Online earning opportunities exist in Pakistan, just like in any other country. And many companies have made it big despite tough competition. Two popular food chains, Burger Lab and Broadway Pizza, are intriguing case studies on how to start an online business in Pakistan.
It is interesting to find how they turned the tide against international fast-food giants by growing an idea into a great startup. It would be an exciting tale for people who want to start an online store in Pakistan.
Burger Lab and Broadway Pizza have around 20 and 54 branches, respectively. However, creating a reputation is not easy as US-based fast-food restaurants heavily dominate the fast-food market.
These brands made their mark by offering a great ambience and consistently working on growing their online presence. Thanks to their contribution, fast food has remained one of Pakistan's most successful online business ideas during the last two decades.
"You can't wait for customers to come to you. You must figure out where they are, go there and bring them back to your store" - Paul Graham, American Scientist and Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Y Combinator - Seed Capital Firm.
The beauty of online businesses is that they can attract virtually everyone, even if they are genuinely interested in buying a product. Take the example of the burger and pizza chains mentioned above. They use engaging visuals to invoke hunger, and a large section of the target audience often orders from these restaurants.
What would be your answer if I asked you what is the most profitable business in Pakistan? After going through this post, I hope you will be in a better position to answer this question and have some great ideas for online shopping that attract people and convert them into customers.
"If you're competitor-focused, you have to wait until there is a competitor doing something. Being customer-focused allows you to be more pioneering." - Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon.
Like in any other country, online earning opportunities exist in Pakistan. Information about online business ideas in Pakistan without investment is perhaps one of the most-searched topics on the Internet. Starting small businesses is also viable, as discussed in this LinkedIn group. While a minimum amount is required in some cases, you can earn through affiliate sales or blog writing without initial investment. And that's the reason why people look for online small business ideas in Pakistan, which can help them make a good start.
The list of profitable businesses in Pakistan is large enough to accommodate several good ideas that are successful worldwide. You may think that growing inflation and a worldwide economic downturn can lead to another recession. That's one reason why people usually want to go for safe ideas. Most businessmen don’t want to experiment much in these testing times and go for limited business ideas.
Related Read: 7 Key Elements to Make your Online Ecommerce Store Look More Upbeat!
Cheap internet connectivity and smartphones have made it easier for everyone to connect to the online world and start earning. There is virtually no business that a male can do and a female can't. That's why online business ideas in Pakistan for females are the same for males. In some cases, women have fared better in dealing with some businesses.
A prime example is Sehat Kahani, a roaring success helmed by Dr. Sara Saeed Khurram, the co-founder and chief executive officer. Sehat Kahani is a Pakistan-based telemedicine company. The key to its success, and many others, is taking calculated risks and conducting detailed research on market dynamics and product/service sourcing for the best results.
The most common type of investment is monetary. This is considered a critical aspect because funding is the lifeblood of startups and small businesses.
Technical and professional expertise is not required to start an online business or store in Pakistan. The good thing about this investment class is that you can always hire experts to understand the challenge and implement a solution.
You should always research the investment required to execute an online business idea. To help you start, I've compiled the following list of the top 20 online businesses you can start in Pakistan that can be a huge success in 2023.
Related Read: A Beginner's Guide for How to Start and Run E-commerce Business in Pakistan
You can start a promising career by becoming a virtual assistant. The idea is to provide business owners with online/offsite services and eventually get enough clients to set up an agency. It is a great business idea with much room to grow in Pakistan. Virtual Assistants and Virtual Assistants agencies are among the best online business ideas in Pakistan for females who can work from the comforts of their homes.
Virtual Assistants are valuable members of the team whom they provide support and smoothen business operations. From small retail stores hosted on ecommerce store builders such as Webx Ecommerce to large businesses, Virtual Assistants are a way to manage communication, data research, and even digital marketing.
Daraz is perhaps the most recognizable local brand in Pakistan for online shopping. The good news is that you can set up a shop on Daraz's platform and sell many products across Pakistan.
You can create four accounts on Daraz - Daraz Mall seller, Local Seller, Global Seller, and Digital Sahulat. Although the requirements for these accounts vary, the best part is that you need to pay a commission only when you sell a product. Hence, setting up a business with a few products is easy, and you can grow by leaps and bounds with good marketing.
Many companies and brands send out customized gifts throughout the year. Therefore, there is enormous potential for business ideas related to custom printing gift items. There is a steady demand from businesses throughout the year as they celebrate events and onboard employees and customers. It is one of the few small online business ideas in Pakistan that are easy to set up and scale with the help of creative marketing.
Related Read: 15 Customer Appreciation and Gift Ideas
In this niche, unique business ideas in Pakistan allow you to tap into market segments which you may think are not profitable or viable. For instance, customized t-shirt printing is a popular niche. Not only do companies order t-shirt printing for various events, but you can also print custom shirts to take advantage of sports events and local festivals.
If you can tap in, the potential is immense. In the current circumstances, it could easily be among the best online business ideas in Pakistan in 2023. Thousands of individuals and companies are already engaged in the printing of promotional materials on, not just on t-shirts but also on stationery, mugs, caps, etc.
Graphic and web designers have been a popular vacation right from the first internet boom. Websites are always in demand, with businesses creating new websites and revamping existing ones as technology and design ideas evolve. This online business idea is an excellent opportunity for students who could learn the craft in a couple of months. Anyone can pick up the related skills thanks to free and paid courses and online learning resources.
The role of a graphic/web designer isn't limited to just creating web pages. Additional tasks could include designing logos, books, and packaging. In addition, graphic designers could grow their businesses by learning new technologies and becoming motion artists or concept artists. Graphic design businesses have excellent scope for talented individuals shortlisting the best small online business ideas in Pakistan.
You can start as a freelance photographer and transform your efforts into a small business. Like customized printing, there is a huge demand for original pictures related to any subject required by the buyer.
Stock images are readily available on several websites, and thus there is no uniqueness in using them on websites. However, original photos offer a fresh perspective for website visitors.
From birthdays to weddings and corporate events, the role of a photographer is central, which is why this can be a great online business idea. The initial investment is a good camera and related equipment. This is one online business in Pakistan that anybody can quickly start with minimal investment and a passion for photography.
Students with a knack for photography and quality images can start taking advantage of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. There are unlimited possibilities for anyone with an eye for detail related to photography. Images are vital for any business as can showcase products aptly with the help of a person who knows how to creatively present images and elevate them to the next level.
The real estate boom started when people invested actively in residential/commercial properties. It is another job you can start as a freelancer from home and expand as you see more opportunities in it. It will help if you have two essential skills - the ability to look ahead for possible opportunities in the market and connections that you could use to find and offload properties.
A handsome commission and later setting up your own real estate firm are just two of the many opportunities available to real estate agents. So, suppose you are interested in starting an online business in Pakistan. In that case, you could start as a freelance realtor. The good thing is that you don't need much investment because you can conduct most of the business over the phone.
Tourism has started to flourish again after the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. You can offer services as a tour guide to people looking to visit Pakistan's beautiful Northern areas or foreign countries. Turkey, Dubai, and Malaysia are amongst the top destinations for Pakistanis. That's one reason why there is a tremendous opportunity for anyone who can set up a travel agency.
Getting clients is all about marketing through social media channels, making it a great online business in Pakistan for students as there are opportunities for them in many related fields. From the position of a receptionist to customer service and restaurant positions, there are many entry-level jobs in this industry that students can get easily.
The hospitality industry is closely related to the tourism industry. The tourism industry is now operating at pre-pandemic levels, and you can combine both as one of the best online business ideas in Pakistan. New entrants in the market can start with marketing services related to both these industries.
You can also connect to people on Airbnb abroad or with people in the hospitality industry in Pakistan to create a network that can grow exponentially.
All businesses these days require digital marketing to reach their customers. The challenge in delivering exceptional digital marketing services is to be aware of the various social media and digital marketing channels. This adds a learning curve to setting up your digital marketing agency. The role of an expert online marketer is to understand the requirements of the target platforms and help the business make the best use of the audience on these platforms.
Many people start small with social media marketing campaigns and nurture the clients into repeat customers. This is the story behind some of the famous digital marketing agencies. For many people, digital marketing is one of Pakistan's best online business ideas. In particular, for females, offering digital marketing services is one of Pakistan's more exciting business ideas.
You must have gone through Facebook and Instagram pages where women sell different goods and services. Social media platforms are accessible for everyone, and setting up a small business is one way for females to work from home and establish a business without a physical presence.
Furthermore, online marketing and sales opportunities exist for females as jobs related to call centers, email marketing, and social media marketing are available. Women can find a job related to their education and experience and earn a handsome salary from the comfort of their homes.
You can start a dropshipping store where you can sell products at a digital storefront and outsource inventory management and order fulfilment to a third-party company.
Dropshipping is one of the great ideas for online shopping businesses you can start with minimal investment and then grow as you add more products and target additional markets. Thanks to the COVID pandemic, dropshipping has become a significant player in the e-commerce industry.
Although easier said than done, the result of developing and selling a niche product is incredibly satisfying. In addition, niche products offer a significant advantage because the competition is low, with few people knowing about your products.
Suppose you can find the investment and have the required technical expertise. In that case, you can create a niche product that solves problems and simplifies a business challenge. This allows you to target some unique business ideas in Pakistan and build products you can take to global markets.
Examples include eco-friendly products and products related to health and wellness. The latter is gaining momentum as the market reached 3.31 trillion in 2020. But still, for the Pakistani market, these products fall in the niche category. Sehat Kahani is one example that I discussed earlier. Apart from that, there are examples like pharmacies like Dvago, Ehad, MedznMore, etc., which are making a mark for themselves.
For women or anyone who knows how to cook good food, this can be a fun experience that can reap great benefits. Food businesses have made it big by starting through Foodpanda or other food-delivering services operating in Pakistan.
It is one of the best online business ideas in Pakistan for females as they can earn a respectable income. Home food is considered hygienic by the majority of people, and they prefer it over small roadside stalls and fast-food outlets. Initially, don't expect huge profits, but with time, the profit margin can substantially increase once you have loyal customers.
This is amongst the best online-selling business ideas in Pakistan, as people with good knowledge of local and international cuisine can quickly start a home-cooked food online business.
Just a few years ago, this idea was being used by just a handful of people, but after the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a norm now. Home-schooling is an option for several parents as they try to teach their children at home for a few years. And online coaching for all subjects is also not a novel idea anymore.
One of the best online business ideas for students in Pakistan is offering online coaching and teaching for students looking for a part-time job. And it is not difficult for anyone to start such a business. Let me discuss this aspect further.
Starting online teaching or coaching doesn't require much investment, as anyone can do it through a smartphone, tablet or PC. Your teaching skills are more important than anything else. And once your online teaching or coaching becomes popular, it can get attention from students in Pakistan and worldwide.
Students can start web designing and development along with app development while studying. They can use online platforms like Fiverr to find people interested in their work. They can earn a handsome income and can even start a small business.
Starting a YouTube channel is as easy as 1-2-3; you can start uploading videos in a few minutes. With 2.1 billion monthly active users, the market is the biggest after Facebook. Even on Facebook, videos instantly catch people's attention, and that's why being a YouTuber is not a profession that you need to be ashamed of now.
According to Sprout Social, short-form videos, live videos, gaming/toys/consumer electronic reviews are among the most popular genres. To qualify for the YouTube Partner Program, you must fulfil their policy of 4000 hours of watch time within 12 months, with at least 1000 subscribers.
Try asking about the top 10 ways of earning money online without minimal effort; every list will indeed include YouTube. Thus, it is one of the few online business ideas in Pakistan that is relatable to every segment of society, as videos garner interest for everyone.
Anyone who doesn't know about social media platforms must live in a cave. From Facebook to Snapchat and Twitter to Instagram, billions of people use multiple social media platforms regularly and numerous times a day. Social media management is a real online business you can start from home and doesn't need much capital.
From posting pictures on a business's Instagram page to running a Facebook page of a fine-dine restaurant, the possibilities are endless. There are opportunities for anyone who knows how to create social media accounts and run them successfully. Every company, regardless of the size and nature of the business, needs a prominent social media presence for the best results.
Operating such a business is also very easy on the pocket as it doesn't cost much to use a smartphone and use Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms. Surely one of the better online business ideas for beginners in Pakistan that can quickly yield good results.
Everything you see on the Internet is content, whether it is text, images or videos. Content writing for websites, blogs and social media pages is one of the most in-demand services. When we talk about content writing, it can be related to a business or individuals looking to market a product or service on a website or social media platform.
Unlike most other business ideas discussed here, content writing is technical. In other words, not everyone can offer their support to people looking for unique content. But suppose you know your way with words. In that case, you can earn a handsome amount by working from home. It is one of the few online business ideas in Pakistan without investment. Just your skill in content writing will work miracles for you.
Starting a blog is easy; you can speak out on any topic. People interested in the topic you are discussing will start patronizing your page, and you can start getting ads as the traffic on your portal increase steadily. An activity that looks like a hobby can be turned into a money-making stream without investing a fortune.
The craze among the young crowd for going for entrepreneurship and becoming the next Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg is immense. Everyone has a huge opportunity, but no one can succeed without proper guidance and consultation. That's where the role of a startup advisor is of great importance.
Startups need to figure out what is a suitable business model for success. As a startup advisor, you can give an expert opinion on how a person can start a business with the right product or service. With ample knowledge about the market dynamics and what the future holds, you can help out aspiring businessmen and entrepreneurs looking to make a mark for themselves.
Podcasts differ from YouTube videos as they provide rich insights into diverse topics. The fundamental difference between both platforms is that a podcast is a video and audio-based platform that allows users to share and download those files. At the same time, YouTube is a video-sharing network that streams videos, and podcasts offer more options. One example is the TED talk which is discussed below.
TED Talks Daily is the best example of a podcast. They are trendy, available anytime and anywhere at no cost. So, how are you going to earn revenue through a podcast? The popularity of your podcast will carve a niche for yourself so that you will have domain authority. Everyone will recognize that you are the authority on a specific subject, and anyone can benefit from watching or listening to your podcast.
While podcasts may be peculiar, unlike a YouTube video or a social media post, they reach a target audience that will be interested in more podcasts from you. Slowly, you can build a loyal following that can be fruitful in the future.
Freelancing is a broad field, as hundreds of jobs and businesses can be defined under its umbrella. It can be amongst the most lucrative ideas so that people can go for any business, like starting a data entry job, offering consultancy or legal support to someone from your webpage or using social media to support people experiencing anxiety or stress.
Like a podcast or YouTube channel that can take some time to materialize, a freelancing business can also take its own sweet time, but it is worth the effort. The best is that you are working from the comfort of your home, thus saving lots of cost in commuting, fuel and most importantly, time. Time is money as you can do so much in the time when you will be stuck in morning or evening rush-hour traffic.
Freelancers are also known as independent contractors. You can choose your timings and get people onboard for your business based on their skill set rather than looking for their degrees or experience. There are many high-paying gigs that you can start, and also some that are fun, like voice-over, composing background music, and writing jingles for ads.
Websites like Fiverr, Guru and Freelancer offer excellent platforms for anyone looking for small jobs or something that can be materialized as a business later on. Pakistanis are using the platforms mentioned above very smartly, and hundreds and thousands of freelancers are earning good incomes from these platforms. These platforms work well for anyone looking for the best online-selling business ideas in Pakistan.
Another field that skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Online fitness training has started a revolution of sorts. Some may think it is the same old morning exercises you saw on TV, but it is much more. There are certified fitness experts and health nutritionists available who can guide you in your bid to remain fit or lose a few extra kilos.
Fitness trainers or people with ample health and nutrition knowledge can start a business within a few days. It is just like setting up a website with information about what people would like to know about fitness. From weight training to yoga and simple exercises to remain fit, there are options for people with expert knowledge that they can use to monetize.
If you think you don't have enough knowledge or expertise about running a full-fledged e-commerce store, you can go for a gift shop. You can select a single item like flowers, chocolates, or multiple items. You must choose ever-green items like flowers which are in demand throughout the year.
Gift shops can carve a niche for themselves very quickly. With honesty and dedication in serving your customers, you can quickly establish a business online that can be rewarding. It is one of the most popular online business ideas for beginners in Pakistan. Gift shop ideas are popular as they provide options for shoppers for various occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, etc.
No blog is complete and can be successful without getting the nod from its target audience. That’s why it is time for you to give your feedback. Let us help you explore unique business ideas in Pakistan. You can contribute by actively participating in the comments section.
I hope you found a couple of ideas that you could explore further or want to know more about it. Please let me know or ask any questions you may have.
Also, if I missed an exciting business idea, please don't be shy and mention it in the comments section below.
There are numerous online businesses that you can start in Pakistan. Popular options include social media assistance, custom gift items printing, becoming an affiliate partner, developing a mobile app or software, etc.
Earning money online is not very difficult, but you need to be in the right business. A famous saying is to choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. Choose a career or business you like, and you will automatically find ways to make money. For example, you can start a graphics design business if you're good at digital art.
Many online businesses offer decent ROI. For example, you can start a dropshipping store and earn a good profit. You can print customized gift items as the profit margin is good. You must select an idea and work diligently to excel and make a profit.
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