Business has been gradually shifting to the internet for years, but that shift is rapidly accelerating thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether businesses remain closed or at limited capacity for weeks or months no longer matters. The future of running a successful business requires an online presence.

Many business owners are launching online businesses to generate income while the pandemic runs its course. If you're in the same boat, but don't know where to start, you'll get some ideas from the following businesses people are launching right now.

1. Online financial services

The market already exists for online financial services like tax preparation and accounting, but many people with certifications haven't entered the market until now. Now that online business is almost required to survive, business owners with accounting and CPA licenses are finally putting their certifications to good use. They can either use their credentials to earn money online or watch their bills pile up. 

Cai Lindeman, a former fine dining chef laid off because of COVID-19, dropped his career in the restaurant industry and got a job at an accounting firm. Lindeman is just one of millions of people switching careers to survive.

For those who don't have a professional financial services license, but would like to get certified, it's not too late. In fact, if you start now, by the time you get certified, you'll be ahead of those who passed on the opportunity. 

If you choose to pursue a CPA license, you'll need to study hard since less than half of test-takers pass on the first try. However, you'll be in a better position to pass if you take a CPA exam prep course.

2. Content writing services

Another high-demand skill is content writing. Marketing firms with content writing services need talented, reliable writers. Most writers are independent contractors and take on work for various clients as they please.

Content writing can be done online without having to meet anyone in person to deliver work or receive a payment. If you need to connect with a client visually, you can chat on Zoom or Skype. Otherwise, it's a gig where you just need to get the work done, email it to your client, and wait for their feedback.

If you can write and you love your freedom, you should consider freelancing as a content writer. If you don't mind working on a regular schedule, pursue a position with a marketing firm. Just be prepared to work your way up if you're new to the industry, no matter how much talent you bring to the table.

3. Ecommerce setup services

Some web developers are setting up ecommerce setup services specifically to help businesses transition to an online format. This is something anyone with basic web development skills can do for clients, so long as the client doesn't need a highly customized ecommerce design.

At the very least, you could provide a service to set up ecommerce stores on hosted platforms like BigCommerce and Shopify. With millions of businesses potentially moving to the internet in the coming years, you could end up with more work opportunities than you can handle.

4. Yard work and handyman services

While there have always been yard work and handyman services, there are more people performing these services than ever. This type of work is now being offered by business owners forced to shut down along with employees who have been laid off.

The pay won't be phenomenal, but if you need a way to generate income while the economy is partially shut down, advertise all the miscellaneous services you can offer around your neighborhood. You'll find people with income willing to pay you to do the jobs they've been avoiding.

5. Tutoring

Tutoring during the COVID-19 pandemic looks much different than what you might be picturing. Tutoring kids who are learning remotely from home requires more than just helping them understand the lessons. Today's tutoring involves helping both parents and kids establish functional schedules and routines for attending class and getting assignments completed on time. 

It's not easy learning remotely, and many parents have an equally difficult time managing their kids and keeping track of schoolwork. If you're great at establishing routines and schedules, tutoring parents and their kids will bring you some solid income.

No industry is off-limits

While some industries can't do business online, you can share knowledge online and conduct workshops about those industries. No industry is off-limits for doing business online. You just have to choose a niche you can commit to for the long term.