Let’s not beat around the bush, there are certain ways you can make money online. Some faster than most while some take time. Although let me be clear, none of these come with a guaranteed paycheck as from 9 to 5 jobs. But with the right strategy, you may not need to work endless hours.
So, are there any options to make quick bucks in this tech-savvy environment?
Your mind starts racing in search of a unique idea but stops it right there. Yes, unique content attracts visitors but there’s not much left that someone hasn’t already come up with. Instead of hunting for a headless chicken, find ways to increase engagement on existing fronts.
I’m about to give you some ethical and acceptable money-making options for 2021. So, get ready to take pointers, and let’s get started.
Method Number One: Starting a Blog
Yup, there it is again!
I’m sure if you’re looking for ways to earn cash online, you must have come across this method. Blogging is a tried and tested money-making option online. It is especially rewarding for experienced writers or people who love writing.
All you need is a blogging website and a niche to focus on. Right now, you can hire new talents online to create a fully functional blog without breaking the bank. That’s not all, you can pick from a variety of platforms like Shopify and WordPress.
Quick Tip: If you do choose Shopify, skip the checkout feature. This helps you avoid a subscription fee for a feature that you won’t need.
Method Number Two: Freelancing Websites
Perhaps the most stable source of online income is freelancing. Instead of physically taxing a 9 to 5 job, freelancing grants you the leisure and comfort of working from home (or on the beach!). Thanks to freelancing platforms, you get the option of a flexible workspace. The only prerequisite is, of course, an internet connection.
The best part of freelancing is not specific to a single job title. Whether you’re a writer, web developer, composer, teacher, or whatever your position at work is, you can find gigs.
You’ll find multiple platforms that allow you to start freelancing like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer. Whichever site you choose, make sure it’s legit.
Method Number Three: Start a YouTube Channel
Another crowd-favorite—becoming a YouTuber!
But let me warn you right now, it takes years and years to rise to fame on YouTube. The journey is different for every individual. For the chosen one, fame may come overnight. However, more often than not you’ll have to build a loyal following.
Another important point to know when starting a YouTube Channel is, you’ll need to choose a specialization. What is your forte?
Gaming, vlogging, cooking, fitness, dancing, singing, or stand-up comedy?
Find your strength (or strengths!) and advance in that direction. Don’t aimlessly post content without knowing what you’re talking about or doing. For example, if you’ve never played Fortnite, stay away from streaming it online for viewers.
Method Number Four: Sell a Service
Although it can be included in freelancing, selling services is slightly different. You don’t need to join a freelance platform to sell these services. You can use your website to sell these services, as an eCommerce store. If you’re good at picking cards, start an online card store. But the catch here is to streamline your contact list.
Instead of marketing your business to every person on the street, spread the word amongst a certain crowd. Catering to specific crowds can help you expand your horizon. For example, make greeting cards that allow new healthcare professionals to thank their patients.
The market is full of never-ending opportunities. Whatever you excel in can bag you a respectable amount of money.
Method Number Five: Publish Kindle Books
Amazon self-publishing provides yet another opportunity to writers (particularly authors). It eliminates the hassle authors face when going through publishers. No matter which publishing house you choose, there are always strings attached.
Many tools allow authors to publish their work online. But Amazon self-publishing in particular has become exceedingly popular among the masses.
It helps users skip unwanted legalities or charges and get right into writing. What makes it even more feasible is you don’t have to be an established author to put your work out there. In fact, anyone can publish a book on Amazon Kindle.
Anyone and everyone with a knack for writing engaging content can become an author thanks to Amazon self-publishing. For those who don’t know, it is a segment of Amazon Kindle that allows dreamers to put their creativity to use.
Method Number Six: Dealing in Domain Names
Fair warning, while you can earn a modest side income with this idea, you cannot rely completely on buying and selling domain names.
Before you move to the next method, let me tell you something. Although it is not as reliable as the other options, people have sold a domain name in millions. It just takes thorough research and a keen eye to spot the best domain name.
With a little luck, you can make a big amount of money by selling just a single domain!
I am mentioning the financial aspect of this method just to show you how profitable it can be. Other than that, it is still not a dependable money-making alternative.
But how do you determine the profitability of a domain name?
It’s simple, you look at two important factors.
One- the quality of domain name, and two- its promotion. Get the right formula and you’re golden. If not, you may get a few bucks here and there but no substantial income buying or selling domain names.
Want my two cents?
Well, for starters, don’t dive right in. Do your research and don’t target the wealthiest group you can think of.
For example, a common misconception is that doctors are wealthy and can buy expensive domains. Sorry to burst your bubble but that is not true at all!
Settle on a niche you know well. You’ll need to know how to promote the domain you buy and who your audience will be.
The next tip is to look for inexpensive, quality domains. For that, you should look for the best-selling keywords. To identify the trending keywords, you can use readily available online tools. One example is the Google Keyword Planner.
Method Number Seven: Host Webinars
Webinars offer a great way to promote your websites and increase sales. Even if you don’t have any endorsement deals.
How?
You can host a webinar and put up a few affiliate links with it. If you target the right audience, you will start earning in no time. It offers you a way to make money, provide the audience with a useful product, and not worry about manufacturing it.
But the trick here is to identify what type of products appeal to your viewers. Would they be interested in skincare products or is your audience more into cooking products?
This largely depends on your website and webinar. If the viewers are interested in your webinar, it is only natural they’ll be interested in a related product. So, make sure to give the viewers something they’ll find useful and watch your profitability skyrocket.
Method Number Eight: Start Dropshipping
Traditional eCommerce stores are an investment, there’s no doubt. But with dropshipping, all the costs like hiring employees, buying material, maintenance costs, and so on are avoided.
Besides that, you can skip the tedious process of storing inventory and managing stock. Thanks to dropshipping, you can sell any product that you want hassle-free!
Some benefits of a dropshipping business model include:
- No investment.
- No rent.
- No transportation expenses.
Method Number Nine: Trading Stocks
Before you oppose this idea, let me tell you one thing. Trading stocks is a risky game. BUT it comes with a silver lining. When you get the hang of it and know what you are doing, you can make a lot of money with it!
The key here is to not rely on hearsay but rather on facts and figures. If the company’s sales are not good, there is no way the stocks will go higher. You will need to scour the market for such information before you invest in its stock. After that, all you have to do is be smart and make informed decisions to be a successful trader.
Method Number Ten: Create an Online Course
Last but not least. You can share your expertise in a subject with a wide array of people. However, the key here is to be an expert at SOMETHING. You cannot be a jack of all if you want to earn from this course.
Once you’re done, you can easily sell the course on online platforms. Popular examples for such online learning platforms are Udemy or Coursera.
If you have a dedicated following and a personal website, you can simply upload the course there.
To sum it up, take your time and consider all the options. Discover what you’re good at, what can prove valuable, and then choose the best way to monetize your talent.