The different types of Internet business opportunities can be divided into two basic categories. One type of Internet business is essentially an online extension of an offline business. This includes multi-level marketing (MLM) that complements real world efforts and storefronts that sell items stocked in brick-and-mortar stores. Other types of Internet business opportunities take place entirely online, such as offering web design services, reselling hosting plans and affiliate marketing. The Internet also makes other business activities easier to access, such as stock day trading or making use of the foreign exchange (forex) market.
For people who already have some type of business operation offline, the Internet often represents an untapped market. Multi-level marketers can often take advantage of various online marketing tools such as webpages, forums and mailing lists to obtain more clients. Many brick-and-mortar business owners can also find new niche markets online, which represents one of the most lucrative Internet business opportunities. Competing directly with the large online retailers can be difficult or impossible, but many specialty shops have been very successful at selling their niche products to entirely new online audiences.
There are also many different Internet business opportunities that can allow virtually anyone to work from home and make money online. Many of these opportunities require some type of special skill, such as web design. Accomplished programmers can also find success in selling their software online, or even contracting out their services to create custom programs. Other opportunities require marketing savvy to resell web hosting services and other ancillary products. A number of different freelancing opportunities exist on the Internet as well, allowing people to sell various professional services such as copywriting and graphic design.
Affiliate marketing and informational products are some Internet business opportunities for people who have writing and marketing skills. These opportunities typically involve earning a commission for selling the products and services of other people. Many Internet retailers and service providers offer affiliate marketing plans, and it is also possible to create and market informational products as well.
Stock trading and forex are two Internet business opportunities that typically require an initial monetary investment. Day trading involves the purchase and sale of stocks with the intention of making short-term gains, and there are many different resources available on the Internet that can facilitate this opportunity. Forex involves the trading of various currency pairs, which can also be carried out through various Internet sites.