 TITLE: How to Start an Online Business CONTENT: Start Small and Build From There\n--------------------------------\nYou don't need your own website to start an online business. Whether you sell products or services, there are dozens of online marketplaces where you can sell your wares. These marketplaces already get tons of traffic; many also offer marketing, sales and payment tools that can make running your online business easier. Once your business gains traction, you can always build your own website.\nIf you sell products, consider these marketplaces:\n*   Etsy to sell handmade, new or collectible products to consumers.\n*   EBay to sell collectibles, used products and new products to consumers or businesses.\n*   [Amazon](;) to sell products to consumers or businesses.\n*   Nextdoor or Facebook Marketplace to sell new or used products to local consumers.\nAre you offering freelance services to businesses? Sites such as Guru, PeoplePerHour, Fiverr, Upwork and Freelancer let you sell a wide variety of services, including writing, coding, web design, virtual assistant, marketing, accounting, legal services and more.\nThere are also industry-specific online platforms, such as Chegg or Wyzant for tutoring services; Udemy or Skillshare for creating and selling online courses; and 99Designs or DesignCrowd for graphic designers.\nLast but not least, you can sell just about anything on Craigslist.\nWhen choosing an online platform, ask:\n*   Is the site popular with your target market?\n*   Is it easy to use?\n*   Does it provide any tools to help promote and run your business?\n*   How much does it cost (fees, subscriptions, commissions, etc.)?\nThe business you run doesn't have to start out as a full-time commitment, either; in 2020, 15.8 million Americans had a \"side gig\" or part-time business. Eventually, you may be able to transition to running the business full time and living off the proceeds. END