Of the many different ways to make money online, I would break it into 3 primary categories: sell professional services, sell products, or sell your “time”. In this post, I’ll break down 33 different options, explain who they’re suited for, and offer some next steps to take.
Sell Professional Services Online
Freelancing is a great option for anyone looking to make money online, and best suited for people with existing skills and expertise that are in demand, who also love autonomy, flexibility, and independence. You can work for clients directly or through an agency willing to hire you as a contractor.
You’ll need to build a portfolio, market yourself and develop good negotiation skills. If you have related skills or experience in certain niches, it’s a great idea to merge them together to stand out from the crowd and serve a specific type of client.
Here are your primary options:
1. Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant is a ‘catch all’ type of freelancing which doesn’t require any experience to get started, though that would reflect in your rates at the beginning. You could be helping clients with:
- Admin tasks
- Customer support
- Bookkeeping and finance
- Calendars & scheduling
- Transcription
- Data entry
- Content, social & community management
- Or any of the other freelance skills listed below (though usually at a lower level of expertise)
Steps to get started:
- Research the Role: Join virtual assistant groups and look at relevant job boards to understand the services in demand and pricing.
- Build a Portfolio: Even without experience, create sample work to showcase your skills.
- Market Yourself: Use social media, freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, and VA-specific job boards to find clients.
2. Copywriting, content writing & ghostwriting
If you have strong writing skills and love crafting words, this is a great place to start. This could range from fiction writing, email marketing, social media posts, journalism, academic writing and more. You could also offer editing services as well. Every industry is always looking for great written content, so this is a high-demand skill.
Check out these articles to explore the writing world:
- 3 Creative Writing Careers That Pay in 2024 (+ How to Find Them)
- How To Become A Highly Paid Copywriter in 2024 (With No Experience)
- 3 Unique Online Business Ideas for Writers
- How to Make Money Blogging in 2024: A Quick Guide
Steps to get started:
- Create a Portfolio: Write sample pieces across various niches to showcase your versatility and expertise.
- Network with Clients: Join writing groups, attend webinars, and connect with potential clients on LinkedIn.
- Market Your Services: List your services on freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and ProBlogger job board.
3. Art & graphic design
If you’re an artsy, creative or design-orientated person, start here. Artists typically offer custom drawings and illustrations, which could be used as book covers, merchandise designs, marketing materials etc. Graphic designers might create logos and brand materials, websites, creating social graphics and more.
Check out these posts for more:
- How To Make Money As An Artist: 11+ Proven Strategies (+ tips)
- How to Sell Art On Etsy: Case Study of a 22-Year Old Who Made $28,139
Steps to get started:
- Develop a Portfolio: Create a digital portfolio with your best designs, including logos, illustrations, and social media graphics.
- Set Up an Online Presence: Create a professional website or use platforms like Behance or Dribbble to display your work.
- Promote Your Services: Use social media, participate in design contests, and join graphic design job boards.
4. Video, audio, photo editing & other tech skills
If you’re tech savvy, there’s plenty of opportunities to be had. You might code websites, offer tech support, assist YouTubers with their videos, or help ecommerce stores make their products look amazing.
Steps to get started:
- Create a Portfolio: Produce sample projects showcasing your editing skills in video, audio, and photography.
- Join Freelance Platforms: Register on sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer to find clients.
- Network and Market: Connect with potential clients on LinkedIn and promote your services on relevant social media channels.
5. Acting & voice acting
Use your voice and personality to your advantage here. Brands hire ‘actors’ all the time to promote their products and services, which you’ll primarily see on TikTok. The best part is, you don’t need to have an existing audience for this. Otherwise, voice acting for games, videos, audiobooks and more is an easy way to jump into the online world.
Steps to get started:
- Create Demo Reels: Record demo reels that highlight your acting and voice skills in different scenarios.
- Join Casting Websites: Sign up on platforms like Backstage, Voices.com, and Voice123 to find job opportunities.
- Promote Your Services: Use social media to share your demo reels and network with industry professionals.
6. Tutoring, coaching & consulting
You can probably make the most money online by selling your expertise, in any niche or industry. Depending on your experience, you can charge high prices off the bat through coaching and consulting. Otherwise, you can get started with online tutoring, which is generally for simple school and university subjects.
If you don’t feel confident with those, there’s a huge market for teaching English, but not the subject! People who are learning English as a second language are always looking for native speakers to practice conversations and learn the basics with. You can do a quick and cheap ‘Teaching English As A Foreign Language’ certificate online to boost your credibility. There are specific sites you can jump on right away, such as Skooli, VIPkid or Twenix.
Steps to get started:
- Identify Your Niche: Determine your area of expertise and the target audience for your services.
- Create an Online Presence: Develop a professional website with testimonials and detailed descriptions of your services.
- Market Your Services: Use tutoring platforms like Tutor.com, coaching platforms like Coach.me, and LinkedIn to find clients.
7. Other specialist services
You can be just about an online freelance ‘anything’. Think about your work experience, hobbies, life experience, and other unique talents and skills. Maybe you’re great at scoring bargains and you shop for people online. Maybe you’re a fashion expert and you help people design or put together outfits. The sky’s the limit!
Steps to get started:
- Identify Unique Skills: List out your unique talents and skills that could be offered as a service.
- Build a Portfolio: Create case studies or sample projects to demonstrate your expertise.
- Market Your Services: Use niche-specific platforms, forums, and social media to find and attract clients.
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Sell Products Online
Selling products is great for crafty and creative people and subject specialists alike. You can sell physical products, digital products, info products and more. You’ll need to do some research to figure out what your ideal audience would want to buy and identify little ways you can stand out by looking at your competitors. The easiest way to start selling is to list your products on relevant marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, Gumroad and more.
Check out some of our great resources for more info:
- Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Making Your First Product
- The Top 5 Most Profitable Products to Sell Online in 2024
- Turn Your Coaching Service Into A Product In 3 Steps
- How We Create A 7 Figure Info Product
- 4 Startup Ideas With High Profit Margins
- Case Study: How Joyce Created A $1000 Product In Less Than A Week
- What’s The Best Way To Sell Products Online?
Here are the main approaches:
1. Handmade crafts and goods
If you have a knack for creating handmade items, selling your crafts online can be a fulfilling and profitable venture. This includes jewelry, home decor, clothing, and more.
Steps to Get Started:
- Choose Your Niche: Focus on what you’re good at and enjoy making.
- Create an Online Store: Platforms like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, or even your own website can help you reach customers.
- Market Your Products: Use social media and online marketplaces to promote your items.
2. Print-on-demand products
Print-on-demand allows you to design custom products without worrying about inventory. You can create designs for t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more.
Steps to Get Started:
- Design Your Products: Use tools like Adobe Illustrator or Canva.
- Choose a Print-on-Demand Service: Popular options include Printful, Teespring, and Redbubble.
- Set Up Your Store: Integrate the service with your online store or sell directly through their platform.
3. Info products and courses
Digital products like eBooks, printables, and online courses are great for subject matter experts who want to share their knowledge. These products have low overhead costs and can be sold repeatedly.
Steps to Get Started:
- Identify Your Niche: Determine what knowledge or skill you can teach.
- Create Your Product: Use tools like Microsoft Word, Canva, or Teachable.
- Market and Sell: Use platforms like Gumroad, Udemy, or your own website.
4. Selling books
If you’re passionate about writing, selling books online is a great way to share your stories or expertise while earning an income. This can include fiction, non-fiction, eBooks, or even audiobooks.
Steps to Get Started:
- Write and Edit: Create your manuscript and ensure it’s polished by editing and proofreading.
- Choose a Publishing Method: Decide between traditional publishing, self-publishing on platforms like Amazon KDP, or hybrid publishing.
- Market Your Book: Use social media, author platforms, and book launch strategies to promote your work and engage with readers.
5. Developing AI software & tools
For tech-savvy (and even non-tech savvy) individuals, developing AI software offers a lucrative opportunity. There are now tons of AI tools that will help you build other AI tools with little to no coding knowledge. This could range from AI-powered apps, basic tools, or specialized software solutions.
Steps to Get Started:
- Identify a Problem and Solution: Research market needs and define the problem your AI software will solve.
- Develop the Software: Use AI like ChatGPT, TensorFlow or PyTorch to build and test your software.
- Market and Sell: Create a website, leverage social media, and attend industry conferences to promote your AI software.
6. Selling stock photos, videos & other graphics
If you’re skilled in photography, videography or art & graphic design, you can sell your work as stock content. You can also use AI to create this content. Businesses and individuals are always looking for high-quality visual content!
Steps to Get Started:
- Build Your Portfolio: Create a collection of high-quality photos or videos.
- Choose a Platform: Use sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Getty Images.
- Upload and Sell: Submit your work to these platforms and earn money each time your content is downloaded.
7. Selling Low/No Content Products
Selling low or no content products, such as journals, planners, and notebooks, is a fantastic way to tap into the market of customizable and practical items. These products often require minimal content but offer significant potential for creativity and personalization.
Steps to Get Started:
- Design Your Product: Create appealing and functional designs for journals, planners, or notebooks using tools like Canva or Adobe InDesign.
- Choose a Platform: Sell them as printables, or select a print-on-demand service such as Amazon KDP, Printful or Printify publish and sell your products.
- Market Your Products: Promote your designs through social media, online marketplaces, and niche communities interested in journaling or planning.
8. Dropshipping
Dropshipping allows you to sell products without holding any inventory. When you make a sale, the supplier ships the product directly to the customer.
Steps to Get Started:
- Find a Niche: Research products that are in demand but not oversaturated.
- Choose a Supplier: Use platforms like AliExpress, Oberlo, or SaleHoo.
- Set Up Your Store: Use eCommerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.
9. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting other people’s products and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral link.
Steps to Get Started:
- Choose Your Niche: Focus on products or services that align with your interests or blog content.
- Join Affiliate Programs: Sign up for programs through platforms like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or ClickBank.
- Promote Products: Use your blog, social media, or email marketing to share your affiliate links.
It’s one of the best things I’ve published (and 100% free), just tell me where to send it:
Sell Your “Time” Online
Selling your time is a unique way to make money online that doesn’t fit neatly into selling products or services. These range from little things you can do in your spare time to long term ventures. Whether it’s participating in surveys, testing websites, or offering personal insights, there are plenty of opportunities to earn by dedicating your time to different tasks.
1. Streaming
Streaming is a popular way to make money online by broadcasting live content, such as video games, tutorials, or other engaging activities. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming allow you to earn through viewer donations, sponsorships, and ad revenue.
Steps to Get Started:
- Choose Your Platform: Decide whether to stream on Twitch, YouTube, Facebook Gaming, or another platform that suits your content and audience.
- Set Up Your Equipment: Invest in a good microphone, camera, and streaming software to ensure high-quality broadcasts.
- Build Your Audience: Engage with viewers through consistent streaming schedules, interact with your audience, and promote your stream on social media.
2. Online surveys
Online surveys offer a straightforward way to earn money or rewards by sharing your opinions on various products and services. Companies use survey data to improve their offerings, and you get compensated for your time.
Steps to Get Started:
- Sign Up for Survey Sites: Register on reputable survey platforms like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or Pinecone Research.
- Complete Your Profile: Fill out detailed profiles to receive surveys that match your demographic and interests.
- Participate in Surveys: Regularly complete surveys and check for new opportunities to maximize your earnings.
3. Content creator or influencer
Being a content creator or influencer involves producing original content such as videos, blogs, or social media posts that attract and engage an audience. You can monetize your content through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
Steps to Get Started:
- Choose Your Niche: Identify a topic or area of interest that you are passionate about and that has an audience.
- Create and Publish Content: Use platforms like YouTube, Medium, or social media to share your content and build a following.
- Monetize Your Content: Explore options like ad revenue, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling products or services.
4. Product tester
Product testing involves reviewing and providing feedback on new products before they reach the market. Companies seek testers to ensure quality and functionality, and you get paid for your insights.
Steps to Get Started:
- Find Testing Opportunities: Join product testing platforms like Influenster, BzzAgent, or sample product review sites.
- Register and Apply: Create profiles on these platforms and apply for available testing opportunities.
- Test and Review: Receive products, test them according to provided guidelines, and submit detailed feedback.
5. AI trainer
AI training involves helping improve artificial intelligence models by providing labeled data, feedback, or participating in training exercises. This role is crucial for developing more accurate and effective AI systems.
Steps to Get Started:
- Find AI Training Platforms: Look for opportunities on platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk, Appen, or Lionbridge.
- Complete Training Modules: Participate in training sessions to understand the AI model requirements and data labeling techniques.
- Perform Tasks and Submit Data: Provide labeled data or feedback based on the guidelines and monitor the progress of the AI model improvements.
6. Online Focus Group Participant
Participate in focus groups to provide opinions and feedback on various products or services. Companies use these insights to shape their offerings.
Steps to Get Started:
- Join Focus Group Platforms: Sign up on platforms like Respondent.io, User Interviews, or FocusGroup.com.
- Complete Your Profile: Provide detailed demographic and interest information to match with relevant studies.
- Participate and Get Paid: Join focus group sessions and share your feedback.
Explore more ways to make money online
The digital world is brimming with innovative ways to turn your skills and passions into profit. By embracing these creative paths you can take charge of your financial future.
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