Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I genuinely believe in and that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
In the modern digital era, internet connectivity and smartphone usage are truly global, and this connection continues to grow rapidly. At the turn of the millennium, fewer than 7% of the world’s population had internet access. Today, that figure has grown to nearly two-thirds of the global population. In the past decade alone, the number of global smartphone users has tripled, reaching almost 5 billion. This rapid growth demonstrates the incredible potential of staying connected in our interconnected world.
This potential enables virtually anyone to learn how to work from home by creating a unique online business. To achieve this, there are many essential tools, strategies, and methods to implement in order to seize the opportunity effectively. First and foremost, you must decide on your niche, the products or services to integrate into your business, and how to design your brand identity.
Part of this process involves essential research into your niche, as well as your products or services, and what channels you chose to reach your target audience. With billions of people interconnected, there are numerous online business to chose from. To simplify, we’ll focus on five foundational elements that provide a strong base for most digital businesses—though there are always exceptions to the rule.
Building Your Brand
One of the first steps in building your online business is defining your brand identity. This identity reflects your unique style within your niche and includes elements like fonts, colors, and other visuals that resonate with you. Consistency in branding and messaging makes your content more recognizable to your audience, setting you apart even in competitive industries.
In addition to choosing these settings, it is highly recommended (though not required) to purchase a domain and web hosting service to host your content that you create within your domain. When choosing your domain, some of the best practices are to pick one that is concise, easy to spell, memorable, and one that is consistent with your brand and niche. Make a list of several domain names you’re interested in before you take that step since many might already be chosen.
If you have a domain you would like to verify for availability, click the banner below and enter your domain in the form.
1. Domain and Web Hosting
While not necessarily required, a custom domain and reliable hosting are foundational for establishing a professional online presence. Another important step is to choose a domain name that aligns with your brand and niche. For example, “soccermom.com” would not be a good choice for a business about cooking recipes.
The benefits of a custom domain include control over your brand’s URL, enhanced SEO, and long-term ownership of your online identity. A custom domain allows you to create a branded, secure website that customers can trust. With these elements in place, your brand will maintain longevity in the market and lay the foundation for a successful work-from-home environment.
To learn more on how top hosting providers stack up on price, performance, and reliability, check out our in-depth comparison post here.
2. Website and Funnel-Builders
A well-designed sales funnel is essential for guiding potential customers from initial interest to a final purchase. Funnel-building tools make this process easier by providing pre-built templates, automation features, and analytics, helping you engage with leads at every stage. These tools simplify complex marketing processes, allowing you to create a seamless journey for your audience, increase conversions, and grow your business efficiently.
Whether you’re seeking an all-in-one solution or a simple, cost-effective option, there are many tools to suit different needs and budgets. Building your own website and funnels is one of the best strategies for remote work and is integral to creating a successful workspace, enabling you to build a sustainable business from anywhere. Here are some of the top recommended funnel and website builders:
ClickFunnels
Considered the original funnel-building company, ClickFunnels was founded in 2014 by Russell Brunson and Todd Dickerson. A dominant force in the industry, ClickFunnels has continued to grow and expand its features well beyond basic funnel creation. Known as a premium option, ClickFunnels offers a comprehensive, advanced platform designed for experienced marketers and business owners, rather than beginners.
Builderall
Builderall is a versatile digital marketing platform offering tools for website building, email automation, and more. Known for balancing functionality and affordability, Builderall provides a comprehensive suite for both new and experienced marketers. With a focus on accessibility, it’s an ideal choice for expanding your online presence without premium costs.
Systeme.io
Systeme.io is a streamlined, affordable all-in-one platform, perfect for entrepreneurs new to online marketing. It provides essential tools for sales funnels, email marketing, online courses, and more, all within a user-friendly interface. Designed to offer a solid foundation without high costs or a steep learning curve, Systeme.io even includes a free plan with no time limit to upgrade!
Remote Work Funnel-Builder Tools (Link-in-Bio Tools)
While owning a custom domain is ideal for building trust, loyalty, and brand recognition, today’s digital entrepreneurs have options for running an online business without a website. Some of the best tools for remote work fall into the ‘Link-in-Bio‘ category, which is especially useful for those in the creator economy or exploring digital nomadism. Social media typically allows only one link in the bio of your account, and these tools enable you to build a concise showcase of your offerings or storefront. Below, we’ll explore a few platforms that allow you to operate successfully without a custom domain.
Stan.store
Stan offers a user-friendly design and robust features, making it ideal for new creators. As a ‘Link-In-Bio’ tool, it provides an easy way for entrepreneurs to sell digital products like eBooks, guides, and mini-courses. Since its launch, Stan has helped thousands build successful online businesses. With a 2-week free trial, new users can quickly get started monetizing their following.
Beacons.ai
Another Link-in-Bio tool, Beacons caters to creators and entrepreneurs who want an all-in-one solution for showcasing content, collecting leads, and monetizing their audience. Known for its clean design and mobile-first setup, Beacons lets users build customizable landing pages, add product links, and even offer digital downloads. Choose from one of their affordable pricing options — or get started with their forever free plan — at beacons.ai.
SendOwl
SendOwl offers a minimalist storefront solution for creators selling digital products, memberships, or drip content. It’s fast, secure, and flexible — with link-in-bio features built right in. Choose a free 30-day trial or jump straight into one of their affordable plans to start selling today.
For a deeper dive into four top “Link-in-Bio” platforms, check out our related post: Top Platforms to Sell Digital Products in 2025.
3. Email Marketing Platforms
Similar to a branded website, when used correctly, email marketing has the power to build trust and loyalty with your subscriber base. It’s also one of the best investments you can make in your online business efforts. The ROI in email marketing is unmatched, making it a crucial tool for growth. Here are the top email marketing platforms, from premium to affordable, for you to consider when building your online business:
GetResponse
GetResponse is a comprehensive email marketing platform that combines powerful automation, CRM features, and advanced analytics. It’s ideal for businesses looking to nurture leads and boost conversions through email. Known for its robust tools and ease of use, GetResponse offers a range of plans to fit different business needs, from beginners to advanced marketers. With a 30-day free trial period, you have ample time to learn the platform before deciding to move forward.
Kit (formerly ConvertKit)
Kit is an email marketing platform tailored for creators, offering tools to build relationships and grow audiences. Known for its user-friendly interface and automation features, Kit makes it easy to segment subscribers and deliver targeted content for an effective lead pipeline. It’s a popular choice for bloggers, artists, and entrepreneurs aiming to connect with followers. Kit offers a limited free plan, as well as two paid options that have a 14-day free trial to help get you started.
Moosend
Moosend is a powerful yet affordable tool that simplifies automation in business, especially for small and growing brands. With its intuitive drag-and-drop email builder, Moosend lets you create stunning campaigns, automate complex workflows, and track performance with ease. Businesses benefit from features like customizable templates, advanced segmentation, and detailed analytics—helping streamline operations and enhance engagement. Its free plan and flexible pricing make it an excellent choice for businesses looking to grow efficiently through automation.
4. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
SEO is crucial for online growth, visibility, and driving organic traffic to your site. With various types of SEO strategies—like on-page, off-page, and technical SEO—it can feel overwhelming and complicated, especially for new marketers. Fortunately, there are user-friendly SEO tools designed to simplify the process. Below, we’ll explore a few top options that make it easier to optimize your content and improve your search engine rankings.
SEMRush
SEMrush is a leading all-in-one SEO platform, well-regarded for its powerful analytics and comprehensive suite of tools. With features for keyword research, competitor analysis, backlink tracking, and site auditing, SEMrush provides valuable insights for businesses looking to strengthen their online presence. Known for its depth and versatility, SEMrush is an ideal choice for marketers seeking advanced tools to refine their SEO strategies and drive organic growth.
Mangools
Mangools is a user-friendly SEO tool suite designed for beginners and experts alike. Known for its intuitive interface, Mangools offers essential features like keyword research, SERP analysis, backlink tracking, and rank tracking. It’s a cost-effective option that provides powerful insights without the steep learning curve associated with many SEO tools. Mangools is perfect for those looking to enhance their website’s visibility and drive organic traffic with ease.
This is a sponsored banner. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase.
Honorable Mentions:
- Ahrefs – A powerful and advanced SEO tool widely used by professionals for keyword research, backlink analysis, and site auditing.
- Ubersuggest – Created by Neil Patel, this tool provides solid keyword research, competitor analysis, and SEO suggestions at an affordable price.
- Google Search Console – A free tool from Google that provides insights into your site’s search performance, indexing issues, and keyword data.
5. Financial Management
Managing finances is essential for any business, but it doesn’t always mean doing everything yourself. While hiring an accountant is an option, there’s real value in understanding the basics of your income and expenses, especially as your business grows. For digital nomads, this skill becomes even more crucial—you’re likely dealing with expenses from different places and need a clear view of how well your business is doing.
FreshBooks is an accounting software that is built for that: a simple, efficient solution to help you stay on top of your finances. With invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting, FreshBooks does the heavy lifting, so you can stay organized, make better financial choices, and focus on growth. Ready to make it easy? Get 90% off for 4 months and keep your finances on track without the hassle.
Conclusion
There are many different types of online business models to choose from, and at least half of the top 25 most widely recognized could benefit from all five tools outlined in this post. No matter which model you decide to pursue, these tools will give your business a strong foundation and help increase your chances of success. Investing in the right tools for remote work early on not only streamlines your processes but also allows you to focus on what truly matters: building and growing your business.
Continue Reading Related Posts
- Escape the 9–5: Build a Successful Online Business Today – A no-fluff guide to laying the groundwork for your online business, from niche discovery to branding and beyond.
- Systeme for Your System: The Budget Business Builder – Discover how to launch and grow your online business with a powerful all-in-one platform designed to save you time, effort, and money.
- Affiliate Marketing Fundamentals: Your Road to Success – Explore the core principles of affiliate marketing and learn how to start, grow, and scale your income with strategies built for long-term success.
- Mangools SEO: Everything You Need to Know – Get a complete walkthrough of the Mangools SEO toolkit—from keyword research to SERP analysis—and discover how it can help improve your rankings and boost organic traffic.