7 Web Businesses That Are Not Affected By Tariffs
With specific opportunities and playbooks to help you get started.
There’s a lot of uncertainty around US-imposed tariffs right now.
Imports from Canada and Mexico are now subject to 25% tariffs while imports from China are subject to 20% tariffs.1
On top of that, changes to the de minimis exemption, which allows shipments under $800 to enter the US duty-free, are causing significant disruptions for small businesses that ship packages between the US and Canada,2 Mexico,3 and China.4
The exemption, which was recently eliminated for packages from Canada, Mexico, and China, before being temporarily reinstated, is expected to be permanently eliminated soon.56
Small businesses are vulnerable to tariffs in several ways.
Increased costs of goods: Tariffs are essentially taxes on imported goods, making them more expensive for businesses to purchase.
Reduced competitiveness: Businesses that rely on imported materials may have to raise prices to cover the increased costs, making their products less competitive than those made with domestic materials.
Supply chain disruptions: Tariffs can lead to delays and shortages in imported goods as suppliers adjust to the new rules and regulations.
Cash flow challenges: The increased costs and supply chain disruptions can strain cash flow, making it difficult for small businesses to meet their financial obligations.
Small businesses are trying to adapt to these challenges in various ways. Some are looking for alternative suppliers domestically and in countries unaffected by the tariffs. Others are trying to absorb the increased costs or find ways to cut other expenses. Some are also advocating for policies that would ease the burden of the tariffs.
It’s still too early to know how things will ultimately play out. Fortunately, however, the tariffs discussed only affect physical products; services and digital products are not affected.
7 Web Businesses Not Affected By Tariffs
If you’re looking to start an online business—or incorporate a new revenue stream into an existing business—here are seven business opportunities that are not subject to tariffs because no physical goods are being exchanged.
There are options for many different skills and interests (you should only start a business you’re actually excited about), but each of these can be operated entirely from a laptop.
Keep reading for details about each business, links to playbooks and specific opportunities to help you keep started.
As always, Premium subscribers can get direct help from me for any of these business ideas during office hours and through Substack DM support.
1. Substack Publication ⌨️
I joined Substack a little over a year ago, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to start a Substack publication.
The rising popularity of Substack, a platform experiencing sustained growth in users and revenue, presents a compelling business opportunity for aspiring publishers. This platform benefits from network effects, meaning its value increases as more users join, which facilitates audience growth and monetization through subscriptions.
Substack is a perfect opportunity for anyone who enjoys writing or teaching, possesses industry expertise or unique perspectives, and seeks a low-capital, potentially part-time business with minimal technical hurdles and staffing needs.
2. Pet Travel Business
The strong bond between pets and their owners (97% of owners see their pets as family members)7 is driving a significant increase in pet travel. Currently, 53% of global pet owners travel with their pets, a rise from 37% ten years ago. This trend is set to continue, with the U.S. pet travel services market expected to hit $3.7 billion by 2030.8
However, traveling with a pet is still challenging, and many pet owners seek help planning pet-friendly trips and navigating rules and policies.
A pet travel business can address this demand in several ways, including publishing guides and providing online education about traveling with a pet, selling pet travel consultation services, and even operating a traditional travel agency that specializes in pet travel.
3. Mobile App
With mobile app usage at an all-time high and consumer spending resilient,9 mobile app businesses present a lucrative avenue for entrepreneurs seeking recurring revenue and a flexible lifestyle.
App creators can tap into the vast mobile app market by focusing on solving specific problems, improving existing solutions, or catering to niche audiences.
Whether through subscriptions, in-app purchases, or ad placements, monetizing the attention of millions of daily users is achievable, particularly for those comfortable with the tech landscape and willing to validate their ideas through user feedback and market research.
4. Instagram Theme Pages
With over 2 billion monthly users10 and high daily engagement on the platform,11 curating niche-specific content and building engaged audiences through Instagram theme pages presents a substantial business opportunity.
These pages, which can be monetized through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, product sales, subscriptions, or even page sales, provide a flexible income stream for enthusiasts passionate about their chosen topics.
Success hinges on selecting a niche that balances personal interest with monetization potential and then effectively curating or creating content that resonates with the target audience.
5. Celebrity Theme Page
The rise of celebrity worship,12 fueled by social media, presents a lucrative business opportunity through celebrity fan pages.
While some might dismiss these pages as mere obsessions, they can effectively monetize intense fan interest by providing exclusive content, detailed information, and engaging discussions that celebrities themselves don't directly offer.
This fills a market gap, allowing creators to generate income by catering to fans' desire for deeper connections with their favorite stars. Pages that provide everything from celebrity product information to mailing addresses do this while leveraging ad revenue.
6. Job Board Businesse
The persistent gap between available job openings and filled positions, exemplified by millions of unfilled roles in the US, highlights a significant opportunity for job board businesses.
These platforms bridge the divide between employers seeking specific talent and job seekers exploring diverse opportunities, especially since traditional recruitment methods often fall short.
Ideal for those with web business aspirations, industry networks, or existing audiences, a job board offers a flexible online venture that can effectively connect qualified candidates with companies, monetizing the ongoing demand for efficient recruitment solutions.
7. Digital Dropshipping
Amid the shifting landscape of traditional dropshipping due to US tariffs and import regulations, digital dropshipping has emerged as a compelling, tariff-proof alternative.
Entrepreneurs can avoid physical inventory and shipping costs by selling digital products such as ebooks, software, and templates, achieving greater scalability and profit margins.
This model offers automated order fulfillment, instant customer delivery, and global market reach, making it an attractive, low-risk venture for those seeking to capitalize on the digital economy.
Tariffs are shaking up businesses that deal with physical products, but there's good news: online businesses focused on digital goods and services are safe. These kinds of businesses skip the whole shipping and import mess, letting you focus on growing your income without worrying about trade wars.
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To endless possibilities,
Casandra
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