Discover how to make money online with our simple guide. Start earning from home with these easy and fun ways to make extra cash!
Approximate read time: 7 minutes
In 2021, 16% of Americans earned money online.
But that number only increases over time. As more people learn all the different ways to make money online, side hustles and online businesses become more interesting. However, choosing a way to make money online can be difficult when there are so many options.
But this post is here to help clarify things a bit. We'll cover the best ways to make money online fast and give some background information to help you start earning extra money today. And all you need is a good internet connection.
So, let's dive in.
12 ways to make money online
1. Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing means you promote other people's products.
When someone buys, you get a commission. Affiliate marketing is the best because you can promote it on a blog, YouTube channel, or social media.
Websites like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or Impact sell products from many companies. Therefore, they are great affiliate networks to sign up for and become affiliates as soon as possible.
Take a look at this list of the best affiliate networks to check out:
By the way, our WordPress form builder plugin also has an affiliate marketing program on ShareASale. Check it out!
2. Freelancing
Freelancing is an excellent way to use skills you already have...only you get paid for them!
Services like freelance writing, graphic design, programming, and social media management are all great sources. And there are websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer where you can find freelancers working today. These services connect freelancers and clients where you can build a portfolio to show your skills and experience.
First, write down what services you can offer. Think about what you're good at and what you enjoy doing.
Then, create a profile on one of the sites listed above. Use a professional photo, write a clear bio, and give relevant work samples. You can set higher rates if you have more work in the area. But you may need to start low and work up with more clients.
Last, find clients and display your services. This often takes time, but the work will become more consistent as you build a portfolio.
3. Blogging/Content creation
Have a passion? Chances are others share that same passion.
And that's an opportunity to start a blog or content channel in that niche. Popular niches like lifestyle, travel, tech, food, and fashion are all great options. But remember to focus on a specific niche to attract a dedicated audience.
But how can you make money online this way? There are a few options:
- Advertising networks
- Affiliate marketing
- Sell online courses
- Sponsored posts
- Memberships
Some skills to learn are SEO, affiliate marketing (to make even more money), and content creation.
Plus, with WordPress plugins like Formidable Forms, you can create newsletter signups and order forms to promote products to your audience.
If you need help, check out the best blogging platforms to start today.
4. Sell products online
Selling products online can be very profitable.
Whether it's handmade crafts, vintage finds, or starting a dropshipping business, there's a market for it. And there's also a place to sell it. Etsy, eBay, Amazon, and Shopify are just some of the online marketplaces that can be used.
Like many other ways listed here, you'll often have to learn additional skills beyond just creating/selling products. Things like social media, SEO, and email marketing are all important. That way, you can get the word out about your products and continue growing sales!
5. Podcasting
Got a gift for talking?
If so, podcasting may be your ideal choice. Start by choosing a niche you know about, like true crime, business, or health. Then, invest in a good microphone and set up a podcast on a platform like Anchor.
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If you can break through and build a following, you can make much more money. For example, Joe Rogan is estimated to make around $800,000 per podcast episode, mostly from advertising.
Create engaging content and post regularly. Then, you can monetize through sponsors, listener support, or selling merchandise.
6. Sell online courses
You can make money selling an online course if you are an expert.
The hardest part is creating the course content, which will be a lot of work upfront. But once that's done, it can be a great way to earn passive income.
You could host a course on your WordPress website with registration forms and eCommerce features. For example, with Formidable Forms, you can create any registration, order, or eCommerce form you need. You can even create quizzes in a few minutes to test users at the end of a course.
Then, pair it with a LearnDash or another exam plugin for a complete Learning Management System (LMS).
With the right content and strategy, selling online courses can be one of the best ways to earn money online.
7. Online tutoring/teaching
Know a lot about a subject?
Then there may be someone trying to learn it! Websites like iTalki, VIPKid, Tutor.com, and Teachable match you with students to teach one-on-one classes or create courses for students. There are also services like Udemy, where you can host courses for sale.
With this route, you can set your own rates, but the work can fluctuate depending on demand. So, it's good to pair this with a few other ways to make money online to have income from multiple sources.
8. Surveys and market research
Have an opinion? Of course, everyone does!
Well, companies will pay for that opinion. Whether it's on products or services, companies want feedback to improve. And websites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie give out rewards for completing online surveys. Sure, you won't get rich or be able to retire from the earnings.
But it is a great way to earn extra spending cash or just a little extra income to pay bills.
9. Video content creation
Starting a YouTube channel or getting into video content creation may seem like a lot. But there are thousands of people making a full-time income creating video content.
It's not all pretty-faced video blogs and makeup tutorials, either. Take Household Hacker, a YouTube channel with 5 million subscribers. They create tech videos and science experiments that the average person can try at home — at their own risk!
Given the evergreen nature of their video content, a channel like Household Hacker will likely earn well over $20k per month!
What could you make videos about? It helps to be an expert, but there is no shortage of exciting topics to cover:
- Tech videos
- Gaming videos
- Product reviews
- Travel videos
- Fashion videos
10. Virtual assistant
Virtual assistants are in higher demand than ever.
Having someone to help share the load becomes important as more tasks move online. And that's where a virtual assistant comes in.
Virtual assistants manage emails, schedule social posts, and even provide customer service. They can do most tasks a regular assistant does — they just don't have to be in your office!
So, if you excel at these tasks, this may be a great option!
11. Remote customer service
Many companies hire remote customer service workers.
This reduces the need for call centers or in-house support teams. Instead, companies can have international support teams ready to handle any questions, complaints, or requests. This allows them to be available all hours of the day instead of a limited time due to time zone differences.
So, if you have a customer service background or can handle customer problems, you can make money right from your couch!
12. Language translation
Polyglots will love this one.
If languages are your thing, you can get paid to translate tons of material. Books, essays, blog posts, and news articles are just a few. And as more people get online worldwide, the need for translated content is more important than ever.
Websites like Gengo, ProZ, and TranslatorsCafe connect clients and translators. Like UpWork and other freelancing sites, you can build a portfolio to help land more jobs.
Read more: How to Sell Your Services Online with WordPress
Don't stop here! You can sell services online, too!
The bottom line is this: there has never been a better time to make money online.
With all the remote work options available, you could earn cash online sooner than you think. And with multiple streams we listed here!
But you don't want to stop. Check out our guide on selling services online to continue learning!
Join our community on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for more tips on making money online.
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Hi Ryan
Interesting suggestions here.
I’ve been blogging for a number of years now and I coach other bloggers to monetize their blogs.
I think for most people, affiliate marketing like you suggest is the best, easiest and fastest way to do that.
But you must carefully choose a niche, better yet… a very select mini-niche. There are many ways to rise above the competition once you’ve done that.
Also, teaching courses and delivering online learning via video, especially… is a great way to build digital assets that can pay off perpetually.
Nice article here, and I think you’ve given your readers some worthwhile things to consider.
-Donna
Hi Donna, thanks! You're right on selecting a niche, although it's interesting. Lately, I'm seeing quite a few people who leverage their personality and have a wide range of affiliate offerings too. Perseverance is key too.
it's really a helpful article i liked how you give us some examples and explain everyting simple nice one Techinfousa.co.in
The suggestions you have put are pretty awesome. Please write a detailed content on how we can earn via writing.
Hi Eric, you're right - that'll be coming soon.
Honestly, you've shared tbe best methods. Keep writing awesome articles like this which inspire us to make money. Anyway, hats off for this one.
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That’s great to hear you are taking the leap! Best of luck starting your online journey!
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This is such a well-written and informative post! Great work. Thanks for laying everything out— very helpful! I am trying to make money from YouTube.
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Thank you very much, you have explained the earn money topic very well. Will it be good if I create a YouTube channel and upload daily videos on it? Can I earn from youtube videos?
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Applet marketing can be done only on Amazon or is there any other way for this
Hi there, I think you mean affiliate marketing rather than applet marketing. If I am mistaken, let me know.
Affiliate marketing can be done in many ways and is not limited to Amazon. Many sellers and retailers offer affiliate programs that allow you to get paid when you refer others to purchase.
See the section about Affiliate marketing in the post to learn more about that.
Thanks for sharing ideas about make money from online.
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