So, you’ve been toying with the idea of starting an online business—or any business, for that matter. Congrats! I’m so glad you found this space to get the guidance and clarity you need.

In this article, I’ll break down the advantages of having an online business—not just for your freedom, but for your agency, profitability, and impact.

I first started considering an online business back in 2018, shortly after settling into what would soon become my last job in Los Angeles. I was frustrated—tied to an office, unable to travel, and stuck in a work routine that didn’t align with the life I wanted.

I needed a way out. And as an expat for several years at that point, I was naturally drawn to the opportunities for online business—especially the ability to work from anywhere and build something that could grow, no matter where I was. Whether I was visiting family in Germany or connecting with my chosen family across the world, my business could come with me.

Since then, I’ve not only scaled my business to six figures, but I’ve also pivoted multiple times—something that would have been far more complicated with a brick-and-mortar business or even a dropshipping model.

For me, the greatest benefit of having an online business is the scalability, combined with the time and location freedom it gives me. And if that’s something you crave, too—keep reading.

What is an online business?

And more to the point—why start an online business?

At its core, an online business is one that allows you to work from your laptop and, if you set it up right, from anywhere in the world.

One of the biggest benefits of online business for customers and business owners alike is that most models don’t require inventory—or at least, not much—which means higher profit margins and greater scalability.

That said, just because an online business can technically run from anywhere doesn’t mean it automatically gives you freedom. If you build a structure that’s entirely dependent on you, you might find yourself stuck—unable to scale, constantly working, and unable to step away without everything grinding to a halt.

I teach how to avoid that trap — so if you’re curious, this masterclass is for you.

Advantages of online Businesses

Time flexibility (no opening hours, no store)

One of the biggest advantages of an online business is the freedom to control your time.

That said, not all online businesses offer the same level of flexibility. A business built entirely on 1:1 services will still tie you to a schedule, whereas one that incorporates passive income streams allows for far more freedom.

But here’s the key difference: with an online business, you decide when and how you work. Whether that means structuring your days around your energy levels, cramming in focused work before taking a full week off, or simply not being tied to the fixed hours of a traditional storefront, the choice is yours.

If you cherish personal time, want to spend more time with your kids, or dream of traveling without work constantly interrupting you, this level of time freedom is one of the best opportunities for online business owners.

Low overhead (higher profit margins)

Another major advantage of having an online business is its low startup and operating costs. Without inventory, rent, or physical real estate to worry about, your profit margins can be significantly higher than those of a traditional business.

Even better? Scaling doesn’t require a massive team—you can grow big with just yourself, a few essential online tools, and maybe a VA. That’s a level of efficiency brick-and-mortar businesses can only dream of.

With startup costs as low as $500, the opportunities for online business are more accessible than ever. If you have a laptop and an internet connection, you have a real shot at building something that could change your life and your family’s future.

Typical startup costs?

• Legal fees (like forming an LLC and hiring a CPA)
• A domain and website hosting (check out my favorite online platforms here)
• A laptop

And while I’ll always say that hiring support (like coaching) can accelerate your growth, you don’t need a massive budget to start. The best coaches (myself included) offer both premium and entry-level options to meet you where you’re at.

Location Independence

When I decided to leave my job, I had two equally important driving forces behind my decision.

The first was my sense of integrity and purpose. Working in the traditional world of orchestra management—an industry slow (at best) to evolve with modern business and societal needs—I couldn’t keep contributing to a field I saw as broken. And waiting on board approvals before making any real change? Yeah, not in my DNA. Entrepreneurship was the only path that made sense.

But the second reason, the one that truly fueled my expat heart, was the promise of location independence—one of the biggest advantages of an online business.

And honestly? Since 2018, the need for location independence has evolved in grotesque ways.

At its core, an online business gives you agency over your life. And in today’s world—where global instability is more present than ever—that’s not just a luxury. It’s security. The ability to pick up and leave at a moment’s notice, without disrupting your income, is priceless.

For me, as a European, working from anywhere started as a dream. But by 2025? It’s become a safety measure.

Scalability, Income diversification, Accessibility

I used to be friends with a restaurant owner. The moment he opened a second location, he became exactly twice as busy. Now, sure—his leadership skills were questionable at best, and he could have trained a manager, but the point remains:

Scaling a traditional business often means doubling your workload.

With an online business, though? You can literally be in multiple places at once.

• Someone in Africa could be watching Module 1 of your masterclass
• At the same time, someone in Europe decides to buy your $600 course
• And meanwhile, you’re off on a beach somewhere, drinking coconut water

See the difference? Two major advantages make this possible:

1. Low-Cost Scalability – You may need a few software subscriptions, but you won’t need to hire an entire staff just to scale.
2. Efficiency – Scaling doesn’t mean adding extra hours to your workweek. It means automating and systemizing.

Now, I’ve already mentioned how low the barrier to entry is for online entrepreneurs. But here’s the flip side:

Once established, digital entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to scale while becoming more financially accessible to a global market.

Put simply: Any business looking to sucessfully scale or even just sutain itself needs to have a solid value-propsition. I guess it’s not so much a downside, as it’s a reminder what entrepreneurs do: solve problems.

By the way, when online businesses scale, they typcially also make their services (some of them) more accessbile.

Access to a Global Market

An online business gives you instant access to a global market—no need to scout out new locations, open multiple stores, or take huge financial risks on expansion. The global e-commerce market is projected to reach $6.3 trillion in 2024, up from $5.8 trillion in 2023, highlighting the expansive reach and potential of online businesses

The market? The Internet.

And anyone who needs what you sell? They can find you.

This is especially true for online service businesses, where geography is no longer a limitation.

While this might seem obvious, let’s put it into perspective:

If you’re a traditional entrepreneur, your business is tied to a specific city—moving means starting over from scratch. Your entire life begins to revolve around your business, rather than the other way around.

But my clients know that I’m a fierce advocate for running your business, not letting it run you. And with an online business—paired with the right boundaries and strategies—this is 100% possible.

Want to move to a different city? No problem.
Fell in love overseas and want to relocate? Go for it.
Need to leave due to economic or social turmoil? Pack up and keep your income intact.

Sure, there’s paperwork—but you keep 100% of your audience.

This level of mobility and freedom? Previous generations never had access to it. But you do.

Automation

If you run a brick-and-mortar store, making sales without being physically present means hiring staff. If you run an online business, making sales without being online means setting up automation—Teachable, Stripe, a website… oh, and building a community that actually buys (duh).

With the rise of the Internet, some really smart people have made a life of true self-agency possible. Platforms like Teachable, Stripe, and Kit are just a few of my favorites.

Best of all? Automation isn’t just great for us as business owners—it’s a game-changer for our clients.

They get instant access to the resources they need—no waiting for business hours, no scheduling calls, no delays.

Let that sink in: You get to serve a global audience, in multiple time zones, simultaneously and asynchronously—all while creating more free time for yourself and keeping your overhead low.

Now that’s freedom.

Disadvantages of Online Business

Like everything in life, starting an online business comes with both freedom and challenges.

One common misconception is that because startup costs for an online business are low, you don’t need a strong value proposition. But let’s be real—just because you’re not investing in inventory or real estate doesn’t mean there’s no money on the line. Your future’s money is. Your time is. Your mental energy is. Your dream is.

Another challenge? The online business market has exploded in the past few years. The pandemic and post-pandemic boom have made it easier than ever to tap into a global audience, but standing out? That’s a whole other game. This is why having a killer online business strategy and a standout offer is non-negotiable.

And lastly—let’s talk about loneliness. Running a freedom-based online business means you don’t have an office buzzing with coworkers. It’s just you, your laptop, and your coffee. That’s why I’m a huge proponent of plugging into intentional communities of fellow digital entrepreneurs—because freedom doesn’t have to mean isolation.

How to start an online business today.

Big question. But hey, that’s my job. So here’s the quick rundown, plus some resources to help you get started.

There are a hundred ways to start an online business, and plenty of people will try to sell you their “proven formula.”Personally? I think that’s cheap advice. If you ask me—and you did—the real first step isn’t following someone else’s blueprint. It’s drawing your own line in the sand and getting crystal clear on what you want from your business and lifestyle.

Taking this extra time before jumping into building an audience or pumping out offers will ensure you:
✔️ Find real fulfillment in your business
✔️ Build something you fully stand behind

So, where do you start?

📌 Step 1: Grab my free guide, which gives you seven daily action steps (20 minutes a day for a week) to gain clarity on what your business needs to do for you and the world. Download here.

📌 Step 2: Take my Freedom Leap Masterclass to get crystal clear on your business purpose, value proposition, and first offer—so you can generate money and social proof fast and grow with confidence. Watch here.

📌 Step 3: If you’re ready to go all in and don’t want to waste time piecing together random strategies, join 9-5 to Freedom Biz, my in-depth business starter course where I guide you step by step from:
➡️ Idea to income
➡️ Creating a clear timeline
➡️ Shifting your mindset
➡️ Building your Four Freedom Pillars:

1️⃣ Defy & Define Your Dream – Get clear on what you actually want in life and business.
2️⃣ Your Business Purpose – The foundation for every piece of content, partnership, sales call, and offer you’ll ever create.
3️⃣ Your Freedom Structure – The systems & infrastructure that will make your business actually support your desired lifestyle.
4️⃣ Your Connections – How to build a community, not just an audience, nurture and retain clients long-term, and create a sustainable brand.

Ultimately, the question is yours to answer: What are you after in life? And what type of business will give you that lifestyle?

The beauty of an online business is that it’s malleable—you can shape it, evolve it, and pivot it to fit your goals, your values, and your season of life.

So, are you ready to build the business that gives you the life you want? 🚀