In today’s world, becoming a digital nomad is easier than ever. Thanks to technology, remote work and global connectivity, more people are leaving their traditional office jobs to enjoy a lifestyle of freedom, travel, and entrepreneurship. Starting a business as a digital nomad gives you the chance to create your own path while exploring new places. However, while the idea of working from a beach in Bali or a café in Paris sounds exciting, there are important steps to take to build and run a successful business while on the move. In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of starting a business as a digital nomad and how you can set yourself up for success.
STEP 1: Register your Business in nordic country - Estonia
Estonia is known for its e-Residency program, which allows entrepreneurs from around the world to establish and manage a company remotely. In 2022, Estonian startups raised over €1.3 billion, and around 100 new startups were created, bringing the total to approximately 1,500. Estonia is also ranked #1 in the OECD Tax Competitiveness Index. Benefits include:
- Ease of Registration: The process is fully online. You can do it by e-Residency card or Power of Attorney
- Tax-Friendly Environment: Enjoy simplified tax structures and no corporate tax on reinvested profits - Did you hear about 0% Corporation Tax for companies that re-invest profit ?
- Access to EU Market: Work as a legal business within the European Union. Trade easily across EU countries and use simple rules to grow and work with others.
- Digital Convenience: Manage your business entirely online with secure digital tools.
Registering a company in Estonia is an excellent option for digital nomads seeking a stable and efficient business ecosystem.
Overview of Notable Estonian Startups
Estonia's startup ecosystem is renowned for its innovation and technological advancements. Below is an overview of several prominent Estonian startups:
1. Bolt
Bolt is a leading ride-hailing service operating in multiple countries, offering electric scooters and bikes. Founded in 2013, Bolt has expanded its services to include car-sharing and food delivery, positioning itself as a comprehensive urban mobility platform. The company is committed to sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly transportation options.
2. Veriff
Veriff provides AI-powered identity verification solutions for businesses worldwide. Their platform combines advanced machine learning algorithms with human expertise to verify identities in real-time, enhancing security and user experience. Veriff serves a diverse range of industries, including finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, offering tailored solutions to meet specific regulatory and operational requirements.
3. Pipedrive
Pipedrive is a sales management tool designed to help small and medium-sized businesses manage their sales processes. The platform offers a user-friendly interface with features such as pipeline management, activity tracking, and reporting, enabling sales teams to streamline their workflows and improve performance. Pipedrive integrates with various third-party applications, providing a customizable solution to meet diverse business needs.
4. Skeleton Technologies
Skeleton Technologies specializes in ultracapacitor-based energy storage solutions for various industries. Their SuperBattery technology combines the high power density of supercapacitors with the energy density of batteries, offering fast-charging and long-lasting energy storage solutions. Skeleton Technologies serves sectors such as automotive, grid energy, and industrial applications, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy systems.
5. Tuum
Tuum offers a banking platform-as-a-service, enabling financial institutions to quickly build and launch financial products. Their modular platform provides a range of services, including core banking, payments, and compliance, allowing banks and fintech companies to develop customized solutions efficiently. Tuum's technology supports the digital transformation of the financial industry, facilitating innovation and enhancing customer experiences.
6. SimplBooks
SimplBooks is a cloud-based accounting software designed to simplify financial management for small businesses, helping them with bookkeeping, invoicing, and tax calculations. The platform offers an intuitive interface with features such as automated invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting, enabling entrepreneurs to manage their finances effectively. SimplBooks integrates with various financial institutions and services, providing a comprehensive solution for small business accounting needs.
These startups exemplify Estonia's dynamic and innovative business environment, contributing to the country's reputation as a hub for technological advancement and entrepreneurship.
STEP 2: Choose your SaaS to be productive
Digital nomad businesses rely on effective remote work tools and practices. Some essentials include:
- Communication Tools: Slack, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams for seamless interaction.
- Project Management Tools: Asana, Trello, or Notion to organize tasks.
- Cloud Storage: Google Drive or Dropbox for file sharing.
- Payment Processing: PayPal, Stripe, or Wise to handle international transactions.
- Accounting software: Try SimplBooks and integrate your ecommerce with this software to deal with entries.
Automate repetitive tasks where possible to save time.
STEP 3: Online presence is a key
As a digital nomad, your online presence is your business’s lifeline. Since you're working remotely and often in different locations, a strong digital footprint helps potential clients, customers, and collaborators find you, trust you, and engage with your services or products. Without a solid online presence, it can be challenging to establish credibility or connect with your target audience.
Your website, social media profiles, and professional platforms like LinkedIn allow you to showcase your skills, portfolio, and services, all of which are essential for attracting clients or customers. An online presence also makes it easier to network, build relationships, and grow your brand globally, regardless of your physical location. Simply put, a well-crafted online presence is crucial for creating opportunities and ensuring your business thrives while you’re on the move.
An online presence is crucial for credibility and attracting clients. Key steps:
- Create a Professional Website: Showcase your services, portfolio, and contact information.
- Create Social Media Profiles : Use platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter to connect with your target audience.
- Start your Showcase: Demonstrate your expertise with case studies, testimonials, or samples.
- Networking is a key : Join Slack communities relevant to your industry and participate actively.
STEP 4: Choose your Domain
When starting a digital business, choosing the right domain name is crucial for building your online presence. You can register a new domain from scratch using popular domain registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. Picking a domain that is short, memorable, and relevant to your business will make it easier for people to find you. Alternatively, you can take over an existing domain with a strong history or buy one from online auctions. Domains with established backlinks and traffic can boost your credibility and help your website rank faster on search engines, giving your business an immediate advantage. Whether you start fresh or invest in a pre-owned domain, make sure it reflects your brand and is easy for your audience to remember.
STEP 5: Cost-Effective Promotion for Digital Nomads
As a digital nomad, promoting your business on a budget is essential. There are several cost-effective methods to boost your online presence and attract clients or customers.
- Google Ads (SEM): One of the quickest ways to drive traffic to your website is through Google Ads. This is especially true for businesses that utilize pay-per-click advertising for msps, as it allows for highly targeted campaigns reaching specific demographics. With search engine marketing, you can target specific keywords relevant to your business,
You can set a daily budget, making it a flexible and cost-effective way to reach a larger audience without overspending.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Organic search traffic is a powerful tool for long-term success. A crucial part of a robust SEO strategy is performing a thorough SEO Audit to identify areas for improvement and ensure optimal performance. You can focus on buying quality backlinks from reputable sites to improve your domain authority, guest posting service or get SEO services from professionals. If your budget is limited, you can find any SEO Consultant in India. Additionally, creating high-quality, keyword-rich content that targets long-tail keywords (phrases with three or more words) can help attract a more targeted audience and increase your chances of ranking in niche searches. By focusing on SEO, you can build sustainable traffic without ongoing costs. Optimizing your site for user-friendly queries such as "search Google or type a URL" ensures you capture a broader audience.
By combining these strategies, you can effectively promote your digital nomad business without breaking the bank.
CONCLUSION:
Becoming a digital nomad in 2025 offers an exciting opportunity to work while exploring the world, but it requires careful planning and the right tools. From registering your business in a digital-friendly country like Estonia to building a strong online presence, every step plays a crucial role in ensuring your success. By using the right productivity tools, choosing the right domain, and promoting your business through cost-effective methods like SEO and Google Ads, you can grow your business while enjoying the freedom that comes with the digital nomad lifestyle. With the right strategies in place, you can create a business that not only thrives but also allows you to live the life you've always dreamed of—on your own terms.