For numerous individuals, the Internet presents an ideal chance to generate additional income. However, various methods exist to earn money online, and certain approaches are quicker and more readily available.
Today, we will examine 10 different business ideas, ventures, and other entrepreneurial enterprises that can help you make money online.
25 Proven Ways to Make Money Online
1. Start affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is an easily accessible and effective method for earning income online. To participate, all you require is a blog and a few established affiliate marketing agreements with renowned brands whose merchandise and services you desire to promote and sell.
In summary, in the process of affiliate marketing, you create blog posts and promote or provide links to products that belong to your affiliate program. Whenever a reader of your blog buys a product by clicking on one of your links, you will receive a commission as a reward for your efforts.
If you have an online blog or a brand blog for your ecommerce store, affiliate marketing is considered as one of the most effective methods to generate income. Although it may not be suitable for beginners, freelance writers who possess SEO skills can establish a strong source of revenue by teaming up with reputable brands and digital products.
You can also consider utilizing affiliate marketing as a supplementary source of online income to complement your existing ecommerce revenue.
Affiliate marketing becomes easier if your blog already has a loyal reader base. Due to this reason, although affiliate marketing is not expensive, it may require some time before the number of people who consume your content is sufficient to make it profitable.
- Requirements: Computer, WordPress or other blog platform and an affiliate marketing partnership.
- Time to earn money: 4+ weeks.
- How to set up: Set up a blog, join an affiliate marketing program and write content that links to affiliate products.
2. Build a dropshipping business
Here is a breakdown of how dropshipping, a distinctive business model, operates in partnership with product suppliers, manufacturers, and shipping companies.
- You advertise products a third party makes, like a product manufacturer, under your store brand. You can use a platform like Amazon to do this or practice dropshipping on your own ecommerce website.
- When a customer orders a product, you send the order to a fulfillment specialist company, like a shipping company, to handle delivery and shipping.
- You take home a percentage of the profits without having to store inventory, make products or do anything else.
While it may seem too good to be true, dropshipping is a feasible business model and an excellent method to earn money through online channels. Furthermore, it serves as an exceptional option for individuals who lack the necessary infrastructure to manage a conventional ecommerce brand.
In order to engage in dropshipping, having a brand and establishing partnerships with product suppliers is essential. It is important to conduct thorough research to identify the most profitable and valuable products to introduce to the market.
In due course, you can generate additional earnings and passive income by engaging in this “side hustle.”
- Requirements: Computer and research materials.
- Time to earn money: 4+ weeks.
- How to set up: Build a brand website, join a platform that allows dropshipping, get partnerships with product suppliers and fulfillment companies and sell products.
3. Do freelance work
Freelance work has become increasingly popular due to its numerous benefits. It provides a great opportunity to earn additional income or even serve as a primary full-time occupation.
If you possess a skill set that is in high demand, such as graphic design or freelance writing, it is possible for you to earn sufficient funds to cover all of your expenses and more, all without being employed by a typical company or agency.
To work as a freelancer, you need to put in effort and actively seek clients through platforms such as Fiverr or Upwork, where job postings are made by clients in need of specific tasks to be accomplished.
You’ll compete with other freelancers to complete the required work and have the opportunity to consistently make money from home, which is why many entrepreneurs choose to start this business as a means of earning extra income.
Initially, your earnings may not be substantial and you will need to establish your reputation from the beginning. However, with persistence, you can evolve into a sought-after freelancer and increase your rates, thus significantly enhancing your potential for success.
Freelance work offers rewards and allows individuals to have a flexible schedule without the concern of being constantly monitored.
- Requirements: Computer, specialized software, webcam and microphone.
- Time to earn money: 24+ hours.
- How to set up: Join freelance job boards, seek out clients and complete work.
4. Fill out online surveys
Websites such as Surveyjunkie and Swagbucks provide easy access to online surveys. Through these platforms, marketing brands and agencies can gather public opinions on a range of topics, including product preferences and specific subjects.
When you complete online surveys, you are often rewarded with small amounts of money, which may come in the form of gift cards. This method allows you to gradually earn money online, serving as a beneficial means to make extra money on the side while engaging in other activities such as browsing the internet or watching television.
In addition to answering survey questions, certain websites may require you to test websites, complete tutorials, or perform minor tasks.
While filling out online surveys won’t make you wealthy, it can be a great method to increase your collection of gift cards or earn money with minimal effort.
In order to achieve optimal outcomes, it is advisable to conduct research on available survey companies and websites, as well as the compensation they offer for providing answers.
- Requirements: Computer.
- Time to earn money: 1+ hours.
- How to set up: Join a survey site, answer surveys and get gift cards or cash.
5. Work as a virtual assistant
Virtual assistants are experienced professionals who function as electronic secretaries for CEOs, managers, and other individuals.
In your role as a virtual assistant, you will be responsible for completing various tasks and responsibilities.
- Assisting with scheduling.
- Notifying your clients about appointments.
- Organizing your clients’ data or spreadsheets.
- Speaking to customers (in s ome cases).
- Data entry.
You can become a virtual assistant without much preparation time and without having a degree. Nevertheless, depending on your employer, you might be required to be readily available for your client, which could restrict your autonomy and adaptability.
If you are unable to leave the house or find other ways to earn money, working as a virtual assistant can be an excellent option to make money online. Numerous virtual assistants earn a satisfactory part-time income.
As you gradually establish a good reputation and grow your customer base, you have the potential to increase your rates for the services you provide.
- Requirements: Computer, microphone and headset, webcam, Microsoft Office software and other software tools.
- Time to earn money: Days to weeks.
- How to set up: Make a resume, apply to virtual assistant positions, join a virtual assistant agency and start working.
6. Try print on demand
Print on demand (POD) has become a popular method of generating online income due to its lower operating costs compared to other businesses.
Print on demand is comparable to dropshipping because it eliminates the need to hold inventory or personally deliver items to customers. However, there are a couple of minor distinctions. Firstly, you have the opportunity to create your own unique products, which is advantageous for building brand awareness. Secondly, instead of a wide array of categories, you can select from specific items. The majority of print-on-demand companies provide products that are simple to print on, such as t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags.
If you want to make money with your print-on-demand business, the most effective method is utilizing free marketing channels. Your top choice would be to promote your products at no cost on Instagram and Pinterest, as well as collaborate with social media influencers who have a good track record of converting their followers into customers.
If you want to fully understand the differences between print on demand and dropshipping, we invite you to join us in a lively discussion with Wholesale Ted, where we thoroughly examine the advantages and disadvantages of both business models.
7. Start a YouTube channel
If other people can earn money from YouTube, then it is possible for you to do the same. The individual with the highest earnings on YouTube is Jimmy Donaldson, also known as MrBeast, who generated $54 million in 2021 through his YouTube channel, where he showcases peculiar stunts. Another individual who has made a significant amount of money on YouTube is Jake Paul, who has earned $45 million by sharing energetic prank videos and boxing-related content. Jake Paul’s fame on YouTube, as well as his career in boxing, has enabled him to utilize his influence and make money through online avenues beyond his earnings from YouTube.
In order to cultivate a devoted and robust following, it is advisable for your YouTube channel to center around a particular niche. This could entail generating makeup tutorials, live-streaming video games, providing product evaluations, teaching various skills, designing prank videos, or any other content that you believe would attract an audience.
To generate income on YouTube, the key is to produce desired content. Craft catchy titles to attract viewers and incorporate relevant keywords in your video description for better visibility in YouTube search results. After achieving 1,000 subscribers, you become eligible to monetize your channel by enabling YouTube ads.
8. Become an influencer
By establishing a personal brand, one can also generate income through online means. Were you aware that soccer sensation Cristiano Ronaldo typically earns between $880,259 and $1 million for a sponsored Instagram post? Although it may appear that reality stars, singers, and athletes hold the most influence, it is important to remember that even lesser-known influencers can now earn more money than they did in previous years.
If you want to become an influencer, it is necessary to establish a strong fan base. The recommended platforms to begin with are Instagram and TikTok. Many prominent influencers without celebrity status initially gained visibility on these platforms. To grow a substantial Instagram following, you should consider learning strategies for increasing your number of Instagram followers.
There are several ways to generate income as an influencer, such as charging for sponsored posts, setting up an online store to sell products, incorporating affiliate links in your bio, selling your photos, monetizing ads on your own podcast, creating and selling merchandise, getting paid for event appearances, and much more.
9. Create an online course
Selling courses online is considered one of the most effective methods to generate income. If you possess expertise in a particular field, you can turn your knowledge into profit by developing online courses. You have the option to market your course on Udemy, or alternatively, if you have an existing audience, through your own website. There are entrepreneurs who manage to earn a substantial monthly income of up to $5,000 solely through online courses.
To develop a course that is both popular and successful, begin by taking ideas from current trending courses in your field. Next, examine the feedback provided by students. Identify the elements that receive praise and those that are disliked. How can you improve upon existing courses? Concentrate on creating content that addresses the main concerns while incorporating the positive aspects that receive high acclaim.
The method for earning money from your course depends on the platform you choose to sell it on. If you choose Udemy, minimal promotional efforts are required as it can be mostly left unattended. It could be beneficial to promote the course on certain blogs or social media platforms. On the other hand, if you host the course on your own website, it may be necessary to run ads to advertise it. Additionally, creating an email list can be advantageous for promoting future courses without the need for expensive marketing strategies.
8. Publish an ebook
Publishing an ebook has become simpler than ever with Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. All you have to do is write the ebook, format it, design a cover, publish it, and promote it.
When conducting research on the subject, concentrate on utilizing keywords that are frequently searched on Amazon. Additionally, you have the option to enlist the services of a writer to create your ebook, a graphic designer to design the cover, and a manuscript editor to eradicate any content errors.
To effectively sell your ebook, concentrate on utilizing marketing techniques that have been successful in attracting customers. One strategy is to distribute a limited number of your book for free as a way to generate excitement on social media and obtain reviews, which in turn helps you acquire customers through social proof. Additionally, influencer marketing and video campaigns are also highly effective methods to promote your ebook.
10. Start a blog
One of the oldest methods for making money online is blogging. Individuals who enjoy writing typically begin blogs with a specific focus in mind, such as procrastination, cars, dropshipping, toys, and more. This level of specificity allows for the creation of a loyal audience while also providing ample content to explore.
You have the option of starting a blog on different platforms such as Shopify or WordPress. If you choose Shopify, you can remove the checkout feature to avoid subscription fees while building it. When starting, it is important to concentrate on specific keywords and gradually explore other relevant categories as you expand and conquer new areas. This approach will enable you to gradually build a large blog. Additionally, keep in mind that good design is crucial in creating a positive first impression for visitors. To aid in launching your blog, we have provided 20 blog design inspirations.
Blogging offers various opportunities to generate income. One option is to include affiliate links in your posts, accompanied by a disclaimer. Another way is to strategically place advertisements within your blog. Review bloggers often profit from sponsored posts that promote specific brands. Additionally, bloggers can sell digital or physical products directly on their websites. Moreover, utilizing a blog can establish a personal brand, enabling you to secure speaking engagements, television contracts, or significant client agreements.
11. Create an app
If you are not a developer, you may be feeling stuck when considering this money-making idea. However, there is a solution. You have the option to hire a programmer who can create an app on your behalf. Websites such as Toptal can assist you in connecting with numerous app developers who are willing to collaborate with entrepreneurs and bring their ideas to life.
To effectively execute your plan, follow these steps: generate an original app concept, define your intended audience, establish a distinctive brand identity, and delegate the development aspect to the programmer you hire.
To maximize your earnings from your app, it is advisable to place it on both Google Play and the App Store. Contrary to common belief, having a free app can actually generate more revenue compared to a paid app. By offering a free app, you can incorporate advertisements or premium functionalities to generate income. With more people being attracted to the free app, it becomes simpler to persuade them to upgrade or purchase additional features.
12. Become a writer
As the interest in content marketing continues to grow, an increasing number of companies seek writers capable of supplying their online platforms with excellent content. The key to achieving success in this field is to concentrate on a particular niche. Many writers attempt to cover various categories, including food and technology, in order to appeal to a broad audience. Nevertheless, specializing in a specific niche as a writer distinguishes you from others and simplifies the process of attracting clients within your target market.
Having experience in a specific field allows you to bring a fresh outlook to content creation, rather than providing the same information that is readily available from other writers. This is precisely what brands are interested in paying for – your unique thoughts, personal experiences, and insider knowledge within a particular niche.
When applying for writing jobs, it is important to send appropriate samples to the recruiter. If someone specifically requests a marketing writing sample, it is necessary to provide a marketing writing sample and not a finance article or a fitness one. If relevant samples are not provided, it becomes difficult for a hiring manager to determine the level of understanding one has of the specific industry. It is advisable to apply for opportunities that align with one’s skills and experience.
13. Do side gigs
Having a side gig while working full-time can help you earn money online. If you aim to make an additional few hundred dollars every month, engaging in this is a fantastic suggestion. The duration of the work may not always be prolonged, but there is potential for it.
To find part-time online gigs, consider using platforms such as Fiverr. When starting out in the gig economy, it is beneficial to offer a lower price in order to obtain your first review. It is advisable to ask a friend to purchase your gig and provide a review, treating them as a client and ensuring you deliver a completed product that can be included in your portfolio.
When it comes to Fiverr, the key is to understand that it involves playing with numbers as well. By examining the top Fiverr users, it becomes apparent that they offer numerous gigs. The greater the number of gigs you provide, the higher the chances of being discovered.
If you are not interested in receiving Fiverr prices, you have the option to utilize platforms such as FlexJobs to locate side gigs. Within the jobs section of FlexJobs, you have the ability to search for contract or telecommute opportunities. One advantageous aspect of the telecommute opportunities on FlexJobs is that you can apply for them regardless of your location in the world.
FlexJobs offers various side gigs such as writing, business, design, accounting, and others. If none of the options mentioned above align with your abilities, you could consider attempting a side gig from FlexJobs. Increasing your likelihood of securing a few gigs in a short timeframe can be achieved by applying to multiple opportunities.
14. Do translation work
Translation is an area that is not well catered for, resulting in less competition compared to other specialized markets. To take advantage of this opportunity, you should possess fluency in a minimum of two languages. If you are bilingual or have specialized in a commonly spoken language during your academic years, this could be an excellent venture for you to explore in order to generate income.
If you have a language degree or translation experience, be sure to emphasize that in your portfolio or résumé as proof of your translation skills. When applying for translation positions, it is common for companies to request a translation test, which must be completed without the aid of translation tools.
15. Sell your stuff
To generate additional income, it is simple to sell the belongings you no longer utilize. When implementing this approach, ensure that the items you advertise for sale possess value for contemporary buyers.
When it comes to getting rid of unwanted items, such as old CDs and DVDs, the initial thought for many individuals is to sell them. However, it is worth considering that these items may not be in high demand for purchase. Considering the current year is 2022, it is unlikely that one would be inclined to buy a CD. Therefore, instead of investing your time in attempting to sell such items, it may be more sensible to avoid wasting your time on this endeavor.
When considering selling your belongings, concentrate on items such as electronics, furniture, toys, and crafts. You have the option of listing the same products on various platforms, such as Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, and your personal online store. Engaging in multichannel selling will enhance your likelihood of discovering customers for your items.
If you want to impress the customer, it is important to include high-quality product images in your listings. One option is to hire a Shopify Expert who can create product photos for you. Alternatively, you can enroll in a photography course that will enable you to shoot and edit your own images.
16. Become an online tutor
If you choose to make money online at your own convenience, you might want to think about becoming an online tutor. Studenomics shared the experience of someone who earned $2,100 in a single semester by tutoring. What’s intriguing is that he established his customer network by word of mouth, gaining visibility, and offering attractive group rates.
If you possess a teaching degree, your chances of securing a tutoring position may increase. It is crucial to have a degree or experience in a language for this particular job. Additionally, if you have delivered a speech or presentation at a conference or event on the subject, you may be eligible for an online tutoring, teaching, or mentoring role.
Tutoring positions in sciences and maths are frequently in high demand, but English is also widely sought after by international audiences. If you have expertise in a particular subject, tutoring can be a lucrative platform for earning money quickly.
17. Become a Twitch streamer
Initially, focused on gaming, Twitch is now expanding its content to encompass other genres. Presently, making money online through Twitch streaming has become significantly popular. In order to swiftly earn money on Twitch, it is imperative to increase your follower count. Remaining consistent with your streaming on this platform can assist in rapidly establishing a substantial audience.
To effectively attract viewers to your streams, it’s important to select a well-liked game or channel that isn’t excessively competitive. It’s equally crucial to establish a consistent style for your channel, whether it be humorous, educational, or entertaining, and remain dedicated to that chosen direction.
To maximize your financial gains as a Twitch streamer, it is important to utilize all five monetization methods available: selling products, securing brand sponsorships, receiving fan donations, gaining subscriptions, and displaying Twitch ads. By employing a suitable strategy and putting in diligent effort, hosting Twitch streams can result in significant earnings.
18. Invest in stocks
You have the opportunity to earn money quickly by investing in stocks. However, if you lack expertise in choosing stocks, it may be wise to avoid this method of earning money. Although it offers significant potential rewards, it can also lead to financial losses for inexperienced individuals.
If you are employed with a 9-to-5 job, take the time to investigate the financial programs offered by your company. Check if they permit you to invest in company stocks and if they do, enroll in the program. By participating in a company stock program, you can exert some impact on the success of the organization as an employee. Additionally, if your company offers an RRSP matching program, consider enrolling in it if your aim is to save for retirement or for a down payment on your first home.
19. Sell Your photography
If you are a professional photographer or enjoy taking great pictures, you have the opportunity to earn money online by selling your images. Platforms such as Shutterstock and Alamy provide excellent platforms for displaying your work. These websites compensate photographers with royalties each time someone purchases a copy of their image.
If you want to make money from your photography promptly, you have the option to make a listing on Foap, which is a smartphone application. You can upload your photographs and videos on this app and receive payment when someone purchases them from your digital Foap portfolio. The creator of the app will split the profit with you equally, in a 50/50 ratio, whether it is an agency, brand, or any other individual making the purchase.
20. Sell clothes online
If you have clothes that you haven’t worn in the past year and have no intention of wearing again, instead of allowing them to occupy space in your closet, why not profit from them?
If you have clothes, handbags, or shoes to sell, there are several websites that enable you to sell your second-hand fashion items. Poshmark, Refashioner, The RealReal, ThredUp, and Tradesy are among the online platforms where you can sell clothing and accessories in exchange for money.
If you want to earn money online, one option is to sell on various platforms. For those interested in making sales offline, you can utilize Facebook buy and sell groups within your community to connect with potential online buyers and sell the items face-to-face. Having personal experience with these groups, I can attest to their effectiveness.
21. Become an extreme couponer
When you are facing financial constraints, coupons can assist in saving a small amount of money. Furthermore, by sharing coupons, it is possible to earn money through online platforms. A notable example is Coupon Chief’s Pays to Share program, which allows customers to receive a portion of the sales generated by the coupons they share on the platform. To participate, it is necessary to contribute unused coupons. In return, a commission of 2% to 3% can be earned.
Affiliate marketing is similar to this, involving the sharing of referral links and earning commissions when someone makes a purchase through the link. Coupon companies are reputable for regularly paying their affiliates, making it a legitimate method to earn money online. Coupon Chief has already rewarded its users with commissions exceeding $1.3 million.
22. Buy and sell domain names
If you frequently purchase domain names but do not utilize them, you have the option to attempt to sell them for a profit. However, selling domains is highly competitive. Having a one-word .com domain increases your chances of making a sale, as do words with a high search volume.
23. Sell your designs online
One way to monetize the amazing skill of graphic design is through the print-on-demand route, where you can sell your designs on custom products. Another option is to pitch your designs on platforms like 99designs, which crowdsource graphic design projects. You can also create graphics and templates to sell on marketplaces such as Envato or Creative Market. Additionally, you can work as a freelance graphic designer, picking up clients and earning an average of $29.90 per hour, as reported by PayScale.
Domains that are currently popular have a higher likelihood of being sold successfully. In the past, domains related to fidget spinners were more easily sold compared to the present. The ability to search for domain names and purchase a personalized domain can be done via the Shopify domain registration platform.
You have the option to sell your domains on GoDaddy’s Domain Auction. Browse the domains with the highest bids to determine which types of domains are successful in selling. This will assist you in assessing the value of your domains for selling purposes, as well as estimating the potential earnings from their sale.
24. Review apps and websites
If you have a strong interest in user experience, UserTesting is willing to compensate reviewers $10 for providing feedback on websites and apps created by other entrepreneurs. As you explore a website, you will be provided with a set of questions which you must answer. This is a quick method to earn money through the internet.
When giving feedback and sharing your ideas with the entrepreneur, you will use a 20-minute video to navigate their website or app. Since you can complete three videos in an hour, you will earn $30. It is important to be prompt in reviewing new websites or apps as other reviewers can take projects rapidly.
25. Become a TikTok consultant
Becoming a TikTok consultant is currently seen as one of the most fashionable methods of earning money on the internet. Brands will reach out to you for help with generating video concepts, creating compelling bios, and other tasks. This presents an ideal chance for digital nomads to generate income, as the entire business can be managed using only a smartphone. In comparison to Instagram, TikTok is still relatively fresh and unexplored, meaning that assisting brands in establishing a strong presence on the platform has the potential to lead to great financial success.
In order to offer TikTok consultancy to businesses, it is essential to possess certain talents. The primary talent required is the ability to produce viral videos that effectively engage individuals with brands. If you are lacking the skills to generate sales through this platform, you have the option to acquire knowledge on attracting customers by enrolling in the TikTok course.
Make money online FAQ
How can I make money online very fast?
- Build a Shopify store and dropship products online.
- Sell used stuff on eBay, Amazon, or Facebook Marketplace.
- Find and share coupons on websites like Coupon Chief.
- Buy and sell domain names.
- Rent your spare room on Airbnb.
- Provide TikTok consultancy to startups and businesses.
- Sell information products.
- Tutor people online in high-demand subjects.
- Flip your thrift store finds.
- Review apps and websites.
How can I make $100 a day on the web?
- Complete surveys.
- Sell products on Amazon.
- Teach English online.
- Watch videos for money.
- Get cash back on your shopping.
- Proofread for websites.
- Review music online.
How can I make money online in 2022?
- Launch a print-on-demand store.
- Sell your clothes online.
- Create handmade goods.
- Offer freelance services.
- Curate subscription boxes.
- Build online courses.
- Launch a podcast.
- Create digital products.
- Become an influencer.
- Start a blog.