Want to make money while you sleep? Who doesn’t, right? That’s the dream. And it’s totally possible with automated businesses.
These are businesses that, once set up, can run with minimal input from you. Think of it like building a money-making machine that works 24/7, even while you’re catching Z’s.
Now, don’t get me wrong. “Automated” doesn’t mean “do nothing.” You’ll need to put in the work upfront to build the foundation. But once that’s done? You’re free to focus on scaling, enjoying life, or starting another automated venture.
Ready to dive in? Let’s explore 17 automated business ideas that can put your income on autopilot.
17 Best Automated Business Ideas
1. Vending Machines
What is it?
You’ve seen them everywhere: those boxes of snacks and drinks just waiting for someone to drop in some cash. Vending machines are a classic example of an automated business.
Why it works:
- Low maintenance: Restock periodically, collect your cash, and handle the occasional repair.
- Consistent demand: People are always hungry and thirsty.
- Location, location, location: Find the right spot with high foot traffic, and you’re golden.
How to start:
- Secure your machines: New or used, the choice is yours.
- Find the perfect location: Think offices, gyms, schools, or anywhere with a captive audience.
- Stock up on goodies: Cater to your audience’s preferences.
- Maintain and collect: Keep those machines clean and stocked, and watch the cash flow in.
Top Tools:
- VendSoft: For managing inventory and tracking sales.
- Cantaloupe Seed: For remote machine monitoring and cashless payments.
2. Self-Service Car Wash
Exactly what it sounds like. Customers drive in, pay, and wash their own cars.
Why it works:
- Recurring revenue: People wash their cars regularly.
- Minimal staffing: Often requires only occasional oversight.
- Scalable: Add more bays as your business grows.
How to start:
- Find a suitable location: High-traffic areas with good visibility are key.
- Invest in quality equipment: Durable and efficient car wash systems are crucial.
- Offer various wash options: Basic wash, wax, tire shine, etc.
- Implement a payment system: Cash, credit cards, and even mobile payments.
Top Tools:
- Hamilton Manufacturing: For reliable car wash equipment.
- WashCard: For payment processing and customer loyalty programs.
3. Laundromat
What is it? Another classic.
People always need clean clothes, making laundromats a reliable business.
Why it works:
- Essential service: Demand is consistent, regardless of the economy.
- Minimal customer interaction: Mostly self-service.
- Potential for add-ons: Offer wash and fold services or vending machines for extra income.
How to start:
- Secure a location: Ideally in a residential area with limited competition.
- Invest in commercial-grade washers and dryers: Durability is key.
- Set up a payment system: Coin-operated, card readers, or mobile payment options.
- Provide amenities: Comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and vending machines.
Top Tools:
- Dexter Laundry: For high-quality commercial laundry equipment.
- LaundryPulse: For remote monitoring and management of your laundromat.
4. Automated Email Sequences
Use email marketing platforms to automatically nurture leads and drive sales.
Why it works:
- Scalable: Reach thousands of potential customers with minimal effort.
- Personalized: Segment your audience and tailor messages to their needs.
- Cost-effective: Compared to traditional marketing, email marketing is incredibly affordable.
How to start:
- Choose an email marketing platform: Mailchimp, ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign, etc.
- Build your email list: Offer valuable content in exchange for email addresses.
- Create engaging email sequences: Welcome series, product promotions, abandoned cart reminders.
- Track your results: Monitor open rates, click-through rates, and conversions.
Top Tools:
- ActiveCampaign: For advanced automation and CRM features.
- ConvertKit: For creators and businesses focused on building an audience.
5. Printables and Spreadsheets
Create and sell digital products like planners, trackers, worksheets, and templates.
Why it works:
- High-profit margins: No physical production or shipping costs.
- Passive income: Once created, products can be sold repeatedly.
- Diverse niches: Cater to various interests and needs.
How to start:
- Identify a profitable niche: What problems can you solve with your printables?
- Design high-quality products: Use Canva or other design tools.
- Create a sales platform: Etsy, your own website, or a combination of both.
- Promote your products: Social media, Pinterest, and email marketing.
Top Tools:
- Canva: For designing visually appealing printables.
- Etsy: A popular platform for selling digital and physical crafts.
6. Self-Publishing
Write and publish your own books without relying on traditional publishers.
Why it works:
- Creative control: You own your content and make all the decisions.
- Global reach: Reach readers worldwide through online platforms.
- Passive income: Earn royalties on every book sold.
How to start:
- Write your book: Focus on a topic you’re passionate about.
- Edit and format your manuscript: Ensure it’s polished and professional.
- Design an eye-catching cover: First impressions matter.
- Publish on Amazon KDP or other platforms: Reach a wide audience.
- Market your book: Social media, author website, book reviews.
Top Tools:
- Amazon KDP: The leading platform for self-publishing.
- Grammarly: For editing and proofreading your manuscript.
7. Drop Servicing (Sell Services, Outsource the Work)
Offer services to clients and then outsource the actual work to freelancers or agencies.
Why it works:
- Low overhead: No need to hire employees or rent office space.
- Scalable: Easily handle increased demand by outsourcing more work.
- Focus on high-value tasks: Sales, marketing, and client relationships.
How to start:
- Choose a profitable niche: Web design, content writing, social media management, etc.
- Find reliable freelancers: Upwork, Fiverr, and other freelancing platforms.
- Create a sales funnel: Attract clients and convert them into paying customers.
- Manage projects and deliverables: Ensure quality and timely completion.
Top Tools:
- Upwork: A platform for finding and hiring freelancers.
- Trello: For managing projects and collaborating with your team.
8. Let Your Money Work for You
Invest in assets that generate income with minimal effort on your part.
Why it works:
- Builds wealth over time: Benefit from compound interest and appreciation.
- Diversifies income: Reduces reliance on a single income source.
- Various options: Stocks, bonds, real estate, and more.
How to start:
- Educate yourself: Understand the basics of investing and different asset classes.
- Define your investment goals: Retirement, financial independence, etc.
- Choose an investment strategy: Passive index funds, dividend investing, etc.
- Start small and diversify: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Top Tools:
- Vanguard: A low-cost investment platform with a wide range of index funds.
- Personal Capital: For tracking your net worth and investment performance.
9. Create Product Review Videos
Create video reviews of products and earn money through affiliate marketing or sponsorships.
Why it works:
- Growing demand: Consumers rely on video reviews before making purchases.
- Engaging content: Video is a powerful medium for capturing attention.
- Monetization options: Affiliate links, sponsorships, and YouTube ad revenue.
How to start:
- Choose a niche: Tech, beauty, gaming, or any area you’re knowledgeable about.
- Create high-quality videos: Good lighting, sound, and editing are essential.
- Optimize for search: Use relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions.
- Promote your videos: Share on social media, embed on your website, and collaborate with others.
Top Tools:
- TubeBuddy: A browser extension for YouTube optimization.
- Canva: For creating eye-catching video thumbnails.
10. YouTube Automation
Build a YouTube channel that generates views and revenue with minimal ongoing effort.
Why it works:
- Massive audience: YouTube has billions of users.
- Passive income: Earn ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate commissions.
- Evergreen content: Videos can continue to generate views for years.
How to start:
- Choose a niche: Gaming, education, entertainment, etc.
- Create high-quality videos: Focus on providing value to your audience.
- Optimize for search: Use relevant keywords and tags.
- Promote your channel: Social media, collaborations, and cross-promotion.
Top Tools:
- vidIQ: A tool for YouTube analytics and channel optimization.
- Adobe Premiere Pro: For professional video editing.
11. Sell an Online Course
Package your knowledge and skills into an online course and sell it to a global audience.
Why it works:
- High-profit margins: Low overhead and scalable delivery.
- Passive income: Once created, the course can be sold repeatedly.
- Impactful: Help others learn and achieve their goals.
How to start:
- Identify your expertise: What are you passionate about and knowledgeable in?
- Create valuable content: Structure your course with modules, lessons, and resources.
- Choose a platform: Teachable, Thinkific, Podia, etc.
- Market your course: Social media, email marketing, and webinars.
Top Tools:
- Teachable: A popular platform for creating and selling online courses.
- Kajabi: An all-in-one platform for online businesses.
12. Design and Sell, No Inventory Required
Create designs for products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases, and have them printed and shipped on demand.
Why it works:
- No inventory: Products are only printed when an order is placed.
- Low startup costs: No need to purchase bulk inventory.
- Creative freedom: Design unique products for various niches.
How to start:
- Choose a print-on-demand platform: Printful, Printify, etc.
- Create eye-catching designs: Use Canva or other design tools.
- Set up an online store: Shopify, Etsy, or your own website.
- Market your products: Social media, paid advertising, and influencer marketing.
Top Tools:
- Printful: A popular print-on-demand platform with a wide range of products.
- Shopify: A leading ecommerce platform for building online stores.
13. Sell Stock Photos and Videos Online
Take high-quality photos and videos and sell them on stock media platforms.
Why it works:
- Passive income: Earn royalties every time your content is licensed.
- Flexible: Shoot what you love and work on your own schedule.
- Growing demand: Businesses and individuals constantly need visual content.
How to start:
- Invest in quality equipment: A good camera and editing software are essential.
- Master your craft: Learn photography and videography techniques.
- Choose stock media platforms: Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, iStock, etc.
- Upload and keyword your content: Make it easy for buyers to find your work.
Top Tools:
- Adobe Lightroom: For editing and organizing your photos.
- Shutterstock: A popular platform for selling stock photos and videos.
14. Self Storage
Provide storage units for individuals and businesses to store their belongings.
Why it works:
- Consistent demand: People always need storage space.
- Low maintenance: Minimal staff and upkeep required.
- Scalable: Expand your facility as demand grows.
How to start:
- Secure a suitable location: Easy access and visibility are important.
- Invest in storage units: Various sizes to accommodate different needs.
- Implement a security system: Protect your customers’ belongings.
- Offer online booking and payment: Convenience for your customers.
Top Tools:
- SelfStorage.com: A platform for finding self storage facilities.
- SiteLink: Software for managing your self storage business.
15. Product Licensing
License your product idea to a company that will manufacture and sell it.
Why it works:
- Leverage others’ resources: No need to handle production or distribution.
- Passive income: Earn royalties on every product sold.
- Focus on innovation: Develop new ideas and license them out.
How to start:
- Develop a unique product idea: Solve a problem or fulfill a need.
- Patent your invention: Protect your intellectual property.
- Find potential licensees: Research companies in your industry.
- Negotiate a licensing agreement: Secure favorable terms and royalties.
Top Tools:
- InventHelp: A company that assists inventors with product development and licensing.
- USPTO: The United States Patent and Trademark Office.
16. Sell Your Bandwidth
Utilize unused bandwidth from your internet connection to earn passive income.
Why it works:
- Leverage existing resources: Monetize your internet connection.
- Minimal effort: Software runs in the background.
- Passive income: Earn money for sharing your bandwidth.
How to start:
- Choose a reputable provider: Honeygain, PacketStream, etc.
- Install the software: Allows the provider to utilize your bandwidth.
- Maintain a secure connection: Ensure your data and privacy are protected.
- Earn passive income: Get paid based on the amount of bandwidth shared.
Top Tools:
- Honeygain: A popular platform for selling your bandwidth.
- PacketStream: Another reputable provider with a focus on ethical data usage.
17. Build a Helpful Website
What is it? Create a website with valuable content that attracts visitors and generates revenue.
Why it works:
- Scalable: Reach a global audience with your content.
- Multiple monetization options: Advertising, affiliate marketing, digital products.
- Authority building: Establish yourself as an expert in your niche.
How to start:
- Choose a niche: Focus on a specific topic or audience.
- Create high-quality content: Blog posts, articles, videos, etc.
- Optimize for search engines: Attract organic traffic.
- Monetize your website: Choose the best strategies for your niche.
Top Tools:
- WordPress: A popular platform for building websites.
- Google Analytics: For tracking website traffic and user behavior.
There you have it!
17 automated business ideas to get your entrepreneurial gears turning.
Remember, the key is to choose an idea that aligns with your interests and skills. Then, put in the work upfront to build a solid foundation.
Once you’ve done that, you can sit back, relax, and watch the money roll in – even while you sleep.
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