There are plenty of legitimate ways to generate a livable wage online and even become a millionaire in a short period of time. While the concepts are simple, each method takes dedication and work to perfect. If you are willing to spend a few hours a week focusing your time on revenue generating activities, this post is a great start for you.
Here are seven proven methods to earn money online, including steps to get started and recommend platforms to use. We have tested the majority of these methods ourselves and they work well with the right niche and leveraging your interests.
Freelancing
Overview: Freelancing allows you to offer your skills and services to clients on a per-project basis. Popular freelance work includes writing, graphic design, web development, digital marketing, and virtual assistants. Freelancing offers competitive wages and the more you prove your value and results, the hire you can charge for your skillset.
Steps to Get Started:
- Identify your skills and choose a niche.
- Create a strong portfolio showcasing your work.
- Sign up on freelancing platforms.
- Set competitive rates and write compelling proposals.
- Start applying for projects and deliver high-quality work to build your reputation.
Best Platforms:
- Upwork (www.upwork.com)
- Fiverr (www.fiverr.com)
- Freelancer (www.freelancer.com)
Affiliate Marketing
Overview: Affiliate marketing involves promoting products and earning a commission for each sale made through your referral link. There are thousands of affiliate offers available in a wide array of niches. Focus on what you are passionate about to align your business success.
Steps to Get Started:
- Choose a niche that aligns with your interests.
- Sign up for affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale.
- Build a blog, website, or social media presence.
- Create engaging content that includes affiliate links.
- Drive traffic to your content using SEO, social media, and email marketing.
Best Platforms:
- Amazon Associates (affiliate-program.amazon.com)
- ShareASale (www.shareasale.com)
- CJ Affiliate (www.cj.com)
Virtual Assistants
Overview: Virtual assistants (VAs) provide administrative, technical, or creative support to businesses remotely. Common tasks include email management, scheduling, social media management, and bookkeeping. If you can pick up tasks easily you are a good fit to be a virtual assistant. Pay may be lower than other ways to make money online simply due to the fact you earn a flat rate per hour.
Steps to Get Started:
- Identify your skills and the services you can offer.
- Create a professional resume or portfolio.
- Join virtual assistant job platforms.
- Network with business owners and entrepreneurs.
- Offer competitive rates and exceptional service to secure long-term clients.
Best Platforms:
Selling Digital Products
Overview: If you have creative or technical skills, you can create and sell digital products such as e-books, online courses, templates, and stock photos. You can find free or discount digital products online, edit or repackage them, and offer them for sale at a higher rate. Find niches with high interest that solve real problems like fitness or diet programs, that way customers are willing to pay.
Steps to Get Started:
- Choose a digital product you want to create (e.g., an e-book, printables, or stock photos).
- Develop high-quality content using tools like Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, or Teachable.
- List your product on online marketplaces.
- Market your product through social media, blogging, and paid ads.
- Continuously update and improve your offerings based on customer feedback.
Best Platforms:
- Etsy (www.etsy.com) – For digital downloads and printables.
- Gumroad (www.gumroad.com) – For selling e-books and software.
- Teachable (www.teachable.com) – For online courses.
Blogging
Overview: Blogging is a long-term strategy for earning money online through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. By creating valuable content, you can attract a loyal audience and monetize your blog. Search engines will pick up on your content and help rank your site in search results. You can earn revenue by including ads on your site or subscriptions to your content.
Steps to Get Started:
- Choose a niche that interests you (e.g., travel, finance, health).
- Set up a blog using WordPress or Blogger.
- Write high-quality content that provides value to readers.
- Use SEO strategies to increase website traffic.
- Monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content.
Best Platforms:
- WordPress (www.wordpress.org) – Best for full control over your blog.
- Medium (www.medium.com) – Great for beginners.
- Blogger (www.blogger.com) – A simple, free option.
Website and App Testing
Overview: Many companies pay users to test their websites and apps for usability and bugs. This is a simple way to earn money by sharing your feedback. Rates may differ however the work is easy and straight forward.
Steps to Get Started:
- Sign up for website testing platforms.
- Complete qualification tests to become an approved tester.
- Regularly check for available testing opportunities.
- Follow test instructions carefully and provide detailed feedback.
- Get paid for each completed test.
Best Platforms:
- UserTesting (www.usertesting.com)
- TryMyUI (www.trymyui.com)
- Userlytics (www.userlytics.com)
Selling Physical Products (E-commerce)
Overview: Running an online store allows you to sell physical or digital products directly to consumers. With platforms like Shopify and Amazon, it’s easier than ever to start an e-commerce business. Drop shipping is common for those new to e-commerce and makes it easy to ship your products globally as you determine what sells best. You can also market your own products or resell other products at a higher rate.
Steps to Get Started:
- Choose a niche and decide what products to sell.
- Set up an online store using an e-commerce platform.
- Source products through drop shipping, wholesalers, or self-made products.
- Optimize your store for SEO and use digital marketing to drive traffic.
- Provide excellent customer service and scale your business over time.
Best Platforms:
- Shopify (www.shopify.com) – Ideal for setting up an online store.
- Etsy (www.etsy.com) – Best for handmade and unique products.
- Amazon FBA (www.sell.amazon.com) – For selling on Amazon’s marketplace.
Conclusion: Making Money Online is Viable with Effort
Making money online is simple, however success requires dedication, consistency, and effort. Whether you choose freelancing, affiliate marketing, selling digital products, or another method, the key is to stay persistent and continually improve your skills. Start with one method, build your expertise, and scale your income over time!