Make Money Online for Beginners: 25 Easy Methods to Start Today
Jun 7, 2024
David Lin
Looking to make money online, but don't know where to start?
You're not alone. With so many options and conflicting advice, it can be overwhelming for beginners to navigate the world of online earnings.
But here's the good news: You don't need to be a tech expert or have a huge following to start earning money online. There are plenty of legitimate, beginner-friendly methods that can help you generate income from the comfort of your own home.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll breakdown 25 easy ways to make money online, from freelancing and e-commerce to online surveys and microtasks. Whether you're looking for a side hustle or a full-time income, you'll find practical strategies and proven tips to help you succeed.
So, if you're ready to take control of your financial future and start earning money online, let’s go.
Best Ways to Make Money Online for Beginners
Discover proven methods to earn income online, even with limited experience
Learn step-by-step strategies for freelancing, e-commerce, and affiliate marketing
Start your online money-making journey with confidence and clarity
1. Start an Online Personal Merch Brand
There’s no more rewarding feeling than starting your personal merch store and it can be a lucrative way for a beginner to make money online. With the rise of e-commerce and the increasing demand for unique, high-quality clothing, now is a great time to enter the market.
| Did you know: E-commerce is estimated to account for 20% of the total global retail sales.
When you choose the right platform, there is potential for high profit margins. You can create designs that resonate with your target audience and price your products competitively.
Not a designer? No problem, you can leverage our platform to streamline the process of creating and selling unique apparel items online. This approach allows you to focus on building your brand, connecting with your target audience, and growing your business without getting bogged down in the complexities that other print-on-demand services present.
2. Freelancing on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer
The gig economy is here to stay. Freelancing is one of the most accessible ways to start making money online, especially if you honed a skill or talent that can be offered as a service. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect freelancers with clients worldwide, making it easier to find work and build a portfolio.
Related: Hazel Paradise gives great tips on how to get started and grow on Fiverr
Identify your marketable skills
Before starting to freelance, take some time to assess your skills and determine which ones are in demand. Some popular freelance services include:
Writing and editing (blog posts, articles, web copy, etc.)
Graphic design (logos, social media graphics, brochures, etc.)
Web development (WordPress, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, etc.)
Digital marketing (social media management, SEO, email marketing, etc.)
Video editing and animation
Virtual assistance and administrative tasks
Create a compelling profile
Once you've identified your marketable skills, create a profile on one or more freelancing platforms. Your profile should include:
A professional profile picture
A clear and concise title that highlights your main skill or service
A well-written description of your skills, experience, and unique selling points
Relevant work samples or a portfolio showcasing your best work
Any relevant certifications or achievements
Apply for relevant projects and build your reputation
Search for projects that match your skills and experience, and submit tailored proposals that demonstrate your understanding of the client's needs and how you can help them achieve their goals. As you complete projects successfully, ask clients for feedback and reviews to build your reputation on the platform.
Platforms like Upwork help gig freelancers find a job quickly.
Selling products on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay
If you don’t already have a website you sell products on, another popular way to make money online is by selling products on e-commerce platforms.
Whether you create your own products or source them from wholesalers, there are numerous opportunities to build a profitable online business.
Research profitable product niches and trending items
To maximize your chances of success, research product niches that have high demand and low competition. Use tools like Google Trends, Amazon Best Sellers, and Etsy Trending Items to identify popular products and emerging trends.
Etsy has a specific section for trending products.
Consider factors such as:
Product seasonality and holiday trends
Target audience demographics and preferences
Product pricing and profit margins
Shipping costs and logistics
Source products or create your own
Once you've identified a promising product niche, you can either source products from wholesalers or create your own. If sourcing from wholesalers, research reliable suppliers and compare prices to ensure profitability.
If creating your own products, consider the following:
Product design and unique selling points
Materials and production costs
Packaging and branding
Inventory management and storage
Optimize your product listings
To attract customers and drive sales, create compelling product listings that include:
Clear, concise, and keyword-rich titles and descriptions
High-quality product images that showcase key features and benefits
Competitive pricing and promotions
Customer reviews and ratings
Affiliate marketing through blogging or social media
Affiliate marketing involves promoting other companies' products and earning a commission on sales generated through your unique affiliate links. This can be done through blogging, social media, or other online channels.
Choose a niche and create valuable content
To succeed in affiliate marketing, focus on a specific niche and create high-quality, engaging content that attracts and retains an audience. This can include blog posts, videos, podcasts, or social media posts that provide value to your target audience.
When choosing a niche, consider:
Your interests and expertise
Audience demand and competition
Availability of relevant affiliate programs and products
Partner with relevant brands and promote their products
Research affiliate programs in your niche and apply to become an affiliate partner. Many companies have their own affiliate programs, or you can join networks like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or ClickBank to access a wide range of products.
When promoting affiliate products, be sure to:
Choose products that align with your niche and audience interests
Provide honest reviews and recommendations based on personal experience or thorough research
Disclose your affiliate relationships to maintain transparency and trust with your audience
Use clear calls-to-action and track your affiliate links to monitor performance
You can quickly see how beginners can start exploring various ways to make money online and build a sustainable income stream. Remember to stay patient, persistent, and adaptable as you navigate the ever-evolving world of online entrepreneurship.
Legitimate Online Jobs for Beginners
Discover genuine online job opportunities suitable for beginners
Learn essential skills and strategies to succeed in each role
Find reputable platforms and resources to kickstart your online career
Becoming a virtual assistant is an excellent way for beginners to enter the online job market. As a virtual assistant, you'll provide administrative, technical, or creative support to businesses and entrepreneurs remotely. This role requires a diverse skill set, including proficiency in basic office software, strong communication abilities, and excellent organizational skills.
Tip: Even though a role is Remote, sometimes they require you to still live within the region. Check the details of the posting carefully before applying to save time.
To succeed as a virtual assistant, focus on developing a wide range of skills that appeal to various clients. This may include mastering popular tools like Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and project management software. Additionally, consider specializing in specific areas, such as social media management, email marketing, or customer service, to differentiate yourself from other virtual assistants.
Time management and communication
Effective time management and clear communication are crucial for virtual assistants. Since you'll be working with multiple clients, it's essential to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines consistently, and keep your clients informed about progress.
Establish regular check-ins with clients and use collaboration tools like Slack, Trello, Asana, or Zoom to streamline communication and project management.
Online tutoring or teaching
If you have expertise in a particular subject or language, online tutoring or teaching can be a rewarding and flexible online job. Platforms like VIPKid, Chegg, and iTutorGroup connect tutors with students worldwide, providing opportunities to share your knowledge and help others learn.
To be a successful online tutor or teacher, create engaging lesson plans that cater to your students' learning styles and needs.
Use interactive elements, such as videos, quizzes, and group discussions, to keep students motivated and involved in the learning process. Provide personalized feedback and guidance to help students overcome challenges and achieve their learning goals.
Building your online tutoring business
As you gain experience and build a positive reputation, consider expanding your online tutoring business beyond established platforms.
Create a professional website showcasing your expertise, testimonials from satisfied students, and your unique teaching approach. Leverage social media and online communities to attract new students and grow your client base.
Data entry and transcription
Data entry and transcription jobs are well-suited for beginners seeking online work with minimal experience requirements. Data entry involves accurately inputting information into databases or spreadsheets, while transcription involves converting audio or video content into written documents.
To excel in data entry and transcription roles, pay close attention to detail and maintain a high level of accuracy. Develop efficient typing skills and familiarize yourself with common software tools used in these jobs, such as Microsoft Excel and transcription software like Express Scribe or InqScribe.
Finding data entry and transcription jobs
Freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr are great places to find data entry and transcription jobs. Create a compelling profile highlighting your skills, experience, and commitment to quality work. Apply for jobs that match your abilities and gradually build your portfolio and client base.
By exploring these legitimate online jobs for beginners, you can realistically start making money online without extensive experience or specialized skills.
As you gain expertise and build your reputation, you'll be well-positioned to pursue more advanced online income streams and turn your online work into a full-time career.
Beginner-Friendly Online Income Streams
Before you try anything in this section, we want to be really clear. While these tactics are completely legit, they are time consuming for little payout. This is mainly due to the fact that the tasks take basically no skill to complete.
If you have a high paying skill (coding, accounting, data entry) we suggest trying the other methods first.
Alright, let’s get going. Here’s what we will cover.
Discover low friction ways to earn money online, even with no experience
Explore options like online surveys, microtasks, and selling stock photos
Start generating income from the comfort of your home
Online surveys and market research
Online surveys and market research offer a simple way for beginners to earn money online. Companies and organizations are always looking for consumer opinions to improve their products and services. By participating in these surveys, you can help shape future offerings while earning rewards for your time.
To get started, sign up for reputable survey sites like Swagbucks, Wynter, and Data Annontation. These platforms connect you with various survey opportunities based on your demographic profile and interests. Once you complete your profile, you'll start receiving survey invitations via email or through the platform's dashboard.
| is SwagBucks legit?: Yes they are, but these types of platforms often bring out people who are trying to take advantage of you. Always do your due diligence. If you find reputable brands writing about them, you can feel more confident in their existence.
When completing surveys, be honest and consistent in your responses. This helps maintain your eligibility for future surveys and ensures that companies receive accurate data. While individual surveys may not pay much, consistently participating in multiple surveys can help you accumulate rewards over time.
Microtasks on platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk
Microtasks, also known as crowdsourcing, involve completing small, simple tasks online in exchange for payment. Platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) connect businesses and individuals with a global workforce ready to perform these tasks.
Common microtasks include data verification, image tagging, content moderation, and transcription. These tasks usually require little to no specialized skills, making them perfect for beginners looking to earn money online.
To maximize your earnings on MTurk, work on multiple tasks simultaneously. Many microtasks are quick to complete, allowing you to tackle several in a short period. As you gain experience and maintain a high approval rating, you'll gain access to higher-paying tasks and increase your earning potential.
While the majority of tasks will be very low paying at the beginning (a few cents), as you get higher approval rating, you can get up to several dollars per task.
Tips for success on Amazon Mechanical Turk
Read task instructions carefully to ensure you meet all requirements
Maintain a high approval rating by submitting quality work
Use tools like TurkOpticon to find high-paying, reputable tasks
Join MTurk communities to learn from experienced workers and discover new opportunities
Selling stock photos and videos online
If you have a passion and eye for photography or videography, selling stock photos and videos online can be a lucrative way to earn money as a beginner. Stock content is in high demand by businesses, marketers, and content creators who need visuals for their projects.
To start selling stock content, capture high-quality images or videos in various niches, such as nature, business, lifestyle, or technology. Invest in a decent camera and learn basic editing techniques to enhance your content's appeal.
Agu Sergius writes on Medium, “When you upload your photos to Unsplash, you have the option to submit them to the paid program. If your photo is selected for the program, you’ll receive a share of the revenue generated by Unsplash’s subscription program“ (source)
Once you have a collection of photos or videos, upload them to popular stock photography sites like Unsplash, Shutterstock, iStock, or Adobe Stock. These platforms handle the licensing and sales process, allowing you to focus on creating content.
Optimizing your stock photo content for success
To increase your visibility and sales on stock photography sites, optimize your metadata and tags. This helps potential buyers find your content when searching for specific keywords or themes.
Use relevant, descriptive titles for your photos and videos
Include keywords in your descriptions and tags
Organize your content into collections or themes to make it easier for buyers to navigate
If you're not sure which photo to take, utilize Google’s auto complete feature in search. Just type in “stock photo of” and then cycle through each letter A-Z to see what shows up. This will give you a clue of what people are searching for specifically in the stock photo scene.
These ideas are just the beginning. As you gain confidence and build your reputation, you can expand your efforts and explore more advanced opportunities to grow your online income.
Proven Strategies to Earn Money Online as a Beginner
Build a strong online presence to attract opportunities
Network and collaborate with others in your niche
Continuously improve your skills and adapt to market demands
Build a strong online presence
Whether you're a travel influencer or freelancer, creating a professional website or portfolio is crucial to showcase your skills and experience to potential clients or employers. Your online presence serves as a digital resume, highlighting your best work and demonstrating your expertise in your chosen field.
Engaging with your target audience on social media platforms is another essential aspect of building a strong online presence.
By sharing valuable content, participating in discussions, and offering helpful insights, you can establish yourself as an authority in your niche and attract potential clients or collaborators.
Consistency is key
Consistently creating valuable content is key to maintaining a strong online presence. Whether it's through blog posts, videos, podcasts, or social media updates, regularly sharing informative and engaging content helps keep your audience interested and establishes you as a reliable source of information in your field.
Network and collaborate with others in your niche
Joining online communities and forums related to your field is an excellent way to connect with like-minded professionals and potential clients. By participating in discussions and offering helpful insights, you can demonstrate your expertise and build relationships with others in your niche.
Collaborating with other professionals on projects or cross-promoting each other's services can also help you expand your reach and attract new opportunities. By working together, you can leverage each other's strengths and audiences to grow your online presence and earn more money.
Did you know: Steph Smith and Calvin Rosser of Internet Pipes have curated some of the most interesting online personalities all in one platform.
The official discord of internet pipes where hundreds of internet sleuths come together to discover trends.
Continuously improve your skills and adapt to market demands
To succeed in the ever-changing online landscape, it's essential to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in your niche. Investing in courses, workshops, or certifications can help you enhance your expertise and stay competitive in your field.
Being open to feedback and willing to adapt your strategies based on results is also crucial for long-term success. By continuously monitoring your performance and making necessary adjustments, you can optimize your online earning potential and stay ahead of the curve.
Embrace lifelong learning
Embracing a lifelong learning mindset is key to thriving in the online world. As new technologies and trends emerge, it's important to continuously update your skills and knowledge to remain relevant and valuable to your audience.
Resources:
The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss
"Day Trading Attention" by Gary Vaynerchuk
"The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries
Offer value-added services or products
One effective way to earn money online as a beginner is to offer value-added services or products that solve a specific problem or meet a particular need for your target audience.
By identifying pain points and providing targeted solutions, you can differentiate yourself from competitors and attract loyal customers.
Identify your unique selling proposition
To stand out in a crowded online marketplace, it's essential to identify your unique selling proposition (USP). Your USP is the key factor that sets you apart from others in your niche and makes your services or products more attractive to potential customers.
Examples of unique selling propositions:
Personalized coaching services for entrepreneurs in the health and wellness industry
Customized web development for small businesses in the e-commerce sector
Expert SEO consulting for bloggers and content creators
Resources: $100M Offers / Leads by Alex Harmozi
Leverage the power of affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is a popular way for beginners to earn money online without creating their own products or services. By promoting other people's products and earning a commission on each sale, you can generate a passive income stream while focusing on building your online presence and expertise.
To succeed in affiliate marketing, it's important to choose products or services that align with your niche and provide genuine value to your audience. By building trust and credibility with your followers, you can increase the likelihood of them making purchases through your affiliate links.
If you’re a marketing pro, affiliate sites like CJ (Commission Junction) have loads of programs for you to choose from.
Lots of marketers start out as an affiliate until they build an audience. Then their audience often tells them what direction to take a brand and as a founder, you get to create a product that can delight your customers.
Understanding the Basics of Online Earnings
If you’ve never been exposed to earning money online, this is the section for you.
Learn the different types of online income streams and their advantages
Set realistic expectations and understand the factors influencing online earnings
Discover the importance of patience and persistence in building a sustainable online income
What is online income?
Online income refers to the money earned through various activities conducted over the internet. There are several types of online income streams, each with its own advantages and challenges.
Types of online income streams
Freelancing: Offering your skills and services to clients online, such as writing, graphic design, or programming.
Affiliate marketing: Promoting other people's products or services and earning a commission on each sale made through your unique affiliate link.
E-commerce: Selling physical or digital products through online platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or your own website.
Online courses and coaching: Sharing your expertise by creating and selling online courses or providing one-on-one coaching sessions.
Advertising revenue: Monetizing your website or blog through display ads, sponsored content, or pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.
Advantages of earning money online
Flexibility: Online income allows you to work from anywhere with an internet connection, giving you greater control over your schedule and work-life balance.
Low startup costs: Many online businesses can be started with minimal investment, as you don't need to rent a physical space or purchase expensive equipment.
Scalability: Online income streams can be scaled up more easily than traditional businesses, as you can reach a global audience and automate certain processes.
Challenges of earning money online
Competition: With the growing popularity of online businesses, you will face intense competition in your niche, making it harder to stand out and attract customers without a unique selling proposition or offer.
Learning curve: Depending on your chosen online income stream, you may need to acquire new skills or knowledge, which can take time and effort.
Inconsistent income: Online earnings can fluctuate, especially in the beginning, as you build your reputation and customer base.
Setting realistic expectations
When starting your online income journey, it's crucial to set realistic expectations to build good habits to prevent disappointment and burnout.
Several factors influence your online earnings, and understanding these factors can help you create a sustainable and rewarding online business.
Factors that influence online earnings
Time invested: The more time you dedicate to your online business, the faster you can grow and generate income. However, it's essential to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Effort and consistency: Consistently putting in the effort to improve your skills, create valuable content, and engage with your audience will directly impact your online earnings.
Skills and expertise: Having a unique skill set or expertise in a specific niche can help you stand out and command higher rates for your services or products.
Market demand: Choosing a niche with high market demand can increase your chances of success and profitability.
Patience and persistence
Building a sustainable online income takes time, and it's essential to remain patient and persistent throughout the process. Some key points to remember:
Don't expect overnight success: It may take months or even years to see significant results from your online business. Stay focused on your long-term goals and celebrate small milestones along the way.
Embrace failure as a learning opportunity: Not every strategy or idea will work out, but each failure brings valuable lessons that can help you improve and grow.
Continuously adapt and innovate: The online landscape is constantly evolving, so be prepared to adapt your strategies and explore new opportunities as they arise.
Cassie has been blogging for years and has published income reports like the shown below.
By understanding the basics of online earnings, setting realistic expectations, and cultivating patience and persistence, you'll be well-equipped to start your journey towards a successful and sustainable online income.
Essential Tools and Resources for Online Entrepreneurs
Streamline your online business with powerful productivity and organization tools
Boost your marketing efforts using the latest promotion resources
Manage finances and process payments seamlessly with trusted platforms
Productivity and organization tools
As an online entrepreneur, staying organized and productive is crucial for success. Project management software like Trello and Notion can help you keep track of tasks, deadlines, and team collaboration. These tools provide visual boards and lists to manage projects effectively.
Time tracking and invoicing tools are also essential for online business owners. Toggl allows you to track time spent on various tasks, helping you identify areas where you can improve efficiency.
| "The key was paying attention to themes across tickets. By automating and organizing Zendesk Views in Trello, stakeholders have been able to define the scope of a problem and discuss potential solutions to include in the product roadmap just by referencing the Trello cards." - DoSomething.org
Marketing and promotion resources
Effective marketing is vital for attracting customers and growing your online business. Email marketing platforms like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, and Sendfox help you to create targeted campaigns, nurture leads, and build relationships with your audience. These tools offer intuitive templates, automation features, and detailed analytics to optimize your email marketing efforts.
Social media is another powerful channel for promoting your online business. Instead of using scheduling tools, start off by building a habit to natively post on just a single platform.
As a new business owner, you don’t want tno get bogged down with subscriptions and tools until you have the budget for it.
Payment processing and financial management
Online payment gateways
To accept payments from customers, you'll need a reliable online payment gateway. Stripe is the most popular option and integrates seamlessly with various e-commerce platforms and websites. These gateways handle secure transactions, protect sensitive information, and offer dispute resolution services.
When choosing a payment gateway, consider factors such as transaction fees, supported currencies, and ease of integration with your existing systems. It's essential to provide your customers with a smooth and trustworthy checkout experience to encourage repeat business.
Accounting and bookkeeping software
Managing your finances is critical for the success of your online business. Accounting and bookkeeping software like QuickBooks and Wave simplify the process of tracking income, expenses, and generating financial reports. These tools help you stay organized, prepare for tax season, and make informed business decisions based on accurate financial data.
Staying Safe and Avoiding Scams in the Online World
Learn to spot red flags and warning signs of potential online scams
Protect your personal and financial information with best practices for online security
Use secure payment methods and be cautious when sharing sensitive data
Identifying legitimate opportunities
When venturing into the world of making money online, it's crucial to develop a keen eye for distinguishing genuine opportunities from potential scams. Before committing to any online venture, conduct thorough research and due diligence to ensure its legitimacy.
Research and due diligence
Take the time to investigate the company or individual behind the opportunity. Look for reviews, testimonials, and any media coverage they may have received. Check if they have a professional website and active social media presence. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Verify the legitimacy of online businesses using reputable sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Trustpilot, and Glassdoor (for employment opportunities).
For a secondary measure, and ones with more human intervention, you can check specific Reddit threads to see what others have said about the site.
Red flags and warning signs
Be wary of opportunities that promise quick, easy money with little to no effort. Legitimate online ventures require time, dedication, and hard work to generate income. Other red flags include:
Pressure to make an immediate decision
Requests for upfront payments or personal information
Lack of transparency about the company or business model
Unprofessional communication or poorly designed websites
If you encounter any of these warning signs, it's best to steer clear and continue your search for legitimate opportunities.
Protecting your personal and financial information
In the digital age, safeguarding your personal and financial information is more important than ever. Implement best practices for online security and privacy to minimize the risk of falling victim to scams or identity theft.
Best practices for online security and privacy
Use strong, unique passwords for each online account
Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible
Keep your computer and mobile devices updated with the latest security patches
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources
Regularly monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity
Use a secondary email or cloaked email.
Consider using password managers like Bit Warden and VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for added security.
Using secure payment methods
When making or receiving payments online, opt for secure, trusted payment platforms like PayPal, Stripe, Wise.com or Escrow. These services offer buyer and seller protection, helping to minimize the risk of fraud.
Many affiliate sites will integrated directly with one of these platforms.
Avoid using wire transfers or giving out your bank account information to unknown parties. If a company insists on using unconventional payment methods, it may be a sign of a potential scam.
Educating yourself on common online scams
Familiarize yourself with the most common types of online scams to better identify and avoid them. Some prevalent scams include:
Phishing emails
Pyramid schemes
"Get rich quick" programs
Stay informed about the latest scam tactics by following reputable online security blogs and subscribing to alerts from organizations like the FTC or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Seeking guidance and support
If you're unsure about the legitimacy of an online opportunity or believe you may have fallen victim to a scam, don't hesitate to seek guidance and support.
Consult with experienced online entrepreneurs or mentors for advice
Report suspected scams to the appropriate authorities, such as the FTC or your local consumer protection agency
Join online communities and forums focused on making money online to learn from others' experiences and stay informed about potential scams. Useful resources include Reddit's /r/WorkOnline and /r/Entrepreneur subreddits and the FTC's Consumer Information website.
Trusting your instincts
Ultimately, trust your instincts when evaluating online opportunities. If something feels "off" or too good to be true, it's likely best to err on the side of caution and continue your search for legitimate ways to make money online.
By staying vigilant, educating yourself, and prioritizing online security, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to scams and focus on building a successful online career or business.
Your Journey to Online Income Starts Now
You've discovered a wealth of opportunities to make money online, even as a beginner. From freelancing and e-commerce to virtual assistance and affiliate marketing, there's a path for everyone.
As you embark on your online income journey, remember that success takes time, effort, and persistence. Focus on building a strong foundation by developing your skills, creating a professional online presence, and networking with others in your niche.
Take the First Step Today
Choose one or two methods that align with your interests and skills, and start exploring them further. Whether it's setting up a freelancer profile, researching products for your e-commerce store, or creating your first piece of content for affiliate marketing, take action today.
As you gain experience and confidence, continue to adapt and expand your strategies. Embrace the learning process and don't be afraid to try new things.
What's one small action you can take right now to move closer to your goal of earning money online?