Do you need some extra cash? One in four Americans earns money online. Imagine finding a way to earn money in your pajamas or sitting on your couch watching TV.
There are many easy ways to make money online, just find something you will enjoy doing. Here’s a handy guide on how to make money online for beginners.
1. There’s an App For That
There are several apps out there to help you complete jobs, do simple tasks, or deliver a service. These apps are a great connection to people in your area. All the marketing is done for you — you just open the apps on your free time.
Check out apps like Uber or Lyft to give someone a ride on your time. You can also use apps for rebates on your grocery purchases like Ibotta or rewards for online purchases on apps like eBates.
You can also find babysitting or pet sitting jobs with Care.com. Like dogs? You could walk dogs with apps like Wag.
2. Start a YouTube Channel
You can earn money with your own YouTube channel. The key is thinking of a topic and get a big following. There are people making millions on YouTube, but it takes a lot of time and followers.
You probably won’t earn much. The key to making money on YouTube is to get sponsored posts. It’s best to start this as a fun way to earn a little cash until your channel grows.
3. Search Existing Web Sites
There are companies that hire people to work remotely. Search sites like Craigslist, AngelList, FlexJobs, and Indeed for remote postings. These sites update daily, so be sure to check out the listings.
You can become a virtual assistant, freelance writer, or get into onboarding sales. Several companies hire customer service representatives and call center reps to work from home. You just need a dedicated office and a high-speed Internet connection.
With a little research, you can give up your daily commute. Some job sites may make you pay a monthly fee, but these sites screen the companies and jobs.
4. Start a Blog
Do you like to write? If so, you should consider creating an entertaining and fun blog on the topic of your choice. Blogging is a pretty easy way to make money online. You just need to find the right niche and target your content to that niche.
You make your money with your blog by pay-per-click links (like Google AdWords), affiliate links, and backlinks. You can build your own offers after you pick a profitable niche and catchy domain name. It’s up to you to keep content updated regularly and add courses, eBooks, email newsletters, etc.
5. Take Surveys
Give your opinion to make a little extra money. Research companies are always looking for new members to answer a few questions or try new products.
Some websites pay cash while others will pay reward points you can earn toward a gift card of your choice.
You can also review websites and give your opinion on sites like Usertesting.com. You will give your opinions on various websites to see if they are easy to use or need navigation updates.
6. Sell Your Stuff
Whether you have old household items laying around or make a special product, you can sell online with big powerhouse sites like eBay, Amazon, or Etsy (for handmade products).
You can also create your own storefront with sites like Shopify. You just need to find a way to advertise your products through social media, search engine optimization, and other channels.
You can even sell your photos or videos. Companies will purchase your original photos to use as stock images. Check out sites like Getty Images or Adobe Stock.
7. Promote Businesses on Social Media or Affiliate Programs
Some major retailers will pay you to promote their business on your blog, website, or social media site. They may pay you with either cash or gift cards.
If you have a blog or website, you can also make money by affiliations with other companies and websites. These businesses will pay you a percentage of a sale made for sales you generate with a click on your site.
8. Online Teaching
Do you have a talent you could teach others? You could create webinars. First, you need to have a website and followers.
You could teach anything such as writing, cooking, fitness training, or marketing. There are platforms like Teachable or GoToWebinar to help you get started on an online platform.
This could take some time to earn money. Keep at it and reach out to other bloggers, businesses, and websites to add affiliate links to bring people to you. Of course, you will have to share some of the sale with the business, but it takes time to build up your clientele.
9. Internet Crowdsourcing
The Internet makes it easier to connect with companies and people all over the world. Crowdsourcing companies pay you to complete short tasks. Most of these tasks include research, data entry, ad review, and filling out forms.
Check out companies like Amazon Mechanical Turk or Appen Global. You can also find more regular ad evaluator jobs with companies like Lionbridge, Leapforce, and even Google.
10. Mystery Shopping
There are agencies that pay you to visit shops or restaurants and provide feedback. You can be rewarded with cash, gift cards, and more. Some agencies will also reimburse you for your purchase along with paying you for your time.
These shopping trips can be fun and get you to try new things. You can select which jobs you want based on location.
More on How to Make Money Online for Beginners
Most of these gigs won’t get you a lot of money right away. They are great ways to make income on the side, but with some hard work, you can leave the rat race and work for yourself.
If you are looking for more information on how to make money online for beginners, check out our blog for some additional money making tips. You can also find ways to grow and expand your brand.