Looking for legitimate ways to make money online?
You’re not alone.
With over 33% of the world’s population now shopping online and global e-commerce sales projected to reach $6.86 trillion, the opportunities to earn income digitally have never been more abundant.
Whether you’re seeking a full time online career, a side hustle to supplement your income, or passive revenue streams, this comprehensive guide covers 25+ proven methods to make money online this year.
Suitable for beginners and experienced entrepreneurs alike.
But first, if you want to make money online, the smartest first move is to learn a high income skill that actually pays in today’s digital economy.
The same digital course I took helped me master a high income marketing skill and significantly increase my monthly income.
It’s designed for people who want real results, not just theory.
Here’s what you’ll get:
- More than 52 marketing and business modules you can follow to start your own online business or grow your existing one, based on your goals and preferences.
- A highly active community with over 123.5k members who share their progress, questions, and results every day.
- Weekly support sessions and webinars in multiple languages, led by specialists who guide you through each step.
If you’re ready to make money online, don’t waste time jumping between random side hustles.
Focus on building the high income skills and systems that actually generate consistent income.
Start with the same proven path I followed:
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Table of Contents
Quick Overview: Top Ways to Make Money Online
Before diving into the details, here’s a snapshot of the most effective online money making methods this year, categorized by investment level and earning potential:
| Method | Startup Cost | Time to First Earnings | Monthly Earning Potential | Skill Level Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freelancing | $0-$100 | 1-4 weeks | $500-$10,000+ | Medium |
| Dropshipping | $200-$500 | 1-3 months | $1,000-$10,000+ | Medium |
| Affiliate Marketing | $100-$500 | 3-6 months | $500-$10,000+ | Medium |
| Online Surveys | $0 | Immediate | $50-$300 | Low |
| Digital Products | $50-$500 | 1-3 months | $500-$10,000+ | Medium to High |
| YouTube Channel | $100-$1,000 | 6-12 months | $500-$10,000+ | Medium |
Freelancing: Monetize Your Skills Online
Freelancing allows you to offer your expertise as a service to clients worldwide.
With the rise of remote work, companies are increasingly hiring freelancers for specialized tasks rather than full time employees.
Top Freelancing Platforms Comparison
| Platform | Best For | Commission Fee | Payment Protection | Project Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upwork | Long term projects | 5-20% | Yes | Hourly and fixed price |
| Fiverr | Packaged services | 20% | Yes | Fixed price packages |
| Freelancer.com | Competitive bidding | 10-20% | Yes | Contest and project based |
High Demand Freelance Skills
Content writing with SEO expertise
Web development (especially React, Node.js
AI prompt engineering and content editing
Video editing and production
Social media management
Graphic design and UI/UX
Digital marketing and PPC
Virtual assistance
Data analysis and visualization
Translation services
Voice over work
Mobile app development
How to Start Freelancing?
Content writing with SEO expertise
Create profiles on freelance platforms with portfolio samples
Set competitive rates based on your experience level
Apply for relevant jobs or create service packages
Deliver quality work to build positive reviews
Gradually increase your rates as you gain experience
“I started freelance writing with zero experience and made $500 in my first month. After six months of consistent effort, I was earning $4,000 monthly with regular clients. The key was specializing in a niche: financial technology content, rather than being a generalist.”
– Sarah K., Freelance Writer
Ready to Start Freelancing?
Create your profile on top freelancing platforms and start bidding on projects that match your skills.
E-commerce: Sell Products Online
E-commerce continues to grow rapidly, with multiple business models allowing you to sell products online without significant upfront investment.
From dropshipping to print on demand, these methods offer flexible ways to start an online store.
Dropshipping: Low Investment E-commerce
Dropshipping allows you to sell products without holding inventory.
When a customer places an order, your supplier ships directly to them, making it an accessible entry point for e-commerce beginners.
Advantages
Low startup costs (typically $200 to $500)
No inventory management or warehousing
Easy to test multiple products
Location independence
Scalable business model
Challenges
Lower profit margins (typically 15 to 30%)
Limited control over shipping and quality
Highly competitive market
Customer service challenges
Supplier reliability issues
To start a dropshipping business, you’ll need to choose a niche, find reliable suppliers, set up an online store, and implement effective marketing strategies.
Popular platforms include Shopify with Oberlo or WooCommerce with AliDropship.
Print on Demand: Sell Custom Designs
Print on demand allows you to create custom designs for products like t-shirts, mugs, and posters without inventory.
Products are printed and shipped only when ordered, making it perfect for artists and designers.
| Platform | Product Range | Integration | Print Quality | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Printful | Wide (100+ products) | Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce | High | Premium |
| Printify | Wide (300+ products) | Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce | Varies by printer | Competitive |
| Spreadshop | Moderate (200+ products) | Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce | Good | Budget friendly |
Amazon FBA: Leverage Amazon’s Infrastructure
Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program allows you to store products in Amazon’s warehouses, with Amazon handling shipping, returns, and customer service.
This model works well for private label products and wholesale.
“I started my Amazon FBA business with $3,000 in initial inventory. After six months, I was generating $10,000 in monthly sales with a 30% profit margin. The key was finding a product with high demand but low competition through thorough market research.”
– Michael T., Amazon FBA Seller
Launch Your E-Commerce Business
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Digital Products: Create Once, Sell Repeatedly
Digital products offer excellent profit margins and passive income potential.
Once created, they can be sold repeatedly without additional production costs, making them an attractive online business model.
Online Courses
Share your expertise through structured video lessons, workbooks, and assessments.
Earning potential: $1,000 to $10,000+ per month
Platforms: Teachable, Thinkific, Udemy
E-books & Guides
Write comprehensive guides on topics you’re knowledgeable about.
Earning potential: $500 to $5,000+ per month
Platforms: Amazon KDP, Gumroad, your website
Templates & Designs
Create templates for websites, presentations, social media, or graphic design.
Earning potential: $500 to $7,000+ per month
Platforms: Etsy, Creative Market, Envato
Creating and Selling Digital Products
Identify a problem your target audience faces
Create a digital product that solves this problem
Set up a sales platform (your website or marketplace)
Create compelling product descriptions and visuals
Implement a marketing strategy to reach potential customers
Collect testimonials and improve your product based on feedback
Pro Tip: Start with a small, low priced digital product to test market demand before investing significant time in creating a comprehensive course or extensive template library.
Start Creating Digital Products
Choose a platform to host and sell your digital creations.
Affiliate Marketing: Earn Commissions Promoting Products
Affiliate marketing involves promoting other companies’ products or services and earning a commission for each sale made through your unique referral link.
It’s a popular way to monetize blogs, social media accounts, and YouTube channels.
How Affiliate Marketing Works?
Join affiliate programs relevant to your niche
Receive unique tracking links for products
Promote products through your content
Earn commissions when people buy through your links
Receive payments according to the program’s schedule
Top Affiliate Programs and Networks
| Program/Network | Commission Rate | Cookie Duration | Payment Threshold | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Associates | 1-10% | 24 hours | $10 | Beginners, product reviews |
| ShareASale (Awin) | Varies by merchant | Varies (30 to 60 days typical) | $50 | Diverse product selection |
| ClickBank | 30-75% | 60 days | $10 | Digital products |
| CJ Affiliate | Varies by merchant | Varies (30 days typical) | $50 | Established affiliates |
Effective Affiliate Marketing Strategies
Create in depth product reviews and comparisons
Develop resource pages with recommended tools
Share personal experiences with products
Create tutorial content showing products in action
Build an email list to promote offers
Use SEO to target buying intent keywords
Create YouTube videos with affiliate links
Leverage social media for product promotion
“I started affiliate marketing on my personal finance blog as a side hustle. After 12 months of consistent content creation, I was earning $3,000 monthly in passive income. The most effective strategy was creating detailed comparison posts targeting specific buyer keywords.”
– James L., Affiliate Marketer
Start Your Affiliate Marketing Journey
Join popular affiliate networks to find products to promote.
Content Creation: Monetize Your Audience
Content creation involves building an audience around your expertise or entertainment value, then monetizing through various channels.
This includes blogging, YouTube, podcasting, and social media platforms.
Blogging: Monetize Your Written Content
Blogging allows you to share your knowledge while earning through ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling your own products or services.
Blog Monetization Methods
Display advertising (Google AdSense)
Affiliate marketing
Sponsored content
Selling digital products
Offering services
Membership/subscription model
Blog Traffic Requirements
AdSense: No minimum (approval required)
Premium ad networks: 10,000 to 50,000 monthly pageviews
Sponsored posts: 5,000+ monthly pageviews
Affiliate marketing: No minimum (conversion focused)
Digital products: No minimum (targeted audience)
YouTube: Monetize Video Content
YouTube offers multiple revenue streams for creators, from ad revenue through the YouTube Partner Program to channel memberships, Super Chat, and merchandise shelf.
YouTube Partner Program Requirements:
- AdSense account linked to your channel
- 1,000+ subscribers
- 4,000+ watch hours in the past 12 months OR 10M+ Shorts views in the past 90 days
- An active account with no Community Guidelines strikes
Podcasting: Audio Content Monetization
Podcasting has grown significantly, with multiple monetization options including sponsorships, listener support through platforms like Patreon, and premium content.
“I started my podcast as a hobby, interviewing experts in my industry. After reaching 5,000 monthly listeners, I secured my first sponsor at $20 per 1,000 downloads. Now with 50,000 monthly listeners, podcast sponsorships generate $6,000 monthly, plus additional income from Patreon supporters.”
– Alex R., Podcast Host
Start Creating Content
Join popular affiliate networks to find products to promote.
Specialized Freelance Services
Beyond general freelancing, several specialized services offer unique opportunities to make money online.
These services often require specific skills but can provide higher earning potential and less competition.
Virtual Assistance
Virtual assistants provide administrative, technical, or creative support to businesses remotely.
Services range from email management and scheduling to social media management and customer support.
Common VA Services
Email management
Calendar scheduling
Customer support
Social media management
Data entry and research
Travel arrangements
VA Earning Potential
Entry level: $15-25/hour
Experienced: $25-50/hour
Specialized: $50-100+/hour
Monthly retainers: $500 to 5,000
Project based: Varies by scope
Transcription Services
Transcriptionists convert audio and video content into written text.
This service is in demand from content creators, businesses, researchers, and medical professionals.
| Transcription Type | Pay Rate | Requirements | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | $15-25/audio hour | Typing skills, attention to detail | Rev, TranscribeMe, GoTranscript |
| Medical | $25-50/audio hour | Medical terminology knowledge | iMedX, Aquity Solutions |
| Legal | $30-60/audio hour | Legal terminology knowledge | Deposition Services, Verbit |
Website Testing
Website testers evaluate websites and apps for usability issues, providing feedback to help companies improve their digital products.
This flexible opportunity requires minimal experience and can be done in your spare time.
“I started testing websites as a side hustle while in college. Each test takes 15 to 20 minutes and pays $10 to $15. By dedicating 5 to 10 hours weekly, I consistently earn $300 to $500 monthly. It’s perfect for flexible income without a major time commitment”.
– Emma S., Website Tester
Explore Specialized Freelance Opportunities
Sign up for platforms that connect you with clients seeking specialized services.
Selling on Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces provide established platforms with built in traffic for selling products.
Whether you’re selling handmade items, vintage finds, or reselling products, these platforms offer quick entry into e-commerce.
Etsy: Handmade and Vintage Items
Etsy specializes in handmade, vintage, and unique factory manufactured items.
It’s ideal for crafters, artists, and vintage collectors looking to reach a global audience.
Best Selling Etsy Categories
Handmade jewelry
Personalized gifts
Home decor
Wedding items
Digital downloads
Craft supplies
Etsy Seller Fees
Listing fee: $0.20 per item
Transaction fee: 6.5% of sale price
Payment processing: 3% + $0.25
Offsite ads fee: 12 to 15% (optional)
Shipping labels: Discounted rates
eBay: Reselling and Vintage Items
eBay is perfect for reselling items, vintage finds, and collectibles.
With auction and fixed price formats, it offers flexibility for various selling strategies.
Pro Tip: When reselling on eBay, focus on items with high profit margins and low shipping costs. Electronics, designer clothing, and collectibles often provide the best return on investment.
Facebook Marketplace: Local Sales
Facebook Marketplace is ideal for selling locally without shipping.
It’s perfect for furniture, appliances, and other items that would be expensive to ship.
| Marketplace | Best For | Fees | Audience Size | Shipping Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etsy | Handmade, vintage, crafts | $0.20 listing + 6.5% transaction | 96+ million active buyers | Seller managed, Etsy labels |
| eBay | Reselling, electronics, collectibles | 12.9% + $0.30 per sale | 159+ million active buyers | Seller managed, eBay labels |
| Facebook Marketplace | Local sales, furniture | Free for local, 5% for shipping | 1+ billion Facebook users | Local pickup, shipping available |
Start Selling on Marketplaces
Create your seller account on popular marketplaces to reach millions of potential buyers.
Online Tutoring and Teaching
If you have expertise in a subject, online tutoring offers a flexible way to make money online.
From academic subjects to language learning and professional skills, there’s demand for knowledgeable instructors.
Academic Tutoring
Academic tutoring focuses on helping students with specific subjects like math, science, language arts, and test preparation.
This can range from elementary to college level instruction.
High Demand Subjects
Handmade Mathematics (all levels)
jewelry
Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
English and Writing
Test Prep (SAT, ACT, GRE)
Computer Science and Coding
Foreign Languages
Tutoring Platforms
Wyzant ($20-60/hour)
Tutor.com ($12-40/hour)
Chegg Tutors ($20-30/hour)
TutorMe ($16-40/hour)
Varsity Tutors ($15-40/hour)
Preply ($15-50/hour)
Language Teaching
Teaching languages online has grown significantly, with platforms connecting teachers with students worldwide.
Native speakers are particularly in demand for conversation practice and pronunciation.
| Platform | Pay Rate | Requirements | Class Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| iTalki | Set your own ($10-40/hour) | Native and fluent speaker | One on one video |
| VIPKid | $14-22/hour | Bachelor’s degree, teaching experience | One on one video |
| Cambly | $10.20/hour | Native English speaker | Conversation practice |
Skill Based Teaching
Teaching practical skills like music, art, cooking, or professional development offers another avenue for online instruction.
These can be taught through platforms like Skillshare or your own website.
“I started teaching piano online after the pandemic hit. By creating a structured curriculum and investing in quality audio equipment, I built a roster of 20 regular students paying $40 per 45 minute lesson. Working 25 hours weekly, I now earn over $8,000 monthly while maintaining flexibility in my schedule.”
– David M., Online Music Teacher
Start Your Online Teaching Journey
Create your teacher profile on leading platforms to connect with students worldwide.
Quick Ways to Make Money Online
Need to make money online quickly?
These methods won’t make you rich, but they offer legitimate ways to earn extra cash with minimal setup time and no specialized skills.
Online Surveys and Market Research
Participating in online surveys and market research studies allows companies to gather consumer opinions while providing you with small payments or rewards.
| Survey Site | Payment Method | Minimum Payout | Average Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swagbucks | PayPal, gift cards | $3 (gift cards), $25 (PayPal) | $1-5/hour |
| Survey Junkie | PayPal, gift cards | $5 | $1-3/hour |
| Prolific | PayPal | £5 (approx. $6.50) | $6-12/hour |
| UserTesting | PayPal | $10 per test | $10-30/hour |
Pro Tip: Sign up for multiple survey sites to maximize your opportunities. Create a dedicated email address for survey invitations to keep your main inbox organized
Microtasks and Gig Economy
Microtask platforms offer small, quick tasks that can be completed for modest payments.
These include data entry, image tagging, transcription snippets, and other brief assignments.
Common Microtasks
Data categorization
Image and video tagging
Content moderation
Short transcriptions
Search result evaluation
AI training assistance
Selling Unused Items
Decluttering your home can generate quick cash by selling unused items online.
Platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and specialized sites for electronics or clothing make it easy to convert unwanted items into money.
“I made over $1,200 in a month by selling unused electronics, designer clothes, and furniture from my apartment. Taking quality photos and writing detailed descriptions significantly increased my selling prices compared to quick, basic listings.”
– Taylor K., Online Seller
Start Earning Quick Cash Online
Sign up for survey sites and microtask platforms to begin earning immediately.
Passive Income Opportunities
Passive income streams require significant upfront effort but can generate ongoing revenue with minimal maintenance.
These methods allow you to earn money while you sleep, creating financial freedom over time.
Stock Photography and Digital Assets
Creating and selling stock photos, videos, music, or design elements on platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock can generate ongoing passive income as your portfolio grows.
Popular Stock Platforms
Shutterstock (photos, videos)
Adobe Stock (photos, vectors)
Pond5 (video footage)
AudioJungle (music, sound effects)
GraphicRiver (design elements)
Creative Market (templates, fonts)
Best Selling Digital Assets
Business photos and mockups
Lifestyle imagery
Background music and jingles
Website templates and themes
Social media templates
Fonts and icon sets
Dividend Investing and P2P Lending
Financial investments like dividend stocks or peer to peer lending platforms can generate passive income through regular payments.
These require initial capital but can provide steady returns.
Important: Investment opportunities involve risk, including potential loss of principal. Always do thorough research and consider consulting with a financial advisor before investing.
Rental Income from Digital and Physical Assets
Renting digital assets (like domain names) or physical assets through platforms like Airbnb can create passive income streams with varying levels of management required.
| Asset Type | Platform | Initial Investment | Maintenance Level | Income Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domain Names | Sedo, Afternic | $10-1,000+ per domain | Very Low | $100-10,000+/year |
| Spare Room | Airbnb | $500-2,000 for setup | Medium | $500-3,000+/month |
| Digital Products | Gumroad, Etsy | Time to create | Low | $100-5,000+/month |
“I spent three months creating a comprehensive Excel template library for small businesses. After listing them on Etsy and my own website, they now generate $2,500 monthly with minimal ongoing work. Just occasional updates and customer support.”
– Chris P., Digital Product Creator
Start Building Passive Income
Create assets that can generate income for years to come.
Avoiding Online Money Making Scams
While there are many legitimate ways to make money online, scams are unfortunately common.
Learning to identify red flags can help you avoid fraudulent opportunities and focus on legitimate income sources.
Common Online Money Scams
Work From Home Scams
Envelope stuffing schemes
Data entry scams with upfront fees
Pyramid schemes disguised as MLM
“Guaranteed” high paying jobs
Mystery shopping scams
Investment Scams
Fake cryptocurrency opportunities
High yield investment programs
Ponzi schemes
Fake trading platforms
“Secret” investment strategies
Red Flags to Watch For
Warning Signs of Online Money Scams:
- Promises of unrealistic earnings (“Make $10,000 in your first week!”)
- Requests for upfront payment to “unlock” opportunities
- Vague job descriptions with extremely high pay
- Pressure to recruit others to make money
- Poor grammar and unprofessional communication
- No verifiable company information or contact details
- Requests for sensitive personal or financial information
Researching Opportunities
Before investing time or money in an online opportunity, conduct thorough research to verify its legitimacy:
Search for company reviews and complaints
Check the Better Business Bureau and TrustPilot ratings
Look for detailed information about the business model
Verify the company’s physical address and contact information
Search for the company name plus “scam” or “complaint”
Ask questions and evaluate the responses
“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate online income opportunities require real work, time, and often some initial investment. There are no shortcuts to sustainable online income.”
Getting Started: Your Action Plan
With so many ways to make money online, the key is to choose methods that align with your skills, interests, and financial goals.
Here’s a simple action plan to help you get started:
Assess your current skills and resources to identify suitable opportunities
Start with low investment methods to gain experience and confidence
Set realistic income goals based on the time you can commit
Invest in learning and improving your skills to increase earning potential
Diversify your income streams for greater stability
Track your results and focus on what works best for you
Remember that making money online requires patience, persistence, and continuous learning.
Most successful online entrepreneurs started small and gradually built their income over time.
The digital economy offers unprecedented opportunities to earn income on your own terms.
Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full time online career, the methods in this guide provide proven pathways to achieve your financial goals.
Ready to Start Making Money Online?
Choose one method from this guide and take the first step today.
Real Life Results: Explore More DWA Testimonials
Discover how Digital Wealth Academy is changing lives.
Read authentic success stories and see the incredible results members are achieving with the DWA program.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Making Money Online
Can I make $100 a day online?
Yes, earning $100 daily online is achievable with the right approach. Freelancing in high demand skills like programming, copywriting, or design can easily exceed this target. E-commerce businesses, affiliate marketing with a substantial audience, or selling digital products can also generate $100+ daily once established.
However, reaching this income level typically requires time to build skills, an audience, or business systems. Few opportunities provide immediate $100 daily earnings without prior experience or audience building.
Which website gives real money?
Several legitimate websites pay real money for various activities:
Freelancing platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com pay for completed client work
Survey sites: Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Prolific pay for completed surveys
Microtask platforms: Amazon Mechanical Turk and Clickworker pay for small tasks
Testing websites: UserTesting and TryMyUI pay for website and app feedback
Content platforms: Medium and YouTube pay content creators through their partner programs
Always research payment methods, minimum payout thresholds, and user reviews before investing significant time.
What is the Amazon survey for money?
Amazon MTurk (Mechanical Turk) is a microtask platform where you can complete small tasks including surveys for payment. While not exclusively surveys, many researchers and companies post surveys on MTurk with payments ranging from $0.10 to $10+ depending on length and complexity.
Amazon doesn’t offer an official “Amazon Survey” program, but you may find Amazon related surveys on legitimate platforms like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie. Be cautious of emails claiming to be “Amazon Surveys” as these are often phishing attempts or scams.
Which app actually pays real money?
Several legitimate apps pay real money for various activities:
Ibotta: Cashback for grocery shopping with direct PayPal payments
Rakuten: Cashback for online shopping with quarterly payments
Swagbucks: Rewards for surveys, watching videos, and shopping
TaskRabbit: Payment for completing local tasks and services
Fiverr: Payment for freelance services provided to clients
These apps have established payment histories and positive user reviews. Always check payment proof, minimum thresholds, and withdrawal options before investing significant time.
How can I make money online with no skills?
Even without specialized skills, you can make money online through:
Online surveys and market research through platforms like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie
Microtasks on Amazon Mechanical Turk or Clickworker
Website testing on UserTesting (requires basic computer knowledge)
Selling unused items on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or specialized platforms
Data entry jobs that require attention to detail but minimal specialized skills
Virtual assistance for basic administrative tasks like email management
While these options don’t require advanced skills, developing marketable skills will significantly increase your earning potential over time.
