field. So, don't hesitate, get started on your blogging journey today!

turned on Acer laptop on table near cup
turned on Acer laptop on table near cup

3. Self-publish an eBook

  • Estimated income: 35-75% royalties from the eBook’s price, depending on the platform

  • Requirements: creative writing and content marketing skills

Are you interested in starting your own online business by self-publishing an eBook? With the rise of digital content, self-publishing has become a popular option for aspiring authors and entrepreneurs. By taking control of the publishing process, you can showcase your creativity and share your knowledge with a global audience.

Self-publishing an eBook allows you to bypass traditional publishing routes and retain complete ownership of your work. You can set your own pricing, design the cover, and choose your target market.

Additionally, online platforms offer various marketing tools to help you promote and sell your eBook. However, it's important to invest time and effort into creating a high-quality product that stands out in the saturated market. With research, dedication, and a strong marketing strategy, self-publishing an eBook can be a rewarding and profitable venture.

person using smartphone and laptop at the same time
person using smartphone and laptop at the same time

4. Start an online store

  • Estimated income: R20 000 -R200,000+/year, depending on the eCommerce business, its expenses, and the market size

  • Requirements: business management, digital marketing, and site maintenance skills

Starting an online store is a great way to reach a wider audience and expand your business. With the increasing popularity of online shopping, creating an online store can open up new opportunities for selling your products or services. By setting up an online store, you can provide customers with a convenient and hassle-free shopping experience, allowing them to browse and purchase your offerings from the comfort of their own homes.

Additionally, an online store can help you save on costs associated with traditional brick-and-mortar stores, such as rent and utilities. With the right tools and strategies, your online store can become a successful venture, attracting customers from all over the world and boosting your sales.

black and orange card on brown wooden table
black and orange card on brown wooden table

5. Start a dropshipping business

  • Estimated income: R400 -R6000 /month, depending on the online store and market size

  • Requirements: business management, digital marketing, and site maintenance skills

Starting a dropshipping business can be a lucrative venture. With dropshipping, you don't need to worry about inventory or shipping logistics. Instead, you focus on marketing and sales, while your supplier takes care of fulfilling orders. This makes it a low-risk business model, as you only purchase products from your supplier once you've received payment from your customers.

To start a dropshipping business, you need to find reliable suppliers who offer quality products at competitive prices. You'll also need to build an attractive and user-friendly online store to showcase your products. Additionally, investing in marketing and advertising strategies will be crucial to driving traffic to your store and generating sales. With dedication and a solid strategy, you can build a successful dropshipping business.

person holding cardboard box on table
person holding cardboard box on table

6.Cleaning Services

The idea of online cleaning services in South Africa is a novel and convenient solution to address the needs of individuals and businesses seeking professional cleaning services. With the rapid growth of technology and the increasing use of the internet, this concept aims to provide a platform where customers can easily book and schedule cleaning services at their preferred time and location.

This online platform would connect customers with trustworthy and experienced cleaning professionals, ensuring a hassle-free and efficient service. Such an idea would not only benefit busy individuals who struggle to find time for cleaning but also create employment opportunities for cleaners seeking work.

This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the cleaning industry in South Africa, making it more accessible and convenient for all.

woman in white long sleeve shirt and blue denim jeans standing beside white wooden framed glass
woman in white long sleeve shirt and blue denim jeans standing beside white wooden framed glass

7. Tutoring

Online tutoring in South Africa is a promising business idea that has gained significant traction in recent years. With the rise of technology and the internet, more and more students are turning to online platforms to seek academic help and support.

This innovative approach to education not only offers convenience and flexibility but also opens up opportunities for tutors to reach a wider audience. Online tutoring enables students from remote areas or those with limited access to quality education to receive personalized guidance and instruction from qualified professionals.

Additionally, it provides tutors with the chance to earn a sustainable income while sharing their knowledge and expertise. As the demand for online tutoring continues to grow, entrepreneurs in South Africa can seize this opportunity to establish successful and impactful educational platforms.

woman in gray long sleeve shirt sitting beside boy in blue sweater
woman in gray long sleeve shirt sitting beside boy in blue sweater

8. Virtual Assistance

Virtual Assistance is a promising business idea in South Africa. With the rise of remote work and the increasing demand for flexible and cost-effective solutions, virtual assistants are becoming essential for businesses of all sizes.

These professionals provide a wide range of services remotely, such as administrative tasks, social media management, customer support, and data entry. By outsourcing these tasks to virtual assistants, South African businesses can save on overhead costs and focus on their core activities.

Additionally, virtual assistants offer the flexibility to work on different projects simultaneously and provide quick turnaround times. With the necessary skills, a strong online presence, and excellent communication abilities, entrepreneurs in South Africa can tap into this growing market and establish successful virtual assistance businesses.

woman in white long sleeve shirt using macbook pro
woman in white long sleeve shirt using macbook pro

9. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a popular online business idea that has gained traction in South Africa. This strategy allows individuals to earn a passive income by promoting products or services of other companies.

The process is simple: an affiliate marketer signs up for a program and receives a unique referral link. They then promote this link through various channels, such as websites, blogs, or social media platforms. Whenever someone clicks on the link and makes a purchase, the affiliate marketer earns a commission. This business idea is attractive in South Africa due to its flexibility and low startup costs.

It allows individuals to work from the comfort of their own homes and potentially earn a significant income. With the right strategies and dedication, affiliate marketing can be a lucrative online venture in South Africa.

man sitting in front of silver Apple iMac on table
man sitting in front of silver Apple iMac on table

10. Social media management

Social media management is becoming a popular idea for online businesses in South Africa. With the rise of social media platforms, businesses are realizing the importance of effectively managing their online presence.

Social media management involves creating and curating content, engaging with followers, and monitoring analytics to ensure the success of a business's online strategy. It allows businesses to build a strong online brand, connect with their target audience, and increase their visibility in the digital space.

In South Africa, where internet usage is rapidly growing, social media management is essential for businesses to stay competitive and reach their customers effectively. By outsourcing this task to professionals, businesses can focus on their core operations while ensuring that their online presence is managed efficiently.

a group of different types of social media logos
a group of different types of social media logos