How to Start an Online Business with No Money (2025 Complete Guide)

How to Start an Online Business with No Money in 2025

By Kris Ford

Do you dream of creating an online course but feel held back by the costs? Good news: you don’t need to spend a dime to get started! Creating an online course with zero money in 2025 is not only possible—it’s more achievable than ever with free tools and smart strategies.

Let’s break down how to go from idea to launch without opening your wallet.

Why Create an Online Course?

Online courses have exploded in popularity, creating more millionaires in the last 24 months than in the previous two decades combined. 💰 They’re a perfect way to share your expertise, help others, and build a passive income stream—all from the comfort of your home.

And guess what? You can do it without spending a single dollar upfront.

Step 1: Choose Your Course Topic

Start by identifying a skill, knowledge area, or passion you can teach. Ask yourself:

• What do people often ask you for advice about?
• What problems can you solve?
• What excites you to talk about for hours?

Popular course topics include:

• Business & Marketing: Social media strategy, eCommerce tips.
• Personal Development: Productivity hacks, mindfulness techniques.
• Creative Skills: Photography, writing, or graphic design.

Pro Tip: Keep it specific. Instead of “Photography 101,” try “Master Smartphone Photography in 7 Days.” In my FREE Masterclass I give you the 500+ courses that made all those millionaire course creators so you know what steps to take next when choosing your Niche! 👉 Register now: www.krisforddigital.com

Step 2: Outline Your Course Content

You don’t need fancy software to structure your course. Use free tools like:

• Google Docs for brainstorming and scripting.
• Canva (free version) to create presentation slides.
• Zoom (basic plan) to record lessons.

Break your course into modules or sections. For example:

1. Introduction and Overview
2. Key Concepts or Skills
3. Practical Applications
4. Bonus Content

Step 3: Record Your Course for Free

Recording your course can be done with tools you already have:

• Use your smartphone or laptop to film.
• Record your screen with Loom (free plan) for tutorials or presentations.
• You can record yourself in Canva while you present your slides
• Edit videos using CapCut or the free version of iMovie.

Don’t worry about perfection! Authenticity resonates with audiences more than flashy production.

Step 4: Host Your Course for Free

Platforms like Kajabi offer free trials to get you started without upfront costs. With Kajabi, you can:

• Upload your course content.
• Build out your entire course and landing pages with its AI tools for one touch design! (no tech or creativity needed 🙌🏽
• Create landing pages to attract students.
• Manage payments and enrollments—all in one place.

Here are a few of my students courses on Kajabi

👉 Start your 30-day free trial of Kajabi here: https://app.kajabi.com/r/9RPEiYiz/t/zplwxz89

Alternatively, use free platforms like Teachable’s free plan or Gumroad for a simple setup. (See my full YouTube Tutorial on Kajabi so you can see what it looks like on the backend!)

Step 5: Market Your Course Without Paid Ads

Promotion is key to selling your course, but you don’t need to spend a cent. Here’s how:

• Social Media: Post tips, sneak peeks, and testimonials on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
• Facebook Groups: A free way to grow an audience you can speak to daily
• Email Lists: Use free email marketing tools like Mailchimp to build and engage your audience.
• Partnerships: Collaborate with influencers or bloggers in your niche to spread the word.

Want to go viral, build a following overnight, and start making sales on autopilot? Join my Viral Bootcamp Masterclass for just $47. You’ll learn the exact strategies to create content that stops the scroll and attracts buyers instantly—no paid ads needed!

Here are a few of my current students course sales just from using techniques from the Viral Bootcamp!

👉 Sign up for the Viral Bootcamp  here: https://www.krisforddigital.com/offers/SFqDjcGN

Step 6: Scale and Reinvest Your Profits

Once you make your first sales, reinvest in tools and resources to elevate your course. Paid features on Kajabi, advanced editing software, or even hiring a VA can take your course to the next level.

Learn the Secrets to Selling Your Course on Autopilot

Want to sell hundreds of courses every month while you sleep? Join my free masterclass where I share the 3 secrets to creating an irresistible course and building a system that runs on autopilot.

👉 Register now: www.krisforddigital.com

Start Your Online Course Journey for Free

You don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. With free tools, smart strategies, and a bit of hustle, your course idea can transform into a thriving business.

🔥 Ready to start?

• Claim your 30-day free trial on Kajabi: https://app.kajabi.com/r/9RPEiYiz/t/zplwxz89
• Join my Viral Bootcamp Masterclass to go viral fast: https://www.krisforddigital.com/offers/SFqDjcGN
• Join my free masterclass for insider tips: www.krisforddigital.com

Your online course journey starts today—what’s stopping you? 🚀