The Biggest Myths About Starting an Online Business

I often talk to my fellow hibachi chefs, and they hesitate to start an online business because they’ve heard things that simply aren’t true. Myths about difficulty, risk, and competition keep many from even trying. Some assume making money online is too complicated.

Others think it’s too crowded to break in or that only young people can figure it out. The truth is, most of these fears come from outdated ideas or misunderstandings. Once you know what’s real and what isn’t, it’s easier to move forward with confidence.

One of the biggest myths is that you need to be tech-savvy to succeed online. That might have been true years ago when websites required coding and online payments were a hassle.

Now, technology does most of the work for you. Platforms like Etsy, Amazon, Gumroad, and Payhip let you sell digital products without needing to build a website. If you can upload a file and follow a few prompts, you can set up an online storefront.

Tools like AI-powered content generators, voice-to-text dictation, and simple automation make running a business easier than ever. Learning curves exist, but they’re not nearly as steep as people assume.

Another common myth is that making money online is fast and easy. While there are simple ways to get started, overnight success is rare. Many online entrepreneurs build their income gradually, testing different strategies and improving as they go.

Some people hear about influencers making six figures and assume that’s what online business looks like. What they don’t see is the years of trial and error behind those results.

That doesn’t mean it has to take years to make money, but expecting instant wealth leads to frustration. The best approach is to start with small wins, build on them, and create an income stream that grows over time.

A lot of people believe that the online market is too saturated. They think every good idea is taken and that competition is too fierce to succeed. That’s simply not true. Yes, there are millions of people making money online, but there are also billions of people buying online.

New opportunities emerge constantly as consumer needs change. The key isn’t to compete with massive brands but to find your own niche. You don’t have to be the biggest seller or have the lowest prices. You just need to offer something people want in a way that appeals to them. Personality, experience, and customer service all play a role in setting you apart.

Another myth that holds people back is the idea that you need a big social media following to make sales. While some businesses rely on social media, it’s not required. Many successful online entrepreneurs never post on Instagram, never go viral on TikTok, and don’t have thousands of email subscribers.

They make money by putting their products where buyers already are. Marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, and Udemy bring in their own traffic. Affiliate marketing allows others to promote for you. SEO-optimized listings can get found through search engines. Plenty of sales happen every day without the seller needing a big audience.

Some people assume they have to be an expert to sell anything online. They hold back because they don’t feel qualified or worry they aren’t the best at what they do. The truth is, most buyers don’t need an expert — they need someone who can help them take the next step. My mentor - John Thornhill can absolutely help you with his Online Success Coaching.

You don’t have to know everything about a topic. You just have to know more than the person who’s struggling with it. A beginner looking to learn a skill isn’t searching for the world’s top authority.

They’re looking for a guide who can make the process simple and relatable. Whether it’s teaching a skill, creating helpful resources, or offering a service, you don’t need to be the best. You just need to be useful.

There’s also a belief that making money online requires a lot of upfront investment. People assume they’ll need to pay for expensive software, advertising, or coaching before they see any results.

While there are paid tools that can help, they aren’t necessary to get started. Many online businesses can be launched for free or at very little cost. Digital products, print-on-demand stores, and affiliate marketing require almost no investment.

Even freelancing, where you trade time for money, only requires a free profile on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. Once money starts coming in, you can reinvest it into tools that make things easier, but there’s no reason to spend big before proving an idea works.

Another myth that keeps people from trying is the idea that online business is only for younger generations. Some assume that because they didn’t grow up with technology, they’ll be at a disadvantage.

The reality is that seniors have a huge advantage in many ways. Life experience, patience, and strong work ethics often give older entrepreneurs an edge over younger ones who jump from trend to trend.

Many online consumers prefer to buy from people with credibility, and that often comes with age. The internet isn’t reserved for any one generation. If you have something valuable to offer, there’s a place for you.

Many people think online business requires constant work and long hours. While there are business models that demand daily attention, there are also plenty that allow for a hands-off approach.

Selling digital downloads, print-on-demand products, or self-published books lets you create something once and continue earning from it. Automation tools handle sales, payments, and customer service so you don’t have to be involved in every transaction. Instead of working nonstop, you can set up systems that generate income in the background.

One final myth is that online businesses aren’t reliable. People worry that income will be inconsistent or that platforms will shut down overnight. While no business model is completely risk-free, many online entrepreneurs build stable, long-term income.

Diversifying revenue streams, using multiple platforms, and automating sales all help create steady earnings. Traditional jobs aren’t guaranteed either, and many find that online income is just as secure—if not more—because they control it. Instead of relying on a single employer, online business owners create multiple ways to earn, giving them financial independence they wouldn’t have otherwise.

Believing these myths keeps a lot of people from ever getting started. The truth is, making money online is accessible, flexible, and possible at any age. The biggest challenge isn’t technology, competition, or expertise—it’s hesitation. Once you push past the doubts, you’ll realize that most of the barriers you thought existed were never real in the first place.