12 Easiest Ways to Make $100,000+ Per Year: Simple Business Ideas That Actually Work

Are you looking for simple, low-cost business ideas that can help you make $100,000 or more per year? 

You’re in the right place! After scouring the internet and analyzing real-world examples, I’ve compiled a list of 12 proven businesses that are easy to start and highly profitable. 

Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time venture, these ideas can help you achieve your financial goals.

Let’s dive into the 12 easiest ways to make $100,000+ per year👇

1. Dog Poop Removal Business

Yes, you read that right! Dog poop removal is a booming business. Solo entrepreneurs are making over $100,000 per year by offering this simple service.

How it works: You charge $25–$40 per visit to clean up dog poop in clients’ yards.

Examples:Koopin’ Poopin’ in Michigan makes over $100,000/year.

Scoop Scoop Pooper Scooper Services generates $200,000/month in revenue.

Startup costs: Less than $200 (flyers, bags, and basic tools).

Marketing: Hand out flyers, post on local Facebook groups, and rely on word-of-mouth.

This business requires no employees, minimal skills, and almost no upfront investment. 

If you’re looking for a simple, hands-on business, dog poop removal might be your golden ticket.

2. Trash Valet Service for Apartment Complexes

Trash valet services are in high demand at apartment complexes. Residents pay a monthly fee to have their trash picked up from their door and taken to the dumpster.

How it works: Charge $20–$50/month per unit.
Example: One entrepreneur makes $23,000/month with just a few large apartment complexes.
Startup costs: Minimal—no truck or expensive equipment needed.

Marketing: Target middle-tier apartment complexes and pitch your service to property managers.

This is a low-effort, high-reward business that can scale quickly with a few contracts.

3. Local Community Newsletter

Local newsletters are a hidden gem for making money through advertising.

How it works: Create a free newsletter highlighting local events, businesses, and news. Monetize through ads.
Example: Ryan Snedden of Naptown Scoop makes $200,000/year with 18,000 subscribers.
Startup costs: Low—just a website and basic marketing.

Marketing: Use Facebook ads and local community groups to grow your subscriber base.

This is a great option if you enjoy writing and want to serve your community while making money.

4. Remote Home Service Business

You can run a home service business (like cleaning or junk removal) remotely by outsourcing the work to subcontractors.

How it works: Customers book online, and you send subcontractors to do the job. You keep a percentage of the revenue.
Example: Think Maids generates $60,000/month in revenue.
Startup costs: Low—just a website and marketing.

Marketing: Use local Facebook groups, flyers, and targeted ads.

This model allows you to scale without doing the physical work yourself.

5. Niche Flipping Business

Buy underpriced items and resell them for a profit.

How it works: Focus on a niche like furniture, electronics, or clothing. Buy low, clean up, and sell high.
Example: A 20-year-old makes $100,000/year flipping used furniture.
Startup costs: Varies—start small with items from garage sales or online marketplaces.

Marketing: Use eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist to sell your items.

Flipping is a simple way to make money if you have an eye for deals.

6. Porch Decorating Service

Seasonal porch decorating is a high-ticket service with huge profit potential.

How it works: Charge $325–$

Example; Porch Pumpkins makes $1 million in just 4 months.
$325\text{–}$

• Startup costs: Low—just decorations and marketing materials.

Marketing: Post photos on local Facebook groups and rely on word-of-mouth.

This business is perfect for creative individuals who enjoy design.

7. Vending Machine Business

Vending machines are a passive income goldmine.

How it works: Place machines in high-traffic locations like schools, offices, and malls.
Example: One company makes $588,000/month with vending machines.
Startup costs: 3,000–5,000 per machine.

Marketing: Call businesses and pitch the convenience of your machines.

With the right locations, you can make $500\text{–}$2,000 per machine per month.

8. Dumpster Rental Business

Renting out dumpsters is a high-profit, low-effort business.

How it works: Charge $450 for a 3-day rental.
Example: One entrepreneur makes $188,000/month with just 20 dumpsters.
Startup costs: Moderate—dumpsters and a hooklift truck.

Marketing: Build relationships with construction companies and property managers.

This business is ideal for those who want consistent, high-ticket revenue.

9. Parking Lot Cleaning Service

Cleaning parking lots is a simple, repeatable business.

How it works: Offer cleaning services to medium-sized businesses and shopping centers.
Example: Brian Winch of Clean Lots makes $650,000/year.
Startup costs: Low—basic cleaning equipment.

Marketing: Call property management companies and pitch your service.

This is a great side hustle that can be done early mornings or evenings.

10. Modern-Day Affiliate Marketing

Promote products on social media and earn commissions.

How it works: Create content around a niche (e.g., baby products, fitness gear) and link to affiliate products.
Example: Some affiliate marketers make millions per year.
Startup costs: None—just a social media account.

Marketing: Use Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to drive traffic.

Affiliate marketing is a hands-off way to make money online.

11. Build a Community

Create a paid community around a topic you’re passionate about.

How it works: Charge 10–300/month for access to your community.$10\text{–}$$\text{<br>}$

Example: Many entrepreneurs make $100,000+/year with niche communities.
Startup costs: Low—use platforms like Slack or Facebook Groups.

Marketing: Promote your community on social media and through word-of-mouth.

This is a great way to turn your passion into profit.

12. Craigslist Labor Services

Connect customers with subcontractors for simple labor jobs.

How it works: Advertise on Craigslist and charge a fee for connecting customers with workers.
Example: Community Labor Partnership makes $700,000/year profit.
Startup costs: Low—just a website and marketing.

Marketing: Use Craigslist and flyers to attract customers.

This model can be applied to various industries, from moving to handyman services.

Final Thoughts

These 12 business ideas prove that you don’t need a huge investment or complex skills to make $100,000+ per year. 

Whether you’re scooping dog poop, running a vending machine route, or building a community, there’s a simple business model out there for you.

Which of these ideas excites you the most? Let me know in the comments..